And, since someone asked about driving a Spyder (2F 1R trike) let's compare cornering on a Spyder to cornering on a bike.
First, there is almost no risk of falling down, so even a timid old codger like me can be confident that there won't be a sudden crash precipitated by a diesel oil spill, or gravel on the pavement, or horse poop, or whatever. What that really means is that I can pretty much ignore the surface and concentrate on traffic and driving.
I do hang off much more when driving a three wheeler through curves than when riding a bike. Hanging off helps reduce steering effort, and helps keep the inside wheel on the ground. That helps keep the stability computer from reducing power. Since the brakes help control roll, I may drag the brakes slightly in curves while sneaking on more throttle. Of course, this will drive a following biker to distraction, since the brake lights will be flashing on-off during the corner. But I also brake in corners when riding a two wheeler--whenever I don't like the "smell" of the situation. For instance, I've braked for quite a few trees in the ditch that looked like antlers.
But, whatever the machine I'm driving/riding, I limit my speed to sight distance. If I can't make a full stop within my sight distance, I'm hanging it out too far. It's not that there are more hazards located in turns, but that they are often hidden from view by the shape of the rocks and greenery. So, the hazards may seem to "pop into view" when I'm rounding a corner, but of course they were there all along. It makes me very nervous to see riders zipping around blind turns at speeds that I know are about twice too fast for stopping.
I'm not sure exactly how the Spyder ABS reacts with the Stability Control System and Steering System. But I have no fear of aggressive braking at any time. I believe the SCS gets wheel speed from the ABS pickups, but works in a different way. If the ABS determines a tire is losing traction, it releases brake pressure in pulses just like any ABS system. But if the SCS determines a wheel is getting light, it starts reducing engine power. The power steering system is a mystery. It's speed sensitive, but there is some other relationship to the SCS. Stability control is there to reduce the risks of a rollover, not to prevent rear wheel spin.
Fortunately, at my age I don't feel the need for speed (as much), so I can just motor along enjoying the scenery while I gradually figure out how the machine performs and which body part is causing the pain today. If you come up on me on the road, feel free to pass.
pmdave
BTW, I can't imagine trying to manage a two wheeler with the Rotax 990 motor, let alone anything more powerful. If you're thinking about buying one of those new S1000RRs, I hope you realize what it means to have a 193 HP engine in a 450 lb. bike. Controlling that machine on twisty public roads is going to be a big challenge.
First, there is almost no risk of falling down, so even a timid old codger like me can be confident that there won't be a sudden crash precipitated by a diesel oil spill, or gravel on the pavement, or horse poop, or whatever. What that really means is that I can pretty much ignore the surface and concentrate on traffic and driving.
I do hang off much more when driving a three wheeler through curves than when riding a bike. Hanging off helps reduce steering effort, and helps keep the inside wheel on the ground. That helps keep the stability computer from reducing power. Since the brakes help control roll, I may drag the brakes slightly in curves while sneaking on more throttle. Of course, this will drive a following biker to distraction, since the brake lights will be flashing on-off during the corner. But I also brake in corners when riding a two wheeler--whenever I don't like the "smell" of the situation. For instance, I've braked for quite a few trees in the ditch that looked like antlers.
But, whatever the machine I'm driving/riding, I limit my speed to sight distance. If I can't make a full stop within my sight distance, I'm hanging it out too far. It's not that there are more hazards located in turns, but that they are often hidden from view by the shape of the rocks and greenery. So, the hazards may seem to "pop into view" when I'm rounding a corner, but of course they were there all along. It makes me very nervous to see riders zipping around blind turns at speeds that I know are about twice too fast for stopping.
I'm not sure exactly how the Spyder ABS reacts with the Stability Control System and Steering System. But I have no fear of aggressive braking at any time. I believe the SCS gets wheel speed from the ABS pickups, but works in a different way. If the ABS determines a tire is losing traction, it releases brake pressure in pulses just like any ABS system. But if the SCS determines a wheel is getting light, it starts reducing engine power. The power steering system is a mystery. It's speed sensitive, but there is some other relationship to the SCS. Stability control is there to reduce the risks of a rollover, not to prevent rear wheel spin.
Fortunately, at my age I don't feel the need for speed (as much), so I can just motor along enjoying the scenery while I gradually figure out how the machine performs and which body part is causing the pain today. If you come up on me on the road, feel free to pass.
pmdave
BTW, I can't imagine trying to manage a two wheeler with the Rotax 990 motor, let alone anything more powerful. If you're thinking about buying one of those new S1000RRs, I hope you realize what it means to have a 193 HP engine in a 450 lb. bike. Controlling that machine on twisty public roads is going to be a big challenge.
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