Yeah, you're right about that! I grew up riding dirt bikes and always just did what worked - but I do like to understand the principles and if there was something or some technique that made a difference then I would try adopt that. In the end, to me at least, a lot of riding comes down to pure instinct. Has worked so far - so I'll go back to trying not to analyse it too much! Thanks though, for your advice.

And Simon, I reckon I'd like to do your riding course but it's a hell of a journey to Italy from Brisbane, Oz! :icon_lol:

I have never had great success of getting round corners with anything bigger than a 17" front wheel and hence why I went to a great deal of hassle to fit a 17" to my 955 Tiger,previous to that I'd had two Africa Twins with 21" and two previous Tigers with 19" when the penny dropped.

Big wheels don't turn it's not you!!!.

Yes, GULG has given us good information, complete with reasons! Good stuff, mate.

IMO, the countersteering effect works even better on dirt, where one's body tends to remain more upright while the bike leans into a corner. It seems to me that if you're trying hard, pressure on the inside handgrip as required throughout the leaning phase on dirt keeps the front tyre biting and thus corner speed up.

On sealed roads, I find the turn is initiated by countersteering, and the turn is then controlled by both the rider's body and pressure on the appropriate handgrip. Naturally, a rider's body is used to maintain control on dirt as well, but in general the main control for cornering in loose stuff is through feet and hands.

As has been previously said, the best way to learn this stuff is to attend an advanced riding course. And I suggest there aren't many of us who wouldn't learn something of value during the such a course.

The word you meant was ANY, I think. There is always someone who can teach us something.

If you now a good sport bike rider get him to ride pillion, you wil soon lean because he will do it for you.:rofl[1]:

I don't know your general riding experience and I can't advise you on how to corner a bike but you shouldn't feel embarassed. There is a load of good advice here but by far the most important is to stay within your comfort zone.

I had a nasty off just over 10 years ago and I had a nightmare rebuilding my convidence. It took me a while to get back and in the end the thing that cured me was to focus on my road position more than anything else

Whatever you do, stay safe and don't put pressure on yourself. Ease off a bit and enjoy your riding ;)

I found a California super bike school type course is great. Best to Get the good oil from the experts.

Always always ride inside your ability and your confidence won't take to big a hit when you make mistakes. We all make mistakes and it's only embarrassing when you don't learn from them.

My mantra in the twisties on the road is wide controlled line in and get on the gas as smooth as possible. Ideally not let go of the gas till the corner is behind you.

Swap bikes with a mate who is quicker and smoother (mostly smoother) then you follow watching your bike disappear in front of your eyes will give you more confidence in your bike.

Do a course at the track !!! You won't regret it. "Ride it right" -- advanced cornering at Eastern Creek were fantastic !!!

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

It's an expression we use at work and one that can apply to cornering on a bike too.

A track day with tuition is great too, whether it's a school type or a more traditional track day where you can make use of their instructors.

this is also my motto on riding especially if i dont know the road..

and great advice Gas_Up_Lets_Go. its a nice post on motorcycle riding.

I understand your concerns. The true is you lean too much or you lean on surface where there is some trace of sand or stone and you gonna crash, it's physics.