Thanks Tommy
Tommy,
First, be very careful
about trying to keep up with someone that drives faster than you. My
experience has shown those motorcyclists that try to keep up with others may
drive beyond their ability or skill level and they tend to crash. Ride
your own ride. The MM1 philosophy is
give a 100% effort in training but never exceed 80% of your ability on the
road. Always leave a little in reserve in case you come around the curve
and some type of hazard forces you to change your line or take evasive action.
If you are at or above 100% of your ability or the bikes capabilities
then you have no room for error or to make a directional change to avoid the
hazard. Please be careful.
Here is how we teach at
MM1.When dealing with curves please keep in mind that you have 3 different lane
positions to use. #1 is closest to the centerline / yellow, #2 in mid lane, #3
is closest to the fog line / white. Each position helps with a certain
curve.
There are 3 parts to a
curve, the entrance, the apex, and the exit. When driving through a curve
you can negotiate it by driving outside, inside and back to the outside.
We prefer a hazard perception line. Delayed entry with delayed apex
for increased visibility. To get through a left hand curve you would slow
down by downshifting and using engine brake then move your bike to the #3
position, this called setting up for the curve, lean forward and to the left
slightly (bodyweight shift) look up and through the curve as far ahead of the
motorcycle as possible, hold the #3 position until you can see your way is
clear and you can see the exit. To get the bike pointed in the direction
of the curve you want to gently press on the left handlebar which happens to be
the same direction of the curve, (press left go left) the bike will transition
to the #2, patiently roll on the throttle once you can see the
exit and back to the #1. The key factor is your eyes.
Sometimes when folks are making adjustments in the middle or through the
curve it's due to improper set up and eye control. The further ahead of
the bike you look the slower you will feel but it will allow you to plan better
because it will seem things are moving in slow motion. If you are making
adjustments in the middle of the curve I would bet you are not looking far
enough ahead to plan or negotiate your curve far enough in advance therefore
causing you to make the 2 separate turns. Looking down hinders your sight
and does not allow you enough time to plan for the curve therefore you readjust.
Looking up and through the curve allows you time to plan, set up,
negotiate and drive on purpose.
Hope this helps.
Please stay in touch and we hope to see you in one of our upcoming
classes where we can practice this technique and demonstrate in person.
Mark Brown, Founder
MotoMark1
