As a passionate motorcyclist, the goal is to learn cornering. Cornering is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of riding. Whether you’re carving through twisty mountain roads or navigating city traffic, a well-executed turn can make all the difference between an average ride and a truly exhilarating one. In this post, we will share the tips and techniques for mastering the art of cornering on a motorcycle. There can be several ways to learn it but the best learning comes from experience. The more you ride, the best you learn. If you have the aspiration and passion for road trips or cruising, it’s one of the most recommended techniques that you must know. Further, it’s completely your choice to pick up whatever bike you want. But at least 150cc bikes or above will give you a better experience.
Positioning
The first step to confident cornering is to adopt the right riding position. This means sitting upright and keeping your weight over the centre of the bike, with your inside foot on the peg and your outside foot ready to touch the ground if necessary. Slow down before entering a corner, this will give you more control and allow you to maintain your line through the turn. avoid sudden or jerky movements with the handlebars or throttle. Keep your movements smooth and controlled. Keep the bike balanced – keep the bike level and maintain a constant lean angle throughout the turn.
Braking
Before entering a turn, it’s important to slow down using both brakes. If you’re using just the front brake, you risk tipping over the front of the bike. If you’re using just the rear brake, you risk destabilising the back end. The key is to apply both brakes smoothly and evenly. Use the brakes appropriately, slow down before entering the turn and use both brakes smoothly and progressively..
When braking on a motorcycle while turning, it is important to follow a specific technique to maintain stability and control. Here are some of the key principles to follow when braking in a turn:
Smoothness
Apply the brakes smoothly and progressively to avoid locking up the wheels or destabilising the motorcycle.
Body position
Keep your body positioned over the bike and avoid leaning too far forward or too far back. maintain an upright and relaxed posture, and shift your weight slightly to the inside of the turn.
Rear brake
Use the rear brake in conjunction with the front brake for optimal control and stability.
Speed
Reduce speed before entering a turn to allow for smoother and more controlled braking.
Traction
Check the road surface for traction and adjust your braking accordingly.
It is important to practise these techniques in a controlled environment and to always wear proper safety gear when riding a motorcycle.
Countersteering
To initiate a turn, you need to apply countersteering pressure to the handlebars. This means pushing the right handlebar to turn right, and pushing the left handlebar to turn left. The idea is to use your body weight to counterbalance the bike and create a stable platform for the turn. Look where you want to go, keep your eyes on the exit of the turn and look through the corner. This helps you steer the bike where you want to go.
Countersteering is a technique used to steer a motorcycle in the opposite direction of the turn you want to make. This is achieved by pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of the turn, which causes the front wheel to turn and initiate the turn. The motorcycle’s natural balance and gyroscopic forces then keep the bike leaning and maintain the turn. Countersteering is a critical skill for motorcycle riding, especially at higher speeds, as it allows for quick and efficient turning and manoeuvring.
Lean
Once you’ve entered the turn, you need to lean the bike in the direction of the turn. This will allow you to take the turn at a faster speed and reduce the chances of falling over. The amount of lean will depend on the speed and radius of the turn, as well as the traction of the road surface. There are several categories, for example bikes under 1.5 lakh can struggle to lean.
Leaning your motorcycle is the process of tilting the bike to one side to navigate turns and corners effectively. This is achieved by shifting your body weight in the direction of the turn while keeping your feet on the foot pegs. Leaning the motorcycle helps to maintain balance and stability, reduce the turning radius, and increase the traction of the tires. It is an important skill to master for safe and efficient motorcycle riding. Exit the turn smoothly, gradually increase your speed and straighten the bike as you exit the turn.
Conclusion
Practice, practice, practice – the more you practise, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become with motorcycle cornering. If you already own a motorcycle, start practising it. If you want to buy a motorcycle you can look for the 150 cc best bike or the parallel segment. Cornering on a motorcycle is an art form that requires practice, patience, and persistence. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled rider. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, remember to always ride within your limits and never take unnecessary risks. Happy riding!
