Thanks everyone for the comments! Couple of things to note based on your questions and feedback: 1. Tip #2 is intended for front brakes only 2. Countersteering is of course important and tip #2 starts the countersteering process in a natural way along with vision and center of mass benefits. 3. Getting into a lower gear before the corner will definitely help you scub off speed as well. Thanks again 🙏🏻
Hi Simon! I've been riding 40 plus years, have taken multiple advanced Riding Courses, and consider myself a fairly advanced rider. Your cornering tips in this video will help save the lives of many riders that might otherwise crash and burn in corners! That is the number one place where most single vehicle accidents occur...I would just add to practice these two skills in a parking lot for the newer riders, then take those skills to a familiar road. Great job!
Excellent tips. Thank you! I ride a BMW 1200 GSa that, as you probably know, doesn't dive as much as other bikes when front braking. I find it very easy to get through corners with it but wonder if you have any view on how the fact that it doesn't dive so much affects the technique that you so kindly are teaching or if it does at all? Many thanks from a Swedish rider.
@@richmattiello9485 generally speaking no. There are times at very slow speeds (under 5 mph) where dragging the rear brake can make the bike more stable through a tight bend but for twisties I never use the rear. For some track riding I will but that's more to control wheelies on a 1000cc machine.
@@SimonTheSquid It sounds weird to me, from my riding lessons to now, almost everyone told me not to use front brake WHILE turning, (I do use front brake before the turn). Then adjust speed with the rear brake during the corner. I'm still going to try tip#2, reading the comments, it seems to work well! Thanks for your vid!
Two rules have kept me safe for 53 years of riding. 1. As per your video, plot a course with your eyes around a corner and follow that, never taking your eyes off that course. 2. Whenever you are out riding, always treat yourself as being invisible to everyone else on the road. Never assume that you can be seen.
Coming from one of the most difficult bikes to corner tight twisties / counrry side twisties with, i think few important point are being missed out. 1) an understanding of what the bike was built for. 2) at what rpm zone are engine braking offered ( on the bandit's slipper clutch engine there is very little unless a stage 1 mod at least). 3) set up your suspension right according to your load. Not withstanding, the rear preload will need to be altered for 2 up or heavy luggage riding. Enjoy riding, stay safe
1st tip (look at where you want to go) is correct and makes a lot of difference. The 2nd tip amounts to trail braking and is wrong. You should roll off the throttle as you approach the corner (look up the vanishing point) so you enter at the correct speed, then roll on the throttle gently as you go through the corner.
I’m a fairly new rider and This video has the the most helpful to me. In my MSF class they taught to never never ever brake while turning or in a curve. I have really been nervous to take curves too fast, but scared to brake too much and wreck! I tried your technique today and it made my curves/corners so much more comfortable. I will rewatch your video and practice lots more, but I really appreciate your instruction. Thank you.
How to Countersteer a motorcycle: ua-cam.com/video/5YC6TJlmBzc/v-deo.html Motorcycle Riders - You're Leaning the Wrong Way: ua-cam.com/video/U1mSavQ_DXs/v-deo.html
Same, Paula. This and canyon chaser videos are a great intro to this concept I think. I’m done for the season, but I really want to get better at this.
It's probably the shittiest advice MSF courses all over the world give. What we should never do is *START* braking mid-corner and especially not *oh-shit-grab* them : weight is gonna transfer suddenly to the front wheel that's already using a lot of its available traction and if it locks up it's an instant low-side. What is perfectly fine is braking before the curve to load to front suspension and increase the front tire contact area and *KEEP IT THAT WAY* through the corner allowing you to increase that braking if needed while in that corner (sharper turn than anticipated, obstacle requiring an emergency stop, etc.) That's what trail braking is and it should definitely be clearly explained at MSF courses as that's how you can come to a safe-ish stop if you run into something unexpected while in a corner.
I've been riding for nearly 20 years--but never heard these points, even in my two-day motorcycle driving course! Excellent points--taught with excellence! Thanks so much!
@@johncaiwaHaha! That’s exactly what I was going to say. A platform designed to pay for video uploads through ad revenue, but somehow its completely selfless haha
all of you just look at the left side hand on the pick of the cornering and believe that you exit the corner without crushing....just try and find what is better for you and apply that no fear no miracles wise pilots
Thirty years ago I had an accident while taking a turn on my first motorcyle. I never rode again. Sold the Jawa and took to cars of all shapes and sizes. I saw a RE Hunter 350 last week and a strange sensation took over. I am 56 now and the fright hasn't left me. Why don't I start afresh? I said to myself and started going through UA-cam. I was touched when you said, "I wish someone had made this video for me......" Thank you my friend. Hopefully I will buy a Hunter and ride again.
Oh Mate! Went for the first proper ride today after literally years off the bike and consciously applied these two techniques. What a difference! The ride was so enjoyable and confidence-building: can't thank you enough!
I can't describe my gratitude to you on making this video, I haven't ridden my motorbike for 2 years on account of fear of my awful cornering skills or lack of!! The last time out riding I over cooked a corner and almost lost control and crashed, This untimely experience shook me so much my confidence as gone almost!! You have given me back the love my life!!!!👍I intend to get back in the saddle again soon!!! Thanks to you!!🤔🤘
Keith - Take a look at my reply to Paula Knowling above. Nutshell version: Read Keith Code's old Book a Twist of the Wrist or Andy Ibbott's 'Performance Riding Techniques' They will make you better & safer Oh - the Police Riders book *Roadcraft* is a great complement to either of those. (NO I am NOT on commission - The local LIBRARY is your freebie friend 🙄)
The reason your video is so good is you did two things: 1. You kept it simple 2. you shot it from both angles front view and helmet. This makes it easy to remember, easy to implement. Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill said "Only a fool takes 100 words when he could have said it in one sentence". Great job really, you probably have saved countless lives.
I’ve been riding for about 6 years, and thought I was relatively confident in corners, but, I thought I’d tried your techniques today and what a bloody difference it has made. It just flowed so smoothly and easily. Thank you.
I’m a seasoned rider but somehow have never really gained the skill to corner properly because I never really went for a fast one. Putting what you have shown in this video into practice has suddenly enabled me to reach a deep lean into essentially every bend and has made my day to day riding so much more enjoyable. Thanks man.
I've been riding for over 20 years now and I must say that these are some excellent tips for beginners . . Follow this braking technique and you would be trail braking unconsciously in no time . . And always remember that you would want to look where you want to go and the bike would follow you automatically . . Easier done than explained . . Feel the wheels, the engine and feel the bike and try to be one with it . . Anyways try to sit in the bike and not on the bike, if that makes sense . . Ride safe and be aware of your surroundings and know your limits as well as the bike's ☮️
Thank you. You are not sitting on your couch and watching your TV and not giving a shit... you are trying to teach useful things about how to drive nicely and easy... thank you.
As a new rider cornering, getting the speed right, fear of cornering, I've watched a lot of video on this subject. This is one of the best I've seen! Great way of demonstrating & easy to understand.
Just watching this video and to be honest this is absolutely SUPERB. What happened to me twice with coming off when cornering is now quite clear what I did wrong. AWESOME dude!!!! You should be an instructor and I can tell you this was never explained to me on any aspect of my training UNBELIEVABLE. Might have to go and purchase another bike after 20+ yrs of not riding due to my confidence being lost on exactly what is in your video. Many thanks.
Good vid. I've held a license and had a bike continously for 42 years but never really put a lot of thought into the science or what I actually do as it seems to come as second nature. I've started to look at things a bit more closely and wished I had done this earlier in my riding career. Thanks for sharing
@@psycholist724the problem is that 90% of the time on tight mountain roads there's barely enough room for 2 cars let alone 2 cars and a bloody bike...
