russellbutson

Thanks Jason - I have contacted Darren and have a list of training dates - just need to work out some time/$ for the ride up north (I'm down south in Dunedin). Still closer/cheaper than a trip to Aus.

Thanks everyone for the replies - From what you are saying option B is better.

How is under lower arm positioned? Your lower arm should be as horizontal as possible, to get the maximum leverage from your push* on the handlebar. *) Technically, we should push perpendicular to the steering heads rotation axis, but that's would mean that the elbow should be even lower than the handlebar... Cheers, Kai Hi Kai - I think you are right - I don't think my body is in line for a straight push on the bar. I will check this next time i'm out + will drop my shoulder / elbow. Will let you know how it goes. Russell

I usually do the first lap without much movement on the bike - but I'm also not moving around the corners very fast. Once I start to speed up and move around on the bike I find myself pulling the bar 'down' toward the track on corners - it actually doesn't help that much - a lot of effort for little gain. Russell

Counter Steering (track Cornering) Let's me be honest - my current cornering style is bad! When approaching the corner, I pull upright into the tank, move my body weight across as I brake/change down and bring the bike over – this is where it all starts to unravel – the first part of the curve is fine. The initial lean is the result of forward pressure on the inside bar, but once I start to enter a deeper lean I find I am pushing down on the inside bar. After a few laps I am exhausted. I have tried relaxing and keeping my weight off the front of the bike – but I always seem to end up pushing down with my weight to gain the angle/curve I am after. A lot of it has to do with my body position in relation to the bars - i feel unable to use forward pressure on the bar. Maybe I am too high up and need to get down lower as I drop down into the curve – this might allow me to counter steer throughout the corner. Of course the other option is to pull on the outside arm/grip – however, once into the turn that arm doesn't seems to be under my attention/control. Any thoughts? Russell

Question: Body position during cornering. I notice two positions are used: 1] The head is directly over the tank (center line of bike) with the body off to one side. In this position the body is on an angle to the bike as it moves around the corner – see pic A1 & A2 (below) 2] In the other position the head is down beside the bike and the body is parallel with the bike – see pic B1 & B2 The pics aren't perfect but you get the idea. Love to hear your views - see pics B1 & B2 (below) Russell A1 & A2 B1 & B2 if you don't see the pics go here...

Hi Everyone, I have only recently discovered the CSS world of motorcycle riding (training books-courses-video etc). I am hooked on the resources I have discovered so far – its good to know there is a systematic approach to learning better riding technique. I live in Dunedin, New Zealand: unfortunately there is no CSS school. I have had a couple of track days + completed an advanced motorcycle riding course but still feel my actual handling of the bike is mostly brute force and lots of luck. My first road bike was a 1971 650 BSA lightening that I purchased back in 1976. Most of my riding has been recreational. I recently decided to have a go on the track and took out a stock – 1983 Honda vf750. I found the experience profoundly exciting – I think it actually altered my DNA - I am keen to return. I have since purchased an Aprilia RSV Mille (2002) – primarily for road use but I have taken it out on the track. While I could accuse the VF of handling issues I can’t do the same with the RSV. Instead I quickly became aware that my riding skills are pretty weak. I am keen to improve my current style – there are no courses available to me so I am doing the next best thing – regular practice + hoping to gain some feedback from folks on this site. Looking forward to gain some insightful answers to a few questions. Regards Russell