Learning to corner.

[Dave20046]

I've noticed a few threads recently on people getting pegs down and getting knee down, which yeah I think it's cool and I'd like to be able to do it but I think more importantly I want to learnt the limits of my bike and be able to corner faster (and safer) than most. I have the 33bhp restrictors in and I've promised myself that I'm not taking them out until I can throw around my bike faster than most people on a full power bike.
So have any of you got any tips? I'd be quite interested to hear from the more expert among the .org too.
I know a trackday would help no end and I'd be tempted when I have the money but is it worth it on a restricted bike?
I had a brand new tyre on yesterday (my first day on the sv) I'll upload a picture of my chicken line for you all to see in a bit ...

[neio79]

.
I know a trackday would help no end and I'd be tempted when I have the money but is it worth it on a restricted bike?
...
you cant do a track day on a 33bhp licence.

[Dave20046]

you cant do a track day on a 33bhp licence.
I know I just mean is it worth it?
Another problem is I only have one mate who rides and he's way too busy to go out (think I've only ever gone out a couple of times since I've known him) but it was some of the best corners I've everdone as when you see someone else do it you know it's possible.

[fizzwheel]

First off. I'm an average rider. There are peeps faster than me, there are peeps slower than me. I've never done a track day I'd like to though.

I dont necessarily think doing a trackday is necessary in order to learn to corner. Although it does help to do it in a controller environment, i.e. no cars, everybody going the same way, lots of run off area.

Theres some basics that if you practice will allow you to explore the potential of your SV.

The most important is to look where you want the bike to go. Dont look at that 1ft or 2ft of tarmac in front of your front wheel, look down the road and look where you want the bike to go. Dont target fixate or look at one fixed point, you'll go straight to it.

Turn your head, your head weighs alot, if you turn / move your head you'll then naturally turn your shoulders to. Weight helps the bike turn.

Brake in a straight line, set your speed before you enter the corner, dont brake halfway round it. If you do have to brake, use the back brake, using the front will see the bike sit up and you'll run straight on.

Forward planning and observation, look at the road ahead, where does it go, look for hedge rows, telegraph poles the white line, all these things can help you read the road ahead, if you can plan ahead. That way you can react to things before you get to them and use those indicators to see if the corner tightens or opens out.

Once you have the bike turned keep the throttle constant, it helps balance the bike on the suspension, which means the tyres can do there job and grip.

Read the vanishing point. If the vanishing point is coming towards you. I.e. you cant see much of the corner, its tightening up. If you can see your view expanding away to the horizon its opening out. Once you hit the apex or middle of the corner and the vanishing point moves away from you, then you can gently and progressively wind the throttle on and drive the bike forward. If you have got your entry speed and gear right on the SV 5000rpm is a good point to drive the bike forward from, but also you have engine braking at this point so you can use that the fine tune your approach speed to.

Be smooth with the throttle no big movements, just small corrections all the time. Big inputs to the controls unsettle the bike on the suspension which means it cant do its job as well.

Try and stay relaxed on the bike, grip with your knees and try and keep your arms loose so you can flap your elbows about.

Its just practice, pick one thing and practice it till you do it all the time and then move onto the next. Biggest improvements I found came from. Turning my head and looking where I wanted to go and learning to read the road properly so I could plan ahead and react to things well in advance rather than constantly trying to work out what on earth was going on as I came across them at the last minute.

I'm not an instructor so dont take what I've written as gospel. IAM, Bikesafe or more training is the way to go if you're not sure. But what I've written helped me loads.

[yorkie_chris]

you cant do a track day on a 33bhp licence.

More research needed there fella. It's one trackday firm who don't allow 33brake, another one does. Can't remember which does and doesn't though!

Also I'd say observation is more important than knowing absolute limits, it is fair to say though with any half decent tyre you can lean it untill things scrape without any problem. I'd say read motorcycle roadcraft then get out and ride.

