My bike handling skills are rubbish
Discussion
bogie said:
The local RoSPA guys are ex Police and do the local Bikesafe courses too. The local IAM group I have seen out in formation in their matching dayglo outfits with 80% of them on BMW GS 
Im sure not all IAM group areas are like this, you just have to do your due diligence first before you choose any to join
No, I was put off my local group because they all wear power ranger leathers and ride chain drive toys.Im sure not all IAM group areas are like this, you just have to do your due diligence first before you choose any to join
I've spent a few years riding around London and ones thing for certain, it doesn't help your high(er) speed cornering. Lots of people here offering good advice from track days, IAM groups to Bike Safe. Any and all of these will help somewhat. Even though I went down the trackday route I do think if you want to get better at riding on the road, that's where you need to practice. Track days are good for demonstrating what your bike can do, but they generally dont have the hazzards, white paint, traffic, restricted views, pot holes and drain covers (to name a few) that are on the roads.
The bike safe course or one of the other providers out there like Rapid Training "cough" will get you on your way to where you want to be.
For those that have read Twist of the Wrist 2, any tips for avoiding SR1, namely getting disturbed by something mid bend and rolling off? Or worse, comfort braking? This of course then sets off, SR2, namely arms go stiff and involuntarily paralyse the steering input?
This didnt happen to me last year (5 years experience now), but has happened a few times this summer. My riding is slow enough that I just ran a little wider without incident but I'm paranoid about it happening on a right hander.
Of course the paranoia probably makes it more likely......
This didnt happen to me last year (5 years experience now), but has happened a few times this summer. My riding is slow enough that I just ran a little wider without incident but I'm paranoid about it happening on a right hander.
Of course the paranoia probably makes it more likely......
Thread update, and a few track day questions....
I did the BikeSafe course with the Hampshire police a few weeks ago, thoroughly enjoyed it. Their attitude was honest and realistic, not remotely patronising, they are bike enthusiasts who are determined to make riders safer without stifling the enjoyment (too much). Don't think I learnt much to improve my handling skills, that's not the aim, but my road positioning is much better and I'm generally more confident. So now I'm going to take my bike on track...
I'm going to Brands Indy next Tuesday with MSV, it's a novice only day and it's my first time on track. My bike is a 2006 CBR600RR, I've had it for 18 months (since passing my test) and have covered 9000 miles. I'm certainly apprehensive about using my own (and only) bike, but I'm very keen to see what it can do. Simply put, I just want to push it further than I'm comfortable doing on the road. I took the bike to my local bike shop in Winchester a few days ago for pre-track checks, this has resulted in new brake pads, a new rear tyre (nail in it) and a new chain. So the bike is ready to go.
I'm a bit concerned whether my clothing is up to the job, my kit is two-piece leathers, but it's more touring/sport than outright sport, it does have some armour and a basic back protector insert, the trousers zip onto the jacket. My boots are also more touring than sport, my gloves are probably a bit short, they don't extend very far over the wrist. Does this sound good enough for a first attempt? I'm planning to take it steadily and build up gradually.
Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
I did the BikeSafe course with the Hampshire police a few weeks ago, thoroughly enjoyed it. Their attitude was honest and realistic, not remotely patronising, they are bike enthusiasts who are determined to make riders safer without stifling the enjoyment (too much). Don't think I learnt much to improve my handling skills, that's not the aim, but my road positioning is much better and I'm generally more confident. So now I'm going to take my bike on track...
I'm going to Brands Indy next Tuesday with MSV, it's a novice only day and it's my first time on track. My bike is a 2006 CBR600RR, I've had it for 18 months (since passing my test) and have covered 9000 miles. I'm certainly apprehensive about using my own (and only) bike, but I'm very keen to see what it can do. Simply put, I just want to push it further than I'm comfortable doing on the road. I took the bike to my local bike shop in Winchester a few days ago for pre-track checks, this has resulted in new brake pads, a new rear tyre (nail in it) and a new chain. So the bike is ready to go.
I'm a bit concerned whether my clothing is up to the job, my kit is two-piece leathers, but it's more touring/sport than outright sport, it does have some armour and a basic back protector insert, the trousers zip onto the jacket. My boots are also more touring than sport, my gloves are probably a bit short, they don't extend very far over the wrist. Does this sound good enough for a first attempt? I'm planning to take it steadily and build up gradually.
Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
Dick Seaman said:
Thread update, and a few track day questions....
