Smooth then fast

Mikey · 05-26-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericr

Besides where to practice (track etc.) you're on the right course... smooth IS fast! The smoother you get the faster you'll get. There are of course, a lot of techniques you can learn from an instructor at a track, but as you ride just try to be smooth for now

Agreed 100%- see my sig.

I found that my riding skill increased considerably when I stopped focusing on being fast. When I forced myself to slow down and focused on just being as smooth as possible, I was able to focus more on the right technique. Before long, I was faster than I had ever been before, but with considerably less effort and less drama.

I'll go ahead and echo the track day statements as well. If you can manage it, there really is no substitute. I also highly recommend doing a Lee Parks or Keith Code school (again, if you can swing it).

Particle Man · 05-26-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey

Agreed 100%- see my sig.

I found that my riding skill increased considerably when I stopped focusing on being fast. Especially as I've gotten older. When I forced myself to slow down and focused on just being as smooth as possible, I was able to focus more on the right technique. Before long, I was faster than I had ever been before, but with considerably less effort and less drama.

Same here with added text in bold

CrazyKell · 05-26-2009, 01:19 PM

There is a track school around here but I haven't really considered it for this year. If I can save up the money I'm going to try and do it for the fall.

I did have the benefit of a couple of friends helping me out at the Gap. I asked a trusted friend to ride behind me and evaluate a few things over the course of the week.

Even though I don't enjoy right handers he said mine were WAY smoother than my left. By the end of the week he couldn't tell a difference between the two because my lefts had improved a lot. I'm leaning more than I was before, head positioning is good, but riding in jeans means I'll never feel comfortable to get off the bike a whole lot (even though he said that was good too).

I've also got a copy of Twist of the Wrist II but I've never read it. I'll probably start there and just keep at 'er.

The Awesome · 05-26-2009, 09:04 PM

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

Gas Man · 05-26-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Awesome

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

I know that's a joke... but smoothness equals speed.

Ride with some of the older regulars from back when...

jeeps is told be as smooth as silk and therefor most can't keep up.

Super from WOS, is the smoothest guy I have ever saw. He's like water... and will pass you on his dead stock bike making it look like he's just out for a stroll. INSANE! I can provide video's of him chasing the "all throttle less smooth guys"

racedoll · 05-26-2009, 09:59 PM

Echoing everyone else, but track days will do much for your confidence level. It also makes riding on the street a lot less fun.

My husband and other racers that instruct during the track time always tell me that they would rather have someone be a little slower but smooth and predictable on the track with them, than some irratic but "fast" person.

Sean · 05-27-2009, 02:30 AM

Confidence comes with mileage (kilometer-age?)
Mileage comes with time

Get out there and hit some twisties on a regular basis and you'll get better

Or, if none available, hit the track regularly.

Practice is difficult--REAL practice. Repetition is not real practice. Real practice is looking at what you've done, how you do it, finding the weak link, and deliberately pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to extend your limits. Again and again and again. Braking somewhere too early? Good...push yourself to brake 5 feet later. Not gassing it enough? Good, force yourself to roll harder on the throttle earlier. It's hard, and you could potentially fuck up. But you do it incrementally over and over and next thing you know, you can still see the guy in front of you at the end of The Snake.

If you can't afford pants go get yourself a set of MX shinguards and wear them under your jeans. You can usually get some decent leather pants on craigslist for pretty reasonable prices. God only gave you two knees.

Side note: don't be too worried about keeping up with the "fast guys". The "fast guys" inevitably have no life outside of that thing they do and do it every weekend. They're the guys that show up at the track on Friday night and leave for work on Monday morning.

marko138 · 05-27-2009, 07:59 AM

I'm shitty at left turns. My rights are WAY better.

Trip · 05-26-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Awesome

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

From what I have seen, I wouldn't describe you as smooth or irratic. Something more like blurry.

HokieDNA01 · 05-26-2009, 10:50 PM

There are some great books out there as well....

I am about to start reading "Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch. Looks to be a great overview.

05-26-2009, 10:50 PM	#10
HokieDNA01 WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Moto: 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 Posts: 1,404	There are some great books out there as well.... I am about to start reading "Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch. Looks to be a great overview. __________________ XX>XY 2014 Honda NC700X 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 2000 Yamaha XT225 2004 Kawasaki EX250 (sold)

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05-26-2009, 01:19 PM	#3
CrazyKell Vrooom Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: 06 ZX6R Posts: 4,427	There is a track school around here but I haven't really considered it for this year. If I can save up the money I'm going to try and do it for the fall. I did have the benefit of a couple of friends helping me out at the Gap. I asked a trusted friend to ride behind me and evaluate a few things over the course of the week. Even though I don't enjoy right handers he said mine were WAY smoother than my left. By the end of the week he couldn't tell a difference between the two because my lefts had improved a lot. I'm leaning more than I was before, head positioning is good, but riding in jeans means I'll never feel comfortable to get off the bike a whole lot (even though he said that was good too). I've also got a copy of Twist of the Wrist II but I've never read it. I'll probably start there and just keep at 'er.

05-26-2009, 09:04 PM	#4
The Awesome Custom User Title Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 120	Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

05-26-2009, 09:59 PM	#6
racedoll AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR Posts: 3,392	Echoing everyone else, but track days will do much for your confidence level. It also makes riding on the street a lot less fun. My husband and other racers that instruct during the track time always tell me that they would rather have someone be a little slower but smooth and predictable on the track with them, than some irratic but "fast" person.

05-27-2009, 02:30 AM	#7
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	Confidence comes with mileage (kilometer-age?) Mileage comes with time Get out there and hit some twisties on a regular basis and you'll get better Or, if none available, hit the track regularly. Practice is difficult--REAL practice. Repetition is not real practice. Real practice is looking at what you've done, how you do it, finding the weak link, and deliberately pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to extend your limits. Again and again and again. Braking somewhere too early? Good...push yourself to brake 5 feet later. Not gassing it enough? Good, force yourself to roll harder on the throttle earlier. It's hard, and you could potentially fuck up. But you do it incrementally over and over and next thing you know, you can still see the guy in front of you at the end of The Snake. If you can't afford pants go get yourself a set of MX shinguards and wear them under your jeans. You can usually get some decent leather pants on craigslist for pretty reasonable prices. God only gave you two knees. Side note: don't be too worried about keeping up with the "fast guys". The "fast guys" inevitably have no life outside of that thing they do and do it every weekend. They're the guys that show up at the track on Friday night and leave for work on Monday morning.