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Reddit mentions of Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Roadracers Handbook

Sentiment score: 9
Reddit mentions: 30

We found 30 Reddit mentions of Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Roadracers Handbook. Here are the top ones.

Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Roadracers Handbook
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Found 30 comments on Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Roadracers Handbook:

u/Ole_Gil · 125 pointsr/motorcycles

Congrats on the Babigale and living down your dream!

Reality check: plenty of power is an understatement. Like others have said, your age group and situation is one of the most accident prone. If you are gonna cruise to starbucks every third Sunday, then you probably don't need much more than a basic rider course.

I'll tell you from experience that an 899 is an incredible motorcycle. The engine is good, but it's the chassis that is unbelievable. You already own the bike, it would be a sin not find out what it can do when pressed, because it shreds. Do yourself a ginormous favor and start doing some track-day schools. DON'T try to go be Rossi Sr. on the street, you will either mame/kill yourself or never improve because the learning curve is too steep. Also Twist of the Wrist I and II are must haves. Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ientasch is another great read.

https://www.amazon.com/Sport-Riding-Techniques-Develop-Confidence/dp/1893618072/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499826120&sr=8-1&keywords=sport+riding+techniques

https://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499826148&sr=8-2&keywords=twist+of+the+wrist

https://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Vol-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499826174&sr=8-1&keywords=twist+of+the+wrist

Lastly, the best way to get back at the people who call it a mid-life crisis is to become a proficient motorcyclist.

u/cacophonousdrunkard · 16 pointsr/LifeProTips

I love my Harley, but just FYI for OP who sounds a little cash-strapped atm: you can also take a regular MSF course for much less money, and they take you all the way from "this is the throttle" to "you are now taking your license exam" in 1 weekend.

The one I took was very good and between that course and Twist of the Wrist (http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013) I increased my competence and confidence by a ton.

u/craftyshafter · 10 pointsr/motorcycles

Just a couple things on your form:

Put your toe on the outside of the peg and pivot from there, this gets the knee in the correct position more naturally. You're big enough that you shouldn't need to hang off more than half a cheek. Also, don't ignore your outside leg, keep the toe pointed into the turn will provide the squeeze against the tank, like an anchor. That will help your lower-body positioning. You should have this done just before you flick it into the turn.

As far as upper body, your vision seems perfect (up and out), but you're still in-line with the bike. If you imagine leaning around the frame of a door to look through, that's the goal. Basically get your chin and shoulder down over the hand grip and keep your eyes up. Also try not to square up your shoulders, instead line them up with the turn.

Once you get comfortable with both of those, it will come together and you'll be tripping the tank with your outside knee and forearm, while your inside knee glides along the pavement!

Aside from body position, throttle control is key. Essentially you want 60% of the weight on the back, 40% on the front. This is achieved with steady, constant roll on the throttle.

As far as suspension goes, I'm not sure if you have rebound on your springs, but at the least set your sag and preloads for your weight. You'll need a friend for this, and a video like this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAWLaLf1Awc&playnext=1&list=PL0E1D32409F421246&feature=results_video

These two books are amazing, cheap, and I absolutely recommend picking up a copy, or if you're ever in KC, hit me up and I'll give them to you! A Twist of the Wrist and A Twist of the Wrist 2, both by Keith Code.

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347847984&sr=8-1&keywords=twist+of+the+wrist

Also, your gear on top is perfect but a pair of riding pants with knee pucks and good boots with toe sliders will give you loads more confidence.

Most of all, enjoy it and ride at 80% of what you feel capable of, you'll last a lot longer that way! Ride on.

u/SutekhRising · 7 pointsr/motorcycles

Before you accuse me of killing someone, you may want to double-check your information with someone who actually knows something about riding. In this case, I refer to Keith Code. Clearly you haven't heard of him, but take my word for it, he knows a little bit about cornering. The information can be found in his book: Twist of the Wrist II. In fact, its in chapter 4.

Or, if you prefer, the following information is taken word-for-word from the "Twist of the Wrist II" DVD. If you have it, pop it in and go to 26:48 and follow along with the words below:


> "Riders are often confused about why the bike initially stands up and runs wide when they get off the gas mid-turn.

>Once into your lean and the gas is rolled off, weight transfers to the front of the bike, compressing the forks. That weight goes to the front tire, and spreads out the contact patch. This creates additional drag on the patch to the inside of the centerline of the bike. That drag countersteers the bike upwards and it runs wide. The whole thing can seem confusing, especially as the rider expects to tighten the turn when he rolls of the gas, and he finds the opposite of that happening. A moment later, since the gas is off, the bike slows, leans further over and finally tightens up the turn.

