Cornering
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 201
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From: Omaha
Cornering
New Sporty owner here, 07 1200C. Reading on one of the other threads about shifting at higher speeds than the manual recommends. Makes sense to me.
Those who recommended higher speeds before shifting (20-25 mph before shifting to second) do you corner in first gear then (street corner without a stop)?
In MSF class cornering in 2nd gear on the Buell bike was a piece of cake. Sporty not so much.
Those who recommended higher speeds before shifting (20-25 mph before shifting to second) do you corner in first gear then (street corner without a stop)?
In MSF class cornering in 2nd gear on the Buell bike was a piece of cake. Sporty not so much.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Cornering
That's one of those "depends" questions. Depends on how fast you are going, radius of the turn, and elevation. A long gently sweeping, downward sloping turn you could second gear would work well. On the other hand, a tight, upward sloping turn might require a bit more finese and control so first gear is better (for me). Your basic, run of the mill, 4 way intersection with you doing a rolling turn will likely depend on your speed. It becomes a second nature thing in a short time and you don't even think about what gear to be in. Your body just feels it and you shift accordingly.
That friction zone thing comes into play here too. Its a Ty Webb thing (Caddyshack)......feel the bike, be the bike.....na...na...na...na...na...na......
Whoops. You didn't ask me.
That friction zone thing comes into play here too. Its a Ty Webb thing (Caddyshack)......feel the bike, be the bike.....na...na...na...na...na...na......
Whoops. You didn't ask me.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 980
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From: Leesburg, Florida
RE: Cornering
I understand the Buell has a very short first gear, which calls for a grab into second as soon as you get moving. That might explain why the 1200C gearing and the way you use them is so different then what you had in the MSF. You'll soon learn how to manage the bigger engine and taller gears. Happy riding.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From:
RE: Cornering
When I make a 90 degree turn, I always go down to first. Slow into the turn and accelerate out of the turn. 2nd is to high to make a slow turn. When you hit the gas you are going to lug the engine in second. I think the 1200s have a very high first gear. Dont forget to lean to the outside of the turn when turning slow....it makes the bike much more stable at slow speeds.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: Cornering
In slow turns (less than 20 mph), I've found it easiest to downshift to first, then stay in the friction zone accelerating into the turn (which is key to keeping the bike stable). While I never brake in a highspeed turn (which to me is 20mph or greater) (more experienced drivers may get away/be more comfortable with the brakes in these turns, I'm just not), I find it useful to sparingly use the rear brake (only rear brake) when I'm turning in the friction zone in first gear - this adds stability and encourages me to stay in the acceleration part of the friction zone through the turn. If you ever feel like you are leaning too much, just let out the clutch and apply some more throttle.
I agree that counterbalancing is a good idea in the slow turns.
In the interest of full disclosure - I'm a relatively novice rider - this approach just works for me.
I agree that counterbalancing is a good idea in the slow turns.
In the interest of full disclosure - I'm a relatively novice rider - this approach just works for me.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
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From:
RE: Cornering
Been seeing this type of question pretty frequently lately. I had similar questions myself after I got my ride. One answer always comes to mind.
During my MSF course one of the instructors was asked the same thing, and his answer was "Keep the bike happy."
The bike will tell you if your too high or too low. If it lugs, too low, jerks back and forth with slight changes in throttle, too high. The bike will tell you when to shift.
Theres so much that goes into shifting, it's an art more than a science. Wind speed, road slope, road angle, accelerating, decelerating, turning, bike load, full/empty tank, passing, asphalt or pavement, wet or dry, etc ad infinitum...
You can even shift in the middle of a turn if you have to. I wouldn't recomend it, but you wont burn in hell if you do.
"Feel" your bike. It is an extension of your self, or will be with a little time and patience.
Ride it, love it, and let it become a part of you. It all starts by keeping it happy.
During my MSF course one of the instructors was asked the same thing, and his answer was "Keep the bike happy."
The bike will tell you if your too high or too low. If it lugs, too low, jerks back and forth with slight changes in throttle, too high. The bike will tell you when to shift.
Theres so much that goes into shifting, it's an art more than a science. Wind speed, road slope, road angle, accelerating, decelerating, turning, bike load, full/empty tank, passing, asphalt or pavement, wet or dry, etc ad infinitum...