This is great advice. Not only look to where you want to go, but move your head with it. It really works! As a beginner I would often have that horrible lurch in my chest as I was target fixating on the place where I didn’t want to go! Learn to recognise that and practice looking where you want to go. It happens rarely now and I really enjoy cornering now 👍
Simon, your the 1st YT rider I've seen to teach "The look" 👍 35 years ago, An old timer told me the same thing, "Look where you want to go" I also learn how to "turn better" @ higher speed about 5-6 years ago. Want to go right, PUSH the right handlebar forward. Want to go left, push the left handlebar forward. Sharper the corner, harder you push. Sounds weird, but try it, it WORKS! One more thing, I found THIS out the hard way 25 years ago, Make sure both tires are air'ed up to the correct pressure, low front tires pressure going around a corner will get you a trip to the ER or Morgue! I still have a slight limb when I walk all b/c of air pressure. (and stupidity for not checking.)
Tightening up your lines is one of the most important things you can learn for safety especially when going around blind corners. If you for example are taking a left corner stay in the right side of the your lane and turn in as late as possible, that will give MUCH better view into the corner and your risk of hitting obstacles are greatly reduced. This will also help you cornering much better
Yep, hugging the centreline is a real rookie mistake. It reduces your available room to maneuver, cuts off your sight lines, and puts you close to oncoming traffic
I just started riding and this video has helped me so much. In my MSF course they taught me not to brake while cornering, and consequently when I failed to brake enough before a corner I low-sided and wiped out trying not to run wide into oncoming traffic. Thankfully I was okay, and thanks to you I have a better understanding of how to avoid the same mistake!
Yeah, I can sympathize with trying to simplify beginner instruction but when do we take the next step? I am sorry to hear you were a victim of appropriate very beginner info without the benefit of intermediate instruction. I used to be a skydiving instructor and that was a constant struggle. Too much too soon has bad results but fairly soon the options need to be explained.
This is gold :) I think good topic for beginner riders would be braking. Tailbone position during braking and acceleration, progressive braking, stuff like that. Braking with arms loose and not putting any unnecessary pressure on the bars is super important. Perhaps that could be a good idea for your next lesson :)
These two methods have helped me gain confidence in the bends but it was great to see this video confirm I'm now doing it right - and my cornering has improved tenfold.
look at your exit. Maintain eyes level with the horizon. If you’re running wide lean forward and kiss the inside mirror. Panic halfway down the next straight.
Not usually one for commenting on UA-cam videos however watched this video last night and roe to work this morning with so much more confidence, ok I'm only on a 125 for now but been struggling with corners lately running wide or slowing right down as panicked. This mornings ride was completely different and was so much more enjoyable, thanks for the advice!
Learn from those who know , tutorial riding bits like this one ,can be life saving advice . A veteran rider , taught me the hard way . He told me what kind of bike to learn on . Went riding with me testing my reflexes an physical strength and ability to over power the mad bull between my legs ! "Always focus forward ,an treat that Bike with the respect it deserves and demands "...like wild bill an the commandant said ..."LIKE A MAD BULL" ♉ great vid thanks m8 🏍️😎✌️🎲♟️
I have just put into practice your advice of the head movement and have just had the smoothest ride ever on one of my favourite roads. I’d always backed off on the bends when. I didn’t need to. I truly felt like I rode how I see others riding tonight. Can’t wait to be out again. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I'm a new rider and had my bike/licence for 5 weeks. After watching that video i went for quick 30 mins ride and after applying your recommendations i was riding like a completly different person. Head positioning changes everything. thanks again !!!
Hey man I can't thank you enough for this video. I've been riding for years but like to go back and review fundamentals every now and again. This will be extremely helpful for new riders. The riding community needs more tips like these to keep us all safe and confident in our abilities!
Well said! Reviewing and *practicing the fundamentals* is key to maintaining one's expertise. Guess what Baryshnikov started with in ballet class _every day?_ Plié in first position.
I've never taken a professional riding course but have heard a lot of things out there. This tutorial is so clear and makes so much sense. It's in line with what I've experienced on the road. Thanks so much for emphasizing these 2 critical points. I hope to see more of your training.
Too few riders invest in hands on racetraining - Its NOT cheap but it will make you SO much better its amazing. I did California Superbikes years ago - I dunno who else is still going since Ron Hasslam packed up..... There may be others?
Stumbling on this video for the second time now. Half year ago because i was dead afraid of corners during lessons for my license. And now to ace them as deep as i can because they're so fun :D What experience and training can do with our minds. Thank you very much for this informative vid!
15 year rider and I found this very helpful. I was just never taught this, so inuited my own way and dialed it in. Experience and repetition of old habits isnt enough.
Very good video at illustrating simple but powerful cornering techniques. The split screen showing the braking hand on one side and the corner on the other is helpful.
Really, really, *really* excellent information! I've been riding almost 25 years, roadraced at Sears Point in NorCal for 5 years with an expert class license, and I find your principles to be of value, even for an experienced rider like myself. It reminds me of a quote by the world-class tennis coach, Darren Cahill: "Be brilliant at the Basics." Well done!
I just got my M1 and started riding on Monday. I am signed up for a course. I am shocked at how little I know when it comes to riding a bike. It can be terrifying. I have noticed that corners can be difficult. I was naturally breaking into corners but leaning into the turns or using your head to turn seemed scary. I stick mostly to back roads. I am trying to ride an hour a day to learn. So thank you for this video. My neighbor was telling me the same thing but until I saw how you demonstrated it, I wasn't understanding.
Thank you so much for this. I haven't been riding in about 25yrs and this has been a great reminder, lesson and confidence boost. Explained and demonstrated expertly. Cheers
Takes great effort to make a technical video, so thanks. At 70, I still ride the BMW 1200 all the time and watch these videos to avoid falling into a "lazy habit"; i.e. not moving my head enough entering the curves. Small tips can offer a disproportional degree of safety. Cheers!
I've been riding on and off my entire life, but I'm just bringing trail braking into my skillset. You're video really is the best I've seen. Short, sweet and to the point. Great camera work!
I was taught by a police trainer, wide entry narrow exit, commonly called delayed apex. It gives you more vision around the corner and keeps you on your side of the road at the most critical moment accelerating out of the bend. Actually added 10kph to my cornering speed.
Excellent top tips right here! I’ve been riding motorcycles since 1985 and sometimes you need a gentle reminder of the “basics”. Only last weekend I wasn’t paying full attention and ran wide onto the grass and nearly binned it! You soon go back to tips like this after a reminder like this. Thank you and ride safe brother. 👍
Thank you so much for this video! You have really educated me on cornering. I have not been cornering properly, but now I’m going to implement this technique. My riding partner sent me this video. You two have probably save my life. Thank you.🙏🏽
Good explanation, Kelvin makes a good point on adding counter steering to the cornering technique which I think is great for leaning the bike into the corner.
I’ve learned so much from motorcycle courses & hundreds of videos I’ve watched on riding technique, but honestly this video has single-handedly made the biggest impact on my riding abilities. Thank u so much!!! 🙏
Im a fairly new rider, got in a wreck on my bike 3 weeks ago while taking a corner. Getting back on I was terrified of corners. I turned to the internet for tips. This. This was the only video I found of use. I feel so much more stable and confident on corners. Your tips really made riding fun for me again. Thank you!
I know the frustration of not being good at cornering - being caught and passed by a well-ridden Harley while I was riding a sports-tourer many years ago, was the pits. So, I went for training. The two techniques that fixed my riding, are deliberate counter steering, and road positioning. I believe that moving your head off the centreline, (or other techniques that move body weight) is actually causing you to counter steer more effectively. Moving your head to the right of centre, for example, will cause you to (unknowingly) apply a small amount of push on the right bar, and a slight pull on the left (if you’re holding both bars). That is exactly the counter steer inputs that you need to go round the right hand bend. The other technique of positioning on the road, I noticed that you do it, but you didn’t mention it. By being over to the left for a right hand bend, and towards the centre (if safe to do so) for a left hand bend, gives more view of the road ahead, and more view gives more time to react. But I don’t like all the braking unless it’s completed well before the entry to the corner. While braking, the bike doesn’t feel like it wants to turn, and if it doesn’t feel like it wants to turn, you feel like you’re going too fast and keep braking. Then you end up thinking you can’t make the corner and panic sets in. My bike (BMW R1200S) has good engine braking, so I like to be in 4th gear for most quick twisty roads. Roll off the throttle as I approach the bend, get positioned on the road, tip into the bend using positive counter steering and throttle, then start to roll on the throttle as I see the bend open up. I can see your head positioning tip works, and why. I like your road positioning too, but the emphasis on braking makes me a little nervous in case the inexperienced rider falls into that trap of feeling like they can’t let go of the brake before tipping in. Cheers.
