 Cornering
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I have noticed through the years that I am more comfortable going through a fast corner while "leaning left", that is, a fast left corner. I feel more stable and confident in a left sweep. Anybody else experience different levels of comfort? I wonder why. I am right handed, though I don't know if that would make a difference. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4 |
Maybe because making a left turn of the same radius as a right turn isn't quite as sharp? Since you are on the outside of the radius instead of the inside... I don't know, I've felt that way before too
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 150
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 150 |
I feel the same way, always though it was because I was left handed
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Member
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Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75 |
As a new rider I thought it was just because I was a rookie...good to know other guys feel it too.
2006 TBA "Raquel".
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
It's your inner NASCAR.
Actually, I read a story on that a few years ago. Seems most of us are that way, but I can't recall the theory behind it. I'll have to find the story again and re-read it.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
It's your inner NASCAR. Actually, I read a story on that a few years ago. Seems most of us are that way, but I can't recall the theory behind it. I'll have to find the story again and re-read it.
this is an old thread but I'd still like to know the reason why.
Fidelis et Fortis
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Me thinks that turn radius is the major physical reason. A secondary reason is that we often neglect to practice or refine technique regarding where to start the 'turn-in' in order to make best use of the available road surface. We get complacent sometimes and treat all turns in either direction much the same. Hence, we get into a more restrictive right turn and find we're a little cramped for space. There is one other theory that seems to be gathering a lot of support - and that is; It's all about the bass, 'bout the bass, 'bout the bass. No treble.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Friends and I have discussed this on and off from the '70s and we all feel the same left handers are easier to get into. We ride on the left too,so either left or right doesn't make any difference.Left handers seem soother I'd like to know why too.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
Quote:
Friends and I have discussed this on and off from the '70s and we all feel the same left handers are easier to get into. We ride on the left too,so either left or right doesn't make any difference.Left handers seem soother I'd like to know why too.
That settles it, then. It's neurological. Or put another way, human nature.
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Keith Houston Ridin'Texas '04 Speedmaster AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K 2020 T120 Black
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,170 Likes: 14
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,170 Likes: 14 |
I am more likely to scrape on a right turn than a left. It seems that I just want to push down more on the right. No conscious reason or decision.
On another note; I used to ride with this guy who had a lot of problems turning left, intersections, sweepers, it didn't matter. He would always go wide in the turn. I had asked him about it and he said he just couldn't turn tighter to the left. He quit riding a year or so back, probably for the best.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Shoot, I always thought it was the brake lever that caused it; so cumbersome to try and push your toes forward when the pavement is getting close. Oh yeah, one other thing, I've been wrong before.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Something i found: But i wonder how this theory relates to "counter steering"  Interesting question. In theory, turns on a cycle should be equally strenuous. However, you are most-likely right handed. This means that your right arm is probably a bit stronger than your left arm, so pushing the handlebar forward with your right arm might be a bit easier than with your left. On multi-lane roads, left turns are not as sharp as right turns are, so on a motorcycle, this effect is augmented by the fact that sharper turns require more force on the handlebars to execute. it's "easier" is because most people are right-handed (including you, probably). Most right-handed people feel more comfortable extending their right hands. They like to put their right foot forward, because most are right-footed as well. When you lean left to make a turn, the opposing force that keeps you upright pushes to the right. You maintain your balance by pushing down on the bicycle harder or softer... with your right foot. Since your right foot is more responsive, and more practiced... it "feels" easier to turn that way. When you turn right, your left side is controlling things, and your left side is a little slower, a little stiffer, and it just doesn't "feel" as comfortable. You waste energy fighting the uncertainty in your non-dominant side.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2 |
I also have a bit of trouble with righthand corners, not slow tight ones but more open faster ones, over here in Aussie we ride on the lefthand side of the road. My theory is that when I turn right I push the right side of the handlebar forward when turning left I push the lefthand side forward, the way I see it when i'm pushing the right side i'm also pulling the throttle back as I accelerate through the corner and maybe nullifying some of the forward push, on the left side as you push forward you are pulling on the throttle which is helping you to turn, could be wrong here, just a theory.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Shoot, I always thought it was the brake lever that caused it; so cumbersome to try and push your toes forward when the pavement is getting close. Oh yeah, one other thing, I've been wrong before.
I don't know, Ed. Back in the day when I rode a good ol' Triumph with the levers reversed I still felt more comfortable in a left turn. After this discussion and many hours of contemplation, I'm starting to think is has something to do with the rotation of the earth.
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Whew, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I never said anything because I thought I was just weird.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
This phenom. might be from the gyroscopic effect from the direction of the motor s spin? Although a Beemer or a Guzzi compared to Parallel and V-Twins turn at 90 degrees to one another. There is a logical explanation, maybe even right vs left brain function. I smell a multi million dollar grant in this. Someone needs to apply.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147 Likes: 13
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147 Likes: 13 |
Try counter steering.
Last edited by jon1214; 06/06/2016 10:34 AM.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 113
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 113 |
Personally, I prefer sweeping right handers to sweeping left handers. I am right handed & in the UK.
Even when I had my sportsbikes, getting my right knee down felt so natural on sweeping bends & roundabouts but I don't think i ever got my left knee down.
Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Try counter steering.
what is that?
we should do this every weekend!
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
Counter steering is a confusing way of describing how a bike turns, the more you think about it the more awkward you become.
Tin Man 2
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Counter steering only initiates a turn or lean angle, unless you are one of those hotdog flat track racers, they countersteer through the entire corner or at least appear to do so.
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 Re: Cornering
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147 Likes: 13
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147 Likes: 13 |
I counter steer through the entire corner. It takes the radis shorter and the lean is excellent. Have not scraped a peg yeat. I used to do scrape the peg a lot when I was younger. Then I had a Honda 500. Once I got the bad boy to 120 mph. Now the TA, will only do 100 tops. Could be the gearing or my weight 300.
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