What is "Fast"?

[sAsLEX]

I consider that the 'fastest' riders I've seen (watched a couple at Taupo recently) are the people who ride smoothly. Consistent speed through the corner without chopping down too hard on the gears or braking then letting the brakes go or braking at the wrong point in a corner. The best advice I've heard about going fast is to start off by going slow and getting it right. As you become smoother and more relaxed you'll get faster.

One of the smoothest riders I ever saw was Uncle B. He would glide up and down the Taka's without even looking like he was trying and he was quick too. So relaxed though... (Hell of a bloke too)

You can teach a fast racer not to crash......... but getting a slow rider quick is alot harder.....


quote from somme famous guy some time

[Kflasher]

I consider that the 'fastest' riders I've seen (watched a couple at Taupo recently) are the people who ride smoothly. Consistent speed through the corner without chopping down too hard on the gears or braking then letting the brakes go or braking at the wrong point in a corner. The best advice I've heard about going fast is to start off by going slow and getting it right. As you become smoother and more relaxed you'll get faster.

This is the key right here, the more smooth miles you cover your speed will come naturally.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

apparently...

doing 55 in a 50 k zone is fast or
doing 75 in a 70 k zone or
doing 105 in 100 k zone also
doing 44 past a school are all consider fast... thats why mt plod issues speeding tickets

[beyond]

If you mean how fast compared to the signposted corners, which is what I assume you are saying, then most good riders will be able to take signposted corners at around double the posted speed if they are smooth and experienced.

You can push it harder if you know the road well.

Now, here lies the main problem. Around 99% of the corners in this country have severely conservative speed figures and even in a car you can take them a hell of a lot quicker than what they say. I assume they are posted for worst conditions such as a greasy road after a long dry, in the rain.

However there are 1% of corners that are actually listed at the correct speed for ideal conditions. e.g. Some 35kmh corners are definitely 35kmh corners. Not many around but when they do come out and you don't know the road, you are going to leave signs of your passing if you get exuberant.

[skelstar]

However there are 1% of corners that are actually listed at the correct speed for ideal conditions. e.g. Some 35kmh corners are definitely 35kmh corners. Not many around but when they do come out and you don't know the road, you are going to leave signs of your passing if you get exuberant.

Its a bit of a regional thing too. I've noticed that some SI corners are quite accurate too.

Lets face it. The posted limits are often about the surface not just the shape of the corner...and you've got to leave yourself a bit of room for "adjustment" too.

[Hitcher]

"Fast" is faster than I'm prepared to go.

[yungatart]

Fast is all relative , and IMHO vastly overrated!
When I ride at 135 kph on a straight road on my EL that is fast - for me!
When my 16 y/o son rides a 'busa at 220 down the back strait at Taupo that is fast for him!
I see the issue as being competitive against yourself, not others, and pushing your limits , not comparing how you ride with someone else!
If you can improve on one aspect of your riding every time you go out, you will get better, and eventually faster.
Some times to go fast you have to slow it down first!

[WRT]

Around 99% of the corners in this country have severely conservative speed figures and even in a car you can take them a hell of a lot quicker than what they say. I assume they are posted for worst conditions such as a greasy road after a long dry, in the rain.

However there are 1% of corners that are actually listed at the correct speed for ideal conditions. e.g. Some 35kmh corners are definitely 35kmh corners. Not many around but when they do come out and you don't know the road, you are going to leave signs of your passing if you get exuberant.

Its a bit of a regional thing too. I've noticed that some SI corners are quite accurate too.

Lets face it. The posted limits are often about the surface not just the shape of the corner...and you've got to leave yourself a bit of room for "adjustment" too.

It's often more than that, "hidden" dangers such as side streets etc seem to have an influence on what a corner gets posted at.

Also, you will often notice that in a sequence of corners, they seem to post a corner early, as though they dont expect you to accelerate coming out of the corner. So you'll go around one corner that was posted 55, think to your self "that was easy", then have sphincter tightening moment when you go to blast the round next one.

[Disco Dan]

I see the issue as being competitive against yourself, not others, and pushing your limits , not comparing how you ride with someone else!
If you can improve on one aspect of your riding every time you go out, you will get better, and eventually faster.
Some times to go fast you have to slow it down first!

Now thats good advice!

In order to be 'fast' you have to be able to go 'slow' very well and you can only compare your own riding with yourself - everyone started out diferent, diferent skills, bikes, teachers and even mindset.

I would not class myself as being 'fast', but rather 'quicker' - quicker than when I first started.

There is always someone better than you at something and always someone worse.

[skelstar]

Also, you will often notice that in a sequence of corners, they seem to post a corner early, as though they dont expect you to accelerate coming out of the corner. So you'll go around one corner that was posted 55, think to your self "that was easy", then have sphincter tightening moment when you go to blast the round next one.

Good point! ...actually thats something I learned last trip is that when you have a sign indicating a series of corners, its not ness the first one that they think is the "55".

I know this sounds like the above post, but is subt different.

[Freakshow]

Fast is when you are screaming inside your helmet "THIS ROCKS WAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOO"

[Toaster]

"Fast" is not nearly as important a concept as "fast enough"

My bike isn't regarded as being "fast" by most people, but it is "fast enough" for me

Very wise dude.

[Toaster]

It's usually accompanied by a download of poo into one's pants.

[skidMark]

If you want to know what fast is ... follow me through Twilight Road and make sure you record me with a Video Camera..

When you get home hit 'play' then 'fast forward' ...that's fast.

If you hit 'play' and forget to hit 'fast forward' you might mistakenly think that your video is stuck on 'pause'.

Hope this helped

bwahahahahahahaha nice

i dunno what fast is

i consider myself slow

i usually take 65kph corners at 120

have been known to take them at 150 though

hope that helps cheers

[Disco Dan]

bwahahahahahahaha nice

i dunno what fast is

i consider myself slow

i usually take 65kph corners at 120

have been known to take them at 150 though

hope that helps cheers

*shakes head*