Target Fixation on the Track: How to Prevent an Unnecessary Crash

[@Its_motion_media]

Target fixation is very scary stuff. I was out riding with a new group and we were crusing at around 140km/h on some open windy background. I got held up due to a one-way bridge and when I got some clear road ahead of me decided to try and catch up (I hadn't ridden this road before). I came over a very slight crest to see the road turned left (100-120km/h would be comfortable speed for the corner), looked down at my speed to see 200 and sh*t my pants. After a second of frozen fear I remembered the SR (survival reaction) target fixation. I pushed that left bar deeper and deeper and was surprised to make it out the other side. I'm very lucky there wasn't a pothole or any gravel or standing water because I didn't have time to find a clear line, I just needed to stay on the road. Moral of the story, put your ego aside, don't push roads you don't know and if the group isn't going to wait for you, find another group

[@Athertoons]

Target fixation helped me destroy my beloved BMW R1100s on a twisty road when a truck was coming the other way, filling the whole width of the lane. Where you look is where you go, and I was lucky to escape with my life, let alone only minor injuries. It has bothered me ever since, like a demon I need to exorcise. Exactly as you have described in this vid, the simple perception that you are too fast into a corner is all it takes, and the fixation on a hazard finishes you off. I had already done it a few times on empty roads, but my luck eventually ran out with the help of a 12 tonne tow truck. The bike could have cornered at twice the speed I was doing when I hit the truck. Good instruction like this vid, and some track days, will help me exorcise those demons!

[@SJBGify]

Hi I was on my CBT, therefore really wet behind the ears as far as motorcycling and during our first trip on the road, I was going around a corner and heard the instructor in my earpiece saying, 'slow down' at the same time I was realising I was going too fast. The target fixation occured because there was a works truck coming in the other direction on the same bend and I could feel my vision locked on it, to the point that I was saying in my head, 'I'm going under that truck' and luckily avoided that. Thankful and appreciate these videos to help become more informed.

[@oolaspalmas]

This target fixation has happened to me few times on public roads. Its vital to knowledge that you are indeed target fixating and you need to shout to your brains to look away where you actually want to go. It is really strange feeling. It just needs learning where to look during cornering and every rider needs to paractise it regularly until it is your second nature.

[@manz1960]

I ran into a very tight corner on my 750 Honda Shadow last May - way too hot - tried to scrub off speed, but as the corner came up my eyes went down to the side of the road and I ended up crashing and flying into a ditch. Complete target fixation. Learned that I obviously needed to look through the turn. Great lesson learned after a few broken ribs. Ouch.

[@LifeatLean]

A harsh way to learn the lesson, but a valuable lesson nonetheless!

[@chrismealing2574]

Great video. I'm a new rider, and working hard at it... and, yes, talking to myself! I've drifted a few times, and interestingly (as you point out) it hasn't been when I've been going too fast, but rather when I let my concentration lapse a bit and my brain gets away on me! I love the channel and the videos, and it adds a lot that you're willing to share your personal experience so openly. Cheers!

[@mikedominick]

100% true. It’s really kind of amazing how much faster I can go just by looking ahead. Literally every time I’ve gone off track has been due to target fixation.

[@Srv02]

Last season I ran into a corner too fast, braked and stared so long at the gravel that it blushed. Maybe not only because of my staring, but also of my red fairing all over there. I was so mad at myself of this fixation, because I remembered your vision guides right after the crash. I cleaned my bike, did some fixes and went out again, same corner, same speed but this time I managed to stare at the apex and went through it, feeling like a champion. Thanks Dan!

[@LifeatLean]

Great example SRV. Thanks for sharing. Hope the bike and yourself weren't too damaged!

[@Srv02]

Life at Lean Was a mint 899 with 2000km ... so it badly hurt, everything scratched. The weekend after I got hit by another bike and after that crash it was a 100% clear that this is going to be my dedicated track bike. So it is being properly set up over the winter for 2018 season. Luckily only my ego was damaged, but at least I can work with myself now.

[@robb8773]

I used exactly the three steps you outlined (say look, look & RELAX) when I entered a corner on a Goldwing and hit a pat of gravel. The bike danced around a lot but made it through with the tires down and my skin up. The rider behind me was VERY impressed on how I kept under control. As you say, the relax part is the hardest. Going through my situation my whole body/arms almost instantly tightened up was able to resist........

[@udontknowus2]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Had the same situation in 2014. It ended unnecessarily in the hospital. Glad to found your very valuable channel.

[@alanaspurling6469]

I had a recent incident where I was in a panic situation. My focus shifted to making a successful ride off the track. But, the next time through that braking zone, I focused on moving my vision and not trying to cram the brake zone into the shortest possible distance.

