Rider Training

[StinkyPete]

I'm off tomorrow to do a morning of one-on-one rider training with SA's ROADCRAFT, operated by Marylou Nees,  out of Garage Motorcycles at Strathalbyn.  I did one of her "Returning Rider" courses a number of years ago and it's time for a brush up.    I'll post a review of the training, which has a very practical emphasis on observation, road positioning, braking, cornering, throttle control etc.   It should be a good morning.   

See  http://garagemotorcycles.com.au/

[ST2UP]

Good one Pete  brushing up on correct technique and breaking bad habits is always a good plan on a bike......

[Wombattle]

Enjoy the course Pete. Keeping skills up and ironing out bad habits is a fantastic way to stay safe!

[Brock]

And, if you belong to Ulysses, you can get a partial refund

[StinkyPete]

And, if you belong to Ulysses, you can get a partial refund

Correct!!   

[StinkyPete]

I spent a very informative morning with Marylou of Garage Motorcycles.   I indicated how I have far more confidence on left hand bends than right hand bends, and generally wanted to improve my cornering skills.    She spent some time going over the bike, looking at tyre shape, weight and weight distribution, handlebar position in relation to forks, and fork rake angle, all of which detract from the handling of the ST as compared to a sports bike.  We discussed my perceptions of low and high speed handling and responses to counter-steering input at different speeds, and how right and left brain functions effect riders ability to make right and left turns, road position, body and head position while cornering, throttle control,  etc etc.

Once on the road, a beaut road from Strathalbyn to Ashbourne, with lots of sweepers posted at 60 km/h.  Marylou sat on my tail, assessing and watching absolutely everything I was doing. I was amazed at just how much she was seeing.  We stopped after 15 or so kilometers and had a chat, seeking feedback and suggesting improvements.   We did this several times, with me adjusting my lines and road position, body, shoulder and head positions, and throttle control and trying to put the lessons into practice.   At the end of one and a half hour of this on-road feedback and correction, I was faster, smoother, and far more confident in both left and right sweepers.  I now just need to reinforce the lessons I have learned and make them automatic and habit.

My message is simple.  If you want to be a better rider, do some training with someone with the skills and knowledge to pick your errors, and know how to correct them.   Advice from your mates is not always the best advice.

[Shaun]

Sounds really really good.

I know I could do with some advice on cornering too. Definitely something to consider doing.

[alans1100]

Pete, how was the advise on cornering?

I see posts and training clips over here about using the apex etc and everything I see in the UK training advise to stay as wide as possible as that gives the best view around the corner.

The sport bike related comments are a laugh as the ST was marketed as Tourer in just about every country except Australia so it's never gonna handle like a dedicated sport bike.

[StinkyPete]

Alan, Let me try to give a brief summary of the information given, and keep in mind that this is for road riding and not for the racetrack. The position of what constitutes the corner apex is quite different for road and track.   I hope I learned my lessons well and get this right, and I recognize that one lesson does not make me an expert.

Road Position
Stay wide on a corner, until the corner exit and roadway out can be seen (apex), and then cut in. Note that the corner apex is wide, and not the inside point of the corner.  This line gives best vision through the corner.  Road position is adjusted according to on-coming traffic, crests, road conditions, traffic, intersections and so on.

Braking
Wash off speed for a corner by smoothly rolling off the throttle and using engine braking.  Use of the brakes dips the front of the bike, changes the geometry and unsettles it.  If necessary gently use the brake before the corner to adjust speed if engine braking is insufficient.  Engine braking only, will give a smoother corner entry.

Body Position
Corner using counter steering, and as the bike dips into the corner, drop the inside shoulder to move body weight to the inside of the corner, at the same time applying downward pressure on the inside footpeg.   Head moves inside as well, but remains upright.   Arms are flexible and body is relaxed.   Maintain the countersteering pressure with the inside hand, and this is one reason why some have trouble on right hand turns, as steering pressure and throttle control are both with the one hand, but on left corners the right hand is only doing one job.

Throttle Control
Maintain a constant throttle position and constant speed through the corner to the apex, and then gently roll on the throttle at the apex for the corner exit.  Avoid quickly shutting off or quickly opening the throttle, and be gentle and smooth.

The memory prompt for cornering was SLLR
S  Speed adjust on the approach using engine braking, Select gear
L  Lane position, having assessed risks
L  Lean angle, body position counter steering
R  Roll the throttle on gently

[jimwilly]

l've worked with marylou about 14 years ago as a Ridersafe instructor, she knows her stuff and is a very competent and very quick rider.
Most riders can be a lot quicker and smoother on the road with rider training and not so much spending thousands on bike *go faster bits"
When I ride with mates through the hills most of my braking is engine with a touch here and there of front and rear. I leave my mate on a yammie FJR
behind after the first couple of bends.

[alans1100]

Pete, similar to the UK except for lane position for the corner exit where they suggest to stay wide and then set up for the next corner if there is one. Anyway, my bike knows what to do, I just go along for the ride.........lol

Some of the local clips I've seen tell you to corner on a public road like you would on the track which to me seems a little silly.