Ask The Instructor Question of the Month

Having problem keeping a line in curves that go to the left, I do fine on curves to the right. I either get to high or have to make adjustments to keep off the yellow line, it's like I have to make two turns in the left hand curve. just not at ease on bike. I'm usually running about 10-20 mile per hour over the posted curve speed to keep up with the group.

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