7.1 Riding Curves: Look, Slow Down and Move Away

Riding Curves: Look, Slow Down and Move Away

The Queensland Motorcycle Riders’ Guide uses the same hazard tactic for curves that it uses elsewhere: Look, Slow down, Move away. Its key-sequence page expands the curve response:

• Look—look ahead and plan the path.
• Slow down—check mirrors, apply the brakes and select the gear.
• Move away—start wide, buffer the head-on zone and plan to finish tight.

This sequence is the examinable language. It is more reliable than importing a racing acronym or treating “roll on” as an instruction to accelerate regardless of what becomes visible.

Look ahead and through the curve

Scan the approach, surface, traffic, signs and the road beyond. Turn the head and direct vision through the desired path without staring at the edge, an oncoming vehicle or a pothole. Maintain at least 6 seconds of vision; if the curve hides the road within that time, reduce speed.

The vanishing point is where the road edges appear to meet or disappear. It is a clue, not a throttle command. If it moves away as the motorcycle approaches, the curve is likely opening. If it moves toward the rider, the curve is likely tightening. The rider still checks surface, traffic and actual sight rather than relying on the point alone.

Slow before lean

On the approach, check mirrors so you know what follows. Reduce speed using smooth set-up-and-squeeze braking and select a suitable gear before turning. The brakes work best when the motorcycle is upright and straight; grip available for braking decreases as more grip is used for cornering.

Enter at a speed that permits the path to tighten or the motorcycle to stop within the visible road. If the correct speed is uncertain, slower entry preserves options. Do not coast with the clutch held in. A selected gear provides controlled drive and avoids an unnecessary gear change while leaned.

Start wide, buffer, finish tight

“Start wide” means use a lane position that improves vision and allows a safe line; it never means crossing the centre line or riding on the edge. The exact side depends on the curve direction and hazards.

“Buffer the head-on zone” means keep away from the part of the road an oncoming vehicle may intrude into. Remember that the rider’s head and body can extend closer to the centre line than the tyres when the motorcycle leans. Leave extra space on blind curves.

“Finish tight” means plan the exit toward the inside of the curve within the rider’s lane. It helps control entry speed, preserves room for small errors and places the rider well for a following curve. It is not a racing apex or permission to accelerate beyond the available sight distance.

Steering and acceleration

Use smooth countersteering input to establish and adjust lean. Look in the direction of travel and keep arms relaxed. As the motorcycle begins to straighten on exit and the view is clear, apply smooth acceleration. Too much throttle too early can make the motorcycle run wide.

If the curve tightens unexpectedly, look through the safer path, smoothly increase steering pressure and reduce drive without abrupt closing or braking. If substantial braking becomes unavoidable and space permits, reduce lean and straighten before applying strong brake pressure.

Camber and surface

Camber is the slope across the road. Positive camber generally supports the turn; negative camber slopes away, reducing ground clearance and usable grip. Queensland roads often have a crown, so left and right curves can present different camber. Surface contamination, repaired bitumen, gravel, wet paint and shade can change grip within a single curve.

Adjust the approach speed for the least favourable part you can see. Avoid sudden position changes to miss a small patch if the new path creates a larger traffic hazard.

Series of curves

Treat each visible section separately. Finishing one curve tight may create the appropriate wide entry for the next, but only when space, surface and sight support it. Do not accelerate simply because the first bend opens if the next bend or a crest removes vision.

The low-risk priority is margin: speed selected early, at least six seconds of vision, separation from the head-on zone, and a path that can be adjusted when the road does something unexpected.