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A Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Cornering

May. 2 2024 Safety By Arizona Honda

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Cornering on a motorcycle is an important riding skill that requires the right technique. Whether you're navigating twisty mountain roads or tackling hairpin turns on the track, mastering the art of cornering is essential for staying safe and maximizing the thrill of every ride. In this guide, we've provided some tips to help you corner like a pro and enjoy a smoother, more confident ride.

Riding Posture

  • Look Where You Want to Go: Keep your eyes focused on the desired line through the corner. Your bike will naturally follow your gaze, so look ahead and anticipate your trajectory.
  • Lean into the Turn: Shift your body weight toward the inside of the corner by leaning your upper body while keeping your lower body and legs firmly planted on the bike.
  • Relax Your Grip: Maintain a light grip on the handlebars to allow smooth steering inputs and prevent overcorrection. Relaxing your arms and shoulders will also help you stay balanced and agile.

Throttle Control

  • Roll On, Roll Off: Initiate the turn by gently rolling off the throttle as you approach the corner. This transfers weight to the front wheel and helps the bike settle into the turn.
  • Maintain a Consistent Speed: Avoid abrupt speed changes, as this can upset the bike's balance and lead to loss of control. Aim to maintain a steady speed throughout the turn.
  • Progressive Throttle Application: As you exit the corner, gradually roll on the throttle to accelerate smoothly out of the turn. Applying the throttle progressively allows controlled acceleration without overwhelming the rear wheel.

Proper Braking Technique

  • Brake Before the Turn: You’ll want to decelerate smoothly to reduce the speed and set your entry speed for the turn.
  • Use Both Brakes: Apply firm, controlled pressure to both the front and rear brakes to achieve balanced deceleration and weight transfer.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, mastering motorcycle cornering requires practice and patience. You’ll want to start with gentle, low-speed corners in a controlled environment such as an empty parking lot. Focus on perfecting your body positioning, throttle control, and braking technique before tackling more challenging corners. Gradually increase your speed and complexity of corners as you gain confidence.

We hope these tips will help improve your cornering skills. If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale near Show Low or Holbrook, AZ, stop by Arizona Honda to see what we have in stock. We are your premier motorcycle dealer in Snowflake, and our friendly staff looks forward to serving you!