Did you know that nearly 25% of all motorcycle accidents happen because riders run wide in corners? That’s an eye-opening statistic, and it highlights a critical point: the biggest challenge we face on the road isn’t external, but ourselves. Many riders search for a magic formula to improve their cornering skills, but the truth is simpler, yet harder to master. Today, we’re going to break down how to safely and effectively turn or corner on a motorcycle.

Our focus here is on what you need to do to reduce risk and make your cornering smoother. Let’s get started.

1. The Power of Looking and Thinking Ahead

One of the biggest differences between novice and experienced riders is the ability to look and think ahead. Many of us learned about a two-second following distance in driver’s ed classes, but on a motorcycle, two seconds isn’t enough.

Motorcycle riders need to look and plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead. This is about staying ahead of your motorcycle, which allows you to anticipate and react to hazards before they become a problem.

Air Force pilots call this “staying ahead of the aircraft,” and the same principle applies here. By looking far ahead, you’ll give yourself more time to adjust your speed, line, and lean angle, leading to smoother cornering and fewer surprises.

2. Entering Corners Wide: The Key to Control and Visibility

When setting up for a turn, your positioning matters. Always approach a corner from the outside of the lane, rather than hugging the inside or riding down the middle. Why? Here are a few important reasons:

• Better visibility: Entering wide lets you see further into the corner, which is crucial for anticipating hazards like debris, gravel, or oncoming vehicles.
• Wider arc: By entering wide, you effectively make the corner less sharp. The bike won’t need to lean as far, which reduces the risk of losing traction.
• More space to adjust: If a vehicle strays into your lane, a wide entry gives you more room to react and correct your path.

An ironclad rule to follow is: stay in your lane at all times. Never cross into the oncoming lane, no matter how tempting it may be to straighten out the curve.

3. “In Slow, Out Fast”: Mastering Entry Speed

A key principle in cornering is: “In slow, out fast.” When you approach a corner, enter conservatively, allowing yourself time to assess the turn and adjust your speed if needed. This doesn’t just increase safety—it also improves your overall ride performance. By slowing into the corner, you’ll be able to accelerate smoothly out of it, which feels much more satisfying and controlled.

Overcooking a corner (entering too fast) is one of the most common mistakes riders make. It can lead to:

• Running wide
• Grabbing the brakes mid-turn, which can destabilize the bike
• Leaning more than you’re comfortable with, increasing the risk of a crash

Instead, plan to slow before the corner, aiming to exit faster than you entered. You’ll have more control and reduce the likelihood of panic braking or running wide.

4. Leaning and Counter Steering: The Basics of Cornering

Motorcycles don’t turn by steering in the same way cars do. They lean. And the key to making them lean is through counter steering.

• To turn left, gently push the left handlebar forward.
• To turn right, gently push the right handlebar forward.

This small, deliberate movement helps the bike lean in the direction of the turn, initiating the cornering process. Once the bike is leaning, the front tire will steer naturally, and you can guide the motorcycle through the curve.

Many new riders are hesitant about counter steering, but it’s a natural process that can be practiced in a controlled environment. Practice gently pressing on the handlebars to get a feel for how your bike responds to slight inputs.

5. Avoid Early Acceleration: Why Timing Matters

A common misconception in motorcycle riding is the idea that you should accelerate through the entire corner. This advice is outdated and potentially dangerous. Speed and cornering radius are linked—as you accelerate, the bike’s natural radius widens, causing you to run wide.

Instead, focus on braking before the corner and maintaining a steady speed through the turn. By doing so, you keep the motorcycle in a tighter, more controlled arc, reducing the risk of drifting wide or losing control.

Once you’ve completed the turn and can see the exit, you can begin to gently accelerate and reduce lean angle. This process is often called “roll on the throttle,” and it’s one of the most exhilarating parts of cornering—feeling the smooth power as you straighten the bike and speed out of the bend.

6. Slow Into Corners Using the Front Brake

Grip is essential for safe cornering, and grip comes from weight distribution. When you brake, weight shifts toward the front of the motorcycle, giving the front tire more grip. That’s why most of your braking power comes from the front brake.

Slowing into a corner with a light touch of the front brake is crucial. You don’t need to grab a handful of brakes—just enough to activate the brake light will provide the extra grip you need. Practice finding the light pressure point on your front brake lever so you’re familiar with how it feels.

By slowing down before the corner, you maximize your ability to react to unexpected obstacles and keep the bike stable.

7. Managing Gears in Corners: Focus on Smoothness

Many riders worry about being in the wrong gear when entering or exiting a corner. While it’s true that being in the right gear helps you accelerate out of a turn, don’t stress too much about it. The more important thing is to get comfortable with slowing into corners and waiting to accelerate until you can see the exit.

Shifting gears mid-corner can be tricky, but if you find yourself in too high of a gear during a turn, don’t panic—downshift smoothly as you exit. As you gain more experience, you’ll develop a better sense of which gear to be in for different types of corners.

8. Confidence Is Key: Avoid Fear in Corners

Many riders feel scared when cornering, which takes away the joy of riding. But by following these steps—slowing down, entering wide, and accelerating only when you see the exit—you reduce the likelihood of fear and mistakes. You’ll have more control, more options to deal with the unexpected, and a more enjoyable riding experience.

Key Takeaways

• Look ahead: Always think 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your bike.
• Enter wide: Start from the outside of the corner to give yourself better visibility and a smoother arc.
• Go in slow: Brake before the corner and avoid accelerating too early.
• Press to lean: Use gentle counter steering to initiate the lean.
• Exit fast: Once you can see the exit and reduce lean, gently accelerate out of the turn.
• Use the front brake: Light braking into corners provides more grip and control.

Remember, the key to smooth, safe cornering is control. Fast riders aren’t those who brake hard and late—they’re the ones who break early and gently. Slower is smoother, smoother is safer, and safer is faster.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other articles and videos on becoming a better, faster, and safer rider. Ride smart, ride safe, and always enjoy the ride.