[neio79]

More research needed there fella. It's one trackday firm who don't allow 33brake, another one does. Can't remember which does and doesn't though!

.
As far as i have seen no track or company allows 33. My local track is not part of a large track day company but still wont allow 33hp. Be good if you can fine the one that does for all the restricted people on here.

[Dave20046]

you cant do a track day on a 33bhp licence.
oops I read that as can:rolleyes:

[Dave20046]

More research needed there fella. It's one trackday firm who don't allow 33brake, another one does. Can't remember which does and doesn't though!

Also I'd say observation is more important than knowing absolute limits, it is fair to say though with any half decent tyre you can lean it untill things scrape without any problem. I'd say read motorcycle roadcraft then get out and ride.
Motorcycle wuh? Is that like the bible of riding? *scuttles off to find motorcycle roadcraft*

[Dave20046]

First off. I'm an average rider. There are peeps faster than me, there are peeps slower than me. I've never done a track day I'd like to though.

I dont necessarily think doing a trackday is necessary in order to learn to corner. Although it does help to do it in a controller environment, i.e. no cars, everybody going the same way, lots of run off area.

Theres some basics that if you practice will allow you to explore the potential of your SV.

The most important is to look where you want the bike to go. Dont look at that 1ft or 2ft of tarmac in front of your front wheel, look down the road and look where you want the bike to go. Dont target fixate or look at one fixed point, you'll go straight to it.

Turn your head, your head weighs alot, if you turn / move your head you'll then naturally turn your shoulders to. Weight helps the bike turn.

Brake in a straight line, set your speed before you enter the corner, dont brake halfway round it. If you do have to brake, use the back brake, using the front will see the bike sit up and you'll run straight on.

Forward planning and observation, look at the road ahead, where does it go, look for hedge rows, telegraph poles the white line, all these things can help you read the road ahead, if you can plan ahead. That way you can react to things before you get to them and use those indicators to see if the corner tightens or opens out.

Once you have the bike turned keep the throttle constant, it helps balance the bike on the suspension, which means the tyres can do there job and grip.

Read the vanishing point. If the vanishing point is coming towards you. I.e. you cant see much of the corner, its tightening up. If you can see your view expanding away to the horizon its opening out. Once you hit the apex or middle of the corner and the vanishing point moves away from you, then you can gently and progressively wind the throttle on and drive the bike forward. If you have got your entry speed and gear right on the SV 5000rpm is a good point to drive the bike forward from, but also you have engine braking at this point so you can use that the fine tune your approach speed to.

Be smooth with the throttle no big movements, just small corrections all the time. Big inputs to the controls unsettle the bike on the suspension which means it cant do its job as well.

Try and stay relaxed on the bike, grip with your knees and try and keep your arms loose so you can flap your elbows about.

Its just practice, pick one thing and practice it till you do it all the time and then move onto the next. Biggest improvements I found came from. Turning my head and looking where I wanted to go and learning to read the road properly so I could plan ahead and react to things well in advance rather than constantly trying to work out what on earth was going on as I came across them at the last minute.

I'm not an instructor so dont take what I've written as gospel. IAM, Bikesafe or more training is the way to go if you're not sure. But what I've written helped me loads.
Cheers fizz another quality post.
Good info, there some I already knew which is know reinforced into my skull and a lot more I've took on board. Time to practise! Thanks


Oh and I had wondered about what's a decent rev range to be in a corner at thanks for that :)

[simesb]

Motorcycle wuh? Is that like the bible of riding? *scuttles off to find motorcycle roadcraft*

Police riders handbook - available from all bad bookstores (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Roadcraft-Police-Riders-Handbook/dp/011341143X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222679239&sr=8-2). All about the obs and forward planning.

[yorkie_chris]

About the rev range if you want some more drive then apexing at up to 6k or 7k will put you right in the power.

