how to have fun on a B12 w/o going to jail?

[mainerider]

Past bikes have included: 1979 CB750K, 1978 GS1000, 1978 XS1100, 198? SPECTRE 1100.

While I wouldn't say I maxed out the performance ont these bikes, (except the spectre) it was easy to ride them fairly hard, occasionally scraping pegs, etc.

The bandit is another story.  Pushing the bike at all easily puts me at "go directly to jail, do not collect $200" speeds.  It's comfortable cornering at 1.5 times the speed limit.  Straight line speed and acceleration is, shall we say, more than adequate. It seems the only way to lean the bike very far, is to go really fast.  While I am a fan of fast, I'm not a fan of jail.

So, I am working on efficient cornering, to maximize fun, but have a little problem:

OK-
so I brake before the entrance to the turn stay fairly wide as I look for the exit maintaining enough throttle to neither accelerate nor slow.  When I see the exit, turn in, accelerate coming close to the inside of the turn, exiting wide.

That's the theory.  It works great when the exit is visible early on.  The problem comes in a longer turn, as I look as far forward as possible into the turn for the exit.  To see the exit, my eyes are primarily on the inside of the turn.  This frequently brings my bike where I am looking- to the inside-too early.

Any thoughts on this?
Any thoughts how to use some of the bike's performance at rational speeds?

HH

[Dave 02 1200]

Most squids crash due to excessive corner entry speed.  You are on the right track with a more moderate entry speed and wide approach with late turn-in.  That way you can accelerate harder out of the turn and go faster but with good control.  The key to my enjoyment is not just speed - any fool can crank the throttle open - but it is in going moderately fast in good control.  At this kind of pace the Bandit really shines. A brisk pace with comfort and control beats riding 10 10ths on the street.  If you want to ride WFO, go to the track and have a blast.  The cool thing about a Bandit is that you can ride it any way you want to.  The key to staying out of jail is to remember where you are and ride accordingly.

[doublenaughtspy]

Instruction on a track would fix this.  You are doing all the basics right.  You need experience in a controlled environment.

[Tundrahog]

My Dad has an 1100 spectre, and I've been curious how it would ride after the Bandit.  Is it a real dog?  He seems happy with it, but it's the newest bike he's ever owned ('82 I think).  I tried to get him to swap, but I think he may be a little intimidated.

[mainerider]

As far as the Spectre goes-
It was a while ago, and was my second big bike.  I had recently come off a 79 CB750k with a Kerker and K&N's.  The Spectre was a bit disapointing, not just in handling, but acceleration.  It couldn't keep up with a cb900, same era, either.  On the other hand, I remeber it to be comfy, and had enough power to keep to be safe.  Hope your dad likes the bike.

As far as Earlier response:  There is definitely a track day in my future- probably at Loudon.  No interest in racng, just want to improve skills, and have fun.

HH