15. Figure-of-Eight

BALANCE IS VITAL

The Figure of Eight is a slow control exercise. You will need the coordination of the clutch, throttle and rear brake, along with the added skills of steering and delicate use of the controls. By having the correct riding posture you will be able to balance and create time to think about what you are doing. Usually, the figure of Eight is not an easy manoeuvre to master. Your head position and vision is vital, as you are required to keep your head up and look in the direction you intend to travel. Your head position helps you to guide the motorcycle in the direction you are looking, a well-known phrase you may hear is the bike will go where you look. This slow control exercise also gives you the opportunity to practice maintaining effective throttle and clutch control while you turn the bike to the left or right. This brings in an added skill that takes time to perfect but gives you a much better feel of the motorcycle.  

IMAGINE THE CENTRE POINT

A good technique for you to use is to imagine a centre point between the two cones, you should use this imaginary point as an aiming marker for each complete turn. You  aim to arrive back to this same point each time you pass between the cones. This is in preparation for the next circle the opposite way to the previous one. The circles you create should be large to start with and even in shape, this helps you to make this exercise easier.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Keep the head up to aid balance and stability
• Be gentle with the throttle
• Clutch at biting point at all times to control the bikes speed
• Rear brake only during this exercise
• Look where the bike needs to go
• Keep the chin up to help with vision