Road positioning and cornering

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose a normal riding position and explain when to change it.
• You can position so drivers ahead can see you in their mirrors.
• You can set your speed and gear before a bend.
• You can look through a bend and lean the bike smoothly.
• You can explain why safety comes before a better view.

What you need to know and understand

• A position around the centre of your lane is a common normal position, adjusted for hazards and road conditions.
• Highway Code rule 88 advises positioning so drivers in front can see you in their mirrors.
• To turn at road speed, a motorcycle has to lean. The faster you go round a given bend, the more it must lean.
• Braking or a sudden throttle change while leaned over reduces grip, so do most of your slowing before the bend.
• A steady, slightly opening throttle through a bend helps keep the bike stable.
• You should never move into a position that puts you at risk just to see further, such as close to the centre line on a right-hand bend.

Picking your spot in the lane

Your position should give you the best balance of view, visibility and safety margin. Move away from hazards: towards the centre of the road to pass parked cars and hidden driveways, or further left when oncoming traffic is close or there is a risk of vehicles crossing the centre line.

Watch the surface too. The centre of a lane can carry oil and diesel spills, and drain covers and painted lines are slippery when wet. On roads with more than one lane, keep to the lane discipline you would use in a car, as covered in the site's lane discipline guide.

• Parked cars on the left: move out to give room for opening doors and pedestrians stepping out.
• Approaching a junction on the left: avoid hugging the kerb, where emerging drivers may not see you.
• Oncoming large vehicle: ease left to increase the gap and reduce the effect of buffeting.

A safe sequence for every bend

1. Look ahead for the bend early and check the limit point, the furthest point you can see along the road.
2. Check mirrors and choose your position for the best safe view.
3. Slow down to a speed at which you can stop within the distance you can see is clear, while upright.
4. Select the right gear before the bend.
5. Look through the bend to where you want to go and lean the bike smoothly.
6. Hold a steady or gently opening throttle, and ride out as the bend opens and the limit point moves away.

Left-hand and right-hand bends

On a left-hand bend, a position towards the centre of the lane often gives a better view round the corner, but not if it brings you close to oncoming traffic. On a right-hand bend, keeping towards the left of your lane improves your view, but watch for the kerb, mud and debris near the edge.

If the bend tightens or you see a hazard mid-corner, look where you want to go, not at the hazard. Avoid sudden braking while leaned; if you must slow, use smooth, gentle braking and bring the bike more upright if you can.

Common mistakes

• Entering bends too fast and braking while leaned over. Slow down while upright, before the bend.
• Staring at the hedge or the oncoming car. The bike follows your eyes.
• Riding close to the centre line on right-hand bends for a better view. Oncoming vehicles may cut the corner.
• Hugging the kerb in towns, where emerging drivers and pedestrians may not see you.

Test yourself: Road positioning and cornering

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

Go deeper

• Lane Discipline in GB