[Dappa D]

Dave ive got an ebook someone on here sent me a long time ago called riding skills...

is a good read and covers this aswell as other things which in turn will help cornering...

if u want it pm me ur email ill send a copy over to you fella

oooo and possibly more relevent....i also have one called trick riding....has 3 sections....stoppies..wheelies...and...getting your knee down..

[G]

The police handbook is VERY good. Everyone should read it.

I have never known a trackday company to say restricted bike cant go on the track. Motorsport vision defo allow 33bhp bikes, so that cadwell, snetterton, brands and oulton you can go too.

Hottrax defo allow 33bhp bikes, so that pretty much every other circuit you can get on.

I think chris(numbers) is still on a restricted bike and he was running rings around much bigger bikes at mallory.

So get a trackday done as soon as possible.

[neio79]

Well that contradicts motorsport visions website!! :

What licence do I need? A full category A motor cycle licence (unrestricted) is required to participate in a track day.
http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/trackdays-bike-faq.asp

this is from focused events website:

Requirements for Participation

You must bring both parts of your full current, unrestricted UK driving licence issued by the DVLA and present it at registration. If using an ACU licence you must be 18 years of age or older and if using a Scottish ACU licence you MUST bring your passport to confirm your age.

RESTRICTED,and MSA LICENCES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

http://www.focusedevents.com/terms.asp

Hottrax dosent mentrion it, but i cant see them being any different TBH .

[G]

Well they definately dont check then, I know of at least two occasions with motorsport vision.

And to think of it I have never had a trackday company check my licence anyway to enforce those rules.

[neio79]

Well they definately dont check then, I know of at least two occasions with motorsport vision.

And to think of it I have never had a trackday company check my licence anyway to enforce those rules.

that is fair enough. I just think its something restricted riders should be aware of. As how upset woulf you be if you did turn up and by chance they did check. yo uare not entilted to any refund under those circumstances.

[Dave20046]

Dave ive got an ebook someone on here sent me a long time ago called riding skills...

is a good read and covers this aswell as other things which in turn will help cornering...

if u want it pm me ur email ill send a copy over to you fella

oooo and possibly more relevent....i also have one called trick riding....has 3 sections....stoppies..wheelies...and...getting your knee down..
That'd be brilliant mate I'll drop you a pm
Cheers

[Dave20046]

I think I'll have to invest in the coppers motorbike handbook when payday comes around.:D

About the rev range if you want some more drive then apexing at up to 6k or 7k will put you right in the power.
cheers chris

[yorkie_chris]

Oh and shift at 8.5 - 9k ... the last 1k rpm is starting to tail off with standard heads.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

As how upset woulf you be if you did turn up and by chance they did check. yo uare not entilted to any refund under those circumstances.

Very. I know someone it's happened to. Don't chance it if you know they won't let you on.

[Dangerous Dave]

Just go out and ride, experience will give you the answer....

[ThEGr33k]

First off. I'm an average rider. There are peeps faster than me, there are peeps slower than me. I've never done a track day I'd like to though.

I dont necessarily think doing a trackday is necessary in order to learn to corner. Although it does help to do it in a controller environment, i.e. no cars, everybody going the same way, lots of run off area.

Theres some basics that if you practice will allow you to explore the potential of your SV.

The most important is to look where you want the bike to go. Dont look at that 1ft or 2ft of tarmac in front of your front wheel, look down the road and look where you want the bike to go. Dont target fixate or look at one fixed point, you'll go straight to it.

Turn your head, your head weighs alot, if you turn / move your head you'll then naturally turn your shoulders to. Weight helps the bike turn.

Brake in a straight line, set your speed before you enter the corner, dont brake halfway round it. If you do have to brake, use the back brake, using the front will see the bike sit up and you'll run straight on.

Forward planning and observation, look at the road ahead, where does it go, look for hedge rows, telegraph poles the white line, all these things can help you read the road ahead, if you can plan ahead. That way you can react to things before you get to them and use those indicators to see if the corner tightens or opens out.

Once you have the bike turned keep the throttle constant, it helps balance the bike on the suspension, which means the tyres can do there job and grip.

