Smooth then fast

[CrazyKell]

I wasn't sure where to put this thread so here goes.

I've never been a particularly amazing rider. I've worked hard at it and it hasn't come naturally. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad rider at all. I just know that I'm not.....something. :idk:

With each bike and year of riding I've improved. I'm not one of those people that was good just right off the bat.

I ride with a group of guys who spend most of their time at the track and a few even race. Learning from them hasn't always been easy for a few reasons.

This year after riding the Gap and the surrounding area, I noticed a significant increase in my riding ability. I'm smoother and way more confident than I ever was. Keep in mind I don't have a suit and usually ride in jeans. :tremble:

So I'm working on the smooth then fast technique. What are your thoughts on getting faster?

[Trip]

ride the gap 15-20 laps (lap = store - overlook - store without stopping) two or three times a week or go to the track often.

[skiergirl]

I'm a huge fan of the track! you can learn a lot about riding out there and it's not ALL about racing and going fast. At the right track school you can learn a lot about body positioning, cornering, braking, etc. and everything translates onto the street. It's amazing what your bike is actually capable of and and once you see what it can do it gives you more confidence in your ability to handle it.

If a track day is not an option for you due to gear or cost I understand, it's not cheap. You can learn the same on the street with lots of practice and the right teacher. Maybe an advanced MSF course or find a good friend that can actually explain things to you and then follow you and give tips. Riding with groups is nice but many people that can ride cannot teach and vice-versa!

[Trip]

I am not a fan of the advanced MSF course class if you want to ride faster. It's more geared to all bikes and safety than it is for learning to control a sportbike at considerable speed. Something more like a Parks Total Control course would be better for street learning to go fast.

[ericr]

What are your thoughts on getting faster?

Besides where to practice (track etc.) you're on the right course... smooth IS fast! The smoother you get the faster you'll get. There are of course, a lot of techniques you can learn from an instructor at a track, but as you ride just try to be smooth for now ;)

[Mikey]

Besides where to practice (track etc.) you're on the right course... smooth IS fast! The smoother you get the faster you'll get. There are of course, a lot of techniques you can learn from an instructor at a track, but as you ride just try to be smooth for now ;)

Agreed 100%- see my sig.

I found that my riding skill increased considerably when I stopped focusing on being fast. When I forced myself to slow down and focused on just being as smooth as possible, I was able to focus more on the right technique. Before long, I was faster than I had ever been before, but with considerably less effort and less drama.

I'll go ahead and echo the track day statements as well. If you can manage it, there really is no substitute. I also highly recommend doing a Lee Parks or Keith Code school (again, if you can swing it).

[Particle Man]

Agreed 100%- see my sig.

I found that my riding skill increased considerably when I stopped focusing on being fast. Especially as I've gotten older. When I forced myself to slow down and focused on just being as smooth as possible, I was able to focus more on the right technique. Before long, I was faster than I had ever been before, but with considerably less effort and less drama.


Same here with added text in bold :)

[CrazyKell]

There is a track school around here but I haven't really considered it for this year. If I can save up the money I'm going to try and do it for the fall.

I did have the benefit of a couple of friends helping me out at the Gap. I asked a trusted friend to ride behind me and evaluate a few things over the course of the week.

Even though I don't enjoy right handers he said mine were WAY smoother than my left. By the end of the week he couldn't tell a difference between the two because my lefts had improved a lot. I'm leaning more than I was before, head positioning is good, but riding in jeans means I'll never feel comfortable to get off the bike a whole lot (even though he said that was good too).

I've also got a copy of Twist of the Wrist II but I've never read it. I'll probably start there and just keep at 'er.

[The Awesome]

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

[Gas Man]

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!
I know that's a joke... but smoothness equals speed.

Ride with some of the older regulars from back when...

jeeps is told be as smooth as silk and therefor most can't keep up.

Super from WOS, is the smoothest guy I have ever saw. He's like water... and will pass you on his dead stock bike making it look like he's just out for a stroll. INSANE! I can provide video's of him chasing the "all throttle less smooth guys"

[racedoll]

Echoing everyone else, but track days will do much for your confidence level. It also makes riding on the street a lot less fun.

My husband and other racers that instruct during the track time always tell me that they would rather have someone be a little slower but smooth and predictable on the track with them, than some irratic but "fast" person.

[Trip]

Smooth is overrated. Do it Troy Bayliss style - just keep it pointed in the right direction and stay in the throttle!

From what I have seen, I wouldn't describe you as smooth or irratic. Something more like blurry.

[HokieDNA01]

There are some great books out there as well....

I am about to start reading "Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch. Looks to be a great overview.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NB6KYVY9L.jpg

[tached1000rr]

From what I have seen, I wouldn't describe you as smooth or irratic. Something more like blurry.

X2 I'd be happy having half the skills of "The Awesome"

[101lifts2]

On the street its about having big nutz.

The thing about being smooth is something that keeps the suspension settled and the tires on the road. If you are moving fast and not smooth you chance to lift the tire off the road and slip.

[The Awesome]

I know that's a joke... but smoothness equals speed.

I'm half joking. I agree with the idea of striving to be smooth and everything being said here, but I really do love the Bayliss riding style. He took everything conventional wisdom says about how to ride and threw it in the trash. His body position was horrible, and he was in a wrestling match with his bike from flag to flag. In the mean time all of the guys doing it "right" just had to scratch their heads and watch him disappear, leaving behind a cloud from using the dirt as extra track surface.

X2 I'd be happy having half the skills of "The Awesome"

I think "The Patient" might be a more suitable nickname.

[Sean]

Confidence comes with mileage (kilometer-age?)
Mileage comes with time

Get out there and hit some twisties on a regular basis and you'll get better :wink:

Or, if none available, hit the track regularly.

Practice is difficult--REAL practice. Repetition is not real practice. Real practice is looking at what you've done, how you do it, finding the weak link, and deliberately pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to extend your limits. Again and again and again. Braking somewhere too early? Good...push yourself to brake 5 feet later. Not gassing it enough? Good, force yourself to roll harder on the throttle earlier. It's hard, and you could potentially fuck up. But you do it incrementally over and over and next thing you know, you can still see the guy in front of you at the end of The Snake.

If you can't afford pants go get yourself a set of MX shinguards and wear them under your jeans. You can usually get some decent leather pants on craigslist for pretty reasonable prices. God only gave you two knees.

Side note: don't be too worried about keeping up with the "fast guys". The "fast guys" inevitably have no life outside of that thing they do and do it every weekend. They're the guys that show up at the track on Friday night and leave for work on Monday morning.

[marko138]

I'm shitty at left turns. My rights are WAY better.

[Particle Man]

I'm shitty at left turns. My rights are WAY better.

I'm the opposite... I know it's irrational, but I think I unconsciously get worried that I'll drag the can on the ground.

[Trip]

I'm the opposite... I know it's irrational, but I think I unconsciously get worried that I'll drag the can on the ground.

I had a SV, good luck with that one.

[Particle Man]

I had a SV, good luck with that one.

yeah, maybe not so irrational afterall :lol: