5.1 Steering and Cornering Techniques

Steering and Cornering Techniques

Cornering is one of the most dynamic and challenging aspects of motorcycle riding, demanding precise physical control, sharp observation skills, and an understanding of two-wheeled physics. In Alberta, a significant portion of Class 6 licensing test questions involve proper lane positioning in curves and the mechanics of steering. Mastering these techniques is not just essential for passing the provincial knowledge and road tests; it is a critical safety skill that prevents low-side and high-side collisions.

The Physics of Steering: Countersteering

At very low speeds, below approximately 10 to 15 km/h, a motorcycle is steered like a bicycle: you turn the handlebars in the direction you want to go. This is known as direct steering. However, once the motorcycle exceeds this speed threshold, gyroscopic forces and stability dynamics change. To initiate a turn at road speeds, you must use countersteering (sometimes called push-steering).

Countersteering is the physical act of pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of the intended turn to initiate a lean:

• To turn left, you push forward on the left handlebar grip. This causes the front wheel to momentarily steer to the right, which immediately forces the motorcycle to lean to the left. Once the motorcycle leans left, it will steer left.
• To turn right, you push forward on the right handlebar grip. This causes the front wheel to momentarily steer to the left, which immediately forces the motorcycle to lean to the right. Once the motorcycle leans right, it will steer right.

Understanding the phrase 'Push left, go left; push right, go right' is essential. The force of the push determines the rate and angle of the lean. A firm, quick push results in a rapid lean and sharp turn, whereas a gentle push initiates a gradual curve. The motorcycle will remain leaned over until you apply counter-pressure on the opposite handlebar to straighten it back up.

The Four Steps to Cornering (SLLR)

Alberta's official rider education curriculum outlines a structured, four-step process to safely negotiate any curve or corner: Slow, Look, Lean, and Roll.

1. Slow

Reduce your speed before entering the curve. This is the most crucial step. Use both the front and rear brakes smoothly. If you need to downshift to a lower gear, do it while the motorcycle is straight and before you start the turn. Downshifting before the curve ensures you are in the correct gear to maintain engine braking and allows you to accelerate smoothly out of the turn. Never enter a curve too fast; braking hard while leaned over dramatically reduces tire traction and can cause a crash.

2. Look

Turn your head and look through the curve to where you want the motorcycle to go. Do not just move your eyes; physically turn your head so your chin is pointing toward your target. This is called target tracking. If you look at the road directly in front of your front tire, or fixate on hazards like the guardrail, ditch, or gravel (a phenomenon known as target fixation), your body will instinctively steer the motorcycle toward that hazard. Looking through the curve allows your brain to compute the correct lean angle and path of travel.

3. Lean

To turn the motorcycle, you must lean it. The rider initiates the lean by countersteering. The body position you adopt during the lean depends on the speed and sharpness of the turn:

• Normal street riding: Lean your body at the same angle as the motorcycle. You and the motorcycle should form a single, continuous line leaning into the turn.
• Low-speed, tight turns (under 15 km/h): Use counter-balancing. Keep your body relatively upright while pushing the motorcycle down into the turn. This shifts the center of gravity and allows for a tighter turning radius without losing balance.

4. Roll

Once you have established your lean angle and passed the entry point, roll on the throttle slightly and smoothly. Do not accelerate aggressively; rather, maintain a steady, gentle roll-on of the throttle through the remainder of the curve. This stabilizes the motorcycle's suspension, maintains ground clearance, and transfers weight slightly to the rear wheel, which maximizes traction.

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Choosing the Safe Cornering Line

Your path through a curve—the cornering line—directly impacts your visibility, traction, and safety. A standard street line follows the 'Outside-Inside-Outside' path:

1. Entry (Outside): As you approach a curve, position yourself on the outside portion of your lane (the right side of the lane for a left-hand curve; the left side of the lane for a right-hand curve). This widens your line of sight, allowing you to see further through the curve.
2. Apex (Inside): As you enter the curve, steer toward the inside edge of your lane (the apex).
3. Exit (Outside): As you exit the curve and straighten the motorcycle, allow it to drift back toward the outside portion of the lane.

Alberta-Specific Safety Cautions for Curves

While the outside-inside-outside line is standard, you must modify it to avoid hazards:

• Left-hand curves: Avoid riding too close to the center line at the apex. Although your tires may be inside your lane, your head and body will lean to the left, placing them directly in the path of oncoming traffic. Keep your entire body safely within your lane.
• Right-hand curves: Avoid riding too close to the right shoulder. Road debris, gravel, and sand accumulate on the outer edges of the pavement. Keep a safety margin to prevent tires from losing grip.