Change of tyre manufacturer, more cornering confidence?

[slimwilly]

Oh Shit,  did you say Diesel !!!!!!!

If any of us come upon something slippy when we are requiring good grip then I am afraid we are Fooced, twatted,

Yes if you brake then the wheel with most bite will go first but if you are leaning then ===good bye, sorry but not a chance,,nor any tyre will help you out.
Please mr upstairs,, don't give me diesel xx

[Slaninar]

So my bridgestone bt 23s are coming to the end, this is the second set and i ran the original bt45 for a while that came with the bike.
Now i am not a fast rider but have passed my IAM so not shite either, but i do have a cornering/leaning confidence problem. Usually I'm fine with "slow in fast out" but sometimes i go in too hot as you do and freak out about leaning more i.e. scrapping the hero blobs.
I know what to do, grip the tank counter steer more, i know this is all in my head. I know a track day would help but time and money are limited.
I don't need to scrape the blobs all the time and i know that if hedge trimmer, slim or others jumped on my bike they would have it on its side no worries, but i want to be able to do it if needed without freaking.
So here's the question would a change of tyre manufacturer i.e. carcass construction tyre feel help me, or would sticking with what i know be better. And if so which tyres, not after the latest type, but a similar type to my bt23s i.e. sport touring.


Cheers
Nick

When you train football combinations, first you train with defenders just following you. After it's become your second nature, only then can you try it with defenders pushing you and pulling your shirt. Same with any other skill. If you start training hard, scared, it will take ages. You should train a little every day and take it easy all the time. What feels slow and safe to you will start being faster and faster in mph and lean angle.


Although, with (motor)cycle riding - once you fall, the confidence does get lower buy a lot, so you take a few steps back then. But if you're persistent, you'll get there. However, if you don't have money for a track day, don't push it. No need for super leaning on public roads. It is fun, but can be dangerous. Take it easy.


Whatever you do, never ride what scares you, that's no good. Adrenalin yes, but not fear.

[darrsi]

So my bridgestone bt 23s are coming to the end, this is the second set and i ran the original bt45 for a while that came with the bike.
Now i am not a fast rider but have passed my IAM so not shite either, but i do have a cornering/leaning confidence problem. Usually I'm fine with "slow in fast out" but sometimes i go in too hot as you do and freak out about leaning more i.e. scrapping the hero blobs.
I know what to do, grip the tank counter steer more, i know this is all in my head. I know a track day would help but time and money are limited.
I don't need to scrape the blobs all the time and i know that if hedge trimmer, slim or others jumped on my bike they would have it on its side no worries, but i want to be able to do it if needed without freaking.
So here's the question would a change of tyre manufacturer i.e. carcass construction tyre feel help me, or would sticking with what i know be better. And if so which tyres, not after the latest type, but a similar type to my bt23s i.e. sport touring.


Cheers
Nick

When you train football combinations, first you train with defenders just following you. After it's become your second nature, only then can you try it with defenders pushing you and pulling your shirt. Same with any other skill. If you start training hard, scared, it will take ages. You should train a little every day and take it easy all the time. What feels slow and safe to you will start being faster and faster in mph and lean angle.


Although, with (motor)cycle riding - once you fall, the confidence does get lower buy a lot, so you take a few steps back then. But if you're persistent, you'll get there. However, if you don't have money for a track day, don't push it. No need for super leaning on public roads. It is fun, but can be dangerous. Take it easy.


Whatever you do, never ride what scares you, that's no good. Adrenalin yes, but not fear.

Had a hint of Eric Cantona about your theory there Slaninar. 

[Slaninar]

Had a hint of Eic Cantona about your theory there Slaninar. 

YES. It is official - I am slow on the uptake. 


I really don't get this.     

[darrsi]

Had a hint of Eic Cantona about your theory there Slaninar. 

YES. It is official - I am slow on the uptake. 


I really don't get this.     

That's okay, i never really got Eric Cantona either. 


I'm just teasing, i was just amused at how you used football training as a comparison to riding a bike around a bend.

[noggythenog]

Hey Skipper....just my noggence worth......I don't think that you should kick yourself too badly and I also don't think that you can really practice over cooking it.

you have drawn comparisons with others on here that are fast riders but even they will overcook it at times albeit maybe at different lean angles.....I am sure that they are here for the grace of god too and not from superior skill once things went tits up because to actually get to the stage of being tits up means really that planning and being controlled have already gone out the window.

I've practiced Punkstigs "funky chicken" ever since he posted it up a couple years ago and it does help become more self aware and relaxed.

I also read somewhere about sticking your leading elbow out towards where you want to go...so chin up and pointed to the exit and also the elbow.

Leaning over the tank might help a bit, more weight on the front end and better feel through the arms of what is going on via the front wheel and handlebars although on an upright bike it can be difficult to maintain.

also do you find that you have this problem even solo or is it when following others?.

and after all that noggyness & we all know I'm no guru....what would I say about tyres......If you don't do much wet weather riding then id say go for it get some sticky compounds on there, Rosso Diablo or whatever....when you see small stones sticking in them during summer it puts the mind at ease about how soft and sticky they are and the placebo effect certainly kicks in a bit so you stop worrying about them.

