Following the speed limit is also a good way to avoid crashing in turns. Most sharp turns have a posted speed limit which is safe for most vehicles to take into consideration. Ignoring the posted speed limits is unlawful and puts everyone at a higher risk.
“Ignoring the posted speed limits is unlawful and puts everyone at risk”. You need a dose of reality. Motorcyclist are habitual speeders. Due to the power to weight ratio compared to cars or trucks and their maneuverability make it so. Those posted corner speed limits are set for the lowest common denominator, like an 18 wheeler loaded with hay that is top heavy AF. If you need to slow to that 15mph limit to make the corner, you most likely need some seat time at a track to work on your cornering.
You DO, I hope, know that those yellow speed signs are speed suggestions designed primarily for trucks and high COG vehicles and inexperienced automotive drivers.
Thank you Kevin for what you do!! I was riding south out of Dallas on I-45 one Sunday morning had the highway nearly to myself. I set the cruise on 85 and kicked back. I was riding in the left side of the outside lane my brother was behind me in the right side of the same lane. I came up on a curve that was much sharper than the previous curves and did not setup appropriately and was staring at the white solid line and the shoulder approaching very quickly. I told myself to look deep into the curve, and very calmly touched the front brake ever so slightly. The cruise control disengaged, the front forks compressed slightly and a smooth push on the handle bar in the direction of the turn saved what could have been a bad day. I am a new rider, one year and 6,000 miles. The knowledge that I have gained from your channel greatly attributed the successful outcome of a curve that was going bad in a hurry!
Well I used to be terrified of corners until I started to stay on to the breaks to middle corner. There I was in full control and never run wide or enter the corner too fast.
1) Don't panic 2) Relax 3) Countersteer 4) Keep leaning bike over 5) Exit corner 6) Start breathing again ! 5) Take advanced training to improve your riding. If your pegs aren't touching the deck, you can still lean further over.
Remind yourself to not target fixate. I've had to literally remind myself before, as going into what I'm trying to avoid. Some people think quicker than others, and it's definitely a blessing.
Running wide is a problem sooner or later for riders. These are good solutions, but you can also slow more with brakes or closed throttle in the turn to tighten your line.
Kevin just wanted to say "thanks". Your video on why cars don't see bikers on rode helped me identify a car that turned left in front of me. I watched the driver make quick left and right head turns looking at traffic. I knew from your video's he was looking thru me for on coming cars, and out he came in front me. I was already braking as he came out, he saw me and "stopped" in my lane.
Subconsciously, drivers are looking for cars, not bikes. And yes...look through you.. Been riding for 50 years, sport bikes for 40. Seen this many times. Rule of thumb...never assume...never trust. Pay attention!
Thanks for the video and your dedication to rider safety! I'm sure you've saved many lives. Bless you! Been rider most all of my sixty years. I teach to whoever will listen. May I add one comment: Trust your tires! Today's tires are so great and are not likely to lose grip if you just trust them and be smooth. When I got my KZ900 in 1978, tires were horrible! The rubber was hard and lost grip very easily. Riding in the rain was dangerous at best. Today, on my SV1000S, I'll wheelie on wet roads before losing traction. Again, Thanks for the video. You are spot on with your advice! Keep up the good work and keep the rubber side down.
I *CORRECTLY* assume every car is unable to see, yet somehow still out to get me! Only time I do get noticed is in their mirror, when they glimpse a big white bike with a bunch of small lights and black trim. Looks like the Highway Patrol bikes Note! for California riders and visitors, CHP often wear a Green Hi-Viz jacket with white helmet, on a BMW! Looks like your average beemer/wing/touring bike, VERY SNEAKY!!
Back in the Neolithic my dad taught me how to drive a car and rule 3 was look down the road a mile or so you see what the other idiots are doing in time to do something about it.
wide corner story: Decided to practice trail breaking, like an idiot, I thought I could practice this on the street. I came into a left hand turn, was using trailbreaking, felt comfortable with my speed and thought it would be a good time to let go of the break, well I let go of the front break too early and the bike immediately speed up and I was heading into the apex of the corner a lot faster than I wanted and my instinct was to stand the bike straight up and break so I ended right off the road, luckily it was flat grassland, no guardrail or ditch and I was able to ride it out and get back on the rode. Lesson learned: take practice to a parking lot for trailbreaking and all techniques to build that muscle memory. Oh yeah, I did this with a brand new bike that I had for less than a week, I am very grateful to walk away without injury or damage to the bike. I was blessed to learn this lesson unharmed. Thank you God
Lean angle + Speed = Radius. If you need to tighten up a corner, increasing lean angle and or reducing speed is what needs to be done. You recommended a low side crash without ever mentioning a huge fundamental skill, Trailbraking! Trailbraking is an extremely viable option when running wide but MSF has everyone brainwashed that it's an advanced skill. It should be added to the BRC (Or whatever they call it now) and reinforced in the ARC. We'd have a lot less crashes if a stronger emphasis was put on proper braking in all situations...
One thing he didn't mention (which is my mantra) "The Clutch is Your Friend!" If I find myself going into a turn too fast I pull in the clutch, then delay entry, look further, and lean harder. Pulling in the clutch allows the bike to slow while staying off the brake helping to eliminate sudden changes in traction. Once safely through the turn, with low rpms for the gear you're in, gently feather the clutch out. This is where changes in traction can happen so it's better to be geared high than low. At least now you should be upright.
The countersteering tip and lowsiding at worst is a Gem no other video has given me so far. Ideally not cornering too soon or too fast, trail braking and looking ahead will stop me running wide (again...) , but the more tools and understanding the better. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for for the information you provide, it inspired me to get back into riding at 76 years old. I was a self taught rider sense I was 15 and never really thought about what I was doing, just riding naturally, two years ago I sold my Harley because I wasn't comfortable with such a heavy bike. After watching your and other videos I really wanted to get back into riding. I did a lot of research on various bikes and decided on the Honda Rebel 500. It turned out to be the perfect bike for me, at 400 pounds and plenty of power for an old man like me on the street. I've already put 600 miles on it in crappie spring weather and absolutely love this bike. After riding for more than 60 years I had never heard the idea of countersteering and looking where you want to go. These two ideas alone, along with a 400 pound bike have put the joy of riding back in my life. I never actually knew that I had complete control of the lean of the bike With the simple push of the handlebar. With this knowledge the only way I'll go down in a curve is on the low side. Thank you for your valuable lessons,they have made me a better and more comfortable rider.
It's funny, i can be going confidently through a corner, but realize i'm not "looking further" or for the exit of the corner, and adjust my vision mid corner and it's like a light bulb going off in my head bringing absolute clarity to the situation. It makes it absolutely clear, how important it is to keep your head and eyes looking way ahead and how that helps to remove anxiety in the curves.
I came offrideing too wide going into a corner was tired and lost concentration fir a second was lucky a d hVeint ever done it since I constantly look for a patch on road through the corner and alwys end up right there beeing alert and keep off the break and going into the corner go to center line as u enter the corner and power urr way throught the corner looking ahead at where you want to be as u straighten up
Kevin, One thing I learned from my brother, which someone else commented on below, is to lean in to the curve which helps the bike straighten up a little and give you more clearance before dragging metal. You can practice this on any decent curve. Lean in to the curve and feel the bike straighten up. That's why you see racers dragging a knee in the corners. The counter weight straightens up the bike. If you lean to the outside of a curve, which feels more natural, you're pushing the bike farther over increasing the chance of dragging metal. I know you know this but thought it was worth mentioning.
I haven't started riding motorcycles (yet) but even on a bicycle this is true; it's something I've figured out and it makes turning at 20+mph on a road bicycle a lot less daunting as you can feel the bike under you better.
I ran wide in a right hand corner a couple years ago near Downieville California. It scared the hell out of me and I’m so lucky that nobody was coming the opposite direction in that lane because I wouldn’t be here to tell you about it. I appreciate everything you do Kevin to make me a better rider.