>Applying brakes mid-corner creates the same effect. When the weight transfers forward, the result is the same: the bike stands up.

>A static throttle slows the bike as well. Again, the bike tends to run wide. This effect is even more pronounced at higher speeds and steeper lean angles. Getting on the gas too hard, too soon will also send the bike off line: wide."

u/stop-rightmeow · 7 pointsr/TwoXriders

I completely understand where you're coming from. I also took the class and passed but I was still so uneasy about riding. It baffled me that I was a licensed rider because there was no way I was ready to get on the roads.

I bought a bike (Kawasaki Ninja) because I found an amazing deal on it. I figured I just paid to get my license and I should use it. The bike was cheap enough for me to justify spending the money even if I decided I hated riding in a few months. A friend came with me to check out the bike and also rode it back home for me. I kept it at his house because, like you, my parents would have killed me if they found out.

After getting my bike, I literally just rode around neighborhoods for weeks. Weeks! I nearly dropped my bike after popping the clutch in the first few days of having it. I was always so nervous riding that I avoided doing so as much as possible. I'd make excuses why I couldn't/didn't want to ride and when I did ride, I only rode with friends. But it gets easier, I promise. Everyone always told me that one day, things will just click. I thought they were just trying to be nice, but one day, it happened. It just clicked. The nerves went away and I felt comfortable riding.

There is no way in hell I thought I'd be where I am now. I'm still very much a novice, but I feel so much more comfortable riding now. My parents know about my motorcycle. My dad got his license and rides with me now. I'm looking to get a new bike next year.

Check out Twist of the Wrist. You can read the intro here. I think back to it all the time, how I'm using less attention doing the small things that I once found so difficult.

I don't have advice about the parents thing to be honest. My parents just accepted it because I had already had the motorcycle and license for so long (I told them about a year after I got it). If you can figure this part out, I definitely say find a cheap starter bike and start practicing.

Just like /u/w0lf3h said, you'll make mistakes. But don't quit just yet! If you want to do it, don't let your fear hold you back. Fear is good, as it will keep you cautious and alive. But don't let it hold you back from doing something you really want to do.

If you want to talk more personally, feel free to PM me!

u/the_technician · 6 pointsr/AskReddit

If you go for it: Start small. Many new riders get way to much motorcycle right out of the gate.

BUY GOOD PROTECTIVE GEAR. This can quite literally mean the difference between living through a crash and dying from one. After you've bought the gear WEAR IT ALL THE TIME. Yeah I know, it's hot, the gear is heavy bla bla bla. Trust me when I tell you that any discomfort that you feel while in your gear is a lot better than the discomfort you'll feel when covered in road rash and broken bones.

Take a rider course. In some areas this is a requirement in some states to get your license/endorsement.

Find an experienced rider to buddy up with. Most riders that I know are happy to share their knowledge with novices even to the point of helping with parking lot practice.

Learn how to work on your machine. This is another area where knowing and befriending an experienced rider can come in handy.

Get a copy of Keith Code's A Twist of the Wrist
I know it says it's a roadracers handbook but it will give you a lot of what you need to know no matter what kind of riding you do. (there are pdf's of this book floating around the interwebs)

WEAR YOUR GEAR

And if I haven't already mentioned it: WEAR YOUR GEAR

u/Neterson · 4 pointsr/motorcycles

I've not read it yet myself but I see Twist of the Wrist recommended here pretty often. There is a movie as well but books usually trump all. :)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0965045013/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

u/mattgif · 4 pointsr/motorcycles

Non obvious? I make sure to take my adderall, and typically tell my wife when I'm heading out and when I expect to be back. I put in a dozen parking lot hours at the start of every season, and practice emergency stops whenever I can.

>Would it be a good idea to spend a lot of time on reddit and other motorcycle message boards reading anecdotes from other riders about the dangers they've faced?

It seems to me like 99% of posters here have either never ridden a motorcycle or have been riding less than a year. To save yourself the trouble of separating the wheat from the chaff, check out the books Proficient Motorcycling and Twist of the Wrist.

u/foggymtnspecial · 3 pointsr/motorcycles

Hey! Welcome to the awesome world of motorcycles. I'm new to r/motorcycles, but not motorcycles.

Ouch, this video is a classic case of what are called "survival reactions" causing the rider to go exactly where they didn't want to go. He probably entered the corner too quickly, misjudged the radius, felt uncomfortable about his traction, unsure of his bad body position, etc, and then panicked and did several things:

  • tightened up on the bars (which straightens up the bike)
  • braked (which straightens up the bike)
  • target fixated (which straightens up the bike)
    I'm sure you see the pattern here. A sport bike can lean over for days. For example, racers can drag their elbow on a race track with a stock sport bike on DOT tires; okay, race DOTs, but you get the point.

