"Out of sorts"

**Brown Bear** · 13th January 2011, 18:44

I own a Nissan fairlady that's why.You thought you could catch one.

**awa355** · 13th January 2011, 18:44

Originally Posted by slofox

Since the big ride at New Year - in fact even before that come to think of it, I have been feeling "out of sorts" on the bike. Just not "there" if you know what I mean. Not really balanced, a bit tentative, just not right.

But then today, I picked the bike up from the shop after its 24k service and headed over to Raglan for a pootle and for some reason or other things sorted out. Body position settled down, weight felt planted, bike felt stable. By the time I was half way back I was ready to chase that Nissan Fairlady up the road...

I've had similar experiences with other things I have done - squash was one such. Some days you are unbeatable and other days you are useless. Same with the ballroom dancing, ('cept the off days there are always the partner's fault!

)

I often wonder why this happens. Anyone else get that?

We all have those days. I went out to Kawhia on Sunday, I couldn't connect between corners, felt like I had to stop before each corner and start again. Some days my sleeve will feel like its twisted inside the jacket, or I keep shuffling around on the seat, braking, cornering lines turn to shit.

Guess those shit days are given to us so we can appreciate the times when everything flows and you know why you ride bikes.

**Pixie** · 13th January 2011, 18:46

Originally Posted by slofox

Since the big ride at New Year - in fact even before that come to think of it, I have been feeling "out of sorts" on the bike. Just not "there" if you know what I mean. Not really balanced, a bit tentative, just not right.

I fell exactly the same way at the moment.I think it is the standard Dunlops.

**hellokitty** · 13th January 2011, 20:55

Originally Posted by mattian

When I come to a complete stop I like to balance while stopped, before I put my feet on the ground. I get it spot on frequently, but then there are some days I'm wobbling around like I need training wheels......lol. It annoys me when I dont get it quite right.

I hurt my left hip/leg the other day. I discovered this during a ride where I couldn't lift my leg up or down when stoppping.
I have been trying to rest it to extend my riding time, and have been keeping the left foot on the peg and using my right foot at the lights. I have realised that I must normally use my left leg the most for balancing as I get a little bit wobbly taking off from the right foot - makes me look like a dick, I am sure.

**joan of arc** · 13th January 2011, 21:10

Being a newbie, I figured that it was my inexperience. Some days it felt like I was getting somewhere with my riding and next I would be sheit again. Made me wonder if I was ever going to get to a good place and hang in there. So, reassuring to see that it happens to the experienced as well. Won't let it get to me.

**Smifffy** · 13th January 2011, 21:20

Sounds to me like you've been pushing it too hard, trying to justify leaving the faithful SV for the sexy Vixen.

The hawk incident, the other "crap yourself moments". You have been trying to find the limits of the vixen, and rather have been finding your own limits instead.

The Vixen owns you now. Surrender yourself to her.

Relax and ride, these bikes are good and it'll be a while before you find her limits, don't push it.

Or maybe I'm wrong.

Whatever, take it easy and ride safe, I enjoy reading what you have to post.

**Genie** · 14th January 2011, 06:49

Originally Posted by Smifffy

The Vixen owns you now. Surrender yourself to her.

That about sums it up!

**slofox** · 14th January 2011, 10:57

Originally Posted by Pixie

I fell exactly the same way at the moment.I think it is the standard Dunlops.

In my case, I reckon it's brain fade...

Originally Posted by Smifffy

Sounds to me like you've been pushing it too hard, trying to justify leaving the faithful SV for the sexy Vixen.

The hawk incident, the other "crap yourself moments". You have been trying to find the limits of the vixen, and rather have been finding your own limits instead.

The Vixen owns you now. Surrender yourself to her.

Relax and ride, these bikes are good and it'll be a while before you find her limits, don't push it.

Or maybe I'm wrong.

Whatever, take it easy and ride safe, I enjoy reading what you have to post.

My limits are way closer than the vixen's...however, I do believe there is an element of truth in what you say.

Originally Posted by Genie

That about somes it up!

Errrr...that's "sums", Genie...BDOTGNZA, led by Mr Hitcher will be after you if'n you aren't careful....

Anyway. this morning was an OK ride too although it took a while to get sorted again. I went to a particular section of road that follows a stream through a valley - not too long but twisty enough to make you think without being impossible. Course the first thing I do is go into the first corner a little hot and end up doing all the naughty things...sigh..."slow down, Rossi" I thinks to myself...

Interesting to read in "Twist of the Wrist II" that "most people improve if they practice at about 75% of their personal limit" or something like that. Which means, as Smiffy implies, that we have to walk before we run.

I reckon, for myself anyway, a lot of it comes from how I sit on the thing. Gotta get the weight down and forward for it to feel right. Sit up and it turns to shit...

**javawocky** · 14th January 2011, 15:28

Originally Posted by slofox

In my case, I reckon it's brain fade...

My limits are way closer than the vixen's...however, I do believe there is an element of truth in what you say.

Errrr...that's "sums", Genie...BDOTGNZA, led by Mr Hitcher will be after you if'n you aren't careful....

Anyway. this morning was an OK ride too although it took a while to get sorted again. I went to a particular section of road that follows a stream through a valley - not too long but twisty enough to make you think without being impossible. Course the first thing I do is go into the first corner a little hot and end up doing all the naughty things...sigh..."slow down, Rossi" I thinks to myself...

Interesting to read in "Twist of the Wrist II" that "most people improve if they practice at about 75% of their personal limit" or something like that. Which means, as Smiffy implies, that we have to walk before we run.

I reckon, for myself anyway, a lot of it comes from how I sit on the thing. Gotta get the weight down and forward for it to feel right. Sit up and it turns to shit...

Find Braking start point, move body position to before braking, brake and choose and end brake point / turn point, apply throttle lightly as soon as you can before turning, before you it the turn point start looking through the turn for the apex or product / end point, turn on the turn point as quickly as possible all the while gradually opening the throttle smoothly -- rinse and repeat for next corner! See Easy!

Point is just go back to basics and concentrate on one basic thing - like Throttle application. Even if you have learned it before, getting back to basics will build your confidence and smoothness again.

If its becoming unfun - just take a few days off, a couple days in a cage will get you enthusiastic again

**slofox** · 14th January 2011, 17:41

Originally Posted by javawocky

concentrate on one basic thing - like Throttle application.

'swhat I was doing this morning...

**davebullet** · 14th January 2011, 18:47

Yes. Some days I hop on the bike and feel like I'm having to fight it. Off balance, slow speed manoeuvering is a wobbly affair, don't lean properly with it etc...

As time goes on these days become fewer and far between, but they still happen.

It gets you worried, then sorts itself out on your next ride usually. I find if your mind is preoccupied, or your head in the wrong space (distracted, grumpy, not enough sex) these all contribute.... Now, where did I put my hamster?

**Pixie** · 15th January 2011, 07:28

Originally Posted by joan of arc

Being a newbie, I figured that it was my inexperience. Some days it felt like I was getting somewhere with my riding and next I would be sheit again. Made me wonder if I was ever going to get to a good place and hang in there. So, reassuring to see that it happens to the experienced as well. Won't let it get to me.

I have been riding for thirty five years - I still have those days