How do you go fast?

Hi everyone,

First of all, thanks for all the advice and replies - I am absolutely amazed that my little question has generated such a massive response by everyone. In less than 24 hours, this thread has gone from my one post to 5 pages long! This has to be the hottest thread I've ever posted and probably ever will!

To answer a few of the questions and points made, that have been raised during this thread:

I've been riding 2-wheels virtually non-stop since 1992, abeit only on a Honda Cub90. I passed my full test in 2002 on the old shape GS500 (clip-on bars + sports riding position). Went out and bought one just like it. Couldn't ride it. Scared me to death. Sold it after 3 months. Moved down to a Honda CB250. Loved it for 12 months then felt I wanted to move up, so I bought a Brand new new-shape GS500 in January 2004 (high and wide bars + sit-up riding position). So the bike's only 16 months old. It's done 1800 miles and is in PERFECT condition (dry miles only, fully serviced and well looked after by me). All the bearings, suspension etc is perfect.
My helmet is a Shoei and is very quiet and pleasant. It's a good fit (I also have a "cheap" helmet and whenever I put the Shoei on after the cheapo one, it makes you appreciate the quality and fit of the Shoei - I've definitely got a Shoei head). There isn't really a problem with wind on my helmet. mainly my chest/arms area.
I managed to pass my test by gritting my teeth and getting to the necessary 70mph, but I was scared to daeth! Also, the new GS I've got means I sit more upright so the wind probably gets to me more than on an old-shape GS because you are lower down with the clip-on bars on the old-shape GS that I passed my test on. Added to this the fact that I've added bar risers to my GS that lift the bars and take them back as well, means I'm probably even more upright and maybe this is causing more wind to hit me?
The Z750S definitely had good wind protection that made me feel more at ease and the weight seemed to be carried lower (even though it's heavier) so it felt like it could be leaned into bends easier. I also did 70mph on regular occassions along a dual cabbageway on my 1-hour test ride with no scardiness at all! (strange?)
I'm from near Cannock, Staffordshire.


I'll put some responses to individual posts below:


Muttley - I agree that trying to keep up with faster riders will definitely lead to disaster or worse for me.


El Boccadillo - I defo agree about what's important is getting home with a smile on your face and enjoying the ride, but I was amazed that others seemed to be able to go fast and I couldn't, so I just wanted to know "how". (having read this thread, I now feel more confident in what I need to do)


caines (your 1st post) - I'll try that. 60mph on a dual cabbageway and get to know the bike at speed (I don't very often do 60mph so that's probably half the problem! - not used to it)


Jezza (1st post) - Cheers - some good advice on your post there


SteveR - Yep the Z750 was definitely better for me.


Ceri JC - I tried the Fabbri sport fly-screen and although it stopped virtually all the wind from my chest, it obviously sent it up to my helmet and caused loads of turbulance. My helmet was being pulled and pushed around really bad at only 40 - 50mph so I sold it. I tried the Fabbri Spitfire screen (bigger one) and this seemed even worse! I tried it in various positions - I'm talking about the screen


suzSV650

GS500 sucks!

caines (2nd post) - yep, I'd do the same and pull away from the cars if they were boxing me in like that (and have done in the past)


K - Thanx, your post made me laugh out loud.


Jabba-the-Hutt - You'd be honoured to ride with me? I don't know why! I'd be honoured to ride with you as anyone with that name must be something special.


Thanks again all

TrojanHorse11

Originally Posted by ruff_ryder

.. what better bike could he have to gain his convidence on..

Well, since you asked.............................










.............a Honda Hornet

That Horse chap seems like a nice bloke, doesn't he everybody? Very polite and nicely mannered....

GOOD LUCK Mr HORSE! YOU CAN DO IT!!

You need to try a faired SV

Not only is the SV is lighter than the GS but I wouldn't be surprised at all if you find it easier to ride (I certainly did, and by along way).

Good luck

I would like to comment that:

Pushing down on the pegs with your feet does NOT help you turn. However, if pushing down on he pegs has the effect of moving your body position and at the same time move the bars, then this will obviously aid turning.

Watch the CSS video where one of the instructors stands and stamps on the pegs with no effect on the steering. Body position (or positioning body weight) is a key factor, along with the rate at which you turn the bars.

And I too consciously counter steer on occasions (especially the way I manage to **** up corners ).

.

Flamin_Squirrel wrote

you need to try a faired SV

Actually, it's funny you should mention that Flamin_Squirrel.

I've been meaning to try out an SV as they have been one of my favourite bikes of the last couple of years (I'm not just saying that because of what site I'm on at the moment!). Read loads of reports and tests of them in the mags - the only bike ever that NEVER seems to get slated in any way. That must be a good sign. Also, they are always in the top 10 selling bikes aren't they?

I have tried quite a few bikes over the last couple of years but I just haven't got round to trying the SV. I test-rode a V-Strom last year and although I personally found it a bit too big, I loved the engine in it which of course is an SV engine. I actually stopped and got off the bike at one point to look at the engine because I was so impressed with how it felt and sounded. It even looked nice!

Originally Posted by Jabba-the-Hutt

Well, since you asked.............................










.............a Honda Hairnet

lol *wonders how exactly thats gooona help matters* only kiddin

[northwind]

Originally Posted by "Flamin_Squirrel

Heh, well when I say agressive, I don't mean pulling out a sledge hammer and wacking the bar I just mean you can't baby the bike if you're going quickly and want it to turn. Smooth and controled yes, but never the less with a bit of effort

Ah, just definitions then. See, to me aggressive is big harsh inputs, hard on the brakes and power, getting into corners fast and throwing it over, basically the way I'll ride when I've got no particular place to go and a good road to go there on... And that's fine, but if I rode like that at high speeds on the road I'd end up a hood ornament

Originally Posted by Jelster

I would like to comment that:

Pushing down on the pegs with your feet does NOT help you turn. However, if pushing down on he pegs has the effect of moving your body position and at the same time move the bars, then this will obviously aid turning.

I've read the same thing but have to say that I can steer the SV to some degree purely on the pegs even with both hands off the bars. By pushing with one foot you create leverage using the wheels as a fulcrum.


.

Pushing down on the outside peg will help you push down on the inside clip-on, giving you more strength to do so. Pushing down on the outside peg will also give you more grip at the rear coming out of a corner which is only relevant on the track really.
Don't know if you can steer by only pushing on the pegs, never tried.

Go the SV Mr Trojanhorse. I've ridden quite a few bikes and none have been as easy and fun to ride, honestly.