Leaning and body positioning. Need some critique!

[forza110]

Hey guys, I am 18, been riding for 2 years. Got my monster 796 about a month ago and i've done about 1000 miles so far. I'm really enjoying it and I think i'm doing good in corners. But I don't know how to gauge how much "more" i have in a lean. I have low sided before and broke my ankle and a bone in my neck (not on the monster) but I guess being a stubborn italian i still like to go sideways . But how can i figure out where to stop pushing the bike? On my rear tire there is about 1/4 inch of space from the last spot of the tire scuffing until the tire drops off (end of the tire). I guess i am at the point of using more body. Anyone have any help? I'd greatly appreciate it.

[$Lindz$]

There's a body position thread in here with lots of pics. We'd have to see some pics of your riding to do anything more than randomly shoot in the dark.

I'd really suggest going to a track day, riding in the beginners' group and getting coached for the day. I did that and it was great, I really improved a lot after that.

Also, there's a thread about Twist of the Wrist II, the whole video is uploaded on youtube, and definitely worth a watch if you're looking at progressing to the next step of riding.

[forza110]

Ok, thanks man. By the way, what can i wear besides full pants to put my knee down? i dont have the funds for a full suit right now.

[$Lindz$]

A full suit. Seriously. Don't be stupid.

[forza110]

I understand. Thanks for the help man. I appreciate it. i'll start saving for it.

[betarace]

Check ironpony.com for close out suits.

[thought]

If you have a leather jacket with a full zip then a 2 piece suit will work fine too.

[desmodoktor]

i will recommend you two books that i ve read and learned a lot from ..
1: http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039
2: http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

good luck   

[Slide Panda]

forza110 - roughly where do you live? Depending on that, I've got some class suggestions.

In general, if you can link up with some knowledgeable riders in the area they can help provide feed back. Getting a camera, video or series of stills, behind you will tell a lot as well.

Just trying to figure out what you're doing right or wrong via a short post on the internets is kinda hard. One can do a lot with your body to alter the lean angle of the bike. At times people try to hard to get a knee down, and end up doing stuff where they compromise other body position fundamentals.

I just did a course, Cornerspin, for the 2nd time over the weekend. Though you're working on a lot of different things some body position is part and hor that body position relates to the forces acting on the bike other than lean. Lean is easy to see, but things like not over committing your body weight to front wheel when on the brakes - and as a result pushing it beyond it's traction limits. Instead keeping neutral and letting the brakes and suspension get to work as they should.

[forza110]

forza110 - roughly where do you live?

norther NJ area, bergen county. Thanks for all the advice guys. Very helpful.

[Slide Panda]

I'd suggest Total Control problem is the closest one to you is in Maryland
http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/HTML/Schedule.html

There may be something similar closer by though. But there's a book by the same title that's a good read

Really if you've never done any school or class beyond the the basic rider course you can pick up a lot from any.

[thought]

I'd suggest Total Control problem is the closest one to you is in Maryland
http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/HTML/Schedule.html

There may be something similar closer by though. But there's a book by the same title that's a good read

Really if you've never done any school or class beyond the the basic rider course you can pick up a lot from any.

Actually, the closest TCARC is in Poughkeepsie NY... I've taken it and it's totally worth it.

http://www.christineskickstart.com/arc_courses.php

The course basically covers everything that the book does but you wind up doing the drills with someone watching your form and giving you immediate feedback on it which is invaluable.  I suggest taking that course, getting used to what you learned there, and then going to the track... that's the path I took and I felt really comfortable at the track.  I was even pointed out as an example of "correct" body positioning by the instructor a couple of times in my first TD and they told me to move up a level.

[Slide Panda]

Actually, the closest TCARC is in Poughkeepsie NY... I've taken it and it's totally worth it.

Cool. I didn't bother to look at a map and really don't know where Poughkeepsie falls in the state.

If you didn't catch it already, Total control is done on your bike so you'll need to ride/trailer it there.

Some schools, like California Superbike, have rental bikes, TC doesn't do that.

[forza110]

Actually, the closest TCARC is in Poughkeepsie NY... I've taken it and it's totally worth it.

http://www.christineskickstart.com/arc_courses.php

Hey, i see you went  from a 796 like me to a 1098. As someone with not as much experience as you I'm guessing, how long do you think i should be on the monster before making my move to a superbike. I have track experience in cars and i am pretty vehicle savvy, and i am scared of growing out of the monster, and also i would like a more aggressive stance and like anyone, alittle more bike but i know i need more seat time...alot more seat time. The question is how much. My dad (who had a 996, and now 1199paniS tri) is obviously very cautious and is gunning down the idea every time i even whisper about it down the road. I am projecting two years before i want to sell and move up to an 848, what do you guys think? please if i am way off with 2 years let me know. I am completely open to listening...

[Slide Panda]

Really, time is irrelevant without any other measure. In two years, someone could put 10s of thousands of miles on a bike - but they could all poor for learning and growth. Where as someone, in a few months could spend time at classes/track and improve their skills a lot. Then there's human factors... some folks learn fast, some don't.

Perhaps talk with your dad about going to some classes. Could be fun to do together. And if you do well it's a clear way to show him that you're taking things seriously and developing your skills. That would give him less cause for disapproval.

While a 796 isn't 848 fast by the numbers, it's more about the rider. Having a fast bike doesn't make you fast. For example, I think of myself as a capable and decently quick rider. But I know there's lots of room for improvement. Self eval is is middle leaning towards good. At track days I ride a KTM 690 Enduro fit with 17" wheels. A 650cc single motard thing with 56hp (maybe). At my last track day I was geting around and occasionally lapping folks on 848s 1098s, an R1 a passle of gixers and it's not due to having a faster/better bike. What I'm trying to get at is don't worry about the 848, fut it out of your heard for a while and learn to ride that 796 to the upper end of its capabilities