Site Distance vs Corner Entry Speed

[jeremybhm]

Do some of you guys who push the envelope enter corners at speeds that would make it difficult to stop if some unknown object was in your path? How do you manage that risk? I have been reckless plenty of times, but find myself being more and more conservative about making sure I can stop in my site distance until I can see through the corner...

 

[BeeLine]

That's a pretty loaded question because there are so many variables involved. Road condition, radius, desending / asending grade, overall speed, how you feel, and more come into play.

On unfamiliar roads I will back off much more especially in blind corners where you don't know if the radius is going to decrease, suddenly switch back, or the surface conditions are bad.

You also have to consider your escape routes or how far you’re willing to slide in case of a low side. Some hazards such as oil are hard to see and you could go down no matter how much visibility you have.

I don't think you can go out with any preconceived notions because of the number of variables including how you may feel that day. Bottom line is if you feel uncomfortable or are unsure of the situation then back off. Sport touring is about having fun and enjoying yourself and if it's more unnerving than fun then you’re not doing it right.

 

[mike25]

Slow in, fast out.

 

[Silent]

Slow in, slow out... I'm just slow :dribble:

I've run up on to may obstacles in blind corners to over run my sighting distance. Hamilton road is notorious for animals and slow moving vehicles. Add to that the tendency for people to stop there car in the middle of the road to take a picture of wild flowers, and you have a dangerous mix.

Ray

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

'BeeLine' pretty much nailed it. I think the poll is a little erroneous because the two -- sight distance & corner entry speed -- are directly linked. Quoting MSF, "From your approach speed, slow to a suitable entry speed." That's based on many things, like: ability (both bike's and rider's), visual input (which includes sight distance), familiarity/unfamiliarity with the road, level of risk acceptance.

Ultimately, I think, most road users may exceed, a little, their sight distance on mountain roads (hills and curves) and operate on a certain level of faith (and the hwy. depts. relative corner speed info signs) to successfully ride/drive at a speed that's comfortable enough (safety-wise) yet not so slow as to impede the flow of traffic.

MSF also says (concerning 'corner entry speed'), "Continue to slow until you see the (corner) exit." That certainly is the 'safe & sane' advice -- but may lack some real-world practicality....?

 

[feejer222]

Both are equally important. However I voted speed, if you are able to see clear through the corner and go in quick, something unexpected can still happen. If you are going at a sensible speed you stand a better chance. More fun and easier to nail it coming out then as well.

 

[daddysbike]

Sticking to your own comfort zone and personal "8/10th's" is the wise thing to do along with being alert for the unexpected. Increased speed = increased fun = increased risk you just have to use good sense. It sounds like your riding smart something I try hard to do when riding the north GA mtns and enjoying the twisties that I know very well. Speed or riding fast is subjective and while you may feel like your pushing the envelope the guy behind you might be yawning with boredom waiting for an opportunity to pass you.

I have slowed down in recent yrs, more so now that I'm riding the FJR and not CBR or VFR but still enjoy a brisk pace through the twisties. While in the mtns yesterday I had a GS and K bike come up behind me, something I'm not used to so maybe I am slowing down!

Steve

 

[Bounce]

Slow in, fast out.

+1

 

[Geezer]

Paying attention to sight distance in the twisties forces me to enter a curve more slowly. With a bike like the FJR it is easy to increase speed if there's room for a faster apex and exit.

 

[Cdogman]

Slow in, fast out.

+1

+1

I also agree with many that the two are so intertwined that to chose one you have to consider the other as a factor in it. "Entry Speed" My entry speed is what I pay attention to but it is absolutely affected by my sight distance, and many other things

 

[VMax_03]

Slow in, fast out.

+1

+1

 

[fossilrider]

What you can't see can kill you! Slow in, fast out, always defensive!

 

[warsw]

Unless you are on a controlled, closed course, never out ride your sight. My motto " Only ride as fast as you can see". I learned this years back when I was doing a lot of desert racing. If you start, out riding your sight, sooner or later it will get you. Sometimes "Slower is faster".

 

[sprint_st]

Do some of you guys who push the envelope enter corners at speeds that would make it difficult to stop if some unknown object was in your path? How do you manage that risk? I have been reckless plenty of times, but find myself being more and more conservative about making sure I can stop in my site distance until I can see through the corner...

The best answer is "it depends on the corner." How far can you see and what you can see should be the primary considerations. Personally, I think you should ride for fun. BS spread by lots of macho riders on chicken stripes, peg scraping along with the necessities of certain suspension farkles can get you killed. If fun for you means you arrive a bit later than the guys you ride with DO NOT press if you don't feel comfortable. The absolute best suggestion I can give is find a rider that you trust (no small feat) and follow them. It they sit around talking about the high and low sides they have had over the years, don't trust them.

 

[SLK50]

Jeremy, I think you answered your own question in the last line of your post. It also speaks of your maturity as a rider. I think it was David Hough who said approach every blind corner as if there was a dead horse around the bend blocking your lane.

 

[nusman68]

Many valid points here...if I was forced to pick one, it would be sight distance, but I would never only use that. Another point: Speed limit signs in turns..no apparent 'standard' (region to region, if you will) that I've ever seen. Most are conservative, a few are surprisingly accurate. Like others, I leave a safety margin in the event of the unexpected.

 

[Mike-H]

Slow in, fast out.

+1

+1

:good: +1

 

[radman]

I'm slower leading than I am following.

 

[airboss]

Slow in, fast out.

+1

+1

:good: +1

+1, If I can't see I don't go