How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

aaron · 2008-06-06 8:45 PM

Serious question. Flat land I'm very comfortable, on uphills for some reason I'm really comfortable, but downhills I just can't get. I don't keep track of my speed often, but I glance occasionally. Uphill I've been hitting 2.5 to 3 times (and sometimes more!) the "recommended" corner speed on the sign, but on downhill runs I barely get past 2x the recommended.

Little downhill slopes are no problem, I'm talking coming down steep grades, say heading down the cut. What can I do to improve my confidence?

12xCHAMP&COUNTING · 2008-06-07 12:51 AM

Excellent question. For sure the toughest corners IMO.

Just try to remember to pick up the throttle as soon as you can and, if you think you've overloaded the front tire, pin it.

Rand McNally · 2008-06-07 7:32 AM

Decreasing radius turns suck. I don't do it but trailling a little back brake will tip the bike in a little deeper for ya. Good Luck!

Kramer · 2008-06-11 11:59 AM

also pinch the svelt kawi between your knees to hold onto and to keep your weight from going too far forward.

peace

jray · 2008-06-11 5:08 PM

some of them turns get nasty, thats a definete weak point in my rideing:fact

SuperNinja6r · 2008-08-21 11:23 AM

Come practice on 12 (runs along 94 to the North of it) heading East, there's a fun one, just west of Knapp.

eprissel · 2008-08-21 11:36 AM

SuperNinja6r wrote:

Come practice on 12 (runs along 94 to the North of it) heading East, there's a fun one, just west of Knapp.

He's in Cali...

aaron · 2008-08-21 8:24 PM

It's true, I am.

The land of 16% downhill grades.

SuperNinja6r · 2008-08-22 6:21 AM

aaron wrote:

It's true, I am.
The land of 16% downhill grades.

Ah, sorry assumed you were in the area...should read a little more before I post.

aaron · 2008-08-23 12:18 PM

I've been getting better at it due to the fact there are so many downhills to ride here, but I still hate it. I can blast uphill on a curvy road just fine, but downhill...you guys can go ahead and pass me

Hind Tit · 2008-08-23 3:09 PM

Even me?

aaron · 2008-08-23 5:32 PM

yes ma'am

Hind Tit · 2008-08-23 5:51 PM

Okay, but if it's downhill AND a left turn, I'll be the one in the fetal position.

nOOky · 2008-08-23 9:38 PM

Probably the hardest turns to make. Traditional wisdom says to accelerate out of a corner, onto that fat back tire for traction. You can use a lower gear than normal to control your momentum, but then the throttle is twitchy. Either deal with it, and coast around them, or brake and slow more than normal before the entrance, and then use a taller gear and slowly accelerate through the turn. I usually do the latter.
Or if you're a champ, you simply bend the road to your will and the bike will follow.

Chippewa Valley Sportbike Club Forum

#1 2008-06-06 8:45 PM

How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#2 2008-06-07 12:51 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#3 2008-06-07 7:32 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#4 2008-06-11 11:59 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#5 2008-06-11 5:08 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#6 2008-08-21 11:23 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#7 2008-08-21 11:36 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#8 2008-08-21 8:24 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#9 2008-08-22 6:21 AM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#10 2008-08-23 12:18 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#11 2008-08-23 3:09 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#12 2008-08-23 5:32 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#13 2008-08-23 5:51 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

#14 2008-08-23 9:38 PM

Re: How do you become a master at downhill cornering?

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