Need some pointers for the twisties
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
Need some pointers for the twisties
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?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
Brake and get the correct speed before you enter the curve, this goes for automobiles also. If for some reason you still have to brake in a curve do not be aggressive and be smooth on the brakes. If your still going too fast continue to lean, thats why your tires have threads around the side. If you start dragging something it is better to drag than go straight in a curve. Also look where you want to go, not where you dont want to go. Always ride at your own pace.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
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.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
You can never tell what's around the next curve or hill, exercising caution will let you ride longer. The public roads are not race tracks like some seem to think. Why take the chance of going faster and killing someone other than yourself. Faster doesn't make you a better biker. Don't feel embarrassed if you can't keep up with some reckless buddies trying to show off. Let them show off on a race track if they need to. Just continue to be yourself and you'll get as good as you feel comfortable with.
You seem to be the kinda of rider I'd feel comfortable to ride with.
You seem to be the kinda of rider I'd feel comfortable to ride with.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Acworth
I've found that keeping my bike in a lower gear, rpm's around 3 grand, I can roll on and off the throttle instead of braking. When I do brake I use the rear more in the curve. Also not having to downshift is one less thing to worry about as I run through a curve. Also relax. Let the bike lean and go with it. You'll probably never push that bike past what it can do and if you do drag a floorboard don't panic just let it grind. Watch some of the police bike competitions, once you do you'll realize what that bike can do.
Remember "push left to go left, push right to go right". Leaning will work with a 200 pound dirt bike but when you get into the 700+ lb category leaning is comparable to a flea running up and elephants leg with rape on it's mind!! Practice pushing on the handlebars and you will be suprised how easy it is to control these beasts!
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Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
I've found that keeping my bike in a lower gear, rpm's around 3 grand, I can roll on and off the throttle instead of braking. When I do brake I use the rear more in the curve. Also not having to downshift is one less thing to worry about as I run through a curve. Also relax. Let the bike lean and go with it. You'll probably never push that bike past what it can do and if you do drag a floorboard don't panic just let it grind. Watch some of the police bike competitions, once you do you'll realize what that bike can do.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Been there myself. As others have said don't question your common sense and caution.
You may try reading Davids Houghs book "Proficient Motorcycling". It will provide facts about motorcycling and you can then be a more informed rider thus probably making you a safer and more proficient rider. As a kid I was told "as soon as you think you know everything about riding a a motorcycle thats when it will get you". Good luck
You may try reading Davids Houghs book "Proficient Motorcycling". It will provide facts about motorcycling and you can then be a more informed rider thus probably making you a safer and more proficient rider. As a kid I was told "as soon as you think you know everything about riding a a motorcycle thats when it will get you". Good luck
