hang off in sweepers
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 123
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From: Ballwin, Mo
I still take my 600 track bike to the track every now and then. I've found that hanging off does me no good on my roadglide. I have to fight leaning too far as it is as I don't want to replace the lower heat shield on my dresser duals again. I think you'll find the aggressive techniques used on a sportbike are usually pretty awkward on a tourer. Just my opinion.Total control is a great read and knowledge is useful.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 132
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From: nashville
I wouldn't say 'hang off' exactly but I absolutely shift my body to the inside and it make a huge difference,( I don't counter- steer except for an evasive maneuver, as I learned from Reg Pridmore on the racetrack)
It definitely gives you more ground clearance and I need it the way I like to ride. You can even make a subtle weight shift like just moving your weight to the inside "cheek"; that will make a significant difference in the stability of swift cornering. Here's a video of me being chased by Reg at The Streets of Willow. I;m shifting my weight very significantly but it looks very subtle as I am striving to be smooth. I also didn't counter- steer in any of these turns. Hand are VERY light on the bars at all times.
It definitely gives you more ground clearance and I need it the way I like to ride. You can even make a subtle weight shift like just moving your weight to the inside "cheek"; that will make a significant difference in the stability of swift cornering. Here's a video of me being chased by Reg at The Streets of Willow. I;m shifting my weight very significantly but it looks very subtle as I am striving to be smooth. I also didn't counter- steer in any of these turns. Hand are VERY light on the bars at all times.
Last edited by trispeed; Aug 19, 2012 at 11:10 AM. Reason: .
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
Glad you brought this up. I always thought it was a little too technical to discuss on this forum.
It works good if done properly and keeps the bike from vaulting in fast curves. (grabbing a peg or floor board and launching the rear wheel off the ground)
It works good if done properly and keeps the bike from vaulting in fast curves. (grabbing a peg or floor board and launching the rear wheel off the ground)
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 91
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From: Dallas-Ft.Wth
Trispeed, Daaang, you rocked that bike. thanks for that. What was that, maybe in the range of 500 lbs?
See, I'm beginning to think the technique has more effect when the rider mass and bike mass are towards a given ratio. I guess I gotta get a lot fatter to rock my RoadKing, eh? That's good an excuse as any.
Not to mention, I had a helluva time trying to figure out how to hang off without ending up like some of the pictures other members kindly submitted. they make the point.
So, at a minimum, I've learned from ya'll to stop counterbalancing on sweepers. But that idea about hanging the inside cheek into the turn and shifting my fat *** as much as I can do so safely, that kinda makes sense to me. I'll practice that.
And, no, I ain't doing stupid things like taking turns too fast. It's more for safety that I asked this question. I keep ending up on sweepers that have dirt or leaves just pop up around the turn. I haven't fallen yet. But I'm thinking that if I can take same turn, at the same [relatively] slower speeds I ride, but with the bike at a more upright angle, I should have less of a risk of sliding out.
So, thanks again to ya'll for the great input. There's no substitute for the experience ya'll freely share.
See, I'm beginning to think the technique has more effect when the rider mass and bike mass are towards a given ratio. I guess I gotta get a lot fatter to rock my RoadKing, eh? That's good an excuse as any.
Not to mention, I had a helluva time trying to figure out how to hang off without ending up like some of the pictures other members kindly submitted. they make the point.
So, at a minimum, I've learned from ya'll to stop counterbalancing on sweepers. But that idea about hanging the inside cheek into the turn and shifting my fat *** as much as I can do so safely, that kinda makes sense to me. I'll practice that.
And, no, I ain't doing stupid things like taking turns too fast. It's more for safety that I asked this question. I keep ending up on sweepers that have dirt or leaves just pop up around the turn. I haven't fallen yet. But I'm thinking that if I can take same turn, at the same [relatively] slower speeds I ride, but with the bike at a more upright angle, I should have less of a risk of sliding out.
So, thanks again to ya'll for the great input. There's no substitute for the experience ya'll freely share.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,912
From: King George, VA
I don't know if he was counter steering so much as trying corrective steering, as the back of the bike kicked out to the left. Natural reaction, the same as in a car, is to steer in the direction of the skid.
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From: PNW
I don't think there's any percentage in hanging off a 900 lb bike. The biggest limiting factor on our bikes (aside from the weight) is the limited clearance. I get that you understand that and hence the question but, my response is to focus more on a good line and speed entering the corner. Leave the *** hinging to the Ninja set. Just my 02 and ymmv.
Here's Cheryl and I. Same photographer and same road as the skinny chick that's about to have a bad day.
My last piece of advice - Stow the highway pegs.
Here's Cheryl and I. Same photographer and same road as the skinny chick that's about to have a bad day.
My last piece of advice - Stow the highway pegs.
