Thanks guys. Yeah I took an MSF course before I started riding and I know that is what they said to do about turns (brake before then accelerate through) but I was just wondering about the leaning part of the turns.

From what's been said it seems just like an experience/confidence issue. I do also go to parking lots and practice some stuff every now and then as well.

 

Another thing I have noticed is that good tires make a heck of a difference. I see you list a 2002 Sporty. Are the tires fresh or maybe dry rotted. Had a case about ten years ago when I got back into riding after a few years off and bought a used metric bike. Corners scared the hell outa me on that bike. Thought I was messed up in the head as to why I couldn't corner. Had my bro-in-law take it for a spin and he came back with the same fear in his eyes. New tires and the bike (and I) cornered great again. Note the tires I took off had very little wear on the tread, the tire was shot from inside.

 

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Go ride the Dragon,when you are done you will have the corning thing down.

 

Turning, you need to countersteer. Push right to go right and push left to go left. The bike will lean on it's own, you do not need to redistribute your weight. And the biggest part of making turns at speed and leaning is-look through the turn. Look where you want to be, not where you are at. Before you know it you are taking turns like a pro and scraping hard parts.

 

Countersteer is one of those things that does not need to be discussed, it happens with or without our knowledge. I took my first motorcycle ride on a 125 Harley Hummer when I was 10 years old in 1952. I rode from that time until I subscribed to CycleWorld in 1962 and discovered I'd been doing it all along and never knew it.

 

1. Light weight
2. Bike length
3. Narrow front end
4. No floorboards

 

Maybe I need to try and clarify my self.

Don't brake while in a turn. I was not suggesting that at all. What I was trying to do was suggest him to try going slow in a parking lot and lean that bike over. It is very possible to scrap the pegs at slow speeds like 5 to 10mph. I have scrapped in a parking lot. So I have found how far I can really lean the bike over. I don't yet feel that confident to lean that far while going 60mph.

Can you without touching your brakes ride in a full lock turn or go from full lock to full lock in a figure 8. I seem to think this is impossible without using the rear brake and clutch together to keep a constant steady speed. I didn't come up with these things on my own I got them from the Ride Like a Pro video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzN4Y-C0tL8

 

I ride a Kawi Vulcan 900 custom, and have ridden my wife's 04 XL883c and I have to say I feel the Kawi out corners the Sportster. The sportster beats my Kawi in some areas but handling isn't one of them. Again this isn't to bash the 883, it is a fun bike.

That said I have scraped pipe on the 883, she will lean over quite a bit. The bike will react to a lack of confidence without a doubt. It takes its direction from you and if you are hesitant it will be as well. Trust your bike, it will not let you down.

 

There's no reason for name calling, mandog