Advise on turns/bends?

[Speedwagon]

Ok, so I'm from Chicago. We don't exactly have the same kind of roads out there, that are out here. I'm noticing now that I'm not as comfortable in some of these turns as I'd like to be on my bike. I just don't feel very confident that I know where the limit is, and how fast to safely take a bend.

Is this just something to come over time, or is there any advise to give a fresh CO rider like myself?

[txrc51fatboy]

practice, practice and practice.

check out a book called "sport riding techniques"

most importantly dont ride over your head, nothing wrong with going slow around corners, speed will come.

also hit the track, safest place to learn

[dirkterrell]

also hit the track, safest place to learn

Yep, come up to IMI (small track in Dacono; exit 232 on I-25, one exit past Hwy 7 going to Lafayette) on Saturday or Sunday and hook up with us. It's a good place to practice your technique without the concerns of the street. Lots of experienced riders there who are willing to help you. Just ask.

Dirk

[Aracheon]

Yep, come up to IMI (small track in Dacono; exit 232 on I-25, one exit past Hwy 7 going to Lafayette) on Saturday or Sunday and hook up with us. It's a good place to practice your technique without the concerns of the street. Lots of experienced riders there who are willing to help you. Just ask.

Dirk

[Slo]

First off your already in the right frame of mind, already knowing you need some "help". Don't get intimidated by a track, you won't regret it. You don't even have to go faster until you feel comfortable, go as slow as you want and we will help you out at IMI. First time I was out there, I was one of the slowest as well so no worries on how fast you are.

[Rednarb]

Slow, look, lean, roll. Delayed apex (not racing apex) for the safest line. Great stuff from Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough (and likely others as well). This book really hammers this technique in thoroughly and has made me a better rider.

[Gramps]

Another book I would suggest is

"Twist of the Wrist II"

by : Keith Code

As well as what the others have said

[QuarterMile]

I have this same issue when I ride my bike, it I developed mine as a bad habit though, I took a riders course and everything, I bought a bike off the streets it was some cheap first time bike, and the guy must have wrecked it before because the handle bars seem to be slightly off, but it effected my turning because i had to lean more on one side and less on the other.

When I got my new bike, I noticed I was kind of scared to lean more on the side that I had to lean less on before. I still have this habit and almost wrecked because of it, I been trying to brake it, but it's hard because I get very scared when trying to make a hard left turn.

I slowed down to much and I hit my brakes half way in the turn and I almost slid out, or down shifted in a turn and almost slid out. I don't understand what i can do to break the habit.

[lovinCO]

I have this same issue when I ride my bike, it I developed mine as a bad habit though, I took a riders course and everything, I bought a bike off the streets it was some cheap first time bike, and the guy must have wrecked it before because the handle bars seem to be slightly off, but it effected my turning because i had to lean more on one side and less on the other.

When I got my new bike, I noticed I was kind of scared to lean more on the side that I had to lean less on before. I still have this habit and almost wrecked because of it, I been trying to brake it, but it's hard because I get very scared when trying to make a hard left turn.

I slowed down to much and I hit my brakes half way in the turn and I almost slid out, or down shifted in a turn and almost slid out. I don't understand what i can do to break the habit.

Take it easy and go back to the basics. What about going MSF-style and riding around in a parking lot? Make a big square and just force yourself to ride around and around taking left turns. I think more seat time on a straight bike will help you feel comfortable. And finish your downshifting while you're still upright, before entering a corner. Then go ride with those guys at the track.

[Slo]

There was a parking lot the last 2 years perfect for this on Colfax, about a mile east of the mall by 470. It was a supertarget that is empty and the parking lot is huge, police always came by when we were there but never said anything to us, more likely got bored and left since we were out there all geared up and just practicing turns.

Couple state troopers had actually stopped there to eat their lunches but never any issues.

Here is one of the guys..... We had a couple of guys that had recently crashes and felt the same way you did, when leaning over, they felt like the bike would slip out just like when they crashed, but within 20 minutes, their confidence was back....

[Scer]

Make sure you swoop out wide for the turn and start entering early rather than later. It is easier to stand the bike up to finish the turn rather than to lean more to keep from going over the lines. You are going to slow down for turns anyway so make sure the rpms are up before hitting it. It allows you to engine brake as well as exit the corner at a faster rate. It just makes the turns more fluid.
Also, look ahead! You are already in the turn so looking down at your front tire will only set you up for objects very close to you. Which in many cases will be too late. Look up the road and prepare for things to come instead. Like a nice patch of sand or oncoming traffic.
These are just things I have learned but I will echo what others have said and say learn at YOUR pace. You can't buy or teach confidence, unfortunately. =P have fun!

learn on learnas

[jbnwc]

My little bro came out from Minnesota to ride with me and had the same sort of problems. I gave him this advice and he did fine.

1. Keep your eyes on the inside line(yellow line in a left bend, white line in a right bend) - That will keep you from focusing on and running into that RV/deer/cliff.
2. Your bike can lean further than you think.
3. Stay off the brakes in corners; if you think you are in too hot, refer to #2.

Thinking about these three things in the canyons will save your butt in most situations.

If you can, get to a track and practice! That will make the biggest difference in your confidence and your abilities.

[VFR]

Great advise and kudo's for looking for it. Nothing can replace the track for learning but if you can't get there remember these things plus:

Move your body around, sitting up straight in the seat will demand more lean of the bike. Sliding around in the seat will give you a better center of gravity

Prepare for the corner. Most of them have posted speed signs don't be afraid to go that speed. Practice practice practice.

