motorcycle terminology how to understand ?

motorcycle terminology how to understand ?

by gina
(Tigard, OR)

I am reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hugh, which covers alot a material but I am new to this. So some of the terms he is using in the book has me wondering what is he talking about. Like what is "Apex"?,is this something that I should know and reading about countering steering just has me going huh**"what?".
Is this something that I will learn in the motorcycle safety class? I just want to learn common knowledge so is this book information or should I know more about the terminology? What tip or suggestion you may have for me would be welcome. Thanks to all riders who have been there before and understand what a new rider is searching to be a "safe knowledgable" rider.

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motorcycle terminology how to understand ?

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Jul 31, 2008

The Apex of a Curve
by: Jacee

Just a small explanation - Diane said, ". . . the apex is usually the top of the curve on the road (between the two tire ruts). This has alot of oil and car discharge on it so it becomes very slick when wet."

There are two explanations for an apex - the apex of the road surface and the apex of the motorcyclist. The apex of the road surface itself would actually occur on the outside edge of the road half way through the curve. (Don't ride there by the way.)

The apex of a curve for a rider is the tightest point of your turning as you are going through the curve. Depending on the line you take into and out of a curve, your apex could be different than the apex of another rider. If you've ever watched motorcycle racers, their apex is way before the actual apex of the road surface. They tend to straighten out the curve by turning in tight early.

Since a motorcyclist is on 2 wheels, they don't need the whole lane to smoothly take a curve. If you're riding a cruiser type, just take the tire path that cars take - right or left - it doesn't matter. Just stay in that path and you will avoid grease, rocks and sharps.

If you're riding a sport bike, take the curve like the racers do: Before going into the curve, choose your apex, down shift, brake a little if you're going too fast, shift your weight toward the inside of the curve, lean enough to make your apex, then straighten out the curve, and slowly increase speed going out of the curve. (FUN!)

Jul 30, 2008

GREAT BOOK!
by: Diane

I also read the book before I began my motorcycle safety course and it was a great help once I got out on the roads after the course. During the course there is too much information to absorb and get comfortable with to worry about all the great stuff he covers in his book. I suggest you take the course and then re-read the book to see how much more you can get out of it. I believe he even suggests that you read the book when the weather is too foul to get out in it.

By the way, the apex is usually the top of the curve on the road (between the two tire ruts). This has alot of oil and car discharge on it so it becomes very slick when wet.

Happy Riding!
Diane

Jul 30, 2008

Apex & Counter Steering
by: Jacee

Yes, you will probably learn most of the terminology in a motorcycle safety class. But to get you started, the "Apex" is the point in a curve where you start going back the other way. Like if you draw a half circle line, the apex is the half-way point. And you're now asking, "Why do I need to know that?" Well, it has to do with how to ride safely through a curve in the road. They will teach you that in the MSC.

Counter steering you will also learn there and practice doing in class. Counter steering is, for instance, when you want to make a right turn, you turn your handlebars left. I know, it doesn't sound logical. Don't ever try it before getting instructions from the teacher. It can be a sure crash if you do it wrong. You will probably never need to do it. It's something that is a last resort if you are going into a turn too fast and need to turn instantly. I would use it ONLY if leaning, or leaning further, was out of the question (for some reason).

Don't worry too much about the terminology. You'll learn it little by little as you associate with other riders.

The most important tip I would give is to learn your motorcycle really well so you can concentrate on everything around you, like cars/trucks, road hazards, etc. It is important to be a very aware motorcyclist in order to reduce the risk of riding. It is a very risky activity - but we all LOVE it anyway.

Write back after you've taken the MSC and give us all a refresher on what you've learned.

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