I highly rate the Pilot Power 2CT which I had on the FZ1 and now on the Noggysaurustrx they are great.

[Slaninar]

That's okay, i never really got Eric Cantona either. 


I'm just teasing, i was just amused at how you used football training as a comparison to riding a bike around a bend.

That was an example of (another) motor skill... just like riding a bike. 

[Val]

You also need to be relaxed, someone once told me I should be able to flap my arms about like a chicken mid corner,
....breathe and relax. Its the way forward and round!

+1 for relaxing. With speeds you do on most A and B roads you must be able to multitask. I have noticed that if I take my mind from the corner for few seconds it helps me to be more relaxed. For example instead of looking for vanishing points and through corner I try to follow something completely not relevant to riding, turning my head in completely wrong postion and looking andd some object around, like a house, cyclist passing by, some nice blonde. That helps me relax.

If you end up in a ditch it will be your fault though not mine 

[Skippernick]

Well i went out today to try my new chinky levers but also to have a play.
I have a a large quietish roundabout near me, i practised my funky chicken on the way so i'm not "holding on too tight". Name the film!!
Funky chicken is great, noggy's tip about leaning forward a bit more and pointing with the chin really helped, i like that one.
The result was no blob scraping but the 2mm of scuffed chicken strip (i hate that term as well) has gone! I felt much happy leant over as well.
Just need a left hand roundabout now, anyone know of one.
Think i will change tyre manufacturer though thinking may be Michelin PR3's anyone got anything bad to say about them?

[fazersharp]

Just need a left hand roundabout now, anyone know of one.

That would be the rounabout exit !
Next step, instead of going round and round is to go in a little faster (you know the roundabout and if you have the clear view to do this), and this will be replicating the corner that you have "over cooked" so the next one you over cook one you will know what to do

[Frosties]

Just need a left hand roundabout now, anyone know of one.

That would be the rounabout exit !
Next step, instead of going round and round is to go in a little faster (you know the roundabout and if you have the clear view to do this), and this will be replicating the corner that you have "over cooked" so the next one you over cook one you will know what to do

Good shout by Sharpy 

[Slaninar]

Think i will change tyre manufacturer though thinking may be Michelin PR3's anyone got anything bad to say about them?

Fabric, not metal carcass. I'd go with Metzeler Sportec M5 interact.

[Frosties]

Well i went out today to try my new chinky levers but also to have a play.
I have a a large quietish roundabout near me, i practised my funky chicken on the way so i'm not "holding on too tight". Name the film!!
Funky chicken is great, noggy's tip about leaning forward a bit more and pointing with the chin really helped, i like that one.
The result was no blob scraping but the 2mm of scuffed chicken strip (i hate that term as well) has gone! I felt much happy leant over as well.
Just need a left hand roundabout now, anyone know of one.
Think i will change tyre manufacturer though thinking may be Michelin PR3's anyone got anything bad to say about them?

Good to hear the progress, pleased for you fella, and also glad that Noggy has his uses 


As for the PR3's - I've found them to have good feel and cracking wet or dry grip inspiring confidence all round. I have managed to lock the front twice (around London) but this is probably down to snatching the lever and having no time for the tyre to compress.

[Punkstig]

One thing nobody's mentioned is temperature, somebody kicked off a while ago on a sports bike forum because their super sticky expensive sports tyres were slipping all over the shop scaring them and losing all confidence in corners- quite simply it wasn't possible for him to get them up to the required temperature on the road and for the time of year in order for them to start gripping.
Sports touring tyres these days are extremely well suited to our roads and temperatures, the better weather over the weekend would have made a difference though!
stay with that type imo!

[Dead Eye]

I've noticed that with my T30's on the 1000

It takes a few miles for them to get to temperature and settle as straight off of the drive they don't always feel 100% planted...

I have this persistent argument going on in my head about whether to try a new manufacturer or to stick with what I know. I really should just bite the bullet and try something else. Maybe I'll give the Metzelers a shot next time, but for now there is plenty of tread on the thou to make use of The "chicken strips" on the thou are definitely larger than on the 600 for me

[Val]

Think i will change tyre manufacturer though thinking may be Michelin PR3's anyone got anything bad to say about them?

Not actually. I had Metzler previously which was feeling a little like hard plastic when cold and on few ocassions the rear has slipped. In a good predictable way.

Now I have PR3s and I am impressed. They stick like a glue. The only minus is my chicken strips now are huge. Although I have the feeling I lean more on them. How is that even possible have no idea 

[joebloggs]

I still believe all this talk of changing tyre brands is irrelevant. if you don't have the confidence/skill call it what you will, changing tyres will not help, if anything it will only put more doubt in your head and force you to slow or lean less.

I used to fit TKV's to all my bikes, they weren't the best rubber out there but they were cheap, round and black. I was out on a ride with all the so called fast riders on their R1/6 Blades etc and I was on a battered old GPZ600R, we stopped for a tea and they were all complaining about their tyre this etc etc my only complaint was they were in my way mid corner because they couldn't either read a bend or lean it over.