I did the BikeSafe course with the Hampshire police a few weeks ago, thoroughly enjoyed it. Their attitude was honest and realistic, not remotely patronising, they are bike enthusiasts who are determined to make riders safer without stifling the enjoyment (too much). Don't think I learnt much to improve my handling skills, that's not the aim, but my road positioning is much better and I'm generally more confident. So now I'm going to take my bike on track...
I'm going to Brands Indy next Tuesday with MSV, it's a novice only day and it's my first time on track. My bike is a 2006 CBR600RR, I've had it for 18 months (since passing my test) and have covered 9000 miles. I'm certainly apprehensive about using my own (and only) bike, but I'm very keen to see what it can do. Simply put, I just want to push it further than I'm comfortable doing on the road. I took the bike to my local bike shop in Winchester a few days ago for pre-track checks, this has resulted in new brake pads, a new rear tyre (nail in it) and a new chain. So the bike is ready to go.
I'm a bit concerned whether my clothing is up to the job, my kit is two-piece leathers, but it's more touring/sport than outright sport, it does have some armour and a basic back protector insert, the trousers zip onto the jacket. My boots are also more touring than sport, my gloves are probably a bit short, they don't extend very far over the wrist. Does this sound good enough for a first attempt? I'm planning to take it steadily and build up gradually.
Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
Drink lots of waterI did the BikeSafe course with the Hampshire police a few weeks ago, thoroughly enjoyed it. Their attitude was honest and realistic, not remotely patronising, they are bike enthusiasts who are determined to make riders safer without stifling the enjoyment (too much). Don't think I learnt much to improve my handling skills, that's not the aim, but my road positioning is much better and I'm generally more confident. So now I'm going to take my bike on track...
I'm going to Brands Indy next Tuesday with MSV, it's a novice only day and it's my first time on track. My bike is a 2006 CBR600RR, I've had it for 18 months (since passing my test) and have covered 9000 miles. I'm certainly apprehensive about using my own (and only) bike, but I'm very keen to see what it can do. Simply put, I just want to push it further than I'm comfortable doing on the road. I took the bike to my local bike shop in Winchester a few days ago for pre-track checks, this has resulted in new brake pads, a new rear tyre (nail in it) and a new chain. So the bike is ready to go.
I'm a bit concerned whether my clothing is up to the job, my kit is two-piece leathers, but it's more touring/sport than outright sport, it does have some armour and a basic back protector insert, the trousers zip onto the jacket. My boots are also more touring than sport, my gloves are probably a bit short, they don't extend very far over the wrist. Does this sound good enough for a first attempt? I'm planning to take it steadily and build up gradually.
Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
Get your tyre pressures right. 30F 30R is a good starting point if you're running sports tyres.
Stop for a break if you feel tired or make a mistake
If there's any coaching on offer, take it.
You have nothing to prove, so go your own pace and ignore everyone else.
Find yourelf some free track space, don't ride round in a group.
Progressively build speed.
Don't forget to breathe!
Enjoy.
Dick Seaman said:
I'm a bit concerned whether my clothing is up to the job, my kit is two-piece leathers, but it's more touring/sport than outright sport, it does have some armour and a basic back protector insert, the trousers zip onto the jacket. My boots are also more touring than sport, my gloves are probably a bit short, they don't extend very far over the wrist. Does this sound good enough for a first attempt? I'm planning to take it steadily and build up gradually.
Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
I’m booked on for the novice day with MSV at Oulton in a couple of weeks and asked the question on here regarding two piece leathers. Most people said it would be fine but someone said MSV are getting strict and checking everyone with two pieces for a full zip not just 3/4. MSV also said this when I phoned up to check. I didn’t want to risk not being allowed out so got a cheap one piece of eBay. Any other tips for a track novice much appreciated.
cbmotorsport said:
Drink lots of water
Get your tyre pressures right. 30F 30R is a good starting point if you're running sports tyres.
Stop for a break if you feel tired or make a mistake
If there's any coaching on offer, take it.
You have nothing to prove, so go your own pace and ignore everyone else.
Find yourelf some free track space, don't ride round in a group.
Progressively build speed.
Don't forget to breathe!
Enjoy.
Thanks for that.Get your tyre pressures right. 30F 30R is a good starting point if you're running sports tyres.
Stop for a break if you feel tired or make a mistake
If there's any coaching on offer, take it.
You have nothing to prove, so go your own pace and ignore everyone else.
Find yourelf some free track space, don't ride round in a group.
Progressively build speed.
Don't forget to breathe!
