Be it a shower or deluge, rain can be your worst nightmare when on a motorcycle if you’re not properly prepared. During the spring and winter months, precipitation is unpredictable, and if you are in a rainy state, expect to get caught at least one shower while riding your bike. Rather than avoiding rainy days altogether, learn to ride your motorcycle in the rain.
Before The Ride
For maximum safety, inspect your bike to make sure it’s ready to tackle a ride in the rain.
• Fluids: Check your motorcycle to make sure there’s no brake fluid or oil leakage. While oil leaks aren’t very dangerous in dry conditions, when oil mixes with water, the road becomes a slick and dangerous course.
• Brakes: Make sure the brake pads have enough material left to help you with prompt stops in wet conditions.
• Tires: Check that your tires have enough tread to push water away and grip the road. You also want to ensure they have enough air pressure. Under or over-inflated tires react differently in water, but both are potentially dangerous.
Weatherproof Gear
In order to keep you and your bike safe, you should have the correct riding gear and attire ready to go. You can choose between water-resistant and waterproof items. Water-resistant will shed water, but after a period of time, water will begin to permeate the material. Waterproof, on the other hand, will never allow for water to absorb into the material, unless you get completely submerged in water.
• Water-resistant or Waterproof Gear: Jackets and one piece suits should be zipped up tightly when riding in the rain to prevent water from seeping. Zippers should have a flap that covers the edges to protect the interstices. Cuffs on the jacket or coat need to be long enough to reach your gloves.
• Riding Boots and Gloves: More effective deterrents against complete saturation of your clothes. Both boots and gloves need to be tight enough to prevent water from dripping through. No one likes cold, wet socks.
• Helmets and Goggles: For the best protection, get a full-faced helmet. If you have a ½ or ¾ face helmet, get a pair of goggles. Pair the goggles with a waterproof balaclava that can shed water away from your face.
• Miscellaneous: If you have a saddlebag or storage unit, consider keeping a change of dry clothes with you. Also, keep plastic bags with you to keep valuables dry if you happen to get caught in a sudden rainstorm. Dry bags or waterproof backpacks can also help.
Be Cautious Of Road Conditions
Wet roads are dangerous for motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers, regardless of how prepared you may be. Even when the roads appear clean, they could be slick from oil. Here are some things to consider when traveling by motorcycle in the rain:
Less Traction
The first hour of rainfall is the most dangerous, because oils absorbed into the asphalt rise to the surface. During this time, it’s best to pullover at a rest stop about wait for about an hour. Once the rain has washed the road of oil and debris, you can head out again. Remember that this also means an increased braking distance.
Less Visibility
Sometimes, the fog or mist is too dense, or the rain is falling so hard you or other drivers can’t see. You can make yourself more visible to the traffic around you by wearing high visibility clothing and reflective patches.
Hydroplaning Risk
Hydroplaning occurs when water prevents the tire from making contact with the road. Reduce the risk of hydroplaning by avoiding painted lines, manhole covers, iridescent patches on the road and puddles (oil), tar snakes, metal crossing, and other places with reduced traction.
Also, you should reduce your speed when approaching puddles you can’t maneuver around. Start slowing down, squeeze the clutch, then coast through the puddle. If you’re going too fast, it’s better to maintain that velocity rather than slowing down abruptly, as this will reduce friction could cause fishtailing.
Decrease the risk of hydroplaning further with all-weather tires.
Nature’s Wrath
Stay aware of lightning, hail, ice, sleet, and other conditions that could transpire in a rainstorm. High winds can cause debris to fall into the road, and you might not see it due to decreased visibility. If it starts lightning, pull over.
Conclusion
Not every day is going to be perfect riding weather. Planning ahead and being prepared goes a long way when dealing with rainy conditions. Not only will you stay dry, but you will arrive at your destination safely.
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The Art of Cornering on a Sportbike
Cornering is an essential skill for sportbike riders, and it requires a combination of physical and mental techniques to be executed effectively. From maintaining control in a lean to anticipating turns and navigating curves, cornering is an art that requires practice, patience, and confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of cornering on a sportbike and provide tips and tricks to help you become a more confident and skilled rider.
Download RunThaCity’s Cornering on a Sportbike CheetSheet
Understanding the Physics of Cornering
The key to effective cornering on a sportbike is understanding the physics behind the maneuver. When you enter a turn, the centrifugal force of the turn pushes the bike away from the center of the turn, and the suspension compresses, causing the bike to lean in the direction of the turn. Maintaining control in a lean requires balancing the force of gravity, which tries to pull the bike down, with the centrifugal force, which tries to push the bike out.
