What is this "vanishing point" nonsense?

[Ixion]

I reckon the easiest way is to assume the 'vanishing point' is the point that you're going to vanish into the ditch. If the ditch is looking increasing more likely, you need to wind on some lean. If the ditch look less probable as you go round, you can rack on some gauntlet.

[Bonez]

I'm having differculty finding all these "!" that are sign posted letolone a point that vanishes. Could they be one and the same thing?

[Ixion]

I'm having differculty finding all these "!" that are sign posted letolone a point that vanishes. Could they be one and the same thing?

have you looked in the ditch ?

[Bonez]

have you looked in the ditch ?

A few times but still couldn't find any. Tis a quandry....

[Tony W]

I reckon the easiest way is to assume the 'vanishing point' is the point that you're going to vanish into the ditch. If the ditch is looking increasing more likely, you need to wind on some lean. If the ditch look less probable as you go round, you can rack on some gauntlet.

I think CRISIS could have done with this explanation in his DR days !!

[Tony W]

Oh, we'd never crucify you. Poke a little fun maybe...
Sorry my explanation wasn't clear enough....
Try this...
Imagine you are standing in the middle of a railway track. The rails continue in a straight line into the far distance. Things further away appear smaller, as does the gap between the left and right rail. At the point where perspective makes those rails appear to come to a point - that is the VP. Now, you start moving forward. The VP will stay the same distance ahead. Right?
Now imagine the railway track curves. As you approach the curve, the VP appears to get closer to you. Because the curve in the rails gives the impression that the 2 rails come to a point closer than they did when straight.
At speed X that 'new' VP remains a constant Y metres in front of you, whilst still curving. That speed is what I call the natural speed for that corner. If the VP gets closer to you whilst still in the corner, you have either sped up or the corner is getting tighter. Slow down, and the VP will appear to move further away from you. Or if speed hasn't changed, and the VP is getting further away, then the corner is now straightening out.

Some explanation in a different way.

But really, if you've been riding for 37 years and haven't killed yourself yet, you must be doing it right (at least for you) so why try learning something new to you? Maybe, like a lot of us long timers, you use these sort of skills without consciously being aware of it?

But surely, even if you walk to a corner, the VP will get closer to you.
The only way a Vp will stay a constant DISTANCE in a corner, is either you travel in a constant radius, or come to a complete stop.

[Crisis management]

I think CRISIS could have done with this explanation in his DR days !!

Watch it, edgumication can be dangerous....I was looking at the scenery that time (or was it the time before that?)

Sully, thanks for the movie reminder, I knew it was a 440 magnum motor but couldn't remember if it was the Challenger or Charger. Tony, you should watch the movie, it's a great visual aid in understanding the theory behind (or in front of) a vanishing point.


PS when you work it out can you explain it to me?

[Tony W]

Watch it, edgumication can be dangerous....I was looking at the scenery that time (or was it the time before that?)

Sully, thanks for the movie reminder, I knew it was a 440 magnum motor but couldn't remember if it was the Challenger or Charger. Tony, you should watch the movie, it's a great visual aid in understanding the theory behind (or in front of) a vanishing point.


PS when you work it out can you explain it to me?

Hey ! I like bulldozers...

Just remember, I'm older than you, even if I do look 10 years younger...

[Crisis management]

either you travel in a constant radius, or come to a complete stop.

This, I think, is the answer (I am actually being serious)

Hey ! I like bulldozers...

Just remember, I'm older than you, even if I do look 10 years younger...

Oh God, I thought no one had noticed, I'll have to change to soy lattes and start that rejuvenating skin cream therapy.....maybe it's just the dust and the reflection off my bald pate?

[Tony W]

This, I think, is the answer (I am actually being serious)



Oh God, I thought no one had noticed, I'll have to change to soy lattes and start that rejuvenating skin cream therapy.....maybe it's just the dust and the reflection off my bald pate?

Actually, I get younger riding the DR-Z400.
Wanna swap..?

[Skyryder]

Well it was a bloody good movie.


Skyyrder

[P n G]

You do realise that that doesn't work on Harleys, though, right?

wrong, counter steering works just the same on harleys

[Squiggles]

But surely, even if you walk to a corner, the VP will get closer to you.
The only way a Vp will stay a constant DISTANCE in a corner, is either you travel in a constant radius, or come to a complete stop.

Or change your speed/positioning as the corner changes radius

[Tony W]

Or change your speed/positioning as the corner changes radius

One's speed cannot physically change the radius of a corner.

[smoky]

I suspect that you have been riding for a few years, and , like me, you use it without all the complex analytical stuff that people go on about.
....one subconsciously notes some "vanishing point". But it is all automatic. ..... One just automatically winds on more lean or more throttle.

Over analysis, IMHO.

Couldn't agree more - I can identify VP, but found I already register it and make the appropriate adjustments without going thru the thought process.
But understanding it can help some newer riders I guess.