Yup this is the comment I was looking. Good road positioning before the turn to increase your limit point.... Having the correct speed gear, with good positive throttle all helps stability. Great comment. Great vid.
Let’s all take the time to thank this man for putting in the time to make this video AND making it so simple to understand. Maybe make more beginner/ intermediate stuff?
Coming back after a 30 year hiatus, bought an ADV bike and needed to get used to the top heavy bike and long travel suspension. I guess I never applied the head movement to such a degree or maybe never thought about it. This video unlocked my confidence and now the mind/bike connection is better than ever. THANKS!!
Something important and to be very aware of, when you brake you are giving up some traction, look it up and read about it, trail braking works, but you are giving up a bit of traction from your tires when braking.
Really enjoyed that vid.. I'm back to biking after 12 years off (and had a stroke). I'm nearly 57 and a lot, lot slower! Basics like turning of the head is so fundamental but I also needed to be reminded to do it. 💯 Camera work on this is brilliant. Thanks very much. Subscribed👍
I'm 57 after a years illness were I thought I would be housebound for the rest of my life I am now fit enough to work part-time. Must be 20 years since I been on a bike but just ordered a cb500f. Done well over a100 thousand miles on bikes but that was over 20 years ago exited and nervous at the thought of riding agen .
@@garymcqueen6350 I went a bit flat out and bought a 2014 super duke R. It's mental of course but staggered at how technology has moved on (and the ktm is 8 years old now!) stuff like 3 ride modes to choose from.. ABS.. traction control and ride by wire throttle! I was very nervous picking the bike up from the dealer. Much concentration needed to get it out of the car park without f**cking up😅
@@clivejones2944 it's great to get back on a bike my first few miles were a bit wobbly but then everything started to jel .done 1400 miles in the last 2 month with a 6 hour ride around the lake district . I have a bit to go to get my skill levels were they used to be .
Thank you for your video, it’s very helpful for beginners, but I would like to mention another point which is also very important when it comes to cornering, “counter steering”. I believe that you should add this technique to your video as well. Keep up your good work and ride safe! 😉
Many thanks. I have always been plagued with infrequent and strangely random freezing in the entrance to corners between long spells of joyous cornering. I am returning to biking in my sixties after giving up at seventeen. I crashed twice in my youth and the freezing issue is still there! I will definitely take this advice to heart. Being relaxed is definitely conducive to joyous cornering. Get it right and it’s purest pleasure. Subscribed!
Used to ride the Mytchett bends on my old 78 Z1 until they put the speed cameras up, now on my Indian FTR which is way quicker and those techniques for braking are perfect, great video mate and well explained to all riders.
I’ve recently passed my test and bought a cb650r. I’ve ridden it three times so just got the tyres scrubbed in. That’ll probably be it until next year now but I’ll rewatch this when it’s time to go back out and I’ll practice these tips. Thank you
I came back to biking two years ago after 30 years away. Back in my youth, I knew nothing about cornering theory, but I managed to get around bends OK 😀 Nowadays, there is a ton of advice out there which is great, but I’m beginning to suffer a bit from "Paralysis by Analysis". So while I enjoyed your video (and I’m now subscribed), I now have to deal with yet another thought in my head as I enter a corner! It seems to me that for trail braking (which is what you describe) to be effective, the front brake needs to be properly loaded, and the only way to achieve this is to approach the corner fast. This is why it’s used by racers. If I’m out for a pleasant, relaxed Sunday morning ride, it’s likely that all I will need on corners is to downshift and turn my head (with maybe a small body shift), simply using engine braking and riding smoothly through the bend. So would it be fair to suggest that your message could be: "Cover your front brake, and if you need to use it coming up to a corner, don’t be afraid to keep some pressure on as you negotiate the corner”. Thanks again for the video. One thing I would love to see is a demo of "lean-angle sensitive ABS” in action. Many bikes, mine included, have this but I have no idea how effective it is nor have I ever seen it in action. Cheers from Belfast
Two very good tips, and both things that every motorcyclist should be doing in every corner. One further thing though - some riders, like myself a couple of years ago, might actually be afraid of cornering. Fear of lean. I had it in spades, and I think it came from a couple of accidents that I had many years ago as a very inexperienced rider. Getting over fear of lean is crucial - it certainly was for me. I forget where I saw this advice, it was some youtube channel. Find a clear space big enough to circle in second or, if that's still "jerky" on throttle, low revs in third gear. For my bike, I need about 20m diameter. Drive around it in a circle, both directions, slowly increasing your speed so that you overcome the fear of leaning the bike. Just go faster and faster (within reason) until you have a really good lean angle. If in doubt, place your phone next to the circle and video yourself - you may think you are leaning but on the video you can see that your lean angle is actually pathetic. So go faster until your lean angle looks respectable. For me, over a period of about 9 months practicing around 3 to 4 times a month, I have completely overcome my fear of lean. Now, your two tips are invaluable. That's how I corner.
But how do you know how much you can lean? I took a corner too fast once, the tires didn't have enough grip on the road, and the bike slid. I dropped it and broke my leg. So that was too much lean. It's great to say "just practice leaning more", but how do you know what's enough or too much?
@@andrewj22 There is no denying that biking is dangerous. Sure, spotting a problem in the middle of a corner is sometimes possible, and you can pick up the bike and square off the corner somewhat to hopefully counter the lack of grip, but it is always possible to encounter a situation where nothing can be done. However, for the majority of bikers, fear of lean is more dangerous than taking a corner properly. Of course, going into corners at 80% or even better 70% of your own maximum speed is always a good idea - taking corners at 90% or 95% is significantly more risky and can land you in deep trouble if something goes wrong. Leave a margin for circumstances.
@@andrewj22 more speed => more lean needed = more risk of accident...so slow down until you feel confortable, staying on the outside and when the road begins to bend, then you lean and follow the whole trail braking, maintain speed etc.
Thanks for that, I’m a relatively new rider and get frustrated when I get it wrong in a corner, that’s really helped especially the braking until you see the exit of the bend! I definitely let go of the brake too early sometimes 🙂
Thank you so much. I really love riding but thought it wasn't meant for me because I felt like this. I'm 100% going to buy another bike and try again. ❤
This is video did not help me "in some small way." It helped me in a HUGE way! This changes everything for me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I can't wait to go out and practice this tomorrow.
Hey, Simon, great combo of real-time explanation, effective repetition and clear camera work! It adds the finishing touch to the advanced training and risk management courses I followed more than a decade ago. What I would like to see and hear: the WHAT IF … it’s raining … there’s gravel or sand on the road - yep, way into the bend when you’ve adjusted your speed before and are applying the front brake in the bend - besides saying Hail Marys for which you don’t have time anyway … 😮
No reply from Simon I wonder why. Oh yes its because in the USA you don't track race in wet weather conditions so that danger would not occur and the racetrack is swept of all gravel and dust as well. So what you are concerned about would not occur in the USA. Stay safe ride safe and be careful out there.
Thanks for some great cornering tips Simon, been riding nearly 20 years and have always lacked confidence in corners which does take the pleasure of riding away somewhat, but thanks to your vid I'm going to apply those techniques to my cornering and I'm sure this is the missing piece of the jigsaw in my riding technique. Thankyou Simon.
