Dangerous accidents can happen to anyone – regardless of experience. Today we’ll look at how to properly turn a heavy motorcycle to dramatically improve your riding style, and therefore your driving safety.
Many motorcycle fans develop their passion from a young age, even before they can get on a full-fledged motorcycle. Beginners take their first steps on light mopeds – the mechanisms and steering are similar to those of larger models, but there can be difficulties in getting used to a heavier machine. There’s nothing wrong with that though – learning the correct technique is a lifelong process. However, it’s worth addressing potential problems quickly so you can fully enjoy your time on the road.
Although turning a heavy motorcycle may seem difficult at first, such a maneuver does not require superhuman skills. However, it is important to practice this key skill properly – greater proficiency will help you stay safe on the road. Entering a turn faster, more precisely and steadily gives you a better chance of negotiating it without any obstacles. In extreme situations this may save our life or health.
Of course, there are universal rules that tell us what not to do when making a turn. These are especially important when dealing with a heavy, accelerated machine. Such actions include using the front brake when entering a turn. This is an issue that is discussed during the preparatory courses – but it is so important that it is worth reminding that we absolutely should not do it.
Ideally we don’t need to brake at all during the turn, but the routes are different and often we will be assisted by the rear brake. When turning it is important to have a good estimate of the distance, angle and specifics of the turn. We should look ahead carefully and plan each manoeuvre in advance. On busy roads you will quickly learn how to behave in a given turn. But don’t rely on habit alone – changing weather conditions or a simple tendency to get distracted on familiar stretches can prove fatal.
We’ve already mentioned brakes – it’s one of the most important components in the entire vehicle that allows us to adjust our speed accordingly. Going into a corner at too high a speed is obviously a very bad idea. So we should control our speed and pay special attention to it when approaching a curve.
Here, however, there is a trap – an excessively reduced speed of our vehicle can also be a bad thing. Many people see not using the full power of the engine on a curve as a mistake, but often the speed limit will be more responsible. It’s a good idea to slow down with a slight overboost if you feel unsure. Then it’s important to pay attention to the drivers around you – remember this is extremely important for your safety as well as the safety of other road users.
Riding a motorcycle is one of those skills that is easy to learn, but difficult to master perfectly. To ride like a true master, we need to spend a ton of hours on the road. In case you are not comfortable on the road with other people, it would be a good idea to find a maneuvering area where you will be able to grow some confidence. Driving alone is a chance to work out some oversights.
It’s a good idea to find a manoeuvring area where you can develop some confidence. Above all, we should maintain the correct leg position, look ahead and remember about the appropriate speed. We can also use this opportunity to get to know how our body reacts to increasingly faster entering turns. This will allow you to develop some basic instincts that may be necessary in critical situations. Riding training is something that stays forever – plus, the more skills you gain, the safer your riding will be.
When entering a corner, you should be fully focused. You should always look ahead and polish your technique. You can also help yourself by watching video tutorials online – choose videos aimed at beginner riders. Turning is a skill that we can improve all our lives, even when we become very familiar with a given vehicle. It’s important to stay calm, let your body resist the loads and don’t charge – even when you feel very confident.
(Photo: pixabay.com)
