Bubba68CS

Not at all annoyed, just curious why you didn't use your old thread Glad you figured it out.

Don't you already have a thread asking this question? Countersteering is the act of INITIATING the turn...specifically it is the act of changing the lean angle of the bike by way of handlebar input. As your bike settles into its arc, the tire MUST turn in the direction of the corner, yes...however even at this point, if you'd like to change the lean angle, you must push in the opposite direction (push right - lean right, push left - lean left). This stuff is actually very well explained and demonstrated in the Twist II DVD. That is if you couldn't figure it out by going out on the open road and pushing on the handlebars. Even at low speeds, I can feel the act of countersteering leaning the bike, but if I continue trying to push on the bars, the bike gets VERY upset...as the tire wants to turn into the corner to make the arc, and I'm resisting it.

Actually, reading Andy Abbott's book, Rossi says he's constantly talking to himself on the track...telling himself to brake earlier, get on the throttle sooner, etc. I think the difference is that he's really not THAT far off to begin with...but he still has the awareness to know what could be better. I am most certainly a Johnny-come-lately Rossi fan, as I only got into this sport two years ago...but I'm just in awe every time I watch him race ...even when he's not having the best of days. Thinking about how to change your reference points/racing line is different than paying attention to how to ride the motorcycle itself. I think SRs are usually caused by there being an overwhelming number of things (could only 2 different things before it becomes overwhelming) that a rider might need to deal with which causes them to freeze up or make mistakes. This isn't something Rossi needs to worry about which lets him be much more aggressive and comfortable with changing up racing lines to get faster or to make a pass. If your going to change your line its going to require some thought. The less you need to think about how to change your line (control the bike to get there) the more you can focus on simply which line you want to ride. Most riders need to think about how to put the bike where they want it, professional riders only need to think about where they want it and not how to get it there. I would think braking too early is a result of SR's (which, now that I have the book in front of me, I can confirm is what he was talking about). Personally, I don't believe SR's ever go away...simply because its not a controlled reaction. Sure, these guys have pushed them well beyond anything most people could ever dream of, but they are still human...and when pushed beyond their comfort zone they will ignite those SRs. Now, don't get me wrong...in many cases their SR's aren't triggered until the bike itself actually can't handle the situation...but not all...particularly during a race. Just an opinion though...only those gods of motorcycle riding truly know whats going on in their heads.

Actually, reading Andy Abbott's book, Rossi says he's constantly talking to himself on the track...telling himself to brake earlier, get on the throttle sooner, etc. I think the difference is that he's really not THAT far off to begin with...but he still has the awareness to know what could be better. I am most certainly a Johnny-come-lately Rossi fan, as I only got into this sport two years ago...but I'm just in awe every time I watch him race ...even when he's not having the best of days.

I'm curious, have you tried clutchless shifting? I have trouble downshifting clutchless (smoothly anyway), but I've noticed many on here are able to do it. Obviously the clutch is necessary for taking off, but past that, using that technique, you shouldn't need to use your left hand for anything other than steering (which technically you don't need either...everything can be done with the right if really necessary ). Just my $0.02

Well...since you asked for lurkers I ride for the feeling...nothing else. Don't get me wrong, the parking is great, the maneuverability through traffic divine, the OBVIOUS cool factor , and the mileage to performance ratio hilariously awesome. But its the feelings associated with riding. The complete exposure...the smells...the view...the temperature gradients...the feeling of being one with the machine rather than just a passenger asking it to move...and most of all, being lost in the moment. Unlike any other vehicle I've owned (and I own a 68 Olds Cutlass I restored with my dad from the ground up...I don't have 'boring' rides), I NEVER get tired on the bike and the inner monologue in my head just turns off when on the bike (idiot never shuts up otherwise). Its pure serenity...even on the short ride to campus. As my introduction, I'm a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri. I ride a 2007 ZX-14...put over 13000 miles on it the past year, and was honestly hoping for more (stupid winter). I'm here because its one of the few places where people talk about riding technique rather than bling or 'go fast goodies' that don't do nearly as much as solid riding techniques would. I have not yet had the opportunity to take the course, but plan to attend a 2-day camp as a graduation present to myself in a year or two (a year would be early, but whatever). Couple pics, then I'll stop derailing the thread