Self diagnosing - possible?

[blazer]

I don't have a track nearby (except Road America and that is still a bit of a haul for me right now and they have only 1 or 2 motorbike track days this season), and most of my riding friends are not sport bike riders so I have only myself and my library of books & videos to help me progress.

So I was wondering, how possible is it to self-diagnose technique flaws, and if so, where do you begin?

For example, I had something happen to me the other day that has never happened before. I was making a slow (< 20mph ) left hand 90 degree turn, and without any warning or indication the front washed out a bit, and then suddenly caught traction. I didn't go down, and I think my surprise forced me to just ride it out since I was caught so off guard.

I went back to the scene of the crime, and tried to take a look at what may have happened. There were no obvious road problems, and I didn't see any stains on the ground indicating some KY substance on the road. So more than likely it was something I did that made this happen - and something I did to recover. Neither of which I can figure out.

That specific example aside, the larger question remains. Is it possible to self diagnose riding issues, or do you really need someone else to be watching that knows what they are looking at?

I know this is pretty broad but I want to try and have as many improvement tools in my pocket as possible until I can get to a CSS class later this year.

Thanks!

B-

[S1000RR ROB]

not got a lot too add but it happened to me at cadwell park on the first corner outa the pits and obviously it was cold tyres both my front and rear went at the same time and i was going very slow legs out the lot lol i looks a right prat didnt drop it tho they done the same let go then gripped again that quick...

[1000RR]

First, I'd ask if you were on the brakes in that turn. Next I'd ask if you've checked the pressure on your front tire. Those are the two things that come to mind in your particular instance since it was a relatively slow turn.

As for self diagnosing... that's really hard to say as it has a lot to do with your relative experience and knowledge of cause and affect for different types of occurrences. Some very good track riders/racers have diagnostic tools on their bikes for lean angles, acceleration, braking, etc. where they can analyze stuff via software/computer. It always helps to have another set of eyes watching because many times it "can feel" like you're doing something when you're not at all... or vise-a-versa. If you were wanting to work on body position for example, a GoPro or similar camera might be good to mount on the tail section of your bike pointing forward or from the front pointing back.

If you don't have folks to ride with you for that extra set of eyes, a track day or handful might be a good idea. There's always folks willing to help and assess - the control riders have been VERY helpful for me at our local track!

[blazer]

Thanks for the responses.

This is sort of a new area for me. I can ride the hell out of my RT or GSA (no chicken strips on either bike), but like I have said before this is my first superbike since my 916 (I don't think my SuperDuke qualifies). Its almost like I am having to relearn many of my skills, or at the least "tune" them for application on the S1K. Its the big reason I'm trying to put together a 1 or 2 day at CSS.

B-

[Used2be]

Originally Posted by blazer

Its almost like I am having to relearn many of my skills, or at the least "tune" them for application on the S1K. Its the big reason I'm trying to put together a 1 or 2 day at CSS.B-

Take a look at the STAR riding school with Jason Pridmore. They have some dates at Blackhawk Farms which might not be too far from you.

2011 Blackhawk Farms Raceway Motorcycle Events : Motorcycle Riding School - Jason Pridmore's STAR Motorcycle School

I haven't ridden Blackhawk, though from what I've seen of it it doesn't look like a S1000RR friendly track and would be mostly 2nd and 3rd gear. But you could get used to scraping pegs and turning the bike at least. And Pridmore is one of the smoothest guys to learn from.

[Fungus Amongus]

Originally Posted by S1000RR ROB

not got a lot too add but it happened to me at cadwell park on the first corner outa the pits and obviously it was cold tyres both my front and rear went at the same time and i was going very slow legs out the lot lol i looks a right prat didnt drop it tho they done the same let go then gripped again that quick...

May I translate?

Originally Posted by S1000RR ROB

I do not have much to add, but I experienced a similar situation at Cadwell Park. On the first corner after leaving the pits and on cold tires, my front and rear simultaneously lost traction. This happened while I was traveling slowly with my legs dangling like a squid. Fortunately I did not drop it. Thankfully, when the tires lost their traction, that traction was gained almost immediately.

Thank you,
Translate Bot

[bobafeets]

Lol at the translation.