Second Riding Lesson Report (DISASTROUS) And Some Queries

[Lootch67]

If it makes you feel any better EV, I've been riding for (only!) 13 years and if I'm brutally honest I have to admit that I still prefer left-handers to right-handers. I guess it's because your right hand controls the throttle and especially in the beginning the throttle control can be a bit iffy so you don't want anything to interfere with that.

At the risk of confusing you I'd like to tell you what I find works for me. I lean slightly forward before I start to turn - literally about 3-5 degrees from my normal riding position. This improves your balance and makes you feel like you're about to "push" the bike in stead of hanging on for dear life - a huge psychological difference. (It also gives you much more feel for what the front tyre is doing but there's no need to worry about that now) It also bends your arms a little bit which gives you more leverage with which to turn the bars. Don't however, put your weight on the bars - use your upper body to "carry" the weight. Make sure you can do the "chicken test" at all times i.e. you must be able to flap your elbows even when in the middle of a turn. This way the throttle won't be affected by movements of the body because you arms will "absorb" any movement. Lastly, look where you want to go. If you can do that your body and the bike will follow - trust me! May I suggest you borrow Mark's bike to get a feel for this. Put the bike on the centre stand (or have him hold the bike upright) and just get a feel for exactly how much you need to lean forward and do the chicken test. Most importantly, don't worry. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it very soon so keep us posted on your progress!

 

[Kev]

Yip, I think turning right is less preferred than turning left for most right handed people. :scratch: What helped me: Riding figure of 8's in an empty car park. I started big, and worked my way smaller and smaller. Where I used to ride in Ladysmith (near Windsor Dam), there was a MX track. It was really designed to be ridden anti-clockwise. When I was the only one there, I rode it clockwise to practice turing right all the time. Even after all this, I still prefer left turns to right turns. But you will get the hang of it. It just takes patience, and baby steps.