Why would a bike handle better *after* hitting the twisties?

[Doc_V]

My 2006 Yamaha Roadstar always handles better after I've hit some twisties; not the high speed sweepers, but the tighter the better. I know getting tires up to temp will make a difference, but this will last for a while after getting back on the freeway and the tires have cooled. And it's definitely not in my head. So what would cause this?

 

[horsepower]

It could be that your suspension is warmed up
It could be that your suspension is far better set for twistie riding then for open road riding.
It could be that your tires or your tire's profile feel or perform better on twistie roads
It could be a combination of all 4
And whether you dismiss it or not, it could be in your head or a combination of all 5

 

[BillSmith]

I always skied better in the afternoon. It wasn't the gear.

 

[Lonster]

A nice run in the twisties always puts a smile on your face.
A nice run in the twisties always puts a smile on your bikes soul.
When you feel good, and your bike is smiling, the WHOLE world is a better place.
(Or what horsepower said)

 

[Gary856]

Just yesterday I felt my bike was more powerful after I stopped for a few minutes to take pictures. Sometimes I felt my bike handled much better after a short stop. Either these bikes benefited from a short break (unlikely), or I did (definitely).

 

[bikewanker]

Espresso seems to make my bikes handle better. :teeth

 

[gixxerjeff]

I have found my bike handles much better and has noticeably more power right after I wash it.

 

[davidji]

When my bike does that, it's because the rider warmed up.

 

[motomania2007]

Bikes like curves.
Happy bikes handle better.

That's my theory and I am sticking with it

 

[Blankpage]

I’m definitely faster when I wear my lucky socks

 

[Jammer]

A healthy morning BM does it for me.

 

[mrmarklin]

A Harley, painted black, is known to be faster. :cool

 

[dittoalex]

Riding is a perishable skill.

 

[bikewanker]

Riding is a perishable skill.

10-4, I’ll start keeping mine in a reefer.

 

[GAJ]

My 2006 Yamaha Roadstar always handles better after I've hit some twisties; not the high speed sweepers, but the tighter the better. I know getting tires up to temp will make a difference, but this will last for a while after getting back on the freeway and the tires have cooled. And it's definitely not in my head. So what would cause this?

As others have said, it is you mind locking in and likely you become more relaxed at the controls leading to smoother inputs and better handling.

I'm guessing your bike has a name? :laughing

I've never named any machines I've owned but many folks do.

 

[VicTim]

My 2006 Yamaha Roadstar always handles better after I've hit some twisties; not the high speed sweepers, but the tighter the better. I know getting tires up to temp will make a difference, but this will last for a while after getting back on the freeway and the tires have cooled. And it's definitely not in my head. So what would cause this?

What color is your motorcycle?

 

[Marcoose]

It's residual electromagnetic gravitational/centrifugal charges still dissipating through the fork oil. You're probably running heavy weight fork oil. The fork oil agitates with the side-to-side tilting of the twisties. Like a Martini shaker. When it hits that magic point, the hidden negative electrons go to outer edge of the fork oil. You barely need to countersteer the motorbike. My dad told me that. My dad's an engineer.

 

[dtrides]

..tires were squared off...a run through the twisties re-rounded your tires , hence your bike now handles better..

 

[WWWobble]

..tires were squared off...a run through the twisties re-rounded your tires , hence your bike now handles better..

This. Plus maybe tires running at a lowish pressure??

 

[W800]

This. Plus maybe tires running at a lowish pressure??

I think this is it. I think it's likely that the factory air pressure recommendation for OP's bike is too low.

I run my tires higher than factory recommends. They are also different sizes and brand than factory - but as long as I am within what the tire manufacturer recommends for the tire itself, I feel safe.

My bike absolutely handles better with more air pressure. But take this all with a grain of salt. They are DOT flat track tires.