I don't like going down!

ok when the smutty minded folks have cleared off, here is my problem. There are certain sections of my regular *cough* track that are considerably inclined with bends to negotiate at the end of them. I am talking more of slightly slower bends generally but even faster sweeping bends can be a little off putting if the rate of descent leading to them is quite severe.

There are times when I know for sure I could be heading in to these bends a whole lot quicker but am tending to really get off the gas and do my braking well in advance.

I have been thinking that it could be the riding position of my bike which is obviously sport focused which is leading me to feel less comfortable than I might be.

I am sure that with a naked or bike with higher bars this would not be the case...so therefore the question is....

Those of you with present or past sportsbike riding experience,(and here I mean in a spirited but not stupid manner) how do you prepare for the above kind of situations?

I am real curious.

I pretty much do the same, at the moment, i am still getting to know the bike, so i am still cornering alot slower than my bike is capable, but rather too slow than crash....

I don't think it'll make one jot of difference whether the bike's naked or super-sports. The old adage of "slow in, fast out" is honestly the best policy IMO (particularly advantageous with a twin of course), just learn to observe more (and process quicker) and become smoother*. Some of the fastest riders are the smoothest, even on a race track .



* Applies to me too of course, I ain't preachin'


.

Relax, hunker down, 'feel' the bike, trust that wonderful piece of machinery and if needs be, talk to it.

Hey, I was influenced by Herbie films as a kid. Bike's have feelings too and like to know they are trusted.

That, and as folks more sensible that me say, take your time and practice, practice, practice.

Peter, what you're doing sounds OK. remember you have a good bit less braking grip going down a steep hill (think of those inclined plane experiments you might have done in a school physics class). You also have acceleration due to gravity as well as the horizontal momentum you would have on a flat stretch. All this means that to maintain a constant speed downhill you need some braking either from engine or those things fixed to the wheels. So braking lighter, sooner is probably best. Like the man said, slow in faster out is good. If you feel you could be faster, well try being just a tiny bit faster next time but keep some margin for errors and the unexpected.

Thx for the input guys. I do understand the physics side of things and am I suppose a little concerned of it being such an easy way to see the front end get away from you.Perhaps I was considering myself to be a bigger pussy than I actually am?! ....MIAAAOOOOW!

I prefer to go up hill on bends too. It is just a matter of trusting the front but I reckon being carefull on downhill bends is no bad thing...

Peter

I was given some advice while on a course

When down hill braking.

Use a bit of back brake to settle the bikes **** down and level as the front brake comes on and dips the bike forward. Trail the back brake a bit through the corner if necessary.

Sit your **** back on the bike when going down hill and resist the urge to push up and back on your arms. That keeps the CG lower.

As always set speed before the corner.... slow in, smooth accelertaing through and fast out.

Originally Posted by K

Relax, hunker down, 'feel' the bike, trust that wonderful piece of machinery and if needs be, talk to it.

Hey, I was influenced by Herbie films as a kid. Bike's have feelings too and like to know they are trusted.

That, and as folks more sensible that me say, take your time and practice, practice, practice.

and i thought it was just me that talked to their bike

Come and live in Wales, plenty of practice here, nearly every road has it's steep section with a 180 degree corner. First time for me on the SV felt as if my backside was above my shoulders.