By understanding the physics of cornering, you can gain a better appreciation for the forces acting on your bike and the techniques required to counterbalance these forces. For example, you can use your body weight to shift in the direction of the turn, which helps to balance the forces acting on the bike and maintain stability and control in a lean.
The physics of cornering on a sportbike involves a complex interplay between the forces of gravity, friction, and centripetal force. When a rider enters a turn, gravity pulls the bike towards the center of the turn, creating a natural tendency to lean into the turn. To counteract this gravitational pull and maintain balance, the rider must apply a countervailing force known as centripetal force. This force is generated by leaning the bike into the turn and applying a slight amount of pressure to the inside handlebar.
The amount of lean required to maintain balance in a turn is largely dependent on the speed of the bike and the radius of the turn. The faster the bike is moving, the more lean is required to maintain control. Conversely, the tighter the turn, the more lean is required. To achieve the optimal balance between speed and lean, riders must coordinate their inputs to the handlebars, throttle, and brakes.
Friction also plays an important role in the physics of cornering. The tires on a sportbike are designed to provide a high level of grip and traction, allowing the rider to carve through turns with confidence. However, this grip can be easily compromised by factors such as road surface, tire wear, and weather conditions. To maximize traction and grip, it is important to maintain the correct tire pressure and keep the tires in good condition, as well as adapting your riding style to the conditions of the road.
By understanding the physics of cornering, riders can develop a deeper appreciation for the dynamics of their sportbike and the techniques required to maintain control and stability in turns. With this knowledge, riders can make more informed decisions about their riding technique and make the necessary adjustments to their speed, trajectory, and body position to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Body Position and Control
Effective cornering on a sportbike requires proper body position and control. To maintain balance and control in a lean, you need to keep your weight centered over the bike and use your body to counterbalance the forces acting on the bike. Your inside hand should grip the handlebars firmly, while your outside hand should be relaxed and ready to make adjustments. Your inside knee should be tucked into the tank, and your outside foot should be positioned on the peg for stability.
Maintaining proper body position and control is essential for effective cornering, as it allows you to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the road and the forces acting on the bike. By keeping your weight centered over the bike, you can maintain balance and control, and by using your body to counterbalance the forces acting on the bike, you can prevent the bike from tipping over in a turn.
Body position and control are critical components of effective cornering on a sportbike. Proper body position allows the rider to maintain balance and control over the bike, while also improving visibility and stability. The key elements of proper body position include:
- Lean Angle: The rider’s lean angle should be adjusted to match the speed and radius of the turn. As the speed increases or the turn tightens, the lean angle should increase accordingly. Riders should aim to maintain a smooth and gradual lean, avoiding sudden or excessive movements that can upset the balance of the bike.
- Weight Distribution: The rider’s weight should be shifted towards the inside of the turn, helping to counteract the gravitational pull towards the center of the turn. This can be achieved by shifting the rider’s body weight to the inside footpeg, while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars.
- Upper Body: The rider’s upper body should be kept as relaxed and upright as possible, avoiding any unnecessary movements that can affect the balance of the bike. The rider should maintain a firm grip on the handlebars, using a light touch to control the bike’s movements.
- Lower Body: The rider’s lower body should be kept as still and relaxed as possible, avoiding any unnecessary movements that can affect the stability of the bike. The rider should maintain a firm grip on the footpegs, using their knees to grip the tank and maintain control over the bike.
By maintaining proper body position and control, riders can ensure a smoother and more stable ride, improving their ability to negotiate turns and respond to changing road conditions. However, it is important to note that body position and control should be adapted to the conditions of the road and the rider’s personal comfort and preference. With practice and experience, riders can develop a more refined and personalised approach to body position and control, improving their cornering skills and overall riding experience.
Braking and Acceleration Techniques
The timing and technique of braking and acceleration play a critical role in effective cornering on a sportbike. As you approach a turn, you should reduce your speed by applying the brakes smoothly and progressively. After entering the turn, you should ease off the brakes and maintain a constant speed, using the throttle as needed to maintain balance and control. As you exit the turn, you should smoothly apply the throttle to accelerate out of the turn and onto the straightaway.
Effective braking and acceleration techniques are essential for maintaining control and stability in a turn. By reducing your speed before entering a turn, you can reduce the forces acting on the bike and maintain control in a lean. By easing off the brakes after entering the turn, you can maintain a constant speed and use the throttle as needed to maintain balance and control. And by accelerating smoothly out of the turn, you can build up speed and exit the turn with confidence.
