OK - I can Take It

[blazer]

As I have said several times before, I don't have easy access to a track or coaching. I am relatively self taught - trying to apply what I have learned through books, videos and riding with some friends who are better than me. I am trying to put together a trip to CSS later this year.

That said, here are a couple of pics from this past week at The Dragon. I would really appreciate any instruction, points to consider, criticisms, appropriate name calling, etc.

That said, I already know I am a complete idiot d-bag for getting on the center line.

PhotoReflect - Powerhead Productions - killboy.com

Thanks!

B-

[1000RR]

I didn't study too close, but in general, I'd say you could get your body off to the inside more. You probably felt like you were off the bike more than you really were... at least that's been my experience when I was just getting my body off. You can practice in your garage. In essence ~1/2 your butt will be off the seat to the inside of the turn, your head would be hovering over your hand, your foot and knee pointed through the turn... and this will result in your hips opening up to the turn. If you don't point your foot and then knee into the turn, your hips will not be able to open up and they will actually end up pointing back towards the tank... and your head will also likely be closer to the center-line of the bike. So w/the bike on a stand (but still be careful it doesn't tip), get 1/2 your asss off the seat, point your foot towards the exit of your imaginary turn, point your knee in the same direction, ensure your hips are open to the turn (not pointing straight or towards the tank) and get your head over by your hand (or mirror). Dropping your elbow to the inside of the turn will also help get you head down and over.

Hopefully that makes sense. Also - relax!

[chipset]

A big observation on the first picture.. get off the yellow line, especially on the Dragon. If you've spent any time at killboy.com photos - The Original Photographer from Hwy US129 Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, you can understand the comment.

Use the entire road/lane, that's why it is there.

Based upon the photos, I am thinking you turn in too early. We've all done it. CSS level 1 should assist in that.

The body position notes above are good, so listen and practice.

[1000RR]

Great video on Body Position... here ya go:

[RIQUE]

From some of the pics 1-5 I notice that on some turns you tend to hold on the bars
and move your but outwards. This leads to a twisted riding position. Crossing the yellow lines....not good dude. Nice riding gear.

[blazer]

Thanks for all the replies.

I fully admit to complete idiocy in crossing the centerline. I think it came from just being plain old scared around some of those blind corners and coming off the gas abruptly and tightening the radius. Bonehead n00b move.

I wish I had some pics from the Cherahalla. Those long, fast sweepers were a different story. I held my line and things didn't seem to be happening so fast.

And it is totally true that I "felt" like I was hanging off so much that I made Freddie Spencer look like a rookie.

On the bright side, I did accomplish some good things that I am going to keep refining. I am very much a kinesthetic learner, and once I have a tactile que for something, I can usually begin to repeat it. In this case, I found that if I rested my outside arm on the tank, my upper body relaxed. I had to keep reminding myself to do it, but when I did there was a noticeable improvement. I also got the "feeling" of using the whole tire - there are no chicken strips on the rear, and maybe about 1/2" on the front, and they are scuffed up pretty good from edge to edge.

Jeez, I really need to get to a track and get soem professional help!

Thanks again!

B-

[1000RR]

This part may surprise you (only a little though)... if you do what that video says (above), you will likely be left w/some chicken strips (Unless you're really aggressive on the streets) During my street rides, I get off the bike just like I was at the track... except I'm not going anywhere near as aggressive. The result is less lean angle on the bike which results in about 3/8" of unused tread on the rear... which in essence gives me a safety net on the street in case shitt get's tight and I need to put her in a little harder.

[blazer]

I can see that being the case. More off the bike, the less angle needed, more strip width.

The video was pretty informative, and watching someone walk through it while being able to articulate what they were doing and why was great.

Thanks!

B-

[dazoo]

Regarding body position, the best thing I was told was to lead with your shoulder. Push your shoulder out in the direction you want to go, along with your head. Your butt is on a sliding axis which is at 90deg to the centre of the bike, you can only move side-side, ie don't wrap yourself round the bike.

I would back off if I were you. Going in too hot, grabbing brakes, crossing lines - you won't learn anything. Do the same bit of road, concentrate on where you are going and build your speed up. Once you get your lines right pick up pace. You will build much more confidence that way rather than trying too hard and scaring yourself.

Having said all that - I never hang off much on the road. There are too many unknowns and if I have my knee on the deck, I am too committed to change anything. You come round one of those corners and there is someone sprawled on the road and you are hanging off like a monkey, it is going to be ugly.

The ultimate skill is to make it look effortless. Build up slowly, keep it smooth and it'll all come together!

[lightcycle]

Maybe I'm old but I'm +1 on this:

Originally Posted by dazoo

I never hang off much on the road. There are too many unknowns and if I have my knee on the deck, I am too committed to change anything.

On the track, I'm working on:

- tits to the tank, butt against the back of the seat
- kiss the inside mirror (or where it should be)
- lock the outside heel on the peg, inside toe right up on the peg (going through too many toe-sliders)
- all the weight on the outside thigh and outside forearm
- bend the inside elbow as much as possible
- tucking in my inside knee closer to the bike. My lean angle sucks because I stop leaning when I start dragging knee, which is way too early