... how can you tell how far you are leaning over? I don't ride out with anyone else () and Mrs Stu won't follow me in the car (doesn't really like the idea of me on the bike, so having her follow me whilst I'm actively trying get as far over as possible will be a definite no-no). I'm curious as I know I'm not leaning over: 1) anywhere near as far as I feel that I am, 2) as much as I need to to do the knee down thing, 3) As much as the bike/tyres can take. I'd love to have an actual measure of how far over I am. So, do C-Strips give a fair idea? Is there a magic formula you can use to figure it out (like, tyre profile / chicken strip width x your age = angle etc)? I know that in the grand scheme of things that it doesn't matter, but it'll help me understand how much further I can push myself. (Waiting for 'You can push yourself until just before you run out of tyre comments ) I've not been out for weeks. I may pop out for a cheeky blast tonight before the snow hits over the weekend.
I've got this app on my Iphone. PIRELLI :: TYRE The speed, gps location is quite accurate not sure how accurate the lean angle is though
I don't think there is a way to tell mate, I have often wondered how far over I am but not found the answer yet
its not even worth bothering with in this weather fella,crap all over the roads tyres not even close to being warm enough to get that far over ,just my 2 bobs worth
Agree, thats one of the reasons how I chose the tracker for the Blade, it doesn't start gps tracking until you notify them it's stolen. WRT to the app , you dont need to share the info ie it stays on the phone, but I guess this is still evidence!
I know it's really not the answer you're looking for but I really wouldn't worry about it. Just ride to the point where you're comfortable. I've never completely removed the chicken strips from my tyres on any bike yet. There's always 3/4 of a centimetre or so of shinier at the edge of my rear tyre and about the same on the front and I've been leant over as far as I'm comfortable. That was even enough for Fez, who was following me on a run down from Hartside, to say that I was carrying some scary angles of lean and that any chicken strips must've disappeared. They hadn't though. It doesn't make me any slower and it's nice to know that even being that far over there's still a little left.
Me and my brother drew lines on each others tyres In tyre pen to see who had what left on the way home from a meet was quite a funny game. Well it started off lines and then turned into a drawing of a penis, we are very mature whe together
Don't worry about it... I know lads who try to get rid of chicken strips on the road, and their ambition outweighs their talent and they fall off...not good. just enjoy the ride, and be safe.
I was just going to post the exact same thing rich. I think riding style also plays a huge part in how much lean angle it looks like you are carrying, but chickenstrips or lack of them are only a bragging tools that the typical gixxer owner will be proud about. Just because somebody can carry big lean angle does not make them a good or fast rider. p.s this is not aimed at you rich, i think your a bloody good rider
Does it really really matter if you've got chicken strips on your tyres ? So what ? Big deal , if your not comfortable leaning it over then don't do it , Remember most things go tits up when you go past your comfort zone .
Totally agree Si. Save the knee down and chicken strip stuff for the track. Its alot safer and easy doing a trackday and more fun!
You guys are great , I started riding 3 years ago and really worried about chicken strips at first Now I ain't fast but several of you on here have said what I've heard before ride safe and ride for yourself And enjoy
this dude is past caring about the strips Kawasaki Ninja Record Nürburgring 7'50": BEST RACE MOTORCYCLE EVER - YouTube
I agree about it being more important to ride within your comfort zone. Also there is a big difference between road riding and track riding. It also depends on your local roads where you ride. I have some great twisty roads around me but none of them require a knee down style. There are also hardly any roundabouts either, so when I want to scrub the tyres in on the sides a bit I have to travel a few miles and make myself giddy on the roundabouts lol. I try to keep my bike as upright as possible to get maximum traction and get upright asap in order to put the power on quickly. One of my favourite riders to watch was Mick Doohan, he seemed to use the minimum amount of lean required and was a very smooth rider. I have to say, I hate the foot out style which has been evident a lot in Moto GP particularly. I understand the reasons and the tactic of making it harder to pass but if they did it in front of me they would end up with a very sore foot/leg
