Thanks for the hint on 'the push - then release'. It could in fact be that i am still hanging onto the inside bar once I have pushed it to steer into the corner. Thinking about it more, may be the lock on is not to bad (at least for my level :-)) as I know that I can almost leg go of the bars sometimes (when in a corner) if I consciously focus on releasing the grip on the bars.
Thought I would provide some feedback having had the opportunity to go for a couple of decent rides on the weekend......Spent a good few hours focussing on throttle control, push/release and two step. As such, I regained a lot of confidence back and could feel the front turning in easily on a tight line and gripping (sensation lost when tense). I was not focussed at all on speed but actually ended up being smoother and faster than expected.
However, I did find that once I started to move around on the bike (level 3) tension return throughout my body under braking for most corners. In part, probably some charging of turns (although I was not trying to go fast), but rather I think it is lock on problems under braking. Thinking about it I can feel my arms taking the braking force, then my body becomes tense and out of position, and the front instability gremlins return. Looking back through my notes I could see there was nothing that really addressed braking in the course. I have some questions.....Once your butt is moved across into position as per hip flick drill should both knees be gripping the tank for braking (I think I only have one cause other knee is hanging out) ? If doing successive corners in the same direction (eg two lefts), should the left knee come back into the tank for braking for the second turn? I think I might have me knee out for the corner too early.
I had simliar problems with locking on then I bought Tech Spec grips for my tank took heaps of effort off me locking on as hard and no dramas with leaving my leg out, also another brand is called Stomp Grip which probably the one I would go for, for the track.
Not sure if anyone will agree with me but try keeping both knees into the tank until your trailing off the brake ie keep knees locked in until the heavy braking is done. This is what I do, set up brakes squeeze shift my butt across, light braking intially then heavy braking as your releasing/easing off let the knee out and fully release the brake (if your not trailing into the turn) tip in at the turning point, implementing the 2 or 3 step drill.
For successive corners, depending on how far apart they are, I bring my knee in (as the knee out will act as a sail causing wind drag and loss of speed) keeping my butt in the same spot so I wont upset the bike by shifting it then sticking the knee back out.
This is what I do and may not be the perfect advice
Hope it helps Dazza
Dylan
Thanks for this Dylan, I will give this a try. I know one thing that I have found awkward in feeling about the hip flick is that once I have moved my butt across the seat, the hips and torso are facing away from where they need to face for the turn in. They then need to move to move to the inside for turn in which I guess must mean leaning and going with the bike (as opposed to more of a upper body preset position with body facing into turn and trying to use one knee for lock in). Not sure if you have any thoughts on that?