List - Four

Motorcycling safely - a motorcycle riding program

Basic cornering training

1. Riding slowly through a gentle curve - no braking or gear change down required. Arms bent, leaning forward. Eyes up, looking through the corner. Legs and knees gripping the motorcycle
2. Riding a bit faster through a gentle curve using counter steering - no braking or gear change necessary
3. Riding a bit faster through a gentle curve using counter steering. Slowing down before the curve using decompression only.
4. Riding through a sharper curve using counter steering. Slowing down before the curve using decompression and both brakes.
5. Riding through a sharper curve still using counter steering. Slowing down before the curve using decompression and brakes and changing gears down to a suitable gear in order to smoothly pull off again after the curve. At all times arms must be bent, eyes up and inner thighs used to grip the motorbike. Remember to change gears and brake before the corner - not in the corner.
6. Riding through a faster curve and keeping the eyes level with the horizon.
7. Avoiding potholes and obstacles by weaving between them or around them. Eyes must be up and looking through and beyond the obstacles.
8. Back in the car park. Practice riding in tight circles and figure of 8s - first in one direction and then in another. This is an important skill and should not be neglected because it is for beginners - in fact, only good riders can do this properly!