turning tips

[JonT]

so im looking for some tips on making better turns... in a sense

i love going around turns quick and feel that maybe im missing something that some one on here knows that i dont.

my question is, is there a way to make sharper turns with out dragging a knee? i dont have any like race leathers so i dont have knee pucks to actually drag a knee with out ripping my knee up as well as my pants... is there any tips there?
are there knee pucks that i can get that dont need to be on leathers?

[Doc]

You can go pretty quick around a corner without dragging knee.

[Twheat18]

We talking street or track? I take some pretty aggressive turns on the street without needing to drop a knee. Maybe you want to hit the track?

[SVRACER01]

Wirelessly posted (Instinct: Mozilla/4.1 (U; BREW 3.1.5; en-US; Teleca/Q05A/INT))

When i was riding 365 i used to wear out the toes of my shoes pretty quick.
i guess i dont quite understand the question. what do you mean by "turning quicker" because your idea of it and mine are probably different

[Jaynnus]

You can go pretty quick around a corner without dragging knee.

Is there a tip buried in there?

If you want to work on cornering, you should really consider a trackday. The most experienced racers/instructors will help you iron out all your questions and you'll have the most fun on two wheels you could even imagine.

With out seeing what you are doing, it is hard to tell you what you should be doing

[butcher bergs]

Listen to Jane.

[Paul_E_D]

Keep your knees against the tank and countersteer more firmly at the turn in point, then immediately crack the throttle open a little to settle the suspension (and raise it up a bit). You can go extremely fast with this method. No knees down. BUT, you should have good pants on if corner speed is your goal. Crashing is more likely and you wanna be ready for the belt sander.

[JonT]

Is there a tip buried in there?

If you want to work on cornering, you should really consider a trackday. The most experienced racers/instructors will help you iron out all your questions and you'll have the most fun on two wheels you could even imagine.

With out seeing what you are doing, it is hard to tell you what you should be doing

i would love to, but no leathers, hell my jacket isnt even leather. and i need to get my new tires put on.


but thats the point, i think i have reached the (or My) turning limit (on a road) as far as speed and angle goes. i do go quick around the turn and if i had the balls, i could even touch the ground with my hand.

[Jaynnus]

Then start saving your pennies.....

The track will be the safest place for you to push the limits, especially if you feel like you are reaching your limit on the street but have the desire to improve/go faster.

There are places where you can rent leathers for a trackday. Hell people 'round here might even help you out with transport to the track and help prepping the bike...all you have to do is ask.

[JonT]

Then start saving your pennies.....

The track will be the safest place for you to push the limits, especially if you feel like you are reaching your limit on the street but have the desire to improve/go faster.

There are places where you can rent leathers for a trackday. Hell people 'round here might even help you out with transport to the track and help prepping the bike...all you have to do is ask.

if i knew i could definately make it to one i would ask. other than that, im a full time student, make minimum wage and a parent. haha i dont even have pennies.

[Cheese]

my question is, is there a way to make sharper turns with out dragging a knee?

If I understand your question the answer is, "Yes, but the lean angles will be increasingly more dangerous especially on the street."

The limiting factor in turn radius is typically traction. Once traction is compromised you're on the ground and counting on luck to offer you a second chance.

[Paul_E_D]

In that case, just take 'er easy out there.

[butcher bergs]

Time to make some pennies and get yourself to a closed course event.

Pushing your limits on the street is eventually going to land you somewhere undesireable.

[DucDave]

you can start by dropping your shoulder, and getting your head out over the mirror. You can slide you ass a couple inches too. Forget about dragging a knee...it's a result, not a goal.

I won't bother repeating the advice about the track...

[HIGHONSTRESS]

turning quicker? easy.. turn the bars faster!

Seriously though just if your getting that low when you ride just lift up your knee so it doesn't hit.

[Ken C]

You owe it to your kid and your wallet to slow down on the street and do your knee dragging on the racetrack.

But, to answer your question, it could be a number of things including, upright body position, sluggish turn-in and/or poor visual skills.

[DucDave]

Oh yeah...

...maybe you wanna buy this book and CD!

Riding in the Zone by Ken C

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.508 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Ditto to last 2 posts.

[RyanNicholson]

its entirely possible to go as fast as you want without touching your knee to the ground, its a guide for feel not a balancing act. I've made some super hot laps without ever actually touching my knee to the ground.



That said, and without repeating any advice about riding safe on the street, taking it to the track etc. Do what Ken said and focus on body position... none of us have seen you ride (or at least I haven't) so its hard to comment specifically but getting your body slightly more off the bike will keep your bike more upright in general making safer, faster turns. Most people that feel like they've hit their limit aren't getting off the bike enough, and feel like turning any faster = more lean = pushing lean angle limits when it normally isn't the case.

[JonT]

thanks for all the tips guys!