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Rookie Mistake Need Feedback
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October 20, 2008 at 11:02 pm #2278RobMParticipant
Hey all. Need some feedback to check my skill development. Went out for a short ride on my new to me Ninja 250 this weekend. On the way home, I was going about ~50 mph down one of the main roads (divided 4 lane) into my area and needed to slow down to make a 90-deg right hand turn into a residual road in my neighborhood. This turn is a little shaky because of a slight curve and hill about 200 yards prior that can block the view of the following traffic. Even in my car I sometimes wait until the last second to slow down (although I turn my blinker on well before the turn) because of all the following traffic. Even with this people will be right on my tail as I make the turn. Well on Saturday when doing this turn, I started the slow down by rolling off the throttle and then applying the front and rear brake and pulled in the clutch and started downshifting. As I approached the turn, I released the clutch and had downshifted too much and engine braking kicked in hard. I caught it and was able to salvage the turn. The road surface was good and I never lost traction. Scared the you know what out of me.
In analyzing what went wrong, I’ve come up with several things to think about. First, one thing I might try is downshifting one gear at a time, releasing the clutch to ensure that rolling speed and engine speed are well matched. Another thing to try is to not downshift too much, but just lug through the turn. For me, this turn is hard to apply the cornering rules of slow, look, lean, and roll because of the circumstances of traffic flow and the turn is sort of blind (bushes and fence). I’m really uncomfortable using an outside-inside-outside line to enter the turn because of the traffic flow and entering the turn from the bike lane requires too slow a speed.
Any feedback would be great.
October 20, 2008 at 11:22 pm #14089MunchParticipantYesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h
October 20, 2008 at 11:25 pm #14090megaspazParticipantum… i know you’re worried about getting ass packed, but if you’re having trouble doing the corner properly, it means you’re going too fast, flow of traffic not withstanding. You do not let a tailgating car dictate how you take a turn. Ideally, if the other vehicle’s been tailgating you before the turn for a while, you’d pull over and let him on through. Or do your turn at your own pace and let the tailgater by when safe. Take uphills slower. you can’t see above the hill. you have no idea what awaits you above the hill.
On the question of downshifting, unless you have a slipper clutch, downshift one gear at a time rev matching each down shift. Sounds like you were upright though, downshifting a couple gears is no big deal. yeah, the engine braking is pretty jarring (i actually like the feel). if you were starting to lean or leaning in a turn when you did that, i can tell you the rear wheel slippage will pucker your ass tighter than what you experienced.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…October 20, 2008 at 11:33 pm #14091DaggerParticipantWell my first thought is the traffic flow.. You seem to be very concerned with slowing down in fast moving traffic.. If you need to slow for the turn, fuck the people behind you.. They can slow down to match your speed or switch lanes… I won’t say “No one” but most drivers are not going to run you over when you slow down to take a turn.. The worst thing you can do is feel rushed by cars behind you and take a turn too fast just so you don’t inconvenience someone else.. Don’t let them control your riding that way.. Do what’s safe and what you feel comfortable with and let them make adjustments to you.. I know the few times I’ve made stupid mistakes was when I allowed myself to feel pressured to get out of the way fast when I should have just done the right thing for me..
As for down shifting.. I know for me it varies.. If I know I’m going to need throttle I will usually down shift a gear at a time… But if I’m coming to a complete stop at a light I’ll just down shift all the way to first…
Dagger
I just want to make it out of this life alive…
October 20, 2008 at 11:55 pm #14096dcJohnParticipantIt wasn’t all bad. At least you separated braking and downshifting from initiating your turn. Things would have been a lot hairier if you’d had that same sudden downshift mid-turn.
October 21, 2008 at 12:01 am #14098RobMParticipantAll good suggestions. I’d say that yes you guys are right on, disturbing the flow of traffic and getting run over is making me feel pressured and rushed to get out of the way. I guess I just need to let go of those thoughts and just do my own thing and let the other drivers deal their issues. Also, I hadn’t thought of an alternate route. I know of one that’s a little longer, but much safer on a bike. I will try that one next time. Thanks…
October 21, 2008 at 12:04 am #14100RobMParticipantThat thought did play in my mind afterwards..
October 21, 2008 at 12:05 am #14102megaspazParticipantRemember, blowing right hand turns usually means you possibly going 1 on 1 with an oncoming vehicle. Take all turns at your comfort level.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…October 21, 2008 at 12:14 am #14103RobMParticipantI’ve also come to that realization and the fact that I suck at right hand turns makes it more nerve racking. Just need more practice…Push right – go right..
October 21, 2008 at 12:37 am #14106fotobitsParticipantand practice downshifting. Go down one gear at a time, matching revs as you go, and practice until you can do so without upsetting the bike. The only clues you should have are the engine speed rising and the bike slowing slightly. Think smoooooth.
While you are there, practice right turns. Take it easy and work on your technique. Again, practice being smooth. Slowly increase your speed until you can keep a good speed in the turns and feel confident doing so.
Oh yeah, and sign up for professional instruction.
October 21, 2008 at 3:30 pm #14133RobMParticipantGood suggestion.. I do need more practice time. I hadn’t thought about downshifting practice. That’s a good one. All my days of dirt riding has given me some habits that aren’t as forgiving on the street. I’m still looking into the professional instruction route. Next spring probably.
October 21, 2008 at 6:01 pm #14141DeD FredParticipantKnow whats ahead of you always
Front brakes are the death of new riders. Brake before you hit the turn, drop your gears and power around the corner.
About the only time I even use my front dual discs is if soccer mom wants the road in front of me, and I have to slam the binders to avoid being a bumper sticker.
If I am going to fast into a turn, Ill slow down way before the centrical force has shot me onto the gravel
October 21, 2008 at 6:23 pm #14147fotobitsParticipantWhen braking, practice squeezing the front brake lever gently to settle the suspension, then apply progressively harder brake. Start slowly and build as your skill progresses.
When downshifting do not blip the throttle; keep it open about 1/8 turn so the engine does not return to idle, and release the clutch slowly and smoothly after downshifting.
Smoothness is essential in all you do on a motorcycle.
October 21, 2008 at 6:36 pm #14152Clay DowlingParticipantThe suggestion above to slow down way in advance is solid. It lets people know you’re going to be slowing down. It’s bad to get surprised when you’re riding, it’s even worse for other people to get surprised. I like to make sure that everybody around me is clear on what I plan to do. Most people so far have been decent enough to give me my space.
October 22, 2008 at 3:07 am #14166RabParticipantI agree with everything Dagger said.
Only thing I would add is to start slowing sooner to let the tailgaters get used to the idea. You can start by flashing your brake light and then gradually slowing. More than likely, they’ll get pissed-off and overtake you before you get to the turn.
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