Cornering is half the fun of riding, unfortunately many riders get it wrong.
A lot of riders and coaches do not seem to be able to tell the difference between a Race line and a Fast (Safe) line in any given corner.
Cornering is half the fun of riding, unfortunately many riders get it wrong.
Firstly we need to look at why they call it a Race line, what is the purpose of this line in a corner?
The Race line is chosen for the main purpose of keeping the other rider behind, preventing the others from overtaking.
There are two main causes for the race line to be chosen on the road 1st is not looking far enough ahead and secondly not having a good understanding of how the bike has been designed to go around corners and the system of vehicle control that is required.
A lot of riders watch the racing on tv and they only get to see the Race line, should they be fortunate enough to see qualifying they will see a totally different line is taken this is the Fast (Safe) line and this is what we should be doing on the road.
Make the corner as wide as possible and turn later staying on your own side of the road.
The Fast (Safe) line will leave the rider with options should it become dangerous.
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The only way you will get your corners right is to firstly get some help from a Rider Trainer who will discuss your needs and then at a safe location such as Mt Cotton Training Area will discuss the elements of a corner demonstrate how to enter and exit the corner and then give you pointers on how you take the corner. This is the best way as firstly you get the right advice, and secondly it is a safe place to practice the skill of cornering.
I remember my first visit to Mt Cotton and when given the right information and time to practice you cornering skill WILL improve.
Training is something you need to revisit some times and is recommended to a “Returning Rider”.
Comment by Odd Job — Apr 23 @ 3:30 pmI agree! I go back to do training courses every 2-3 years and recently did a couple with Stay Upright, one at Mt Cotton and one at Queensland Raceway. It’s amazing what the trainers will pick up even if you’ve done courses before. It’s so easy to fall into bad habits and it’s always good to take your riding to that next level.
Comment by Steve McDowall — Apr 23 @ 3:57 pmRegular professional training days are highly reccomended they are a good place to network and heaven forbid you may even learn something.
Comment by bkr50 — Jun 5 @ 5:45 pmAlas just doing the training day and not using the info and skills you may have improved on seems a little pointless,