How to Safely Turn on a Motorbike: 9 Steps

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How to Safely Turn on a Motorbike: 9 Steps
How to Safely Turn on a Motorbike: 9 Steps

Video: How to Safely Turn on a Motorbike: 9 Steps

Video: How to Safely Turn on a Motorbike: 9 Steps
Video: How to U-turn a motorcycle and make it easy 2024, March
Anonim

If you're still learning to ride a motorcycle, taking a sharp turn can be quite intimidating. However, even the most experienced riders agree that turning is a skill that will evolve throughout a lifetime. Once you understand the mechanics of turning a turn and with a little practice, you'll soon be making even tight turns smoothly.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Dealing with Normal Curves

Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 1
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 1

Step 1. Analyze the curve before reaching it

The more information you can get in advance, the safer your trip will be. The tighter turns often have blind spots that don't let you see the exit. Try to identify such points and be prepared to deal with low visibility. It is also recommended that you try to identify the angle of the turn so that you can navigate it easily and fluidly.

  • Some curves can be tighter or more open at certain points, especially towards the end. It can be difficult to know where the exit is, as your vision will often be blocked by roadside vegetation, blind spots or other obstacles. In this case, it is necessary to take all this into account and make the necessary corrections when exiting the curve.
  • As you approach, observe as much of the curve as you can. Keep an eye on the path ahead and, if possible, try to see the track continue through the vegetation. But be careful, getting too focused trying to see what's behind the foliage can distract you from what's right in front of you.
  • Look at objects on the edge of the track to get an idea of the angle of the turn. Observing the angle formed by the posts, metal shields, low walls and other objects can help you get an idea of the angulation of the track. If the objects are at a tighter angle, the track will likely follow them.
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 2
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 2

Step 2. Reduce speed as you approach the turn

Release the accelerator and gently apply the brake if necessary. Before starting the turn, you must be at the speed recommended for the turn or at a speed at which you will feel safe. If you get there sooner than expected, you may need to apply the rear and front brakes to get the brakes on time.

  • If you are still a beginner, you will need to reduce your speed more than experienced riders. Train on tracks with little movement and remember to downshift if necessary. The correct gear will be one that allows you to go the full length of the turn and gives you good acceleration out of the exit.
  • To better identify the correct gear, train on a track with little traffic that you know well. In a quiet time, approach the turn, brake the bike and shift into a gear below the one you normally use. Then repeat the process, but this time using an up gear. Keep in mind that when using a higher gear than recommended, you may have difficulty gaining speed on the exit.
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 3
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 3

Step 3. Check the track conditions as you approach the turn

The bike is much smaller than other vehicles, so it's easier not to notice its presence. Make sure there is enough space around, including your blind spot, so that nothing endangers you during the turn. Keep an eye out for vehicles that are driving the wrong way or accelerating dangerously, as ideally you should let them pass or clear a safe distance from them.

  • Don't make the mistake of relying solely on rearview mirrors. They will likely be blocked by your elbows or shoulders. This means that the mirrors will not be able to give you enough view of your surroundings for you to be able to make the turn in complete safety.
  • Be careful when turning your head to check the blind spot. By turning your head too much to check the traffic over your shoulders, you run the risk of winding the handlebars too. This can cause the bike to lose balance on the approach to the turn.
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 4
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 4

Step 4. Distribute the weight and lean toward the curve

Many motorcyclists call this maneuver "countersteer", although the name is not very suitable as you will not use the handlebars as much. When entering the turn, press the bike with half your body outside. For example, in a right turn, you would press the bike with your left leg and buttock, causing the vehicle to lean in the correct direction. You can also use the handlebars for support, and pressing the right side of the handlebars down can help. But remember that it shouldn't be used for turning, just to help you distribute your weight and lean your body in the right direction.

  • The maneuver should give the impression that you are pushing the bike down while the movement of the bike distributes your weight during the turn. On the way out, be careful not to lift the bike too quickly, as this can lead to imbalance and loss of control.
  • Avoid squeezing the handles too tightly. The idea of leaning during a turn can scare novices. This fear can make you desperately tighten the grips, but it can make it even more difficult to maneuver and put pressure on the inner side of the handlebars. Your lower body should provide enough support to keep you attached to the bike.
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 5
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 5

Step 5. Always be aware of what lies ahead

Your eyes should remain level and focused on the farthest point on the curve. This way, you will be able to quickly notice any adverse conditions as soon as possible, enabling a reaction. However, don't stay focused to the point of forgetting the objects seen by your peripheral vision, especially in the tightest corners, where the bike will naturally lean more, making it harder for cars to perceive you. In cases like this, peripheral vision can save your life.