    Here's some more on survival reactions: http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?37861-Keith-Code-and-Survival-Reactions

    This guy got super lucky. It could've been way worse. I won't say he's dumb; you will make mistakes and panic at some point while riding bikes, but if you don't want to be this guy, here's my advice:
  • wear protective gear for crying out loud!
  • avoid speeding on the street, it will get you hurt
  • go to the track! seriously, it's so much fun for beginners and experts alike
  • check out TOTW: http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013
  • consider a Code or other bike racing school, even if you don't plan on racing, these schools will help you understand how to be a safer rider on the street

    Have fun and keep the sticky side down!
    Edit: formatting :)
u/gonzo_au · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

I also punt a 954 Fireblade and a CB919 around. Rear brakes get a work out on these two.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but do an advance skill course. Or at least read up on it.

u/schwiz23 · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

They definitely are! I highly recommend you read Twist of The Wrist by Keith Code. There are some very good points on downshifting, and useful techniques that you can apply to street riding.

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013

u/alexpap031 · 2 pointsr/greece

Σου προτείνω για αρχή αυτό αν ξέρεις καλά αγγλικά.

https://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013

Δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει μετάφραση στα Ελληνικά.

Κράνος, μπουφάν, γάντια, παπούτσια (και παντελόνι αλλά πιο δύσκολο το κατακαλόκαιρο) ΜΗΧΑΝΗΣ, όχι ό,τι να 'ναι, ακόμα και το κατακαλόκαιρο. Κοστίζουν αλλά αξίζουν τα λεφτά τους και όχι μόνο για την ασφάλεια αλλά και την άνεση αν κάνεις αρκετά χιλιόμετρα.

Μάθε από παλιότερους. Όχι τον κάθε ξερόλα με το ασυντήρητο χρέπι δεκαετίας και βάλε, θα καταλάβεις. Αν δεν έχεις πρόχειρο τέτοιον σκέψουν την πιθανότητα να πας σε καμιά λέσχη μοτοσικλετιστών. Πολλοί βαρεμένοι εκεί αλλά και πολλοί έμπειροι που μπορεί να σε βοηθήσουν + μπορεί να βρεις καλύτερες τιμές και συμβουλές για εξοπλισμό, ανταλλακτικά κλπ.

Θα μπορούσα να γράψω πολλά περισσότερα αλλά ξεκίνα με αυτά και θα βρεις την άκρη.

Καλά χιλιόμετρα.

u/ilolatstuff · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

I've been riding for a year now and I feel like I've got some of the basics covered, IMO.

By basics I mean: general notions of how the bike works in terms of the physics involved; gyroscope effect, counter-steering, how acceleration/deceleration effects the suspension, traction, etc. I also understand and practice cornering (where and if appropriate), rev-match downshifts, try to lean into the turns and hang-off the bike (this is my current biggest issue), etc.

My guides have been Sport Riding Techniques, the Twist of the Wrist 2 DVD and I am currently going through the Twist of the Wrist 2 book.

I understand a lot of the skills needed to ride are practiced daily but I also feel like it's impossible to know certain things if not told by a more experienced rider. At this time I feel like I am not correctly hanging off the bike at turns that could benefit from it, either because I might be leaning too far on turns that might not need it so much (or the opposite) or that I might be hanging off incorrectly (probably both, tho) and upsetting the bike.

I'm basically scared to go to a track and find that I lack the required skill level but then again I don't know how I could get to this level without someone actually telling me what I am doing wrong.

u/Quagga_1 · 2 pointsr/SuggestAMotorcycle

NP. You can't really go wrong with either option ;-)

​

But [SERIOUS]ly.

My only real concern is that you might be making your rookie mistakes on a relatively fast motorbike.

You mentioned that you've got some experience, which is good. You also inferred that you might want to push your MT-09 on a twisty mountain road in the Norwegian countryside, which makes me both terribly jealous and a bit worried.

If you are planning to ride well within your limits (and speed limits) you might well get by with your stringent Norse license and self-control. But if you plan on riding harder (and who doesn't) sooner or later you will get yourself into a sticky situation. ABS and traction control are wonderful aids, but both rely on rider input.

Be honest with yourself regarding your own experience. Disregard this post if you've ridden thousands of kilometers, made your mistakes and learnt your lessons. Otherwise I'd really recommend you do everything possible to boost your experience with (relative) low risk. Attend a track school or high-performance riding lessons or even an off-road academy. And check out Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist series (see Amazon and Youtube) for some riding theory.

