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RIZLA SUZUKI''S JR GIVEN A LESSON IN ROAD RIDING BY BIKESAFE Riding a replica Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 road bike with more than 150bhp at the rear wheel, JR was assessed by Nick Harris from the Hampshire Bikesafe police for his ability to ride a bike safely on the open road. Harris said: ''John is obviously used to riding powerful machines but he gives the impression that he is more at home on a track. ''John could make better progress when making right turns from junctions by not running so far across the road before actually turning right. This means that he cannot get on the power so early as he is still not on the fat part of the tyre and the bike is still leant over. By turning 90 degrees and keeping to the centre white line I am upright and accelerating before John has turned. ''This is a bit harsh but John would also be better able to carry more corner speed if he were to position slightly on the approach to left and right hand bends earlier. He does position well but slightly late. By positioning earlier he would get a better view of the bend sooner, giving him more time to react to what he then sees. ''His hazard awareness was good. He saw early that there were wet patches under trees so moved position slightly to avoid the hazard. Another case was where he saw an oncoming vehicle for which he needed to slow down and change position slightly. Overall John was smooth and confident until the wet patches!!'' Rizla Suzuki''s 39-year-old double BSB Champion is one of the fastest motorcycle riders in the world but found even he could learn lessons on the road when he went out on the observed ride from Rizla Suzuki''s Team HQ at the Crescent Performance Centre in Verwood earlier this week. JR said: ''I have taken onboard everything Nick has said and he is quite correct in his observations. On a race track you use all of the available tarmac and he picked up on that as a weakness while turning right on the road. ''My road positioning could do with some work so I can see any potential hazards earlier and that makes sense as well, it''s just like straightening a corner on a race track. As for the wet patches on the road - I''ll hold my hands up, I ride with maximum safety in mind and wet roads require utmost respect. ''I have learnt a lot from the police Bikesafe training and enjoyed myself at the same time. Bikesafe is not against motorcycling; it is all about promoting safety and making you a better rider. We all want riders to enjoy their motorcycles, and we want them to do it safely. ''If you think you are a fast road rider then I would urge you to try short circuit racing or track days. The road is not a safe place to use the full performance potential of any modern Supersport or Superbike. ''I am looking forward to inviting Nick to a race track and returning the compliment and being the teacher for the day. On the race track it is very different to the road, I''ll race anyone in the world and if I don''t beat them, I''ll be gutted. There is a time and a place for everything - road riding is for fun with safety in mind and track riding is full-on sport!''
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