I ran wide on my first bike, a 400four SuperSport and when my rear tire hit the center double striping it lost it grip and swerved me into the oncoming lane. I was so lucky there was not a car coming at that moment before I regained control and got back in my lane. I was 25 back then and am now 66. a lot of lessons learned since on the 6 bikes owned. No car till my wife passed away 2009.Still commute 300 a week on a beautiful windy mountain Highway here in Santa Cruz, CA. on my ST1300, rain or shine.
@@izzysykopth I Cafe'd it out, K & N air filters, smaller sprocket gear coming out of the transmission for quicker starts. different rear shock (forget who's) and a few smaller things. I weigh 210 and that bike would do a big wheelie, front tire over your head kind. It took residential corners at 40. and in all the years, it never failed to start on the first kick no matter how cold. I did All the maintenance. A simple bike. I put 120,000 on it.
Thanks for another great video Kevin. I put your technique to good use last week when I entered a left hand sweeper a little hot with a nasty off camber at the apex. Your words of advice “you can safely lean your bike over far more than you think” were on my mind as I pressed harder on that inside bar and felt my left foot peg touch down, drag and gently fold. My big old BMW K1600 GT maintained its poise, stability and composure through the entire corner. It was indeed far more capable than I could’ve imagined. We as riders today are truly fortunate to benefit from the amazing frame, braking and suspension technology at our disposal. As well we have the benefit of excellent youtube channels such as yours...thank you for your sage words and all the work you do to help keep our riding experiences enjoyable, fun and above all as safe as possible!
Having a strong grasp of counter steering is so important. I’m new to riding, but I practice it every day. I’ve been finding more and more challenging corners and hitting them more aggressively as my skill level rises. I’ve suprised myself a few times with how well I’ve taken some pretty challenging corners. It has allowed me to be able to focus more on potential dangers instead of focusing on just making the turn.
Radius equals mph! Dont let the brakes go when you tip into the corner and continnue slowing down until you are happy with your speed an direction! In other words trailbrake!
Or... Hear me out... Just go to the brakes, smoothy. As our speed decreases, so does our radius. Lean angle is finite and that limit is reached quickly on some bikes. Looking further through a corner is irrelevant if the corner is blind. Entering later is silly if you're already in the corner.
I'm 100% with you on this. I can't believe that Kevin didn't mention this. He did mention delaying corner entry, but guess what, that gives you more time for braking! Then, if you still go to fast at corner entry, just continue to brake (front brake only, for the rear just use engine braking). So many riders (because they've been taught that) go on the throttle in the corner even when they know their speed is already too high. But speeding up when the speed is already too high, that's just bananas. If the speed is too high, don't use the throttle, instead, stay on the brake. This is just common sense, and Kevin should have mentioned it.
I use the push/pull on the bars but you are the first person I have come across to mention it. But you failed to mention how during one of these 'OH S....' cornering moments your back side pucker power helps keep you stuck to the seat!
Those comments match up to the instructions I was given, almost to the letter, on my cornering clinic at the track. And while the track is grippier than the road, and without trees or guard rails it is a great place to develop confidence in your bike and your riding ability.
A simple trick that has helped me a ton: if the reason you are running wide is you just aren’t comfortable leaning the bike in corners and are sort of “frozen” (like I was when learning to ride my first street bike), if you consciously BEND YOUR ELBOW (the one on the inside of the turn) it’s amazing how much more fluid and comfortable turn turns will be. Then you can use the push-pull method to adjust your position in the curve.
Yes, words of wisdom bro! I remember years ago going into a curve too hot, just kept pushing harder while looking through the curve. Made a hell of a racket as I dragged my exhaust through the corner but I made it!
Rarely do you hear of the push pull. Used that a long time ago on dirtbikes and ATCs long before I ever got a street bike, but I carried it into street riding.
You sir may have just saved my life. I'm a new rider and I decided to take your advice and practice slow turns in a parking lot. After about 20 minutes trying to work in the friction zone my back brakes completely stopped working. I pumped the brakes a couple times and they came back 100%, then after about 10 minutes they went out again, like zero percent rear brakes. I pumped them a couple times and they came back. I'm thinking that the rear brake fluid may not have been replaced in a long time so that's the first thing I'm going to change. But can you imagine what would have happened if I were on the highway and my back brakes went out? Going 10 MPH in the parking lot may have saved my life. I'm going to change the rear brake fluid and head back to the parking lot to see if that fixes the problem, if not I'll bring the bike in for repair. CRAZY! I found a flaw in Harley Davidson motorcycles where if you don't replace the fluid every 2 years your brakes can completely go out, I'm thinking that's what is happening. This is a new bike to me and I've only had it out about a half dozen times so far.
Went into a 90 curve to fast on a R6 that was new to me,scrubbed as much speed as I could before the I started to lean. Once leaned over i started too apply a little more front brake to scrub more speed and the bike started to stand straight up. Let off the brake and pressed on the handle bar and leaning harder thinking I was going to low side into trees just 10 feet of the road. To my surprise I made it through the corner. I was used to riding a cruiser with a single disc in the front that I could apply front brake without affecting my lean. Learned to love the braking ability of sport bikes! Different techniques for different types of bikes. Thanks Kevin for another great video!
Wow! When i took the MSF course, "push the grip to the side you want to turn" had me all kinda clunky in the turns. I figured out on day one, that pulling on the high or outside grip provided me a much smoother and controlled turn. I have been riding that way ever since. The idea to push the inside bar, never really set in for me. It really surprised me when you brought it up @7:15 Thank you for that! Dragging hard parts in a curve: Riding my Ultra the with my wife on the back. I got into a S turn that was quite a bit tighter than i had anticipated! Scrubbed each floorboard though that one! Telling myself: "That's the Max Lean Limit, Stay loose, Stay with it, ride it out." Those words rattling through my mind. All the while hearing my wife yelling: "SLOW DOWN!" and that sound of sparks under foot! It was a solid 30-45 second scrub on each side. OK! The remainder of the ride was much less "spirited." I think it was low speed, tight turns in the parking lot, that taught me when the hard parts are scrubbing, lean no more! Just ride through the turn. You will end up on the far outside but, that sure beats road-rash and new tins! I refuse to crash, to prevent a crash! Do whatever it takes to minimize the damage! To both skin and tin!
Great professional advice. Going wide is one of my most dangerous manoeuvres I am working hard on to avoid when entering a corner. After not riding a motorcycle for over 35 years and now owning 2 motorcycles a sports cruiser and a sports bike. The first time I decided not to wear full protective gear I dropped my sports cruiser a heavy motorcycle, all top heavy. I came to a sudden stop on a hill entering a very busy road and because I had the full sun in my eyes I couldn't see if my front wheel was sticking out too far on the road and instantly graded the front brake hard. No injuries or damage to the bike but quite embarrassing.
was riding with the wife this weekend, new Elite 4s on my 88 GL1500, I let a corner sneak up on me, on a road I didn't know, having a about 10-15 hours on the tires now I had the confidence to leave the throttle hoping it wasn't too fast and I pushed harder and thankfully the bike did what it does and did as I politely asked, thank you for your teachings !!
Back in 2018 did the “high side” thing after a near head on collision with a car, can tell you’ns flying through the air & landing in the street hurts. Keep up the good work & God bless
Great video. I've made the mistake of coming into a corner to hot more times then I care to admit and am getting better at not doing so with age and experience. The points you made at the end of the video are what saved my @$$. Realizing it's much better to low side then high side greatly reduced my fear of leaning and using push (pull) harder has done the job along with bike and tires doing much more then I thought they could. Looking further through the corner helps a lot too. All 100% great teaching.
I take this opportunity to thank you for the teaching you offer through your videos. Even though I have more than 30 years of motorcycle experience, last week I entered a corner very fast and the first thing that came to mind was this video. Apply the technique that you teach and fortunately I was able to avoid a fall or serious accident. Thank you once again for your input. You do a great job.
