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Re: My biggest problem
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:20 pm
by sneakypete
best thing i can think of...
go and read "a twist of the wrist" by Keith Code.. read it again, and once more to be sure. but in between reads, put some of what he says into practice. remember, everything should happen in small increments, not huge jumps. take your time, get your confidence and then start to push it just a little bit til you are again confident.
also, dont be a dickhead on the road... go to a trackday if you want to see what your bike can do.
hth
Re: My biggest problem
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:44 pm
by photomike666
Like others have said, it's about putting in the Km. Also, find a couple of corners that you can ride every time you are out. A short detour on your way home, so your tyres are warm when you get there. Pick a corner that is sweepy, has good visibility and you are confident riding around. Try and find a journey plan with a left and a right, or turn back and go the other way. Don't pick anything tight or too hard first up. Now go ride these corners, as often as you can. Try and get a glimpse of your speedo as you take the corner, remember what gear you are in etc. When you get home, check your tyres - there is a strip around the edge you have not used (The chicken or Kishy Strip). This gives some idea of how much more you can lean with out losing grip.
As you gain in confidence riding these corners over and over, start to increase the speed - a couple of KM/h at a time. Watch for conditions, wet, spills, gravel etc - soon enough you'll look back and see how far you have improved, and how much less of a chicken strip you have.
If you are struggling, keep your grip light, your head up and look through the corner as far as you can see. And for each small amount of speed increase, trust your tyres (this may not work if you suddenly decide to double your speed). If you go into the corner and think you are too fast... 1. get off the brakes, they will only stand the bike up and ensure you do not make the corner. 2. trust your tyres. If knee, peg, toe exhaust etc isn't scraping, you can lean a bit further.
Aim to improve little by little, ride in all weather and adjust your speed accordingly.
Re: My biggest problem
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:51 pm
by 6maniac
+++ 1 Mike - and make sure your tyre pressures are as per manual ( or PM Hoffy for his recommendation )

Re: My biggest problem
Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 8:03 pm
by lilyofthevalley
Thanks so much!
Duly noted, each and everyone of youse!