Re: My email to Roadracing World magazine,after reading about H2(R) in January 2015 i
So if the rear is slipping what do you do? I.G. says let off the gas a little or just ride it out, which is what I would probably do. What should you do Tuff?
Arch, I can tell you give these things lots of thought. I like that about you!
Go back and watch that video and keep an eye on each rider's arse. Now don't go getting funny on me here Arch! When the bike steps out the trick is to get your arse up out of the seat to allow yourself some separation from the bike. This allows the legs to act as springs with shock absorbers. When the bike regains traction it will recoil with bad intentions. If you are locked into the bike you are apt to be bitten by the infamous highside snake.
The bike is designed to straighten itself out if given the chance. If the rider is locked into the saddle when it whips back and forth you either get pitched or end up with your feet higher than the saddle. All the pro riders get their butt up out of the saddle when the bike steps out. They are cocked and loaded on every corner as they are aware that responding quickly is the trick. Watch the video, its easy to see the ones that didn't get their arse up in time. They are the ones that ended up in those scarryass undesirable positions.
If the rear steps out quickly you have to close the throttle a little to slow the spin or you'll end up low-siding. If the slide is easy just raise your bum out of the seat and let the bike catch up to the spin and realign itself before you sit back down. Most of the street guys that I see spin the rear end up low-siding just because this is a new experience for them and they fail to react quickly enough to allow the tire to regain traction.
If I were you, I wouldn't worry about spinning the rear when you visit your first track day. I have no doubt you will be exercising caution on corner exits. However, as your skills increase you'll need to start thinking about how to handle different riding situations that may occur. How you handle these experiences will depend on how much training you get before you reach that level and how much you ride at these upper levels. Along with more speed and deeper lean angles comes more risk.
I will be anxiously awaiting your detailed monologue of that first Track Day! I bet it will take you a week to wipe that sheet eating grin off your face!
Remember, if your rear does step out get your arse up off the seat first (QUICKLY). If you do end up high-siding your bum it won't be nearly as violent by allowing your legs to take some of the thrust out of the equation. Nothing good happens when you leave your arse sitting on the seat.