How to Turn Safely on a Motorcycle

New riders tend to have more trouble turning than seasoned riders do. The best way to learn to make smooth, safe turns is to practice, following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Pants
• Motorcycle Owner's Manual
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.

2. Remember that in order to turn, your motorcycle must lean. Push on the left handgrip and lean to the left to turn left, and push on the right handgrip and lean right to go right.

3. Roll on the throttle through the turn, keeping a steady speed or accelerating gently. Avoid slowing down in the midst of a turn.

4. Keep in mind that during routine turns, you and your motorcycle must lean at the same angle. During slow, sharp turns, lean the motorcycle only and keep your body straight.

5. Lean more than you normally would if you're approaching the turn at a high speed and/or the turn is tight. In general, though, it's best to limit your speed and avoid taking turns too fast.

Tips & Warnings

• Approach turns very carefully until you learn how fast you can actually take them. You can always speed up when coming out of the turn.
• Look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.
• Cross into another lane (traffic permitting) or go off the road if you can't hold a turn. Avoid braking too hard and skidding out of control.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[ninja250r]

on 6/18/2009 No one every taught me about countersteering and I wrecked my first bike last week. One day after the wreck I was taking the MSF course for a military requirement. I'm not saying that I feel confortable about trying to go around the same turn again, I just feel like I know more than I did. Do you recomend me trying it again with my new skills to get over my fear?

[ninja250r]

on 6/18/2009 No one every taught me about countersteering and I wrecked my first bike last week. One day after the wreck I was taking the MSF course for a military requirement. I'm not saying that I feel confortable about trying to go around the same turn again, I just feel like I know more than I did. Do you recomend me trying it again with my new skills to get over my fear?

[hydroddog]

on 6/15/2009 do you use the push and roll on all turns,if not,when do you use this technique.

on 8/8/2006 Pushing on the right grip to turn right is not about bracing yourself. It is part of the physics of a turn, called counter steering. You push right and your front wheel does begin to turn to the left, but at the same time the motorcycle leans to the right. Your bike turns right and your wheel straightens.

on 8/8/2006 If you are going into a long turn, like an on ramp, you can swing your butt to the side of the seat on the inside of the turn, like racers. It gives a huge advantage in stability and you will feel the gyroscopic effect that keeps the bike hard to the pavement. You can also imagine "eating the mirror" on the high side of the bike. Maybe more of a visualization than anything, but it helps to think of these things in order to have the optimal body position for performance cornering.