Great video we can always learn something new or be reminded of something we knew long ago but forget to incorporate into our everyday riding. Just want to add that counter steering is a big help in riding and is a great tool if you find yourself coming around a turn/corner and start drifting towards the oncoming lane. I am blessed to still be riding in my 60's, riding is in my DNA or it's an addiction I can't tell which, but I do feel sorry for young guys. You never got to ride in the 70's and 80's when people were better/ more courteous drivers, before cell phones when you would make a u turn and go back to the rider on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and offer to help/ give him a ride to the nearest town. Thats when waving to oncoming bikes really meant something, that wave said hey I am like you (on two wheels) I will help if you if you need help.
Excellent explanation, and a good lead in towards thinking of the other nuances of braking. It might be good to mention no sudden braking mid corner out of fear and always being aware of road surface etc.
Coming to this more than a year after you put up the vid. And boy am I happy to have found it. I got a mean case of the yips, after a couple decades of riding. And this is literally the first time I've been "told" what look where you want to go really means. Will definitely try to incorporate your two tips. Curves used to be my jam, but I find my self scared so much that I've avoided riding too much. Thanks!
Excellent video Simon. I've only been riding a year and after passing my test I felt a bit nervous about corners, especially right hand ones. My instructor had not told me about moving my head out of the centre position on the bike to help with the turn nor about trail braking, but after watching some other videos, I saw both these tecniques and have used them ever since with great effect. Still cautious about corners and speed into them but much more confident and able to enjoy my riding. Thanks again for sumourising the two tecniques so well, especially with the split screen.
The bike WILL go wherever you are looking, for better or worse, was the best advice I've gotten so far. And it does work, for better as in through turns, and for worse as in oh geez is that the side of the road oh no it is and next thing you know you're OFF the side of the road because you fixated on it and followed your eyes and mind right off it. Think of it as negative vs positive target fixation.
I can't believe the VALUE of UA-cam since I last rode 22 years ago. This is great stuff, and I've been riding for a week now. and it's all starting to come back slowly, but I'm ALWAYS down for lessons and advice and this is great advice. Over a million views in two years PROVES there are at least a MILLION riders with the same questions...
Been 30 year break due to child raising, recently done the basic course class given my police motor unit, got license, been practicing the past 3 months, slow speed turns and basic brake work. My neighbor wants me to ride with him (Hes riding a cafe bike) but ive declined, im still in basic training. Im finding Slow with practice with riding gear is the key things for me. Thank you for the video.
I found this video really useful and noticed the two finger pull on the brakes, I’ve been doing a full hand grab .. eek. I’ve returned to biking after a 30 year break and riding a modern machine was quite daunting at first. My friend has 30 years experience under her belt and a bike with 60% more power and gets frustrated with me being so slow. I ride my ride but I do want to be smoother, faster, and more confident in cornering, not for her but for me. My bike my ride. Thank you.
Great video. I have practiced this and already it’s made a big difference to me. I was looking where I wanted to go but sticking my head out with a bit of braking has made a massive difference. Many thanks!
Excellent video, and very well explained. I am very uncomfortable in corners! I returned to motorcycling after a 16 year break and thought I could just "get back into it" how wrong I was! I'm gonna try your tips I think this may just be the answer for me. I'm also enrolled onto the IAM Roadsmart advanced rider course, which has helped, a lot. These tips combined with road positioning can only result in smoother and safer cornering. Thanks
Anyone who watches the inset camera video can see that you ARE actually moving your body as well as your head. You move your body a lot. You say move "just your head" while you move your whole upper body. I've been riding since 1972 and I don't ever do your Rule #1. I do exactly the opposite because it helps with stability. Another thing not to ever do is use the front brakes going into a turn, at least not for beginners. Turns often have loose gravel in them so braking here is seriously dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to only use front brakes when the bike is straight up(not leaning). Braking while leaned over is only for the experienced rider.
Excellent video, keep up the good work. Would be good to have an extension section incorporating counter steering to complete the picture for new riders.
To be quite honest, I started riding motorbikes age 17 after 6 years of cycling and went on to do 30 years as a despatch rider up and down Scotland and North of England and had never heard of 'counter steering ' until a few years ago when it seemed to become the buzz word. Just thinking back to my earliest cycling days and my dad didn't stand there saying that you have to push here and there to get around the corner. You just use your body and especially your head as was mentioned so that you're always looking deep into that corner and looking for the exit. Also good technique with the 'slow in, fast out' through corners.
Great video mate, thanks for making this. I’m a reasonably new rider and felt a bit unsure of braking in corners, like others I was told never ever touch the brakes in a corner! Using the front only and trail braking as you describe is a game changer 👍 thanks again 👊🏻
I also feel many so-called instructors teach this with the carelessness of teaching you how to change your oil or replace the spark plugs in your drive way. They are not the same thing, overshooting a corner into incoming traffic will kill you. Period, violently, your family will have to identify you at the morgue through dental records because they will be nothing left of you. It is a BIG freaking deal, yet it's often taught too casually, like picking up the mail. Again, great job on this video!
Thanks everyone for the comments! Couple of things to note based on your questions and feedback:
1. Tip #2 is intended for front brakes only
2. Countersteering is of course important and tip #2 starts the countersteering process in a natural way along with vision and center of mass benefits.
3. Getting into a lower gear before the corner will definitely help you scub off speed as well.
Thanks again 🙏🏻
Hi Simon! I've been riding 40 plus years, have taken multiple advanced Riding Courses, and consider myself a fairly advanced rider. Your cornering tips in this video will help save the lives of many riders that might otherwise crash and burn in corners! That is the number one place where most single vehicle accidents occur...I would just add to practice these two skills in a parking lot for the newer riders, then take those skills to a familiar road. Great job!
Excellent tips. Thank you! I ride a BMW 1200 GSa that, as you probably know, doesn't dive as much as other bikes when front braking. I find it very easy to get through corners with it but wonder if you have any view on how the fact that it doesn't dive so much affects the technique that you so kindly are teaching or if it does at all? Many thanks from a Swedish rider.
Simon, are you saying that you don’t use the rear brake at all while cornering? Or do you?
@@richmattiello9485 generally speaking no. There are times at very slow speeds (under 5 mph) where dragging the rear brake can make the bike more stable through a tight bend but for twisties I never use the rear. For some track riding I will but that's more to control wheelies on a 1000cc machine.
@@SimonTheSquid It sounds weird to me, from my riding lessons to now, almost everyone told me not to use front brake WHILE turning, (I do use front brake before the turn). Then adjust speed with the rear brake during the corner. I'm still going to try tip#2, reading the comments, it seems to work well! Thanks for your vid!
Two rules have kept me safe for 53 years of riding.
1. As per your video, plot a course with your eyes around a corner and follow that, never taking your eyes off that course.
2. Whenever you are out riding, always treat yourself as being invisible to everyone else on the road. Never assume that you can be seen.
Exactly! "Ride like a ghost, or become a ghost." Yeah, I am proud of my little slogan and share it with all new riders.
Can you tell me which model is he driving
Xsr900 yamaha
as I was a car driver first and then started riding I knew your second rule from the very beginning of my riding
Also, always expect everyone else on the road (including other bikers) to do the dumbest thing humanly possible.
This is perhaps the simplest explanation on how to turn easier and with more confidence, thanks so much for making this video
💯👍🏼👍🏼
Coming from one of the most difficult bikes to corner tight twisties / counrry side twisties with, i think few important point are being missed out. 1) an understanding of what the bike was built for. 2) at what rpm zone are engine braking offered ( on the bandit's slipper clutch engine there is very little unless a stage 1 mod at least). 3) set up your suspension right according to your load. Not withstanding, the rear preload will need to be altered for 2 up or heavy luggage riding. Enjoy riding, stay safe
Counter steering also make a difference and turning your head to look where you are going if going to hot into a corner.
I must try this on my next ride.
Thanks
Finally someone who promotes trail braking.