Vision will be limited by vehicle lean, turn angle and other track features such as trees or bushes. This means that during the turn, your field of vision will be limited, making it extremely important to concentrate on the road ahead

Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 6
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 6

Step 6. Accelerate from the middle or last third of the turn

This will help the bike return to the correct position when exiting the turn. At this point, your weight distribution should return to normal and the downward pressure on the inside of the handlebars should be relieved, if you have done so. Now that you've made it out of the curve, continue your journey as usual.

Avoid shifting the weight to one side or the other while the bike is returning to its normal position. This could damage her stability and cause an accident

Part 2 of 2: Solving Possible Problems

Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 7
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 7

Step 1. Remember that the goal is not to go around the curve as fast as possible

It can be very exciting to take a turn at full speed and come out of it like a bullet, but it will be very dangerous for you and other drivers. The goal when driving on public roads should never be to maintain a specific speed, but rather to make the turn in a clean, controlled and safe way, without making too many corrections to speed or incline.

You will feel more comfortable with cornering as you become more experienced. Of course, this will allow you to maintain a higher speed, but it will come with greater mastery of the equipment, which will allow the maneuver to be as safe as ever. Always keep an eye out for what's ahead and observe the road conditions and the slope of the bike

Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 8
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 8

Step 2. Learn to notice when you're too fast to take action

If you feel a strong intuition to brake, to let go of the throttle, or to move forward and back out of the turn, you're probably speeding faster than recommended. On the other hand, if you feel safe on the bike, you'll probably be at the right speed for the turn. The ideal speed will depend on the bike, its height, track conditions and many other factors, so it's difficult to set a speed that suits everyone.

  • Keep the throttle steady. Letting go of the throttle in the middle of the turn is not recommended and is a great indicator that you entered the turn too quickly. Instead of doing this, lightly depress the rear brake, causing the bike to go into the curve a little more instead of returning to the normal position.
  • In an emergency situation, when an obstacle such as a child or a tree branch appears on the road and you need to brake quickly, for example, activate the clutch and use the front brake, keeping the bike's trajectory towards the curve so as not to lose the control. In most cases, this will require you to push with your knee and buttocks that are on the outside of the curve.
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 9
Turn Safely on a Motorcycle Step 9

Step 3. Stay calm when surprised and make adjustments

Some curves will be very tight and others will have the visibility very compromised by the dense vegetation. In cases of low visibility, it's hard to know what's coming next. This means that you may end up being surprised by an obstacle or a change in the angulation of the turn as the turn progresses. If this happens, make small corrections by taking the bike towards the outside of the turn (towards the opposite direction of the turn), return to the normal position and continue. In the case of longer or irregular turns, it may be necessary to make several of these corrections.

  • When entering a curve with the bike, always think about what might happen. That way, even in the worst case, you'll know how to react. An example of this would be asking yourself where you would go if you needed to dodge a pedestrian. Perhaps swerving to the shoulder or some other safe location near the runway. Even on roads you know well, always be prepared to make adjustments should something unexpected happen.
  • Even if the bike goes off the ideal trajectory, don't despair. You may end up coming out of the correct position, either from the outside or from the inside, and this can leave you dangerously close to cars or other obstacles, such as metal guards and safety barriers. To prevent this from happening, analyze the angle of the turn and always be aware of what is approaching. That way, you'll be able to make the necessary corrections to avoid the danger.

Tips

  • Don't lean too far to the side when you're a passenger. The rear wheel can lose grip and skid, causing the bike to fall to the inside of the turn.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
  • You will need to go through riding lessons before getting your motorbike driver's license.

Notices

  • When the track is wet, the corners will be even more difficult. You should always slow down in low grip situations, especially if the track is wet.
  • If the asphalt is shedding debris or the road is in poor condition, the bike could slip and lose grip during a turn. Always keep an eye out for debris that may appear on the road and dodge them if possible. When driving over loose terrain, reduce speed.

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