[@samreal1187]

As a new rider, this advise has been of great value. I knew about target fixation even before actually owning a bike, and it is a habit I've been forcing myself to catch. And now that's actually in my riding habits, it's taken me away from several mistakes on the road that would've turned into ugly accidents.

[@ryanhaart]

Most riders have plenty of margin to make the corner even if they think they are going in too hot. Just looking into the corner when I thought I was going in too fast has saved and amazed me countless times - "wow, I didn't know i could go through it that fast"

[@shizi]

Not even an advertisement serious? Truly unselfish mate. More power to you and this channel. I've learned so much in the past 10 days I've discovered subbed to your channel. My riding massively improved. Cheers buddy. Awesome vids are compact and loaded.

[@mentlegentlemen7409]

Whenever I get nervous in corners I get aggressive (I think I’m not totaling my bike! not today!) and look towards the road and throttle away. I’ve had close calls and laugh them off.

[@grantperkins368]

Nice. Vision is so important. I've found that turning my head, not just my eyes, has helped enormously, yet you didn't mention it in your video. Maybe that could be the subject of another ?? Anyway, thanks very much - I love your concise and direct approach :-) Lol ..Just realised this is 3yrs old!

[@TheBriansle]

dude yea i did this at an intersection left turn. Came in way too fast and did not lean the bike in time. fixated on the traffic signal pole. i swerved into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid the pole. thank god it was a Sunday morning. People looked at me like WTF ??? I like how the guy threw away the bike when he realized, good quick decision.

[@MaverickX2k5]

On my very first trackday I had a stupid situation: turn 8 in Oschersleben I see a marshal waving a flag (finish flag) in the corner of my eye. I looked at the flag while in the midst of the corner only to realize how stupid it is to take my eyes away from the line I want to go. After realizing that and getting my focus back I had to see I already had gone quite wide and luckily kept it down to mild panic 1/10th second. Managed to straighten her up, brake hard and release the brake before hitting the gravel. Rolled right into the pit lane (happens to be just after turn 8) safe, sound and with a reminder how fast things can go wrong by very little

[@medveds1]

Few years ago my friend and I set out for a hard street ride day, we eventually came to an unknown road and a double blind apex. My friend totally target fix on the arm cove of the second apex and came down while the second apex surprised me too I looked where I needed to be, lent it over more and hung on, made it out safely all the while my mate was sliding along watching his bike getting ruined. Love ur vids Dan.

[@LifeatLean]

Case in point Steve! Hope your friend was ok.

[@medveds1]

Yeah he was ok, some bark came off, but his pride was hurt the most.

[@benmiller6599]

This video combined with your "in too fast" video really helped me analyze why I crashed @ my very first track day. Looking to replace the bike now. Going to step down to a smaller more manageable bike bc the entire track day I didnt feel confident . That combined with the tips on your channel hopefully I'll fair better next track day.

[@raschellesherwood6347]

Great videos mate. As a competant race level group rider I'd just like to say that your videos still teach me new things and I have to say, I continually re watch and love the absolute truth in how you explain things. To all the new and upcoming riders this is the channel you should be watching and learning from this guy is great!!!!!!!

[@jamesbrininger6287]

Another great informative video. This bad habit got me in trouble a few times. Knowing what your suppose to do is key. Learn what your suppose to be doing and by all means, practice, practice, practice.

[@TheStringBreaker]

Your content is so good y’all deserve WAY more subs!

[@Beaver314]

Thanks for this great video. In my opinion, as you push yourself and your liimts more, the more you will encouter these situations. But i'd say this is a good thing, because they're teaching moments. i had my very first crash a while ago by target fixating and overtightening, in a bend i could have easily made it out off. And this crash could have turned me off from biking, or at least slowed me down enough that i'd be riding too far below my limits - just to try and never have it happen again. But that would mean i'm not improving and encountering them frequently enough to learn. The next time - and there WILL be a next time - would have caught me out again, and i would probably have handled it badly again. But by keeping at it, accepting that these things will happen (they still do from time to time), i'm forcing myself to view them as less frightening, and actually am able to respond more correctly now. The more you encounter them, the quicker you'll learn how to respond to them. It will become more like a force of habit, than a scary sporadic moment. Even if you slow down enough where you think you'll never have it happen to you again, another driver / road conditions /... might force you into a similar situation. It helps to be prepared. And as ever: if you do push your limits and try to improve your riding, do so in a safe environment. My crash happened on a public road, and the bike (and my ego) would have definitely looked better if i had a gravel trap to run off into, in stead of a metal barrier. :)

[@EDcase1]

VERY important for road riding too. Not to fixate on obstacle or vehicle in your way...

