Cornering at speed

[P.]

Hey,

I'm trying to become more confident when cornering, more leaning over/off and trying to enter corners and leave them at a decent pace.

Went for a ride today, soon realised I overstepped the line between talent and stupidity. Came in waaay too fast for a bend (Gearing commander would estimate the speed at 70-75mph.)

Is a wide corner... streetview might give a better impression. https://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=51.198662,0.522017&spn=0.00203,0.003449&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=51.198667,0.522331&panoid=XNwxsFlznS2ddJ9zvsuX5w&cbp=12,114.03,,0,20.16

Its not a corner really, just bends to the right, but everything slowed down in my head and I just leant further, but it did shit me up horrendously, that feeling when you know you are about to crash...? I got that and managed to stay on the road and carried on.

Chilled out the rest of the journey and upon coming home I came to a roundabout. Had been having no problem with ANY roundabouts on the whole journey. For some reason, either I took my mind off the road or something... video makes it look like I checked my mirror (other riders had been passing me at close range earlier) and I ended up on the grass, straight over it and back onto the main road. How I didnt fall off is beyond me... but again, shit me up.

To be honest, it could just be down to me being a crap rider, perfectly understandable really but if I'm doing something wrong when I'm cornering, its not making itself pretty obvious...

Does anyone have tips on cornering/taking bends at a relatively decent pace?

[Shaane]

Stay relaxed and just focus mate. Nobody can teach you to go faster on internet. I learnt to corner fast by practising. I admit I made a few mistakes and it dents confidence but aslong as you stay relaxed and not squeeze the bars and panic you'll be fine. Probably completely shit advice but worked for me
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EMRA Roadstock #92 - Paperwork Permitted.
Previous: 1992 DT125R
Current: ~ 2005 ZX6R C1H

[mysterious_rider]

You took that corner at 70 odd? I still need to get better at corners. I'm okay but still.

[moppy]

Im assuming you've watched Twist of the Wrist 2? Had some pretty useful tips I thought.

I'm not particularly good at fast cornering (Im a scaredy cat) but basic tips would be:
One cheek off the seat in the direction of your turn, head looking over the mirrors to the vanishing point.
No chopping on/off the throttle, keep it smooth.
Being prepared to use the back brake incase you really do need to break?

I dunno really, just things I've read, but they seem to work nicely for me.

[P.]

Its an NSL not far from me, I've always taken at 60ish... Was in a group today with some fast riders so tried to kinda set and keep with their pace... They are both relatively new riders so unsure if its me being shit or them being reckless

[Shaane]

[Sako]

the BIKE would have had no problem making that corner, and to be fair it seems a reasonably gentle sweeper that would be fine at the 70 - 75mph cruising speeds, you obviously just worried and tensed up, try not to hold the bars too tight in bends, and try to keep the tank 'nipped' between your knees, but most of all just relax! the bike will take corners much quicker than you will ever dare to!

[Mrjoolz]

if u are planning to take a corner at that sort of speed you have to commit to it totally, and enjoy it. if you think you will drift wide, then you defo will.

if u focus on the kerb u think u may end up hitting you will actually make the bike end up there.

70 into a bend is pretty fast mate, if you arent totally sure, then dont try it. U have to think, that the corner aint a problem to be able to prove yourself right.

thing I do, is go in at a speed that I can handle, even if not fast enough to crank right over, but I know its a nice corner and wanna enjoy to feeling of leaning over. Never go into a bend, that fast if u arent sure about the outcome mate.

You know you dont like righties anyway
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Previous Bikes: TZR125, KMX125, RGV250, RD350YPVS, GXSR750H, GSXR600SRAD, R1 (2000), GSXR1000 (K1), ZZR600, CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Current Bike: Suzuki GSX1300R Hyabusa.....

[P.]

Hate RH corners, I tend to lean off far less.

Might go do it tomorrow... see if I can think about going round it and try it as a LH on the way back.

Whole day I had no issues though, even scuffed through my textiles round a few nice corners in Camber... LH turns again...

[Sako]

what gear were you in Paddy? as dropping a cog might give you a bit more drive to tighten that bend in a little. give it a try tomorrow but also give a bit more push on the inner bar.

you'll be fine

[lydanial]

[P.]

[Redoko]

[T0MMY]

I would say get yourself on track
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[lihp]

Your revs should be in the powerband when riding hard, this way your power is predictable.

Being too low in the revs, can bring a lot of unexpected power in at an unexpected time.

[Sako]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

[P.]

[T0MMY]

I think you'd find your feet pretty quick on track. Some are clockwise anyway, like Rockingham and Bedford but you can't go through your whole life unable to go round right handers anyway

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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[Raffles]

[0l0dom0l0]

Yeah Paddy, get on the track.

It really makes you aware of the fact that in the novice group, the bike far out ways your capeablilites and that its all in your head.

Best tips I've ever been given:

Look through the bend
One cheek on, one cheek off
Look underneath the mirror and keep your body in line with the bike.
Lock your outside leg against the tank
Keep your arms relaxed. Should be able to take both hands off and not fall off the bike.

I practised that at low speeds, I looked like a right idiot I'm sure but its about helping your body to remember how much to move etc and you'll find a comfortable position that suits you. You'll know when you're there too.

Got anyone thats a good pace to follow?

I'll probably end up following Bishbash at Donington because he takes good smooth lines and is quicker than me through the corners. But in my head I'm thinking, if he can go through it that fast so can I!
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CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

[Dilyan]

[P.]

Well... the highlight of my day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S14Qs062R_o

The roundabout, upon re-watching, noob mistake on my part...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rbqn2fqORQ&feature=youtu.be

Ah well... live and learn.

[lydanial]

roundabout just looked like you came up a little early on the right hand bit, didnt look to have any problem with making the bend and carrying that speed.

did amuse me with the revving of the bike after you came back onto the road.

edit, on the roundabout did you briefly look down, take eye off corner at 29 seconds?

[Sako]

video seems to show you looked away/down from your exit point then ran straight onto the grass that's all that happened there - you need to keep focus on where you want to be. easy mistake. don't sweat it.