What do you make of this cornering advice?

**MsKABC** · 8th January 2009, 08:07

We spotted this in a mag last night and it kind of annoyed us because it seemed to be technically inaccurate. We didn't think either of the lines were correct and it didn't acknowledge the fact that the corner tightens as you go around it, so in fact the most likely part of the corner where you'd end up on the wrong side would be at the end of it as you get onto the straight.

I guess the concept of the ad didn't lend itself to technical accuracy and it would have lost dramatic effect otherwise.

Sorry about the pix, no scanner here at home.

**Hitcher** · 8th January 2009, 08:10

I also studied that ad closely (it's in the latest Two Wheels magazine) and had similar thoughts. I would start my turn into that corner much later than the way it's illustrated. I think that in both the scenarios shown, they're starting the turn way too early.

But it's only an ad, and if it makes bikers who see it think about their cornering as much as we have, then it's probably quite a good ad.

**MsKABC** · 8th January 2009, 08:12

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I also studied that ad closely (it's in the latest Two Wheels magazine) and had similar thoughts. I would start my turn into that corner much later than the way it's illustrated. I think that in both the scenarios shown, they're starting the turn way too early.

But it's only an ad.

Yes, that's exactly what we thought too. It is only an ad, and at least the NSW govt are trying to help bikers - hopefully newbies won't take is as gospel though

**MSTRS:Me** · 8th January 2009, 08:15

I'd agree with you there. If that was me in that corner, I'd be staying out wide, just inside the centreline for much longer, and apexing somewhere around the the end of 'yourself'.
That technique will allow me to see further around the corner, take note of the tightening curve so that I could react to it earlier, and it will also stop the slingshot effect of cutting across too early (like both the shown lines are likely to do).

**Okey Dokey** · 8th January 2009, 08:28

My guess is that they are trying to be ultra-safe by keeping the turning biker well away from the centre line in case there is an oncoming vehicle that has crossed over to the wrong side. Yes, it does reduce visibility for the biker, but it may be safer for some newer riders. They may see the vehicle coming towards them on the wrong side, but be unable to correct in time to avoid it.

My 2 cents..As others said, good to get people to think about the lines they take.

**scracha** · 8th January 2009, 09:00

Oh I dunno. I used to take the technical "turn in late for apex" approach but on every (not most, not nearly but every) run around the Coromandel there's always one muppet with their ute or boat swinging over the wrong side of the road.

**Number One** · 8th January 2009, 10:34

This reminds me of the ad where the guy is driving the car on the Taupo track...

Something about electronic stability control or whatever...

Anyway Sully gets annoyed everytime it comes on because as he pointed out to me, the guy puts a definite right hand steering input as he enters the left hand corner to make it look so much worse.

I just tell him it sucks to know to much - completely ruins TV for ya. He always saying that's not possible, that's technically inaccurate, that wouldn't burn like that - blah blah

I think ignorance is bliss sometimes

**Hitcher** · 8th January 2009, 10:34

Taking a hugging inside line isn't necessary the safest, as anybody who has spent time on the Rimutakas and other similar roads will know. On a blind lefthand corner, that tight route provides the least visibility of what may be ahead, such as piles of strewn rocks and other material, diesel spills wankers on treadlies (sorry, I mean bicyclists), etc.

It is therefore also the slowest route around the corner, creating the risk of being Liberaced by some backwards-hat-wearing bogan in a WRX STi.

**MsKABC** · 8th January 2009, 10:35

Originally Posted by Number One

This reminds me of the ad where the guy is driving the car on the Taupo track...

Something about electronic stability control or whatever...

Anyway Sully gets annoyed everytime it comes on because as he pointed out to me, the guy puts a definite right hand steering input as he enters the corner to make it look so much worse.

I just tell him it sucks to know to much - completely ruins TV for ya. He always saying that's not possible, that's technically inaccurate, that wouldn't burn like that - blah blah

I think ignorance is bliss sometimes

OMG! Our husbands must have been separated at birth! Hubby starts a rant EVERY time that ad comes on and I'm like "Oh FFS, get over it, you're preaching to the converted!"

I hate watching movies with him for that exact reason!

**Hitcher** · 8th January 2009, 10:36

Originally Posted by Number One

I just tell him it sucks to know to much - completely ruins TV for ya.

That man is a god. You should worship him and the ground on which he treads.

**MsKABC** · 8th January 2009, 10:39

Originally Posted by Hitcher

That man is a god. You should worship him and the ground on which he treads.

We have to keep their egos in check somehow!

**Number One** · 8th January 2009, 10:39

Originally Posted by MsKABC

OMG! Our husbands must have been separated at birth! Hubby starts a rant EVERY time that ad comes on and I'm like "Oh FFS, get over it, you're preaching to the converted!"

I hate watching movies with him for that exact reason!

sounds just like us too!

**Number One** · 8th January 2009, 10:41

Originally Posted by Hitcher

That man is a god. You should worship him and the ground on which he treads.

He doesn't tread - I have to carry him everywhere lest his feet touch the dirty filthy earth

**martybabe** · 8th January 2009, 10:56

Well at least we all seem to be on the same page definitely start the turn wider and later for me, a much better view of the aforementioned obligatory muppet and still have time to adjust the line if needed.

Ditto on the advert but more because of the ad nauseum repetition of 'Electronic stability control' how many times does it need to be said

and why the heck is there a great big truck coming the other way on a closed test track!