Turning, cornering, bends etc

Anyone got any tips on doing the above? And when to/not to use counter steering?

Was a bit fed up with the M3 making my throttle hand go numb over the weekend so I went onto the A roads to try a few twisties & realise that this is an area tha I could do with improving.

Hints & tips gladly appreciated, or alternatively a cure for a numb wrist!

D.

[Viney]

Look where you want to go.

[fizzwheel]

How long have you been riding ?

If not very long then forget about countersteering its just going to confuse you.

The best tip I can give you is to turn your head and look through the corner, look at where you want the bike to go and the bike will follow you.

Get your braking done before the corner and then hold a constant throttle until you see the corner begin to open out, then gently roll the throttle on drive the bike from the apex towards the exit of the corner. Try and be smooth and gentle with the throttle and progressively open the throttle.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

Anyone got any tips on doing the above? And when to/not to use counter steering?

Was a bit fed up with the M3 making my throttle hand go numb over the weekend so I went onto the A roads to try a few twisties & realise that this is an area tha I could do with improving.

Hints & tips gladly appreciated, or alternatively a cure for a numb wrist!

D.

Pick up a copy of this months Ride magazine. It had some interesting tips and pointers in there on cornering.

You already counter-steer - you just don't realise it! I think what everyone is refering to is when you actively do it.

I would recommend having a read of Keith Code's Twist of the wrist I or II. If you get around the slighty odd American-esqe language and the fact that they feel the need to explain the definition of every word with more than 1 syllable at the end of every chapter, then it is a great read. Talks about what makes the bike composed through corners, things you should avoid etc. It is by no means the be all and end all, but is a good place to start.

The key is, as Fizz said, is to be smooth - don't try and go flat out, or fanny about with getting your knee on the tarmac. Be smooth with the bikes controls and you will improve/get faster naturally. Obviously practice plays a big part.

Hope that helps
Luke

[northwind]

I don't like Keith Code's writing... Not to criticise his work, just hte way he delivers it. Myself, I would say PRACTICE! Take it easy, lots of people go bombing into corners, brake hard, zoom out the other side- but if you slow it down a little that gives you the time to actually seriously consider what you're doing, instead of just reacting. Try and ride good slow corners instead of fast scrappy ones, would be my advice.

grip the tank with your knees and don't put too much wait on the handlebars as your cornering. Make sure your arms are relaxed and your elbows aren't locked. Turn your head in the direction you want to go not just your eyes. Practice active countersteering on a quiet road, once you get the feel for it you'll probably stop gripping the bars as if your life depended upon it and your hands and wrists will thankyou for it You are already countersteering though I'm sure you know that, but making it a conscious effort instead of unconcious will stop you fighting yourself and help you RELAX.
Oh and join IAM for some tuition. Good value!

[Viney]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

forget about countersteering its just going to confuse you.

Remember that....i have been riding 8 years ish and i still have no idea what it is, how to do it, and how it benefits you at all, even after having it explained to me by a fair few people

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Viney

Remember that....i have been riding 8 years ish and i still have no idea what it is, how to do it, and how it benefits you at all, even after having it explained to me by a fair few people

Viney, if you havent tried this already. Find a big long straight stretch of road. Make sure its quiet and theres no other traffic about. Take one hand off the handlebar. Then with the hand that is still on the handlebar. Push the other handlebar away from you and note what happens to the bike, that should explain it better than I can in writing.

I find it helps when I want to turn the bike quickly when I am going fast.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Viney, if you havent tried this already. Find a big long straight stretch of road. Make sure its quiet and theres no other traffic about. Take one hand off the handlebar. Then with the hand that is still on the handlebar. Push the other handlebar away from you and note what happens to the bike, that should explain it better than I can in writing.

I find it helps when I want to turn the bike quickly when I am going fast.

What??

Fizz, dont try. Its been told etc etc. I probbaly do it all the time, just when its explained it seems just plain wrong.