Understanding that all situations are different and decisions need to be made in split seconds. On a low side crash are your odds better to try and hang on to the bike and slide with it, or to let go? Thank you for all the work that goes into these videos, it's greatly appreciated.
I have to give you a big thank-you I started riding a few years ago and all your videos taught me everything I need to know and I still watch them to this day once again thank you and if anybody's out there you watch this you will learn a lot I did and God bless you
Kevin you have the enthusiasm of dry, unbuttered toast. However, your instruction is direct and phenomenal in direction of MC operation. Thank you for posting no nonsense information that undoubtedly saves life’s and cushions injury. You rock and have helped me mitigated and control the blind curvy hills of Pittsburgh. High five!
Man, you are just a never-ending it appears, font of knowledge Kevin ! Great advice, I know on the occasions I scare myself a corner is nearly always in the equation. Thank you.🙏
Pulling as well as pushing was I think a carry over from my early dirt bike experience . NEVER have heard any instructor talk about it before. Great tips --
Great advice. Thank you. I had the 3rd experience. Thank God all turned out ok. Shaken up but alive. After over 18 years of riding experience, mostly on sports bikes. I always heard people speaking of when it happens. My M109R cruiser was already touching the left peg on pavement when I approached the turn. I wonder if the 2” lowering kit was a factor. Speed was, I’ve learn a valuable lesson. God speaks in mysterious ways sometimes, if we’re willing to listen and learn from our mistakes.
You saved me Kevin.... This happened to me early in my ride-learning. For some reason, my son (my trainer for a lack of better description) jumped in front on one of our rides. I think he wanted to get thru the twisties faster than what I was l learning at. I realized I was way too fast. I just trusted everything. I looked for oncoming traffic very quickly, and then just watched the curve with a ton more focus. The sounds the bike made dragging was unnerving. I was on my '98 883. I haveva Stage II '08 lowrider now and I have earned one thing noone seems to mention... learn the road and find the fastest fun pace. I never jump on roads I dont know and just hit it. The speed limit is really designed to actually keep us from killing others and then hopefully not ourselves. But I do like twisties and I like to lean, but there is that fine line I try not to get too close to just to impress my friends. Its more impressive to actually live and be a friend, Lol!!
Been riding for about 4 months but counter steering and trail braking were a few of the first things I began watching and learning about on UA-cam and it is key. I've practiced it frequently and can attest to how important it is to utilize in the heavy Twisties. 2x on the tail of the dragon and I've felt very confident in my skill. However I know I have many more years to go and much more to learn. Peace and stay safe all your riders.
Kevin - never posted here before despite watching many of your videos. Absolutely fantastic comments, and about as concise and straighforward as you can make it. I'll wager you saved some newbie (and maybe some "experienced") rider's life with this one. I've drilled this into my son's head "what do you do if you mess up and enter a corner too fast? Lean more, then lean even more! How? Countersteer! Let's practice." We've also drilled on looking farther ahead, and I went with him to intermediate training where we drilled on this (and I drilled on it to as I was poor at doing it consistently). Your addition of delayed entry and explanation of the best choices when in a bad situation (lowside vs others), is excellent also. Thank you!
While counterintuitive, delaying entry into the corner to deal with excess speed is game changing. It makes perfectly good sense once you explained it and showed the diagram. I have been watching your channel for years and this is undoubtedly the most important thing that I have learned here. Thank you for sharing Kevin.
I love your channel and I pay attention to what you are sharing with everybody it's very important. I did not start writing until 2007 I was 47 years old but there's one thing I have that most riders don't have is road experience. For about 10 years I work with CVS pharmacy that had a free roadside service that I was on the road constantly and learn a lot of things about traffic. You could say I was road smart before I started riding a motorcycle. I almost have like you would call a 6 since how people drive on the interstate and it paid off so many times. And one video you say never assume you're right away that is so true I have tried to avoid scenarios but always keep in the back of my mind what if and that is the biggest concern every time you're on the road. Yes I've had my share of close calls but that split second difference will kill you or you will survive. I have seen a lot of mistakes of riders on the highway. Thank you for your videos I watch them almost every day keep up the good work
Yup, I did a fast-1 track day here a number of years ago and it definitely improved my street riding ability from what I learned in that intensive day of classroom and on track training
Hi, MCRider, I just recently bought a bigger bike. I went from a 1200sporster to a heritage. It’s a little heavier and a little more awkward than I’m used to. I’m really trying to practice! I took a required class for my license and recently been watching a LOT of safety videos. Turns ( right especially) and corners are weaknesses. I practice and have been forced to slow down! Thank you for your videos, they are informative!!
"Pressing harder" (counter-steering hard) and trail braking saved my butt one time when I took and declining curve way too fast. Trusted my training and I'm still here to talk about it.
Yeah. 25 years riding and just low sided my 2 month old CVO RG. Came in too hot. Leaned in further like I’ve practiced but the first part to touch was my Ciro 3D highway peg mounts. Now warning. Didn’t even scrape my feeler pegs. I’m ok because it was a low side but my bike is not. Live and learn. Thanks for your ongoing advice.
Hi Kevin, Great info like always! Thanks! I tell my students to lean your body in the corner by bending your inside elbow. If that is not enough I say "Kiss the mirror." and dropping your upperbody further down and into the corner. At the same time keep your throttle on just enough to maintain your speed.
Great Video! Everyone talks about setting up for a turn, but no one talks about what to do if you've already screwed up! Yes it will be your fault. I was riding on a curvy two lane road. Stuck behind a motor home that is blocking my view of the road. No place to pass, until I saw a sign "Passing Lane Ahead" I was ready! As soon as the passing lane opened up, I kicked it down and accelerated. But the passing lane was VERY, VERY short so I kept accelerating to get past the motor-home, but then immediately after the passing lane there was a 90 degree turn. I was going way to fast by this time to set up properly. I did exactly as you suggested and delayed entering the turn as long as possible, braking hard while the bike was still straight up. I think that is what helped the most, then lean and look through the turn as you say. I scraped the floorboards quit a bit but made it through!
Thank you. Agree with everything u said. I had my first motorcycle crash just 3 months after getting a bike. Two most important things I learn after that: Get used to using the front brake; and counter steering.
Thank you for your channel ! I've been watching for a few years and today rewatching some videos to see if I may have missed something or what I could have done to prevent a recent injury. 3 days ago while riding my HD streetglide with a group of riders on moderate curves and hills my foot momentarily got pinned during a sliding lean resulting in a fibula fracture and severe sprain as far as I know at this point. I was following one rider traveling downhill towards a right hand curve that included a small hill. The asphalt was lumpy throughout the ride and at the top of that hill was a patch of tarry residue. I had been engine braking towards the corner and it tightened up faster than I expected so was entering it a little hot. The rider in front of me cleared it ok I did not touch the brakes but my rear tire slid as I was counter steering somewhat aggressively. When the bike slid somehow my right foot either slipped off the floorboard and went and under the bike or maybe I reflexively tried to put my foot down to stop the bike from tipping into a crash. The rear tire regained traction right after that happened as I was looking where I wanted to go and maintained the countersteering technique. My ankle was still extended out and was flopping and couldn't put it back on the floorboard due to pain etc but I was able to downshift, fr brake and stop safely a short distance away. Luckily I did not crash, was riding with a group that provided me with help and my wife sitting behind me was not injured. I'm still not sure which factor played the dominant role in the event . I consider myself lucky overall that it wasn't worse than it is but it looks like I'll be dealing with recovery of this ankle of the next few months now.
Looking further and countersteering saved my skin on Thursday! It involved a car coming out of a parking lot without stopping as I was going around a corner at about 35mph. I couldn't see them coming, as they had been behind a line of box trucks. Thankfully they stopped as I grazed past their bumper. 6" and it would have been bad! I was avoiding with all I had. Too late to try and stop. Btw, this was on my TW200....lol Thanks Kevin!
