Accident avoidance...To brake or to swerve?

We all have been in some tight situations when it comes to avoiding a accident and we automatically brake or swerve without thinking.  Some of us have made the wrong decision on whether to brake or swerve, hopefully you are never in that position again but unfortunately as a rider we are always in that position  after reading this article hopefully it will help you to make a better informed decision on to brake or swerve to avoid an accident.

The purpose of this article is solely for information purposes. It is not the intent of this article to encourage or recommend any type of maneuver.  When a rider is confronted with a sudden obstacle ( be a car pulling in your line, a deer crossing the road etc. etc.) you have to evaluate the situation and decide how to react. Your primary options are to attempt to brake to a stop or swerve around the obstacle.

Which decision is more likely to result in avoiding the accident is based on physics of movement (kinematics).  Based on experimental data and published accident investigations we can plot the required distance to brake and the distance to swerve.

As braking distance increases by the square of the speed, we draw the following conclusions:

If traveling from 0 to 50 MPH (give or take 5 miles depending on road conditions and rider skills) braking is the best option.  Traveling in excess of 50 MPH the braking distance increases exponentially and swerving becomes the best option.

Since both braking and swerving are maneuvers based on the law of physics, we can conclude (in general) at “lower” speeds, braking is the better accident-avoidance maneuver, while at “higher” speeds, swerving is the better one.

Riding Skills Series: Throttle Control How And When To Get On The Gas

Here is another great article by Andrew Trevitt who writes for Sport Rider.  Throttle control is one of if not the most important thing to learn on a motorcycle.  How much you give the on the Throttle will determine how fast or how slow you go.  How much you give on the Throttle will determine if you end up in the back of a car, etc or end up with a wheelie.

I know when I first went from a Katana 600 to the Suzuki 1000 I discovered real quick about Throttle control and the different in each motorcycle.  The Throttle holds the power of it all and you must learn how to control it so I hope that you will get some good tips by reading Andrew Trevitt's article.  Enjoy

Most riders look at the throttle simply as the "go-fast" control: open it to go faster, close it to slow down. But in fact the throttle is much more than that. Because the engine affects the motorcycle's dynamics so much-especially in the middle of a corner-the throttle can be used as a tool to help your bike's chassis work better. When the motorcycle is under power, there are several factors that work in your favor. The chassis is more stable as the engine's spinning internals add more gyroscopic effect to the mix. There is less load on the front end, allowing the suspension and tire to work better as well as reducing the risk of a front-end crash. And opening the throttle brings the rear-end squat characteristics into play as well, improving the suspension action and tire grip at the rear end as well. If you've ever found a false neutral in a turn or experimented with coasting down a twisty hillside, you'll know how much the engine can influence the chassis. With no power applied, both the steering and suspension work differently and can cause some tense moments midcorner. (And no, we aren't recommending that you coast down a twisty road to try this)

It's important to know that the act of opening the throttle doesn't necessarily mean you will speed up. The initial application of power is usually not enough to overcome the friction and aerodynamics involved, and the motorcycle will continue to lose speed. In faster corners, data shows that the throttle needs to be as much as 20 percent open before the bike will begin to pick up speed. Expert-level riders know this and have the throttle open well before the apex of a turn, while the motorcycle is still slowing down. This is one aspect you can experiment with: On a straight stretch of deserted road, practice closing the throttle and then smoothly opening it just enough so that you are still slowing down but you can feel the slack taken out of the drivetrain.

When you are braking, you should be gripping the tank with your knees to take the weight off your arms; keep your elbows bent, and this will give you better control of the brake-to-throttle transition. Release the brake gradually as you lean into the turn and the cornering forces take over. Once you've completely released the brake lever but before you reach full lean is the time to open the throttle. You want to keep the time you are coasting with no brake or throttle applied to a minimum, and how you open the throttle initially is just as important as when. In Reg Pridmore's book "Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way" and at his CLASS riding schools, Pridmore advises leaving the index and second fingers on the brake lever and using just the third and fourth fingers to apply the throttle. This is an advanced technique, but can significantly reduce the downtime between braking and throttle application.

In a long sweeping corner, hold the throttle open just enough so that you maintain a constant speed, and avoid the temptation to grab a handful of gas if you think you are going too slow. It's better to smoothly and gradually apply the throttle for two reasons: One, you won't have to abruptly close the throttle when you end up gaining too much speed, wasting all the hard work up to that point. And two, this is the area where the chance of a highside crash is greatest. Be smooth with corrections, and avoid closing the throttle completely if possible.

The smoother you can apply the throttle at this point, the better. Ideally, you want just enough power applied to take up the slack in the drivetrain and unload some of the weight from the front wheel, while still reducing speed as you near the apex of the turn. Another benefit of having the power on at this point is that you unsettle the chassis less at the apex if your bike has notchy throttle response-the abruptness will have occurred while the bike was a bit more upright and not as affected. Smoothly roll the throttle on so that you reach your minimum speed right at the apex of the turn and can add speed from there. Note that this is easier practiced on longer, faster turns, where you have more time available and quite a bit of power is necessary to overcome the aerodynamics before acceleration can actually begin.

With the throttle already open at the apex, the slack taken out of the drivetrain and the suspension settled and ready for acceleration, you will get a much better drive out of the corner than you would otherwise. This pays dividends all the way down the next straight with more speed. With practice, you'll find that getting on the gas smoothly and early pays off in many aspects, allowing you to ride quicker on the racetrack and more safely on the street.

