I received this question from a rider having problems in turns:
Hello,
I’ve been riding for 2 seasons now. Loving it! My biggest problem that persists is turning. In most cases I am fine. I anticipate the turn, the speed of turn, and the traffic. etc.
Sometimes I find that if I think about it too much I have issues negotiating the turn in question. Worry sets in and I get shaky.
Other times I just flow through… what’s up with that?
Does anyone else experience something like that?
Related posts:
15. December 2010 at 9:14 am
I’m just wondering where you’re looking during a “shaky” turn. It could be, for whatever reason, you start concentrating on objects directly on front of you instead of scanning out into the distance.
15. December 2010 at 6:31 pm
Sounds like your “looking” at things in close proximity to where you are in your turn, that’s where you may start to feel shakey !! As the MSF says, “use an outside-inside-outside path of travel for turns” this is just a general rule, remember it’s as traffic and road conditions allow.
You may have to adjust your entry speed by slowing a little more, (Note: it’s better to slow more before entry and smoothly accelerate through and out of a turn), than to have to slow in mid turn, use the above path of travel whenever possable and keep not only your eyes looking to where you “Have/want” to go but turn your head in the same direction you “Have/want” to go. It’s ok to scan with your eyes for potential hazards in the turn but keep the head up and turned for the exit, it will also help keep the turn smooth.
If you havn’t done so already I suggest you look into a MSF-USA.ORG Basic Rider Course or their Experienced Rider Course in your area. The information you can garner from one will be priceless !! Also particapting in a track day event, (Not a Racing !! big difference), will help with cornering.
Ride safe-Ride often
16. December 2010 at 4:14 am
Look where you want to go and particularly at the ‘apex’.
Looking at the apex tells you how tight or open the bend will be so you can judge your speed going in.
Dave is right saying ‘slow in and accelerate out’. Judging the bend by the apex, enter at the correct speed, watch the apex, keep your head up and smoothly accelerate out. Imagine you are on tramlines; see the line in your minds eye and ride the line.
Good luck and ride safe.
16. December 2010 at 7:46 pm
How about simply not worrying about it so much and just do it? Sometimes thinking about it at length allows our brains to get all jumpy and we lose confidence.
If I were you, I’d try some turns in a deserted parking lot and maybe take a MSF course, either as a new course or as a refresher. Practice, practice, practice.
Just my humble opinion.
18. December 2010 at 2:39 am
I’m going with what Chris F said. If you try and consciously think about too many things it will become just like target fixation and you won’t be able to concentrate properly on what is really important.
20. December 2010 at 12:25 pm
Ditto to all of the above. On top of that, I’ll suggest reading A Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code and even better, watching A Twist of the Wrist II DVD by Keith Code.
I had the same problem you do – confident at times, but not so much at other times. Watching the video helped me SEE and understand motorcycle dynamics and how, for instance, accelerating through a turn actually helps the bike get “seated” into the turn, but rolling off the throttle can make it go wide. It finally made sense. Of course, this is just one of MANY important points that helped me gain confidence in the twisties.
I’ll just say this…at the end of one season and 3,500 miles, I still had chicken strips on my tires. I watched the DVD that winter, and within a month of the new season the chicken strips were gone.
It would take too long to share all the tips from the book or video. They are a great resource for any motorcyclist to add to their shelf. Good luck!
30. January 2011 at 6:43 pm
All fantastic advice. I know I have two bikes (Star and Suzuki) and I often have problems with the Suzuki in turns. I can ride it one time with not problems, the next time on the very same road I have some “issues”. It could be the bike too and the way it’s set up.
31. January 2011 at 5:38 am
Good point. I had the same issue, I had a bike that needed some minor modifications before it felt comfortable. I took it to my trusted mechanic and we took the time to fit it to my shorter stature. It took a few different things, but now it feels like MY bike, not someone else’s. It’s a joy to ride it, not the effort it used to be.
Good luck with all our suggestions. I wish you well.
23. February 2011 at 1:30 pm
What are chicken strips?