[Fazerider]

I still believe all this talk of changing tyre brands is irrelevant. if you don't have the confidence/skill call it what you will, changing tyres will not help, if anything it will only put more doubt in your head and force you to slow or lean less.

I used to fit TKV's to all my bikes, they weren't the best rubber out there but they were cheap, round and black. I was out on a ride with all the so called fast riders on their R1/6 Blades etc and I was on a battered old GPZ600R, we stopped for a tea and they were all complaining about their tyre this etc etc my only complaint was they were in my way mid corner because they couldn't either read a bend or lean it over.

Those of us not lucky enough to have your natural talent and ability to ride like a GP god on tyres from Poundland find that selecting a something that suits our riding style can improve confidence. Nobody's suggesting tyres are the only factor (hence all the other advice about technique), but they are a factor.

[joebloggs]

I still believe all this talk of changing tyre brands is irrelevant. if you don't have the confidence/skill call it what you will, changing tyres will not help, if anything it will only put more doubt in your head and force you to slow or lean less.

I used to fit TKV's to all my bikes, they weren't the best rubber out there but they were cheap, round and black. I was out on a ride with all the so called fast riders on their R1/6 Blades etc and I was on a battered old GPZ600R, we stopped for a tea and they were all complaining about their tyre this etc etc my only complaint was they were in my way mid corner because they couldn't either read a bend or lean it over.

Those of us not lucky enough to have your natural talent and ability to ride like a GP god on tyres from Poundland find that selecting a something that suits our riding style can improve confidence. Nobody's suggesting tyres are the only factor (hence all the other advice about technique), but they are a factor.

I would suggest that if you can't use all of your tyre then any poundland tyre WOULD suit your riding style, it's not like you need the grip of the latest sport compound tyre if you stop at every corner you come to, and as has been pointed out in a previous post, some modern tyres need to be warmed up before they start producing the grip you think you need, hardly confidence inspiring.

Getting over the 'stepping off the edge of the world' feeling you get when you feel you've over cooked it is difficult but you can learn to trust your rubber and your bike's ability to make the turn.

As I suggested earlier, the OP should try riding using engine breaking only on a road he knows well, just slowly tipping in smoothly to the apex, power out, repeat. All you need to concentrate on is the apex, no grabbing of brakes etc.

[Skippernick]

I still believe all this talk of changing tyre brands is irrelevant. if you don't have the confidence/skill call it what you will, changing tyres will not help, if anything it will only put more doubt in your head and force you to slow or lean less.

I used to fit TKV's to all my bikes, they weren't the best rubber out there but they were cheap, round and black. I was out on a ride with all the so called fast riders on their R1/6 Blades etc and I was on a battered old GPZ600R, we stopped for a tea and they were all complaining about their tyre this etc etc my only complaint was they were in my way mid corner because they couldn't either read a bend or lean it over.

Those of us not lucky enough to have your natural talent and ability to ride like a GP god on tyres from Poundland find that selecting a something that suits our riding style can improve confidence. Nobody's suggesting tyres are the only factor (hence all the other advice about technique), but they are a factor.

I would suggest that if you can't use all of your tyre then any poundland tyre WOULD suit your riding style, it's not like you need the grip of the latest sport compound tyre if you stop at every corner you come to, and as has been pointed out in a previous post, some modern tyres need to be warmed up before they start producing the grip you think you need, hardly confidence inspiring.

Getting over the 'stepping off the edge of the world' feeling you get when you feel you've over cooked it is difficult but you can learn to trust your rubber and your bike's ability to make the turn.

As I suggested earlier, the OP should try riding using engine breaking only on a road he knows well, just slowly tipping in smoothly to the apex, power out, repeat. All you need to concentrate on is the apex, no grabbing of brakes etc.

Which i will be doing when i have the time!

[Val]

As I suggested earlier, the OP should try riding using engine breaking only on a road he knows well, just slowly tipping in smoothly to the apex, power out, repeat. All you need to concentrate on is the apex, no grabbing of brakes etc.

That sounds very complicated to me. I just aim for the hedge 

[Hedgetrimmer]

As I suggested earlier, the OP should try riding using engine breaking only on a road he knows well, just slowly tipping in smoothly to the apex, power out, repeat. All you need to concentrate on is the apex, no grabbing of brakes etc.

Which i will be doing when i have the time!

This is what it's really about. More time spent riding = greater confidence. I would suggest that most sports touring tyres these days are perfectly adequate for most riders to explore their limits.

[Skippernick]

As I suggested earlier, the OP should try riding using engine breaking only on a road he knows well, just slowly tipping in smoothly to the apex, power out, repeat. All you need to concentrate on is the apex, no grabbing of brakes etc.

Which i will be doing when i have the time!

This is what it's really about. More time spent riding = greater confidence. I would suggest that most sports touring tyres these days are perfectly adequate for most riders to explore their limits.

I agree, but a young family takes precedence. However, when they are a bit older and being two daughters it'll be 3 against one so i'll get more in then.