Knee downs

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by mk3golfcab, Nov 22, 2019.

  1. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    Who has done it? Who cares for it? Is it just bravado? Or does it make you quicker?

    I’ve managed to get my right down, but years ago on my TL, once I’d done it I felt much more confident leaning the bike over and my body position on the bike felt better. Started to ride like a twat after though getting it down whenever I could (straight over roundabouts, tesco carpark etc etc).

    Haven’t had it down for a few years since, doesn’t really bother me now + the last time I got it down I ended up married!

    What’s your thoughts/opinions/stories?
     
  2. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

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    Never managed it. Despite numerous attempts.

    I stopped trying and don’t really care much now. That having been said I’m really not bothered about riding much at the moment :D
     
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  3. SimonRR

    SimonRR God Like

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    I do on track but don't see the need on road
     
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  4. Spygoat

    Spygoat Well-Known Member

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    I've done it on track and on the road. That being said, on road it was out of necessity. I've done full track weekends and never touched a knee to the ground.

    I did try to get my elbow down on track but got that horrible feeling I was going to bin it and stopped.
     
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  5. F1CT1C10U5

    F1CT1C10U5 Well-Known Member

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    Tried it twice (knee and elbow), didn't enjoyed it that much.
    1:
    [​IMG]

    2:
    [​IMG]
     
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  6. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    I'm in the who cares for it camp.

    As they teach in the 'knee down' schools, one can touch their knee at almost any slow speed in most conditions, provided the body position is favourable. And that is the essence of knee down.

    If we are in the group that don't/can't ride comfortably and competently with half a cheek off the seat, and the toe of our boot pressed firmly into the footpeg and swingarm, we'll never get our knee down. It might look good and afford bragging rights (on the road) but I believe there are riders who can attain similar corner speed without knee down just by knee 'out' and upper torso lean - very similar to the unorthodox style of Mick Doohan.

    No argument from me about track use because there it is used as a function and not a showpiece. Also, tyres and surface are more favourable.
     
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  7. PauloHRC

    PauloHRC God Like

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    It's all in your head as far as I'm concerned, I've touched down on both sides on track many years ago. But not recently since my return to riding 4 years ago.

    If I was riding a £1500 cbr 600rr I'd have no trouble at all..... But as it stands I'm riding an £18k bike on roads that are only fit for tractors!!!

    I do plan on doing a track day on it this year but I doubt I'll be tipping it over enough to get my knee down. For this very reason is why I've been looking at cheap 600's that I can commit fully on without the worry of financial catastrophe should I end up on the floor!!o_O
     
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  8. PauloHRC

    PauloHRC God Like

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    When you didn't buy your bike through PCP finance.....zero fucks given!! ;):D
    Screenshot_2019-11-22-16-13-29-1.png
     
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  9. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    ^^^
    We have to concede that is brilliant. The balance and control with two hands is sensitive enough, but with one hand?:eek:
     
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  10. tuktuk

    tuktuk Elite Member

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    It's one of those things alot of people lust for, then it happens and you think what was all the fuss about?

    I have been left in the distance by a mate who cant for the life of him get his knee down. Also mates who are happy on both knees, riding for longer than I have and I can pass them on track no problem.

    The fundamental riding techniques will progress any rider far more than being able to touch a knee. Twist of the wrist needs to be watched yearly along with a bikes MOT like a refresher for the brain :D
     
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  11. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    You’re a brave boy Paul, to take that on track!
    Recently re connected with my bike instructor after almost ten years at a ride out. He only rides on roads for tutoring or special events but does a lot of track time. Offered to go with me to our local track (snetterton) and come in the novice class with me to give hints/tips/advice etc. After this he told me how many of the gang he does track days with have binned their bikes, and how many times they’ve done it this year! I don’t know if I’d dare, especially with my confidence reducing accident at the start of the season this year. I’m almost too scared to ride back to my old level now - I think on a track my competitive knob head streak would come out and I’d soon find myself past my capabilities as a rider and in the gravel
     
  12. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    Where do you guys sit with bragging about speeding? I think it’s a dickhead move.

    When my father got back into biking in the mid-nineties, he used to ride with a group of guys, one with a son similar age to me (no older than 10 at the time). He used to constantly brag about going 180mph everywhere (with his son, strapped to the seat (incase he fell asleep) on board) even at that age I though “knob” I’ve done rediculous speeds (on a private road - obviously!) and I never brag, because quite simply I feel quite a big dock myself for riding like that years ago - it’s not until you’re a bit wiser you realise you’ve been lucky. Hindsight is great I guess!
     
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  13. Barstewardsquad

    Barstewardsquad God Like

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    Kneedown only with this lot https://i2imca.com/KneeDown.asp

    If I had had the technique I would have done it on track but didn't move my arse enough.

    Speed wise I bought a naked to slow me down, but even before that I wasn't overly fast on the road, and definitely not over 150 let alone 180.
     
  14. F1CT1C10U5

    F1CT1C10U5 Well-Known Member

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    +1
     
  15. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    Seen there courses before and thought they looked very good. What was it like?
     
  16. Barstewardsquad

    Barstewardsquad God Like

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    It was good. Was a cool-ish day and started spitting with rain towards the end but still plenty of riding time. They take you through a lot of low speed control and maneuvering and you do figure of 8s rather than just going round a bend on a track.
     
  17. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    Sounds like the sort of thing I need to rebuild my confidence!
     
  18. Barstewardsquad

    Barstewardsquad God Like

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    Forgot to mention that you do it on their bikes unlike the lot at Mallory where you use your own. One person did drop it at the end of the day but it's all low speed and they had the necessary spares and there was no drama etc.
     
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  19. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    You'll soon regain confidence once the spring riding recommences.;)
     
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  20. mk3golfcab

    mk3golfcab Elite Member

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    Fingers crossed Nigel!
     

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