Cornering is a dark art. Somedays I am in the groove, other days I'm all crossed up. Thank you, I'm saving this to watch and watch again.

@calbrock6302

8 ай бұрын

I’m exactly the same! I commute daily on the bike so I get loads of riding time in BUT same as you some days I’m properly got it together other days it all goes to shit

@Cundalinis_Hand

8 ай бұрын

Agreed. Some days the mojo is strong, other days not so much.

@antonoat

8 ай бұрын

I’m not trying to sound like a smart ass but it’s not a “dark art” it’s a matter of applying a few simple golden rules and really thinking about them while riding. Many riders I’ve met are often thinking about numerous other things whilst riding, concentrating on what we are actually doing when riding is without a doubt a life saver! X Cheers 👏😀👍🏍

@bobholley6202

8 ай бұрын

Just remember practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Take it slow and speed up until you cross up. Stick with it.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

It doesn’t have to be a dark art. Some try to make it out to be this super complicated process. I feel like when we understand the tools and being adaptable riders, not riding by rote sequence, it starts to make a lot more sense.

That shot of the suspension while trail braking is the best way to explain the concept, TBH. Well done.

Just wanted to acknowledge the fact that you have been consistently putting out quality content for years. I appreciate you and your channel

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

So thankful for your clear instruction. I’m back to riding after 45 years away from it. Your clear concise pointers are a life saver, literally! Thanks.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Awesome!

@jamescampbell4334

8 ай бұрын

Me too. Back after 3 decades away. Picked up a new DesertX ADV bike three months ago, have 3.6k miles on it already. Be safe out there. 👍 7:13 I learned this technique driving karts when I was a teenager. Squaring (late apex) larger turns reduced lap times.

@dmosier

7 ай бұрын

Clear instructions? They were not at all clear to me.

@TulaneAve

7 ай бұрын

take a riders safety course if you need to relearn this stuff. These videos are not the way to learn it.

@curtisalan4402

6 ай бұрын

At 65, my first bike is a v rod, I am learning through these video's as well. Thank you to all who take the time to do this.

If you think this is wrong and you ride. You don't trust your front brake it can be the only reason. Go to an open parking lot and practice slowly pushing that front brake till you trust yourself. It will change everything in your riding and confidence it did for me. 63 and still learning.

I concur with this 100%. Infact, after 30 yrs on and off, i found a way to simplify this concept even further. I simply want as much of my lane in my vision as possible at any given moment. If the corner is too tight for me to see safely far enough ahead for the speed i am carrying, i stick to the outside as much as i can, giving myself the maximum available vision of the road ahead and therefore easily being able to chose my trajectory through the curve. Once the concept of wanting to see down your lane as far ahead as possible clicks, it becomes instantly natural and almost automaticaly, you will be taking the corner correctly. Having said this, even after decades riding i feel i can still learn from videos such as these which i find very interesting and insightful. Deffinately subscribing, thanks for a great video 👍👍👍

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Yes!! Maybe I’m a control freak but I want to use the techniques that give me the most possible control.

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

8 ай бұрын

Well said! So simple, really.

@farooqkhan3729

8 ай бұрын

Thanks - this is a good way to look at it. To want to have as much of the lane in your vision as possible, so you can choose the trajectory through the curve. So 2% front braking and looking far ahead into the curve - these are two techniques I will try when I hit those twisties again this weekend!

@texasclimatealarmist4801

8 ай бұрын

Well put.

@heybruh3274

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for endorsing this video. Otherwise I would have thought it was just a bunch of hooey.

Dave you are without a doubt the best instructor I’ve ever heard. No contradictions, ever. Reiterating with fresh language the same point several times, you reenforce the concept and actions required to achieve the clearly stated goal: get through the corner smoothly, efficiently, joyfully… ride the ride, get home, ride again. Thanks man, I don’t think there’s one video you’ve made that I only watched/listened to once. I watch them repeatedly, and hear your voice as I train myself on the road to be a better rider. Each curve is an opportunity for success and joy. Onward!

