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Published: Friday, 08 May 2015 06:25
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Written by Super User

The Handle Bars
Just about every wobbly bit you can throw at a bike hangs off these damn things. Without them we would be in serious trouble, but most of our serious trouble comes directly as a result of our use of them.
Newton’s third has a field day with us when it comes to the handlebars. They are without a doubt the most powerful control you have on your motorbike and unfortunately we use them more for hanging onto than for any control input. When we accelerate all our upper body weight goes backwards and we “hang on” to the bars. When we brake all our upper body weight goes forward and we lockout our arms and push against them. When we “lean” into a corner we hold onto them to stop ourselves falling off the damn bike and when we straighten up again we use them to pull ourselves back onto the bike.
If you don’t believe me on that last one, try getting yourself off a bike and back again whilst it is stationary without using the handle bars. Some advice; put a soft mat on the ground!!!
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Published: Friday, 08 May 2015 06:26
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Written by Super User

The Foot pegs
You are probably wondering what on earth I am going to have to say abut the foot pegs. I mean in what way are they a control? Now this is one of those moments when being an old bastard pays dividends.
Back in the 80’s when bike frames were made of recycled rubber bands glued together, you learnt really quickly about the impact you could have on a bikes wobbly bits (the whole thing) but these days the frames and other parts are so good that it’s not until they are under extreme loads that you start to feel the difference. Trust me at full noise and full lean on a modern superbike it is a really hard time to learn how to use the pegs to load the frame and stop it wobbling!!!
But the pegs do a lot more than that. They are a very effective tool for controlling your motorcycle and you really need to learn how to use them.
Read more: The Footpegs