PLau
Well-known member
I didn't go too far hitting the ground at 30km/h but this poster said this happened 25 years ago. Chalk one up for bad memory
How careful is too careful? (Taking turns)
- Thread starter PLau
- Start date
I didn't go too far hitting the ground at 30km/h but this poster said this happened 25 years ago. Chalk one up for bad memory
As said by a previous poster, using your body to lean into the turn rather than the bike itself, is good advice. Won't always save you on slippery roads or the like, but may give you the little bit of additional grip/balance you need to recover from a minor slip. Anything you can do to increase your traction helps, and a lot of riders forget about proper body positioning.
That said, I definitely agree that you took that corner way too fast given the road conditions -- I've witnessed a few similar accidents in very similar circumstances, including a CBR125 rider at the Scarborough Town Center who dumped it making a left turn in the parking lot as soon as he hit the wet paint. You've learned from the experience though, and were able to walk away from it -- that's the most important thing, and you probably won't make that mistake again as a result.
Much like target fixation, you can "fixate" on a possible threat with your mind and distract yourself just as much. Ride at your comfort level, within your skill level, and according to road conditions -- ride safe -- and enjoy yourself. The less you worry about/think about those corners, the more you'll naturally and subconsciously improve.
See you out on 2.
That said, I definitely agree that you took that corner way too fast given the road conditions -- I've witnessed a few similar accidents in very similar circumstances, including a CBR125 rider at the Scarborough Town Center who dumped it making a left turn in the parking lot as soon as he hit the wet paint. You've learned from the experience though, and were able to walk away from it -- that's the most important thing, and you probably won't make that mistake again as a result.
Much like target fixation, you can "fixate" on a possible threat with your mind and distract yourself just as much. Ride at your comfort level, within your skill level, and according to road conditions -- ride safe -- and enjoy yourself. The less you worry about/think about those corners, the more you'll naturally and subconsciously improve.
See you out on 2.
Paint sucks - even putting the boot down on it with a top heavy bike can be a scare stopping. 
Try testing your traction by braking hard in the wet in the parking lot.
Part of the issue is your bike is light and narrow tires so not much of a patch.
I like Metzler's for wet traction and the profile.
You simply don't want to be on edge on city streets....taking it easy gets you home with least stress and even the best riders get surprised.
We'd done dirt all day and the worst scare was on pavement ....a little patch of sand on a short bridge that was part of a turn.
Lost the front end last year but kept it up as it grabbed traction.
Buddy who is serious dirt distance rider and used to race 4wd at 200 kph lost it in the exact same place this year. Innocent looking bit of cement over a small stream and the dip collects loose sand.
Just ride - the confidence will return but you now know WHEN to be cautious and also that a low side is not the end of the world.
I was happy falling off in the dirt last year on a muddy hill as I'd not dropped a bike in decades since I had my trialers.
Armour worked and I was no worse for wear...learned I could still ride out with a clutch.
If you want to improve your "awkward situation" skills.....take some dirt riding courses.
Try testing your traction by braking hard in the wet in the parking lot.
Part of the issue is your bike is light and narrow tires so not much of a patch.
I like Metzler's for wet traction and the profile.
You simply don't want to be on edge on city streets....taking it easy gets you home with least stress and even the best riders get surprised.
We'd done dirt all day and the worst scare was on pavement ....a little patch of sand on a short bridge that was part of a turn.
Lost the front end last year but kept it up as it grabbed traction.
Buddy who is serious dirt distance rider and used to race 4wd at 200 kph lost it in the exact same place this year. Innocent looking bit of cement over a small stream and the dip collects loose sand.
Just ride - the confidence will return but you now know WHEN to be cautious and also that a low side is not the end of the world.
I was happy falling off in the dirt last year on a muddy hill as I'd not dropped a bike in decades since I had my trialers.
Armour worked and I was no worse for wear...learned I could still ride out with a clutch.
If you want to improve your "awkward situation" skills.....take some dirt riding courses.
I believe it's 2011 onwards that have wider rims.
