Slow riding, positioning and cornering

By the end of this topic you can

• You can ride slowly in a straight line and turn tightly while staying balanced.
• You can choose a lane position that lets you see and be seen.
• You can use mirrors and a shoulder check before every change of direction.
• You can plan a bend so all braking is finished before you lean.
• You can spot road surfaces that can unsettle a motorcycle.

What you need to know and understand

• Do not rely only on mirrors when moving off, changing lane, turning right or overtaking; look over your shoulder too.
• Avoid riding between lanes of traffic, and keep well clear of vehicles you pass.
• Drivers often look for large objects and can miss the narrow outline of a bike.
• Gravel, sand, pools of water and rough surfaces can destabilise a motorcycle; slow down before them.
• Watch the far, middle and near distance, and behind you, before changing position.
• Ride within your ability; the sense for danger only comes with experience.

Balance at walking pace

Slow riding feels harder than riding fast because the bike is less stable. The trick is to keep the drive steady and look ahead, not down at the front wheel.

1. Set a steady, slightly raised engine speed with the throttle.
2. Use the clutch friction point to control speed on a geared bike.
3. Use light rear brake pressure to slow down further, rather than the front brake.
4. Keep your head up and your eyes on where you want to go.
5. For a U-turn, check all round including over both shoulders, then turn your head fully into the turn and keep the drive gentle.

Picking your place in the lane

Your position should let you see ahead, keep you out of drivers' blind spots and give you space from hazards. Moving slightly towards the centre of your lane often helps drivers waiting at junctions spot you. Move away from parked cars, potholes, drain covers and the gravel that builds up at the edge.

Never sit alongside a lorry or car where the driver cannot see you. Either drop back or pass cleanly when it is safe and legal.

Taking a bend

• Look well ahead and read how tight the bend is and what the surface is like.
• Do your braking and gear changes while upright, before the bend.
• Enter at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see is clear.
• Keep a gentle, steady throttle through the bend to keep the bike settled.
• Look through the bend to where you want to go, and ease the throttle on as it opens out.
• Do not cut corners or drift towards the centre line on a left-hand bend; oncoming traffic may be wide.

Common mistakes

• Looking down at the front wheel during slow riding. Keep your head up and look where you want to go.
• Skipping the shoulder check before moving off or turning right. Mirrors do not show the blind spot.
• Braking hard while leaned over in a bend. Finish braking before you turn in.
• Hugging the kerb. You are harder to see and closer to gravel and drain covers.

Test yourself: Slow riding, positioning and cornering

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.