Belief confirmed
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,566
Likes: 85
From: Calgary
If I get into a hard corner I have my shoulders square with the road surface and then counter steer like mad. Watch a good hockey player make a sharp turn on skates, his inside shoulder does not dip into the turn rather his inside shoulder is square to the ice surface. Same with a good skier or flat tracker.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: ct
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: ct
If I get into a hard corner I have my shoulders square with the road surface and then counter steer like mad. Watch a good hockey player make a sharp turn on skates, his inside shoulder does not dip into the turn rather his inside shoulder is square to the ice surface. Same with a good skier or flat tracker.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,230
Likes: 7,807
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
It's been known (and taught) for a long time....the 2 most common types of accidents for a bike, exceeding riders ability through turns, and cars making a left turn across your right of way.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek, MI
Having come from the dirt bike and sport bike world, even though many years ago, I can corner my Heritage pretty well. Certainly not like a sport bike, but aggressively enough to save almost any situation unless totally stupid! I have to be going pretty hot to drag the boards...My biggest problem is mentally trusting the tires, but when needed, its tire slip and low side as the better alternative....
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
I have been riding Harley's for about six years. I am not good in the turns at all. My two biggest mistakes are not looking far enough around the curve and when in doubt, I should give it more throttle instead of braking. Where to focus my vision in the curve and roll off, roll on the throttle are skills I am slowly acquiring.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
IDK, all of this technical talk? I just LOOK where I wanna go... and I get there! Learned it in a BASIC RIDER'S COURSE and it absolutely works.
Why don't more people take those courses??
Why don't more people take those courses??
Last edited by AnotherBlackSG; Sep 15, 2011 at 10:31 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
Interesting topic. When people ask why I do not have forward controls on my Street Bob I try to explain that I do not feel I can shift my weight in turns like I need to with my legs thrown way out in front. People seem confused by this and sometimes say things like "You are riding a Harley, not a race bike". I only can assume they think different laws of physics apply to different styles of motorcycles 
I am not saying others with forward controls cannot shift their weight, I am just saying *I* am not comfortable doing it, I am not saying it cannot be done.
If anyone is interested in the some of the physics are further explaination on the "why's", check out this page http://motorcyclephysics.com/.
I am not saying others with forward controls cannot shift their weight, I am just saying *I* am not comfortable doing it, I am not saying it cannot be done. If anyone is interested in the some of the physics are further explaination on the "why's", check out this page http://motorcyclephysics.com/.
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,613
Likes: 9,059
From: In My Boots
That statement is just not true. Go to the track and get some lessons on road racing.
Shifting your butt over on the seat or off the seat into the curve and you can get all the lean angle you need.
Buy yourself a used Ninja 250 and head to the track and really learn to ride.
Watch the guy on youtube that used to ride the yellow Goldwing on the Tail of the Dragon and tell me again you can't get the lean angle you need on a cruiser or bagger.
I type too slow, CtCruzer said it first.
Shifting your butt over on the seat or off the seat into the curve and you can get all the lean angle you need.
Buy yourself a used Ninja 250 and head to the track and really learn to ride.
Watch the guy on youtube that used to ride the yellow Goldwing on the Tail of the Dragon and tell me again you can't get the lean angle you need on a cruiser or bagger.
I type too slow, CtCruzer said it first.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Interesting topic. When people ask why I do not have forward controls on my Street Bob I try to explain that I do not feel I can shift my weight in turns like I need to with my legs thrown way out in front. People seem confused by this and sometimes say things like "You are riding a Harley, not a race bike". I only can assume they think different laws of physics apply to different styles of motorcycles I am not saying others with forward controls cannot shift their weight, I am just saying *I* am not comfortable doing it, I am not saying it cannot be done.
If anyone is interested in the some of the physics are further explaination on the "why's", check out this page http://motorcyclephysics.com/.
I am not saying others with forward controls cannot shift their weight, I am just saying *I* am not comfortable doing it, I am not saying it cannot be done. If anyone is interested in the some of the physics are further explaination on the "why's", check out this page http://motorcyclephysics.com/.
I'm with you on the mids...much easier for me to shift weight with mids than forwards.