The majority of single vehicle crashes, especially motorcycles, occurs on curves. While curves are a big part of what makes motorcycling fun, exciting, and thrilling, handled improperly, they can be deadly.

There are four basic steps to cornering (whether through a curve or doing a sharp turn). These are: slow, look, press (the old MSF/RSS term was lean), and roll. But there is another element called path of travel. Here's a look at each step and the "how and why" of them.

Path of Travel - The path of travel, when done properly helps two ways. First it gives the rider a better line of vision through the curve. Second, it helps reduce cornering load on the motorcycle. The best "path of travel" is an outside, inside, outside one. That is, before entering the curve, line up near the outside boundary of it, then ride close to the inside boundary (known as the "apex"), then back out to the outside boundary. In a double curve, such as an "s" curve, make the apex a little later. This will set you up for the next curve. Notice in the diagram how this path also straightens the curve out.

Be careful on left-hand curves that your head does not cross over into the on-coming traffic lane. Remember you should be leaning with the motorcycle as you go through the curve, with head and eyes level with the horizon.

The Four Steps: Slow- before entering the curve, you must select a proper entry speed by slowing down. This can be done two ways. If only a small change of speed is needed (e.g. 65mph to 60mph) then a smooth, easy roll-off of the throttle is sufficient. If more speed reduction is needed (e.g. 65 to 40mph) the both brakes should be used to reduce the speed. It is critical that both brakes be used not only to help in slowing, but to set the front and rear suspensions.

Look - looking through turn/curve means at your exit point. In the event you cannot see the exit point, look as far into the curve as possible. Remember, the motorcycle goes where you look. The look also helps in the third step of turning - the press.

Press - pressing on the handgrip in the direction you want (press right, go right - press left, go left) causes the motorcycle to lean in that direction. This is known as "countersteering".

Roll - this is the part that let's you know if you set a proper entry speed through the curve. If you cannot roll-on the throttle all the way through the turn, you did not set the proper entry speed. The roll-on also helps maintain the stability of the front and rear suspensions that was established during the "slow" phase of the four steps.

What happens if you find yourself going through the curve too fast (a.k.a. too hot)? Maintain a steady throttle, look more into the turn, and press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn more. Finally, don't exceed your limits, that of the motorcycle, and of the environment.

Till next time - Ride Safe and Stay Visible.

Collen Campbell
Chapter M-2 Rider Educator