Kevin, thank you for all of your content. It is very helpful, especially for newer riders like me. I have filtered through many different channels and have settled on yours and a couple others. You are one of the best out there. Thank you for keeping us safe onnthe road!
I have found most corners are no problem for a motorcycle if you are at the posted speed limit or below. Kevin, is absolutely correct with his cornering tips. Always practice good cornering techniques as he has described., so they become second nature. I also have trained myself to use trail braking which increase the font wheel traction by preloading the front suspension prior the corner. Excessive speed is most generally the cause of cornering crashes. Slow down, enjoy the ride and live to ride another day.
Excellent tips for reducing the severity of a crash. A day at the track as you suggest teaches riders plenty! I also wouldn’t hesitate to do some trail braking as needed. Practice at the track not on the streets. When those panic encounters happen on the street, because practice has been done at the track at least a game plan will somewhat be second nature and could save a life. Thanks for helping riders be safer!
Thanks Kevin. You are very helpful. I haven't ridden enough, so. I still have fears. I'm older and have a big bike. Need practice. Thanks for the tips.
My best way to avoid feeling panicked when it dawns on me that I need to suddenly tighten my turning radius, is to FORCE myself to LOOK where I want to go. Fixation on a hazard is a sure formula for a disaster. Strangely, I picked up this practice while riding hotblood horses in steeple chase races a lifetime ago. If you look at the barrier, the horse will see where you're looking and not jump over it, if you stare at something that might scare the horse, it will scare him. Horses or bikes (or cars for that matter), look where you want to go and DO NOT BECOME FIXATED.
Im not sure if the best technique as im new to riding. however, what i generally have learned over the last 9 months of everyday riding here in the twisties of the blue ridge mountains is to delay as stated in the video, keep bike striaght up, double check for road debris, brake accordingly while upright. A bike can change speeds so quickly i find i almost always am able to reign in the speed. Then counter steer and usually need to reapply some throttle. Another helpful trick is in tight twisties keep your gear lower by 1 so you have a good bit of engine breaking. I usually rev-match and downshift before most steep turns. By doing this, i seem to always remain within the double yellows on even the most twisty and steep and honstely crazy turns. Some of the roads around here will really put a challenge to anyone at any speed. But this technique seems to keep me safe, in control, and able to make turns safely no matter how steep. Only time i had an issue and why i add the double check for debris, is cause there is a snakelike road i like to practice on. Its turn after turn after turn for about 35 miles. Makes the tail of the dragon seem like a couple turns shy of a challenge. Anyhow, on one of the turns its a steep dropping progressively steep turn and its almost a full switchback but not quite. Anyhow, did all above but didnt realize that there was gravel washed out from driveways due to heavy rain the previous day. Started braking, bike just splashed instantly. Luckilly i was fully geared and my bike is nigh on indestructible so neither got more than shook up. But yea, ive learned to be very careful to gravel check now in anything resembling a curve/turn. Kinda freaked me out how quickly i went down. Front locked and splash.
A tip from my personal experience: Never cast the motorbike to a corner. Keep it engaged to the transmission in the friction zone, that way the motorbike would be under better control along the bend.
Good morning Papp Motorcycle and crew! This video hits pretty dam close to home for me. I was driving a twisty road for the first time about 2months ago. My current ride, and first bike, is a 2000 1200cc Sporster with forward controls. I came in to fast on a very sharp right hander. Luckily I had started practicing trail braking very early on in my riding and had just that little bit of brake pressure still on the front brake I stopped releasing, leaned my body over till my head was over my right hand mirror, and leaned that bike over waaaaay farther than I had ever dared before with my counter steer. I was scared to death, feeling my boot skitter along the concrete praying that my legs didn’t hit... and the extra lean, plus the trail braking made sure my undies were the only thing destroyed when I came out of the corner. 😂 Don’t get me wrong. I’m a new rider. My bike was purchased in feb 2020. And I have really only put about 3000miles on her since. If I could boil down the one thing that I have learned that is outside of the training and skill that we all should be practicing is this. COMMIT COMMIT COMMIT. you can have all the skill in the world, but if you don’t COMMIT to that corner, that evasive swerve, that “emergency lean over” it won’t work. Yes. Skill will make it easier. But from that experience I recounted above, I still had to make the decision “no, I’m not going to crash today” and most of the time... if it’s possible for you to not crash.. you won’t! Amazing video Kevin. Thanks!
AsI was studying for my cdl while in high school drivers ed, I had to get used to a semi turning wide and a car does it in less room, though I did not want to ingrain the sharper turns of cars into the skills I would need in the future semi trucks I would soon drive, I turned my car using ALL OF its room to go through turns. It helped a lot. On my final evaluation papers I took to the DMV my instructor wrote this conclusion on my papers…”Nice boy, but still makes wide turns.”😂 Now I noticed learning on a motorcycle I need to get used to its sharper turning ability, like for U-turns. Well, never stop learning.
If you come in too hot, remember to tell yourself, trust the bike, and lean harder, get off any target that isn't the exit of the curve. If you're brain is quick enough, you will make it.
Thanks Kevin. I would add that one should know whether the pegs or floorboards on their bike bend up or not. If they do this can act as a warning to the rider before the bike loses wheel grip.
Thanks for the good info. I think an additional possible approach is to adjust body position by leaning a bit more to the inside. This is easier to learn & perform by less experienced riders than increasing the bike's lean angle.
When I took my motorcycle Instructor Program, only field test I failed, was NOT LOOKING far enough through corner! I'm been aware of addressing not looking through corners far enough ever since!
Totally agree to u .. this happened to me .. I entered a corner at an ok speed but the corner turned sharper then I expected .. my reflex was I leaned my bike even more than I normally did and I have an off road style of cornering so my body was leaning the other direction.. luckily I made it through that corner but to tell u the truth I had my heart in my mouth!! And I knew I messed up.... about using the off road style .. here in india there gravel, uneven roads, bad pot holes every where so mid corner I m able to go through a rough patch as well .. so thank u for that great video.. hope we meet some day
Following the speed limit is also a good way to avoid crashing in turns. Most sharp turns have a posted speed limit which is safe for most vehicles to take into consideration. Ignoring the posted speed limits is unlawful and puts everyone at a higher risk.
Spot on!
The yellow speed limit sign alway gives me an idea of how tight the turn is. Riding is fun, Tickets are not!
“Ignoring the posted speed limits is unlawful and puts everyone at risk”. You need a dose of reality. Motorcyclist are habitual speeders. Due to the power to weight ratio compared to cars or trucks and their maneuverability make it so. Those posted corner speed limits are set for the lowest common denominator, like an 18 wheeler loaded with hay that is top heavy AF. If you need to slow to that 15mph limit to make the corner, you most likely need some seat time at a track to work on your cornering.
Very true. Where i live SE Ohio Autos love to shove you through corners by riding up on you . Happens every time i ride
You DO, I hope, know that those yellow speed signs are speed suggestions designed primarily for trucks and high COG vehicles and inexperienced automotive drivers.
Thank you Kevin for what you do!! I was riding south out of Dallas on I-45 one Sunday morning had the highway nearly to myself. I set the cruise on 85 and kicked back. I was riding in the left side of the outside lane my brother was behind me in the right side of the same lane. I came up on a curve that was much sharper than the previous curves and did not setup appropriately and was staring at the white solid line and the shoulder approaching very quickly. I told myself to look deep into the curve, and very calmly touched the front brake ever so slightly. The cruise control disengaged, the front forks compressed slightly and a smooth push on the handle bar in the direction of the turn saved what could have been a bad day. I am a new rider, one year and 6,000 miles. The knowledge that I have gained from your channel greatly attributed the successful outcome of a curve that was going bad in a hurry!
Don't go 85 mph in a curve on cruse or off cruse unless possibly with a drag bike
Well I used to be terrified of corners until I started to stay on to the breaks to middle corner. There I was in full control and never run wide or enter the corner too fast.
