Cornering lines

[SMOKEU]

I've done a bit of rider training on a track, and I know that a good cornering line should usually look something like the following:


The only problem I have with that on the roads is that I have to ride over the middle of the lane while leaned over, which is precisely where the gravel and other roadside debris tends to build up, so I'd prefer to ride in the wheel tracks of the cars. I've had a few very scary moments recently where I hit gravel mid corner and the bike did a bit of drifting. So, do you ride on the inside of the corner, or the outside of the corner? Does this change depending on if the turn is left or right?

[skippa1]

Cassina would have you believe after his 38 years experience, that the only way to do this safely is to get off and push your bike around
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ay-(2-January)

[haydes55]

I'm far from an expert, but what I try do is approach the corner in the outside wheel track, then turn in and cross the middle into the inside wheel track. On right handers sometimes the outside of the inside wheel track is too close to the center line so I just use the middle of the lane or stay in the outside track. Some blind corners I don't see the exit and stay in the outside wheel track for the entire corner.

The white line is a brick wall and the edge of the road is a cliff. You can hang your head over a cliff, but you can't put your head through a brick wall.

[slofox]

I don't take any notice of theory. I just choose the best looking piece of road and try to stick to that.

I am also a little averse to getting too close to the centre line given the number of cars that cross the centre when cornering - usually when they are in a right hander.

Most of the tyre tracks around here are shiny as hell through tar melt, so I like to avoid those too.

[slofox]

... you can't put your head through a brick wall.

Ermmm...you can, y'know. Results aren't usually too good though.

[GTRMAN]

I've done a bit of rider training on a track, and I know that a good cornering line should usually look something like the following:

The only problem I have with that on the roads is that I have to ride over the middle of the lane while leaned over, which is precisely where the gravel and other roadside debris tends to build up, so I'd prefer to ride in the wheel tracks of the cars. I've had a few very scary moments recently where I hit gravel mid corner and the bike did a bit of drifting. So, do you ride on the inside of the corner, or the outside of the corner? Does this change depending on if the turn is left or right?

You have answered your own question a bit. A road is not a track and the cornering lines are completely different. Rather than listen to what can be downright dodgy advice on kb why not give Duncan Seed a call and get some professional training. He's down your way.

[DMNTD:Me]

There are so many variables it's rediculous and with one of the major ones being what the next 2 corners are like.
I am more than happy to show in person and take it from there

[oneofsix]

I'm far from an expert, but what I try do is approach the corner in the outside wheel track, then turn in and cross the middle into the inside wheel track. On right handers sometimes the outside of the inside wheel track is too close to the center line so I just use the middle of the lane or stay in the outside track. Some blind corners I don't see the exit and stay in the outside wheel track for the entire corner.

The white line is a brick wall and the edge of the road is a cliff. You can hang your head over a cliff, but you can't put your head through a brick wall.

Close. On the blind right hander try the left hand wheel track, you will find it gives you good visibility around the corner, cross in to the usual right hand wheel track riding position when you can see the out the exit of the corner.
On the left handers I understand slo's comment on the corner cutters but if you are in the right wheel track you can see around the corner better and can see the wayward cage approaching sooner so 1/ you have more time to get out the way and 2/ you don't get that but clinching surprise.

[nodrog:Me]

I think you will be safe whatever line you take, your keyboard seems pretty stable.

[skippa1]

Try the hand down method, you can feel any stones or slippery surface material

[ellipsis]

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[Hitcher]

What you've drawn are RACE lines. ROAD lines are different, safer and, arguably, just as fast.

Road lines should see you staying left longer, (for a righthand corner), holding speed or braking, and not committing to the turn until you can see through the corner. Reverse this for a righthander. This means that a corner's apex is not on either the centreline or the edge line, which should keep riders out of the paths of oncoming traffic or gravel.

[bogan]

What you've drawn are RACE lines. ROAD lines are different, safer and, arguably, just as fast.

+1, Generally later turn in and later apex than race lines.

[sugilite:Me]

Is it April 1st already?

[Grubber]

Those are definitely race lines.
I generally ride to the outside line dependant on road surface. Then use that outside to allow me to have good visibility through the corner and then my apex would possibly be out from centre line when i roll into the corner.
No sense in tempting fate with on coming car cutting the corner.
Seem to get through the corners smoothly enough and quick enough to stay out of trouble.