Best technique for taking corners fast on the spyder?

[Bob Denman]

There's no doubt that better stuff can help a mediocre rider (NO INSULTS INTENDED! :shocked, but let's face it; somebody with talent can even win in a wheelbarrow!
And I'm the kind of rider who needs all of the better stuff that I can get!

 

[wyliec]

If I wanted to learn how to corner fast (and safely) I doubt I would take the advice of an internet forum as my guiding light. Try some hands-on instruction, such as an experienced rider course or Lee Parks' Total Control course. Try reading some books by recognized experts on the topic, which might include David Hough (Proficient Motorcycling and Street Strategies), Lee Parks (Total Control), or Keith Code (Twist of the Wrist) to name a few. There is much more to going around a corner fast than body position - it includes when and how to brake, when to deccelerate and when to accelerate and how to correct for errors mid-corner, among other skills.

A day at a track under the watchful eye of multiple instructors was one of my best learning experiences. It not only taught me how to go fast, how to corner and brake, but it also took care of that urge to go 100+mph on the street, after I got to feel what 115+mph felt like on a track.

Unless you know someone really well, have ridden with them and feel their riding style fits your needs, I would avoid the advice of even the people on this forum.

:thumbup: Excellent post.

I do have one question. When does a corner turn into a curve? I think of a corner as typically 90 degrees or less.

 

[Bob Denman]

It depends on how big of an "Oh :cus:!" moment it'll be if you miss it... :shocked: :roflblack:

 

[wyliec]

Okay, I'll be more specific.

daveinva,

Since you mentioned 60-65 mph cornering, is that a 90 degree or less corner?

 

[Bob Denman]

Sorry Wylie... pps:
I always kind of figured "curve" and "corner" to just be two ways of describing the same thing.

 

[wyliec]

There's no doubt that better stuff can help a mediocre rider (NO INSULTS INTENDED! :shocked, but let's face it; somebody with talent can even win in a wheelbarrow!
And I'm the kind of rider who needs all of the better stuff that I can get!

:agree:

 

[wyliec]

Dwanton,

You can question anyone you want and state your opinion.:thumbup:

 

[zrc]

There's no doubt that better stuff can help a mediocre rider (NO INSULTS INTENDED! :shocked, but let's face it; somebody with talent can even win in a wheelbarrow!
And I'm the kind of rider who needs all of the better stuff that I can get!

90% of the time I agree with this statement, however, after some interesting experiences, and the variable that only Seth really touched on is the Nanny. The nanny changes this on the spyder at times. The honest answer there is that the swaybar and elkas will actually help effect the red zone range with regard to the nanny. You can just push it _further_ before momma hits you with the stick.

Its like a 5 kid family, the 1 first kid gets more :cus: because his limits are more rigid (aka the stock stuff and the nanny), but by kid 5, the parents are just like whatever... (Aftermarkets give you a large range of push).

So yes, Great Rider on Stock > Novice on Aftermarket, however, when you put momma running with you hitting you with a stick, the margin would be closer than one would think. No disrespect to anyone, I have a long way to go before I am a seasoned and solid veteran like Doc and Seth, but I am going to pound ground with my Spyder until I am there, because it is fun as hell and I like the way it feels. That being said, we all have other variables, me alone versus me with Sonja on the back are 2 different drivers! I might get her a spyder just so I can be insane more

 

[Bob Denman]

I have a long way to go before I am a seasoned and solid veteran like Doc and Seth, but I am going to pound ground with my Spyder until I am there, because it is fun as hell and I like the way it feels.

Amen brother!! :thumbup: :bowdown:

 

[docdoru]

No disrespect to anyone, I have a long way to go before I am a seasoned and solid veteran like Doc and Seth, but I am going to pound ground with my Spyder until I am there, becaue it is fun as hell and I like the way it feels.

:doorag: :thumbup:

 

[daveinva]

Okay, I'll be more specific.

daveinva,

Since you mentioned 60-65 mph cornering, is that a 90 degree or less corner?

Oh, not even that sharp... probably 60, 70 degrees or so. A true 90 degree corner? Maybe 40 mph.

Okay, this settles it: I need a track day, a protractor, and a case of Red Bull, stat. :doorag:

 

[Fire911]

Thanks for all the replies

Thanks for all the replies. I have lots to play with. :clap:

I lift a wheel all the time, even hangin like a monkey. My butt is usually partially off the seat, although bouncing from side to side is getting tough with my old beatup knees.

I need to save my pennies for at least some new shocks. Although it will have to wait until I get handle bar extenders. I find I have trouble controlling the throttle to the extent I would like, specially in a left hander. This has a major affect on my smoothness.

And of course , Practice Practice Practice.

 

[dguisinger]

I was pretty much wondering the same thing. I've put about 300 miles on my Spyder since I bought it last weekend and I'm starting to get fairly comfortable in turns and curves, but they still leave me a little nervous.

I still haven't figured out how much I can actually turn the handle bars, I've been very timid with the turning the wheels and usually adjust the speed. The fact that I'm taking curves marked 55MPH with no G-forces at the posted speed vs 90 degree turns with some level of G-forces at about 20 tells me I can probably push things a lot further... I just don't want to go beyond the VSS limits and roll the machine. The manual says don't exceed vehicle limits, but of course never defines those limits.

