Correct technique in fast sweepers?

[Hans]

Hi all,

I think I'm managing to improve my general riding slowly but surely. The one thing that causes me grief are fast sweepers. If the road surface is less than perfect, I have trouble keeping the front stable. A good example of where this happens is te left hander on top of the hill just north of Te Marua heading towards the Takas. We're talking reasonable speeds too, no mad shit.
I've found that hanging off a little bit and holding onto the tank with my knee to disconnect from the bike and minimise my grip on the bars helps (DUH). What else can I do? Ta.

[Pixie]

Get a new rear damper - it sounds like the rebound damping is wrong.

[Bass]

Get a new rear damper - it sounds like the rebound damping is wrong.

Adjustable on the RF

[Gremlin]

make sure your suspension is set up correctly and not shagged. Suspension, like an engine, needs servicing, just not quite as frequently. The bike will also relay what you are feeling, nervous or confident. Other than that, don't try to force the bike to stay still, having it move a little is natural.

[awayatc]

too much air in front (and rear) tyre can also make bike " bouncy"

[Hans]

Hi, the suspension is not really the issue here, except for the slightly sub-optimal front springs. This is more about my riding technique. I am aware that when the bike is not as settled as it could be, I shouldn't be fighting it but rather let it do its thing to a point. Further input?

[javawocky]

Are you applying throttle before the turn and gradually applying more as you go through?

Are you sitting a little back in the seat - not putting your weight on the front like so many X moto X'rs?

Can you describe in more detail what the front is actually doing? Bouncing, shaking, pushing?

[CHOPPA]

Im having similar problems, I have booked in to the California Superbike School. Just a few tips they gave me yesterday really improved my cornering

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Get yourself along to a track day/rider training day that has some decent instructors who can help you work through this.
Developing a technique to 'diconnect' yourself from your bike is not where you should be heading!

As is usually the case a few simple pointers in the right direction and a safe, consistant enviroment to practise them on will have your confidence up there again.

It has to go without saying, make sure your bike is up to scratch in all respects if you want to get the most out of it.

[CHOPPA]

Are you sitting a little back in the seat - not putting your weight on the front like so many X moto X'rs?

haha hmmm sounds like me!

[Hans]

Are you applying throttle before the turn and gradually applying more as you go through?

Are you sitting a little back in the seat - not putting your weight on the front like so many X moto X'rs?

Can you describe in more detail what the front is actually doing? Bouncing, shaking, pushing?

Spot on. That is part of the problem. I can't use enough throttle, because I try to keep things semi-legal. Can you imagine what my exit speed would be if I enter a corner at 100kmh and start winding it on in 3rd? So the solution is probably in moving my weight back a bit more. To answer the other part: the bike just doesn't feel composed. As if the front suspension wasn't quite reacting fast enough and was playing catch up.

[Hans]

Get yourself along to a track day/rider training day that has some decent instructors who can help you work through this.
Developing a technique to 'diconnect' yourself from your bike is not where you should be heading!

As is usually the case a few simple pointers in the right direction and a safe, consistant enviroment to practise them on will have your confidence up there again.

It has to go without saying, make sure your bike is up to scratch in all respects if you want to get the most out of it.

I think I may have used the term ''disconnect'' a little loosely. I meant positioning myself in order to hold the bars with minimum force and maximum feel. And the bike is absolutely up to scratch with the exception of the front springs. Wrong weight. These are budgeted for around December.

[Deano]

Spot on. That is part of the problem. I can't use enough throttle, because I try to keep things semi-legal. Can you imagine what my exit speed would be if I enter a corner at 100kmh and start winding it on in 3rd? So the solution is probably in moving my weight back a bit more. To answer the other part: the bike just doesn't feel composed. As if the front suspension wasn't quite reacting fast enough and was playing catch up.

You should be able to go through the corner with a small amount (neutral) throttle and the bike should still feel planted.

From your second comment, is the front overdamped ? What weight fork oil do you have ? Being cold it might not be flowing fast enough.

How are you steering head bearings ?

[MSTRS:Me]

Regardless of suspension settings, both ends MUST work together. Otherwise you get the seesaw effect of each end working independently.

[Hans]

You should be able to go through the corner with a small amount (neutral) throttle and the bike should still feel planted.

From your second comment, is the front overdamped ? What weight fork oil do you have ? Being cold it might not be flowing fast enough.

How are you steering head bearings ?

Steering head bearings are fine(checked about 500km ago). The front is basically racetech internals and ohlins springs. Done and set up by RT, albeit for someone about 15kg lighter. Don't know the oil weight.