Why don't they tell you these things??

[jambo13]

Hello Everyone, my first post so be gentle

I passed my test last year after doing DAS but have only just got around to getting my first bike last week, a GSX750F which now after a few days of riding is an absolute hoot

One thing I struggled with initially though when riding it back was going around corners. I just couldn't get the blooming thing around very well going at any kind of speed.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, speaking to my mate who's very experienced he asked me the question 'You are steering the opposite way your wanting to turn, aren't you?' to which my reply was 'huh?'.

It was a bit of an epiphany after trying it the other night and I'm already feeling far more confident round the corners now. Thing is, I don't ever remember getting taught this kind of thing on my DAS course.

Anyone else had any such tips about riding after just starting off on the bike? I'm trying to get as much practice in now as possible to build up confidence but any tips / tricks would be great (I already read the j27 post, great articles btw )

[.....]

A book you might like is A Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code

It is very good at explaining how to improve your riding technique and explains why your bike behaves like it does. It's a bit pricey though but I think worth it. I had to order mine and got it for £18.50 from Ottakars. Might be able to find it cheaper somewhere though

[jambo13]

Thanks Joe,

Just having read the reader reviews I reckon I'm definatly going to get it, and I've just found the paperback version on Amazon that only costs £9.41, sweet

I'll let you all know how I get on

[Kye]

Does anyone have a downloadable copy of the accompanying video to that book? I have the book, and the video is meant to be worth having too
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Ducati 600SS
Vespa PX125

[Mr.Everready]

You don't get taught counter steering while learning because you do it naturally already. The best way to show it is when your going along a staight (quiet) piece of road at a steady speed push your right bar away from you to point the wheel left. You will go right.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[MinhDinh]

hmm i keep reading about counter sterring, but never really do it. i turn the wheel where i want to go and i feel that it does do it. am i doing anything wrong because i still havent really attempted or noticed counter steering. i do find cornering diffcult so i just sorta brake and put the clutch in. i've started to lean now, which is helping quite abit.

if i try to counter steer is there a risk i might drop or not counter steer and go the opposite direction? i don't wanna wreck my bike (even thoigh it's only a rs125).
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Hit the G spot.

[Mr.Everready]

You will be doing it, its natural.
Try what I said in my other post.

And DO NOT coast round corners with the clutch in.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[mchaggis]

If you're finding cornering difficult, pulling in the clutch will only make it worse, as you'll run wide. Force yourself to only use the clutch for gear shifts, slow control and when sat still. Make sure that you're in the right gear and keep a steady throttle through the corner, accelerating once you can see the exit. Have a look for the vanishing point technique.

As for what the right gear is, that's something you learn with practise. If you're in the wrong gear, you're either throttling right off and there's bugger all engine braking or power (a bit similar to pulling the clutch in on a corner), or you're reving the engine hard and it's running out of puff so won't accelerate any more. The gear between those two is the right one.
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I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[alliamc]