Turning and Cornering Flashcards

What is the 'outside-inside-outside' (OIO) cornering line?

Answer: Starting near the outside of your lane, apexing near the inside, then returning to the outside on exit

The OIO line maximizes both your sight distance and your effective curve radius by starting wide, sweeping to the inside apex, then returning to the outside on exit.

How does a 'crowned' road surface affect motorcycle cornering?

Answer: The road slopes away from center on both sides, which can reduce effective lean angle and traction

A crowned road is higher in the middle and slopes down to both edges; when turning, the downward slope can work against your lean angle and reduce available traction.

What effect does carrying heavy luggage or cargo have on motorcycle cornering?

Answer: It raises the center of gravity and can make the bike feel heavier and less responsive in turns

Added cargo raises the center of gravity and increases overall weight, which can make the motorcycle feel sluggish, reduce responsiveness in turns, and change suspension behavior.

What is the proper throttle technique when exiting a corner?

Answer: Gradually roll on the throttle as you begin to straighten up

Gradually rolling on the throttle as you straighten the bike smoothly transfers weight rearward and provides stable, controlled acceleration out of the corner.

What is the 'late apex' cornering technique?

Answer: Delaying the innermost point of the turn to the second half of the curve, creating a wider exit

A late apex delays the tightest point of your turn to the second half of the curve, which widens the exit and allows for earlier, safer acceleration.

Why is sand or gravel in a curve especially hazardous for motorcyclists?

Answer: Both A and B — it is hard to see and dramatically reduces traction

Sand and gravel are difficult to detect in advance and dramatically reduce friction between the tire and road surface, making a loss of control far more likely mid-corner.

If mid-corner you realize you are leaning further than you are comfortable with, what should you do?

Answer: Commit to the lean, look through the turn, and trust your tires' available grip

Motorcycle tires can lean considerably further than most riders expect; looking through the turn and committing to the lean is safer than straightening up, which would carry you to the outside of the curve.