Read the vanishing point. If the vanishing point is coming towards you. I.e. you cant see much of the corner, its tightening up. If you can see your view expanding away to the horizon its opening out. Once you hit the apex or middle of the corner and the vanishing point moves away from you, then you can gently and progressively wind the throttle on and drive the bike forward. If you have got your entry speed and gear right on the SV 5000rpm is a good point to drive the bike forward from, but also you have engine braking at this point so you can use that the fine tune your approach speed to.

Be smooth with the throttle no big movements, just small corrections all the time. Big inputs to the controls unsettle the bike on the suspension which means it cant do its job as well.

Try and stay relaxed on the bike, grip with your knees and try and keep your arms loose so you can flap your elbows about.

Its just practice, pick one thing and practice it till you do it all the time and then move onto the next. Biggest improvements I found came from. Turning my head and looking where I wanted to go and learning to read the road properly so I could plan ahead and react to things well in advance rather than constantly trying to work out what on earth was going on as I came across them at the last minute.

I'm not an instructor so dont take what I've written as gospel. IAM, Bikesafe or more training is the way to go if you're not sure. But what I've written helped me loads.

Very nice post! :cool: Agree with it all.

Well that contradicts motorsport visions website!! :

What licence do I need? A full category A motor cycle licence (unrestricted) is required to participate in a track day.
http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/trackdays-bike-faq.asp

this is from focused events website:

Requirements for Participation

You must bring both parts of your full current, unrestricted UK driving licence issued by the DVLA and present it at registration. If using an ACU licence you must be 18 years of age or older and if using a Scottish ACU licence you MUST bring your passport to confirm your age.

RESTRICTED,and MSA LICENCES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

http://www.focusedevents.com/terms.asp

Hottrax dosent mentrion it, but i cant see them being any different TBH .

Wonder what they would think to mine. Ive had my bike licence 4 years but never got it updated after 2 years so it still reads A2 licence. I am obviously un restricted but would they be all gaynal about it? :confused:

[redshift]

Just go out and ride, experience will give you the answer....

Hmm, I don't want to learn the answer to "what happens when speed around corner > skill available?" through first hand experience! I'd rather learn from someone elses mistakes than make them myself! :D

"Bike" (or was it Ride?) did quite a good article a few months back on panic-busting when you find yourself taking a corner quicker than you expected.

[yorkie_chris]

You're going to get it wrong some time.

[neio79]

Very nice post! :cool: Agree with it all.



Wonder what they would think to mine. Ive had my bike licence 4 years but never got it updated after 2 years so it still reads A2 licence. I am obviously un restricted but would they be all gaynal about it? :confused:

well seeing as the dates are on it i am sure they would realise you have a full A licence. as the licence restricted shows as A on the card not A2 anyway. Its only the bit saying less than 33BHP gives it away.

you have a full A licence now so no worries.

[Ed]

Agree with all of Fizz stuff

Also - try to have your wrists as parallel onto the bars as you can. So when you push the bars, you push into them not down on them. Otherwise you'll fight the bike all the way round the corner. It's v v difficult to get completely parallel but the more you can get, the better. It makes a big difference.

[Dave20046]

Agree with all of Fizz stuff

Also - try to have your wrists as parallel onto the bars as you can. So when you push the bars, you push into them not down on them. Otherwise you'll fight the bike all the way round the corner. It's v v difficult to get completely parallel but the more you can get, the better. It makes a big difference.
cheers ed!
Just gotta sort my choke out and I can out out and put this all into action!

[skyline]

I passed my test just under a year ago and I'm still very much a noobie on my bike, but in the last couple of days I've made a couple of breakthroughs in my riding techniques which is helping me feel more confident around the corners...:smt026

The biggest breakthrough for me is to relax on the bike. I first started riding with locked-straight arms and bolt-upright back, probably more from fear than anything! Now, instead I arch my back, and then "tip-toe" my feet on the pegs and keep my knees high up on the tank, then try to keep my arms loose and keep a light grip on the bars.