1st tip (look at where you want to go) is correct and makes a lot of difference. The 2nd tip amounts to trail braking and is wrong. You should roll off the throttle as you approach the corner (look up the vanishing point) so you enter at the correct speed, then roll on the throttle gently as you go through the corner.
As a “ senior “ who’s been riding for 48 years ; you did a stellar job !
Thank you , young man !
Peace ☮️
Can I just ask why you type like this? Because a lot of people your age do.
@@sebastianwhitestone7504
Like what ?
@@rudeawakening3833 idk all the spacing maybe? if u can't see it i cant really say anything
@@sebastianwhitestone7504
Well , you run your sentences together .
The next line doesn’t indent three spaces .
You don’t use apostrophe’s .
See ?
@@sebastianwhitestone7504
No periods after the end of the sentence .
I’m a fairly new rider and This video has the the most helpful to me. In my MSF class they taught to never never ever brake while turning or in a curve. I have really been nervous to take curves too fast, but scared to brake too much and wreck! I tried your technique today and it made my curves/corners so much more comfortable. I will rewatch your video and practice lots more, but I really appreciate your instruction. Thank you.
How to Countersteer a motorcycle: ua-cam.com/video/5YC6TJlmBzc/v-deo.html
Motorcycle Riders - You're Leaning the Wrong Way: ua-cam.com/video/U1mSavQ_DXs/v-deo.html
Same, Paula. This and canyon chaser videos are a great intro to this concept I think. I’m done for the season, but I really want to get better at this.
It's probably the shittiest advice MSF courses all over the world give.
What we should never do is *START* braking mid-corner and especially not *oh-shit-grab* them : weight is gonna transfer suddenly to the front wheel that's already using a lot of its available traction and if it locks up it's an instant low-side.
What is perfectly fine is braking before the curve to load to front suspension and increase the front tire contact area and *KEEP IT THAT WAY* through the corner allowing you to increase that braking if needed while in that corner (sharper turn than anticipated, obstacle requiring an emergency stop, etc.)
That's what trail braking is and it should definitely be clearly explained at MSF courses as that's how you can come to a safe-ish stop if you run into something unexpected while in a corner.
Never full brake. Ease the lever Front one. Put pressure on front tire as you enter the turn.
@@MozzaBurger88 thanks man, helpful stuff
I've been riding for nearly 20 years--but never heard these points, even in my two-day motorcycle driving course! Excellent points--taught with excellence! Thanks so much!
I find it so impressive that you take time and effort to help other people so selflessly. What a legend, thank you so much Simon!
disregard the ad revenue
@@johncaiwaHaha! That’s exactly what I was going to say. A platform designed to pay for video uploads through ad revenue, but somehow its completely selfless haha
all of you just look at the left side hand on the pick of the cornering and believe that you exit the corner without crushing....just try and find what is better for you and apply that no fear no miracles wise pilots
Thirty years ago I had an accident while taking a turn on my first motorcyle. I never rode again. Sold the Jawa and took to cars of all shapes and sizes. I saw a RE Hunter 350 last week and a strange sensation took over. I am 56 now and the fright hasn't left me. Why don't I start afresh? I said to myself and started going through UA-cam. I was touched when you said, "I wish someone had made this video for me......"
Thank you my friend. Hopefully I will buy a Hunter and ride again.
Oh Mate!
Went for the first proper ride today after literally years off the bike and consciously applied these two techniques.
What a difference!
The ride was so enjoyable and confidence-building: can't thank you enough!
🤪 L I T E R A L L Y 🤪
I've been riding for over 50 years, and still use those techniques, excellent advice well done
Respect. Hope I get there too.
I can't describe my gratitude to you on making this video, I haven't ridden my motorbike for 2 years on account of fear of my awful cornering skills or lack of!! The last time out riding I over cooked a corner and almost lost control and crashed, This untimely experience shook me so much my confidence as gone almost!! You have given me back the love my life!!!!👍I intend to get back in the saddle again soon!!! Thanks to you!!🤔🤘
Have you thought of doing an IAM course?
Keith - Take a look at my reply to Paula Knowling above.
Nutshell version:
Read Keith Code's old Book a Twist of the Wrist or Andy Ibbott's 'Performance Riding Techniques'
They will make you better & safer
Oh - the Police Riders book *Roadcraft* is a great complement to either of those.
(NO I am NOT on commission - The local LIBRARY is your freebie friend 🙄)
I'm with you Keith!
Back on a bike after too long and applied Simon's techniques.
Magic!
bullshit!!!!!
YOU GOT THIS KEITH!!!
The reason your video is so good is you did two things: 1. You kept it simple 2. you shot it from both angles front view and helmet. This makes it easy to remember, easy to implement. Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill said "Only a fool takes 100 words when he could have said it in one sentence". Great job really, you probably have saved countless lives.
Subscribed 1 year practised this on all rides, its second nature, im alot faster safer realaxed ride thank you so much mate,
I’ve been riding for about 6 years, and thought I was relatively confident in corners, but, I thought I’d tried your techniques today and what a bloody difference it has made. It just flowed so smoothly and easily.
Thank you.
Great video very knowledgeable.Tried it today what a difference
Plenty of riders know these tips/techniques, but there’s not many people who can teach them in such a concise way.
Great video.
I’m a seasoned rider but somehow have never really gained the skill to corner properly because I never really went for a fast one. Putting what you have shown in this video into practice has suddenly enabled me to reach a deep lean into essentially every bend and has made my day to day riding so much more enjoyable. Thanks man.
I've been riding for over 20 years now and I must say that these are some excellent tips for beginners . . Follow this braking technique and you would be trail braking unconsciously in no time . . And always remember that you would want to look where you want to go and the bike would follow you automatically . . Easier done than explained . . Feel the wheels, the engine and feel the bike and try to be one with it . . Anyways try to sit in the bike and not on the bike, if that makes sense . . Ride safe and be aware of your surroundings and know your limits as well as the bike's ☮️
Thank you. You are not sitting on your couch and watching your TV and not giving a shit... you are trying to teach useful things about how to drive nicely and easy... thank you.
I suspect we've all had those scary corner moments ... these two tips really help !
As a new rider cornering, getting the speed right, fear of cornering, I've watched a lot of video on this subject. This is one of the best I've seen! Great way of demonstrating & easy to understand.
I started biking late at age of 67 and with age comes more fear so thanks for this brilliant video, its a great help to increase my cornering skills.
Bravo. There's hope for me yet at 48. Even tho my joints feel way older.😀
Go on sir! Safe travels
Go you good thing!! That's awesome. I started at 54...never too late!!
@@The63chicky Me @ 48.
It matters not what age you start surely.
As somebody who has been staring in to a 90 degree corner apex point, I cannot thank you enough for this advice.
Just watching this video and to be honest this is absolutely SUPERB. What happened to me twice with coming off when cornering is now quite clear what I did wrong.
AWESOME dude!!!! You should be an instructor and I can tell you this was never explained to me on any aspect of my training UNBELIEVABLE.
Might have to go and purchase another bike after 20+ yrs of not riding due to my confidence being lost on exactly what is in your video. Many thanks.
Good vid. I've held a license and had a bike continously for 42 years but never really put a lot of thought into the science or what I actually do as it seems to come as second nature. I've started to look at things a bit more closely and wished I had done this earlier in my riding career. Thanks for sharing
I am a new rider and I struggle with sharp corner for fear of falling over, but this advice is so simple and easy to follow. Thank you!
QUIT RIDING GO BACK TO A CAR IF YOUR AFRAID
Even as a cyclist, I found the "move your head" tip extremely useful. I put it to use right away and immediately got better results. Thanks!!
cyclist🤢
@@rawrunner7405Something you want to get off your chest there, pal?
Why do cyclist choose very tight mountian roads with no shoulders and blind corners to ride your bike up it at 10mph?
@@craigmalcolm1002 Why not? What's the problem?
