Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Curves

This week let's get on some curvy roads and discuss tips for riding in the twistys.
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[@MCrider]

For more information on Trail Braking VS SLPR. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4qsYatja5iIpMUsi=JPGZZwLEHqXpNiTO Become a Member: www.MCrider.com/Member Buy the Field Guide Book: www.MCrider.com/FGBook

[@oldgeezerproductions]

For me, staying lazer-focused on just where the road is curving to is the most important part of riding in the curves. There are things that tend to interrupt this focus and that is why I don't like following even an otherwise safe distance behind vehicles AND especially why I don't like riding in groups of motorcycles. When in groups, (for me anyway) it is just too easy to focus on a rider already in the curve with the result that I'm not focused on my own ride. I endeavor to look just I as far as I can through the curve to try to avoid having a oncoming vehicle, even if not in my lane, take me by surprise and cause me to look its way instead of where I should be looking. When there are other vehicles or riders in the upcoming curve, or while I'm in a curve, it is imperative that I exercise stern mental discipline regarding keeping my eyes and focus on MY path and nothing else. Finally, I want to comment on "trail breaking." Having the front brake ready for instant application is an excellent suggestion and practice. Having said that, I do not use my front brake while in a curve under ordinary circumstances. By the time I'm entering a curve, I'm already at the maximum comfortable speed, but I do use a small amount of throttle to maintain my speed. The only time I can even imagine having the front brake on, even a little, is if I'm willfully entering a turn too fast and I find that an uncomfortable way of riding. Of course, there is always the unfamiliar curve that is tighter than anticipated, but when on a unfamiliar road, it's just dumb to guess at a curve only to discover I was wrong. I learned from my horse not to approach things too quickly until he (and I) become familiar with them. This works for me although perhaps not for everyone.

[@rrmorris67]

Im 56. Ive ridden two wheeled machines since I was 6 or 7 years old. I've had an MC endorsement for 35+ years. I'm also a well trained School Bus driver of a dozen years who is continually being re-certified and trained on defensive driving. I've heard it all by now, many many times, so I have a certain mindset. I continually seek out tips and techniques MC videos so I've been watching MCrider for a few years, now. I know all this stuff but I like to keep watching and listening and thinking so I don't get complacent and I can stay sharp. In recent years I have ridden my 05 Road King from Ohio out west and back for Sturgis, and also all around state of Colorado. In a week I will be riding all over the Smoky mountains and the blue ridge mountains, across 4 states. All those super twisty roads people talk about. This video and others like it will serve me well on this trip. So thank you to MCrider for all the content you provide.

[@elrumcajs777]

It was the oposite for me. Nobody taught me any technique at all when I started. My dad just showed me the throttle and the brakes and that was it. But I somehow found trail braking on my own. Lately I started to use slow, press and roll when there’s nobody behind me; but I’ll always feel trail braking more “natural”. Very good video pal!

[@nonsolorasatura9093]

I will add: tackle the curve at a speed that allows a braking distance adequate for the available visibility, whatever the issue came from incoming traffic or something on the road.

[@johnweisYamaroler]

Thank you for doing the refreshers on SLRP and the trail braking. Whichever method or a combination of both can be a life saver. The key is to practice, practice, and practice some more to have it become muscle memory. The wrong time to try to remember is when you are surprised by the tightness of a curve or a situation that was not anticipated. One thing above all, is to "Ride Your Own Ride". Don't get caught up in "gotta keep up"!! Travel at the pace you are comfortable with. Make sure, if you are a new rider, to pay attention to your speed. It will take some time to be able to judge your speed . This could lull you into a false confidence where you are doing some easy sections and you come to a tighter curve and you enter at a higher rate of speed than you are aware of. The jist of this rant is, give yourself years of fun riding, so keep the shiny side up, and the rubber side down!! Enjoy the ride!!

[@veritasvincit2745]

You need a holiday in Wales. Rode 280 miles to the coast and back yesterday over the mountain roads west of the Elan Valley. Great fun well within the legal speed limits and sensible behaviour towards the locals. One very tight bend after another with a lot of changes in elevation. Thanks for your videos. I always learn or consider something when I watch. 👍

[@verko5292]

Would love to ride there as in general, just...you guys drive on the wrong side of the road there. ;-)

[@veritasvincit2745]

@@verko5292 Ha! That's true enough but you soon get used to it. Bikes are easy because of the same control layout. Automatic cars were easy for me when I drove in the United States but when I drove a manual for the first time on continental Europe where they also drive on the right hand side of the road I found myself going to open the door each time I went to change gear. You'll be fine! 😊

[@verko5292]

@@veritasvincit2745 I know what you mean. Here is what ACTUALLY happened to me in the summer of 2000.... Took a road trip by my car from Zagreb via Italy/Sicily to Malta. After driving all over Malta for ten days strongly convincing my brain to keep left, I came back to Zagreb and the next day driving early morning on my way to work through the village, at about 25 mph in a left sharp curve I almost had a head-on collision. We both braked hard and managed to stop 2-3 feet in front of each other. I was pissed, got out of my car and verbally attacked that driver for driving on "MY" side of the road...a few seconds later I started to apologize and quickly returned behind my wheel heavily embarrassed. My wife in the passenger (right) seat looked at me in disbelief with her wide open eyes and pale face. It took my brain 1-2 weeks to finally make peace with the fact that I was back home where we drive on the right side of the road. Now you know why I will most probably want to stick riding only through the continental Europe and the USA.

