Lean Angles

Message

m1a1dvr · #1 Unread post by **m1a1dvr** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:36 pm

I just have a question about lean angles. What is the way to get a real steep lean angle? Is it just a matter of pushing hard on the bars and having faith in the bike or is it something else? I want to be able to carve corners relatively fast but I am still not sure how to get the extreme angles.

VermilionX · Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:40 pm

im not an expert but just push the bars more and have lots of courage and faith in you and your machine.

try to practice it in empty parking lots 1st. it's safer than in the canyons.

m1a1dvr · #3 Unread post by **m1a1dvr** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:49 pm

Ok I will try that tomorrow after work. We have a large parking lot with a 90 degree turn in it. I can try it there.

Sev · #4 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:56 pm

The best way to get truely impressive lean angles is to work your way up to it. Take the corner at whatever speed you normally take it at. Then increase your entry speed by a little bit and take it again, and again.

Then speed up a little more and take it again, and again, and again.

Speed up a little more and take it again and again and again and again.

You need to keep your chin up, look where you want to go, and push out on the inside bar. Guide the bike around the corner, don't force it.

If you try to do too much at once you'll probably lock up and dump the bike. Just take your time, and enjoy the ride. You'll get faster naturally.

earwig · #5 Unread post by **earwig** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:03 pm

I'm not sure how long you have been riding for, but after 1 track day you will 'feel' like a pro with your lean angles and probably leave very confident... although... track days are expensive. If you can find somewhere that provides the full leathers/protections and bikes... and have some money to blow go for it.

macktruckturner · Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:13 pm

Pick up Twist of the Wrist (1 or 2, both have essentially the same content), it does a pretty excellent job of explaining cornering. I don't know if you learn things well by reading the phsycial aspects accompanied by diagrams - but I do. When I ride I find myself drawing the lines in my head, and going through the steps Keith Code mentions. A few scary situations have arised (big chunk of wood in my lane, etc) - but I just think back to the solutions for changing your line at speed, and it works out well.

m1a1dvr · #7 Unread post by **m1a1dvr** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:18 pm

Thanks I will try to pick up those books. And to answer Earwigs question I have only been riding for a few weeks. But I am in the same boat that Verm is in. I am trying to work my way up to track days as quickly as possible.

Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:50 pm

Definitely build up to it. Practise, practise and keep on practising...there's never too much of that. You'll gain confidence in your leans and lean angles as you get in more practise and become more familiar with your bike. Oh, and be sure you ALWAYS know what is in that corner (keep scanning ahead) you are taking in case you get into it fast and some idiots poured gravel all over that wasn't there earlier....

m1a1dvr · #9 Unread post by **m1a1dvr** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:52 pm

Thanks for the tip.

jmillheiser · Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:57 pm

BTW when your footpeg starts dragging thats your cue to not lean it over any further.