@@psycholist724the problem is that 90% of the time on tight mountain roads there's barely enough room for 2 cars let alone 2 cars and a bloody bike...
This is great advice. Not only look to where you want to go, but move your head with it. It really works! As a beginner I would often have that horrible lurch in my chest as I was target fixating on the place where I didn’t want to go! Learn to recognise that and practice looking where you want to go. It happens rarely now and I really enjoy cornering now 👍
Great to hear this. Thank you for the kind comment 🙏🏻
Simon, your the 1st YT rider I've seen to teach "The look" 👍
35 years ago, An old timer told me the same thing, "Look where you want to go"
I also learn how to "turn better" @ higher speed about 5-6 years ago.
Want to go right, PUSH the right handlebar forward.
Want to go left, push the left handlebar forward.
Sharper the corner, harder you push.
Sounds weird, but try it, it WORKS!
One more thing, I found THIS out the hard way 25 years ago, Make sure both tires are air'ed up
to the correct pressure, low front tires pressure going around a corner will get you a trip to the ER or Morgue!
I still have a slight limb when I walk all b/c of air pressure. (and stupidity for not checking.)
Tightening up your lines is one of the most important things you can learn for safety especially when going around blind corners. If you for example are taking a left corner stay in the right side of the your lane and turn in as late as possible, that will give MUCH better view into the corner and your risk of hitting obstacles are greatly reduced. This will also help you cornering much better
Yep, hugging the centreline is a real rookie mistake. It reduces your available room to maneuver, cuts off your sight lines, and puts you close to oncoming traffic
I just started riding and this video has helped me so much. In my MSF course they taught me not to brake while cornering, and consequently when I failed to brake enough before a corner I low-sided and wiped out trying not to run wide into oncoming traffic. Thankfully I was okay, and thanks to you I have a better understanding of how to avoid the same mistake!
Yeah, I can sympathize with trying to simplify beginner instruction but when do we take the next step? I am sorry to hear you were a victim of appropriate very beginner info without the benefit of intermediate instruction. I used to be a skydiving instructor and that was a constant struggle. Too much too soon has bad results but fairly soon the options need to be explained.
some people need to stay in a car. they dont belong on BIKE
@@billgonzales8978 - A pointless point.
If you ever have to brake in a corner,use the back not the front
@@howwwwwyyyyywrong
This is gold :)
I think good topic for beginner riders would be braking. Tailbone position during braking and acceleration, progressive braking, stuff like that. Braking with arms loose and not putting any unnecessary pressure on the bars is super important. Perhaps that could be a good idea for your next lesson :)
These two methods have helped me gain confidence in the bends but it was great to see this video confirm I'm now doing it right - and my cornering has improved tenfold.
look at your exit. Maintain eyes level with the horizon. If you’re running wide lean forward and kiss the inside mirror. Panic halfway down the next straight.
And counter steer
Thank you for not saying trail braking and keeping it simple!!
You're a legend!!
Not usually one for commenting on UA-cam videos however watched this video last night and roe to work this morning with so much more confidence, ok I'm only on a 125 for now but been struggling with corners lately running wide or slowing right down as panicked. This mornings ride was completely different and was so much more enjoyable, thanks for the advice!
Me too! On a 125 and totally scared on curves. Dropped it last week because I braked hard as I was turning. Who knew? Now I do!
Learn from those who know , tutorial riding bits like this one ,can be life saving advice . A veteran rider , taught me the hard way . He told me what kind of bike to learn on . Went riding with me testing my reflexes an physical strength and ability to over power the mad bull between my legs ! "Always focus forward ,an treat that Bike with the respect it deserves and demands "...like wild bill an the commandant said ..."LIKE A MAD BULL" ♉ great vid thanks m8 🏍️😎✌️🎲♟️
I have just put into practice your advice of the head movement and have just had the smoothest ride ever on one of my favourite roads. I’d always backed off on the bends when. I didn’t need to. I truly felt like I rode how I see others riding tonight. Can’t wait to be out again. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I'm a new rider and had my bike/licence for 5 weeks. After watching that video i went for quick 30 mins ride and after applying your recommendations i was riding like a completly different person. Head positioning changes everything. thanks again !!!
Thank you new rider just passed test and corners are the hardest you have given me a boost of confidence 😊
Hey man I can't thank you enough for this video. I've been riding for years but like to go back and review fundamentals every now and again. This will be extremely helpful for new riders. The riding community needs more tips like these to keep us all safe and confident in our abilities!
Well said! Reviewing and *practicing the fundamentals* is key to maintaining one's expertise. Guess what Baryshnikov started with in ballet class _every day?_ Plié in first position.
I've never taken a professional riding course but have heard a lot of things out there. This tutorial is so clear and makes so much sense. It's in line with what I've experienced on the road. Thanks so much for emphasizing these 2 critical points. I hope to see more of your training.
Too few riders invest in hands on racetraining - Its NOT cheap but it will make you SO much better its amazing.
I did California Superbikes years ago - I dunno who else is still going since Ron Hasslam packed up..... There may be others?
Stumbling on this video for the second time now. Half year ago because i was dead afraid of corners during lessons for my license. And now to ace them as deep as i can because they're so fun :D What experience and training can do with our minds. Thank you very much for this informative vid!
15 year rider and I found this very helpful. I was just never taught this, so inuited my own way and dialed it in. Experience and repetition of old habits isnt enough.
Very good video at illustrating simple but powerful cornering techniques. The split screen showing the braking hand on one side and the corner on the other is helpful.
Finally someone on the right side of the road
Really, really, *really* excellent information! I've been riding almost 25 years, roadraced at Sears Point in NorCal for 5 years with an expert class license, and I find your principles to be of value, even for an experienced rider like myself. It reminds me of a quote by the world-class tennis coach, Darren Cahill: "Be brilliant at the Basics." Well done!
Ive been riding for years and embarrassed to say ive never learned this properly until this video. Simple and straightforward! Thank you!!!
I just got my M1 and started riding on Monday. I am signed up for a course. I am shocked at how little I know when it comes to riding a bike. It can be terrifying. I have noticed that corners can be difficult. I was naturally breaking into corners but leaning into the turns or using your head to turn seemed scary. I stick mostly to back roads. I am trying to ride an hour a day to learn.
So thank you for this video. My neighbor was telling me the same thing but until I saw how you demonstrated it, I wasn't understanding.
Thank you so much for this. I haven't been riding in about 25yrs and this has been a great reminder, lesson and confidence boost. Explained and demonstrated expertly. Cheers
Takes great effort to make a technical video, so thanks. At 70, I still ride the BMW 1200 all the time and watch these videos to avoid falling into a "lazy habit"; i.e. not moving my head enough entering the curves. Small tips can offer a disproportional degree of safety. Cheers!
Cheers Larry I hope I'm still able to ride at 70! Thanks for the kind words and stay safy out there!
I've been riding on and off my entire life, but I'm just bringing trail braking into my skillset. You're video really is the best I've seen. Short, sweet and to the point. Great camera work!
I was taught by a police trainer, wide entry narrow exit, commonly called delayed apex. It gives you more vision around the corner and keeps you on your side of the road at the most critical moment accelerating out of the bend. Actually added 10kph to my cornering speed.
Excellent top tips right here! I’ve been riding motorcycles since 1985 and sometimes you need a gentle reminder of the “basics”. Only last weekend I wasn’t paying full attention and ran wide onto the grass and nearly binned it! You soon go back to tips like this after a reminder like this. Thank you and ride safe brother. 👍
Thank you so much for this video! You have really educated me on cornering. I have not been cornering properly, but now I’m going to implement this technique. My riding partner sent me this video. You two have probably save my life. Thank you.🙏🏽
Sup n-word?
Simon do you do private lessons thanks
Good explanation, Kelvin makes a good point on adding counter steering to the cornering technique which I think is great for leaning the bike into the corner.