Also when leaning round corners, I now try to keep my shoulders at the same angle as the bike and lean my head towards the mirrors. Countersteering also helps get the bike on its side quicker. All this makes the bike feel much better and more controllable.

Also for blind corners, approach slow, go deep into the corner to get the best view, turn quickly and throttle out.

Hope this helps Dave20046

[fastdruid]

Very. I know someone it's happened to. Don't chance it if you know they won't let you on.

+1

I also know of someone it happened to, thankfully it was when it was just brought in and she got another trackday out of it but still annoying.

Druid

[Dave20046]

Cheers so far everyone. I've been going out almost everynight on the bike but it's been wet and dark which isn't brilliant for learning or testing roads. Got half an hour of daylight tonight (testing out my new boots which are awesome) felt slight improvements but I still have my caution with right handers as you'll probably see from my chicken strips (I'll upload a pic tomorrow). I've found one of the main things 'holding me back' is my entry speed on the corners, I tend to enter too low (granted I haven't had chance to learn a curvy road properly yet) and end up only enjoying the corner on exit as I dare open up the throttle. I mainly only seem to do this on blind corners. I really need to learn the limits of the bike I think and get more experience to ovecome this. Any tips though?

[fizzwheel]

Any tips though?

Practice, Practise some more, then when you think you've done lots of practice, Practice some more.

Oh and dont obsess about the size of your chicken strips. Just concentrate on being smooth. Riding in the rain is good for this as it teaches you to be gentle and progressive with the throttle and brakes and that joined with reading the road ahead well is the key to going fast.

[Dave20046]

Practice, Practise some more, then when you think you've done lots of practice, Practice some more.

Oh and don't obsess about the size of your chicken strips. Just concentrate on being smooth. Riding in the rain is good for this as it teaches you to be gentle and progressive with the throttle and brakes and that joined with reading the road ahead well is the key to going fast.
Thanks fizz more quality advice!
Although I couldn't help snigger at "don't obsess about the size of your chicken strips" could easily be a quote lifted from a womens health magazine! :shock::compress:

[Ed]

Patience grasshopper. It will all come together and then you'll be wondering what you were worreting about.

[Griffo]

Cheers so far everyone. I've been going out almost everynight on the bike but it's been wet and dark which isn't brilliant for learning or testing roads. Got half an hour of daylight tonight (testing out my new boots which are awesome) felt slight improvements but I still have my caution with right handers as you'll probably see from my chicken strips (I'll upload a pic tomorrow). I've found one of the main things 'holding me back' is my entry speed on the corners, I tend to enter too low (granted I haven't had chance to learn a curvy road properly yet) and end up only enjoying the corner on exit as I dare open up the throttle. I mainly only seem to do this on blind corners. I really need to learn the limits of the bike I think and get more experience to ovecome this. Any tips though?

When I first started my corner speed was awful, I met up with a few of you lot about 2 days after getting it, and hadn't a chance of keeping up! Then I went to Luxembourg on it, and ... well moral of rambling story is the experience (and lovely sweeping Luxembourgian roads) got me feeling the bike better, speeds, judgement, reading road etc.

However now I'm pants again, and need to find a shop that sells tinted sodding visors!

[Baph]

Also I'd say observation is more important than knowing absolute limits, it is fair to say though with any half decent tyre you can lean it untill things scrape without any problem. I'd say read motorcycle roadcraft then get out and ride.
+1

Just go out and ride, experience will give you the answer....
+1.

Two top quality posts there. As pointed out, obviously everyone doesn't want to learn by falling off, and this thread has some very good advice in it (primarily by fizz).

The problem with leaning is that you have to go fast in order to do it. The problem with speed is that if you're going faster, you have to lean the bike over more.

