Okay; I have only ridden my Sportster six times on our lightly traveled street which is a 35 mph road, which dead ends at a state park and has a sharp "s" with a posted 15 mph curve...I have struggled negotiating the curve comfortably-wobbled and panic braked. I am taking the MSF class next month!! Have ridden in the past-when I was young-I don't remember over thinking or worrying about processes like I am now...so to my question; 35 mph to 15 mph on a sharp s curve would be 3rd to 1st gear, slight throttle roll into the curve with a slight counter steer? Thank you for any feedback!!

 

practice going as slow as you can it will help develop your balance. look a few car lengths ahead of you when you are going through the turn, look where you want to go not where you dont want to go.

 

1st gear is to low. I'd keep it in 2nd so once you hit the apex, you can throttle through the corners. Keep an eye out for loose gravel... Hit that and you'll go,down in a hurry if you're going to slow.

 

+1 the bike will follow your eyes. Focus on where you want to go and the mechanics will take care of themselves.

+1 on MSF and you already being signed up.

 

Your riding course will get you a lot more comfortable with curves. I agree with baldhog and try it in second. When it comes to curves like that a little more speed makes it easier to maneuver, if you go too slow the bike doesn't want to stay upright.

 

On the "S" curves it's "outside, inside, outside," and at 35mph, go from 3rd to 2nd...'no need to counter steer at such a low speed, leaning just the bike over in the turns while keeping your body upright, and "rolling" on the throttle on the way "out" of the curve, not on the way "in."

=8^)

 

+1 on all this advice.

 

Light throttle while riding the rear brake.

 

Do all of your downshifting prior to the turn. I recommend 2nd gear for 15 mph. If you feel you're going to slow and the bike starts chugging, pull in the clutch slightly, then slowly release the clutch and press the throttle as you exit the turn. That's what I do and it works for me.

 

best advice.. look to where you want to go... not down, not the edge of the road.. not the lines.. not your front wheel... eyes up and looking to and past the S exit..