Nervous on roundabouts today. Tight cornering

**Aaron_newrider** · 2nd July 2009, 22:20

Abit technical for a round about bro, yes when I'm in a cage doing 100k through a 60k corner, i worry about the apex and when to start/stop breaking and when to start accelerating again, but not on a roundabout. Could be wrong but seems OTT for a round about? Just take the line that looks the best?

Cheers though
aaron

**Mort** · 2nd July 2009, 22:51

You go where you look... look 1m in front of your front wheel and you'll get lost.

Try the 2-step drill.

1. Look at the point you want to turn and 1 second before you hit it.....
2. Look at your apex or wherever you want to be next...

when you get to 1 sec from the point you want to be, look for the next point.

Good on yer for asking....

**mossy1200** · 2nd July 2009, 23:21

If you get a chance get out on a trail bike (beg borrrow or s...l).Then stand on the pegs and go slow.See what you can achieve without placing your feet down.Have fun with a dirty bike and things become natural on the road.

**p.dath** · 3rd July 2009, 08:50

Originally Posted by Aaron_newrider

Abit technical for a round about bro, yes when I'm in a cage doing 100k through a 60k corner, i worry about the apex and when to start/stop breaking and when to start accelerating again, but not on a roundabout. Could be wrong but seems OTT for a round about? Just take the line that looks the best?

Cheers though
aaron

You were saying you were nervous going around a roundabout. If you take a good line you'll find it much easier. You have to take a line no matter what - so why not choose one that makes it easier. Doesn't mean you have to go around it at 100km/h.

**BiK3RChiK** · 3rd July 2009, 10:16

Originally Posted by p.dath

Try entering from the left and cross to right right hand side of the lane just after the apex (which will depend on where you are exiting). Look through the line from you head through the apex of the corner (and this will move).

If you are on a two laned roundabout, watch for the idiot car drivers who apex the roundabout by taking up both lanes!

If they can't see me in a 4wd, they won't see you on the bike!

**varminter** · 3rd July 2009, 20:18

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

If you are on a two laned roundabout, watch for the idiot car drivers who apex the roundabout by taking up both lanes!

If they can't see me in a 4wd, they won't see you on the bike!

I was thinking of carrying some ordinance for those bastards, something like a bazooka would do the trick.

**junkmanjoe** · 3rd July 2009, 20:24

i came with in a mouses cock of being taken out, on a hupper hutt roundy.

the guy didnt even look, just went stright out in front off me.

if i was another 1-2 sec faster,,, toast.

just have to be alert and ready to stop at anytime in the citys, even if you in the right.

**davebullet** · 3rd July 2009, 20:40

Originally Posted by Mort

You go where you look... look 1m in front of your front wheel and you'll get lost.

Try the 2-step drill.

1. Look at the point you want to turn and 1 second before you hit it.....
2. Look at your apex or wherever you want to be next...

when you get to 1 sec from the point you want to be, look for the next point.

Good on yer for asking....

This is what i do too. You'll find the further through the corner you look the slower it all seems to happen. What I mean is things don't seem to rush up at you and you'll think you are taking the corner really slowly when infact its going much quicker.

Besides, bikers forget they like to take round-a-bouts quicker than cars - it's fun to lean a bit and get up some speed... but remember they may not be able to react as quick as you.

and... never never look down. doesn't matter how slow you are going, whether it is full lock turns at 1mph - keep your eyes up

**BiK3RChiK** · 3rd July 2009, 21:00

Originally Posted by varminter

I was thinking of carrying some ordinance for those bastards, something like a bazooka would do the trick.

LOL Yeah, that might do it! Although, I doubt this chick will do it again. She got the brunt of my horn and almost jumped into the lap of the guy in the passengers seat! I hope he gave her an earful. Stupid broad.

Word of warning if you are anywhere near Whakatane... If using the roundabouts on the approach from Tauranga side watch out for them! Losers abound here who apex the double roundabouts.

**LaytonNZ** · 4th July 2009, 16:16

Mate, we all used to do it

I found you just have to get used to the bike and you can do "Anything"

**Danae** · 4th July 2009, 19:08

I know what you mean, when it's been raining or is still raining roundabouts can be real nervewracking. Go as slow as you have to, don't worry if there's a car up your arse.

I'm not sure this is the right thing to do but in wet weather I try to keep the bike as upright as possible. On roundabouts I hang myself off the bike slightly - less likely for the tyres to slip out? Then lean the bike if the turn isn't sharp enough.

**DEATH_INC.** · 4th July 2009, 19:20

I've been riding going on 25 odd years now, and I still wobble round the things like a beginner if I'm not hammering it. I can go flat out knee down no worries, but when I'm behaving I just f**k it up completely. Dunno why, but the stoopid things just get me.
Don't worry about it, roundabouts are one of the more dangerous things on our roads, Diesel, loose chip, bad drivers blah blah, all seem to hang out at roundabouts. Go the speed you feel happy with.

**JellyBellyKelly** · 4th July 2009, 20:20

i've just brought my first bike and had first lesson today with my partner who has been riding a long time - he put some sticks on work car park (no cars today) and i weaved my way around them - much harder going slow!!!! but it really made me realise how far i can go with my bike (yamaha scorpio 225) ie leaning as far as i can go and to realise how much more secure i feel when i grip the fuel tank with my thighs. i haven't been on road yet, but he made good sense in getting me to practise off road to find my limits. good luck... i'm still buzzing and it's been several hours!!!

**vifferman** · 5th July 2009, 13:48

What they all said. The only thing I'd add is that roundabouts are tricky because they're often not smooth, they can be off-camber, and they are so tight (esp. the smaller ones). When you're looking through the turn, you'll find you actually have to look right over your shoulder!
Some people here have said NEVER look down; that's not strictly correct. What you need to do is don't spend too much time looking down - just quickly scan the surface of the road for obstacles, bumps, potholes, oil, etc. without allowing it to become your main focus. After a while, you'll find you point your head (and inside shoulder) in the direction you're goimg, and can still flick your eyes around without it affecting where you're going.