What Every Motorcyclist Should Do Before Taking a Corner

What should a motorcyclist do before taking a corner?

• A. Accelerate quickly.
• B. Look through the turn and adjust speed appropriately.
• C. Signal a turn and ride faster.
• D. Choose to brake hard when entering the corner.

Answer: (B)

Before taking a corner, a motorcyclist should look through the turn and adjust their speed appropriately. This practice is essential for several reasons. Firstly, looking through the turn helps the rider to properly gauge the path of the corner, allowing them to identify the best line to take. It enables the rider to see potential hazards, such as other vehicles, obstacles, or changes in road conditions, which are crucial for making informed decisions during the turn. Secondly, adjusting speed before entering the corner is vital for maintaining control of the motorcycle. Entering a corner at an inappropriate speed can lead to loss of traction and stability, increasing the risk of an accident. By slowing down as necessary, the motorcyclist can maintain better control, ensuring a safer and smoother turn. In contrast, the other options involve unsafe practices. Accelerating quickly before a turn can cause the motorcycle to become unstable and can lead to loss of control, while signaling a turn and riding faster contradicts the need for reduced speed when maneuvering through a corner. Finally, braking hard when entering the corner is a risky action that can upset the balance of the motorcycle, greatly increasing the likelihood of skidding or crashing.

Understanding the Art of Cornering

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, mastering cornering is as vital as having your helmet securely fastened. You know what? It might feel easy to just zip around a bend but doing it right—well, that’s where real skill comes in. So, let’s talk about what you should do before you take that corner.

Look Through the Turn: Your Eyes on the Prize

First off, let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: looking through the turn. This isn’t just a fancy bit of advice; it’s crucial. By looking beyond the edge of the road, you're not only gathering information about what’s ahead but also locking in on the best line to steer your bike along. Think of it this way: it’s like looking down a stretch of highway rather than just focusing on the road right in front of you. When you look through the turn, you’re checking for any possible hazards that might be lurking—like potholes, gravel, or even other vehicles.

Speed Adjustment: Control is Key

Here’s the thing—adjusting your speed as you approach the corner cannot be overstated. Entering a corner too fast can lead to losing control. Imagine hitting a curve like a feather on a gusty day. You want to glide, not crash. Slowing down a bit helps keep your ride steady and smooth. This little trick of assessing speed is like being a wizard on wheels. The more you practice, the more instinctive it becomes.

But let’s bake this into something relatable. Ever tried cooking a new recipe? If you don’t check the temperature before tossing in the ingredients, you might end up with a burnt mess. Likewise, in motorcycling, adjusting your speed sets you up for a delicious ride through that corner rather than a disastrous spill.

The Danger Zone: What Not to Do

Now, let’s take a quick detour—I mean, it’s worth knowing what NOT to do too. Here are a couple of key mistakes you might be tempted to try:

• Accelerate quickly before a turn. This can throw your motorcycle off balance. Imagine trying to run while carrying a stack of books—you’re going to topple over!

• Brake hard as you’re entering a corner. This is a big no-no. Slamming on the brakes can disrupt the bike’s balance, increasing the odds of a skid. And believe me, you don’t want that.

Keep It Smooth and Safe

Ultimately, the goal is to keep your ride smooth and safe as you navigate those winding roads. When you practice looking through the corner and adjusting your speed appropriately, you’re enhancing not just your skills but also your confidence behind the handlebars. It’s all about making informed decisions that can save your skin.

So, the next time you approach a turn, just remember: keep your eyes forward and your speed in check. Your motorcycle’s waiting for you to assert that control like the captain of your own ship—ready to conquer any curve the world has to throw your way.