One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents—or even just a scary near-miss—is entering a corner too fast. This happens to everyone, whether you’re new or a seasoned rider. Understanding why it happens and knowing how to improve your motorcycle cornering safety can make every ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Let’s break down why riders struggle with cornering and share a few strategies for staying safe, starting with one of the most important factors: your eyes.
1. Eyes: Look Where You Want to Go
Issue: Sometimes, you find yourself running wide in corners, feeling like the bike won’t turn, or getting surprised by unexpected obstacles in the bend.
Solution: Improve your eye tracking. Reducing your speed by just a few mph can help you lift your eyes, see deeper into corners, and anticipate what’s coming. When your eyes focus on where you want to go rather than on potential obstacles, you’ll breathe easier and feel more confident in your motorcycle cornering safety.
Practice scanning further and wider as you walk, drive, or ride. Over time, your eyes will get faster at picking up information, allowing you to react to the road more quickly. This, in turn, will naturally regulate your bike speed, enhancing your overall cornering control and safety.
Pro Tip: Your riding speed should be a byproduct of smoothness, not an end goal. Start at a slower pace and let smoothness—and comfort—lead your speed for improved motorcycle cornering safety.
2. Know Your Brakes: Confidence in Stopping Power
Issue: Some riders avoid using their front brake, worrying about skidding or flipping the bike, especially if they’ve experienced a close call in the past. This hesitancy can lead to overreliance on engine braking and second-guessing critical inputs.
Questions to Consider:
How quickly can you stop from 20mph, 40mph, or 60mph?
Which brake should you use in specific situations?
Should you downshift while braking?
Can you use brakes while cornering?
When should you apply or release the brakes while cornering?
Solution: Get out and practice. Find an open area, pick a braking point, and practice stopping at different speeds. Start by using each brake individually, then combine them. This will build muscle memory and help you gauge your stopping distances accurately for better motorcycle cornering safety.
You can also practice braking in corners to see how it affects your speed and control. This will improve your braking confidence and help you better judge spacing between you and other vehicles in traffic, which is key for motorcycle cornering safety in real-world conditions.
Pro Tip: Use the front brake in moderation, especially when cornering. Regular practice helps build confidence, letting you use your brakes effectively in any situation.
3. Adjusting for Road Conditions to Improve Motorcycle Cornering Safety
Issue: Road conditions change constantly. Rain, oil slicks, gravel, potholes, painted lines, and construction zones can all impact your ability to slow down and corner safely.
Solution: Recognize that each road condition demands a different approach. Slow down when conditions aren’t optimal, maintain greater distance from other vehicles, and scan further ahead. Mastering these techniques will help you navigate varying surfaces with ease, improving your motorcycle cornering safety.
Pro Tip: Learning to read the road surface and adjust your riding style accordingly is a cornerstone of accident prevention. A calm, stress-free ride is your best indicator of safe riding.
4. Not Enough Specific Practice: Building Muscle Memory
Issue: Casual riding only gets you so far. Without targeted practice, you risk developing bad habits, which become harder to break over time. While any saddle time helps build comfort, without working on specific skills, it can be inefficient or even counterproductive for your motorcycle cornering safety.
Solution: Invest in professional assistance with a reputable organization like Monkey Moto School. Riding is a skill that benefits from continual development—much like learning music or martial arts, but with higher stakes. Working with an instructor helps you build strong habits more quickly, boosting your confidence and safety.
Pro Tip: Experienced riders know that investing in training up front can save time, money, and safety concerns down the road.
Summary: Speed = Radius
A helpful formula for cornering is this: speed = radius.
If you enter a turn too fast, your bike will resist the turn, and you’ll run wide. By combining trained eye tracking, confident braking, and adjustments for road conditions, you’ll have the time and space needed to navigate every corner smoothly.
The better prepared you are, the more your muscle memory will support you when it counts.
If you’re ready to take your riding skills to the next level, consider booking a lesson with us at Monkey Moto School. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced rider looking to build better habits, or simply shaking off the dust, our coaches will help you build the skills you need to ride safely and have way more fun.
Ready to elevate your riding skills?
Schedule a lesson with Monkey Moto School’s expert coaches today and master the art of safe, confident riding.
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