Slalom Riding

[monkeybongos]

More and more when on fairly straight, dry roads w little traffic I ride slalom style.
It adds excitement, increases bike handling ability, and maybe leads to more even tire wear.
Mostly it's just plain fun.

Do others do this?  Is there any reason not to?

[DanH]

I'm still a new rider. On those straight roads, I push right then left on the grip to gain trust with counter-steering, but never out of my lane. It might look like slalom.

[john grinsel]

Don't forget your feet and legs should be included in this work.  Current instruction seems to leave them out.

[Neil955i]

on fairly straight, dry roads w little traffic I ride slalom style.

Do others do this?  Is there any reason not to?

Any traffic at all and I'd counsel not to.  I suspect that any non-biking (or scootering) motorist witnessing this behaviour would misinterpret it as hooliganism! 

That said, yes; I have indulged and I'm not even a new rider, as you say it helps skills and as a beneficial side effect warms the tyres up more - watch GP & WSB riders on warm up laps.  I'd also support John's view that feet, legs and even shifting body weight all enter into the equation, or should do.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Squirrels, 'sleeping' cats & skunks (AKA -"late"), chestnuts & tree branches give me all the practice I want. Toss is some wet leaves in sweepers and undecided deer for fun - all of it in the dark!

About the time I start 'playing' on my scooter an unspotted auto, or a deer, will make things get very serious.
So, no, I don't
Stig

[Neil955i]

..."in the dark..."?  No, no! If it's dark 100% concentration on the road is vital.  Acting the goat at whatever level needs clear visibility to avoid such variables.

[klaviator]

I do it occasionally.  Weaving a bit when approaching an intersection will help cars notice you.

[john grinsel]

Slow speed slalom on motorcycle requires, "gas/clutch/rear brake" coordination-----something MSF does not cover or cover well in US. Auto scooter same idea, although few do it skillfully.


Scooter, non linked brakes, rear brake alone is also balancing aide.   I have had at least 3 new maxi-scooters with linked brakes.....and do not like the feature----hand full of left lever and front may come on, dumping you!.

[Neil955i]

I have had at least 3 new maxi-scooters with linked brakes.....and do not like the feature----hand full of left lever and front may come on, dumping you!.

With you there John.  My Honda PCX had linked brakes and I could never get to like the idea.  I've not yet tested it in anger, but I've been led to understand that the Kymco XT300 has ABS on the front disc (a welcome addition), but not on the rear.  That being the case, this could be a winning combination!

[john grinsel]

Honda linked brakes----bought my Reflex in middle of winter in WI----Dealer had demo which I tested on snow/ice/gravel/salted streets-----couldn't get front wheel to slide....but?and had 2 new SilverWings, one ABS if I remember right-------but just never trusted them under dire conditions with me not controlling front brake the way I want or needed------linked brakes are effort to make 2 wheelers more idiot proof.   Had 2 new Suzuki Burgman 400''s with non linked brakes=I liked.   My XTown 300 i non-linked=fine with me.

Now as most people in US, scooter or motorcycle do not ride very skillfully (MSF?) using rear brake as balance aide not important to them or is gas/clutch/rear brake in real slow speed stuff important to them....they just chug and jerk thru.

[Neil955i]

Now as most people in US, scooter or motorcycle do not ride very skillfully (MSF?) using rear brake as balance aide not important to them or is gas/clutch/rear brake in real slow speed stuff important to them....they just chug and jerk thru.

Not just the US unfortunately John   

Surely ANY time spent on two wheels emphasises the need for skills acquisition, even if only as a survival tactic?  I rode for a year or two before taking my first advanced training and regard it as one of the best biking-related things I ever did.  To anyone reading this who is thinking about it, but hasn't yet done it, just get out there and DO IT.  You won't regret it.

[john grinsel]

I lived//rode/worked in Asia and Europe over 40 years----I find Americans the worst at slow speed stuff---From Japan days, I remember little Japanese girls on 50cc scooters, smoking Macho Man Marines on their Harleys in traffic. Funny.

[Neil955i]

From Japan days, I remember little Japanese girls on 50cc scooters, smoking Macho Man Marines on their Harleys in traffic. Funny.

That I would pay to see!!