Recently on our Facebook Page, we posed the question, “What’s the one riding skill you want to improve on?”. After reading through the comments, we noticed that several of you answered that turning, in some way or another, was a skill you hoped to improve.
It goes without saying that some riders are intimidated by slow-speed, tight-curved, or gravel-laden turns. In its most basic form, a turn on a motorcycle is essentially a controlled fall. From that perspective, it’s easy to see why turning, in any of the various forms, is an unnerving maneuver for many riders.
That “controlled fall” has a name, and it is known as counter-steering. According to SportRider.com, counter-steering “is the method of initiating a turn by a small, momentary turn of the front wheel usually via the handlebars in the opposite direction. In all cases, it is used to change the lean angle of the bike, either from side to side or from straight up to full lean in one direction”.
If you’re a more visual learner, click here for a great video that helps break down the counter-steering concept a little further.
SLOW-SPEED TURNS
Turns taken at low speeds can be tricky. We recommend to turn your head and look in the direction of where you want to be versus where you are. Keeping your eye on the prize will help you more naturally maneuver toward your desired destination. Rather than shifting through the turn, we also recommend pulling the clutch in and simply coasting through the turn.
TIGHT-CURVED TURNS
Our mechanics’ favorite kind of turn, but undoubtedly tricky for novice or timid riders. Our first pointer here would be to ensure that you’re in the appropriate gear so that you don’t have to shift during the turn. Secondly, go into the turn at a slow speed and accelerate out of the turn versus trying to brake mid-turn.
GRAVEL-LADEN TURNS / GRAVEL PARKING LOTS
Obviously whenever possible, avoid gravel at all costs. If it’s inevitable, avoid using your front brake. Utilizing the front brake in gravel more easily allows the front tire to lock up, which puts you at great risk of laying your bike down.
This article is intended as an opinion article for informational purposes only. Mobile Cycle Works, Inc. assumes no liability for the advice provided herein.
