flying_hun
Adverse Selection
Great stuff, Dan! Yes, I use the VP consciously, and find it quite useful.
Good question. I try to practice both--The Pace establishes attitude, and the VP helps de-mystify unfamiliar turns. I don't think they conflict and, in fact, see them as complementary. Nick writes: "The Pace decreases your reliance on the throttle and brakes, the two easiest controls to abuse, and hones your ability to judge cornering speed, which is the most thrilling aspect of performance street riding." And judging cornering speed is what the VP helps with.That is a very interesting technique. I think the basic idea is something riders arrive at once they calm down, stop trying to scrape knee pucks in the twisties, etc. However, I wonder if trying to adhere to this too closely results in less smooth brake / throttle application, especially where the VP advises different behavior from The Pace.
The VP technique doesn't require use of brakes. Deceleration as you close in on the VP can be achieved just by rolling off the gas, depending on speed reached on the preceding straight. And that's personal preference--which, for me, is usually governed by The Pace.The VP probably results in faster times through a given series of turns, as you're accelerating and decelerating to match curves within their visible limits. The Pace, on the other hand, uses throttle control instead of brakes to control entry speed, resulting in shallower deltas. Given a constant radius turn, The Pace seems like it would arrive at the minimum speed through the curve as the entry speed, whereas strict adherence to VP enters the curve at a higher speed, and advises trail braking as the VP gets closer... then a correspondingly increased application of throttle as you can see more through the turn and the VP fades into the distance.
Aye!I nominate this thread for sticky status. All in favor?
Glad to. And it's a good question.I have a question on this that may seem stupid, but I just want to make sure that I understand.
In my MSF course, and riding with several friends, I was always taught to begin a gentle roll-on as soon as I got leaned in. Not for acceleration but rather to get the weight to the back of the bike.
It sounds like, according to this technique, that if I have a decreasing radius turn, I would end up rolling off the throttle mid-turn (which has always been described to me as a good way to find myself in the dirt, wondering what happened).
Could someone clarify this for me slightly?
Actually, rolling on the throttle moves the weight FORWARD not backwards. This allows the chassis to settle down and stabilize.I have a question on this that may seem stupid, but I just want to make sure that I understand.
In my MSF course, and riding with several friends, I was always taught to begin a gentle roll-on as soon as I got leaned in. Not for acceleration but rather to get the weight to the back of the bike.
It sounds like, according to this technique, that if I have a decreasing radius turn, I would end up rolling off the throttle mid-turn (which has always been described to me as a good way to find myself in the dirt, wondering what happened).
Could someone clarify this for me slightly?
Thanks,
Kyle
Actually, rolling on the throttle moves the weight FORWARD not backwards. This allows the chassis to settle down and stabilize.
If you correctly set your entry speed to a turn, you wouldn't ever need to roll off the throttle. If it's a decreasing radius turn, leaning in (WHILE maintaining throttle) will suffice.
Quick comment.
I have always found when the gas is applied it transfers weight to the rear.
And it is not true all the time that maintaining throttle will suffice. If you have judged things correctly true.. if you have not then the "throttle on" will force you to lean more to maintain the turn = a more severe lean angle required for the additional speed.
I find that if you feel you are going to fast, most of the time you can chop the throttle as long as you are not already in much of a lean... and you can still make the turn. This is different on every bike and really best explored on the track.. and is a real moment on the street for new riders and experience a like.
Leaning further than your comfortable with is scary.. but bikes really do go to some pretty decent angles and IMO this is your best chance to make it thru.
And it is not true all the time that maintaining throttle will suffice. If you have judged things correctly true.. if you have not then the "throttle on" will force you to lean more to maintain the turn = a more severe lean angle required for the additional speed.
There are ways of proving that, I'd be happy to supply that claim, K.Code on TwistOfTheWrist has proof as well.