Cornering is the supreme discipline on a motorcycle. This is where physics and mindset come together. Good cornering technique and a clean line make sure you get through every bend safely and smoothly. In this article from our riding know-how section you will learn how to use countersteering correctly and choose the safest line, so that oncoming traffic or obstacles pose as little risk as possible.
Countersteering: the key to lean angle
In physical terms, a motorcycle becomes a stable gyroscope from about 20 km/h. To move it out of this stable state, you need a steering impulse, known as countersteering.
How countersteering works
For a left-hand bend, you push the left handlebar grip slightly forward, as if you were steering to the right. The front wheel turns minimally to the right, and the motorcycle tips in a controlled way to the left into the lean.
- Push phase: a short impulse to initiate the turn.
- Hold phase: the motorcycle stays at its lean angle.
- Maintenance throttle: a little throttle stabilises the chassis and stops the front wheel from tucking in.
Line choice on country roads: outside, outside, inside
On a racetrack you look for the fastest line. On public roads it is about the safest line with the greatest visibility. Never forget that. On public roads the legal rules apply. You can read what they look like in your country in our section on motorcycle rules and regulations.
The three phases of a bend
- Preparation (approach): reduce speed before the bend and select the right gear. Position yourself on the outside edge of your lane – for a right-hand bend (when riding on the right) close to the centre line, for a left-hand bend close to the edge of the road.
- Late turn-in point: turn in later than feels intuitively right. This moves the apex further back and lets you see further into the bend.
- Apex and exit: only once you can see the exit do you pull the motorcycle towards the inside and accelerate gently out.
Important: in bends towards oncoming traffic, keep your upper body inside your lane as well. Many crashes happen because the rider's head sticks out into oncoming traffic at full lean, even though the tyres are still in their own lane.
Where to look and reference points
The motorcycle goes where you look. For a clean line, your eyes need to work ahead:
- Entry: find your turn-in point.
- In the bend: your eyes already move to the exit, far ahead.
- Obstacles: notice gravel or tar strips briefly, but don't stare at them. That prevents a panic reaction.
Sources and further reading
- Institut für Zweiradsicherheit (ifz, German motorcycle safety institute): www.ifz.de, articles on accident research and riding physics.
- Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat (DVR, German Road Safety Council): guidelines for motorcycle safety training.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle is more than getting from A to B. It is a complex, dynamic process that demands constant attention and technical understanding.
As the sections on countersteering and line choice show, the physics are the foundation: master them and you get more riding fun with less risk.
We recommend a rider safety course before you put what you have learned into practice on the road. Ride safe.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a left-hand bend on a motorcycle?
With countersteering: push the left handlebar grip slightly forward. The motorcycle then tips in a controlled way to the left into the lean.
Which line is right on a country road?
The one with the greatest visibility: approach on the outside, turn in late and only pull the motorcycle towards the inside once you can see the exit.
Where should I look in a bend?
Far ahead towards the exit. Only glance briefly at obstacles such as gravel without staring at them.