Cornering is one of the most exciting parts of motorcycling, but it also demands skill. The way you enter, lean, and exit a curve determines both your safety and your flow on the road.

For Lykkers, learning effective cornering techniques and understanding the best lines is the key to smoother rides, more confidence, and less stress when faced with sharp turns. This guide breaks down the fundamentals of cornering into simple, practical tips.

Cornering Techniques

Good cornering starts with proper technique. By practicing these fundamentals, you can approach bends with confidence and stability.

Set Your Speed Before the Turn

One of the biggest mistakes riders make is braking mid-corner. Instead, slow down before entering the curve so you can focus on leaning and steering smoothly. Adjusting your speed early keeps the bike stable throughout the turn.

Look Through the Corner

Your bike goes where your eyes lead. Instead of staring at the road directly in front of you, turn your head and look toward the exit of the corner. This helps guide your line naturally and improves your balance.

Use Countersteering

At higher speeds, leaning alone isn’t enough—you need countersteering. Push gently on the handlebar in the direction you want to go (right bar to turn right, left bar to turn left). This technique makes the bike lean effectively and respond faster.

Stay Relaxed on the Bike

Tension in your arms or shoulders makes the bike harder to control. Keep a light grip, relax your upper body, and let the bike move naturally beneath you. Staying loose allows smoother adjustments mid-turn.

Roll On the Throttle Smoothly

As you move through the apex of the corner, apply gentle, steady throttle. This stabilizes the bike, increases traction, and gives you a controlled exit. Avoid abrupt acceleration—it can upset your balance.

Choosing the Right Lines

The line you take through a corner makes a big difference in safety and flow. Picking the right path helps you maximize visibility, control, and speed.

Outside–Inside–Outside Approach

A classic method is to start wide on the outside, move toward the inside at the apex, and exit wide again. This creates a smoother arc, gives you more room for adjustments, and reduces the lean angle needed.

Adjust for Road Conditions

Not every corner allows for a textbook line. Wet roads, gravel, or tight lanes may require a more conservative approach. Always prioritize safety over style and adapt your line to the conditions you see.

Use the Vanishing Point

When riding on unfamiliar roads, watch the “vanishing point” where the road disappears from sight. If it moves closer, the corner is tightening—so be prepared to slow. If it moves further away, the turn is opening up. This simple trick helps you read the road in real time.

Stay Within Your Lane

On public roads, never cross into the opposite lane for a wider line. It might feel tempting for smoother curves, but it puts you at risk of oncoming traffic. Keep your lines tight and safe within your lane boundaries.

Practice Gradually

Cornering skill builds with experience. Start with gentle curves at moderate speeds and work up to sharper turns. The more you practice, the more natural choosing lines and applying techniques will feel.

Cornering is where skill and enjoyment come together in motorcycling. By mastering techniques like setting your speed early, countersteering, and rolling on the throttle smoothly, you make every curve safer and more enjoyable. By choosing smart lines—like the outside–inside–outside method, watching the vanishing point, and staying within your lane—you ride with control and confidence. For Lykkers, the lesson is simple: cornering isn’t about pushing limits, but about finding flow, balance, and awareness. With practice and patience, every bend in the road becomes an opportunity to refine your craft and enjoy the ride.