Hi Everyone! This is my first motovlog! I’m riding a 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6. Don’t forget to subscribe and comment!!
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The Psychology of Speed: Understanding the Sportbike Lifestyle
Sportbikes are known for their high-performance capabilities, sleek design, and thrill-seeking lifestyle. From track days to weekend rides, the sportbike culture is a unique and passionate community that revolves around speed and adrenaline. But what is it about sportbikes and the lifestyle that appeals to so many riders? In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind the sportbike lifestyle, from the thrill of speed to the sense of community and belonging.
The Thrill Of Speed
The thrill of speed is one of the biggest draws of sportbiking, and it’s what sets it apart from other forms of transportation. The sensation of cutting through the wind, feeling the power of the engine, and pushing your limits is unmatched. For many riders, the rush of adrenaline that comes from going fast is what keeps them coming back for more. Speed is a powerful force that stimulates the brain, releasing adrenaline and endorphins that create a euphoric state. This can be addictive, and the desire for more speed is what drives many sportbike riders.
But, it’s important to note that speed should never come at the expense of safety. Sportbike riders must always be aware of their surroundings, follow speed limits, and ride within their abilities. Responsible riding is key to ensuring that the thrill of speed remains a positive and safe experience.
Overall, the thrill of speed is a central part of the sportbike lifestyle and is what attracts riders to this high-performance form of transportation. Whether it’s the rush of adrenaline or the satisfaction of pushing your limits, the thrill of speed is what makes sportbiking such a unique and exciting experience.
Sense of Community and Belonging
The sportbike lifestyle often brings riders together to form a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for speed and the thrill of the ride. This sense of community and belonging can be incredibly empowering and can lead to lasting friendships and memories.
Whether it’s participating in track days, weekend rides, or simply hanging out at the local motorcycle hangout, sportbike riders often find a sense of camaraderie and belonging that they simply can’t find anywhere else. This sense of community is not just limited to local riders, but extends to a global network of riders who are united by their love of speed and the sportbike lifestyle.
Riding a sportbike can be a solitary experience, but when riders come together, it becomes a shared experience, and the thrill of speed is multiplied. Whether riders are racing on the track, exploring new roads, or simply cruising down the highway, the sportbike lifestyle is all about pushing boundaries, challenging oneself, and experiencing the thrill of speed.
For many sportbike riders, the sense of community and belonging is just as important as the thrill of speed. It gives riders the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and enjoy the sport together. Whether it’s participating in group rides or simply hanging out and talking about bikes, the sportbike lifestyle offers riders a sense of belonging that they can’t find anywhere else.
Building Confidence and Skill
Building confidence and skill is a critical part of the sportbike lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, sportbikes offer a unique challenge and the opportunity to continually improve your riding skills. For many sportbike riders, the thrill of riding fast is not just about speed, but also about mastering the machine and developing the confidence and skill to control it.
One of the ways to build confidence and skill is by taking a motorcycle training course, such as a beginner’s riding school or an advanced track day. These courses offer a safe and controlled environment to practice riding skills, receive feedback from experienced instructors, and learn from other riders. Additionally, you can also attend riding events or track days, where you can ride with other riders and experience the thrill of speed in a safe and controlled environment.
Another way to build confidence and skill is by practicing regularly. Sportbikes are designed for high-performance riding, and the more you ride, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Whether it’s riding to work, hitting the local twisties, or exploring new roads, regular riding will help you develop your skills and become a better rider.
Finally, riding with a group can also help build confidence and skill. Whether it’s a local riding club, a group of friends, or a track day organization, riding with others provides an opportunity to learn from more experienced riders and experience the thrill of speed in a supportive and fun environment.
In conclusion, building confidence and skill is an integral part of the sportbike lifestyle, and there are many opportunities to develop and improve your riding skills. Whether it’s through training courses, regular riding, or riding with a group, the sportbike lifestyle offers a unique challenge and the chance to become a better, more confident rider.
Conclusion
The sportbike lifestyle is about much more than just speed and adrenaline. It’s about the thrill of pushing yourself to the limit, the sense of community and belonging, and the opportunities to build confidence and develop new skills. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, the sportbike lifestyle is a unique and exciting world that is waiting to be explored. So, why not join the sportbike community today and discover the psychology of speed for yourself?
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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.
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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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HJC IS-17 Motorcycle Helmet Review
The HJC IS-17 helmet is one of the most popular in HJC street helmets, made of advanced polycarbonate composite and with a new 3D face shield design. It is kind of a mixture of the HJC FG-17 and the HJC CL-17, although the FG-17 has a fiberglass composite shell and the IS-17 has a different fit than both the CL-17 and FG-17. Although the IS-17 has a comfortable fit and a sun visor that provides excellent coverage, it does not have good ventilation and the internal sun visor means it does not have Snell certification.
HJC IS-17 Motorcycle Helmet Overall Quality
All the parts of the IS-17 move together well despite the fact that the recommended retail price is around $162. Despite the cost, the paint and finish are good quality and comparable to helmets that are similarly priced, although it should not be compared to higher priced helmets like Arai or Shoei. The chin curtain, like the CL-17, is an option, although for a few extra dollars, it could be included as standard. The pinlock insert is also an option, although it is not as critical as the chin curtain. The clear plastic face shield has some waviness and clouding that could result in a visibility problem. In addition to the face shield, the fact that 85 percent of the vent holes are blocked is an issue. Very little air flows through the vents to the rider and the fabric liner across the top blocks the top vent.
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Helmet Fit, Internal Shape and Liner
The sizing seems slightly off in the IS-17 with an “XL” fitting more like an “L” and the internal shape feels mostly “neutral” rather than “slightly round” like other HJC helmets. This may be due to the sun visor at the forehead which gives a feeling of less room inside the helmet and a snug fit. The interior is nicely padded and the fabric comfortable. You can remove the cheek pads and liner for washing. There are also optional cheek pads in sizes that range from XS, at 40 mm thickness, to XXL, at 25 mm thickness.
HJC IS-17 Face Shield, Outward Visibility
The face shield operation in the IS-17 is exactly the same as the FG-17 with a center locking lift tab that works fine on the helmet. The center locking lift tab also allows you to adjust for city positions or for an initial defogging. It does have waviness that could affect visibility and which some riders may find unacceptable. The eye ports seem to be slightly better than average despite the sun visor. Once the shield is locked shut, it seals tightly around the eye port gasket. Water drains away from the rider along the top of the gasket and along the sides through a rotating mechanism. The face shield is easy to remove and can be replaced with optional mirrored or tinted face shields.
Helmet Ventilation and Air Flow
Ventilation and air flow in the helmet is one of the biggest problems. The top vent looks as if it should draw in a lot of air but the holes through the lining do not come close to lining up with the vents. In addition, the fabric liner blocks the vent holes to the point that even if air came into the helmet, you would not feel it because the holes are covered. This is not only true of the top vent, but also for the rear exhaust vents. The chin vent does direct air up, but it is an option with a price of between $4 and $5, something that is worth the added cost.
How are the Helmet Sound Levels?
The HJC IS-17 is quieter than most helmets with general wind noise around the sides. However, since the fit is tighter than other HJC helmets, it keeps the noise levels low. It works well as a windscreen and has low turbulence noise as well. Because the top vent holes are blocked, there is very little noise from the top of the helmet.
Although most of the features of the IS-17 make it a good option, the fact that it does not have the Snell M2010 rating is a major drawback. Studies have shown that nearly 23 percent of helmet impacts are in the forehead region where the internal sun visor sits. In addition, the top vent system and the wavy face plate present significant problems.