You can even shift in the middle of a turn if you have to. I wouldn't recomend it, but you wont burn in hell if you do.
"Feel" your bike. It is an extension of your self, or will be with a little time and patience.
Ride it, love it, and let it become a part of you. It all starts by keeping it happy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: Cornering
ORIGINAL: Arctic Badger
Been seeing this type of question pretty frequently lately. I had similar questions myself after I got my ride. One answer always comes to mind.
During my MSF course one of the instructors was asked the same thing, and his answer was "Keep the bike happy."
The bike will tell you if your too high or too low. If it lugs, too low, jerks back and forth with slight changes in throttle, too high. The bike will tell you when to shift.
Theres so much that goes into shifting, it's an art more than a science. Wind speed, road slope, road angle, accelerating, decelerating, turning, bike load, full/empty tank, passing, asphalt or pavement, wet or dry, etc ad infinitum...
You can even shift in the middle of a turn if you have to. I wouldn't recomend it, but you wont burn in hell if you do.
"Feel" your bike. It is an extension of your self, or will be with a little time and patience.
Ride it, love it, and let it become a part of you. It all starts by keeping it happy.
Been seeing this type of question pretty frequently lately. I had similar questions myself after I got my ride. One answer always comes to mind.
During my MSF course one of the instructors was asked the same thing, and his answer was "Keep the bike happy."
The bike will tell you if your too high or too low. If it lugs, too low, jerks back and forth with slight changes in throttle, too high. The bike will tell you when to shift.
Theres so much that goes into shifting, it's an art more than a science. Wind speed, road slope, road angle, accelerating, decelerating, turning, bike load, full/empty tank, passing, asphalt or pavement, wet or dry, etc ad infinitum...
You can even shift in the middle of a turn if you have to. I wouldn't recomend it, but you wont burn in hell if you do.
"Feel" your bike. It is an extension of your self, or will be with a little time and patience.
Ride it, love it, and let it become a part of you. It all starts by keeping it happy.
I shift up in turns all the time. You need a big wide intersection so you can get up enough speed to need to shift. I lean the bike over and kick it up a gear while leaned.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From:
RE: Cornering
ORIGINAL: robbinson
In slow turns (less than 20 mph), I've found it easiest to downshift to first, then stay in the friction zone accelerating into the turn (which is key to keeping the bike stable). While I never brake in a highspeed turn (which to me is 20mph or greater) (more experienced drivers may get away/be more comfortable with the brakes in these turns, I'm just not), I find it useful to sparingly use the rear brake (only rear brake) when I'm turning in the friction zone in first gear - this adds stability and encourages me to stay in the acceleration part of the friction zone through the turn. If you ever feel like you are leaning too much, just let out the clutch and apply some more throttle.
I agree that counterbalancing is a good idea in the slow turns.
In the interest of full disclosure - I'm a relatively novice rider - this approach just works for me.
In slow turns (less than 20 mph), I've found it easiest to downshift to first, then stay in the friction zone accelerating into the turn (which is key to keeping the bike stable). While I never brake in a highspeed turn (which to me is 20mph or greater) (more experienced drivers may get away/be more comfortable with the brakes in these turns, I'm just not), I find it useful to sparingly use the rear brake (only rear brake) when I'm turning in the friction zone in first gear - this adds stability and encourages me to stay in the acceleration part of the friction zone through the turn. If you ever feel like you are leaning too much, just let out the clutch and apply some more throttle.
I agree that counterbalancing is a good idea in the slow turns.
In the interest of full disclosure - I'm a relatively novice rider - this approach just works for me.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 201
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From: Omaha
RE: Cornering
Thanks for all the feedback.
The scenario I'm thinking about is turning right, 90 degrees, off a 40 mph arterial street onto a side street, level ground, no stop.
I'm now convinced I have to execute this in first gear to get a safe, smooth, easy turn without lugging. I'm sure there are those around here who can do it in second, third, or fifth.
The scenario I'm thinking about is turning right, 90 degrees, off a 40 mph arterial street onto a side street, level ground, no stop.
I'm now convinced I have to execute this in first gear to get a safe, smooth, easy turn without lugging. I'm sure there are those around here who can do it in second, third, or fifth.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Cornering
Shifting gears while in a corner requires additional caution. When you release that clutch you want the rpm's and your bike speed to be in "sync" with each other so you don't upset the rear wheel with sudden change in motion.