1) Don't panic
2) Relax
3) Countersteer
4) Keep leaning bike over
5) Exit corner
6) Start breathing again !
5) Take advanced training to improve your riding.
If your pegs aren't touching the deck, you can still lean further over.
@You are correct But Or you're cleaning underneath the bike.
When I first started I noticed myself paying attention to the speed and not the turn when I panicked, stay focused, relax and just like you said above
@@nemosis100 I actually do that now. Just started riding like 2 weeks ago.
Remind yourself to not target fixate. I've had to literally remind myself before, as going into what I'm trying to avoid. Some people think quicker than others, and it's definitely a blessing.
@You are correct But yep, trust the bike, and get into it. Hopefully you have good tires, and all is well
Running wide is a problem sooner or later for riders. These are good solutions, but you can also slow more with brakes or closed throttle in the turn to tighten your line.
Kevin just wanted to say "thanks". Your video on why cars don't see bikers on rode helped me identify a car that turned left in front of me. I watched the driver make quick left and right head turns looking at traffic. I knew from your video's he was looking thru me for on coming cars, and out he came in front me. I was already braking as he came out, he saw me and "stopped" in my lane.
Subconsciously, drivers are looking for cars, not bikes. And yes...look through you.. Been riding for 50 years, sport bikes for 40. Seen this many times. Rule of thumb...never assume...never trust. Pay attention!
Thanks for the video and your dedication to rider safety! I'm sure you've saved many lives. Bless you! Been rider most all of my sixty years. I teach to whoever will listen.
May I add one comment: Trust your tires! Today's tires are so great and are not likely to lose grip if you just trust them and be smooth.
When I got my KZ900 in 1978, tires were horrible! The rubber was hard and lost grip very easily. Riding in the rain was dangerous at best. Today, on my SV1000S, I'll wheelie on wet roads before losing traction.
Again, Thanks for the video. You are spot on with your advice! Keep up the good work and keep the rubber side down.
I *CORRECTLY* assume every car is unable to see, yet somehow still out to get me!
Only time I do get noticed is in their mirror, when they glimpse a big white bike with a bunch of small lights and black trim.
Looks like the Highway Patrol bikes
Note! for California riders and visitors, CHP often wear a Green Hi-Viz jacket with white helmet, on a BMW!
Looks like your average beemer/wing/touring bike, VERY SNEAKY!!
I'm going to use the 2 small lights on the forks to give more visibility.
Back in the Neolithic my dad taught me how to drive a car and rule 3 was look down the road a mile or so you see what the other idiots are doing in time to do something about it.
When i learned to drive ( a lot of cars had stick shift than). The logo was " Look out for the other guy"
wide corner story: Decided to practice trail breaking, like an idiot, I thought I could practice this on the street. I came into a left hand turn, was using trailbreaking, felt comfortable with my speed and thought it would be a good time to let go of the break, well I let go of the front break too early and the bike immediately speed up and I was heading into the apex of the corner a lot faster than I wanted and my instinct was to stand the bike straight up and break so I ended right off the road, luckily it was flat grassland, no guardrail or ditch and I was able to ride it out and get back on the rode. Lesson learned: take practice to a parking lot for trailbreaking and all techniques to build that muscle memory. Oh yeah, I did this with a brand new bike that I had for less than a week, I am very grateful to walk away without injury or damage to the bike. I was blessed to learn this lesson unharmed. Thank you God
Lean angle + Speed = Radius. If you need to tighten up a corner, increasing lean angle and or reducing speed is what needs to be done. You recommended a low side crash without ever mentioning a huge fundamental skill, Trailbraking! Trailbraking is an extremely viable option when running wide but MSF has everyone brainwashed that it's an advanced skill. It should be added to the BRC (Or whatever they call it now) and reinforced in the ARC. We'd have a lot less crashes if a stronger emphasis was put on proper braking in all situations...
One thing he didn't mention (which is my mantra) "The Clutch is Your Friend!" If I find myself going into a turn too fast I pull in the clutch, then delay entry, look further, and lean harder. Pulling in the clutch allows the bike to slow while staying off the brake helping to eliminate sudden changes in traction.
Once safely through the turn, with low rpms for the gear you're in, gently feather the clutch out. This is where changes in traction can happen so it's better to be geared high than low. At least now you should be upright.
The countersteering tip and lowsiding at worst is a Gem no other video has given me so far. Ideally not cornering too soon or too fast, trail braking and looking ahead will stop me running wide (again...) , but the more tools and understanding the better. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for for the information you provide, it inspired me to get back into riding at 76 years old. I was a self taught rider sense I was 15 and never really thought about what I was doing, just riding naturally, two years ago I sold my Harley because I wasn't comfortable with such a heavy bike. After watching your and other videos I really wanted to get back into riding. I did a lot of research on various bikes and decided on the Honda Rebel 500. It turned out to be the perfect bike for me, at 400 pounds and plenty of power for an old man like me on the street. I've already put 600 miles on it in crappie spring weather and absolutely love this bike. After riding for more than 60 years I had never heard the idea of countersteering and looking where you want to go. These two ideas alone, along with a 400 pound bike have put the joy of riding back in my life. I never actually knew that I had complete control of the lean of the bike
With the simple push of the handlebar. With this knowledge the only way I'll go down in a curve is on the low side. Thank you for your valuable lessons,they have made me a better and more comfortable rider.
It's funny, i can be going confidently through a corner, but realize i'm not "looking further" or for the exit of the corner, and adjust my vision mid corner and it's like a light bulb going off in my head bringing absolute clarity to the situation. It makes it absolutely clear, how important it is to keep your head and eyes looking way ahead and how that helps to remove anxiety in the curves.
I came offrideing too wide going into a corner was tired and lost concentration fir a second was lucky a d hVeint ever done it since
I constantly look for a patch on road through the corner and alwys end up right there beeing alert and keep off the break and going into the corner go to center line as u enter the corner and power urr way throught the corner looking ahead at where you want to be as u straighten up
Kevin, One thing I learned from my brother, which someone else commented on below, is to lean in to the curve which helps the bike straighten up a little and give you more clearance before dragging metal. You can practice this on any decent curve. Lean in to the curve and feel the bike straighten up. That's why you see racers dragging a knee in the corners. The counter weight straightens up the bike. If you lean to the outside of a curve, which feels more natural, you're pushing the bike farther over increasing the chance of dragging metal. I know you know this but thought it was worth mentioning.
I haven't started riding motorcycles (yet) but even on a bicycle this is true; it's something I've figured out and it makes turning at 20+mph on a road bicycle a lot less daunting as you can feel the bike under you better.
When you say lean into the curve are you referring to sliding over on the seat so the bike doesn't lean as much?
I ran wide in a right hand corner a couple years ago near Downieville California. It scared the hell out of me and I’m so lucky that nobody was coming the opposite direction in that lane because I wouldn’t be here to tell you about it. I appreciate everything you do Kevin to make me a better rider.
I ran wide on my first bike, a 400four SuperSport and when my rear tire hit the center double striping it lost it grip and swerved me into the oncoming lane. I was so lucky there was not a car coming at that moment before I regained control and got back in my lane. I was 25 back then and am now 66. a lot of lessons learned since on the 6 bikes owned. No car till my wife passed away 2009.Still commute 300 a week on a beautiful windy mountain Highway here in Santa Cruz, CA. on my ST1300, rain or shine.
Yeah happened to me once too. Ride safe
@@MatthewPettyST1300 love the 400 Four Honda might bring it back in the form of a CBR RR...
@@izzysykopth I Cafe'd it out, K & N air filters, smaller sprocket gear coming out of the transmission for quicker starts. different rear shock (forget who's) and a few smaller things. I weigh 210 and that bike would do a big wheelie, front tire over your head kind. It took residential corners at 40. and in all the years, it never failed to start on the first kick no matter how cold. I did All the maintenance. A simple bike. I put 120,000 on it.
