Mastering Motorcycle Cornering: Key Techniques for Safe and Efficient Riding

TLDRLearn the key techniques for safe and efficient motorcycle cornering, including looking and thinking ahead, entering corners wide, slowing before the corner, initiating lean, accelerating out of the corner, and using the brakes effectively. These techniques help improve control, reduce the risk of accidents, and enhance the overall riding experience.

Key insights

🔍Looking and thinking ahead is essential for successful motorcycle cornering. By staying mindful of our surroundings and anticipating potential hazards, we can better prepare and react to keep ourselves safe.

📏Entering corners wide provides better visibility and allows for smoother and safer navigation. By choosing the outer part of the turn, we gain more time to assess the road conditions and make necessary adjustments.

⚡️Slowing down before the corner is crucial for maintaining control and reducing the risk of running wide or encountering unexpected obstacles. Gradual deceleration gives us more options and stability throughout the turn.

🏍️Initiating lean by pressing the handlebar in the direction of the turn is a technique called counter-steering. This method helps riders control the motorcycle's trajectory and navigate corners smoothly.

🚦Accelerating out of the corner should only be done when the exit is clear and the lean angle can be gradually reduced. By smoothly adding throttle, riders can safely increase speed while maintaining control.

Q&A

Why is looking and thinking ahead important for motorcycle cornering?

Looking and thinking ahead allows riders to anticipate and react to potential hazards. By focusing on the road ahead, riders can make informed decisions and navigate corners more safely.

Why is it beneficial to enter corners wide?

Entering corners wide provides better visibility and allows riders to assess road conditions and adjust their trajectory if necessary. It also enables riders to have more options to handle unexpected situations.

Why is it essential to slow down before the corner?

Slowing down before the corner helps riders maintain control and reduce the risk of running wide or encountering obstacles. Gradual deceleration provides stability and allows for better navigation through the turn.

What is counter-steering?

Counter-steering is a technique where riders initiate lean by pressing the handlebar in the opposite direction of the intended turn. This method helps control the motorcycle's trajectory and facilitates smoother cornering.

When should riders accelerate out of the corner?

Riders should only accelerate out of the corner when the exit is clear and the lean angle can be gradually reduced. By smoothly adding throttle, riders can increase speed while maintaining control.

Timestamped Summary

00:03Approximately 25% of motorcycle accidents are caused by motorcycles running wide in corners.

00:37Looking and thinking ahead is the key to becoming a better rider.

01:42Entering corners wide provides better visibility and makes the corner less tight, reducing the need for excessive lean.

02:45Slowing down before the corner gives riders more time and space to deal with turning and react to unexpected situations.

03:46Initiating lean by pressing the handlebar in the direction of the turn is essential for leaning the motorcycle and maneuvering through corners.

04:38Entering corners shallowly or on the inside can lead to adverse outcomes, as speed and radius are linked.

06:11Slowing into corners provides more grip for turning and increases control in case of unexpected events.

08:53Gradually accelerating out of the corner after reducing lean angle is the rewarding part of cornering and indicates a well-executed maneuver.