Cornering

The most important factor for any rider on any road when cornering, is to enter at the correct speed. This can only be achieved if and when the bike has been correctly set up prior to entering a corner.

Early braking, good down-changing to the appropriate gear, and the correct road position will allow the rider to lean the bike, negotiate the bend under smooth acceleration until the exit can be visualised, and then accelerate through to the exit point.

The routine would be the same for the next corner. Extreme road camber, double apexes, double back corners and decreasing radius corners are all common on the Great Ocean Road, for example.

There is no room for error - if you accelerate into, or brake late into a corner, it may have serious consequences for you.

When cornering, observe all road speed and advisory speed signs - they are there to assist you making decisions as you approach them. You need to share the road with other users, particularly oncoming traffic. Ask yourself "where is my head" - on your side of the road or on the other side of the road?

On the many tight corners, watch out for oncoming traffic, and do not cut over double lines as there is sure to be someone coming from the opposite direction. Take a wide line, don't fully commit until you can see through the corner. Cranking it over in a corner is not fun if you get a large vehicle embossed on your forehead!

Sight distance is the key to safe cornering. Adjust your speed accordingly. Remember, you can't see around corners.

Allow for other vehicles of all types who may go wide or cut corners. It can all happen in a split second - be aware.

Remember:
• you cannot see around corners,
• ride to your personal ability,
• stopping sight line,
• anything could be around the corner.