Mastering the Motorcycle Turn: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Cornering
Turning a motorcycle safely and confidently is arguably the most fundamental and crucial skill for any rider. It’s not just about leaning; it’s about understanding the physics, employing the right techniques, and making informed decisions. A well-executed turn is smooth, controlled, and exhilarating, while a poorly executed one can lead to near misses or, worse, accidents. This comprehensive guide will break down the art and science of motorcycle cornering, covering everything from pre-turn preparation to post-turn execution. Whether you’re a novice rider just starting out or an experienced motorcyclist looking to refine your skills, this article will provide valuable insights to help you master the motorcycle turn.
## Understanding the Dynamics of Motorcycle Turning
Before diving into the practical steps, it’s essential to grasp the underlying principles of how a motorcycle turns. Unlike cars, motorcycles steer by leaning. This leaning is what allows the motorcycle to change direction. Here’s a breakdown of the key concepts:
* **Countersteering:** This is the single most important concept to understand. Countersteering is the act of momentarily pushing the handlebar in the direction *opposite* to the intended turn. For example, if you want to turn right, you briefly push the right handlebar forward. This action initiates a lean, which then allows the motorcycle to turn. At lower speeds, it might feel more like a gentle nudge. At higher speeds, it requires a more deliberate push.
* **Lean Angle:** The angle at which the motorcycle leans into the turn. The steeper the lean angle, the tighter the turn. Lean angle is affected by speed, radius of the turn, and road surface.
* **Centrifugal Force:** As you lean into a turn, centrifugal force (the apparent force that pushes you outward) acts against gravity. The lean angle balances these forces, allowing you to maintain your trajectory through the turn.
* **Gyroscopic Effect:** The spinning wheels of a motorcycle create a gyroscopic effect, which helps stabilize the bike and resist changes in direction. This effect is more pronounced at higher speeds.
* **Tire Traction:** Traction is the grip between the tires and the road surface. It’s crucial for turning, braking, and accelerating. Available traction is a finite resource. Using too much traction for one action (e.g., hard braking) can reduce the amount available for others (e.g., turning).
## The MSF SEE Strategy: A Foundation for Safe Riding
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) promotes the SEE strategy, which is a systematic approach to hazard perception and risk management. It’s invaluable for safe turning and applies to all aspects of riding.
* **Search:** Scan the road ahead for potential hazards, including traffic, pedestrians, road debris, and changes in road conditions. Look far ahead to anticipate potential problems and allow yourself time to react. Pay attention to your mirrors to monitor traffic behind you.
* **Evaluate:** Assess the identified hazards. Determine the potential risks and how they might affect your path of travel. Consider factors such as speed, distance, and the actions of other drivers.
* **Execute:** Take action to avoid or minimize the risk. This might involve changing speed, changing position, or communicating your intentions to other drivers.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Safely
Now, let’s break down the turning process into a series of detailed steps:
**1. Pre-Turn Preparation (The Critical Phase)**
This is arguably the most important part of the turning process. Proper preparation sets you up for a smooth and controlled turn. Neglecting these steps significantly increases the risk of a mishap.
* **Search (Well in Advance):**
* **Look Far Ahead:** Scan the entire turn and the road beyond. Identify the apex (the closest point to the inside of the turn) and the exit. This allows you to plan your line and anticipate potential hazards.
* **Check for Hazards:** Look for vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes, gravel, oil slicks, or any other obstacles that could affect your turn.
* **Evaluate the Road Surface:** Assess the condition of the road. Is it smooth and dry? Or is it wet, bumpy, or covered in debris?
* **Check Mirrors:** Ensure you are aware of traffic behind you. Someone might be tailgating or attempting to overtake you just as you’re about to turn.
* **Evaluate (Risk Assessment):**
* **Assess Speed:** Is your current speed appropriate for the turn? Too fast, and you risk losing control. Too slow, and you might not have enough momentum to maintain your stability.
* **Evaluate Lean Angle Required:** Estimate the amount of lean angle needed to negotiate the turn safely at your current speed. Tighter turns or higher speeds require greater lean angles.
* **Identify Escape Routes:** In case something unexpected happens (e.g., a car pulls out), identify potential escape routes. This might involve straightening up, braking, or swerving.
* **Execute (Pre-Turn Actions):**
* **Signal Your Intentions:** Use your turn signals well in advance of the turn to alert other drivers of your intentions. Cancel the signal after the turn.
* **Position Yourself:** Choose the appropriate lane position. Generally, starting on the outside of the lane provides a wider view of the turn and allows for a smoother entry. Avoid riding in the center of the lane, where oil and debris tend to accumulate.
* **Reduce Speed (Gradually):** Use the brakes to reduce your speed to a comfortable and safe level *before* entering the turn. Avoid braking while leaned over, as this can upset the motorcycle’s balance and reduce traction. Use both front and rear brakes proportionally for optimal stopping power. Downshift to the appropriate gear for the turn. This allows you to accelerate smoothly out of the turn.
**2. Entering the Turn**
This is where you initiate the lean and begin to navigate the curve.
* **Countersteering:**
* **Apply Gentle Pressure:** Apply gentle, but firm, pressure to the handlebar in the direction you want to turn. Remember, for a right turn, push the right handlebar forward. The amount of pressure needed will vary depending on your speed and the tightness of the turn.
* **Maintain Consistent Pressure:** Once the motorcycle begins to lean, maintain consistent pressure on the handlebar to hold the desired lean angle. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements.
* **Look Through the Turn:**
* **Focus on the Exit:** Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the turn. This will help you maintain your balance and steer smoothly through the curve. Don’t fixate on the apex; your eyes should be looking beyond it.
