What is the best way to control a sport-bike around a sharp corner?

Question

I have been told by some riders that pushing down on the handlebars and shifting your body weight from side to side works best. Other have told me that I shouldn't shift my weight at all and remain centered on the bike using the handlebars solely to direct the bike. Finally, I have been told that pressing your leg against the tank in the direction of the turn accompanied with pressure on the foot peg and using the handlebars all at once works best. I have tried every form and they all change the direction of the bike, but which form is truly the best and why? Also, if there is a better way than I have listed above, please inform me. Thanks.

Answer 1

For example on a left hander, move your whole body slightly to the left, press your right knee into the right side of the tank, put some weight on the left peg (keep your feet tucked in with the ball of your foot on the peg), and try not to put too much weight on the bars. Do all this before you even reach the turn to settle the bike. Then as you aproach the corner push down on the left hand bar and move your upper body further to the left and keep your head up. Your head should be about level with your left mirror.

You don't need to hang off like a chimp or get your knee down, this is for race tracks and weekend warriors.

Keep your head up and looking right round the bend where you want to go (feels a bit unnatural at first), the bike tends to go where you look. If you stare at the kerb you subconsciously head towards it.

And if you go a little too fast and that "i'm not going to make this" feeling comes over you, ignore your brain which is telling you to brake (this will stand the bike up and make matters worse) and push down on the bar even harder. Easy to say but in the heat of the moment it's very hard to overcome that natural instinct. Tyres have an amazing amount of grip on the edges, you can always corner much sharper than you'd think.

Answer 2

Number rule is... Where ever your head is pointed, is the direction the bike will go.

Your question is for control on a Sport-bike. Which means you want to learn how to ride like a racer! If this is true. Then here's the way. Go take Steven Schwartz Class on Racing. He's one of the Best recommended by Suzuki Bikes.

If you have 1 year of sport bike riding then you will qualify to take his class.

You can check out his website and get a better feel for riding.

Answer 3

YOU NEED TO TAKE a Motorcycle Riders Safety course!!! Motorcycle Safety Foundation endorsed. The beginner class will teach you everything you need to know about cornering,emergency braking in a curve and how best to control a bike.These classes are offered at vocational schools and private schools. I took one back in Oct. and they taught this old dog some new tricks. Also,with this class you don't have to take the state riding exam as one foot down and ya fail. This class gives you a waiver on the riders course. Get your temps first. It is just the written exam. They will show you what you need to know to manuever a curve safely. Not what someone tells ya how to do it

Answer 4

Take a motorcycle safety class,I have ridden over 25 years and took a class a year ago>I am now a better rider for taking the class.got rid of a lot of bad habits and learned that leaning the bike is the most tiring and poorest way to steer a bike.The class can also save your life.

Answer 5

The most effective and control way of cornering on any motorcycle at speed is by countersteering. Shifting your weight around can have an effect at lower speeds but if you're moving, you NEED to countersteer.

You can find more information on countersteering at:
http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_steering.html

Answer 6

So far the answers you have received are pretty much spot on.

I would like to suggest a couple of books that could help further your understanding of cornering and how it works. The books include other good information about motorcycling also.

http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1889540536/sr=8-1/qid=1172282775/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7226082-8653522?ie=UTF8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundations-Motorcycling-Excellence/dp/1884313477/sr=8-4/qid=1172282775/ref=pd_bbs_4/104-7226082-8653522?ie=UTF8&s=books

Of course no book is a substitute for a good riding course, but it can help you to understand what's going on a bit better.

Answer 7

Exemplify = to hold up as an example. I never "pull" the bars in a corner. Good way to lose it. You want technical reasons? Read a book. Start with a dictionary.

Answer 8

the best control comes from riding within your limits not your buddies. That being said cornering has more to do with your head and eyes practice looking where you want to be and riding that line your body will do what it's supposed to do Nicky Hadens style is his and his only it probably wont work for anyone else he is busy looking through the turn to where he wants to be in a second and visualizing the line that will get him there but always and I mean always ride well within your ability control your speed and constantly scan where you want to be and everything else will follow

Answer 9

well all of those work. personally i lean with the bike keeping my leg against the tank. i also counter-steer. if you pull the handle one way, the bike will go the other. i also brake b4 the curve and throttle thru and out of it. NEVER BRAKE IN A CURVE. it will make your bike stand up-right. not really what you want to happen in a curve! lol. practice makes perfect. most of all, BE CAREFUL.

Answer 10

If you ride like you have some common sense you should not have any problem.If I didn't know how to take turns I would stay off the road.