Tyre Tester!

[bluninja]

Hmmm...me know Greg Sharpe too Won't be along next Thursday as I'm flying down to Wellington (and not on the bike).

KK seems to me you need to just have a think about the position you are putting yourself in what you expect to achieve from it. Maybe a read of TOTW2 would help. Would lend it to you, but it's currently helping Nhuanh with his boredom. I must admit when I hang off I feel more comfortable than staying on the seat; it also feels much slower for the same speed round the corner.

TTFN

[wkid_one]

I have TOTW2 if you want it Logan - just let me know

Me I prefer not to hang off unless I am in trouble.  By hanging off on every corner I feel you reduce your margin of error.  If you are already hanging off the bike and running wide there is little you can do to correct the balance of the bike mid corner without upsetting balance.  I prefer just to tuck the shoulder in to the corner and slide my weight forward and sideways - not hanging off.  If I then run wide and can put the leg out and slide further off the seat......

That is the way I corner anyway - worked thus far at getting me going quickly through corners.......with only one accident LOL

Each to their own - I knew a rider who was racing who basically did so bolt upright - didn't lose many races and he was quick.......strange - depends on what you get used to.....

DS

 

[bluninja]

As you say each to his own. I know quite a few riders that barely move on their seat that are extremely fast. However I feel more comfortable this way, and when I don't I tend to grind pegs(and toes) when I start to speed up. I guess what I call hanging off is more getting one cheek off the seat and my body over the inside of the bike; rather than off the bike knee down. This appears similar to the way you describe your position going into corners.

Personally I think there is a bigger margin for error if you are cornering already hanging off than sat upright. My reasoning;

• You are already in position should you need to tighten your line.
• Your bike has less lean angle for a given corner speed; so things are less likely to touch the tarmac.
• You don't need to add stress to the suspension by suddenly sliding your weight to the inside.
• You are already in a position to steer the bike down to it's maximum lean.

If you go into a corner on full chat and you're hanging off, there is nothing extra for emergencies......but that's an issue of someone riding at close to 100% rather than hanging off cornering having less margin for error (I know this may not make total sense).

Having seen how fast and controlled you ride, I know your way works for you. My comments are just opening up a discussion and inviting others to share their views and experiences.

PS the downside to this style of riding is that it puts a lot of work through the thighs, and you can screw up when you get physically tired...or are unfit.

TTFN

[Kwaka-Kid]

Originally posted by bluninja
PS the downside to this style of riding is that it puts a lot of work through the thighs, and you can screw up when you get physically tired...or are unfit.

TTFN

ahh bugger, im old, unfit and always tired (mentally and physically). so there goes that idea.

 

and yeah i actually kinda see ur point bluninja - despite the fact that halfway thru reading it (about haveing a bigger margin for error..) i was agreeing with wkid_one.  but i see both sides now, the thing is i think for me, when i do slide off the seat etc, it means im in that "racing" mood, if you know what i mean, im really enjoying the ride and so the pace picks up on me before i know it and all of a sudden im tearing around a corner with little margin for error thinking "Yeah im gonna behte next Aaron Slight".  If you know what i mean? and yea, this is more a mental thing but i do think other riders might work the same way? yes? maybe? possibly? argh alrite, im the weirdo.

[bluninja]

Originally posted by Kwaka-Kid
ahh bugger, im old, unfit and always tired (mentally and physically). 

ROFLMAOWPMP

Yeah KK, in that case you probably need a 'reserve' margin for error

TTFN

[wkid_one]

There is no right or wrong to cornering - providing you are safe.  It comes down to your comfort.  I have seen no need to get off the bike as I can get maximum lean just with weight shift.  Blu on the other hand who has racing experience has gotten used to the feeling of hanging off the side of the bike - each to their own I say......provided you pass me around the outside I don't care how people corner.

Leaning off the bike is more about getting the centre of gravity as close as possible to the apex of the corner and increasing the gyroscopic effect of the wheels.  However, most SBK/GP riders use if for: 1. A lean gauge (how far over am I) and 2.  A chance to catch the bike if the front tucks or rear gives.

All you have to remember is that the aim of cornering is to GO ROUND AS FAST AS POSSIBLE WITH MINIMUM POSSIBLE LEAN  (I am quoting Keith Code here, before anyone attacks me for saying it).......the more you lean the slower you have to go to corner.........

I would focus more on your lines than the lean of the bike.  Focus on three things.....1. Your Roll Off Point (where you start to close the throttle), 2, Your Braking Point and 3. Your Turn in Point..........

The line you drive will have more impact on the performance of the bike through the corner than anything (and impact on how far you need to lean)......try following different riders and seeing what their lines are.......

Most modern bikes will lean a lot further than your confidence/courage can........but a limited by the skill of the rider and their ability to take the corner and manage the bike around it......

[Kwaka-Kid]

"before anybody attacks me"

ahahhaha! the words of a scared man! :P  look @ what uve done simon! i suggest you apologize to this man!  hehe.  well yeah, good info on cornering. and im off to tighten my chain.

oh lastly, my chain and sprockets on my 400 are had it. anyone suggest a good place? if i want them @ cheap i need to wait 3mnths, and i dont think i can wait that long, adjusting chain every 300km isnt ideal, and ive only got a few more adjustments left.  Approx cost and where to go please?