Taking turns on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle involves a dynamic interplay of leaning, precise control, and the fundamental technique of counter-steering. It's a skill that combines natural instinct with learned control to navigate curves smoothly and safely, enhancing both your riding experience and safety.
Mastering the Art of Cornering
Cornering on a Harley-Davidson is a foundational skill for any rider, ensuring both safety and an enjoyable ride. While it might feel intuitive to simply lean the bike, the primary method for initiating turns at speed is a technique called counter-steering.
- Counter-Steering Explained: When traveling above approximately 10 to 12 miles per hour, your motorcycle's natural gyroscopic forces take over. To initiate a turn to the right, you gently push the right handlebar forward (or away from you). Conversely, to turn left, you push the left handlebar forward. This subtle input momentarily steers the front wheel away from your intended turn, causing the motorcycle to lean into the turn. This counter-intuitive action is highly effective and essential for precise cornering at speed.
- Leaning into the Turn: Once initiated by counter-steering, the motorcycle will naturally lean into the curve. The amount of lean is directly related to your speed and the sharpness of the turn. Your body position also plays a role; riders often shift their weight slightly to assist the lean and maintain balance.
The Four Phases of Cornering
To execute a smooth turn, riders generally follow a methodical approach that can be broken down into four key phases:
| Phase | Description | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Entry | Approaching the turn, assessing its radius, and setting up your line. | Reduce speed before the turn using brakes (front and rear). Shift down if necessary. Position the bike for the best view and entry line (e.g., wide to narrow for a right turn). |
| 2. Look | Directing your vision through the turn to your exit point. This is crucial for guiding the bike. | Look where you want to go. Your bike tends to follow your eyes. Scan for hazards, assess curve tightness. |
| 3. Lean | Initiating the turn by counter-steering and allowing the bike to lean into the curve. | Push the handlebar (right to turn right, left to turn left) to initiate the lean. Maintain light throttle to stabilize the suspension and avoid abrupt weight transfers. Ensure your speed is above 10-12 MPH for effective counter-steering. |
| 4. Roll | Accelerating smoothly out of the turn as you straighten the bike. | Gradually apply throttle as you exit the lean and straighten the bike. Look for your next target. This helps stabilize the motorcycle and prepare for the next section of road. |
Enhancing Your Cornering Skills
Beyond the basic mechanics, several other elements contribute to safe and skilled cornering:
- Throttle Control: Smooth and consistent throttle input is vital. Maintain a slight, steady throttle through the apex of the turn to keep the suspension loaded and the bike stable. Abrupt throttle changes can upset the balance.
- Braking: All significant braking should ideally be completed before entering the turn. If you must brake mid-turn, use gentle, progressive pressure on both brakes, being mindful of the lean angle to avoid losing traction. This is often referred to as "trail braking."
- Body Position: While Harleys are often ridden in a more upright cruiser style, subtle shifts in body weight can aid in cornering. Shifting your body slightly towards the inside of the turn can reduce the amount of lean required by the bike, improving ground clearance and stability.
- Line Selection: Choosing the optimal path through a turn (the "line") can significantly impact smoothness and safety. For most turns, this involves approaching wide, cutting to the apex (the innermost point of the turn), and then exiting wide. This strategy maximizes your sight lines and allows for a gentler curve.
- Practice and Training: The best way to improve your cornering is through practice. Consider enrolling in a motorcycle safety course or an advanced rider training program, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. These courses provide controlled environments to hone your skills.
