Finally got my knee down....

karlosdajackal · April 26th, 2011, 12:09 AM

....found a nice deserted roundabout or 20 on Sunday morning (easter holidays mean I was the only person up and about) and finally got my knee to touch down for a split second. I'm amazed how far you can crank this thing over and it keeps giving, I was close before but what finally did it was getting my head out past the mirror in stead of in-line with it.

One thing I will say about roundabout is its hard to find a clean one, for the most part the gravel and dirt gets pushed out to the far edge, but occasionally you find if 3 of the in/outs are constantly used there will be a line of dirt/gravel from the 4th exit to the centre, you don't want to go through that with more than 30 degrees on, I have a few times and the front will slide for a bit. So always do a recon run or two around the whole thing before you even think about it.

I'm only 5'8" but with really short legs, my little legs are almost 4 inches shorter than normal so this may have been harder for me, but the sheer speed you have to go to get anywhere near a touchdown is ridiculous. Won't be doing that on a public road again anytime soon. Local track has sessions in July for new riders (to the track anyway) might sign up for that.

Go on share your knee down thoughts/stories.....

setasai · April 26th, 2011, 12:16 AM

Farthest I've leaned is when the sides of my shoes scraped the pavement for a split second.

kkim · April 26th, 2011, 12:32 AM

if you ride on the street, I see no practical need for it.

karlosdajackal · April 26th, 2011, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

if you ride on the street, I see no practical need for it.

Well if you ride normally, but find yourself too hot in a turn, its nice to know you still have some room left to lean further, apart from that I agree, its not "needed"

dino74 · April 26th, 2011, 01:04 AM

The first time dragging knee is an amazing experience. But don't be one of the persons who's riding all crossed up, hanging their @ss off just to get a knee down. My first time was when I was taking level 2 of California Superbike School. Something just clicked and I started to drag knee through corners without really trying. Definitely, save it for the track and just focus on mental preparation (Turn points, looking through the turn, etc) and good form. It will come naturally.

Cab305 · April 26th, 2011, 01:21 AM

I got to about 4 inches on my first good track day. If my body position would have been better, for sure would have touched. Looking forward to next months track day.

gfloyd2002 · April 26th, 2011, 04:36 AM

Does knee down in a getoff count?

jstrain · April 26th, 2011, 05:41 AM

I finally managed it for the first time at Jennings a few months ago. I was there with my Aprilia, but took a friend's 250 out. After a few laps, it just clicked in a right-hand sweeper. I was like

inside my helmet!

After that, it just seemed easier. I borrowed a Kawi 636 and got a knee down on that. The next day, I even managed it on the Ape, which is a much taller bike. I was pretty happy.

karlosdajackal · April 26th, 2011, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

Does knee down in a getoff count?

If you got back on without coming to a stop it does

Nemesis · April 26th, 2011, 07:28 AM

I'z scurred of kneedragging.

CC Cowboy · April 26th, 2011, 07:35 AM

I did it for the first time 29 years ago. I don't think I have ever done it on the street though. I'm not that fast on the street to ever need too.

Zombiphone · April 26th, 2011, 08:27 AM

I did it for the first time last year on Halloween weekend through turn 3 at Streets of Willow (An incredibly fun, sort of off camber, double apex left hander. My personal favorite on that track and the easiest spot to pass people on the outside for me

). I was running in B group since they didn't have a C group that day, and it oddly made me push harder and faster than ever. Dragged it through that corner a couple times that day. I haven't dragged it since though, but as long as I'm making the corner, I admittedly don't really care whether my knee is sliding across the pavement or not.

That said, the only time I ever dragged on the street, my shoulder, helmet, leg, and bike were all dragging with it. I'm too much of a pussy to knee drag outside a closed circuit

sowega · April 26th, 2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstrain

I finally managed it for the first time at Jennings a few months ago. I was there with my Aprilia, but took a friend's 250 out. After a few laps, it just clicked in a right-hand sweeper. I was like

inside my helmet!

After that, it just seemed easier. I borrowed a Kawi 636 and got a knee down on that. The next day, I even managed it on the Ape, which is a much taller bike. I was pretty happy.

Turn 13? That's where I first touched mine down about 10 years ago on my ZX7R.

That's a great track.

Regarding the topic: if you're dragging your knees on a public road, you're probably riding like a jackass.

TnNinjaGirl · April 26th, 2011, 09:37 AM

I've had my knee down a couple times at the Dragon. I love the feeling of having the bike about as far as it will go on its side. The 600 and liter guys drop their jaws when they see "a little 250" moving just like their bikes.

I don't drag knee on the street otherwise, and I have not been fortunate enough to go to a track day yet.

sowega · April 26th, 2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

I've had my knee down a couple times at the Dragon. I love the feeling of having the bike about as far as it will go on its side. The 600 and liter guys drop their jaws when they see "a little 250" moving just like their bikes.

I don't drag knee on the street otherwise, and I have not been fortunate enough to go to a track day yet.