Braking and acceleration techniques are crucial components of effective cornering on a sportbike. These techniques allow the rider to control the speed and trajectory of the bike, improving stability and confidence in turns. The key principles of braking and acceleration techniques include:
- Braking: Braking should be performed as smoothly and progressively as possible, avoiding any sudden or jerky movements. The rider should aim to maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn, avoiding any sudden changes in speed that can affect stability. When braking, the rider should apply the front brake first, followed by the rear brake, adjusting the amount of pressure applied to each brake to suit the conditions of the road and the speed of the bike.
- Acceleration: Acceleration should be performed smoothly and progressively, avoiding any sudden or excessive changes in speed. The rider should aim to maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn, avoiding any sudden changes in speed that can affect stability. When accelerating, the rider should use the throttle to control the speed of the bike, adjusting the amount of throttle applied to suit the conditions of the road and the speed of the bike.
By combining proper braking and acceleration techniques with proper body position and control, riders can achieve a smoother and more stable ride, improving their ability to negotiate turns and respond to changing road conditions. However, it is important to note that braking and acceleration techniques should be adapted to the conditions of the road and the rider’s personal comfort and preference. With practice and experience, riders can develop a more refined and personalized approach to braking and acceleration, improving their cornering skills and overall riding experience.
Look Ahead and Anticipate Turns
Effective cornering on a sportbike requires you to look ahead and anticipate turns well in advance. By keeping your gaze fixed on the road ahead, you can spot obstacles and make necessary adjustments to your speed and trajectory. You should also scan the road for hazards, such as gravel, potholes, or wet spots, and avoid them whenever possible.
Looking ahead and anticipating turns is a critical component of effective cornering on a sportbike. By looking ahead and anticipating turns, riders can improve their visibility, reaction time, and stability, allowing them to negotiate turns with greater confidence and control. The key principles of look ahead and anticipating turns include:
- Look Ahead: Riders should keep their gaze focused on the road ahead, looking several seconds ahead of the bike to anticipate turns and other road hazards. This allows the rider to react in a timely manner, avoiding any sudden or unexpected movements that can affect stability.
- Anticipate Turns: Riders should anticipate turns by scanning the road ahead for any changes in direction or road conditions. This allows the rider to prepare for the turn in advance, adjusting their speed, body position, and control accordingly.
- Plan Your Line: Riders should plan their line through the turn, anticipating the path of the bike and the trajectory of the turn. This allows the rider to negotiate the turn with greater control and stability, improving their ability to maintain a consistent speed and line.
By combining proper look ahead and anticipating turns with proper body position and control, riders can achieve a smoother and more stable ride, improving their ability to negotiate turns and respond to changing road conditions. However, it is important to note that look ahead and anticipating turns should be adapted to the conditions of the road and the rider’s personal comfort and preference. With practice and experience, riders can develop a more refined and personalised approach to look ahead and anticipating turns, improving their cornering skills and overall riding experience.
Practice and Refine Your Techniques
Effective cornering on a sportbike requires practice, patience, and confidence. While it may take some time to develop the skills and techniques required to corner with confidence, with practice and refinement, you can become a more skilled and confident rider. To improve your cornering skills, consider practicing on a safe and controlled environment, such as a track day or a closed course. You can also seek feedback from more experienced riders and instructors to help refine your techniques and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Cornering is an essential skill for sportbike riders, and it requires a combination of physical and mental techniques to be executed effectively. From understanding the physics of cornering to maintaining proper body position and control, braking and acceleration techniques, and looking ahead and anticipating turns, there are many factors that contribute to effective cornering on a sportbike. With practice, patience, and confidence, you can develop the skills and techniques required to corner with confidence and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
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What Every Rider Should Know About Road Rash
Road rash isn’t a punchline to a joke about bad motorcycle handling or old video game. Road rash, also called “friction burn,” is a serious injury. The severity of the wound is measured by degrees, the same as you would a chemical or fire burn. Since the skin is the largest organ of our bodies, getting road rash opens you up to other vulnerabilities, such as infection. But there is more to understand about road rash than these points.
Let’s look at this serious injury that can happen to anyone and learn how to classify and treat various types of road rash.
The Different Types of Road Rash
Not every bout of road rash is created equal. There are three main types of road rash:
- Avulsion – the skin is scraped away. Sometimes fat, muscle, and even bone will be exposed.
- Compression – where the body is caught between two objects, such as the motorcycle and the road. This results in bruising, broken bones, and damaged muscle.
