Knee down?

[Sonicjoe]

Hi all, was just wondering the main reason why you try to get your knee down at the track. Do you actually use it like the MotoGP riders to judge your angle before your tires lose traction, or just to look cool? Get a buzz from doing it? Now I'm far from an expert on this without even having a bike or license, which is why I'm asking this question.:scooter:

Joseph

[Danae]

I put my knee down on my scooter for the lulz.

[Anarkist]

Not again..

[yod]

:corn:....

[Sonicjoe]

Not again..
Sorry if this has been done before I did a search but no matches?
Just remember if you don't like it you don't have to view it..:hug:

[jaymzw]

Get a knee down? HELL!!!:crazy:

Thats for people that are half decent at riding:sweatdrop

Not for me thanks,

[Anarkist]

Just remember if you don't like it you don't have to view it..:hug:

That's true. But if you're at a track day you're usually there to 'go fast' instead of 'look cool' as there isn't really anyone watching you that closely.

Anyway, KB needs to implement a sage (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sage) function so we can comment without bumping threads.

[Sonicjoe]

But if you're at a track day you're usually there to 'go fast' instead of 'look cool' as there isn't really anyone watching you that closely.
Ah I see. Didn't think about that, as I have said I have no bike or license or basically any road experience.

[vifferman]

Where's the "I don't!" option? :confused:

[Sonicjoe]

Where's the "I don't!" option? :confused:
Right in the forgotten bit of my brain...other maybe?

[Choco]

You need another option "all of the above"
Also; cant afford track days so do them in a car park! :headbang:

[NOMIS]

Does it count if you get your knee down while moving but just that split second before you bin? - i was trying to look cool.

i can get my helmet down to and my back. once i got them all down at the same time and did a 180 - now that looked really cool. motogp guys do that to and they stop the whole race sometimes just because of it. now thats ubber cool. also they automatically get more attention than they guys winning the race.


but yes had my knee down in my old corduras by mistake - was trying to see how far i could go just to get my knee down was surprised how much the hornet had to tip. im not a tall fella so cant lean off to much.

[jim.cox]

Knee down depends on the bike

Rubberband Ducati 900's positively encourage it

But it doesnt work for my bevelhead

[naphazoline]

Or the "I'm just sick of my knee caps" option?:Pokey::Pokey:

[HenryDorsetCase]

What, no "Chicks dig it, and scars" option?

[ducatilover]

Get a knee down? HELL!!!:crazy:

Thats for people that are half decent at riding:sweatdrop

Not for me thanks,

I'm a retard and I manage it.

I got my head down twice:argh:

[Tank]

Hi all, was just wondering the main reason why you try to get your knee down at the track. Do you actually use it like the MotoGP riders to judge your angle before your tires lose traction, or just to look cool? Get a buzz from doing it? Now I'm far from an expert on this without even having a bike or license, which is why I'm asking this question.:scooter:

Joseph

As a total noob - who hasn't got your license yet (happy birthday for a couple weeks ago BTW) There are many, many, many other questions you should be asking before you even think about things like getting your kneedown.

Concentrate on the basics, build your skill levels slowly and it will come (maybe). Getting your knee down is not the holy grail of biking.

Seriously - Find a mentors as soon as you can, and take it slowly and within your limits.

Dont become a squid statistic.

[EZAS]

As a total noob - who hasn't got your license yet (happy birthday for a couple weeks ago BTW) There are many, many, many other questions you should be asking before you even think about things like getting your kneedown.

Concentrate on the basics, build your skill levels slowly and it will come (maybe). Getting your knee down is not the holy grail of biking.

Seriously - Find a mentors as soon as you can, and take it slowly and within your limits.

Dont become a squid statistic.
For me .. the "Holy Grail" is, knee down through a rather open hairpin or very long corner, coupled with a 1 footed mono on the exit.

If you can get your knee down, it's not your Holy Grail, but for those that can't it's a challenging goal (well ... it is for me).

[Mystic13]

Sorry if this has been done before I did a search but no matches?
Just remember if you don't like it you don't have to view it..:hug:


If "search" has failed you then remember...

"Google is your friend"


Oh, and Elbow down, is the new holy grail. Check out my profile pick of a guy doing it lap after lap on road tyres.

I'm really envious of the guys that have no chicken strips on their front tyres. I can only dream. A few more track days maybe.

[carver]

its a by product of going fast round a corner, not the reason

[svr]

its a by product of going fast round a corner, not the reason
Well, no. For riders getting their heads around track riding and racing getting your knee down is often a definite step towards more confidence and faster riding. Also, for good racers on wets, knee down in the rain definitley helps confidence and staying positive.
Most racers dont think about it - basically the knee is down because there is nowhere else to put it.
No doubt that top riders control front-end slides with knees. Er, not me... but I have `crashed' onto my knee a couple of times when the fronts gone and had the bike grip and come back (lucky!).
None of this has any place on the road, of course. Also, cat-eyes hurt like buggery.

