Getting back your bottle

Originally Posted by thor

I got into a rhythm, did most of the braking with the throttle...

Heh heh, this is where I get into trouble when I'm on the SV - by 'trouble' I mean others tell me off!

On the rare times I'm out with someone else, with them following, the conversations when we rest up tend to go something like this:

Them: "Don't you ever brake when approaching a corner! I nearly ran up your **** a number of times cos your brake light never seems to come on and I'm faced with a sharp bend, you've slowed down and no warning!"

Me: "Look ahead + correct gear = V-Twin engine braking & no brake light."

I must add that I usually mutter under my breath "Try doing the first bit and you won't end up sitting on my tailpipe!"

Originally Posted by BigApe

I use the front brake in corners loads of times. It's all about timing and speed. If you learn to do it properly, there is no reason why you can not use both brakes into a corner.

I would say that it's all down to knowing your bike and knowing your limits. Judge your speed and braking correctly and there is no reason why braking into corners is not possible.

ive over cooked a few corners last year and needed the front brake to stop myself becoming part of the hedge row, the sv handles better than i thought with the front brake cornering.

I wouldn't say I'm the most proficient rider, but I have to say I hardly ever use my brakes. I find the engine braing more than enough for most occasions, but then I never realy push that hard - at least I haven't for the last six months! The only time I rally use my brakes is for stopping at junctions! I just try to keep it in the right gear and keep it as smooth as possible.

[Biker Biggles]

I would'nt advocate braking into corners except on a track and if you know what you are doing.The rule is get your braking and gear changing done and dusted in a straight line and then turn in to the apex.Power on to exit.If you must brake while turning then very gentle application is required,really little more than a steadying effect.The rationale is that a tyre only has so much grip, and this can be exploited as side or turning grip or fore and aft (braking or accelerating) grip.Use both at once and the tyre is rapidly overwhelmed.

Unless your name is Rossi.

I have a major confidence problem on the corners too especialy after my bus incident......i just keep thinking the front wheel is gonna go from underneath me all the time and also metal covers scare the **** out of me to when im cornering too.....

if i'm in mid corner and see a metal cover it puts a shiver down my spine too, the worst tho was when i was doing an island and i ran over a squashed drinks can with my front tyre, the front slid a tad and i filled my shorts! stay'd on tho.