Cornering is a critical skill for any cyclist, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. Mastering the art of cornering can help you navigate turns safely and efficiently, while also improving your overall speed and performance on the bike.
There are four key principles that cyclists should keep in mind when approaching a corner: entry speed, apex selection, line choice, and exit speed. Understanding and applying these principles will help you take your cornering skills to the next level and tackle even the most challenging turns with confidence.
Entry speed is the speed at which you enter a corner, and it plays a crucial role in determining your ability to navigate the turn smoothly. The key is to find the right balance between carrying enough speed to maintain momentum and control through the turn, without going too fast and risking loss of control.
Entry Point Selection
Choosing the correct entry point is crucial for successful cornering. The entry point refers to the place where you initiate the turn, and it significantly affects your line through the corner.
Factors to Consider:
- Visibility: Make sure you can see through the corner before committing to the turn.
- Apex: Aim for an apex that allows you to carry speed through the corner while staying in control.
- Track Conditions: Consider the surface grip and any hazards that might affect your entry point.
By carefully selecting your entry point, you can set yourself up for a smooth and fast corner exit. Practice different entry points to find the most efficient line through each corner.
Body Positioning
Proper body positioning is crucial for effective cornering. Your body should be positioned to the inside of the turn, with your inside arm extended and your outside arm bent. This helps shift your weight to the inside of the bike, allowing for better balance and traction.
Keep your elbows up and your head up, looking through the turn towards the exit. By looking ahead, you can anticipate the line and adjust your body position accordingly. Remember to keep your knees tight against the tank for stability.
Leaning your body and bike together as one unit will help maintain smooth and controlled cornering. Avoid leaning too far off the bike, as this can upset the balance and lead to loss of control. Practice proper body positioning to master the art of cornering effectively and safely.
Braking Technique
Proper braking technique is crucial when it comes to cornering on a motorcycle. The key is to apply both the front and rear brakes smoothly and consistently, avoiding sudden jerky movements that can destabilize the bike.
Front Brake
When approaching a corner, it is important to use more of the front brake than the rear brake. The front brake provides the majority of the stopping power and helps to load the front suspension, giving you more control and traction through the turn.
Rear Brake
While the front brake is more important for slowing down, the rear brake can still be used in moderation to help stabilize the bike during cornering. It is best to apply the rear brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding, which can lead to loss of control.
Throttle Control
Throttle control is essential when cornering to maintain proper speed and control throughout the turn. By smoothly applying and modulating the throttle, you can effectively manage your bike’s acceleration and grip on the road surface.
| Technique | Description |
| 1. Roll-On Throttle | Gradually roll on the throttle as you exit the corner to maintain traction and stability. |
| 2. Balanced Throttle | Keep a steady throttle position through the turn to prevent sudden changes in speed or traction. |
| 3. Smooth Transitions | Avoid abrupt throttle changes to maintain a smooth and controlled cornering experience. |
| 4. Trail Braking | Use trail braking technique to balance braking and throttle inputs for optimal control and speed management. |
Looking Ahead
One of the key principles of cornering is always looking ahead. By keeping your eyes up and focused on where you want to go, you can anticipate the next turn, obstacles, and potential hazards. This allows you to plan your line through the corner, adjust your speed and positioning accordingly, and maintain a smooth and safe trajectory. Remember, where you look is where you will go, so always keep your vision up and actively scan ahead to stay in control and maximize your cornering performance.
Countersteering
Countersteering is a technique used by motorcycle riders to initiate a turn by momentarily steering in the opposite direction of the desired turn. This counterintuitive maneuver shifts the motorcycle’s weight to the desired side and helps the rider navigate corners more effectively.
How to Countersteer
To countersteer, the rider must apply pressure to the handlebars in the opposite direction of the turn they wish to make. For example, to initiate a right turn, the rider should push the right handlebar forward. This counterintuitive action causes the motorcycle to lean into the turn, allowing for smoother and more controlled cornering.
| Pros | Cons |
| Improves cornering ability | May feel unnatural at first |
| Increases stability during turns | Requires practice to master |
Trail Braking
Trail braking is a technique used in cornering where the rider continues to apply the brakes as they enter a turn. This allows the rider to control the speed and trajectory of the motorcycle through the corner.
Effective Trail Braking
To effectively trail brake, the rider must smoothly apply the brakes while entering the corner, gradually releasing the brakes as they lean the motorcycle into the turn. This requires precise timing and control to avoid losing traction.
Smooth Transitions
Braking
As you approach a corner, start braking smoothly and progressively to shed off speed. Avoid harsh braking which can unsettle the bike and cause loss of control.
Throttle Control
As you exit the corner, smoothly roll on the throttle to transfer weight to the rear wheel and accelerate out of the turn. Sudden throttle inputs can cause the bike to wobble or slide.
- Brake smoothly and progressively before entering the turn.
- Roll on the throttle smoothly as you exit the corner.
- Practice smooth transitions to maintain control and stability during cornering.
Managing Traction
One of the key principles of successful cornering is managing traction effectively. Traction is the grip between your tires and the road surface, and it plays a crucial role in how well your vehicle can navigate a corner.
Smooth Inputs
Smooth and gradual inputs on the throttle, brakes, and steering wheel are essential for maintaining traction through a corner. Abrupt movements can cause your tires to lose grip and result in understeer or oversteer.
Weight Transfer
Proper weight transfer is also crucial for managing traction during cornering. Shifting the vehicle’s weight onto the outside tires can increase grip and stability, allowing you to maintain control through the turn.
Practice and Repetition
One of the key elements in mastering the four principles of cornering is practice and repetition. You can study the theory all you want, but until you put it into action on the road, you won’t truly understand how to implement these principles effectively.
Consistent Practice
Consistency is key when it comes to practicing your cornering skills. Make a commitment to practice regularly, whether it’s on your daily commute or during dedicated practice sessions. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become in applying the principles of cornering.
- Find a variety of corners with different levels of difficulty to practice on.
- Focus on one principle at a time to really hone in on your skills.
Repetition is Key
Repetition is crucial in solidifying your cornering technique. By repeating the same corner multiple times, you can analyze your performance, make adjustments, and improve with each repetition. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes – use them as learning opportunities to refine your skills.
- Take note of what works and what doesn’t during each repetition.
- Gradually increase your speed and level of difficulty as you become more proficient.