[@garymanning8920]

Ran off inside the corner only at about 35mph tight 180 degree turn. Could not pick an apex leaned in to early and not knowing the road as well as would have liked... luckily I played it safe at a lower speed entry ....When I suddenly felt myself in the gravel I looked up at the road and kept my vision wide... felt like I was off road for an hour only 5 to 7 seconds in real time. Ended well... got front tire back on track. I was happy I did not panic brake at all ...pulled the clutch and coasted thru looking forward to the entry point without steering or braking...nice calm coasting thru the dirt and I saved my butt ....huge adreniline rush ... must have held my breath... felt like a sledge hammer in my chest when I got back on the throttle. So I stayed with it and next time thru had better trail brake ..blip ..set up half butt off seat, looking under my mirror, lean in... entry point to apex and on throttle and yes I was talking out loud . At least that's how I think it happened.

[@terrance595]

Really awesome advice. I love how you break things down to simple explanations in all your videos man. Thank you

[@strangepsy]

It Usually happens with me on daily basis Mostly on or just before curves. But two things that i noticed about that it only happens with me 1. when i am riding for long period of time without taking rest. 2.when i am thinking about road/curve or anything else which i shouldn't think. To overcome this i am just trying to stop overthinking and also try to look advance on the road and make various checkpoints in advance so that brain stay focused on road only nothing else. Thus,i now i go,where i want to go. & no more target fixation.

[@stefcamp]

had a potential happening last week. a camper in a tight twisty in the worst moment of a corner (i was already committed and expected a car but not a full on motorcaravan on my part of the lane), leaving me only about 1 metre of space to make the corner and slight touched of front brakes, rear locked for what felt longer than .5 of a second, looked only into that free area, passed the camper i was out of shape for the corner but could recover. thinking of it maybe i was lucky, but feel like i did all that needed to be done right.

[@natjones4833]

Great video. Nice relaxed way of teaching new skills. Your vids could be a bit longer though, only because they are good enough to hold people's attention.

[@edwardwu9108]

I think it’s a good length. Agree these are good videos. Look forward to watching this channel grow.

[@LifeatLean]

Cheers Nat. My current plan is to mainly offer short and digestible advice without too much fluff. From a growth point of view more videos means more hooks in the water, so to speak. That said I do have some longer videos coming 👍

[@viper33m]

weak video, 4 minutes to say: when targetting the outter side of a curb, don't.

[@kingfisherphil]

when I started, one day I set off from drive, looked at the kerb on opposite side of road, and like a magnet was drawn towards it, as I tried to steer away I noticed it was magnetic, or sure seemed to be, of course I fell off! Total shame, bewilderment! I learned a lot without harm, but my ego took the battering!

[@yzfaisal]

I hadn't properly memorized the track (hallet motor speedway: Oklahoma).Tthere is a mostly blind corner coming out of the chicane that goes into a right up hill corner. I started to go left, I immediately trying to bring the bike around, but was carrying to much corner speed. HOWEVER, I was looking where I wanted to go and I almost brought the bike back into the corner. ill say luckily, even though I ran off the track into the gravel/grass I was able to keep y bike SHINEY SIDE UP!

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

It’s a different feel of view on the track. Exaggerated the view is almost a bit blurry like you try to see a 3D pictures back in the 90ties. Not that extreme but you will realize if you slightly use your eye muscle to open up your field of view it will help you to see more. Makes sense. Actually this eye training with the 3D pictures is healthy and good for your eyes also helpful to be more aware of your sights abilities can help you a lot. Not only on the track of course.

[@jethrostoils8571]

Yip same thing first track day thought I was going to quick for corner braked lifted bike up straight into gravel trap .fixated on Armco panic braked again bike dug in and I went over the front .looking back on the video footage was going no quicker than the previous laps.one brain fart cost £900 to fix

[@H34D5H07]

Its my third season, first on a 600. I just realized Im having this problem when turning right at 60-75 degrees turns with moderate speed. I need a track day.

[@slow2K2GT]

Been a sub for some time. Is anyone else here because sARL recommended this video for HPRA (high performance riding academy)?

[@feraguilar1433]

I found this site by coincidence, I have seen some of your videos, you hooked my attention... good advices Brother! Regards from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@travislittle9889]

Was worried about hitting another rider today. Not sure if vision would have helped. I was afraid to look at my entrance/exit for upcoming corner. I grabbed the fronts hard and fast.. made it out, and my friend behind me, but man that was a scary one.