[@floydtucker2200]

THANK YOU,THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! For All you do! I believe your tips saved me from being rear-ended several moment ago! All your tips have made me a better rider and I appreciate you and all you do!!!

[@LTVoyager]

I view the SLPR technique as the beginner technique and understand why it is taught in the primary courses. New riders can be overwhelmed with just the basics of riding so keeping things simple makes a lot for sense. I view trail braking as a more advanced technique and should be taught/learned once the basics of riding become second nature. Both have their place in the education and advancement of a rider.

[@YamR5]

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share your invaluable knowledge. So helpful for new riders like me

[@dasboat64]

I have little to no leaning fear. But I don't wear sneakers riding anymore. It only took once! Ouch... 😊😅

[@davidh7959]

For 3-Wheels (Can-Am) it's Slow-Look-Pull( in the direction you want to go)-Roll. Thanks for all your helpful insights.

[@barryweaver8833]

I'm glad you emphasized "COUNTER - STEERING" because on the street at a leisurely pace, that alone will get you by. For me "Press" doesn't quite sound the same, I like think of turning the opposite from a car or trike. It should become 2nd nature if consciously practiced enough. Trail braking is for hitting turns with speed, the more you lean the less front brake pressure. Both of these combined with looking thru the turn should be all you need on the street. Any more than that and you are racing and just a smidgeon away from losing it.... You can still have your moments but you have to know where to draw the line....

[@beepbop6697]

I'm so thankful that I'm just a handful of miles from the TX "hill country". People in CO and other states will laugh about our "hill country", but it is our tiny gem surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of miles of pure flatness.

[@tedsalmon2533]

Here in Tennessee there is no shortage of super twisty roads to ride without having to go out to the Smokies. Most of the turns are hilly and blind making the choice of line crucial. I always ride expecting oncoming traffic to be across the center line and am rarely wrong. Obviously I turn my head and look as far ahead as possible but I also scan the right hand edge of the road to keep my position well off the center line.

[@allenhuling598]

There sure is a lot of room in those 'suggested' speed signs but potential gravel and oncoming traffic that strays over the lines can really raise the 'pucker factor' of an otherwise very controlled cornering speed! Very thankful to have learned about trail braking and I practice it often....was very helpful in a particularly tight corner (with gravel and oncoming traffic) just the other day!! Ride safe everyone!

[@verko5292]

One can never learn too much...thank you for what you are doing.

[@stevebeard4117]

Oark Cafe-My new best place to eat after-during a ride. By the time you get there, you have a good appetite! The road signs in that area are to be taken seriously. They are as entertaining as the the ride itself. I seem to recall a couple that actually said "All Vehicles"10 MPH. Having said that, the floor boards on my Vulcan 900 Classic are shinier than they were.

[@Scooterdude01]

More great advice, as usual, thank you.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

I always use trail braking in the twisties here in the NC/VA hills.... also when cresting a hill where I can't see what lies beyond. I very rarely grab a fist full of throttle these days, preferring to _squeeze_ -on the throttle while covering my front brake lever, which is also easier on the carpel tunnel.

[@btnuckolls]

I wish all new riders could watch this video, So important. Only thing missing was a good run through on progressive braking. so many people think that is a light drag to medium squeeze and stop there and lose out on so much braking potential... but then again, it is scary in a larger group knowing the people behind you don't know how to stop as fast as you...

[@afterburner2869]

Fortunately I live in Sacramento California and this part of the country is motorcycle rider heaven! Whether I head west and ride highway 1 along the coast or head up into the Sierra mountains, twits and turns are the norm here. Unfortunately, it’s still California that I live in.

[@ArtD2368]

Great advice thanks for sharing

[@STho205]

If you live or ride in steep mountainous country then you best use a mix of trail braking with flatlander SLPR. Coming off a mountain, just slowing before a downhill hairpin or stacked switchbacks will not handle it. You keep picking up gravity acelleration as you descend through the curve...just coasting. That produces instability and can take the rider past their skill level for leaning. If going too fast not touching the brake...you need to lean further and further to stay in the arc. Most riders shouldn't be getting a knee down...and definately not without throttling up. So BOTH.