My riding buddy and I were out earlier this year. We've been riding together for about 15 years and have taken California Superbike School together. He had a tough go of it that day and said he just felt nervous and apprehensive once we upped the pace a little bit. The next time out he was 100% better. He said he got lazy and was not looking out far enough ahead and was visually following my tail instead of looking ahead of me. Sooooo much of riding is where you look. Thank you so much for your content. It's always spot on. Keep em' coming. I'd love to go riding with you some day!

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

8 ай бұрын

We are not always at our best! I have learned to respect when I am feeling apprehensive ( maybe I am tired or have too much on my mind ) and feeling less skillful. Such moments are just less fun.

@stephenevans596

8 ай бұрын

Sometimes I also ride in a group & I find it to be true that one can get somewhat lazy & tend to watch the bike in front of them instead of looking ahead at the road & it makes a world of difference.

I'm really grateful for your videos man, I just won second place in slalom riding (weaving around cones) the other day, followed all your instructions, and was able to secure second place. I can't believe how much my riding has improved - after watching and learning from your videos. I can't thank you enough for your amazing content. I am always looking forward to your next upload. You are the most amazing riding instructor.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

That is awesome!

well explained, I have been downshifting and trail braking into corners for years, I ride in Mallorca Spain, where there are many tight downhill hairpins, works every time, Ducati Monster rider! 65, and😅 still upright...

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

8 ай бұрын

You must be doing alot right, including living in paradise ! ( 67 here in the smoky mountains of NC USA ) Downshifting seems to help plant the the bike where I want it because I am less likely to fall away from the chosen geometry should I lose too much speed. Fascinating topic.

@paulovcak1988

8 ай бұрын

Majorca's great for a riding bikes🔥 many many great corners

This video is insanely well done ... Technique explained clearly and on point for road use, editing is ace!

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

8 ай бұрын

Just when I thought that _yet another video on cornering_ would be boring! This guy always produces a masterclass.

Like so many have already posted - this video was one of the most helpful that I’ve seen. Presented so simple, clear, and concise. I am 61 and have been riding for a long time, but I just learned some things here that I will be aware of today when I ride. Thanks

Something that has helped me with getting the bike turned towards the exit is using the painted lines (when available) as my "looking where you want to go" guidance. For example, on a right hand corner I'm following the center line (outside) with my eyes up until tip in. Then I turn my gaze to the fog line (inside) and follow that with my eyes. Discovering this has helped me tremendously! Everyone always says "look where you want to go" but just picking a vague point on the horizon means you're not really looking anywhere, and you don't want to pick a spot or an object because now you're target fixated PLUS once you get to that point you have to find another spot or target. Use the lines like the force.

You're saving lives with this perfectly explained, vital information! Thank you🙏

Your original trail braking video is what really allowed me to understand and actively use trail braking. It's probably the single most important skill I've learned and it has saved my bacon on more than one occasion. I'm shocked at the number of riders I've met that are reluctant to try it. The usual response is "That's a technique that's applicable only on the race track!" and "That's not what they taught me in the MSF course!". I even bought the Champ U course as a gift for a relative who rides a Ducati Monster and he still refuses to accept it. I suspect he never watched the course. I mean if you don't believe those guys, who are you going to believe. :)Thanks for sharing.

Below 45° of lean angle, the answer is always 'learn to lean more'. Went to a safety and lean angle training, and the instructor told us pretty clearly: For everyone that's not a MotoGp racer knowing every inch of tarmac ahead of him, the fastest way to corner is to overcut the corner - stay straight for longer into the corner, then lean while shifting your head to focus the exit or a point as far forwards as you can see with your eyes, reach a higher lean angle for a shorter period of time and accelerate as soon as you see the way forwards out of the corner. Because for people not living on the edge, the bike is fastest when it's not leaning. With this knowledge, my little 600 CBR could easily stay with all those 1250 GS in the Alps during my trip there two weeks ago, and at the same time my new tires lost all their chicken strips during those 2400 kms as you automatically lean further in when you're turning into the corner later than you are used to. You lean further for a shorter amount of time, which allows you to brake later and accelerate earlier. Seriously, if you participate in such a training, you begin to see how bad most folks are riding ( your previous self included ), and by taking the advice to heart I had an absolute blast in the twisties of the Alps ( which are much, much, much twistier than US stuff ) although I'm a relative beginner with around only two years of experience.

