Riding a motorcycle along a long straightaway is relatively easy but being able to negotiate every type of corner that you'll encounter will take some fore thought and planning. Let's go over the types of curves. There's a constant radius turn-this means that once you enter the turn it doesn't get any tighter or looser until you exit. There's a decreasing radius turn which becomes tighter the deeper you get into it. Last but not least is the increasing radius turn, which loosens up as you enter it. Each of these turns present their own obstacles. You need to negotiate each type of curve differently.

When approaching a curve position the motorcycle on the side of your lane opposite the direction of curve. So if you're about to enter a left hand curve you position the motorcycle to the right of your lane and if you're about to enter a right hand curve you position the motorcycle to the left of your lane. This is important because it gives you the greatest view possible of the upcoming turn and gives you a better angle to negotiate the turn. When talking about turns we need to talk about the turn's apex. The apex is the point in the turn that will give the rider the greatest possible radius, thus making the turn as straight as possible.

In a constant radius turn the apex is mid turn. If you're making a left turn position the bike on the right hand side of your lane. As you reach the apex of the turn the bike should be to the left of your lane and then move back to the right as you're exiting. In a decreasing radius turn the apex will be after the midpoint of the turn. In an increasing radius turn the apex is before the midpoint of the turn.

When taking a turn always look at where you want to go. Look through the turn. You'll go where you look so you want to look to where you want to go. If you need to decelerate, do so before you enter the turn. Decelerating while in the turn can destabilize the motorcycle and will affect the path you've chosen. As you come out of the turn gradually add throttle and accelerate out.

Remember to lean the bike through the turn and not to steer. Remember push left, lean left go left. Push right, lean right, and go right. If you're traveling fast or if the turn is particularly tight you'll have to lean even more. If the turn is fast lean the motorcycle with your body, if the turn is slow lean only the motorcycle and maintain an upright riding position.

Learn how to swerve and practice it. Swerving by pushing hard in one direction than hard in another direction will help you avoid road hazards. Be able to properly negotiate a curve is an integral part of riding a motorcycle safely.

At Edge On Motorcycling we want every ride to be your best ride. Come see us to get tips and strategies that will make you a more confident, skilled and capable rider. In addition you'll be eligible to enter our free monthly gear giveaway!

Source: www.ezinearticles.com