A “cornering line” is the path you follow around a corner. Riding a narrow, single-track vehicle means we are able to select the left, center or right positions within the lane.
The basic cornering line – Outside – Inside -Outside
Outside: To follow the basic cornering line a motorcyclist begins the curve from the outside of the lane. This gives the rider starting on the outside of the curve a visual advantage because the can see further through the curve.
Inside: The rider then turns to the inside of the lane at the apex of the curve, or the point at which they are closest to the inside of the lane.
Outside: The rider finishes the curve on the outside of the lane
There are 4 main benefits of using the appropriate line:
1. It straightens the curve.
2. Gives a better angle of the view
3. Increases cornering confidence
4. Increases cornering enjoyment
Where you reach the apex of the corner has a big impact on your success in the corner.
Lets look at two examples:
Rider 1 approaches the corner a bit nervous and they they want to make sure they get through the corner successfully. Because of their nervousness about the corner they begin their turn in early thinking this will give them plenty of time to get through the corner.
Because they turn in early they also reach the apex early causing them to either run wide on the exit or substantially increase their lean angle to get through the corner without crossing the center line.
Rider 2 is a MCrider subscriber and has been practing his motorcycle skills. Rider 2 approaches the corner with more confidence and has a later turn in. The later turn in allows the rider to apex the corner later, putting them in a much straighter line through the curve and in a much better position at the end of the curve.
You can see how using the correct line through a curve has a big impact on how well you are able to negotiate the curve.