I didn't set out to be quick, or to lean the bike over a lot. I still don't think I'm that quick to be honest, though I do see people commenting that they're slower than me (which I either dismiss or tell them they're being plonkers). Instead, I tried to make my riding as safe as possible, by reading things like Roadcraft, and doing BikeSafe (eventually).

It just so happens, that I live in an area with a lot of corners, so have had a lot of practice. I think that makes me come across as comfortable on the bike, which is exactly what you have to be IMO.

[Griffo]

I actually went round some corners in Wales faster than another bike recently! I was amazed and probably giggling to myself, I wasn't going crazy either, in the head or on the bike!

[chakraist]

I actually went round some corners in Wales faster than another bike recently! I was amazed and probably giggling to myself, I wasn't going crazy either, in the head or on the bike!

I casually overtook a fazer once when I was out for a ride, just making progress, and he angrily overtook me back and then tried to shoot off round some bends, thing was, I was looking at the way he rode (didn't hang off at all) and it was very weird seeing someone corner without sitting off the side of the bike. Either way I just kept at his pace and it was nice knowing that I had a lot of speed left, wasn't uncomfortable or anything.

[Blue_SV650S]

I've noticed a few threads recently on people getting pegs down and getting knee down, which yeah I think it's cool and I'd like to be able to do it but I think more importantly I want to learnt the limits of my bike and be able to corner faster (and safer) than most. I have the 33bhp restrictors in and I've promised myself that I'm not taking them out until I can throw around my bike faster than most people on a full power bike.
So have any of you got any tips? I'd be quite interested to hear from the more expert among the .org too.
I know a trackday would help no end and I'd be tempted when I have the money but is it worth it on a restricted bike?
I had a brand new tyre on yesterday (my first day on the sv) I'll upload a picture of my chicken line for you all to see in a bit ...

What tyre did you get put on (make, model and front or rear). What is the condition of the other tyre?

You might not think it now, but I'd say having a 33hp kit is the thing that will make you a better cornerer and faster rider in the end ... actually you wanna try restricting it to 12hp and then you will learn how to carry speed!! :smt047

I directly attribute people not 'coming up the ranks' these days as to why so many people can't ride for ****!! ;)

In my day ... :D ... you didn't read books on how to go fast, as a spotty 16yr old, you got you a 50cc bike, put a genelli pipe on it (probably a 65cc big bore kit too as that made one hell of a difference 8)) and rode it as fast as you could - coz you were 16!! :D ... it was all about carrying what little speed you had ... you then stepped up to a 125 carrying these traditions, but capable of more speed ... it was then time for a 250/400 .. where you started having some pretty major power/speed but knew how to carry it/corner ... then by the time you got 600+ you were already a riding god and capable of quite mental things as yo had the welly as well as being able to corner, you certainly weren't running scared like most ****s you see going out and buying a 600/1000 straight off!!!!! :D

[Dave20046]

What tyre did you get put on (make, model and front or rear). What is the condition of the other tyre?

You might not think it now, but I'd say having a 33hp kit is the thing that will make you a better cornerer and faster rider in the end ... actually you wanna try restricting it to 12hp and then you will learn how to carry speed!! :smt047

I directly attribute people not 'coming up the ranks' these days as to why so many people can't ride for ****!! ;)

In my day ... :D ... you didn't read books on how to go fast, as a spotty 16yr old, you got you a 50cc bike, put a genelli pipe on it (probably a 65cc big bore kit too as that made one hell of a difference 8)) and rode it as fast as you could - coz you were 16!! :D ... it was all about carrying what little speed you had ... you then stepped up to a 125 carrying these traditions, but capable of more speed ... it was then time for a 250/400 .. where you started having some pretty major power/speed but knew how to carry it/corner ... then by the time you got 600+ you were already a riding god and capable of quite mental things as yo had the welly as well as being able to corner, you certainly weren't running scared like most ****s you see going out and buying a 600/1000 straight off!!!!! :D
Fronts got atleast another 500 miles left in it but I'm changing it tomorrow (any tips on getting the front wheel off?) so I have a matching pair. They're dunlop sportmax's feel really sticky, loving them so far but they're my first tyre on the sv so what do I know.

