| Riding Tips 4.....Staying with the big bikes
EUROPEAN Director of the California Superbike School, Andy lbbott, has some advice to improve your riding...
THE PROBLEM
GETTING beaten by your mates on bigger bikes down the straights? Your small sports bike may have great agility and braking, but you need to know how to use it.
THE SOLUTION
THE secret is making the most of what you have. You need every mph, every last rev and every last ounce of stopping power. Last week's tip on correct gear selection is a good place to start. Make sure that the engine is working within its best torque range to exit the corner at the maximum possible speed and make sure you maximise your motor by changing up just as the power begins to tail off in each gear.
Keeping off the brakes for as long as possible will also help you claw back time. On a track day, brake early for corners at the beginning of the day, and then move your braking point gradually towards the corner. Be careful though, it is better to brake slightly earlier and keep the bike smooth and corner speed high, than panic brake and mess it up.
Entry speed is determined by how quickly you can get your bike turned. To get it turned quicker all you have to do is push on the inside handlebar faster. But beware that the quicker you do it the more uncomfortable your body feels. Take your time and build up to really quick turns.
Finally, once you've turned, get back on the throttle. The sooner you accelerate the more speed you have on the exit and down the straight. Roll on smoothly and all the way through the corner.
Frisky Frank  | 
14-Mar-2004, 10:32 
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