10-20-2014, 06:37 PM
I see what they are getting at in the Cycleworld article, but I also believe there is much more to it than that.
The first time I did the California Superbike School level 1, we started out with a theory session. All the riders there were eager to get out on track and start riding. So, as we prepare for the first outing, the instructor tells us we are to only use 3rd or 4th gear and no brakes. Huh? No Brakes!? Well, the whole drill here was about throttle control, and learning control your throttle to enter the corner at the right speed. Now this actually had a dual effect. First of all, it ensured the riders would not go out and crash in the first corner because they were going too fast, and it allowed you to realize quite quickly that you can actually go in to the corner faster than you thought. The thing is, your bike is basically unstable while braking, and stability of the bike comes by using the throttle. It is fine to brake while in a straight line, like before entering the corner, but then get on the throttle to regain the stability.
The first time I did the California Superbike School level 1, we started out with a theory session. All the riders there were eager to get out on track and start riding. So, as we prepare for the first outing, the instructor tells us we are to only use 3rd or 4th gear and no brakes. Huh? No Brakes!? Well, the whole drill here was about throttle control, and learning control your throttle to enter the corner at the right speed. Now this actually had a dual effect. First of all, it ensured the riders would not go out and crash in the first corner because they were going too fast, and it allowed you to realize quite quickly that you can actually go in to the corner faster than you thought. The thing is, your bike is basically unstable while braking, and stability of the bike comes by using the throttle. It is fine to brake while in a straight line, like before entering the corner, but then get on the throttle to regain the stability.