Downshifting before cornering

[OhLordyMyKnees]

It's called trail braking. First, downshift to the correct gear needed for utilizing maximum acceleration out of a curve. Second, utilize the correct amount of brake in as little time as possible entering the curve. Third, follow with a coordinated gradual easing off the rear brake while you accelerate. This sets the attitude of the chassis, prevents too much weight transfer onto the front wheel thereby improving the available traction (lean angle) through the curve and reduces the time necessary (=speed) to complete the curve.
Just my two cents.

Gently, gently, gently! Practice somewhere other than right before a canyon curve! Of all the things to have in the middle of a hard lean, a locked rear wheel is one of the worst.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

That's pretty fancy dancing guys. I just slow to the speed I need just before entering the curve, power on slightly through the curve then accelerate as I am exiting and beginning to decrease my lean angle back up to normal. But keep in mind I also use my body to lean out over beyond the bike to get through turns at a higher rate of speed then just leaning the bike.

 

[Jeff Cameron]

Good advice.....these are not road racing bikes. Just slow down and enjoy the ride but don't forget to power out of the corner once in awhile to bring a grin to your face.

 

[1olbull]

using the rear brake in a turn (gently) will allow to modify the trajectory while leaned over
the throttle bit I have no idea

Understand that using either brake while cornering will only modify your trajectory by increasing your radius (standing the motor up) and generally will NOT allow you to tighten the radius.
Don't EVER forget the friction circle. The more you lean the more cornering force that is produced. This combines with whatever braking force that is applied (Pythagorean Theorem) and both use up whatever braking force that is available. So let's say on a given level surface you can produce 1.0g braking force. In the next corner you lean 20°. You are now utilizing .364g of your available friction (tan 20°=.364). Now you have only .636g of braking force left (1.0g-.636g) before you exceed the maximum friction available and complete the corner on your ass!

The graphic is actually shown upside down, as deceleration is negative and should technically point down.
You are progressing up and lean 20° into a right hander. If you brake you have ONLY .64g left for use.
Hope this makes sense?

 

[1olbull]

That's pretty fancy dancing guys. I just slow to the speed I need just before entering the curve, power on slightly through the curve then accelerate as I am exiting and beginning to decrease my lean angle back up to normal. But keep in mind I also use my body to lean out over beyond the bike to get through turns at a higher rate of speed then just leaning the bike.

Good point, Bill!
By shifting your weight into the turn, the combined center mass is moved inward and reduces the lean angle of the motor, thereby increasing the available friction.

 

[1olbull]

Good advice.....these are not road racing bikes. Just slow down and enjoy the ride but don't forget to power out of the corner once in awhile to bring a grin to your face.

AGREED, Jeff, but I feel better understanding of what is involved means for a better informed and safer rider.

 

[idk]

Don't ever forget the most important thing when cornering. If you can't stop in the distance you can see then you will end up getting hurt - or deaded. If you are cornering so fast that you can't use your brakes to stop, then you should be on a race track with little chaps from the village waving red or yellow flags to let you know when there is a problem ahead.

 

[1olbull]

Don't ever forget the most important thing when cornering. If you can't stop in the distance you can see then you will end up getting hurt - or deaded. If you are cornering so fast that you can't use your brakes to stop, then you should be on a race track with little chaps from the village waving red or yellow flags to let you know when there is a problem ahead.

EXCELLENT advice!!!

 

[Robm422]

Thanks for all the advice, the knowledgebase on this forum is remarkable, and very appreciated.
I probably need to ride it less like a sportbike than I have been, its just so darn fun leaning your whole body into these turns and ripping it up through the canyons!!

 

[Tripps]

Hmm, it always seemed to me that a touch of trail braking decreased the radius?