guys-
each of you has some valid points, and I thank you all for your advice. Some things I would like to clarify, though. What I am feeling through the front is not chatter, but just a slight increase in vibration- probably caused by the tire "biting" into the road- I'm just curious if this is indicative of an impending loss of traction.
second, I will agree that max lean angle is not necessarily the best way around a given corner, and that a quick turn in to the apex, and good drive are far more important- however, consider this: When you "flick it in", the angle you flick to will be dependent on two things- your entry point (i.e. how deep you go in) and your speed at turn in. So, assuming that you are using the correct turn in point and "flicking" it as quickly as you can, the fastest possible speed through that corner will be determined by the maximum angle you can lean the bike to. During practice, when I'm turning in more slowly with an increasing lean angle, I'm trying to determine where the max is- once I know that, it will be much easier to "flick it in" quickly to that angle, consistently. Understand, I'm not using this as a race strategy, but a learning process. Do you still think this is a crummy way to teach yourself? I guess I'll see when I get to the school.
Also, I might add that I do not generally trail brake and the bike is new with top grade suspension. I have always been of the opinion that if it's not misbehaving, don't start changing stuff until you have a specific problem you are trying to correct. I think the best thing for me is to leave the bike alone for now so that I have a consistent platform to learn on.
Again, thanks for everyone's input and advice, I look forward to hearing your replies.
Gino