DUCATI ANNOUNCES THE 848 EVO SUPERBIKE FOR 2011 IT'S HOT

  

Here it is and we are only half way through 2010 and the new models are rolling off the assembly line.  The Ducati looks really hot and the write-up on it makes you want to go and get yourself a Ducati.   And the price for the new Ducati is not that bad either.  Suzuki has also announced it's new baby as well.  Check out our next article on the new Suzuki for 2011.  She is hot as well.  Makes me want to trade in my 2008 Suzuki 1000 for the 2011 but I'm not going to do that to my baby she has been good to me:).

New for 2011, the 848^EVO is the year’s most significant middleweight sport bike Cupertino, Calif.

(20 July 2010) –  Ducati proudly announces today the most powerful middleweight sport bike on the market; the 2011 Ducati 848^EVO Superbike. 

The new Ducati 848^EVO is the pinnacle of sport bike engineering, designed to be the leader in the middleweight class. Weighing only 369 pounds and propelled by 140 horsepower and 72 lb/ft of torque, it is the most powerful motorcycle in its category.

The 848^EVO is based upon Ducati’s best ever selling middleweight Superbike- the 848. Along with the “EVO” designation comes a significant amount of upgrades based on AMA Pro Racing feedback and consumer demand.

At the heart of the 848^EVO is the Testastretta Evoluzione engine, significantly redesigned for a higher power output. All new cylinder heads, pistons, throttle bodies and camshafts combine for a forceful output of 140hp @ 10,500rpm and 72.3 lb/ft of torque @9,750rpm. All of this significant engine performance is wrapped in new black cylinder cases.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the 848^EVO’s chassis and braking systems have been upgraded. A cross-mounted steering damper has been added for greater control of the steering system, and the welcome addition of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires will ensure maximum grip while delivering every last horsepower to the asphalt.

The 848^EVO receives a massive upgrade to the braking system in the form of Brembo Monobloc calipers. These single-piece calipers are machined from solid alloy and achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise 'feel' at the brake lever.

All this combines to form the most potent, powerful and lightweight middle class sport bike available; both for the road or race track usage. For 2011, a special “Dark” version will be available; which unlike “Dark” editions of Ducait’s past will be a truly black bike from front to rear, giving the motorcycle an aggressive look and attitude.

The Ducati 848^EVO Superbike will be available in North American Ducati Dealerships at the end of August, 2010. Impressively, MSRP will remain unchanged from the 2010 848 it replaces: $12,995 for the “Dark” edition, and $13,995 for Ducati Red.

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES SOME 2011 MODELS Sportbikes include the V-Strom 650 ABS and Hayabusa

Read on people the 2011 Suzuki family is looking and sounding good as well.  They have the V-Strom, Hayabusa, Boulevard, ATV models already to ship.

Brea, CA, July 19, 2010 - Suzuki is pleased to announce its first big wave of several new models for the 2011 model year. In addition to the launch of these new motorcycles and ATVs, American Suzuki is also celebrating its 50th anniversary of international racing this summer. "We are excited to launch a significant number of new units for the 2011 model year, while at the same time we celebrate a half-century of racing," said Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager at American Suzuki. "Our products are truly the result of time spent on racetracks all over the world," Bortolamedi adds.

Suzuki will soon ship the 2011 V-Strom 650 ABS, 2011 DR650SE, 2011 DR-Z400S, 2011 Hayabusa, 2011 Boulevard S40, 2011 RM-Z250, 2011 RM-Z450, 2011 TU250 and the 2011 Boulevard M109R and Boulevard M109R Limited. In addition Suzuki is also releasing a 2010 RM85 for those up-and-coming motocross riders out there.

 

Suzuki is also announcing more ATV models for the 2011 model year, including the 2011 KingQuad 400ASi, the KingQuad 400FSi and the new 2011 KingQuad 500AXi. These models come hot on the heels of the previously announced 2011 KingQuad 750AXi and 750AXi Power Steering and 2011 KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering.

A wide variety and range of product is key to a successful business model and nobody does that better than Suzuki. The company will offer several cruiser motorcycles for 2011 including the stylish Boulevard M109R, the entry-level Boulevard S40 as well as the retro-styled standard TU250. The S40 will be available in two new color schemes, orange and black, or white and silver. Suzuki revolutionized the dual sport category and will offer the DR650SE and the DR-Z400S for 2011. Returning for 2011 is the middleweight V-Strom 650 ABS which features antilock brakes as well as a large rear luggage rack with rubber-padded platform to help keep bags and luggage in place. The V-Strom is available in white and black. The king of the Sportbike segment, the Suzuki Hayabusa, also returns for 2011 in Pearl Mirage White or Pearl Nebular Black. And two new updated race-winning motocross performance machines also make an appearance for 2011; the potent RM-Z250, and the RM-Z450, which is based on the current FIM/AMA Supercross championship-winning ride.

 

Suzuki also announces several new ATV models for 2011. The KingQuad 400 models have been revised and both the 400ASi and 400FSi boast a new EFI system and a digital speedometer. The KingQuad 400ASi is offered in black, white, yellow and is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD enhanced camouflage. The 2011 KingQuad 400FSi is also available in the same variety of color schemes as the KingQuad 400ASi. Suzuki will offer a completely new offering for 2011; a non-power-steering KingQuad 500AXi, which is available in yellow, black, white and Realtree Hardwoods HD enhanced camouflage.