Getting faster in the corners!
Discussion
OK so went out yesterday for a few hours and had a great run... One thing that shocked me is how much faster I've become in the corners than the guys I ride with. I put it down to the fact I'm more relaxed on the bike now which is great because the fun has increased massively 
I've also learned how to position myself on the bike through the corners which has all helped.
Anyway, all three of us pulled over and I could immediately tell my mates were a little bit down about the fact they couldn't keep up - think I depressed them about their own riding skills because previously we were quite evenly matched although I always felt a little faster in the corners... Anyway, I said they should lead and choose the next route which consisted of boring A roads at stupid straight line speeds where I tend to hang back a bit - I like my straight line acceleration but sometimes I feel like that all the ride is about.
They probably wont invite me out anymore
I guess this is why some people buy a bike and sell it a few months later because they just don't pass that line of the bike being a straight line missile but scary around the corners - they get frustrated and end up selling... If only they'd relax!
I've also learned how to position myself on the bike through the corners which has all helped. Anyway, all three of us pulled over and I could immediately tell my mates were a little bit down about the fact they couldn't keep up - think I depressed them about their own riding skills because previously we were quite evenly matched although I always felt a little faster in the corners... Anyway, I said they should lead and choose the next route which consisted of boring A roads at stupid straight line speeds where I tend to hang back a bit - I like my straight line acceleration but sometimes I feel like that all the ride is about.
They probably wont invite me out anymore
I guess this is why some people buy a bike and sell it a few months later because they just don't pass that line of the bike being a straight line missile but scary around the corners - they get frustrated and end up selling... If only they'd relax!
After 10 years out of the saddle I can confirm that it's taking some relearning of corner technique... added to which the Pan Euro is hardly Isle Of Man material 
Did 150 miles last night in the dark, fog, drizzle... on roads I thought I knew...
Mind you once the fog lifted, the last 30 miles of deserted dual-carriageway tucked in behind the screen with an illegal number on the speedo, scarcely any noise but the whirr of the V4....
I'll be expecting a ticket from the ANPR cameras sometime next week then...
Did 150 miles last night in the dark, fog, drizzle... on roads I thought I knew...
Mind you once the fog lifted, the last 30 miles of deserted dual-carriageway tucked in behind the screen with an illegal number on the speedo, scarcely any noise but the whirr of the V4....
I'll be expecting a ticket from the ANPR cameras sometime next week then...
Yep relax is the key, altho a dose of confidence in yourself and your tryes helps I guess. Have'nt ridden on the road for about 4 years or so now but had huge fun when my Son booked me a track day on his Gixer race bike at Snett'. Old and slow yes, thats me not the bike, still great fun tho.
First steps to becoming quicker round the twisities was to ensure my spine was parallel to the bike and also I stopped using my arms to reposition myself which kind of countered my counter steering. I now use my legs loads and keep my arms / wrists / hands relaxed. It works great!
Edited by shot2bits on Saturday 14th October 15:27
The more relaxed you are, the further ahead you look and so the longer you have to react to the stimuli presented to you - ergo, you don't scare yourself and relax further. If you get all paniced you end up looking 6" in front of your front wheel and everything happens very faster - you just end up getting even more scared!
wedg1e said:
After 10 years out of the saddle I can confirm that it's taking some relearning of corner technique... added to which the Pan Euro is hardly Isle Of Man material
Did 150 miles last night in the dark, fog, drizzle... on roads I thought I knew...
Mind you once the fog lifted, the last 30 miles of deserted dual-carriageway tucked in behind the screen with an illegal number on the speedo, scarcely any noise but the whirr of the V4....
I'll be expecting a ticket from the ANPR cameras sometime next week then...
Did 150 miles last night in the dark, fog, drizzle... on roads I thought I knew...
Mind you once the fog lifted, the last 30 miles of deserted dual-carriageway tucked in behind the screen with an illegal number on the speedo, scarcely any noise but the whirr of the V4....
I'll be expecting a ticket from the ANPR cameras sometime next week then...
I would say that to learn to corner properly you should stop posting on PH!!!
12,000 + posts is insane!?!?!??!?
Ride safely - remember bones heal/bikes dont!!!
Khushy
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