Which way do you lean???

[markclark57]

BD,
Is that a pink strip on your CT???

[MarkG]

I think it all depends on how you were taught to lean and what types of motorcycles you have ridden. A small street bike vs. sport bike vs. a cruiser all have a little different riding style. For the most part I go with the lean angle of the bike and try to balance the centrifugal force. Not leaning far enough feels like you are being pushed to the outside of the turn. Something I experienced when I test drove a Can-am at AZ bike week. Leaning too far over usually takes a lot of effort to get back in a riding position after the turn. Trying to muscle the Nomad fully loaded is tiring. I do my best to stay centered in the seat and let the bike do the work.

That said, when I got caught on an unmarked corner going way too fast I did not even have the chance to move my body position. All I had time to do was 'look where I wanted to go' and kept telling myself not to look forward. I leaned the bike all the way down the boards without a second thought.

The basic consensus seems to be whatever style used, practice it to become proficient.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by BudMan

I guess I mirror the bike.
Never really thought about it, just turned.

Like Mike Hailwood. :)

[ponch]

Originally Posted by billmac

I rode/supervised motors in Fort Worth for about 20 years. Got lost for 5 yrs in other places such as Detective Sgt, Patrol Lt., IAD etc. Retired now..

You should give seminars on such riding techniques. May be at a Rally?

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

That ain't all they got !!!!

You make me think of the movie "The Color Purple".

I'll give you one guess why and give you a hint: Too much bling

Nah, they like Barney.

[billmac]

Originally Posted by ponch

You should give seminars on such riding techniques. May be at a Rally?

I have been retired for years, and what your proposing Ponch, sounds like work and unfortunately in this world we live in, it would also incur liability. Thanks for the honor, but no thanks.

I will admit to my friends, I make mistakes all the time. I get lazy or want to push it a little too. In training, the emergency was created by the instructor or position of the traffic cones. I was taught some riding skills to use in case of an emergency. (Unfortunately, I sometimes cause the emergency). Our training focused on throttle, clutch, brake control, and rider postion. We judged our training on our accident record and performance at police motorcycle rodeos. We were proud of both.

To me, the most important skills for most riders are not what I mentioned above, but knowing stuff. Like how to control your urge to push your riding limits. Knowing what to look for; i.e. I mentioned the wheels of the other vehicle giving you clues. Also the speed of the other vehicle often signals a turn or confused driver. When you feel uneasy, slow down and cover the brakes. Eye contact with the other driver.

Or how about driving at night? Avoid it, many drivers are impaired. The motorcycle headlight either doesnt light the road at highway speed, or blinds the oncoming drivers. At night it is hard to see a/c condensation at intersections or tire chunks on the freeway.

The list is lengthy and I don't like long posts. It looks like the author thinks he is an expert or knows it all. I can assure you I am not, and I don't!! I am just mentioning some stuff I picked up from someone else and that it was worth something. I hope I have helped someone else with this long post.

For you Ponch, don't try this, but I will say that I have seen cops in training, turn the handlebars all the way to the stop, and slowly and gently ride in a circle three times without remove the bars from the stop. (No touching the ground with their feet druing the three circles) I bet they must have excellent control of the throttle, brakes, clutch, and proper slow speed rider position. I will also say that those cops fall, get hurt, and tear up their bikes learning and practicing their skills. I like my Nomad without all the dents and scratches.

I have had my share of wrecks too. I hope I haven't jinx myself talking about this stuff. ;)

[ponch]

Originally Posted by billmac

I have been retired for years, and what your proposing Ponch, sounds like work and unfortunately in this world we live in, it would also incur liability. Thanks for the honor, but no thanks.

I will admit to my friends, I make mistakes all the time. I get lazy or want to push it a little too. In training, the emergency was created by the instructor or position of the traffic cones. I was taught some riding skills to use in case of an emergency. (Unfortunately, I sometimes cause the emergency). Our training focused on throttle, clutch, brake control, and rider postion. We judged our training on our accident record and performance at police motorcycle rodeos. We were proud of both.

To me, the most important skills for most riders are not what I mentioned above, but knowing stuff. Like how to control your urge to push your riding limits. Knowing what to look for; i.e. I mentioned the wheels of the other vehicle giving you clues. Also the speed of the other vehicle often signals a turn or confused driver. When you feel uneasy, slow down and cover the brakes. Eye contact with the other driver.

Or how about driving at night? Avoid it, many drivers are impaired. The motorcycle headlight either doesnt light the road at highway speed, or blinds the oncoming drivers. At night it is hard to see a/c condensation at intersections or tire chunks on the freeway.

The list is lengthy and I don't like long posts. It looks like the author thinks he is an expert or knows it all. I can assure you I am not, and I don't!! I am just mentioning some stuff I picked up from someone else and that it was worth something. I hope I have helped someone else with this long post.

For you Ponch, don't try this, but I will say that I have seen cops in training, turn the handlebars all the way to the stop, and slowly and gently ride in a circle three times without remove the bars from the stop. (No touching the ground with their feet druing the three circles) I bet they must have excellent control of the throttle, brakes, clutch, and proper slow speed rider position. I will also say that those cops fall, get hurt, and tear up their bikes learning and practicing their skills. I like my Nomad without all the dents and scratches.

I have had my share of wrecks too. I hope I haven't jinx myself talking about this stuff. ;)

Well, at least be a resource for those with questions. Some day I'd like to take ride like a pro or some other course like that.

[vulcanguy]

Or 1 wrong = 0 left :)

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by vulcanguy

Or 1 wrong = 0 left :)

I thought that was 3 strikes???

[jims]

glwilson's photo [ lean angle.jpg ] says it all. However both riders are leaning the same with their bike and adjusting their upper bodies in relation to speed, weight, tire condition, nerve, whatever.
Each bike's turning process follows the same rule - at a stop and at 1 - 3 mph, turning your handlebar steers the bike - at speeds roughly 5 mph steering is accomplished with the turning of the bars and leaning - at 10 mph +/- you need to lean in the direction you want to turn (countersteering). If you are on a Nomad you can't get around the block without doing this, you may not know it but you are doing it. If you take the bike thru a "keyhole" route clockwise you have to lean the bike way to the left but you must 'counter' the lean by leaning your upper body seriously to the right or you won't make the turn. Watch this video real close for the nuances of the lean

[Loafer]

That sure is some fine riding.

[jims]

I guess we'd all be a little better with that fleet of practice bikes to use.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by jims

glwilson's photo [ lean angle.jpg ] says it all. However both riders are leaning the same with their bike and adjusting their upper bodies in relation to speed, weight, tire condition, nerve, whatever.
Each bike's turning process follows the same rule - at a stop and at 1 - 3 mph, turning your handlebar steers the bike - at speeds roughly 5 mph steering is accomplished with the turning of the bars and leaning - at 10 mph +/- you need to lean in the direction you want to turn (countersteering). If you are on a Nomad you can't get around the block without doing this, you may not know it but you are doing it. If you take the bike thru a "keyhole" route clockwise you have to lean the bike way to the left but you must 'counter' the lean by leaning your upper body seriously to the right or you won't make the turn. Watch this video real close for the nuances of the lean

Awesome Video . . . WOW