How to get around corners quicker?

Hi all,

After such lovely weather being predicted for yesterday, I went for a bike-ride with a couple of friends around Hampshire. All three of them are experienced riders (one has been riding for five years, the other two well over 15 years).

It was a good ride all-in-all. I managed to keep up with them on the straights. But I found that they could get around corners a lot quicker than me. I was trying to keep up with them, and would position myself correct (hug the left if going right, and vice versa). But I just freaked when I got to the corner and slowed right down. At one point, I was on the corner when I hit the brakes and steered into the right-hand lane (thank goodness there was no oncoming traffic).

But I wondered how can I get around those corners quicker? It's the main area I want to improve

I have taken a photo of my rear tyre which is evidence that I'm probably not leaning far enough. But when I had a 50cc moped a few years back, I took a round-about (can't have been going that fast) and came off so that has probably scarred me.

[dizzyblonde]

Learn to take it slow first. When you can tackle them slower in the right gear, then you can go faster.


In slow, out fast.

[Binky]

Listen to Dizzy.

Just take it easy and experience will tell you what your bike and tyres can do.

Don't rush it or you'll be more ****ed off your bikes on the back of a recovery truck rather than nearly taking that corner 10mph faster...

I'm far from being an experienced rider, but making sure you are looking where you want to go might help. Helped me a bit.

Braking mid corner will cause you issues, like it already has. Unless you can trail brake good, just tell yourself that once you've started to turn in, the brakes are off limits. SV has tons of engine braking anyways if you need to shave a few mph off.

Oh, and relax.

[dizzyblonde]

Well, its only taken me six years of riding to go round corners how I want, thanks binky, I'm embarrassed now !!!!

But I've never come off round a bend.....yet
It also helps if you have a nice confident set of tyres, with correct pressures.
But never expect your tyres to rescue you either.

[Binky]

Actually, just remembered...

Best piece of advice i think i can give is if you find you're going to hot into a corner or that it tightens just lean further and look through the corner to where you want to go. You'll be extremely surprised how far you can go on the tyres. Stay calm, if possible, too.

Better advice yet, don't go to fast and don't get into a situation like above.

P.S. Seggons will be along soon to tell/show us all how it's done.

[Richie]

go out for some quite practice, you'll soon get the hang of it.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by Binky

P.S. Seggons will be along soon to tell/show us all how it's NOT done.

Corrected for you

Originally Posted by Richie

go out for some quite practice, you'll soon get the hang of it.

IMO, preferably on your own. As you are only riding to your own standards on not trying to compete with someone elses. Ok its great to go out with your mates, but for me personally I have learnt so much more when riding out on my own.

KD80, How many miles have you done on the SV? It's took me about 20,000 miles to build confidence in myself and the bike. The most important thing you can do to corner quick is to make sure you've got tyres on that inspire confidence. I started on the stock rubber which got me going, then moved to the Bridgestone BT021 which took away confidence and couldn't connect with them. I then tried the Michelin Pilot Road 2's and have stuck with them, they suit my riding down to a T and give me bucket loads of confidence.

Don't try and force it or you'll do something silly like I did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vctLAvlkgo

Edit: I didn't even see the posts above while I was writing this.

[DavieSV]

Don't try to keep up with anyone.
Ride at your own pace and well within your limits.
Find a streach of road you like and ride it often, on your own.
The confidence in your bike will grow.