Corners

mikey526 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 6:31 pm Post subject: Corners

I need some help on turns. At a race Halloween weekend, I finished top 5 every race, but my dad said I could have done better if I had better turns. I think I am afraid to slide out, and even though it feels like I am laying the bike over, I probably am barley leaning it at all. On tight 180 degree turns, I feel like I slow down wayyy to much. When I watch the guys winning, they make it look so easy. Whats the key? Get on the brakes early and start your drive halfway through the turn? I know I have the speed in me to run with the hotshoes, but my corner speed is really killing me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

JAWS · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 4568 Location: Bakersfield, CA

Yeah, you got it. Elbows up, weight forward, braking done early, power on. Watch those guys and do what they do. Watch them in practice. Follow and try to keep their speed after observing a while. Practice, practice... breathe! Smile

Joe

mikey526 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks JAWS. Sounds easy. I think I defiantly just need to practice more.

Any other suggestions?

Mike

sirmish · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 68

recently read a how to on corners! check it out

http://www.transworldmotocross.com/mx/how_to/article/0,13190,1635104,00.html

JAWS · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 4568 Location: Bakersfield, CA

woodsman · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject:

I suggest that you get suited up with all the armor you can find and see just how far you can go before wiping out. And make sure to do a few good wipeouts so you get more comfortable with the bike. Until you crash a few times, you will fear crashing and never quite have the confidence needed to lay the bike over to the max.

P.S. Hand guards on the bike when about to attempt this or else you will probably break a few levers. And POST PICS!!!

krisrtch · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 3:37 am Post subject:

I understand where you are coming from. I had the same problem seemed I was taking corners way to slow. But Last night went out for a rider at the track and once I got comfortable with how the track was I just kept pushing it and pushing and by the end of the night I was just about clearing every jump out there and blowing through all the corners. Like Jaws said keep those elbows up and let your clutch do most of the work. and before long you will be railing them corners like they are nothing. Keep it up you will get it.

mikey526 · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject:

I try those tips Sunday and tell you all how they work. Cool

zak13 · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 986 2003 Honda xr100

mikey526 · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject:

After trying those tips for 2.5 hours, they seem to have worked pretty well. The track was very different from race conditions (no ruts to rail in the corners Sad

) but was still in good shape so I got some good practice. I felt like I was flying, but my lap times weren't actually that much faster than my best times Mad

. Oh well, I guess since I didn't have anybody to race, it was cold, the track wasn't set up nice like on race day and I was getting tired all played a part in the not stellar lap times. The main thing I learned is that you have to keep power to the wheel, and weight the outside peg. Thanks for all the help guys!

Mike

braap207 · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:18 am Post subject:

Practice makes perfect my friend! Best thing to do during a practice session is put yourself in a position to be pushed, pull out in front of someone (carefully) make him work to pass you, or get on his tail. Wink

There are so many different variables from a practice day to a race day, that sweet taste of adrenaline seconds before the gate drops, killing the first corner with 20-40 other guys and all making it around is just.... Cool

What I like Twisted Evil

HondaRacer213 · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 150 2005 Honda CRF250R