Motorbikes are wonderful things, but they can bite hard. You too will make mistakes. Mitigate the consequence!

u/mesablue · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

It comes down to your skill level. Rear braking and downshifting can set up your rear suspension, braking with power helps you control your exit.

Shifting works the same way.....

Way over simplified, but it's a good idea to get used to the feeling of controlled braking and/or adding power through corners. You never know when an off camber or decreasing radius turn ( or something slick that knocks you off your line) will toss something scary at you.

My racing days were a LONG time ago. A good first read -- http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013

Also, anything that works on the track will help you on the road. Being able to maneuver and or stop ridiculously fast will help avoid most incidents in traffic.

I'm just learning how to do it on a big cruiser. The first time I grabbed a handful of front brake last week at a quick light, I almost blew through the intersection (after 25 years of riding.) Today I was giving those big brembos all they could take to find out where my loss of traction would start and to see how stable the bike is with some front wheel slide. Very stable, happy to say. But, I had to know.

u/setofskills · 2 pointsr/nononono

Twist of the Wrist, a must read for anyone wanting to learn how to ride better.

u/Desmocratic · 1 pointr/motorcycle

Well looks like you got alot of good advice and help here, I'll just add some further reading you can do from the comfort of the couch:
Kieth Code: Twist of the wrist
Although it looks like a racing handbook its also a motorcycle skills book. Enjoy!

u/AGGGman · 1 pointr/motorcycles

You can do that with the Ninja 250. It's all practice. Like V_Glaz_Dam mentioned you should watch the Twist of Wrist 2 series.

Here's something I wrote for one of my friends.

For books, I personally like this one the most. I feel like Nick took a lot information from the Twist of the Wrist books and made it more modern.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1893618072/ref=oh_o02_s01_i00_details



But I also learned a lot from Lee Park's book. Lee Park hosts a rider school where he runs over all the drills in his book and helps with rider technique. You have to google the class schedules but he comes around California at least once or twice a year.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760314039/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details



The there is the Twist of the Wrist series
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-2

I haven't read those books but the Twist of Wrist II videos are on youtube so you can check them out.



The last book I would recommend is Proficient Motorcycling. I highly recommended reading that one because it focuses a lot on general riding. Techniques that everyone should learn just to stay alive riding on the road. The book can be found at some libraries so you can save some money by just loaning it.
http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330372534&sr=1-1-spell

The rest is all practice.
Also youtube "ninja 250 track" and you'll see a bunch of videos of guys racing their 250s on the track.

I wouldn't get on a track until you are at least familiar with your motorcycle. Get some miles under your belt before you decide to do it. After you are comfortable on your bike I would try to hook up with some local riders who are better than you. That way you can talk to them and learn from their experience. But remember to take most advice with a grain of salt. I personally use meetup.com to meet a lot of other guys to ride with.



u/tomatopaste · 1 pointr/motorcycles

> The techniques I have learned and shared were taught to me in the MSF Beginner course. I think your advanced techniques and concepts might certainly be confusing and "over the head" to many beginners .. such as the OP.

I encourage others to think, and -- as I keep stating -- I fight misinformation. If you have a problem with one or the other, I really don't give a shit.

The MSF course teaches you the fundamental mechanics of riding and very little more. In retrospect, I'm horrified that they put people on the street with so little training. If you want to swaddle people in a nest of MSF generalities, go ahead. I may well be there, too, to point them in the right direction.

> Oh, and disagreeing with others does not have to equal calling them idiots.

I call it like I see it. Not an idiot? Demonstrate it by reading and writing carefully. Your post was poorly constructed, contained tangential information, and was simply wrong. Further, you were defending someone who has been going around spreading some dangerous misinformation.

Seek out information and learn.

Total Control

Proficient Motorcycling

More Proficient Motorcyclig

Twist of the Wrist

Twist of the Wrist Vol 2

u/vijjer · 1 pointr/motorcycles

Keith Code - Twist of The Wrist I/II (Vol 1 / Vol 2)

Also, once you're get to the apex, start rolling the throttle on smoothly. This will help balance your lean angle and the feeling of 'falling inwards'.

u/TianWoXue · 1 pointr/MGTOW

Twist of the Wrist
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013


full of stuff that seems counter-intuitive, but is consistent with the laws of Physics. Easy read, easy to practice, can save your life.

IF you are mechanically inclined, check out getting a Honda CB (or similar 70s Jap bike) and wrench/rebuild it your self.

u/MrJadaml · 1 pointr/Denver

Reminds me of a book about only having so much attention to give when riding a motorcycle. I feel that it also applies to driving: http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013