Just wondered if anybody else is/was having a similar issue... ? Coming back to biking I've found that I'm way better at left hand corners than right hand corners. It's clearly in my head (and I'm working on it) because, let's face it, the bike doesn't know any difference between the two directions! I'm getting there with saddle time and many circuits of an out of town large roundabout, but am interested to know if it is a common thing or whether I'm just a weirdo?!
I turn right a bit better than left but I have always put that down to the fact there is normally better vision in a right hander.
It's an odd one. I'm wondering if my issue is the feeling of space. In a left I'm out at the white line and there's all the tarmac the other side of it (I know it can't be used because of oncoming traffic... but it's there). On a right you're close to the verge/hedge etc. Just feels like less room and I maybe tip in too early because of it ?
Dougie D posted a link to a video called 'twist of the wrist' which is very good. It's in the 'rideouts, trackdays, touring and spotted' forum on page 3 You could always go on a track day with a bit of tuition, otherwise it's just practice. Ride safe and stay within your capabilities.
Lol thats good news thought it was just me, been riding for more years than i can remember and have always felt more comfortable on left handers, somebody once suggested it was because I'm left handed, which is true but only when using a pen and right handed with everything else, they suggested it was to do with one side of my brain working differently to totally right handed people. On the other hand (no pun intended) if we drive/ride on the left, left hand corners give us more space for drift as long as nothing else is coming the opposite way! Take your bike to europe and see how u feel bout right handers
On a left bend the camber works with you, but on a right it is against, meaning you have to lean further. However, statistically there are more accidents on left bends due to riders going wide into oncoming traffic.
I used to have to take right handers fast with a personal pep talk I think it's because you naturally protect your stronger side and your head is in the traffic. A mate of mine says rights should be easier because if you get it wrong you're in the ditch not the traffic, but I say there's always a ditch but not always traffic
Hi mate Someone has already mentioned road camber and this can have a big effect in how the bike feels in corners Like you I feel better in left handers
Left handers are way easier in the northern hemisphere cos of the way the earth spins, just look how the water goes down the plughole in an anti-clockwise direction and you'll see that you aren't fighting the forces of nature. Obviously it's completely opposite for aussies and kiwis
Hi there and welcome. You have posed a really interesting question ...... I don't really notice any difference myself, but agree with previous post that greater vision into right handers does assist, balanced against the risks of leaning into the traffic flow. And that left handers do pose the problem of not being able to see what is around the corner. This is particularly dangerous on country roads where there is farm traffic lurking. As has been said, practice is the answer; what ever you do ride safe. Wessa
Thanks. Yes I've seen TOTW. Was really helpful. I've read up so much on the subject. There really is no substitute for getting out and just trying to improve a bit every ride. I think a track day is a good idea.
Some interesting responses. The Northern Hemisphere one probably gets it! Nice to know I'm not alone though. Anyway, the sun's out so I'm gonna get clobbered up in my crap superhero outfit and practice some more. Safe riding.
Hi Tony, I think sometimes you can concentrate on the theory too much which can have an adverse effect. Good to know and understand the theory, but like you say practice and maybe a few professional tips on a track day.
I find lefties more natural than right. Don't know why but it's the same abroad so with me it isn't cambers or traffic, even sitting on a chair thinking about it it still feels different