[Blue_SV650S]

Fronts got atleast another 500 miles left in it but I'm changing it tomorrow (any tips on getting the front wheel off?) so I have a matching pair. They're dunlop sportmax's feel really sticky, loving them so far but they're my first tyre on the sv so what do I know.

As long as they are main brand and new, you can;t go too fr wrong these days ;)


But if you are wanting to explore the bikes limits a bit more, there is nothing more important than having new/good tyres on there ... they will let you get away with more and boost confidence 8)

As for the rest, I suggest you take a spark plug out!! :D

[Baph]

thing was, I was looking at the way he rode (didn't hang off at all) and it was very weird seeing someone corner without sitting off the side of the bike.
That's exactly the way I ride most of the time. I don't see the point in climbing all over the bike when it's just not needed. About the only times I do hang off like a monkey, is either when I'm hooning around, or it's wet (more weight to the side, bike doesn't have to lean as far - marginally).

You might not think it now, but I'd say having a 33hp kit is the thing that will make you a better cornerer and faster rider in the end ... actually you wanna try restricting it to 12hp and then you will learn how to carry speed!! :smt047

I directly attribute people not 'coming up the ranks' these days as to why so many people can't ride for ****!! ;)

In my day ... :D ... you didn't read books on how to go fast, as a spotty 16yr old, you got you a 50cc bike, put a genelli pipe on it (probably a 65cc big bore kit too as that made one hell of a difference 8)) and rode it as fast as you could - coz you were 16!! :D ... it was all about carrying what little speed you had ... you then stepped up to a 125 carrying these traditions, but capable of more speed ... it was then time for a 250/400 .. where you started having some pretty major power/speed but knew how to carry it/corner ... then by the time you got 600+ you were already a riding god and capable of quite mental things as yo had the welly as well as being able to corner, you certainly weren't running scared like most ****s you see going out and buying a 600/1000 straight off!!!!! :D
Now this scares me immensely., but I have to agree with you. In general (note, there's probably a raft of exceptions), it's those that have started on smaller bikes, or dirt bikes etc, who make better riders.

The books I read weren't about riding fast, they were about doing so safely. :)

[TazDaz]

Today I lost a lot of confidence with my cornering I sorry to report! :(

Ground was wet so I was taking it really easy round a large roundabout, approximately 10-15mph. Exited the roundabout and the road bent to the left immeadiately. As I was turning front wheel slipped out a little bit and had to plant my foot on the floor to stop the bike from falling flat on it's side. Left leg took the bike's weight and even bruised me! Left leg took the weight whilst my foot was sliding along the floor - if that makes sense!

Wasn't fun in the slightest!

[Blue_SV650S]

Today I lost a lot of confidence with my cornering I sorry to report! :(

Ground was wet so I was taking it really easy round a large roundabout, approximately 10-15mph. Exited the roundabout and the road bent to the left immeadiately. As I was turning front wheel slipped out a little bit and had to plant my foot on the floor to stop the bike from falling flat on it's side. Left leg took the bike's weight and even bruised me! Left leg took the weight whilst my foot was sliding along the floor - if that makes sense!

Wasn't fun in the slightest!

Nice save!! 8) You should actually take solace in the fact you instinctively acted such you saved the bike, many others would have been down!! 8)

[Baph]

Nice save!! 8) You should actually take solace in the fact you instinctively acted such you saved the bike, many others would have been down!! 8)
+1, there aint many folk that can save a lowside.

[TazDaz]

I'm starting to think that autumn/winter isn't the best time to be a newbie rider! :(

Where can I buy some stabalisers...!? :)

[simesb]

I'm starting to think that autumn/winter isn't the best time to be a newbie rider! :(

Where can I buy some stabalisers...!? :)

Think you're wrong. I found it great come my first summer (such as this year has been) as you can really feel the difference from the winter. If you passed in spring, you may go into winter slightly over-confident.