Outstanding! I love how you are so fantastic and really simplifying what otherwise can be very complex subject matter. You are always succinct and to the point. There are simply no wasted words in your presentations, and I ALWAYS come away with more knowledge that makes me a better motorcyclist as I go out and practice these things!! Great stuff!!

@CanyonChasers

7 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

After doing a heap of track days getting ready for racing, that changed everything about how I ride around corners in the hills and canyons.

Sometimes oncoming cars will turn into your lane. So hugging the center is actually risky. Especially in developing countries in South East Asia where cars don't care about respecting the center/median line

Went to bear tooth this summer with a group. I’ve been following and practicing your advice for two years now, and I’ve been sharing your tips with others in my group. Thanks so much for helping so many riders!

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Right on! ✌️

@MontanaDirtRoads

8 ай бұрын

Beartooth.

In the pre learner, which is the Australian equivalent of the msf course this is taught as wide entry, close exit, with a slight drag on the brakes. It's nice to have a good in depth explanation of the function and also how to perform the manoeuvre better. Great video!

@thepanel2935

5 ай бұрын

Agreed... Start out WIDE at the beginning of the bend, then twist the handlebars enough to get in TIGHT *halfway* through the turn. This way, you are successfully using ALL of the lane - WIDE and CLOSE IN. Start wide, then get in tight, and then return to the CENTRE of the lane as soon as you have left the turn and are entering the straight. Entering a tight downhill turn too fast is truly scary... and it can easily happen if you're on unfamiliar roads. Also apply a little *_rear brake_* as you are going through the turns. (ABS may help with the front brake if you have ABS.)

Great simple explanation: corner entrance is about getting to corner exit. Really appreciate your instructions dude.

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I watch as much as I can. Thank you 👍🏼

This technique only works in dry, clear asphalt. As someone who rides in the ice and snow, I can tell you this technique won't work in slippery conditions. Load weight into those front tyres on slippery ice, and it just increases the risk of slipping. So while its good advice for certain conditions, in other conditions it can cause more harm.

@baronnecas2880

Ай бұрын

Yeah I started riding last summer and naturally trail braked, until I was turning off the highway and somebody had kicked up gravel from the shoulder into the road. Front tire went out, I went down, and now I'm trying to re-learn how to trail brake and corner confidently again (while keeping an ever-keener eye out for those fucking gravel spots! And using a lot more rear brake, they harp on the front brake too much on posters and shit)

@davemitchell8756

Ай бұрын

Worth doing some off road, it teaches you a lot about counter balance cornering and front end wash out. Back brake is best in a loose corner .

@unic0rn897

15 күн бұрын

To me bike is only for warm sunny days. In winter I prefer to be behind windshield with air condition turned on 😅

Super informative video Dave. Some days my cornering works other days it's not so good but now you've given me the knowledge to make it the same every time. Thank you. Ride safe and ride well 🤓 🏍️

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

I love it. When we have more tools we know what we can focus on to get back into the groove.

Love that you’re riding a Ducati for this topic. I got into sport and naked bikes because of the Monster. The brakes were what made me switch from cruisers to sport.

Cornering is 100% my fav thing, over big power or acceleration, it's like flying. It should feel free and fun, your machine choice is important, as is your attitude to riding. Don't listen to anyone but yourself and do what feels good, sure research stuff, but don't over think it. And be prepared to crash, because at some point you WILL crash (I have and I'm still here). Be your own person, there's a lot of BS floating out in the community, and good luck to you.

Great video, with clear explanations and really helpful footage of the front suspension doing its thing. I would add a few things for steep mountain roads: Be careful on tight, steep uphill turns. You can't get on the throttle too early or aggressively without losing the rear, but you also can't slow so much that you drop the bike. For long downhill sections, I borrow the trick from cycling, alternately using a bit of rear brake rather than just using the front, and also using engine braking to some extent.

@csr7080

8 ай бұрын

Yeah, I nearly had an oopsie moment when I first encountered a really tight serpentine turn uphill, on a narrow road too so I wasn't going very quickly anyway.

The main thing is to remember that public roads are not a race course.

Thanks for the tips, very useful information. Some of us have a bad habit of looking AT the corner instead of through it, this video really helps out.

