WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

We were watching a recent MotoGP race with non-riding family members. Actually, they were hoping football was coming on, but our house, our TV. 

Like Dean telling Sam – my car, my music.

Still, the dedicated Stick & Ball side of the clan did stop and watch as the riders did what MotoGP riders do – and the extreme body movements did catch their eyes.

The question came up if that is what we do with our bikes.

Although the immediate answer was, “Oh hell yes,” that was closely followed by a “No!”

Although we wish we all looked like Marquez and Martin when riding – we know we are more Pee Wee Herman.

Still, there is much to learn from watching riders who are far better than you. It's also okay to admit that you will never ride like Martin or Marquez, but you can get better.

When we spend any time on the track, we have never gone there to learn to race, but to learn to be smoother, more confident, and trusting that our machines will do what we ask of them.

Look. Lean. Roll. Believe.

I was reading about how the racing styles have changed over the decades.

When I first started riding back in the 1970s riding a motorcycle was a bit different than now. When I began to get into road racing back then the attack of turns was far different than what you see today.

The technology that has changed over the years has added to these changes in styles; but the single most improved pieces of equipment on motorcycles are not suspension, ABS, traction control, or even horsepower – but tires. Our street tires today are many times better than race rubber back in the day.

This allows for a lot more of the ‘Believe’ thought from before, and that has changed a lot of thoughts for racers.

Still, what works on the track today does not necessarily work on the street; and racers years ago were far more sweeping in their approach to turns.

Old-style Set and Sweeping turns are now more Point & Shoot with the use of new technology like Ride Height Devices and amazing Aerodynamic Packages.

According to Aki Anjo, head of Red Bull KTM Road Racing, “If you can stop and also turn the bike in advance of the apex then you can keep more corner speed and also prepare the exit in the best way possible. The way riders enter corners has changed a lot in the last five or ten years. Now they focus on being quite aggressive to stop and turn the bike at the same time. In the past, this moment was much smoother, but now they are getting more and more aggressive and really using their bodies as a tool in this area."

All that might work on the GP course, but on the road – where most of us live – I think a clean sweep is better.

It is easy on the motorcycle and yourself.

When MotoGP Racers are in the middle of a race, they are putting incredible stress on their bodies. Pecco Bagnaia’s heart rate rises above 170, and how they move around the bike is monkey-like.

Smooth and sweepy allows for a better entrance, apex, and exit.

Some ask, “Where is the apex in a turn?”

Well, we always try for a later apex – allowing a better field of vision down the road – where you want to go.

But, the truth might be, that every apex, even the lesser one, is where you are no longer dwelling on making the turn but accelerating out.

If you are braking hard and then making your quick vector change – point & shooting – well all well and good – on the track and a race.

But that sort of riding makes for a less-than-relaxing jaunt on the bike.

Sweeping easily – by setting yourself up correctly, picking your apex, and then sweeping through – your eyes up and far down the road makes for a more enjoyable ride.

The Clean Sweep allows for a more relaxed ride.

I bet if you were on a track you might find that your lap times, when riding smoothly and relaxed, will be a bit better than if you think the World Super Bike crown is on the line.