Riding Curves
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Riding Curves
You will never really get the snap to snap feeling on a HD that you get on a sportbike.
The "pushing down" on the clip on's will change direction of the machine in an instant. I mean instant.
I look as far ahead as possible, your bike will travel in the direction you look.
THAT is why target fixation on a rider in front of you is so dangerous, always look around them. Ive seen allot of guys and gals go off into the toolies looking at the person in front.
For me I hardly ever use the rear brake, I am experienced in front braking and throttle control and gear selectionso turns for me are natural from my road racing background.
Most important is being comfortable with the turns, don't attempt new techniques on blind turns or in an area you never travel.
IF you are alone make the turns as straight as possible by trimming the apex (shooting inside and outside of the lane) this will take away the of turn in you need to do.
Practice doesn't always make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
The "pushing down" on the clip on's will change direction of the machine in an instant. I mean instant.
I look as far ahead as possible, your bike will travel in the direction you look.
THAT is why target fixation on a rider in front of you is so dangerous, always look around them. Ive seen allot of guys and gals go off into the toolies looking at the person in front.
For me I hardly ever use the rear brake, I am experienced in front braking and throttle control and gear selectionso turns for me are natural from my road racing background.
Most important is being comfortable with the turns, don't attempt new techniques on blind turns or in an area you never travel.
IF you are alone make the turns as straight as possible by trimming the apex (shooting inside and outside of the lane) this will take away the of turn in you need to do.
Practice doesn't always make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 95
From:
RE: Riding Curves
Just an aside boys - does it pay to read both of Hough's books "proficient motorcycling" and "more proficient motorcycling" or is everything in the first covered in More (the second)...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Riding Curves
Counter steering may be natural to some folks, but I suspect most riders are like me--nothing natural about it. After careful checking, it was clear that I took turns by leaning, not by counter steering. A friend who is an experienced rider and engineer told me to start actively using counter steering in curves. It still isn't natural feeling, but it really makes a big difference inmy cornering ability.
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: SW Corner of NW Corner
RE: Riding Curves
i think there is a lot of good info here.... I just have one comment...
your fear is a reasonable one, and you should listen to it. It always takes more to control a powered machine going downhill Vs uphill.
your fear is a reasonable one, and you should listen to it. It always takes more to control a powered machine going downhill Vs uphill.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: Riding Curves
ORIGINAL: BWLucky13
Counter steering may be natural to some folks, but I suspect most riders are like me--nothing natural about it. After careful checking, it was clear that I took turns by leaning, not by counter steering. A friend who is an experienced rider and engineer told me to start actively using counter steering in curves. It still isn't natural feeling, but it really makes a big difference inmy cornering ability.
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
Counter steering may be natural to some folks, but I suspect most riders are like me--nothing natural about it. After careful checking, it was clear that I took turns by leaning, not by counter steering. A friend who is an experienced rider and engineer told me to start actively using counter steering in curves. It still isn't natural feeling, but it really makes a big difference inmy cornering ability.
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
Hell, I've ridden for over 20 years! Guess you learn something new every day.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: maine
RE: Riding Curves
ORIGINAL: thrillseeker
i think there is a lot of good info here.... I just have one comment...
your fear is a reasonable one, and you should listen to it. It always takes more to control a powered machine going downhill Vs uphill.
i think there is a lot of good info here.... I just have one comment...
your fear is a reasonable one, and you should listen to it. It always takes more to control a powered machine going downhill Vs uphill.
Nice advice bud!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Riding Curves
ORIGINAL: Hdbiker1450
I kind of felt like you on this subject, until Michelle and I took a VERY familiar two lane twisty. I did the entire 11 mile stretch there and back with only the throttle hand. I was amazed to realize that I DID countersteer, without even thinking about it!
Hell, I've ridden for over 20 years! Guess you learn something new every day.
ORIGINAL: BWLucky13
Counter steering may be natural to some folks, but I suspect most riders are like me--nothing natural about it. After careful checking, it was clear that I took turns by leaning, not by counter steering. A friend who is an experienced rider and engineer told me to start actively using counter steering in curves. It still isn't natural feeling, but it really makes a big difference inmy cornering ability.
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
Counter steering may be natural to some folks, but I suspect most riders are like me--nothing natural about it. After careful checking, it was clear that I took turns by leaning, not by counter steering. A friend who is an experienced rider and engineer told me to start actively using counter steering in curves. It still isn't natural feeling, but it really makes a big difference inmy cornering ability.
"If it seems right, you're probably doing it wrong."
Hell, I've ridden for over 20 years! Guess you learn something new every day.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Riding Curves
This has been hashed and rehashed before. Any time you're traveling at roadway speeds and when you change direction you are countersteering whether you know it or not. It's impossible to turn at any speed above parking lot speed without counter steering. If you didn't countersteer you would go straight and probably end up hitting an object. Whether you think you're leaning your body or pushing with your lower bar, the effect on the front wheel is the same. Telling someone it's easier to take a turn if they countersteer is only confusing. It makes them think there are two seperate ways to make a turn and there isn't. The thing to say is that if you might be a little too hot into the corner, just push down a little more on the lower bar and that will help tighten up your turn.
However, if you establish your speed BEFORE you enter the curve there sholdn't be a problem.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, that's what we taught in the MSF basic rider course.
However, if you establish your speed BEFORE you enter the curve there sholdn't be a problem.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, that's what we taught in the MSF basic rider course.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Riding Curves
ORIGINAL: whaap
This has been hashed and rehashed before. Any time you're traveling at roadway speeds and when you change direction you are countersteering whether you know it or not. It's impossible to turn at any speed above parking lot speed without counter steering. If you didn't countersteer you would go straight and probably end up hitting an object. Whether you think you're leaning your body or pushing with your lower bar, the effect on the front wheel is the same. Telling someone it's easier to take a turn if they countersteer is only confusing. It makes them think there are two seperate ways to make a turn and there isn't. The thing to say is that if you might be a little too hot into the corner, just push down a little more on the lower bar and that will help tighten up your turn.
However, if you establish your speed BEFORE you enter the curve there sholdn't be a problem.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, that's what we taught in the MSF basic rider course.
This has been hashed and rehashed before. Any time you're traveling at roadway speeds and when you change direction you are countersteering whether you know it or not. It's impossible to turn at any speed above parking lot speed without counter steering. If you didn't countersteer you would go straight and probably end up hitting an object. Whether you think you're leaning your body or pushing with your lower bar, the effect on the front wheel is the same. Telling someone it's easier to take a turn if they countersteer is only confusing. It makes them think there are two seperate ways to make a turn and there isn't. The thing to say is that if you might be a little too hot into the corner, just push down a little more on the lower bar and that will help tighten up your turn.
However, if you establish your speed BEFORE you enter the curve there sholdn't be a problem.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, that's what we taught in the MSF basic rider course.