[carver]

Well, no. For riders getting their heads around track riding and racing getting your knee down is often a definite step towards more confidence and faster riding. Also, for good racers on wets, knee down in the rain definitley helps confidence and staying positive.
Most racers dont think about it - basically the knee is down because there is nowhere else to put it.
No doubt that top riders control front-end slides with knees. Er, not me... but I have `crashed' onto my knee a couple of times when the fronts gone and had the bike grip and come back (lucky!).
None of this has any place on the road, of course. Also, cat-eyes hurt like buggery.

knee down on the road rules!

it is rough though.

it just happens for me, usually in tight corners.

i dont try and get my knee down, i try and go fast and smooth

[Tank]

For me .. the "Holy Grail" is, knee down through a rather open hairpin or very long corner, coupled with a 1 footed mono on the exit.

If you can get your knee down, it's not your Holy Grail, but for those that can't it's a challenging goal (well ... it is for me).


its a by product of going fast round a corner, not the reason

Jesus - quoting and +1'ing Carver.

But he's right - if you are simply concentrating on getting your knee down - then you are focusing on the wrong 'challenge'.

But some people prefer the 'wank factor' of the knee down being the end all rather than being able to take the right line, smooth all the way thru etc.

The people who concentrate on the latter will end up (IMHO only) the better riders - and probably end up with their knee down sooner as well.

[naphazoline]

As a total noob - who hasn't got your license yet (happy birthday for a couple weeks ago BTW) There are many, many, many other questions you should be asking before you even think about things like getting your kneedown..

Some wise words.

You'd be better off listening to this advice,before taking on advanced techniques.

Crawl before you walk.You might just live to see another day.

[naphazoline]

As a total noob - who hasn't got your license yet (happy birthday for a couple weeks ago BTW) There are many, many, many other questions you should be asking before you even think about things like getting your kneedown..

Some wise words.

You'd be better off listening to this advice,before taking on advanced techniques.

Crawl before you walk.You might just live to see another day.

[Mystic13]

Some wise words.

You'd be better off listening to this advice,before taking on advanced techniques.

Crawl before you walk.You might just live to see another day.

And to let you know how important these words are, he's going to say it twice. And a little louder the second time although you may not notice that.

So does it sound more important when it's said twice? lol.

[Sonicjoe]

I posted this on Tank's profile earlier, should have posted here as well:
Hey Tank, re the knee down topic I have no intention of even attempting that for many years. I like my skin the way it is which is why I am buying decent gear currently. I just wondered why the majority of people did it, as I said I have no intention of getting my knee down . Thanks for wishing me Happy Bday, your the only person on the forum who did
Cheers,
Joseph

I intend on crawling before I walk, I have no intention or need of getting my knee down...I don't want to bin, falling off my bike about a month ago was scary enough for me(Fast downhill on wet moss, went to turn right WHAMMO slide for about 5 meters haha that was on the footpath...the road looks alot rougher and as I said above, I like my skin the way it is :) )

EDIT: I know you all probably hear this very often, but I REALLY have no intention of doing anything fancy, and thanks for looking out for the new guy.

[carver]

Jesus - quoting and +1'ing Carver.

But he's right - if you are simply concentrating on getting your knee down - then you are focusing on the wrong 'challenge'.

But some people prefer the 'wank factor' of the knee down being the end all rather than being able to take the right line, smooth all the way thru etc.

The people who concentrate on the latter will end up (IMHO only) the better riders - and probably end up with their knee down sooner as well.

you got it son

mormon few!

no point in posing

[macros87]

knee down! sadly my knee remains far far above ground level when im riding... my shoe catches the ground sometimes when i forget to place my feet right on the pegs! does that count?

[pritch]

its a by product of going fast round a corner, not the reason

Carver is absolutely correct. (Don't actually believe I wrote that...)

If you are actually trying to get your knee down you will do it wrong. You tend then to just swivel your arse and push the bike down.

Most people would get around the track faster if they forgot about the knee down bollocks and focussed on riding.

[colsan1]

I've only ever done it once, just so i could say i'd done it.
Didnt like it at all, it was nothing like my usual riding style and felt very awkward
i'll stick to my old school mike hailwood bolt upright stance from now on.

[YellowDog]

Have been working on taking faster corners. Haven't felt the knee touch the ground. Not something I have thought as being important. I was concentrating more to getting my balance right and use the 'look around the door technique' which seems to be quite good. A more upright cornering bike has better grip.

It is possible to get your knee down and not take the corner well, as you may be sacrificing your balance for the sake of scuffing your leathers.

Good luck and be safe.

[Anarkist]

Have been working on taking faster corners. Haven't felt the knee touch the ground. Not something I have thought as being important. I was concentrating more to getting my balance right and use the 'look around the door technique' which seems to be quite good. A more upright cornering bike has better grip.

It is possible to get your knee down and not take the corner well, as you may be sacrificing your balance for the sake of scuffing your leathers.

Good luck and be safe.

Yeah, word. I scraped a peg for the first time on the way to work this morning. Was a bit surprised to do it, but I felt like I would have been going around the corner faster should I have been more upright.

