Beginners help with taking curves/corners

6708 Views 24 Replies 15 Participants Last post by diethornig, Feb 21, 2012

thewizard

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2011

Hey guys, i'm really new to bikes and have only been riding down my block for a few days now. Ive been experimenting with turning and taking curves and I'm still a little iffy if you know what i mean. can someone give me the real deal on turning, as i have had many friends tell me tips, but all of them seem to be different and none of them even ride a bike

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

thewizard

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 16, 2011

I will soon be taking a safety course which i am sure will teach me. but its not until the middle of February :-(

GGaskill

· #3 · Jan 17, 2011

I would look at a video called Twist of the wrist 2. It has helped me gain some infomation when I watched the film. Other than that I don't even own a bike however that is soon going to change. Oh and by the way, have you pratice on a bikecycle before because I would think that would really help you more.

CoinSlot

· #4 · Jan 17, 2011

Hit up YouTube mate. There's plenty of good clips on there. You'll want to get familiar with counter steering as quickly as possible. Here's a good clip from Twist of the Wrist:

YouTube - How to ride a Motorcycle? The importance of CounterSteering

spooph

· #5 · Jan 22, 2011

Merlin, as you embark on this new life as a rider, remember one thing: patience. Don't rush, take your time practicing, and as soon as you think you know something, expect to crash.

Practice lots of slow-speed maneuvers (counter-leaning, not counter steering) in a parking lot. Most new riders drop their bike the first time in slow-speed situations (15mph and lower), like hitting the front break while their wheel is turned... Also, until your class starts, hit up Motorcycle Safety Foundation and check out some of the resources and riders handbooks they have on there.

Then yes, as coinslot said, you will want to practice counter-steering (high speed turning), and practice the difference between the two types of steering, to know when to use which one most effectively. Understanding why they work differently is also a good idea. In fact, understanding why anything happens on your bike the way it does is always a good idea.

There is so much for you to learn, and the more you learn, the more you realize that there is always more to learn.

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Aysee

· #6 · Jan 26, 2011

All good advice. The only thing I would add is to not force it. The more you ride, the more experienced you'll become and the more confident you'll be. After a little while you'll find yourself leaning the bike over more and more without even realizing it.

mard0ck

· #7 · Mar 2, 2011

Waterless Wash

Well maybe i should get some driving lesson until now i'm still afraid driving on highways it made me nervous when some truck pass by me..but i'm exerting some efforts on my own driving on subdivision roads made it better..hopefully

fROSEn24

· #8 · May 14, 2011

i think this is the most scariest part of learning how to ride a bike i got everything else but dont know why u dont fall off the bike when u lean so hard..........can u actually go on a turn without leaning but just turning the handlebars

spooph

· #9 · May 14, 2011

If you go slow enough yes..... Read 5mph or less.... Like idling the bike around the corner.... Welcome! Post up in the new members section.

Switchbox

· #10 · May 14, 2011

Please read "Proficient Motorcycling"

Switchbox said:
Hi. I am new here, but have been riding cycles for about ten years. I have to say that I would be a DEAD MAN if not for David Hough's book... Proficient Motorcycling.

This book will teach you things that you don't even know you don't know!

It can save your life......:thumb:

I wish that I had enough money to give copies of it away. I certainly would if I could.

Keep the Shiny side up!

Switch

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Onslaught

· #11 · May 15, 2011

Switchbox said:
Keep the Shiny side up!

Rubber side down.

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fROSEn24

· #12 · May 16, 2011

ok ok i hear ya imma take this into consideration

Shady Lane

· #13 · May 17, 2011 (Edited)

all this is good information.. but to me the MOST important answer to your question about curves.. is TURN YOU HEAD..

they will teach you that in MSF, but every time i think I am heading in too hot, I just crank my head (and my bike) into the curve and the bike goes where you are looking (like throwing a baseball)

Oh, and if you are looking at the guardrail, you will go there too.. so don't do it..
Don't watch you buddy drive off into the ditch, cuz the next thing you know, you are in the same ditch with him.

Turn your head !!! (exaggerate it !! ) look thru the curve.
Have proper speed going into the curve, (no panic braking allowed!) keep it smooth, turn your head thru the curve, and when you see the exit ... HIT IT ..

lol

Shady Lane

· #14 · May 17, 2011

I use engine breaking way more than I ever touch the brakes. and never GRAB brakes at all !!

keep it smooth, control your speed approaching the curve, and rail out of it.

LESS BRAKES, MORE THROTTLE :dance:

fROSEn24

· #15 · May 18, 2011

you know this makes alot of sense to me now lol reminds me of when i tried running with my eyes closed or paying just a little attnetion to other things while driving......yep i run into it

chitor

· #16 · May 19, 2011

Shady Lane said:
all this is good information.. but to me the MOST important answer to your question about curves.. is TURN YOU HEAD..

they will teach you that in MSF, but every time i think I am heading in too hot, I just crank my head (and my bike) into the curve and the bike goes where you are looking (like throwing a baseball)

Oh, and if you are looking at the guardrail, you will go there too.. so don't do it..
Don't watch you buddy drive off into the ditch, cuz the next thing you know, you are in the same ditch with him.

Turn your head !!! (exaggerate it !! ) look thru the curve.
Have proper speed going into the curve, (no panic braking allowed!) keep it smooth, turn your head thru the curve, and when you see the exit ... HIT IT .. lol

This is really effective! I was amazed the first time that I have learned to look into the turn and not fix my eyes on something else(guardrail, rock, manhole, floor, etc.).:thumb:

wandyhee

· #17 · Sep 28, 2011

I read this article Tips for cornering on your motorcycle for guide and watch this video (which is easier to understand)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzn1GaJHZws[/youtube]

also this video for overtaking another vehicle

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwwGzNjDxW4[/youtube]

spooph

· #18 · Sep 28, 2011

Some good stuff, although maybe a little re-hashed... It's really difficult to "teach" cornering over a forum... Not saying don't try, just saying riding with someone and providing them feedback, or getting feedback on you, your bike in that situation is just light years beyond what reading and watching vids can do... This however DOES give me an idea.... Thanks for posting!

zartan

· #19 · Sep 28, 2011

Alot of people don't have anyone to ride with, so a vid series is a great idea.

wandyhee

· #20 · Sep 28, 2011

there are few more video from Devon Clinic including overtaking technique, urban ride and etc.. we just need to do some search on youtube and keep it as a guide for daily ride

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