I've also wondered about handling ruts in the pavement. I wasn't too thrilled the other day when coming under a bridge I came across a rut for the right wheel at 50mph - not that I want to lose control in optimal settings, but I definitely don't want to hit a concrete wall under a bridge at 50mph.

 

[Bob Denman]

Practice DOES make perfect... :thumbup:

 

[spydee owner]

taking corners fast

I like to ride really fast and am still getting use too the spyder RS-S. What is the best technique for taking corners fast on the spyder? Body position, corner path etc....:yes:

Read akaspydermans thread about motorcycle accident stats. These bikes were - I believe - meant to be enjoyed in a safe manner. For example, take corners at speedlimit + 10 or 15 if the corner allows it. Don't ride roads at breakneck speeds if you are not familiar with the road.

Keep the crazy stuff for closed circuit riding.

 

[Bob Denman]

With all of that gorgeous artwork on the front of yours; I'll bet that you like crusing "low and slow" for the benefit of the onlookers... :thumbup:

 

[spydee owner]

artwork

With all of that gorgeous artwork on the front of yours; I'll bet that you like crusing "low and slow" for the benefit of the onlookers... :thumbup:

If you look at the girls hair there is a big spider crawling out and up the web. The alien spider mother ship has released small spiders that infected her. She gets a lot of looks in parking lots.

 

[SethO]

Don't worry; your opinion does matter now as in four years from now. :doorag:

Truth, spyders are not like motorcycles in the extreme aspect of cornering because of the the Tech, which has to be adjusted for if you want to go faster, again its your choice.

Okay, I'll be more specific.

daveinva,

Since you mentioned 60-65 mph cornering, is that a 90 degree or less corner?

The fastest guy I ever rode with told me you take the posted, double it and add your ball size. Again if you think you are safer on a spyder, you are lying to yourself, you will lose to a Prius with one extra tire bouncing down the road.

90% of the time I agree with this statement, however, after some interesting experiences, and the variable that only Seth really touched on is the Nanny. The nanny changes this on the spyder at times. The honest answer there is that the swaybar and elkas will actually help effect the red zone range with regard to the nanny. You can just push it _further_ before momma hits you with the stick.

Its like a 5 kid family, the 1 first kid gets more :cus: because his limits are more rigid (aka the stock stuff and the nanny), but by kid 5, the parents are just like whatever... (Aftermarkets give you a large range of push).

So yes, Great Rider on Stock > Novice on Aftermarket, however, when you put momma running with you hitting you with a stick, the margin would be closer than one would think. No disrespect to anyone, I have a long way to go before I am a seasoned and solid veteran like Doc and Seth, but I am going to pound ground with my Spyder until I am there, because it is fun as hell and I like the way it feels. That being said, we all have other variables, me alone versus me with Sonja on the back are 2 different drivers! I might get her a spyder just so I can be insane more

That is a great explanation, I the 8 kid and the 7th son of 12 kids so I don't know if it makes it worse or better. The nanny will drop your corner speeds at least 20mph.

Thanks for all the replies. I have lots to play with. :clap:

I lift a wheel all the time, even hangin like a monkey. My butt is usually partially off the seat, although bouncing from side to side is getting tough with my old beatup knees.

I need to save my pennies for at least some new shocks. Although it will have to wait until I get handle bar extenders. I find I have trouble controlling the throttle to the extent I would like, specially in a left hander. This has a major affect on my smoothness.

And of course , Practice Practice Practice.

thats all you can do, I hope you understand that this is what works for me where I live and ride so you have to account for traffic, public track fees (tickets) and your safety and others.

Read akaspydermans thread about motorcycle accident stats. These bikes were - I believe - meant to be enjoyed in a safe manner. For example, take corners at speedlimit + 10 or 15 if the corner allows it. Don't ride roads at breakneck speeds if you are not familiar with the road.

Keep the crazy stuff for closed circuit riding.

I love your art work and color setup on your spyder.

Again this is a engine with some tires on it, you will lose to any cage no matter if you are going 20 mph or 100, I understand its alot easier to stop at 20 but anyone can drive 20mph, I have had trained 3 yr olds drive my bike at that speed on my lap.
I would love to see any unbias stat's of spyder accidents, I am trying to think of one owner on here that was in a accident with a deer ( I hit one a few years ago) or otherwise that was their fault directly, I don't count act of god stuff like my deer hit at 40mph.
The faster you go the higher the risk, but the risk is there no matter what the speed. I tell people that mob me at gas stations this all the time, If you can't accept the risk then don't ride, I have went over the edge once and that is what brought me to the spyder and th 98 out 100 great owners.

“THE EDGE, there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over.”
― ​

Hunter S. Thompson

 

[bikeguy]

“THE EDGE, there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over.”
― ​

Hunter S. Thompson

That's an honest statement if there ever was one!

You'll never really know how fast you can go until you know how fast you CAN'T go. I've found out how fast I can't go quite a few times on dirt. On the street - well, I'd just as soon not know.

Cotton

 

[Chazzman]

Hey guys help me understand going through turns fast on a Spyder... I don't get it, I understand very well on two wheels because it is made to handle the curves. Too me fast curves and Spyder is like an oxymoron. It's just not made for that is it?