- Open wound – usually require stitches. Open wound road rash might even require skin grafting.
Aside from the 3 different types, there are 3 degrees of damage:
- First degree – the first layer of the skin is red. Does not require medical treatment and will heal well enough on its own.
- Second degree – the first layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is broken. There can be bleeding and debris stuck in the wound. Usually requires little medical treatment and can heal with no scarring or lasting damage.
- Third degree – skin has been peeled away, leaving tissue, fat and sometimes bone exposed. Victims often need skin grafting.
The degrees of the crash depends on factors such as the force of the impact with the ground, the type of surface where the crash takes place, and whether safety gear was equipped.
Road rash will often occur in places that come in contact with the abrasive surface, either when attempting to catch oneself or when rolling or getting dragged. The outside of the legs, knees, palms, thighs, shoulders, and face are usually where road rash occurs.
Complications of Road Rash
Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any of the following with road rash:
- Severe pain
- Inability to move affected region
- Cuts on the face that are larger than a ¼ inch
- Cuts on the body that are larger than a ½ inch
- Bleeding doesn’t stop
- Gaping wound remains opened with you relax the body
- Fat is visible in the exposed tissues
- Road rash is paired with other injuries, including possible concussion or broken bones.
Any open wound should be treated with antibiotics within six hours. Otherwise, you are at risk of infection.
Treatment and Recovery From Road Rash
Depending on the severity of the road rash, you can oftentimes treat it yourself. In that event, do the following:
- Stop any bleeding.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Rinse the wound thoroughly.
- Wash the wound with soap, water, and then use some witch hazel.
- Apply a topical antibiotic.
- Bandage the wound.
- Change the dressing.
Note: During the recovery, the skin will undergo healing from the deepest layers to the top. It might get scabs. Do not pick the scabs. Instead, continue changing the bandages and applying topical antibiotics. Once the oozing stops, you can use petroleum jelly to keep the skin supple and lessen the scarring.
If you end up going to the doctor because of a deep wound, the medical professional might recommend using ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), acetaminophen, or naproxen to deal with the pain.
Remember that because the skin has been opened by abrasion, you could be at risk for infection. Consider getting a tetanus shot. Tetanus boosters last 10 years, so if you had an injury where the epidermis or dermis of the skin has been injured, tetanus bacteria can enter the wound. At any time symptoms of infection begin, such as redness, swelling, warm or hot skin around the injury, tenderness, pain, or bloody ooze or yellowish pus, you could have an infection. Make sure to get to a doctor immediately.
Hopefully, you should now have an understanding of road rash and how serious it can be. Don’t ignore severe injuries after a fall. Drive safe and stay safe, so you can keep riding!
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Maximizing Performance: Upgrades for Your Sportbike
Riding a sportbike is a thrilling experience, but even the most advanced models can benefit from performance upgrades. Whether you’re a competitive racer or simply enjoy the thrill of high-speed riding, there are several modifications you can make to enhance the performance of your sportbike.
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Upgrade Your Exhaust System: Unlock Hidden Power with an Exhaust System Upgrade
An exhaust system is an essential component of any engine, as it controls the flow of gases generated during combustion. The stock exhaust system on most sportbikes is designed to meet noise and emissions regulations, which can limit the performance of the engine.
However, aftermarket exhaust systems can offer improved airflow, allowing the engine to breathe more easily and increasing horsepower. An aftermarket exhaust system can be made from materials that are lighter and stronger than the stock system, reducing weight and improving performance. Additionally, aftermarket exhaust systems often feature larger-diameter pipes, which allow for greater airflow and improved power output.
If you’re looking for the greatest gains in performance, consider a full exhaust system replacement, including headers and muffler. The headers are the tubes that carry the exhaust gases from the engine to the muffler, and an aftermarket set can be designed with a larger diameter and improved shape to reduce backpressure and increase horsepower. The muffler is responsible for controlling noise levels, and an aftermarket muffler can offer improved sound and performance while still meeting noise regulations.
Upgrading your sportbike’s exhaust system can unlock hidden power and enhance its performance. While the stock exhaust system may meet noise and emissions regulations, it can limit the engine’s ability to breathe and generate power. An aftermarket exhaust system, including headers and muffler, can improve airflow and increase horsepower, allowing you to get the most out of your sportbike.
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Enhance Your Air Intake: Breath Easy with an Air Intake Upgrade
The air intake system is responsible for delivering air to the engine, and it can play a crucial role in determining the performance of the engine. The stock air intake system on most sportbikes is designed to meet emissions regulations, which can restrict the airflow to the engine and reduce performance.