Enjoy.
The tyres are Metzeler Sportec M3, Honda recommended pressures are 36F 42R, is 30F 30R still going to be ok?
Any comments on how suitable this tyre is for the track?
I'll look into the coaching availability.
Rsdop said:
I’m booked on for the novice day with MSV at Oulton in a couple of weeks and asked the question on here regarding two piece leathers. Most people said it would be fine but someone said MSV are getting strict and checking everyone with two pieces for a full zip not just 3/4. MSV also said this when I phoned up to check. I didn’t want to risk not being allowed out so got a cheap one piece of eBay.
Cheers, my zip is barely 3/4 of the way round and the pieces aren't matching so the fit isn't perfect. Perhaps I'll go and look for a one piece tomorrow.First thing you need to do is chill out. Track riding is loads safer than the road and the kit you've got is just fine for a novice day.
In my many years of track days I've seen the odd spill but never has anyone not got up afterwards. Accidents usually happen at the start of a session and mainly to the billy big b
ks brigade.
So as someone earlier said, just get out there, stay cool, don't get carried away early on and build your speed slowly over the course of the day and enjoy.
In my many years of track days I've seen the odd spill but never has anyone not got up afterwards. Accidents usually happen at the start of a session and mainly to the billy big b
ks brigade.So as someone earlier said, just get out there, stay cool, don't get carried away early on and build your speed slowly over the course of the day and enjoy.
Drink plenty of water
Don't eat a lot of food
Don't get pissed the night before
Smile and have fun
Ask advice for tyre pressures from the tyre guy at the track
Keep your head up and look where you want to go
Don't panic if you think your going to run on, you will most likely have scrubbed more speed off than you would if you hadn't run on so off the brakes, tip into the corner looking where you want to go.
If you look at the grass/tyre wall/ your mates arse, that's where you'll end up.
Smile and have fun.... And take pictures.
Don't eat a lot of food
Don't get pissed the night before
Smile and have fun
Ask advice for tyre pressures from the tyre guy at the track
Keep your head up and look where you want to go
Don't panic if you think your going to run on, you will most likely have scrubbed more speed off than you would if you hadn't run on so off the brakes, tip into the corner looking where you want to go.
If you look at the grass/tyre wall/ your mates arse, that's where you'll end up.
Smile and have fun.... And take pictures.
I know most of this has been covered but just adding my recent experiences. I've just joined the IAM (through TVAM) and am really enjoying the experience. I've done three observed rides with a couple of different observers and all their observations are useful. It makes complete sense at the road legal speeds they're intended to be used with to pass the test but are absolutely relevant if you want to make more progress. If you're of the right mindset, have a desire for learning and you get a good observer it's a good thing to do.
Additionally I also went to Thruxton on Thursday with them for what they call a track skills days. It concentrates on different areas like lines, braking, use of gears and so on. I was in the novice group as I hadn't done one of the days before so it started off pretty slow, quickly get more rapid and by the end of the day I was happily banked over at speeds through church at speeds that I would have consider *well* over where I'd be comfortable at the start of the day. Highly recommended.
Bit of context, Been riding for about 20 odd years, never a natural by any stretch, used to do loads and rode through a few winters, got very lazy recently hence having a go with the IAM. I ride a 2007 fireblade.
Additionally I also went to Thruxton on Thursday with them for what they call a track skills days. It concentrates on different areas like lines, braking, use of gears and so on. I was in the novice group as I hadn't done one of the days before so it started off pretty slow, quickly get more rapid and by the end of the day I was happily banked over at speeds through church at speeds that I would have consider *well* over where I'd be comfortable at the start of the day. Highly recommended.
Bit of context, Been riding for about 20 odd years, never a natural by any stretch, used to do loads and rode through a few winters, got very lazy recently hence having a go with the IAM. I ride a 2007 fireblade.
Edited by dern on Saturday 23 June 10:15
Biker's Nemesis said:
Drink plenty of water
Don't eat a lot of food
Don't get pissed the night before
Smile and have fun
Ask advice for tyre pressures from the tyre guy at the track
Keep your head up and look where you want to go
Don't panic if you think your going to run on, you will most likely have scrubbed more speed off than you would if you hadn't run on so off the brakes, tip into the corner looking where you want to go.
If you look at the grass/tyre wall/ your mates arse, that's where you'll end up.
Smile and have fun.... And take pictures.