@@MatthewPettyST1300 love it! I ride a 2014 CBR600RR and I'm thinking seriously about a VFR400... or a new 400RR...
Look through the curve, always!
Thanks Kevin. Life saving tips when you put yourself in a bad position.
Thanks for watching
8:15 "Don't blame me. You're the one who came into that corner too fast." OMG, I'm still laughing! Absolutely true, though! 🤣
Thanks for another great video Kevin. I put your technique to good use last week when I entered a left hand sweeper a little hot with a nasty off camber at the apex. Your words of advice “you can safely lean your bike over far more than you think” were on my mind as I pressed harder on that inside bar and felt my left foot peg touch down, drag and gently fold. My big old BMW K1600 GT maintained its poise, stability and composure through the entire corner. It was indeed far more capable than I could’ve imagined. We as riders today are truly fortunate to benefit from the amazing frame, braking and suspension technology at our disposal. As well we have the benefit of excellent youtube channels such as yours...thank you for your sage words and all the work you do to help keep our riding experiences enjoyable, fun and above all as safe as possible!
Having a strong grasp of counter steering is so important. I’m new to riding, but I practice it every day. I’ve been finding more and more challenging corners and hitting them more aggressively as my skill level rises. I’ve suprised myself a few times with how well I’ve taken some pretty challenging corners. It has allowed me to be able to focus more on potential dangers instead of focusing on just making the turn.
Radius equals mph! Dont let the brakes go when you tip into the corner and continnue slowing down until you are happy with your speed an direction! In other words trailbrake!
Thanks again , especially about counterstearing in the corners. And yes ,SLOW DOWN ON YOUR ENTRY !
Or... Hear me out...
Just go to the brakes, smoothy. As our speed decreases, so does our radius. Lean angle is finite and that limit is reached quickly on some bikes. Looking further through a corner is irrelevant if the corner is blind. Entering later is silly if you're already in the corner.
I'm 100% with you on this. I can't believe that Kevin didn't mention this. He did mention delaying corner entry, but guess what, that gives you more time for braking! Then, if you still go to fast at corner entry, just continue to brake (front brake only, for the rear just use engine braking).
So many riders (because they've been taught that) go on the throttle in the corner even when they know their speed is already too high. But speeding up when the speed is already too high, that's just bananas.
If the speed is too high, don't use the throttle, instead, stay on the brake. This is just common sense, and Kevin should have mentioned it.
I turn off the trutle it makes the bike slow down and I need less leaning
I use the push/pull on the bars but you are the first person I have come across to mention it. But you failed to mention how during one of these 'OH S....' cornering moments your back side pucker power helps keep you stuck to the seat!
Right? It's when the "check sphincter" light goes on. XD XD
Those comments match up to the instructions I was given, almost to the letter, on my cornering clinic at the track. And while the track is grippier than the road, and without trees or guard rails it is a great place to develop confidence in your bike and your riding ability.
And trail brake
A simple trick that has helped me a ton: if the reason you are running wide is you just aren’t comfortable leaning the bike in corners and are sort of “frozen” (like I was when learning to ride my first street bike), if you consciously BEND YOUR ELBOW (the one on the inside of the turn) it’s amazing how much more fluid and comfortable turn turns will be. Then you can use the push-pull method to adjust your position in the curve.
Yes, words of wisdom bro! I remember years ago going into a curve too hot, just kept pushing harder while looking through the curve. Made a hell of a racket as I dragged my exhaust through the corner but I made it!
I tried push & pull technique last week on a twisty mountain road and it was very effective. Really informative video!
Rarely do you hear of the push pull. Used that a long time ago on dirtbikes and ATCs long before I ever got a street bike, but I carried it into street riding.
You sir may have just saved my life. I'm a new rider and I decided to take your advice and practice slow turns in a parking lot. After about 20 minutes trying to work in the friction zone my back brakes completely stopped working. I pumped the brakes a couple times and they came back 100%, then after about 10 minutes they went out again, like zero percent rear brakes. I pumped them a couple times and they came back. I'm thinking that the rear brake fluid may not have been replaced in a long time so that's the first thing I'm going to change. But can you imagine what would have happened if I were on the highway and my back brakes went out? Going 10 MPH in the parking lot may have saved my life. I'm going to change the rear brake fluid and head back to the parking lot to see if that fixes the problem, if not I'll bring the bike in for repair. CRAZY! I found a flaw in Harley Davidson motorcycles where if you don't replace the fluid every 2 years your brakes can completely go out, I'm thinking that's what is happening. This is a new bike to me and I've only had it out about a half dozen times so far.
Went into a 90 curve to fast on a R6 that was new to me,scrubbed as much speed as I could before the I started to lean. Once leaned over i started too apply a little more front brake to scrub more speed and the bike started to stand straight up. Let off the brake and pressed on the handle bar and leaning harder thinking I was going to low side into trees just 10 feet of the road. To my surprise I made it through the corner. I was used to riding a cruiser with a single disc in the front that I could apply front brake without affecting my lean. Learned to love the braking ability of sport bikes! Different techniques for different types of bikes. Thanks Kevin for another great video!
Wow! When i took the MSF course, "push the grip to the side you want to turn" had me all kinda clunky in the turns. I figured out on day one, that pulling on the high or outside grip provided me a much smoother and controlled turn. I have been riding that way ever since. The idea to push the inside bar, never really set in for me. It really surprised me when you brought it up @7:15 Thank you for that!
Dragging hard parts in a curve: Riding my Ultra the with my wife on the back. I got into a S turn that was quite a bit tighter than i had anticipated! Scrubbed each floorboard though that one! Telling myself: "That's the Max Lean Limit, Stay loose, Stay with it, ride it out." Those words rattling through my mind. All the while hearing my wife yelling: "SLOW DOWN!" and that sound of sparks under foot! It was a solid 30-45 second scrub on each side. OK! The remainder of the ride was much less "spirited." I think it was low speed, tight turns in the parking lot, that taught me when the hard parts are scrubbing, lean no more! Just ride through the turn. You will end up on the far outside but, that sure beats road-rash and new tins! I refuse to crash, to prevent a crash! Do whatever it takes to minimize the damage! To both skin and tin!
Great professional advice.
Going wide is one of my most dangerous manoeuvres I am working hard on to avoid when entering a corner. After not riding a motorcycle for over 35 years and now owning 2 motorcycles a sports cruiser and a sports bike. The first time I decided not to wear full protective gear I dropped my sports cruiser a heavy motorcycle, all top heavy. I came to a sudden stop on a hill entering a very busy road and because I had the full sun in my eyes I couldn't see if my front wheel was sticking out too far on the road and instantly graded the front brake hard. No injuries or damage to the bike but quite embarrassing.
You always have the great info for the common problems. Thanks for doing what you do 🤙🤙
I appreciate that!
was riding with the wife this weekend, new Elite 4s on my 88 GL1500, I let a corner sneak up on me, on a road I didn't know, having a about 10-15 hours on the tires now I had the confidence to leave the throttle hoping it wasn't too fast and I pushed harder and thankfully the bike did what it does and did as I politely asked, thank you for your teachings !!
Back in 2018 did the “high side” thing after a near head on collision with a car, can tell you’ns flying through the air & landing in the street hurts. Keep up the good work & God bless
Great video. I've made the mistake of coming into a corner to hot more times then I care to admit and am getting better at not doing so with age and experience. The points you made at the end of the video are what saved my @$$. Realizing it's much better to low side then high side greatly reduced my fear of leaning and using push (pull) harder has done the job along with bike and tires doing much more then I thought they could. Looking further through the corner helps a lot too. All 100% great teaching.
I take this opportunity to thank you for the teaching you offer through your videos. Even though I have more than 30 years of motorcycle experience, last week I entered a corner very fast and the first thing that came to mind was this video. Apply the technique that you teach and fortunately I was able to avoid a fall or serious accident. Thank you once again for your input. You do a great job.
Trail braking
Understanding that all situations are different and decisions need to be made in split seconds.
