Which way do you lean???

[markclark57]

I've noticed other riders (in person and in pictures) techniques or body use while riding.
Some lean into turns well beyond the angle of their motorcycle. Others mirror the angle, and some lean away from the turns.
Since the "norm" of this forum is sharing info I thought that this would be a good topic.
I personally tend to just relax and push my ride through the turns. . . Unless I want to get a little aggressive or find myself in a turn that was tighter than anticipated, then its time to shift the body weight deeper into the turn and throttle up. I've been told by more than one "Sport biker" that I ride my Nomad like a Sport bike in the "Twisties". (especially after I passed them).
Any other "Hot Dog Baggers" out there???

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I normally lean into the curve but not overly so.

[Loafer]

Sport Bike Mag, once did an article on this subject. They said that what ever works for you, is right.

[BudMan]

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

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by loafer

Sport Bike Mag, once did an article on this subject. They said that what ever works for you, is right.

Really? I am a bit surprised by that. Not arguing with their statement; but I do find it interesting they didn't have an opinion when you can find a somewhat standard opinion about rider position most anywhere you look.

I took an advanced-rider course last summer (an all-day class) that was fairly specific about rider-positioning on turns -- depending on speed and angle.

To give one an idea... if you are taking turns hard and fast... just look at pictures of bike-racers... they are in the position recommended. Any other position puts the wrong pressure on the tire when it is in a turn-angle causing it to potentially slip-out from under the rider, and also puts the rider in a potentially more dangerous position if the bike slides-out in a turn.

Given Nomads and the bike I ride are not sport-bikes; I doubt too many are taking them this hard into sharp turns, but still, I would think everyone would want to position themselves the best they could to help the bike take the turn.

I would be interested in hearing what some members that have ridden competitively have to say about rider position in a turn.

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Really? I am a bit surprised by that. Not arguing with their statement; but I do find it interesting they didn't have an opinion when you can find a somewhat standard opinion about rider position most anywhere you look.

I took an advanced-rider course last summer (an all-day class) that was fairly specific about rider-positioning on turns -- depending on speed and angle.

To give one an idea... if you are taking turns hard and fast... just look at pictures of bike-racers... they are in the position recommended. Any other position puts the wrong pressure on the tire when it is in a turn-angle causing it to potentially slip-out from under the rider, and also puts the rider in a potentially more dangerous position if the bike slides-out in a turn.

Given Nomads and the bike I ride are not sport-bikes; I doubt too many are taking them this hard into sharp turns, but still, I would think everyone would want to position themselves the best they could to help the bike take the turn.

I would be interested in hearing what some members that have ridden competitively have to say about rider position in a turn.

It's been a few years since the article was written, and I don't remember who wrote it or when it was written. But there concensus was that by holding on to the handle bars, sitting in the seat with feet on the pegs, your body weight is in position. The AVERAGE rider needn't hang his weight off the bike on the inside of a curve. And by being in the riding position the centrifical force will take you thru the turn. They said that some sit upright and lean the bike, while some lean inside with the bike. But that whatever worked for the average rider was OK. They also noted that most un-educated average riders didn't know they were counter steering. Let alone know what the term meant. I wish my memory were better or that I had saved the article, because it was interesting.
As far as racing position, I not sure, but, wasn't it Kenny Roberts who started riding, hanging off the bike in corners? And then soon afterward everyone else was doing the same? If I'm right, that would mean a lot of racers over the years before then, didn't apply the hanging off style.

[glwilson]

Not sure who started the current-style of riding; but then again pole-vaulting and gymnastics both have advanced to new levels based on individuals that found a better-way to do something that had be done the same for decades. Neither of those two sports will return to the old-way.

Also, not so sure the "old-racers" were pushing their bikes to the limits they are today. I am sure if the old-way worked, you would see more still doing it. Just saying...

The article is probably correct when addressing the average-rider in that they are likely best to just sit-still and hang-on to the handle-bars. (Reminds me a bit of my dad saying... just sit there, hang-on and shut-up! )

Here is a link to a site that discusses in detail about many aspects of controlling a motorcycle -- to include cornering.

http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by glwilson

http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/

That's the great link, Greg. Thanks for posting. ;)

[markclark57]

LOL, most of the riders in the link were shadowing (or nearly so) the angle of their ride. Except for the goofball in the last photo "the pro" had his body so far off center that his outside (right) foot was off peg. Any advantage that was (or might be) gained by over leaning was lost by opposite (out of turn) head position.
IF you pay attention to position, You'll notice that your head is the highest and easiest to control 10-15 pounds (head, helmet, etc) on the bike.

[glwilson]

All of the photos involved slower cornering where exagerrated lean wasn't the point.

The attached picture shows two bikes in a turn. Note the top rider is not leaning out and away from his bike; while the other is nearly off the bike.

However, what you should note is that the lean of the actual motorcycle in the top picture is leaned-over more than the bike in the bottom pic.

The bike's position in the bottom pic will have more traction in the corner and will allow for a faster-speed in the corner.

These pics are about the only way I can describe what I was taught. I realize no one is going to lean out and away from their Nomad as these guys, but it does illustrate the point.

[glwilson]

Better pic to show what I mean.

[cactusjack]

Politically, I lean to the right.

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Politically, I lean to the right.

Just like UPS drivers, they never turn left.

[Cajunrider]

;)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by loafer

Just like UPS drivers, they never turn left.

3 rights = 1 left