I’ve learned so much from motorcycle courses & hundreds of videos I’ve watched on riding technique, but honestly this video has single-handedly made the biggest impact on my riding abilities. Thank u so much!!! 🙏
Im a fairly new rider, got in a wreck on my bike 3 weeks ago while taking a corner. Getting back on I was terrified of corners. I turned to the internet for tips. This. This was the only video I found of use. I feel so much more stable and confident on corners. Your tips really made riding fun for me again. Thank you!
Am very pleased with your content. Am scared of corners and running wide. Thank you from Kenya.
Thanks for that I’m just getting back in to riding after many years out, I’d forgotten a lot of what confidence I had years ago.
I know the frustration of not being good at cornering - being caught and passed by a well-ridden Harley while I was riding a sports-tourer many years ago, was the pits. So, I went for training. The two techniques that fixed my riding, are deliberate counter steering, and road positioning.
I believe that moving your head off the centreline, (or other techniques that move body weight) is actually causing you to counter steer more effectively. Moving your head to the right of centre, for example, will cause you to (unknowingly) apply a small amount of push on the right bar, and a slight pull on the left (if you’re holding both bars). That is exactly the counter steer inputs that you need to go round the right hand bend.
The other technique of positioning on the road, I noticed that you do it, but you didn’t mention it. By being over to the left for a right hand bend, and towards the centre (if safe to do so) for a left hand bend, gives more view of the road ahead, and more view gives more time to react.
But I don’t like all the braking unless it’s completed well before the entry to the corner. While braking, the bike doesn’t feel like it wants to turn, and if it doesn’t feel like it wants to turn, you feel like you’re going too fast and keep braking. Then you end up thinking you can’t make the corner and panic sets in. My bike (BMW R1200S) has good engine braking, so I like to be in 4th gear for most quick twisty roads. Roll off the throttle as I approach the bend, get positioned on the road, tip into the bend using positive counter steering and throttle, then start to roll on the throttle as I see the bend open up.
I can see your head positioning tip works, and why. I like your road positioning too, but the emphasis on braking makes me a little nervous in case the inexperienced rider falls into that trap of feeling like they can’t let go of the brake before tipping in. Cheers.
Yup this is the comment I was looking. Good road positioning before the turn to increase your limit point.... Having the correct speed gear, with good positive throttle all helps stability. Great comment. Great vid.
Let’s all take the time to thank this man for putting in the time to make this video AND making it so simple to understand. Maybe make more beginner/ intermediate stuff?
Coming back after a 30 year hiatus, bought an ADV bike and needed to get used to the top heavy bike and long travel suspension. I guess I never applied the head movement to such a degree or maybe never thought about it. This video unlocked my confidence and now the mind/bike connection is better than ever. THANKS!!
Something important and to be very aware of, when you brake you are giving up some traction, look it up and read about it, trail braking works, but you are giving up a bit of traction from your tires when braking.
Really enjoyed that vid.. I'm back to biking after 12 years off (and had a stroke). I'm nearly 57 and a lot, lot slower! Basics like turning of the head is so fundamental but I also needed to be reminded to do it. 💯
Camera work on this is brilliant.
Thanks very much. Subscribed👍
congrats for getting back on, hope you enjoy it just as much as you used to or more :)
I'm 57 after a years illness were I thought I would be housebound for the rest of my life I am now fit enough to work part-time. Must be 20 years since I been on a bike but just ordered a cb500f. Done well over a100 thousand miles on bikes but that was over 20 years ago exited and nervous at the thought of riding agen .
@@aidann7567 cheers Aidan.. I'd forgotten what a gift biking is.. So therapeutic! Loving it again and wonder how I managed without a bike🤔😬
@@garymcqueen6350 I went a bit flat out and bought a 2014 super duke R. It's mental of course but staggered at how technology has moved on (and the ktm is 8 years old now!) stuff like 3 ride modes to choose from.. ABS.. traction control and ride by wire throttle!
I was very nervous picking the bike up from the dealer. Much concentration needed to get it out of the car park without f**cking up😅
@@clivejones2944 it's great to get back on a bike my first few miles were a bit wobbly but then everything started to jel .done 1400 miles in the last 2 month with a 6 hour ride around the lake district . I have a bit to go to get my skill levels were they used to be .
Thank you for your video, it’s very helpful for beginners, but I would like to mention another point which is also very important when it comes to cornering, “counter steering”. I believe that you should add this technique to your video as well.
Keep up your good work and ride safe! 😉
Many thanks. I have always been plagued with infrequent and strangely random freezing in the entrance to corners between long spells of joyous cornering. I am returning to biking in my sixties after giving up at seventeen. I crashed twice in my youth and the freezing issue is still there! I will definitely take this advice to heart. Being relaxed is definitely conducive to joyous cornering. Get it right and it’s purest pleasure. Subscribed!
Used to ride the Mytchett bends on my old 78 Z1 until they put the speed cameras up, now on my Indian FTR which is way quicker and those techniques for braking are perfect, great video mate and well explained to all riders.
I’ve recently passed my test and bought a cb650r. I’ve ridden it three times so just got the tyres scrubbed in. That’ll probably be it until next year now but I’ll rewatch this when it’s time to go back out and I’ll practice these tips. Thank you
I came back to biking two years ago after 30 years away. Back in my youth, I knew nothing about cornering theory, but I managed to get around bends OK 😀 Nowadays, there is a ton of advice out there which is great, but I’m beginning to suffer a bit from "Paralysis by Analysis".
So while I enjoyed your video (and I’m now subscribed), I now have to deal with yet another thought in my head as I enter a corner!
It seems to me that for trail braking (which is what you describe) to be effective, the front brake needs to be properly loaded, and the only way to achieve this is to approach the corner fast. This is why it’s used by racers.
If I’m out for a pleasant, relaxed Sunday morning ride, it’s likely that all I will need on corners is to downshift and turn my head (with maybe a small body shift), simply using engine braking and riding smoothly through the bend.
So would it be fair to suggest that your message could be: "Cover your front brake, and if you need to use it coming up to a corner, don’t be afraid to keep some pressure on as you negotiate the corner”.
Thanks again for the video. One thing I would love to see is a demo of "lean-angle sensitive ABS” in action. Many bikes, mine included, have this but I have no idea how effective it is nor have I ever seen it in action. Cheers from Belfast
Me too hardly use brakes only to stop
Two very good tips, and both things that every motorcyclist should be doing in every corner.
One further thing though - some riders, like myself a couple of years ago, might actually be afraid of cornering. Fear of lean. I had it in spades, and I think it came from a couple of accidents that I had many years ago as a very inexperienced rider.
Getting over fear of lean is crucial - it certainly was for me.
I forget where I saw this advice, it was some youtube channel.
Find a clear space big enough to circle in second or, if that's still "jerky" on throttle, low revs in third gear. For my bike, I need about 20m diameter. Drive around it in a circle, both directions, slowly increasing your speed so that you overcome the fear of leaning the bike. Just go faster and faster (within reason) until you have a really good lean angle. If in doubt, place your phone next to the circle and video yourself - you may think you are leaning but on the video you can see that your lean angle is actually pathetic. So go faster until your lean angle looks respectable.
For me, over a period of about 9 months practicing around 3 to 4 times a month, I have completely overcome my fear of lean.
Now, your two tips are invaluable. That's how I corner.
But how do you know how much you can lean? I took a corner too fast once, the tires didn't have enough grip on the road, and the bike slid. I dropped it and broke my leg. So that was too much lean. It's great to say "just practice leaning more", but how do you know what's enough or too much?
@@andrewj22 There is no denying that biking is dangerous. Sure, spotting a problem in the middle of a corner is sometimes possible, and you can pick up the bike and square off the corner somewhat to hopefully counter the lack of grip, but it is always possible to encounter a situation where nothing can be done. However, for the majority of bikers, fear of lean is more dangerous than taking a corner properly.
Of course, going into corners at 80% or even better 70% of your own maximum speed is always a good idea - taking corners at 90% or 95% is significantly more risky and can land you in deep trouble if something goes wrong. Leave a margin for circumstances.
