Riding a motorcycle is simple. Once you’ve got your license you choose your motorcycle and hit the road. But, in order to stay safe on the road, you need to be constantly aware of what other road users are doing and what corners are coming up.
Whether you’re looking at the latest KTM bikes Sydney or a Harley Davidson, it’s essential that you recognize the type of corner you’re entering and the best way to get around it.
Decreasing Radius Corners
A decreasing radius corner is one that tightens as you ride into it. In other words, it gets sharper and you leave on a tighter exit point than you enter. These are the most unforgiving of corners, enter too fast and you won’t be leaving the corner.
Of course, riding too slow will get you around the corner. But, it won’t be pretty and you won’t be really enjoying the thrill of riding or the capabilities of your machine.
The biggest risk, and most likely time you’ll encounter a decreasing radius corner, is when you can’t see all the way round the bend. This is when you discover the corner is much sharper than you thought.
The result is releasing the accelerator, causing the bike to sit up, stopping the turn. This can give you the opportunity to reposition and lean around the rest of the corner while regaining speed. However, there is a better way.
Decreasing Radius Corners With Visibility
If you can see all the way around the decreasing radius corner then you can approach similarly to any corner. Look through the curve, drop down a gear to encourage stability, let the bike move out wide, and then lean. Keep your eyes on the apex and then the end of the curve. This will allow you to stay smooth on the accelerator and maintain your lean position. Accelerate as you exit and smile.
Decreasing Radius Without Visibility
This is the trickier one as, if you get it wrong, you’ll be renegotiating your position mid-turn. That increases the risk of losing control.
If you can’t see round the bend you don’t know what type of corner it is. That means rolling off your accelerator earlier and dropping a gear or even two. You’ll be entering the corner slower but increasing your likelihood of getting round it.
Again, you’ll need to go wide, which means moving to the very right of your lane for a left-hand bend and the opposite for a right-hand bend. This increases visibility and gives you the maximum amount of maneuvering room.
Again, keep your eyes on the curve, looking as far ahead as you can. Most importantly keep your pace steady and within your limits. You should be at 75% of your comfortable lean angle, which will allow you to lean more, (if necessary), without losing control or sliding on the tarmac.
The best way t master decreasing radius corners is to find one near you, take it slow and then repeat. But, remember, when you’re on the road and can’t see around the corner, slow it down. You don’t know what you’ll be facing.