Those 600 & 1K riders also get a little redfaced when they get passed by a 70cc Yamaha Zuma going down the Dragon

rockNroll · April 26th, 2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I'z scurred of kneedragging.

oroboros · April 26th, 2011, 11:06 AM

It sure seems like a destination. A defining moment when everything comes together and your body position right. Perhaps someday I will and it would be nice if it was on a track. I am really trying to concentrate on throttle control and body position with out worrying about getting a knee down but I am noticing that the feelers on my footpegs are getting worn. sssssccrraaaaap.

tac12345 · April 26th, 2011, 11:07 AM

sport demon is enough to drag knee ?

sowega · April 26th, 2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oroboros

It sure seems like a destination. A defining moment when everything comes together and your body position right. Perhaps someday I will and it would be nice if it was on a track. I am really trying to concentrate on throttle control and body position with out worrying about getting a knee down but I am noticing that the feelers on my footpegs are getting worn. sssssccrraaaaap.

Take those feelers off; they'll dig into the pavement and possibly upset the bike.

oroboros · April 26th, 2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowega

Take those feelers off; they'll dig into the pavement and possibly upset the bike.

I figured that they should go but was not sure. Thanks for the tip.

sowega · April 26th, 2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oroboros

I figured that they should go but was not sure. Thanks for the tip.

No worries; that's the first thing I've done to every bike I've bought since dragging them and nearly wrecking my 5 day-old ex500 back in the day.

cynicalkit · April 26th, 2011, 12:18 PM

gfloyd2002 · April 26th, 2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlosdajackal

If you got back on without coming to a stop it does

Well, that would be a no then. On the bright side, I've dragged a forehead. A much more exclusive club.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowega

Regarding the topic: if you're dragging your knees on a public road, you're probably riding like a jackass.

+1.

TnNinjaGirl · April 26th, 2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tac12345

sport demon is enough to drag knee ?

Tires? The stock IRC's work fine.

jstrain · April 26th, 2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowega

Turn 13? That's where I first touched mine down about 10 years ago on my ZX7R.

Domagoj · April 26th, 2011, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowega

Take those feelers off; they'll dig into the pavement and possibly upset the bike.

Is it not better to drag foldable feelers instead of exhaust, or kickstand? Are they not there to tell you enough lean or you will drag solid parts?

rockNroll · April 27th, 2011, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domagoj

Is it not better to drag foldable feelers instead of exhaust, or kickstand? Are they not there to tell you enough lean or you will drag solid parts?

There is room to lean after the feelers scrape and, for me, I spend a lot of my mountain riding time in the zone where the feelers would be dragging. I ride with a lot of elevation changes. Turning while on a steep incline/decline makes for an off camber situation and a loss of leaning clearance.

The exhaust will touch down, I replaced the chrome cover where the muffler joins the pipe because it was rashed bad. I've never touched the kickstand down but I did catch the front of the kickstand mount a couple times so I cut the leading edge of it off... there's no kickstand switch now.

Green Streak · April 27th, 2011, 04:32 AM

I used to do it on the street over 20 years ago... back when I was invincible and knew everything.

sowega · April 27th, 2011, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domagoj

Is it not better to drag foldable feelers instead of exhaust, or kickstand? Are they not there to tell you enough lean or you will drag solid parts?

The problem with those feelers is that they're more pointed; when they hit the asphalt, they dig in more than something flat (like the exhaust, etc), which can dramatically upset the bike.

Of course, this is just advice on the internet, and your results may vary.

oroboros · April 27th, 2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowega

Of course, this is just advice on the internet, and your results may vary.

lol

tac12345 · April 29th, 2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

Tires? The stock IRC's work fine.

Thanks

kkim · April 29th, 2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tac12345

Thanks

I wouldn't take that as a ringing endorsement for the IRCs.

tac12345 · April 29th, 2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

I wouldn't take that as a ringing endorsement for the IRCs.

Don't worry, I have the sport demon

TnNinjaGirl · April 29th, 2011, 04:26 PM

Ya, I don't feel super confident with the IRC's, but technically it is possible to lean all the way over on them.

ally99 · April 29th, 2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I'z scurred of kneedragging.

LMAO!! Right next to that GREAT avatar pic!

View Poll Results: Got your knee down?
Yes, I'm addicted to it!	3	11.11%
Yes, don't think I'll be doing it that often though!	5	18.52%
No, but it might happen soon	15	55.56%
No way, and it will never happen, I'm fine with that	4	14.81%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

April 26th, 2011, 12:09 AM	#1
karlosdajackal ninjette.org guru Name: Karl Location: Ireland the Hawaii of Europe! Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Fuel Injected Model 2009 Posts: 357	Finally got my knee down.... ....found a nice deserted roundabout or 20 on Sunday morning (easter holidays mean I was the only person up and about) and finally got my knee to touch down for a split second. I'm amazed how far you can crank this thing over and it keeps giving, I was close before but what finally did it was getting my head out past the mirror in stead of in-line with it. One thing I will say about roundabout is its hard to find a clean one, for the most part the gravel and dirt gets pushed out to the far edge, but occasionally you find if 3 of the in/outs are constantly used there will be a line of dirt/gravel from the 4th exit to the centre, you don't want to go through that with more than 30 degrees on, I have a few times and the front will slide for a bit. So always do a recon run or two around the whole thing before you even think about it. I'm only 5'8" but with really short legs, my little legs are almost 4 inches shorter than normal so this may have been harder for me, but the sheer speed you have to go to get anywhere near a touchdown is ridiculous. Won't be doing that on a public road again anytime soon. Local track has sessions in July for new riders (to the track anyway) might sign up for that. Go on share your knee down thoughts/stories..... __________________________________________________ My vlogs on Youtube are here

