Taming the twists and turns of a track is a rite of passage for any motorcycle enthusiast. Mastering the art of cornering unlocks a world of smooth, controlled riding at speed. This guide equips both aspiring and experienced riders with valuable tips to elevate their cornering game.

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Conquering Corners: Essential Tips for Track Riders

Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your cornering skills or an experienced rider seeking to fine-tune your technique, here are some valuable tips for mastering cornering on a track.

• Look ahead and focus on your desired line: 

One of the most fundamental techniques in cornering is to look ahead and focus on where you want to go. By scanning the track and identifying your desired line, you can anticipate the trajectory of the corner and position your bike accordingly. This allows you to plan your entry, apex, and exit points more effectively.

• Push the inner handlebar: 

Countersteering is a technique used by riders to initiate a turn by applying pressure to the inside handlebar in the direction they want to go. By pushing the inner handlebar, you can lean the bike and navigate the corner with greater precision and control.

• Relax and stay loose: 

Cornering requires fluid and controlled body movements. To achieve this, it is essential to remain relaxed and flexible on the bike. Avoid stiffening up your shoulders and locking your elbows, as this can hinder your ability to move with the bike and maintain balance. Keep your hands light on the handlebars and focus on being smooth and fluid in your body movements.

• Optimize braking, gear shifting, and throttle control: 

Smooth and controlled braking, gear shifting, and throttle management are crucial aspects of efficient cornering. It is recommended to finish your braking and gear changes before entering the corner and then modulate the throttle to maintain a smooth and constant input. Proper timing and execution of these actions can significantly improve your cornering technique and speed.

• Practice proper foot positioning: 

Weight transfer plays a significant role in cornering. By placing the balls of your feet on the foot-pegs and leveraging your legs to shift your weight, you can facilitate smooth and controlled movement on the bike. Additionally, gripping the fuel tank with your knees during heavy braking helps maintain stability and control.

• Consider the racing line: 

The racing line is an optimal path that allows riders to carry more speed through corners. It typically involves entering the corner wide, hitting the apex, and exiting wide. However, the ideal racing line may vary depending on the specific corner and track conditions. It is essential to practice and experiment with different lines to determine the most effective approach.

• Understand braking and throttle timing: 

Timing is crucial when it comes to braking and throttle control in corners. Braking should ideally be completed before entering the corner, allowing you to maintain a smooth and consistent line. Throttle control should be applied gradually as you exit the corner, ensuring stability and control while accelerating.

• Use leverage through body positioning: 

Proper body positioning can enhance your ability to corner with control and efficiency. By shifting weight to the outside foot and exerting pressure on the inside hand, you can maintain traction and stability through the corner. This technique is particularly effective in managing understeer and oversteer and maintaining cornering speed.

• Adapt to track conditions: 

Each track presents unique challenges, including variations in surface grip and corners of different radii. It is important to adapt your approach and technique to the specific track conditions. Slower and tighter corners require more precise handling and braking, while wider corners may allow for higher speeds and a wider racing line.

• Practice, practice, practice: 

The key to mastering cornering is practice. Find opportunities to ride on tracks or sections of road with corners and dedicate time to refining your technique. By consistently practicing proper cornering techniques, you can build muscle memory and develop the skills necessary to navigate corners with speed and confidence.

Remember, cornering mastery unfolds over time. Begin by laying a strong foundation with proper techniques, then refine them through consistent practice. 

EvolveGT offers a supportive track day environment where you can hone your skills under the watchful eye of experienced instructors. Join our next event and discover the exhilaration of pushing your limits on the track. Unleash your inner champion and transform from corner-curious to corner-conquering with EvolveGT.