Road or track ... the single most important thing.Don't eat a lot of food
Don't get pissed the night before
Smile and have fun
Ask advice for tyre pressures from the tyre guy at the track
Keep your head up and look where you want to go
Don't panic if you think your going to run on, you will most likely have scrubbed more speed off than you would if you hadn't run on so off the brakes, tip into the corner looking where you want to go.
If you look at the grass/tyre wall/ your mates arse, that's where you'll end up.
Smile and have fun.... And take pictures.
black-k1 said:
Biker's Nemesis said:
look where you want to go
Road or track ... the single most important thing.Will be religiously following that advice tomorrow at Brands. Can't wait.
Well done. Enjoy your day tomorrow.Making progress.
Attended the MSV Novice Track Day at Brands Indy yesterday.
What a fantastic day. Perfect conditions, very well organised and it was just what I needed to experience what the bike can do and gain loads of confidence. The 100 mile ride home afterwards felt very comfortable, despite being knackered, just knowing what the bike is capable of, and how far within those limits I am on the road, makes a big difference.
Quite a variety of machinery and a wide range of abilities. Very friendly atmosphere though, loads of help and advice available from the MSV staff and the other riders.
There were three incidents, good reminders how easily it can all go wrong. A couple were fairly minor, riders fine (just injured pride), with superficial looking (but probably expensive) bike damage, but one was heavy, the chap smashed his bike up and his ankle too.
Thanks for all the advice on here. Harry H; you were right, I did chill out and my kit was fine. I did drink loads of water (was sweating buckets), had an instructor for one session, built up gradually, loved it! BN and black-k1; the 'look where you want to go' advice was invaluable, scariest moment came when I passed someone on the outside at Clearways, footpeg started scraping and that really shat me up, but kept focussing round the corner and it all came good.
Bitten by the bug, now to try another circuit.....
Attended the MSV Novice Track Day at Brands Indy yesterday.
What a fantastic day. Perfect conditions, very well organised and it was just what I needed to experience what the bike can do and gain loads of confidence. The 100 mile ride home afterwards felt very comfortable, despite being knackered, just knowing what the bike is capable of, and how far within those limits I am on the road, makes a big difference.
Quite a variety of machinery and a wide range of abilities. Very friendly atmosphere though, loads of help and advice available from the MSV staff and the other riders.
There were three incidents, good reminders how easily it can all go wrong. A couple were fairly minor, riders fine (just injured pride), with superficial looking (but probably expensive) bike damage, but one was heavy, the chap smashed his bike up and his ankle too.
Thanks for all the advice on here. Harry H; you were right, I did chill out and my kit was fine. I did drink loads of water (was sweating buckets), had an instructor for one session, built up gradually, loved it! BN and black-k1; the 'look where you want to go' advice was invaluable, scariest moment came when I passed someone on the outside at Clearways, footpeg started scraping and that really shat me up, but kept focussing round the corner and it all came good.
Bitten by the bug, now to try another circuit.....
dern said:
I know most of this has been covered but just adding my recent experiences. I've just joined the IAM (through TVAM) and am really enjoying the experience. I've done three observed rides with a couple of different observers and all their observations are useful. It makes complete sense at the road legal speeds they're intended to be used with to pass the test but are absolutely relevant if you want to make more progress. If you're of the right mindset, have a desire for learning and you get a good observer it's a good thing to do.
Additionally I also went to Thruxton on Thursday with them for what they call a track skills days. It concentrates on different areas like lines, braking, use of gears and so on. I was in the novice group as I hadn't done one of the days before so it started off pretty slow, quickly get more rapid and by the end of the day I was happily banked over at speeds through church at speeds that I would have consider *well* over where I'd be comfortable at the start of the day. Highly recommended.
Bit of context, Been riding for about 20 odd years, never a natural by any stretch, used to do loads and rode through a few winters, got very lazy recently hence having a go with the IAM. I ride a 2007 fireblade.
I am a member of TVAM Additionally I also went to Thruxton on Thursday with them for what they call a track skills days. It concentrates on different areas like lines, braking, use of gears and so on. I was in the novice group as I hadn't done one of the days before so it started off pretty slow, quickly get more rapid and by the end of the day I was happily banked over at speeds through church at speeds that I would have consider *well* over where I'd be comfortable at the start of the day. Highly recommended.
Bit of context, Been riding for about 20 odd years, never a natural by any stretch, used to do loads and rode through a few winters, got very lazy recently hence having a go with the IAM. I ride a 2007 fireblade.
Edited by dern on Saturday 23 June 10:15
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