CORNERS FOR BEGINNERS!

[Davel]

Why is it that when I'm coming to a blind bend that I tend to slow down and have difficulty simply steering round the bend and away.

I seem to look at the wall approaching on the other side of the road, which I really do not want to hit and keep heading towards it!

When I convince myself that I shouldn't be looking at the wall and look up the road then I'm away again.

Is this common for new riders or am I the only one?

[Mon Ami Mate]

Target fixation exists!

Look at where you want to go, not at where you don't!!!

[hertsbiker]

try turning your head in the direction of the corner. This moves your shoulders, and helps get the bike in the correct position to get round... also, try and use good positioning on the road for max visibility. And RELAX ! tense riders fall off!

[rjo]

Mon Ami Mate said:

Target fixation exists! Look at where you want to go, not at where you don't!!!

Well done. This should be the number one rule drummed into everyone who wants to ride a motorcyle, or drive a car for that matter.

Rule 1. You go where you look.

Just look at the pictures of the racers.
Saved me quite a few times.

[Davel]

Thanks - will work on it!

Glad it's not just me, thought I was never going to get the hang of it for a moment and test due shortly.

Cheers everyone

[pesty]

Hello,

I had the exact same problem. I got over it by following two really experienced riders(and fast) all the way to wales and back.
I kept up with them easily until we got to wales then they just disapered! I was riding flat out on the straights to try and keep up and still I couldnt because of the speed I was carrying into the corners made my crap teqnique worse.
they slowed down for me and I followed their lines(positioning for me was a big part of my problem).
on the way back I was having such a good time I forgot all about it and it just sort of clicked. towards the end of the day I was thinking come on guys speed up

I learned so much in that one day it really opened my eyes I think the other replies about extra training must really pay off. I will be looking to get some as soon as time alows.

[Davel]

By jove I've cracked it!

Thanks everyone - Have a good weekend!!!!!

[Spanktrumpet]

Ive been riding for almost a year (on a GSXR750 93) and want to improve my corner taking any recommendations. (I can't afford training)and only get to ride on Sundays in the nice weather (family man like) should i be practicing on the same stretch of road or should i be changing it all the time?

[Stig]

Only one rule to follow, look at where you WANT to go NOT where you are going.

Give yourself plenty of space to SEE through the corner. For a left hander that means getting as near to the middle of the road as possible and for right handers, get over to the gutter!

If the corner is blind, don't ride a 'racing line' around a it, as you will restrict your view around the bend.

The vanishing point (the point where the left/right sides of the road meet in your view) will show you whether the corner is tightening or opening up. If the vanishing point is going away from you then the corner is opening, if it's coming towards you then it's tightening. Again, look THROUGH the corner, not at the road 5 yards in front of you.

If you're still not happy with your technique, get yourself on a Bikesafe day or try an observed ride with an IAM group.

Hope this helps!