Cornering tips n hints

Originally Posted by Balky001

If more weight at the fron was better then HD's would really be Kings o fthe road instead of straight line cruisers

More weight on the front is definitely a good thing as regards a bike's standing weight distribution, you only have to look at supermoto's that pivot around the front wheel to realise this.

As regards rolling off the throttle mid corner (or applying front brake), well if you do it quickly then yes the bike will stand up and run wide because of it not because the front has got lighter but because the sudden transfer of weight pushes the bike along a more acute tangential line to the curve (I suggest).

If I go into a corner on a completly closed throttle (say where it's downhill) then if the bike is settled as I turn in, it definitely tightens up. Should I open the throttle midway then the bike naturally takes a wider line as the push from the rear forces the front away from the curve, unless I apply counter-steering.

I think in many ways we're using slightly different terminology/ideas and it's very difficult to accurately express yourself and also remember precisely how your bike responds as it tends to be intuitive most of the time.

Obviously we need to get together and ride round a few corners and compare notes.


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Originally Posted by Balky001

Jonboy, more weight on the front tyre is OK for turn in but you'll wash the front out quicker as the bike naturally wants to go straight and the more pressure on the front to do that the less grip you will have.

Can't figure that one out... Always been taught (when "hanging off") to get my body as far forward as possible to help keep the front stable. Just watch those BSB/WSB/GP riders... Hard and fast corners when they're under pressure they've normally got their heads level with the front of the fairing....

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Exactly, get the weight at the front.


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[Balky001]

Jelster, when hanging off your on the inside of the corner, weighting against the pull of the tyre, you'd be pulling the bike right (for a right corner) when the tyre's force is pushing left (against your lean angle), so although the weight is at the front it is not over the tyre it's at the side countering the force which is therefore effectively taking the weight off it. Bike geometry on initial set up is different in that there are a hundred different reasons for a particular bike to handle but yes more weight is placed over the front, but as many Honda mechanics would tell you, they actually try and get as much weight as central as possible - not back or front.

Jonboy, I'll look forward to the ride but I'll make the notes afterwards, it's bad enough talking on the phone when I'm riding let alone writing! This was sent on my blackberry whilst doing 75 on the A13

Originally Posted by Balky001

Jonboy, I'll look forward to the ride but I'll make the notes afterwards, it's bad enough talking on the phone when I'm riding let alone writing! This was sent on my blackberry whilst doing 75 on the A13

Look forward to it.


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Originally Posted by Sudoxe

Get some advanced training!

Dan

Good post Dan, but the best information you gave was the bit that I have quoted you on.

Once you have had that, go book a track day and practise in safety

Originally Posted by Magoo

Twist of the Wrist I and II....no one teaches it better!

And if you need it all reinforced then go to the California Superbike School....(obviously the one in the UK not in California!)

I was beaten to it, nothing better, nothing finer.

Im not sure where Keith Code learnt to corner, because as Jimbo said, they don't have any bends in America :P

Look where you want to go. Throttle Control, and Relax