* **Use Peripheral Vision:** Be aware of your surroundings using your peripheral vision. Scan for potential hazards and monitor traffic.
* **Maintain Throttle (Slightly Open):**
* **Smooth Throttle Control:** Maintain a slightly open throttle throughout the turn. This provides stability and helps maintain a consistent speed. Avoid chopping the throttle or accelerating abruptly, as this can upset the motorcycle’s balance.
* **Avoid Coasting:** Coasting through a turn can make the motorcycle feel unstable. Maintaining a slight amount of throttle provides a more predictable and controlled ride.
**3. During the Turn (Mid-Corner)**
This is where you refine your line and maintain your stability.
* **Adjust Lean Angle (If Necessary):**
* **Lean More or Less:** If you need to tighten or widen your turn, adjust your lean angle accordingly. To lean more, apply slightly more pressure to the handlebar in the direction of the turn. To lean less, reduce the pressure.
* **Smooth Adjustments:** Make small, smooth adjustments to your lean angle. Avoid abrupt or jerky movements.
* **Maintain Throttle Control:**
* **Consistent Throttle:** Continue to maintain a consistent throttle throughout the turn. Avoid making any sudden changes in speed.
* **Continue Looking Through the Turn:**
* **Focus on the Exit:** Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the turn. This will help you maintain your balance and steer smoothly through the curve.
* **Scan for Hazards:** Continue to scan for potential hazards, such as debris or oncoming traffic.
**4. Exiting the Turn**
This is where you straighten up the motorcycle and accelerate out of the curve.
* **Gradually Straighten Up:**
* **Ease Off Handlebar Pressure:** Gradually reduce the pressure on the handlebar, allowing the motorcycle to straighten up. As you straighten up, you can begin to accelerate.
* **Roll On the Throttle (Smoothly):**
* **Progressive Acceleration:** Gradually roll on the throttle to accelerate out of the turn. Avoid abrupt acceleration, as this can cause the rear tire to lose traction.
* **Match Speed to Traffic:** Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic.
* **Check Mirrors:**
* **Traffic Awareness:** Check your mirrors to ensure you are aware of traffic behind you.
* **Cancel Turn Signal:**
* **Signal Completion:** If your turn signal did not cancel automatically, manually cancel it.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Target Fixation:** Focusing solely on a hazard can actually increase the risk of hitting it. Instead, focus on where you want to go and steer towards that point.
* **Panic Braking:** Braking hard while leaned over can cause the motorcycle to stand up and run wide in the turn. If you need to brake, try to straighten up the motorcycle as much as possible before applying the brakes.
* **Chopping the Throttle:** Abruptly closing the throttle mid-turn can upset the motorcycle’s balance and cause it to steer abruptly. Maintain a smooth and consistent throttle throughout the turn.
* **Riding Too Fast:** Entering a turn at an excessive speed is a common cause of accidents. Always reduce your speed to a safe and comfortable level before entering the turn.
* **Improper Lane Positioning:** Riding in the center of the lane can expose you to oil and debris. Starting on the outside of the lane provides a wider view of the turn and allows for a smoother entry.
* **Failure to Plan Ahead:** Not scanning the road ahead and anticipating potential hazards can leave you unprepared for unexpected situations.
## Advanced Turning Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic turning techniques, you can explore some advanced techniques to further improve your cornering skills:
* **Trail Braking:** This involves using the front brake lightly while leaned over in the turn to help tighten your line. It requires a delicate touch and should be practiced in a controlled environment. *Use with extreme caution and experience.*
* **Body Steering:** Using your body weight to influence the motorcycle’s lean angle. Shifting your weight to the inside of the turn can help the motorcycle lean more easily and improve its handling. *Requires practice.*
* **Knee Dragging (Track Only):** Extending your knee towards the inside of the turn to gauge your lean angle and provide feedback. This technique is primarily used on race tracks and is not recommended for street riding. *Advanced riders only and recommended for track use.*
## Practice and Experience
The best way to improve your motorcycle turning skills is to practice regularly. Start with simple turns in a controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot. Gradually progress to more challenging turns on public roads.
* **Find a Safe Practice Area:** Choose a location with smooth pavement and minimal traffic.
* **Start Slow:** Begin with slow-speed turns to develop your balance and coordination.
* **Focus on the Fundamentals:** Concentrate on applying the basic turning techniques correctly.
* **Gradually Increase Speed:** As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
* **Take a Motorcycle Safety Course:** Consider taking an advanced motorcycle safety course to learn from experienced instructors.
## Gear and Equipment
Proper gear and equipment are essential for safe motorcycle riding, including turning:
* **Helmet:** A DOT-approved helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. Ensure it fits properly and is in good condition.
* **Jacket and Pants:** Wear a motorcycle jacket and pants made of abrasion-resistant materials, such as leather or textile. These will protect you from injuries in the event of a crash.
* **Gloves:** Wear gloves to protect your hands. Look for gloves with reinforced palms and knuckles.
* **Boots:** Wear boots that provide ankle support and protect your feet. Look for boots with slip-resistant soles.
* **Eye Protection:** Wear eye protection, such as a face shield or goggles, to protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris.
* **Tires:** Ensure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Worn tires can significantly reduce traction.
## Conclusion
Mastering the motorcycle turn is a continuous learning process. By understanding the dynamics of motorcycle turning, following the step-by-step guide, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can develop the skills and confidence to turn safely and enjoyably. Remember to always prioritize safety and ride within your limits. A smooth, confident turn is a rewarding experience that enhances the joy of motorcycling.
Ride safe and keep learning!