April 26th, 2011, 04:36 AM	#7
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	Does knee down in a getoff count? __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

April 26th, 2011, 05:41 AM	#8
jstrain ninjette.org guru Name: Jeremy Location: Philadelphia Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 Aprilia RSV, '10 Bonneville, '10 Ninjette Posts: 359	I finally managed it for the first time at Jennings a few months ago. I was there with my Aprilia, but took a friend's 250 out. After a few laps, it just clicked in a right-hand sweeper. I was like inside my helmet! After that, it just seemed easier. I borrowed a Kawi 636 and got a knee down on that. The next day, I even managed it on the Ape, which is a much taller bike. I was pretty happy. __________________________________________________ -Jeremy

April 26th, 2011, 07:35 AM	#11
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	I did it for the first time 29 years ago. I don't think I have ever done it on the street though. I'm not that fast on the street to ever need too. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

April 26th, 2011, 12:16 AM	#2
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Farthest I've leaned is when the sides of my shoes scraped the pavement for a split second.

April 26th, 2011, 12:32 AM	#3
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	if you ride on the street, I see no practical need for it.

April 26th, 2011, 01:04 AM	#5
dino74 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: dino Location: Oceanside, Ca Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 Street, '09 250 Race, '13 300 Race Posts: A lot.	The first time dragging knee is an amazing experience. But don't be one of the persons who's riding all crossed up, hanging their @ss off just to get a knee down. My first time was when I was taking level 2 of California Superbike School. Something just clicked and I started to drag knee through corners without really trying. Definitely, save it for the track and just focus on mental preparation (Turn points, looking through the turn, etc) and good form. It will come naturally.

April 26th, 2011, 01:21 AM	#6
Cab305 ninjette.org sage Name: Cab Location: Miami Beach Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 10 250r Posts: 697	I got to about 4 inches on my first good track day. If my body position would have been better, for sure would have touched. Looking forward to next months track day.

April 26th, 2011, 07:28 AM	#10
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	I'z scurred of kneedragging.

April 26th, 2011, 08:27 AM	#12
Zombiphone CVMA/AFM #72 Name: Tiffani Location: Los Angeles, Ca Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Racebike), 2015 FZ-07(Tourer), 2001 KX65(LOL bike) Posts: A lot.	I did it for the first time last year on Halloween weekend through turn 3 at Streets of Willow (An incredibly fun, sort of off camber, double apex left hander. My personal favorite on that track and the easiest spot to pass people on the outside for me ). I was running in B group since they didn't have a C group that day, and it oddly made me push harder and faster than ever. Dragged it through that corner a couple times that day. I haven't dragged it since though, but as long as I'm making the corner, I admittedly don't really care whether my knee is sliding across the pavement or not. That said, the only time I ever dragged on the street, my shoulder, helmet, leg, and bike were all dragging with it. I'm too much of a pussy to knee drag outside a closed circuit

April 26th, 2011, 09:37 AM	#14
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	I've had my knee down a couple times at the Dragon. I love the feeling of having the bike about as far as it will go on its side. The 600 and liter guys drop their jaws when they see "a little 250" moving just like their bikes. I don't drag knee on the street otherwise, and I have not been fortunate enough to go to a track day yet.

April 26th, 2011, 11:06 AM	#17
oroboros GDTRFB Name: Drew Location: SE PA Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 - sold 2005 EX500R project Posts: 496	It sure seems like a destination. A defining moment when everything comes together and your body position right. Perhaps someday I will and it would be nice if it was on a track. I am really trying to concentrate on throttle control and body position with out worrying about getting a knee down but I am noticing that the feelers on my footpegs are getting worn. sssssccrraaaaap. __________________________________________________ I don't want a pickle Just want to ride on my motorsickle -Arlo Guthrie

April 26th, 2011, 11:07 AM	#18
tac12345 ninjette.org member Name: Alexandre Location: Montreal Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 09 SE Posts: 172	sport demon is enough to drag knee ?

April 26th, 2011, 12:18 PM	#22
cynicalkit la pussy gata Name: kit Location: xx Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): big wheel Posts: 540

April 27th, 2011, 04:32 AM	#28
Green Streak Ninjette Owner Name: Rick Location: Aiken County, SC Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, a puddle of Ninja ZX6 Posts: 520	I used to do it on the street over 20 years ago... back when I was invincible and knew everything. __________________________________________________

April 29th, 2011, 04:26 PM	#34
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	Ya, I don't feel super confident with the IRC's, but technically it is possible to lean all the way over on them.

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