On a low side crash are your odds better to try and hang on to the bike and slide with it, or to let go?
Thank you for all the work that goes into these videos, it's greatly appreciated.
I want the bike away from me if sliding.
I’m taking the MSF course in New York State in late September, y’all’s videos are getting me more confident by the day.
I have to give you a big thank-you I started riding a few years ago and all your videos taught me everything I need to know and I still watch them to this day once again thank you and if anybody's out there you watch this you will learn a lot I did and God bless you
Kevin you have the enthusiasm of dry, unbuttered toast. However, your instruction is direct and phenomenal in direction of MC operation. Thank you for posting no nonsense information that undoubtedly saves life’s and cushions injury. You rock and have helped me mitigated and control the blind curvy hills of Pittsburgh. High five!
Man, you are just a never-ending it appears, font of knowledge Kevin !
Great advice, I know on the occasions I scare myself a corner is nearly always in the equation.
Thank you.🙏
Your videos are helping a lot of people! Thanks for your work.
Pulling as well as pushing was I think a carry over from my early dirt bike experience . NEVER have heard any instructor talk about it before. Great tips --
Great advice. Thank you. I had the 3rd experience. Thank God all turned out ok. Shaken up but alive.
After over 18 years of riding experience, mostly on sports bikes. I always heard people speaking of when it happens. My M109R cruiser was already touching the left peg on pavement when I approached the turn. I wonder if the 2” lowering kit was a factor. Speed was, I’ve learn a valuable lesson.
God speaks in mysterious ways sometimes, if we’re willing to listen and learn from our mistakes.
You saved me Kevin....
This happened to me early in my ride-learning. For some reason, my son (my trainer for a lack of better description) jumped in front on one of our rides. I think he wanted to get thru the twisties faster than what I was l learning at. I realized I was way too fast. I just trusted everything. I looked for oncoming traffic very quickly, and then just watched the curve with a ton more focus. The sounds the bike made dragging was unnerving. I was on my '98 883. I haveva Stage II '08 lowrider now and I have earned one thing noone seems to mention... learn the road and find the fastest fun pace. I never jump on roads I dont know and just hit it. The speed limit is really designed to actually keep us from killing others and then hopefully not ourselves. But I do like twisties and I like to lean, but there is that fine line I try not to get too close to just to impress my friends. Its more impressive to actually live and be a friend, Lol!!
To prevent crashes in curves on the street. Slow the hell down. You are not on a track!!! Ride like you have a lick of sense in your head.
Outstanding advice. You undoubtedly have saved someone's life with this video.
Two words trail breaking
Been riding 30 years but always enjoy the review and relearning proper technique
Thanks Kevin. Essential tips in straight, understandable words. Great video!
Been riding for about 4 months but counter steering and trail braking were a few of the first things I began watching and learning about on UA-cam and it is key. I've practiced it frequently and can attest to how important it is to utilize in the heavy Twisties. 2x on the tail of the dragon and I've felt very confident in my skill. However I know I have many more years to go and much more to learn. Peace and stay safe all your riders.
For most folks if you crash after what Kevin says to do you were going WAY too fast for the corner. Keep the good stuff coming.
Kevin - never posted here before despite watching many of your videos. Absolutely fantastic comments, and about as concise and straighforward as you can make it. I'll wager you saved some newbie (and maybe some "experienced") rider's life with this one. I've drilled this into my son's head "what do you do if you mess up and enter a corner too fast? Lean more, then lean even more! How? Countersteer! Let's practice." We've also drilled on looking farther ahead, and I went with him to intermediate training where we drilled on this (and I drilled on it to as I was poor at doing it consistently). Your addition of delayed entry and explanation of the best choices when in a bad situation (lowside vs others), is excellent also.
Thank you!
u roll off the throttle and look were u wana go instead of at were u will crash.
helped me 2 times already.
gl
another benefit of delayed corner is you can see more of the corner...another great video MC.
While counterintuitive, delaying entry into the corner to deal with excess speed is game changing. It makes perfectly good sense once you explained it and showed the diagram. I have been watching your channel for years and this is undoubtedly the most important thing that I have learned here. Thank you for sharing Kevin.
I love your channel and I pay attention to what you are sharing with everybody it's very important.
I did not start writing until 2007 I was 47 years old but there's one thing I have that most riders don't have is road experience. For about 10 years I work with CVS pharmacy that had a free roadside service that I was on the road constantly and learn a lot of things about traffic. You could say I was road smart before I started riding a motorcycle. I almost have like you would call a 6 since how people drive on the interstate and it paid off so many times. And one video you say never assume you're right away that is so true I have tried to avoid scenarios but always keep in the back of my mind what if and that is the biggest concern every time you're on the road. Yes I've had my share of close calls but that split second difference will kill you or you will survive. I have seen a lot of mistakes of riders on the highway.
Thank you for your videos I watch them almost every day keep up the good work
Your never wrong. I always refresh or learn new things to better myself. Be safe. Thank you.
I love it, generally when I countersteer I “push” but I have been incorporating more of a “ push/pull” maneuver/Technique lately.
Yup, I did a fast-1 track day here a number of years ago and it definitely improved my street riding ability from what I learned in that intensive day of classroom and on track training
Hi, MCRider, I just recently bought a bigger bike. I went from a 1200sporster to a heritage. It’s a little heavier and a little more awkward than I’m used to. I’m really trying to practice! I took a required class for my license and recently been watching a LOT of safety videos. Turns ( right especially) and corners are weaknesses. I practice and have been forced to slow down! Thank you for your videos, they are informative!!
Kevin I too discovered the Push/Pull method. Been riding for a few yrs now. Love your videos.
"Pressing harder" (counter-steering hard) and trail braking saved my butt one time when I took and declining curve way too fast. Trusted my training and I'm still here to talk about it.
Lean more and look to the further end of the corner.
Yeah. 25 years riding and just low sided my 2 month old CVO RG. Came in too hot. Leaned in further like I’ve practiced but the first part to touch was my Ciro 3D highway peg mounts. Now warning. Didn’t even scrape my feeler pegs. I’m ok because it was a low side but my bike is not.
Live and learn. Thanks for your ongoing advice.
Hi Kevin, Great info like always! Thanks!
I tell my students to lean your body in the corner by bending your inside elbow. If that is not enough I say "Kiss the mirror." and dropping your upperbody further down and into the corner.
At the same time keep your throttle on just enough to maintain your speed.
Great Video! Everyone talks about setting up for a turn, but no one talks about what to do if you've already screwed up! Yes it will be your fault. I was riding on a curvy two lane road. Stuck behind a motor home that is blocking my view of the road. No place to pass, until I saw a sign "Passing Lane Ahead" I was ready! As soon as the passing lane opened up, I kicked it down and accelerated. But the passing lane was VERY, VERY short so I kept accelerating to get past the motor-home, but then immediately after the passing lane there was a 90 degree turn. I was going way to fast by this time to set up properly. I did exactly as you suggested and delayed entering the turn as long as possible, braking hard while the bike was still straight up. I think that is what helped the most, then lean and look through the turn as you say. I scraped the floorboards quit a bit but made it through!
Thank you. Agree with everything u said. I had my first motorcycle crash just 3 months after getting a bike. Two most important things I learn after that: Get used to using the front brake; and counter steering.
Thank you for your channel ! I've been watching for a few years and today rewatching some videos to see if I may have missed something or what I could have done to prevent a recent injury. 3 days ago while riding my HD streetglide with a group of riders on moderate curves and hills my foot momentarily got pinned during a sliding lean resulting in a fibula fracture and severe sprain as far as I know at this point. I was following one rider traveling downhill towards a right hand curve that included a small hill. The asphalt was lumpy throughout the ride and at the top of that hill was a patch of tarry residue. I had been engine braking towards the corner and it tightened up faster than I expected so was entering it a little hot. The rider in front of me cleared it ok I did not touch the brakes but my rear tire slid as I was counter steering somewhat aggressively. When the bike slid somehow my right foot either slipped off the floorboard and went and under the bike or maybe I reflexively tried to put my foot down to stop the bike from tipping into a crash. The rear tire regained traction right after that happened as I was looking where I wanted to go and maintained the countersteering technique. My ankle was still extended out and was flopping and couldn't put it back on the floorboard due to pain etc but I was able to downshift, fr brake and stop safely a short distance away. Luckily I did not crash, was riding with a group that provided me with help and my wife sitting behind me was not injured. I'm still not sure which factor played the dominant role in the event . I consider myself lucky overall that it wasn't worse than it is but it looks like I'll be dealing with recovery of this ankle of the next few months now.