[chakraist]

As it's been quite wet recently, I've been finding myself trying to push the rear to spin up out of corners just to see where the limit of grip is; it's quite weird at the moment as I feel like I'm riding on a bit of no-mans land where grip is concerned.

[Nobbylad]

As it's been quite wet recently, I've been finding myself trying to push the rear to spin up out of corners just to see where the limit of grip is; it's quite weird at the moment as I feel like I'm riding on a bit of no-mans land where grip is concerned.


Hmmm...I'm not that brave, I accidentally found the limit of my rear wheel in the wet......on a straight! recently. Not pleasant, but reassuring in a sense that a) I know the limit now and b) I (unconsciously) saved it (although that's probably down to pure luck as opposed to anything else!)

[chakraist]

Hmmm...I'm not that brave, I accidentally found the limit of my rear wheel in the wet......on a straight! recently. Not pleasant, but reassuring in a sense that a) I know the limit now and b) I (unconsciously) saved it (although that's probably down to pure luck as opposed to anything else!)

I've had loads of rear slides in the wet, I do do a lot of what are 50% of the time (these days) wet miles so I like to build my confidence up and recently I'm not sure where the limit is. I'd love to do a track day in the wet, I'd also love to do one in the dry though... Ah well :(

I had a front end slide once on cold tyres when I was practicing getting my knee down on the industrial estate near me, I saved that one by basically luck- already had my knee down which I imagine helped, and also accelerated a little bit to take the weight off the front.

[21QUEST]

As it's been quite wet recently, I've been finding myself trying to push the rear to spin up out of corners just to see where the limit of grip is; it's quite weird at the moment as I feel like I'm riding on a bit of no-mans land where grip is concerned.
IMO it's silly actually trying to find the limits on the road....more so in the wet.

I actually enjoy riding in the wet but have no reason to go trying to find any limts. I can ride fast and hard but every 'input' is applied smoothly whilst remaining relaxed.....even if it doesn't look like so to anyone on the sideline.

You achieve that 'balance' from being just that ie relaxed and smooth....that means any limits found(unintentionally) can usually be recovered from.

Re saving a slides(front or rear), one can usually save what would be for many, a crash by being really relaxed....you can almost feel them before the happen. And 'No' , I'm not valentino ;)

I actually think I ride better in the wet :confused:.....and it fecks me right off sometimes :lol:




Ben

[Dangerous Dave]

I'm starting to think that autumn/winter isn't the best time to be a newbie rider!
It is the best time, it teaches you bike control and the importance of being smooth.

[stuartyboy]

It is the best time, it teaches you bike control and the importance of being smooth.

Eh? Explain that one...

[Dangerous Dave]

The roads are cold a greasy, you learn throttle and brake control in these conditions better than you do in the dry. Any trained monkey can twist the throttle to the stop and jam on the brakes in the dry!

[Blue_SV650S]

I think one should learn to ride in the summer. Less variables.

Once they have mastered the dry/good conditions, then move on to the tougher winter. You can deffo apply winter learnings to the summer, but you would soon lose confidence/fall off in the winter if you are a total noob.

[Baph]

I actually think I ride better in the wet :confused:....
+1

Though I am guilty of playing in the wet, getting the rear moving around (not trying to find limits, just having fun).

[Dave20046]

2447

2448

Phwoar nice fat strips of chicken mmm

[Dangerous Dave]

Phwoar nice fat strips of chicken mmm
You got your knee down the other day though....

[silverelephant]

"Bike" (or was it Ride?) did quite a good article a few months back on panic-busting when you find yourself taking a corner quicker than you expected.

It was Bike, twas a very good article iirc

Fizzwheel as a newbie rider myself I found your post really helpful, cheers :D

[Dave20046]

You got your knee down the other day though....
I know lol ;)
Found leather streaks on the tank today
mmm chicken strips and leather streaks