Taking Bubba Zanetti's advice...asking for tips and pointers for cornering my 86 vf500 correctly

Will be riding my 86 vf500 very soon ope2: , but have never been on a sport bike before... So my question for this discussion is....what is the proper way to corner with this wonderful machine, tips and pointers, vid links , etc ... all welcome .




Thanks in advance,


Will R. Seattle, WA.

 

The video contained in this link http://vfrworld.com/forums/riding-advice/17912-body-position.html is awesome. Check it out.

 

I got alot of information on proper riding teqniques from a book named "Twist of the Wrist II" I was amazed how much it helped me(AFTER I HAD ALREADY BEEN RIDING SPORTBIKES FOR 10 YEARS) to ride smoother and more stable after reading that book.

 

As I mentioned in another thread...I think proper training with a qualified instructor is the best way to go.

The best example I can think of off the top of my head is sports; for those of us that played somewhat competitively, we all read books and had coaches. Although understanding theory from reading books is great, it doesn't always get the job done...sometimes an expert eye is needed.

Take swimming for example...we can read all we want about the proper way to stroke and what good form is. But then go out and try it, it's not as easy as it is in the book. But when you have a coach instructing you, all those things you learned in the book take more meaning.

Insert whatever skill or sport for swimming and it still works. We all know how to run, it's natural, but coaches often can teach us better ways and methods. We all know how to throw a baseball, but having a coach there will no doubt improve your technique.

I think of it as a 3 components to good riding:
- Gaining knowledge (reading books, conversation, etc)
- Experience (actually riding and practicing)
- Fine tuning (getting coached/instructed by a qualified teacher)

No particular order though, but all three components are important.

As for advice pertaining specifically to the VFR, the principles of riding are the same regardless of what you ride, albeit with some minute differences. But the principles of braking, cornering, etc, apply to almost all vehicles with two wheels.

Have fun with that VFR!

 

Well Will, I wished you lived closer so I could get you into my local practicing parking lot for some instruction.

However, I am hoping someone (i.e. RVFR, VFRShorty or shortys husband Johnny or whoever) may step up to the plate and meet you to get a little learning done.

Stsai is correct with the three things he mentioned, but it appears you are just looking for a little ‘intro’ instruction. Please understand that someday you will or should seek ‘professional’ instruction. Nothing in the world can beat it. You can read “how to’ in a book over and over and over again, but never be able to apply it correctly. You have to have that set of professional eyes watching.

Keep us posted.

BZ

 

Before you do anything "advanced", concentrate on holding the grips like they were egg shells ready to crack if you squeezed them too hard. Things will fall into place after that. Use your mid-section to hold yourself up, not your hands. You see most new sportbike riders do this. Their forearms are locked in place due to the death grip. Loosen up! This will allow the bike to do it's own thing without you getting in the way.

Worry about body position after you've learned to sit on the thing properly.

Best of luck! :thumbsup:

 

Wow, you guys are all great! I really am soaking in all you are saying, and would love to meet with any riders that are willing to go one on one with me as well as I will see if there are any march riding courses in my area, as I have a couple friends that are just getting into motorcycles that want to take the course as well. I thought of going for an advanced course but have heard that even riders that have 30+ yrs experience have learned much from the basic course, that I will learn from it as well then can go to the advanced course. I will definitely work on proper posture for riding position, so that I am not using my arms to hold myself up. I have also watched the video link on body position for cornering and Will work on that as well once I can start riding my vf500. I have no problem with a light grip on the handlebars, and trusting the machine to do what it does best (which is to stay upright as long as it is moving ) I have noticed several older vf's in my area since purchasing mine, and chances are some of them are on this forum as well as members on new machines....so if any of them catch these postings, go ahead and chime in so we can chat I am always up for making new friends as well as riding partners!



Will R. Seattle, WA.

 

As a RiderCoach, the one thing I need to point out (I didn't see anyone else mention it) is to take your time & not push yourself until you do get that professional instruction. I'm in the USAF. I see far too many people push themselves to keep up with their friends. You know, peer pressure. The USAF's official position is no one will ride until they've completed the MSF BRC. Then they require the ERC 1 year later. If the individual rides a sport bike, the AMC Sport Bike course is then required 6 months later. It's the time periods between the classes where the most peer pressure occurs.

Like the MSF says, "Ride Your Own Ride". ATGATT & enjoy yourself.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2: