Smooth Riding

[fizzwheel]

IAM = Institue of Adanced Motorcyclist's ( I think )

Do a google you'll find loads about them on the internet

[mattSV]

I did a Bikesafe course about 4 years ago.

Before then, I used to be hard on the brakes, and then hard on the throttle, and often found myself rolling in to a corner thinking 'Oh ****'

The Bikesafe course taught me loads about forward observation, road positioning and better use of brakes/gears/throttle.

There was one section (A272 Petersfield to Meon) that I followed the copper for (about 15-20 miles I think). Along this section, he did not use his brakes once - because he was always in the correct position, in the correct gear and at an appropriate speed (appropriate for the conditions and his/my riding skills, totally inappropriate for the speed limit ).

I am tempted to do another one this year just to refresh my skills.

I'm a new rider also, (done 2500 miles since passing my test Oct and never ridden a bike before) i've found reading Bike magazine for the least few months handy for good (and safe) riding tips. (road position, vanishing point etc etc)

I now hardly use my brakes on the twisty stuff, but use the engine braking instead, since i've started doing this my riding is far smoother and i'm more confident leaning and getting on the power smoothly.

I'm still on the OE 220's rubber and having read a few posts they aint the most confidence inspiring either! Roll on when I can get some Z6's fitted!

Yeah- I try to drop a gear into corners, so I'm running at about 7-8k revs. Makes it much easier to control the bike on the bend on sharper corners and am slowly getting the lean angle down too. Have yet to really emply counter steer- I understand the principle, but need to work that one in slowly- only a new rider myself....

I think the main thing about it is relaxing- something I still have trouble with sometimes. But relaxing and small adjustments on everything help- whether it's throttle, brakes or steering.

Some of the roadsurfaces are shocking too- makes me really tentative on the roundabouts when the tarmac is desperately pitted.

Reckon I'll be doing BikeSafe this summer- everything helps. Also takes 10% off insurance. Maybe IAM next year.

Originally Posted by thedonal

Maybe IAM next year.

Why not this year? Best £86 quid I ever spent!

Originally Posted by ejohnh

Just did a no luck search - what's an IAM?
John

http://www.iam.org.uk/

The "basics" of what's taught are position in the road, hazard perception, gear selection (being in the right one, not how to) and reading the road.

Of all of these, reading the road was probably the most difficult to get to grips with. Vanishing point, where the road goes etc.. They can teach it, but you only really learn it by being out there on your bike.

Originally Posted by chazzyb

Why not this year? Best £86 quid I ever spent!

Furry muff! Might do it this year then. I just want to build up a bit of mileage before I start doing more training stuff...

thats what i was thinking, but after reading a few write ups - it seems its never too early. If anything better to get in to good habits early than break old bad ones. But regarding the counter steer - do you use this as well as hang off the bike?

Sheesh- counter steer and hang off the bike? After 1.5 months- no chance! No - I understand how countersteer works- steer outwards (ie straighten the bars a little) and it get's the bike even lower, but not nearly experienced enough to get round corners fast enough to try this!! Plus, it seems like there's probably a bit more involved..

I do already mix it between going down with the bike, and keeping myself upright when leaning the bike down, though hanging off the bike isn't quite the description! I assume this all comes with confidence and a track day lesson or two!

Yeah- I agree about bad habits, but my instructor and examiner also advised about the BikeSafe course that I hang on for 6 months or so before doing it- presumably to get some real experience and used to my bike...