@@andrewj22 more speed => more lean needed = more risk of accident...so slow down until you feel confortable, staying on the outside and when the road begins to bend, then you lean and follow the whole trail braking, maintain speed etc.
@@cosminel1211 Then end up always riding way too slow around corners.
@@andrewj22 no, you can ride fast enough without too much leaning...you can also check some videos from Motojitsu channel and then try it yourself
Thanks for that, I’m a relatively new rider and get frustrated when I get it wrong in a corner, that’s really helped especially the braking until you see the exit of the bend! I definitely let go of the brake too early sometimes 🙂
Thank you so much. I really love riding but thought it wasn't meant for me because I felt like this. I'm 100% going to buy another bike and try again. ❤
This is video did not help me "in some small way." It helped me in a HUGE way! This changes everything for me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I can't wait to go out and practice this tomorrow.
Hey, Simon, great combo of real-time explanation, effective repetition and clear camera work! It adds the finishing touch to the advanced training and risk management courses I followed more than a decade ago. What I would like to see and hear: the WHAT IF … it’s raining … there’s gravel or sand on the road - yep, way into the bend when you’ve adjusted your speed before and are applying the front brake in the bend - besides saying Hail Marys for which you don’t have time anyway … 😮
No reply from Simon I wonder why. Oh yes its because in the USA you don't track race in wet weather conditions so that danger would not occur and the racetrack is swept of all gravel and dust as well. So what you are concerned about would not occur in the USA. Stay safe ride safe and be careful out there.
The fact that you can even convey the concept in words is beyond my compression. You are an excellent teacher.
Thanks for some great cornering tips Simon, been riding nearly 20 years and have always lacked confidence in corners which does take the pleasure of riding away somewhat, but thanks to your vid I'm going to apply those techniques to my cornering and I'm sure this is the missing piece of the jigsaw in my riding technique. Thankyou Simon.
Thank you brother I want to start learning how to ride a bike your videos will help me now
Great video we can always learn something new or be reminded of something we knew long ago but forget to incorporate into our everyday riding. Just want to add that counter steering is a big help in riding and is a great tool if you find yourself coming around a turn/corner and start drifting towards the oncoming lane. I am blessed to still be riding in my 60's, riding is in my DNA or it's an addiction I can't tell which, but I do feel sorry for young guys. You never got to ride in the 70's and 80's when people were better/ more courteous drivers, before cell phones when you would make a u turn and go back to the rider on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and offer to help/ give him a ride to the nearest town. Thats when waving to oncoming bikes really meant something, that wave said hey I am like you (on two wheels) I will help if you if you need help.
Excellent explanation, and a good lead in towards thinking of the other nuances of braking. It might be good to mention no sudden braking mid corner out of fear and always being aware of road surface etc.
Coming to this more than a year after you put up the vid. And boy am I happy to have found it. I got a mean case of the yips, after a couple decades of riding. And this is literally the first time I've been "told" what look where you want to go really means. Will definitely try to incorporate your two tips. Curves used to be my jam, but I find my self scared so much that I've avoided riding too much.
Thanks!
Excellent video Simon. I've only been riding a year and after passing my test I felt a bit nervous about corners, especially right hand ones. My instructor had not told me about moving my head out of the centre position on the bike to help with the turn nor about trail braking, but after watching some other videos, I saw both these tecniques and have used them ever since with great effect. Still cautious about corners and speed into them but much more confident and able to enjoy my riding. Thanks again for sumourising the two tecniques so well, especially with the split screen.
The bike WILL go wherever you are looking, for better or worse, was the best advice I've gotten so far. And it does work, for better as in through turns, and for worse as in oh geez is that the side of the road oh no it is and next thing you know you're OFF the side of the road because you fixated on it and followed your eyes and mind right off it.
Think of it as negative vs positive target fixation.
I can't believe the VALUE of UA-cam since I last rode 22 years ago. This is great stuff, and I've been riding for a week now. and it's all starting to come back slowly, but I'm ALWAYS down for lessons and advice and this is great advice. Over a million views in two years PROVES there are at least a MILLION riders with the same questions...
I started using the front brake on the curves and saw a big diference. I now corner better than before. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you for sharing, great advice 👍
By far the BEST explanation of trail breaking I have seen on UA-cam. Keep up the good work and can’t wait for the next post 👍🏻
I feel like I’m about to dump the bike in a lean but the bike is probably laughing at me asking me when I’m gonna learn to ride her.
Been 30 year break due to child raising, recently done the basic course class given my police motor unit, got license, been practicing the past 3 months, slow speed turns and basic brake work. My neighbor wants me to ride with him (Hes riding a cafe bike) but ive declined, im still in basic training. Im finding Slow with practice with riding gear is the key things for me. Thank you for the video.
I found this video really useful and noticed the two finger pull on the brakes, I’ve been doing a full hand grab .. eek.
I’ve returned to biking after a 30 year break and riding a modern machine was quite daunting at first. My friend has 30 years experience under her belt and a bike with 60% more power and gets frustrated with me being so slow. I ride my ride but I do want to be smoother, faster, and more confident in cornering, not for her but for me. My bike my ride. Thank you.
Hopefully you talked about eye placement. If you fixate on the shoulder, you’ll end up on the shoulder.
Great video. I have practiced this and already it’s made a big difference to me. I was looking where I wanted to go but sticking my head out with a bit of braking has made a massive difference. Many thanks!
Thanks, I'll try these out.
Tip no.3 = Get rid of the Battlax S20s and get some Michelin Road 5 tyres.
I will try Pirelli Diablo rosso IV. Seems pretty good too!
I see this comment the very same day as I've got new Battlax S21 on my motorcycle😅
Excellent video, and very well explained. I am very uncomfortable in corners! I returned to motorcycling after a 16 year break and thought I could just "get back into it" how wrong I was! I'm gonna try your tips I think this may just be the answer for me. I'm also enrolled onto the IAM Roadsmart advanced rider course, which has helped, a lot. These tips combined with road positioning can only result in smoother and safer cornering. Thanks
Love it. Just bought a bike. Haven't rode in 40 years. Found myself going wide on corners. This vid has really helped. Thanks.
The dual camera view of your brake lever and the road makes it so easy to understand.
Anyone who watches the inset camera video can see that you ARE actually moving your body as well as your head. You move your body a lot. You say move "just your head" while you move your whole upper body. I've been riding since 1972 and I don't ever do your Rule #1. I do exactly the opposite because it helps with stability. Another thing not to ever do is use the front brakes going into a turn, at least not for beginners. Turns often have loose gravel in them so braking here is seriously dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to only use front brakes when the bike is straight up(not leaning). Braking while leaned over is only for the experienced rider.
Excellent video, keep up the good work. Would be good to have an extension section incorporating counter steering to complete the picture for new riders.
To be quite honest, I started riding motorbikes age 17 after 6 years of cycling and went on to do 30 years as a despatch rider up and down Scotland and North of England and had never heard of 'counter steering ' until a few years ago when it seemed to become the buzz word. Just thinking back to my earliest cycling days and my dad didn't stand there saying that you have to push here and there to get around the corner. You just use your body and especially your head as was mentioned so that you're always looking deep into that corner and looking for the exit.
Also good technique with the 'slow in, fast out' through corners.
Great video mate, thanks for making this. I’m a reasonably new rider and felt a bit unsure of braking in corners, like others I was told never ever touch the brakes in a corner! Using the front only and trail braking as you describe is a game changer 👍 thanks again 👊🏻
I also feel many so-called instructors teach this with the carelessness of teaching you how to change your oil or replace the spark plugs in your drive way. They are not the same thing, overshooting a corner into incoming traffic will kill you. Period, violently, your family will have to identify you at the morgue through dental records because they will be nothing left of you. It is a BIG freaking deal, yet it's often taught too casually, like picking up the mail. Again, great job on this video!