Upgrading to a high-flow air filter or a cold air intake can increase the amount of air entering the engine, providing a noticeable improvement in horsepower. High-flow air filters allow for a greater volume of air to enter the engine, providing a more oxygen-rich mixture that can improve combustion and increase horsepower. Cold air intakes work by relocating the air filter to a location outside the engine bay, where it can draw in cooler, denser air. This increased airflow can provide a noticeable improvement in horsepower.
Enhancing your air intake system can provide a noticeable improvement in horsepower and performance. The stock air intake system on most sportbikes is designed to meet emissions regulations, which can restrict airflow to the engine and reduce performance. Upgrading to a high-flow air filter or a cold air intake can increase the amount of air entering the engine, providing a more oxygen-rich mixture and a noticeable improvement in horsepower.
Fine-Tune Your Engine Management System: Re-Map Your Engine or Install a Power Commander
The engine management system is responsible for controlling the fuel and air mixture delivered to the engine, and it plays a critical role in determining the performance of the engine. The stock engine management system on most sportbikes is designed to meet emissions regulations, which can be restrictive and limit performance.
Installing a Power Commander or having the engine management system re-mapped can improve throttle response and power delivery, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. A Power Commander is an aftermarket device that allows you to fine-tune the engine management system by adjusting the fuel and air mixture delivered to the engine. This can provide improved throttle response and increased power output, allowing you to get the most out of your sportbike.
Re-mapping the engine management system involves modifying the software that controls the fuel and air mixture delivered to the engine. This can provide improved throttle response and increased power output, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently.
Fine-tuning your engine management system can provide noticeable improvements in throttle response and power delivery. The stock engine management system on most sportbikes is designed to meet emissions regulations, which can be restrictive and limit performance. Installing a Power Commander or having the engine management system re-mapped can provide improved throttle response and increased power output, allowing you to get the most out of your sportbike.
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Get the Ultimate Ride with a Suspension Upgrade: Suspension Upgrade
The suspension on a sportbike is one of the most important components in determining handling and stability. The stock suspension components on most sportbikes are designed to provide a balance between comfort and performance, but they may not meet the demands of all riders.
Upgrading to aftermarket suspension components, such as forks, shocks, and springs, can offer improved handling and a more comfortable ride. Suspension upgrades can also allow riders to fine-tune the suspension settings to suit their individual riding style and track conditions. High-performance suspension components can offer improved responsiveness and stability, allowing you to get the most out of your sportbike.
Forks and shocks are two of the most important suspension components, and upgrading them can offer a noticeable improvement in handling and stability. Upgraded forks can provide improved responsiveness, allowing you to negotiate turns with greater ease. Upgraded shocks can provide improved damping, allowing the rear tire to remain in contact with the road, even under hard acceleration or braking.
A suspension upgrade can provide a noticeable improvement in handling and stability, as well as a more comfortable ride. The stock suspension components on most sportbikes are designed to provide a balance between comfort and performance, but they may not meet the demands of all riders. Upgrading to aftermarket suspension components, such as forks, shocks, and springs, can allow riders to fine-tune the suspension settings to suit their individual riding style and track conditions.
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Stop on a Dime with a Brake Upgrade: Brake Upgrade
Braking performance is critical for riders who like to push the limits of their sportbike’s performance. The stock brake components on most sportbikes are designed to provide a balance between performance and affordability, but they may not meet the demands of all riders.
Upgrading to high-performance brake pads and larger rotors can provide a noticeable improvement in braking performance, helping riders feel more confident on the track or road. High-performance brake pads can offer improved bite and modulation, allowing you to stop quickly and smoothly. Larger rotors can provide improved heat dissipation and stopping power, allowing you to slow down faster and with greater confidence.
Upgrading your brake components can provide a noticeable improvement in braking performance, helping riders feel more confident on the track or road. The stock brake components on most sportbikes are designed to provide a balance between performance and affordability, but they may not meet the demands of all riders. Upgrading to high-performance brake pads and larger rotors can provide improved bite and modulation, as well as increased stopping power, allowing you to stop quickly and confidently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading your sportbike can significantly enhance its performance and make it even more enjoyable to ride. These modifications can improve power delivery, handling, braking, and overall ride quality. However, it’s important to choose upgrades that are compatible with your bike and to have them installed by a professional to ensure optimal performance and safety. Whether you’re looking for a competitive edge or simply want to improve your riding experience, there are many options available for maximizing the performance of your sportbike.
