How to Master Motorcycle Corner Braking: Important Safety Tips

Monday, 24 March 2025

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When riding a motorbike, it's best to do all of your stopping on a straight stretch before going around a corner. But things can go wrong on the road, and you'll have to slow down in the middle of a turn. It is safe and effective to brake in a turn if you do it the right way, which means being smooth and precise.

Why Stopping Before the Turn Is Best

To stay as stable as possible, you should slow down before the turn. When you brake before a turn, you have more control during the turn and are less likely to have an accident. But if you need to slow down while you're already leaning into the bend, you need to know the right way to do it.

How to Stop in a Corner: What to Do and What Not to Do

Things to stay away from:

Applying the front brake quickly: Slamming on the front brake can make the tire lose its grip, which could lead to a lowside slide or even a motorbike accident. Don't brake too hard in the middle of a turn at all times. If you put on too little pressure, you might not slow down enough, leaving you open to danger in a crucial moment.
Using the rear brake at high speed: If you don't use the rear brake correctly during a turn, you could lose your grip and go down in a dangerous way.

How to Do It Right:

Smooth, progressive braking: If you need to stop in the middle of a turn, gently press on the front brake. A slow, steady method helps keep things in balance and under control.
Counter-steering: When you apply the brakes, your motorbike may try to straighten out on its own. Use counter-steering to stay on the road you want to take. You need to learn this fine balance between stopping and turning because the tires only have so much grip.
If you need to, you can change your line. If the conditions allow and it's safe to do so, you might let the motorbike slowly realign to slow down more effectively. But be careful—this change could make your road different, so make sure there are no obstacles in the way.

Trail Braking Is an Advanced Technique

People who are skilled riders and racers both like to use trail braking.
How it works:

Approach: Brake hard as you get close to a corner.
Step 3: Slowly let off the brakes as you start to lean into the turn.
Goal: This method helps you get the most out of your motorcycle's grip by balancing how hard you brake with how well it grips corners.

Keep in mind that trail stopping takes a lot of skill and exact timing. It's easy for the wrong application to cause a motorbike accident, so it's best to practice in a safe place before going out on the road.

Keeping Your Eyes on the Road: Not Fixating on the Goal

It's not enough to know how to fix things on a motorcycle; you also need to know where to look. Don't focus on possible problems; doing so could lead you to them by accident. Instead, keep looking around until you find a safe way out, then focus on that place.

Getting Better With Practice

The best thing to do is still to slow down before a corner, but it's also important to know how to do it safely in the middle of a turn. Use a safe and controlled space to practice these skills. You might want to take professional motorbike riding lessons to improve your skills and get feedback from professionals. This not only makes you a better rider, but it also makes you much less likely to get into a motorcycle crash.

If you learn these ways to stop, you'll be better prepared for anything that might happen on the road. Remember that the best way to keep your motorbike stable, stay safe, and avoid accidents is to brake smoothly and under control. Be smart and careful as you ride!