[@braisl8938]

El momento de mayor pánico que he vivido fue en una curva en bajada, de alta velocidad (se entra a 140km/h +-) tipo carrusel. Justo al soltar frenos y tumbar, la marcha se salió y se quedó en neutra, perdí todo el freno motor, inclinación extrema, no podía frenar, estaba entrando en pánico, solo podía recordar la fijación de objetivo y sentía como obligaba a mi cuello a mirar a la salida de la curva en lugar de a dónde iba que es lo que mi cerebro deseaba ver. Sigo pensando que si no llego a forzar la mirada, hubiese caído por el precipicio.

[@EDcase1]

Good info. Applies to road riding too. Don't focus on the obstacle in front of you (car pulling out etc) Instead focus on the gap to avoid. Very hard to practice tho :D

[@The4sd]

What about the brake? You should use the rear one? Or you shouldnt touch it?

[@MrMolzzon]

Good one, it's hard to release that "precious" brake lever when the panic starts to rise...

[@1WEEBLE1]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👊👊👊👊👊👊👊

[@andrewthag]

Lol I fixated on a suv that lane changed into me when I couldve passed on the shoulder, big oof

[@lateapex9420]

Great vid... Unfortunately, I think it actually takes a crash (or two) before one can lock this method into instinct. Years ago I jumped my SP1 into a farmers field due to target fixation but after that incident my mind completely, and naturally commited to looking through the corner and getting that inside bar pushed out hard.

[@LifeatLean]

I think you're right for a lot of riders, unfortunately. However I wasn't aware of the trait before my mishap, so my hope is that by letting people know it may kick the brain into the correct gear should they be presented with the situation.

[@cameron6783]

On my dirt bike I find myself getting target fixation through berms and through tight trails

[@mhilde7744]

Awesome, as always👍

[@motoholota]

This advice is as good as it is hard to follow. ;) But with practice, it can be done - or so I thought. I had crashed on track some time ago. Last corner before finish, I was trying to overtake my friend - which was pointless, because his bike is more powerful and I was on the outside. First thing that surprised me was another rider, that decided to go in between us. This was totally fine, I just had to adjust my line a little bit. While this rider surprised me a little, I was still looking through the corner. I teached myself to do that, so it was effortless. But when I changed my line I got caught by some leftover oil, that was poorly cleaned. I almost high sided, I was very lucky (or maybe not) I didn't crash right there. But at this point I was so far out of my comfort zone I target fixated on a guy waving the flag, who was now standing on my way.

[@LifeatLean]

It is indeed hard to follow, and I'd wager that the fact I have experience of getting it wrong makes me notice the signs earlier than those that haven't. Your situation sound really unfortunate, and yeah, as you rightly point out you'd probably plunged a bit too far into a difficult situation. As I mentioned this advice isn't going to save everything, but it'll certainly help in a lot of situations.

[@Beaver314]

yes you do have a point there. It is defly more easy to understand when people have experienced it already. i still encounter this every other ride maybe, but now am more comfortable in dealing with it, through experience and getting pas that mental barrier, actually talking myself through the process, very similar as you explained in this video.

[@dummbumm6590]

Exactly the reason why I crashed on the Track. Ive made the same mistake you did. I really have to work on my Visual Skills! Thanks for the Video you helped me alot !

[@ntdeas]

Is that in kph or mph? I can't tell what your Speedo says

[@1WEEBLE1]

Keep your head level and look where you want to go, i almost ran right into a car at sppeed one day very dangerous and EMBARRASSING

[@gingergranttech]

Never look where ur going .look where u want to go .

[@kevinsnyder1390]

What's a numpty? Sorry Im new to the channel. This is my Second video. Thanks

[@MarkosManiadakis]

Nice!!!

[@sweeptheleg.]

Umm...can someone tell me what a 'numpty' is? I'm across the pond, don't quite understand some Brit terminology.

[@lolzaloud]

kind of like a stupid person or idiot

[@LifeatLean]

Like lolz said, it's just a lighthearted way of calling someone an idiot, like they've done something silly.

[@sweeptheleg.]

Lol! Ok...you guys are funny, thanks mate, Cheers.

[@marcos.1771]

It’s basically look there, go there.

[@TheBoy_97]

Nic video bro:)

[@LifeatLean]

Thanks Harry!

[@sharoncooke5213]

Hi Dan, Great video and perfect way of describing what is in my opinion the hardest thing to master. Check out my video from Almeria last March my second track event it was day 3 I had dropped my Laptimes everyday and fixation set in with tyre wall. well you will see obviously it’s at the end. 👍

[@LifeatLean]

Bugger! Hope it wasn't too bad Niall. As a side note, I love your bike and want it very much 😆

[@sharoncooke5213]

Life at Lean Cheers Mate.👍 It’s had a makeover since but it still looks the part I think anyway. 😬 let me know if you’re ever at Donington only down the road from me and would happily pay for some pointers. 👍🤜👊