ninjette.org - View Single Post - Interesting perspective on corner speed, pivot points, and throttle

Mohawk · March 24th, 2018, 03:37 AM

I find knowing the “Vanishing point” theory really helps when riding or driving fast, be it on road or track.

The basic theory goes like this & is based on the expectation that your vehicle of choice is in good mechanical condition with good tyres & that the weather conditions are warm & dry with NO expectation of road debris. It also requires a competent rider/driver who knows their vehicle !!!! Don’t try to hard until you get used to it, it can be scary at first & requires a lot of trust.

So look down any piece of tarmac & you will have a left & a right curb or verge. Now when approaching a corner say a left hand one, the right verge will cross in front of you in the distance & merge with the left verge, where you usually lose sight of it. This is the vanishing point. Now if the vanishing point stays static or more likely starts getting closer then at your current speed you will NOT make the turn, so you need to brake as you approach it.

At some point whilst scrubbing off speed, the vanishing point will start to move away from you, you can stop braking, maintain your current speed & chase the vanishing point. If it starts coming towards you again, then it’s likely a multi apex corner, if it starts moving away, then it’s an opening corner, so you can go faster.

It sounds really simple & once you get the hang of it it’s is, but remember to learn how to walk first & use all other road craft to your benefit. Also remember that on normal roads you only have a right to your side of the road, so the white/yellow line in the centre may be one of the verges !

YMMV

Have fun.

March 24th, 2018, 03:37 AM	#5
Mohawk ninjette.org guru Name: Chris Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): ZZR250, VFR800 Posts: 478	I find knowing the “Vanishing point” theory really helps when riding or driving fast, be it on road or track. The basic theory goes like this & is based on the expectation that your vehicle of choice is in good mechanical condition with good tyres & that the weather conditions are warm & dry with NO expectation of road debris. It also requires a competent rider/driver who knows their vehicle !!!! Don’t try to hard until you get used to it, it can be scary at first & requires a lot of trust. So look down any piece of tarmac & you will have a left & a right curb or verge. Now when approaching a corner say a left hand one, the right verge will cross in front of you in the distance & merge with the left verge, where you usually lose sight of it. This is the vanishing point. Now if the vanishing point stays static or more likely starts getting closer then at your current speed you will NOT make the turn, so you need to brake as you approach it. At some point whilst scrubbing off speed, the vanishing point will start to move away from you, you can stop braking, maintain your current speed & chase the vanishing point. If it starts coming towards you again, then it’s likely a multi apex corner, if it starts moving away, then it’s an opening corner, so you can go faster. It sounds really simple & once you get the hang of it it’s is, but remember to learn how to walk first & use all other road craft to your benefit. Also remember that on normal roads you only have a right to your side of the road, so the white/yellow line in the centre may be one of the verges ! YMMV Have fun.