Looking further and countersteering saved my skin on Thursday! It involved a car coming out of a parking lot without stopping as I was going around a corner at about 35mph. I couldn't see them coming, as they had been behind a line of box trucks. Thankfully they stopped as I grazed past their bumper. 6" and it would have been bad! I was avoiding with all I had. Too late to try and stop.
Btw, this was on my TW200....lol
Thanks Kevin!
Kevin, thank you for all of your content. It is very helpful, especially for newer riders like me. I have filtered through many different channels and have settled on yours and a couple others. You are one of the best out there. Thank you for keeping us safe onnthe road!
I have found most corners are no problem for a motorcycle if you are at the posted speed limit or below. Kevin, is absolutely correct with his cornering tips. Always practice good cornering techniques as he has described., so they become second nature. I also have trained myself to use trail braking which increase the font wheel traction by preloading the front suspension prior the corner. Excessive speed is most generally the cause of cornering crashes. Slow down, enjoy the ride and live to ride another day.
I’ve been using the push pull method for years always worked for me
I started pulling naturaly a few weeks ago, really loved the results. Kevin just said it out loud . Thanks Kevin, see you on the road.
Great instruction I've scraped crashbars and foor pegs many tines but never lost traction on a tire in I lean
Thanks again, keep up your life saving work!
Thanks again Kevin. Always great info. God bless!
Excellent tips for reducing the severity of a crash. A day at the track as you suggest teaches riders plenty! I also wouldn’t hesitate to do some trail braking as needed. Practice at the track not on the streets. When those panic encounters happen on the street, because practice has been done at the track at least a game plan will somewhat be second nature and could save a life. Thanks for helping riders be safer!
Thanks Kevin. You are very helpful. I haven't ridden enough, so. I still have fears. I'm older and have a big bike. Need practice. Thanks for the tips.
As a new rider your videos are helping me a lot.
My best way to avoid feeling panicked when it dawns on me that I need to suddenly tighten my turning radius, is to FORCE myself to LOOK where I want to go. Fixation on a hazard is a sure formula for a disaster. Strangely, I picked up this practice while riding hotblood horses in steeple chase races a lifetime ago. If you look at the barrier, the horse will see where you're looking and not jump over it, if you stare at something that might scare the horse, it will scare him. Horses or bikes (or cars for that matter), look where you want to go and DO NOT BECOME FIXATED.
Im not sure if the best technique as im new to riding. however, what i generally have learned over the last 9 months of everyday riding here in the twisties of the blue ridge mountains is to delay as stated in the video, keep bike striaght up, double check for road debris, brake accordingly while upright. A bike can change speeds so quickly i find i almost always am able to reign in the speed. Then counter steer and usually need to reapply some throttle. Another helpful trick is in tight twisties keep your gear lower by 1 so you have a good bit of engine breaking. I usually rev-match and downshift before most steep turns. By doing this, i seem to always remain within the double yellows on even the most twisty and steep and honstely crazy turns. Some of the roads around here will really put a challenge to anyone at any speed. But this technique seems to keep me safe, in control, and able to make turns safely no matter how steep. Only time i had an issue and why i add the double check for debris, is cause there is a snakelike road i like to practice on. Its turn after turn after turn for about 35 miles. Makes the tail of the dragon seem like a couple turns shy of a challenge. Anyhow, on one of the turns its a steep dropping progressively steep turn and its almost a full switchback but not quite. Anyhow, did all above but didnt realize that there was gravel washed out from driveways due to heavy rain the previous day. Started braking, bike just splashed instantly. Luckilly i was fully geared and my bike is nigh on indestructible so neither got more than shook up. But yea, ive learned to be very careful to gravel check now in anything resembling a curve/turn. Kinda freaked me out how quickly i went down. Front locked and splash.
A tip from my personal experience: Never cast the motorbike to a corner. Keep it engaged to the transmission in the friction zone, that way the motorbike would be under better control along the bend.
Thanks! 1000cc Sport rider, since 1990 & fast 750s before that.
Good morning Papp Motorcycle and crew! This video hits pretty dam close to home for me. I was driving a twisty road for the first time about 2months ago. My current ride, and first bike, is a 2000 1200cc Sporster with forward controls. I came in to fast on a very sharp right hander. Luckily I had started practicing trail braking very early on in my riding and had just that little bit of brake pressure still on the front brake I stopped releasing, leaned my body over till my head was over my right hand mirror, and leaned that bike over waaaaay farther than I had ever dared before with my counter steer. I was scared to death, feeling my boot skitter along the concrete praying that my legs didn’t hit... and the extra lean, plus the trail braking made sure my undies were the only thing destroyed when I came out of the corner. 😂
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a new rider. My bike was purchased in feb 2020. And I have really only put about 3000miles on her since. If I could boil down the one thing that I have learned that is outside of the training and skill that we all should be practicing is this. COMMIT COMMIT COMMIT. you can have all the skill in the world, but if you don’t COMMIT to that corner, that evasive swerve, that “emergency lean over” it won’t work. Yes. Skill will make it easier. But from that experience I recounted above, I still had to make the decision “no, I’m not going to crash today” and most of the time... if it’s possible for you to not crash.. you won’t!
Amazing video Kevin. Thanks!
In other words, don't panic, counter-steer your way out of the problem you created by riding too fast.
Great tips. Keep up the good work. Your videos will help keep new and old riders safer.
Thank you , good lesson , I am just going out for a ride,
AsI was studying for my cdl while in high school drivers ed, I had to get used to a semi turning wide and a car does it in less room, though I did not want to ingrain the sharper turns of cars into the skills I would need in the future semi trucks I would soon drive, I turned my car using ALL OF its room to go through turns.
It helped a lot. On my final evaluation papers I took to the DMV my instructor wrote this conclusion on my papers…”Nice boy, but still makes wide turns.”😂
Now I noticed learning on a motorcycle I need to get used to its sharper turning ability, like for U-turns.
Well, never stop learning.
If you come in too hot, remember to tell yourself, trust the bike, and lean harder, get off any target that isn't the exit of the curve. If you're brain is quick enough, you will make it.
Thanks Kevin. I would add that one should know whether the pegs or floorboards on their bike bend up or not. If they do this can act as a warning to the rider before the bike loses wheel grip.
Thanks for the good info. I think an additional possible approach is to adjust body position by leaning a bit more to the inside. This is easier to learn & perform by less experienced riders than increasing the bike's lean angle.
Scary reality Kevin,much thanks to you.
GODS GUIDANCE
When I took my motorcycle Instructor Program, only field test I failed, was NOT LOOKING far enough through corner! I'm been aware of addressing not looking through corners far enough ever since!
Great reminders Kevin. When things start happening fast it is important to have a plan. Your suggestions provide that plan. Thanks Kevin.
Excellent knowledge, advice and communications. Thanks!
Totally agree to u .. this happened to me .. I entered a corner at an ok speed but the corner turned sharper then I expected .. my reflex was I leaned my bike even more than I normally did and I have an off road style of cornering so my body was leaning the other direction.. luckily I made it through that corner but to tell u the truth I had my heart in my mouth!! And I knew I messed up.... about using the off road style .. here in india there gravel, uneven roads, bad pot holes every where so mid corner I m able to go through a rough patch as well .. so thank u for that great video.. hope we meet some day