[@eddcurry501]

I enjoy living in the hill country

[@David-yp4fl]

🌿 LOVE FROM MISSISSIPPI USA 🇺🇲

[@rooster3019]

Hanging off is not nearly as effective when the bike weighs half a ton and the rider only 200 pounds of less. Push right to go right, push left to go left AND do NOT pull left to go right or pull right to go left because doing so can lead t white nuckle anxiety in the twisties. Very common mistake when people visit the areas with roads like barrels of fish hooks. Trailing off the brakes is correct when exiting the curves, it is also correct to trail them on when entering; gives a smooth transition all the way through.

[@LTVoyager]

My condolences on having no curvy roads close at hand. 🙂

[@boscodog4358]

Hahaha, I live in a curve. KY.. Just East of here, there are road that you can check your own tail light on.😅😅

[@LTVoyager]

@@boscodog4358 I live in northern PA and we are lucky to find a long enough straight stretch to pass one other vehicle.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

I keep the bike leaning as often and as much as possible because the tires last longer.... and it's more fun.

[@djmysticalone321]

Thanks for this information

[@calvingodfrey8504]

When I moved to West Virginia from F[orida, I found when coming to a left curve be close to the center line. When doing a right curve , be close to the edge of the road.

[@user-ck5sn5hd9o]

Nice looking Oark Cafe shirt

[@defenestrationfan]

Gravel in corners - the great equalizer.

[@rockymtnbri]

Thanks for the advice! Even though I'm on a Spyder, I can see where I need more practice in taking curves at a slightly higher speed than I am, and avoid braking when not necessary. I live down in Georgetown, so I get access to lots of curves - I eventually want to head out to the Ozarks!

[@Explorer273]

The real issue occurs when people enter a curve too fast and we all do it every now and then. Myself included despite the fact that I've been riding for almost 50 years. As a kid I practiced putting down the bike all the way both sides and I learned how deep you can really go (It also resulted in some scars on knees and elbows which was how I discovered the limitations). Nowadays this failure is often referred to as "target fixation" which is a really dumb excuse for someone riding above their skill level and freezing then just driving off the road sitting there like a dummy. Some idiots think dragging the knee makes the bike go faster not realizing that the weight that needs to be shifted is the upper body weight not the knee and that is also one remedy when it comes to rescuing having entered a curve too fast. In order to actually do it when it happens the most important thing is still practicing it in advance. That video should be called "how to save it when you entered a corner too fast". And whenever I see someone put their foot down in a corner I immediately know this is someone who doesn't have a clue how to ride a bike the reason being that once that happens all balance and hope of saving it is gone. The problem is that once we become confident knowing that we can rescue it we tend to go even faster and then enter a corner way too fast instead of just too fast. Because humans try to keep the risk level at the same level and if the skill level goes up so does the speed. This means bad riders get injured and good riders die while the lucky ones get to go to their funerals. Still, worst case scenario is getting to old to be able to ride so we could probably discuss who was lucky and who wasn't?

[@djclassic3796]

Great informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@rainman1356]

1st comment Just saying HI 😂

[@LTVoyager]

Except you weren’t first. 😂

[@bleedsmetal]

Thank You .

[@Mrfrenchdeux]

Can you make a video addressing "head on a swivel"? Always moving the head to increase field of vision, in order to better anticipate threats threat from cross traffic, side streets, animals about to jump in your path, etc. I see so many riders, crossing intersections etc., always peering straight ahead. They're the ones claiming "...it came out of nowhere", when obviously, it didn't.

[@whiskeyshots]

I feel like trail braking is superior, it's what I use in a car, but I struggle with working both the gas and brake at the same time with the same hand. Any tips, other than practice?

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@TennRides]

Always great info.

[@JoseInsenser]

Great tips, well explained!✌

[@Towfish]

Can you show me how the suspension works when the bike is leaned over again ✊🏻 😩

[@juliochingaling5824]

God bless, excellent video.

[@jeffreyporras3839]

Don’t forget not only when car are pulling out but when deer or other 4 legged animals are crossing the road

[@snatr]

For most turns, unless I'm traveling downhill, I rarely see the opportunity to trail brake. Cover the brake, sure. But watching this I started to wonder about the benefit of holding the throttle on somewhat in a turn while applying the brake. For whatever reason, I can see some benefit to doing this. I've thought about it before but my view of it was that it would be doing something contrary. But I really can see a benefit to doing something like this. I'm gonna play around with it the next time I'm out and about.

[@4940markhutchins]

All great counsel! How about some advice on the latest protective riding gear like airbags or abrasion resisting materials? Lots of phony claims and misconceptions out there!

[@noidreculse8906]

I recommend relocating to the hill country and leaving the big city behind. All you need is Wi-Fi

[@jeffreyporras3839]

Not only when cars or truck pull out but when 4 legged animals cross the road do you need to be ready.

[@BIG_D_77]

first and foremost. be lawful and do the speed limit