Need some pointers for the twisties
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
I do not consider myself to be a very aggressive rider but my favorite type of roads are the two lane winding through nowhere variety. I sometimes find myself riding overly cautiously, especially on roads that I am not very familiar with. I am comfortable in the curves as long as I can see them. I always feel like if I can see through the curve, I can ride it. It's the real tight ones that ruin my confidence. And I'm not talking about riding fast. Just cruising on a Road King.
The type of curve that gives me the most trouble, and the reason for this post, is when I come over the crest of a hill and the road turns sharply as I come down the other side. I encountered one of these today. I came over the hump and it was almost like the road dropped out from under me as it curved to the right. I wasn't going more than about 45 MPH and all I needed to do was look through the curve, lean and I would have been fine. Instead for some reason I felt the need to grab brakes and slow down. In the end, no harm done but could have been much smoother.
Anyone have any tips for handling this type of curve?
The type of curve that gives me the most trouble, and the reason for this post, is when I come over the crest of a hill and the road turns sharply as I come down the other side. I encountered one of these today. I came over the hump and it was almost like the road dropped out from under me as it curved to the right. I wasn't going more than about 45 MPH and all I needed to do was look through the curve, lean and I would have been fine. Instead for some reason I felt the need to grab brakes and slow down. In the end, no harm done but could have been much smoother.
Anyone have any tips for handling this type of curve?
Last edited by fat_tony; Jun 3, 2012 at 12:08 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
Lots of great advice on here. I am one of those riders that have the most difficulty in the "blind" twisties. I find I'm ok when I can see all the way around the corner but the blind ones can cause my pucker factor to start.
I always have a quick look for the yellow speed signs and the signs that show the direction of the upcoming curves, "S" shapes etc.
I will almost always downshift as I like the feeling of having the engine to help slow down. Then the rest is like what most others have said: Look, push down on the bar, DON'T look down.
Just a thought as well. I have noticed that when I am going to a section of road that is well know, Dragon or any other, I tend to ride it better because I go in knowing that the whole is twisties etc whereas I haven't "heard" of the other roads and don't know what to expect. Crazy (probably!!!)
1HarleyGuy1
I always have a quick look for the yellow speed signs and the signs that show the direction of the upcoming curves, "S" shapes etc.
I will almost always downshift as I like the feeling of having the engine to help slow down. Then the rest is like what most others have said: Look, push down on the bar, DON'T look down.
Just a thought as well. I have noticed that when I am going to a section of road that is well know, Dragon or any other, I tend to ride it better because I go in knowing that the whole is twisties etc whereas I haven't "heard" of the other roads and don't know what to expect. Crazy (probably!!!)
1HarleyGuy1
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: Tennessee
I guess you missed the point of my tip. Here it is.........Slow Down on roads you don't know. 45mph over a blind rise on a 2 lane road with no knowledge about the road or what's on the other side is an accident waiting to happen.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by push right go right? I've read this a hundred times and can't visualize what is being said. If my hands are on the grips and I push forward on the grip with my right hand, this will turn the wheel to the left. The bike will follow the wheel. Do you mean push down toward the road instead of pushing forward on the handlebar?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,167
From: SE Michigan
Excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by push right go right? I've read this a hundred times and can't visualize what is being said. If my hands are on the grips and I push forward on the grip with my right hand, this will turn the wheel to the left. The bike will follow the wheel. Do you mean push down toward the road instead of pushing forward on the handlebar?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
Excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by push right go right? I've read this a hundred times and can't visualize what is being said. If my hands are on the grips and I push forward on the grip with my right hand, this will turn the wheel to the left. The bike will follow the wheel. Do you mean push down toward the road instead of pushing forward on the handlebar?
Now get on an open highway, get to 55 mph and push on the right grip and you will see the bike will go right, press on the left and the bike will go left. This is actually how you steer a bike at speed.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Western WA
Only other thing I'd note is that those posted speed signs ahead of turns are not a consistently good guide of how fast you can take a corner safely. I used to approach 'em expecting to go at least 10 over, but learned the error of my ways on back roads in Montana - where it's normally best to observe that posted speed.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
For many years I rode aggressively on corners and have developed a few rules of thumb to keep me on the road. These were learned from not staying on the road, overreacting by hard braking and standing the cycle up.
Read the whole road, power lines, trees etc on the way up to the corner will give and indicator to corner direction and tightness.
Be on the outside of the corner at the beginning for late turn in which allows more road.
In slow out fast on the corner. This allows a reserve to handle issues while still providing fun. The throttle can be managed to allow the cycle to drift back toward the center of the road.
Typically if the above is followed, you will not need to slam on brakes and stand it up.
Read the whole road, power lines, trees etc on the way up to the corner will give and indicator to corner direction and tightness.
Be on the outside of the corner at the beginning for late turn in which allows more road.
In slow out fast on the corner. This allows a reserve to handle issues while still providing fun. The throttle can be managed to allow the cycle to drift back toward the center of the road.
Typically if the above is followed, you will not need to slam on brakes and stand it up.