Do not use unfamiliar roads to practice on. Evaluate where you plan to practice (is there sand, how much run off is there if any, what would I have to do if a car was entering my lane)

DO NOT ride above your skills to keep up. Remember the road will straighten out somewhere, play catchup then if you have to.

[ZX Rider]

There was a parking lot the last 2 years perfect for this on Colfax, about a mile east of the mall by 470. It was a supertarget that is empty and the parking lot is huge, police always came by when we were there but never said anything to us, more likely got bored and left since we were out there all geared up and just practicing turns.

Couple state troopers had actually stopped there to eat their lunches but never any issues.

Here is one of the guys..... We had a couple of guys that had recently crashes and felt the same way you did, when leaning over, they felt like the bike would slip out just like when they crashed, but within 20 minutes, their confidence was back....

That parking lot did wonders for me. I couldn't believe it.
Practice, practice, practice.
Thanks Jay !!!

[QuarterMile]

Thanks guys, I know the perfect spot for this here in the springs, im going to head that direction the next sunny day. I hope toe brake this habit I got honestly.

[Sortarican]

....

VFR made a couple great points.

Body position:
Start by just getting your inside knee and elbow pointing out and your weight will begin to follow.

Speed:
Colorado roads have a pretty standardized speed grading for curves.
If it feels good going through curves at -10 or +30 mph different than posted you can be pretty comfortable at 80% of that on a curve you're not very familiar with.
And never take an unknown curve at anything close to your fastest pace.
Especially not until you get comfortable with leaning your way out of trouble.
(Instead of instinctually braking/decelerating when you come in hot.)

Really watch your speed on downhill right handers.
Gravity is against you and going wide drifts you into oncoming traffic.
(Gotta love a nice uphill left turn, gravity and runout are much kinder.)

[Slo]

Some of it comes down to your perception of speed and angle, etc. Meaning approaching a turn, you can feel how fast your going, or coming through a blind turn, you can see and feel if you "think" you will make it or not.

Most of the time people crash when they "feel" that the turn is too tight for their speed and lean angle. Along with safe measures and thinking, you can practice lean angles in a safe environment whether it be in a parking lot or track and then your much more confident through the canyons or other turns.

Your perception will get you into trouble out there, but reality is, like someone else already said, the bike can probably do much more than you think/feel.....

[mayhem]

I have this same issue when I ride my bike, it I developed mine as a bad habit though, I took a riders course and everything, I bought a bike off the streets it was some cheap first time bike, and the guy must have wrecked it before because the handle bars seem to be slightly off, but it effected my turning because i had to lean more on one side and less on the other.

When I got my new bike, I noticed I was kind of scared to lean more on the side that I had to lean less on before. I still have this habit and almost wrecked because of it, I been trying to brake it, but it's hard because I get very scared when trying to make a hard left turn.

I slowed down to much and I hit my brakes half way in the turn and I almost slid out, or down shifted in a turn and almost slid out. I don't understand what i can do to break the habit.

to stop the downshifting rear tire slide, when you pull in the clutch to downshift, rap the throttle to bring your rpms up, then downshift. that way the motor doesnt lock up your rear wheel and engine braking will take over to slow you down....my .02

[mayhem]

Thanks guys, I know the perfect spot for this here in the springs, im going to head that direction the next sunny day. I hope toe brake this habit I got honestly.

if ur in the springs, stop by pikes perk cafe on 1616 s. 8th street and i have the perfect book for you to use, also i can help explain to you the right technique for cornering.......

[pixel 6]

That parking lot did wonders for me. I couldn't believe it.
Practice, practice, practice.
Thanks Jay !!!

Still is a great spot to learn. I went out there last week to test out my new dual caliper hand brake setup. It needs to be swept up a bit. But is probably the best practice spot for leaning in metro Denver.

- Pixel -

[clustermagnet]

All the above is +1mil

Take some canyon rides (go slow!) speed will come. Once comfy, go to the track.

IMI may not be the best place, being a 2nd gear gocart track ... Unless you absolutely cant wait for saddle time, dont go there...
PMP vs IMI is a no brainer. PMI is fun ... and you can also take Pridmore's motorcycle school when he comes

PMP you have to take a safety course with Joe as well, which is worth every moment.

And if you want to have a kick ass time, come to VIR in August with R2SL.

One thing I sincerely wish CO had was
1.) more tracks, but thats coming... hopefully
2.) an organized sportbike club with trackdays on weekends, flaggers, and ambulance... and riding groups...

if you come to R2SL, you will have all that + TPM coaches

[HOTCARCASS]

There is all the fun in the world to be had at lower speeds. Get comfortable moving your body to both sides of your bike. Do it smooth and deliberate. Work your mid range power both while accelerating and decelerating. Let your good side teach your bad side. Immitate your good side. Corner outside in and keep your eyes up.

[B_Ott]

There was a parking lot the last 2 years perfect for this on Colfax, about a mile east of the mall by 470. It was a supertarget that is empty and the parking lot is huge, police always came by when we were there but never said anything to us, more likely got bored and left since we were out there all geared up and just practicing turns.

Couple state troopers had actually stopped there to eat their lunches but never any issues.

Here is one of the guys..... We had a couple of guys that had recently crashes and felt the same way you did, when leaning over, they felt like the bike would slip out just like when they crashed, but within 20 minutes, their confidence was back....

Anyone know the cross streets of this location? I have no clue what mall by 470 except southlands but that is on smoky hill. Would love to go there and practice since I also am the same way and would like to get a feel for my bike.

[sprtbkbabe]

Charles De Mar: Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.