How to corner

1stGarry · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

The very best way to understand corners, is to go out with an experienced rider (or better still take the IAM / Rospa courses).

Every single corner is different, and so much must be taken into account, weather, other traffic position, potholes, diesel, your road position, the gear you're in, the speed you're travelling at, visiblilty, road markings, disappearing point, clarity of mind....the list is endless.

I've been riding for 30 years, and passed the IAM course last year. I now enjoy riding infinitely more now than I did before, but I'm still learning.

Someone mentioned adopting racing lines......don't do it on our roads....EVER! Save it for the track days. That's why biking fatalities are as high as they are.

Sorry if I sound like a preacher, but I work in the funeral trade and I've seen too many families torn apart (not to mention the bodies torn apart). Riding progressively with confidence, awareness and safety in mind, and you'll still enjoy the ride without any of the gut wrenching close shaves that we've all experienced!

End of sermon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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1stGarry

Fallen Angel · Franny the Nanny Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Karma :

1st Garry - I think people like me (new to biking) are grateful to have experienced riders give advice like this! Thumbs Up

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I have an asshole tolerance level of -10 Twisted Evil

www.cliqueyclanmcc.co.uk Mr. Green

www.bebo.com/fallenangelfran

1stGarry · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

Hey thanks FA.
I was quite expecting someone to tell me to F-off and to stop preaching!!!!!
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1stGarry

Fallen Angel · Franny the Nanny Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Karma :

Don't talk too soon - it might happen yet!! Wink

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I have an asshole tolerance level of -10 Twisted Evil

www.cliqueyclanmcc.co.uk Mr. Green

www.bebo.com/fallenangelfran

Shade_BW · I'm better than you Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

1stGarry · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Shade_BW · I'm better than you Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have no idea what offsiding is, but if i'm overtaking and the oncoming traffic is far awy, I will put a lot of distance between me and the car I am overtaking.

Some on coming cars get upset by this and flash me, but I know where I am and where my bike is going to be, I just leave room between me and the cars I am passing in case they decide to do something stupid.

Shade
Overtake safely.

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

offsiding has nothing to do with anyone else

it's basically using the whole road to improve your view of left handers and possibly get advance warning of a problem

like by being in the right hand gutter instead of at the white line on approach

as stinky says, it does upset people so best left to the experts with blue lights and siren I feel as if you get it wrong and can't get back to your own lane in time it means a head on
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187.3bhp = 201mph

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Just wanting to confirm it's still okay (won't get stopped) for using the other side of the road when safe to do so (may be different from offsiding discussion).

For example, I can take the 'pretty' way home down some twisting country lanes. I can keep straight course as the road kinks by cutting across to the other side of the road. It's good visibility so a know if there's anything coming the other way. It is cornering but not Wink

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

as long as it's not a solid white line system and you aren't speeding it shouldn't be a problem
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187.3bhp = 201mph

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

1stGarry · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

If you are going to use the full width of the road, especially on corners and twisty country lanes, ask yourself this question:

"If another vehicle came speeding round the corner, could you take evasive action?"
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1stGarry

T.C · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

billy whizz · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Just so you know i hated being on the wrong side of the road and still do! I was taught it but i dont use that system unless it gives me a safety advantage which is rare but once or twice it helped on smaller country roads. I only ever had one accident on a bend, and that was a bloody Volvo driver who decided the best place to u turn was on a blind bend!! Shocked

I was duty bound to ride into his drivers door with my beloved ZX10 Crying or Very sad

That was a left hander too!
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Here comes the summer! Smile

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

billy whizz · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Bit of a journey for me but it would have been a good way to meet some of you Smile

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Here comes the summer! Smile

Shade_BW · I'm better than you Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

I'm inthe Thames Valley, let me know.

Shade
Always learning