[carver]

Carver is absolutely correct. (Don't actually believe I wrote that...)

If you are actually trying to get your knee down you will do it wrong. You tend then to just swivel your arse and push the bike down.

Most people would get around the track faster if they forgot about the knee down bollocks and focussed on riding.

my thoughts exactly...
its the aim...to get your knee down.
in my mind if thats your aim, the results dont mean shit

[SARGE]

i have been on 2 wheels since 1970.. sports bikes .. cruisers .. drag bikes .. mini bikes .. farm bikes .. MX'rs

not ONCE have i ever tried to get my knee down for any reason ..

same reason i dont go out of my way to wheelie .. stoppie or stunt ..its mostly wank factor IMHO

( and yes i am capable of all the above .. just choose NOT to .. )

[slofox]

Mate, when your knees are as fucked as mine are, there ain't no way I'm gonna stick 'em out so that when I arse off I'm gonna land on 'em...I keep 'em tucked in tight as to the tank...that way, something else will break first...

[speights_bud]

although there is plenty of opportunity to get my knee down while racing i find that it is not always the fastest way around the corner:rolleyes:

found a hole in the finger of my LH glove yesterday, dragged fingers and knee while doing the warmdown lap at the last round of pacific series :headbang: :Pokey::stupid:

[Sidewinder]

to look cool but to go even faster!
<img src="http://file046a.bebo.com/16/large/2009/04/14/09/6075184799a10594727081l.jpg">
<img src="http://file046a.bebo.com/0/large/2009/03/30/05/6075184799a10463676623l.jpg">
<img src="http://file046a.bebo.com/0/large/2009/03/30/05/6075184799a10463676689l.jpg">
<img src="http://file046a.bebo.com/0/large/2009/03/30/05/6075184799a10463676744l.jpg">
<img src="http://file046a.bebo.com/0/large/2009/03/30/05/6075184799a10463676812l.jpg">
oh and its even better to pose!

[Ooky]

if it happens it happens imo wouldn't try to do it just doesnt feel right pushing a bike into a corner rather then riding it in just to scratch a puck :rolleyes:

[svr]

to look cool but to go even faster!
<oh and its even better to pose!

Now you just need to look around the corner instead of straight ahead and lean it over another 30 odd degrees.

[Sidewinder]

Now you just need to look around the corner instead of straight ahead and lean it over another 30 odd degrees.

well thats the warm up lap just need tyre warmer and got the new 195 64 17 rear and the 125 65 17 front so its all on like donly kong!
yeah! mother fooker!

[Chrislost]

Hi all, was just wondering the main reason why you try to get your knee down at the track. Do you actually use it like the MotoGP riders to judge your angle before your tires lose traction, or just to look cool? Get a buzz from doing it? Now I'm far from an expert on this without even having a bike or license, which is why I'm asking this question.:scooter:

Joseph

personally i use my elbows and throttle to decide if traction is lost. Knees are just for those days when you feel like a road ride, or if it happens to be a thursday evening.

[McWild]

There was a guy in front of me at the training day at Ruapuna yesterday (which pretty much turned into a race) in a hoody and jeans who stuck his knee out as far as he could on every corner. It was really rigid, like he thought he was going to be able to cut through the tarmac.

I wonder why HE was doing it?

[munterk6]

I was following a riding buddy on a GSXR600k7 around the Hundalees and he put his knee down on every single corner with sparks coming off the titanium wank factor knee slider add-ons. When we got back to ChCh he looked pretty shagged. I asked him if it was tiring climbing all over the bike for 2 hours...he said FUCK YES lol!!
funny thing was, he wasn't actually going any quicker in the twistys than I was.....hmmmmm, whats the point? Just a poser I guess:2thumbsup

[ducatilover]

I find I am more comfortable when hanging off, I tend to ride smoother. Fuck knows why, but that's what works for me:yes:

[carver]

I was following a riding buddy on a GSXR600k7 around the Hundalees and he put his knee down on every single corner with sparks coming off the titanium wank factor knee slider add-ons. When we got back to ChCh he looked pretty shagged. I asked him if it was tiring climbing all over the bike for 2 hours...he said FUCK YES lol!!
funny thing was, he wasn't actually going any quicker in the twistys than I was.....hmmmmm, whats the point? Just a poser I guess:2thumbsup

sounds like me and R64life

[EJT]

I was following a riding buddy on a GSXR600k7 around the Hundalees and he put his knee down on every single corner with sparks coming off the titanium wank factor knee slider add-ons. When we got back to ChCh he looked pretty shagged. I asked him if it was tiring climbing all over the bike for 2 hours...he said FUCK YES lol!!
funny thing was, he wasn't actually going any quicker in the twistys than I was.....hmmmmm, whats the point? Just a poser I guess:2thumbsup

There is a great ride up here with around 45 min of corners. I usually start hanging off but if I don't rest I am shagged by the end and just take the corner. Certainly don't go any faster hanging off but it brings joy to the ride:yes::yes: