Taking Corners The Right Way

TAKING CORNERS THE RIGHT WAY

Going around corners is one of the most enjoyable aspects of motorcycling. However, it is one of the most dangerous things you do on a motorcycle. Many motorcycle accidents happen in corners because the rider is not able to properly negotiate the corner for the entry speed and ends up crossing into the other lane, or onto the shoulder.
One way to safely and enjoyably go around a corner is to use the following method:

1. SLOW: As you approach a corner, SLOW down with the brakes or just roll off on the throttle a bit. Make SURE that you feel you are comfortable with your entry speed into the corner. If you are still going too fast, you can overshoot the corner and crash.
2. LOOK: Turn your head and LOOK through the curve to where you are going. Your bike will go where you look!
3. LEAN: In order to turn at speed, a bike has to LEAN. Use counter-steering to initiate the turn at this point. If you want to go left, press outward on the left grip of the bar, the bike will lean over and follow the curve to the left. Conversely following a corner or curve to the right requires outward pressure on the right grip of the bar.
4. ROLL: Roll on the throttle. Accelerate through the curve. This sets up the suspension for the curve and gives you that extra "rush" of riding a motorcycle around a corner or curve.

By following the above steps, you will still be able to experience cornering the right way without fear of taking the turns too wide and getting yourself into trouble.