Ride smoother and safer (and get paid to do it!)
As my racing became almost non existent, I'm pleased to report that my road riding km's have gone up. While it has not been a easy transition to the road I've found myself now riding in a fashion I thought I'd share for anyone interested.
It's all about Smooooooth. One of the key factors to this is the brakes, or more lack of. When approaching a corner, aim to arrive at the perfect speed for said corner without using your brakes. Then gently roll on the throttle going into, through and out the corner. (always stay on your side of the centre line)
That alone will bring the following benefits.
1. Will automatically give you a plan B should the unexpected happen....You can use your brakes and have time to change/alter your cornering line. Having a plan C is also a good idea (for instance both braking and altering your cornering line)
2. Gently accelerating in and through the corner takes the weight off the front wheel (read- much safer), settles the bikes suspension and throttle use can be used to change your cornering radius (more on this later)
3. The nature of this riding style dictates you look well ahead. Riders that do not look far ahead find their motorcycling experience to be a scary world where everything happens quickly and somewhat unpredictably.
4. The smoothness brings on the flow, and once the flow is achieved and maintained, then that elusive Zen state can be easier accessed!
5. Your tyres, brake pads and fuel will all go a lot further saving you $$$$ which you can sink straight back into the bike
6. It's such a relaxing way to ride, you save on physical energy, especially over a long trip. Now understand this is physically easier on your body, but you still cannot afford to phone it in with your thought processes. BE EVER VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES.
7. Believe it or not, getting it right is FUN and rewarding.
Exercises I've used to speed up the learning process:
1. Since the key of the process is arriving at the corner at a perfect speed, I made up a game for myself, consisting of when approaching an object be it a corner, or catching up to traffic in front...what ever..I would roll off the throttle early, if I had to brake when approaching a corner or a line of traffic, I'd "lose points". Now for goodness sake set a large safety margin!!! I'm not suggesting for a moment, that should you need to brake, that you leave it late. You would be a total Dork or Dorkett if you rear ended a car while trying to "win" your game now wouldn't you?
2. In order to reduce velocity, down changing gears is a permitted activity. Though not to the detriment of your clutch!!! An over revving motor does not a smooth rider make! Also, while not necessarily aiding "smooth", one can try sitting upright and sticking elbows in the breeze (you may be suprised how well this can work at reducing speed).
Whats this using the throttle to tighten or widen your corner line?
Hell, I'm glad I asked that question
Simply put, you choose your intended line (or be at least attempting to!) and commit to it, sometimes you realize you need to be on a tighter or wider line than what you are. Using the above style, you are accelerating gently through the entire corner. If you reduce the throttle, your bike will tighten it's line, and if you apply more throttle the bike will widen it's line, all with no bodily input, let the bike do more of the work while also upping the smooooth and fun factor!
Finding a quiet section of road you know well to practise on can be very helpful, especially when trying out this style for the first few times. Up hill is better as it makes things easier, as you naturally decelerate faster for corners.
Anyway, practicing the above quickly allows you to master your approach speeds perfectly and you too can start riding the flow.
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Originally Posted by sugilite
I'll endeavor to try and give a new set of techniques and exercises too do at a rate of once per week as not to overwhelm people and give plenty of time to practise. (thats the fun part!)
From the first time I ever pillioned with you and know how much of a smooth ride it is. since we discussed it in length I have been working on that each ride .. and love it 
Karma ... Justice catches up eventually !! 
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