Great tip. Tried it for a couple days already and gives me a ton more confidence. Can actually sense more stability because of more traction in the front tire. Felt less stress even on wet roads. Thanks. 😅

Swiss mountain rider here. Close to 100,000 km of twisties and passes in all weather (except snow). I really like your description of line choice. We have learned and practiced both in my annual (voluntary) safety courses, but I prefer ‚wide’ for all the reasons you mention unless I’m worried about people cutting the (blind) corner … ahem, Italians. Everyone is consumed with entry and exit speeds, but you have to be able to stop in the distance you can SEE. Everything is else in a discussion ‚speed’ is secondary and I prefer light trail braking because I like the control you get, and the tip-in-help from releasing the brakes the final amount. No Swiss rider thinks about “apex”. It’s not even in our vocabulary off a track! And life-or-death hairpins are our morning commute and the quickest way to the gas station. I think people should talk more about counter-steering and “push more left, go more left”. But it seems like you can start a fight just by mentioning it with Americans. Not with Alpine riders - well, living ones at least.

@13_Cowboy

8 ай бұрын

Oh, I also wanted to say that we’re taught to give a … translating poorly in my head … “control/safety glance” (?) before initiating the turn to make sure there is not an RV taking both lanes in order to fit through the switchback, which happens a lot on tight alpine passes.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

YES! That is soooo important!! We have the same problem with RV and campers and giant american pickup trucks taking up the entire road.

Always great ride enhancing and life saving techniques shared. I never tried just engaging the *brake minimally and holding it late until I see the exit. My bike has so much engine *braking that I thought I couldn’t use trail braking. But expressed in this way I think it will work on my bike. Always be open to learn new things. Thanks!

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind donation. We don’t have to hold the brake until a specific point in the corner. We slow until we’re happy with our speed and direction. And I’d we need to, we can always go back to the brake.

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing. I think that’s the same thing. They taught us in the Total Control beginner and intermediate classes but your video really drives the point home!

Downhill cornering is my pet hate. Uphill cornering isn't so bad, but I'm not the most experienced rider! Start out wide (near the painted centre lane line), then move in closer (towards the other side of the lane that you came in *wide* on) as the turn ends, and then get back to the very centre of the road as you exit onto the straight.

Love this video! Very informative. Very well edited. The views are breathtaking

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! And yeah, that road is spectacular! Not even the drone captured it all that well.

Just coming off the throttle often does the same job. Slow(er) in fast(erl) out. I usually approach the corner slighty wide. It's safer and gives more options.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Often it does, but we need to be adaptable riders comfortable using the right tool at the right time. LIke steep, downhill corners or whathaveyou. ✌️

Excellent delivery of the message. Thanks.

I came off my bike 100km late at night on a wet corner have been struggling to regain any confidence so this video was a massive help. Thanks for the great content.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Glad it helped! It’s totally okay to be nervous. Listen to it and address the source of the nervousness. That’s the only way to successfully move forward.

@ma3stro681

4 ай бұрын

It can be really hard to overcome these mental demons, but the only way is to ride through them …

@graemegeorgeharrison2468

Ай бұрын

In the wise words of Troy Hawke, Challenges are just an opportunity to evolve….

I've watched many of your videos featuring trail breaking and can honestly say they have been the biggest contributor to riding pleasure. It has stopped many of us 'running wide' into the danger zone...Where l ride here in España we have some wonderful roads, however many are festooned with blind 'switchback bends' through wooded areas which can be quite difficult and demanding Understanding positioning and the physics involved when gentle braking has been indispensable... Thanks CanyonChacer .... Regards from España.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Oh man. I love it. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

8 ай бұрын

*BINGO!*

This has been the absolute BEST taking corners video explanation, demonstration yet! I’m getting ready for my first time in Sturges with my husband on my own bike! So excited! But don’t have a lot of this type terrain to practice on first. Will be checking your video library to see what else you might have to help me get ready! Thank you so much! These are fantastic and might just save some lives out there ❤

Absolutely the best video on cornering I've ever seen! Clear, concise information without lots of guff to muddy-up the message. You have gained a new subscriber...

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks!

couldn't agree with you more. Been practicing trial braking a lot last year and it's been an eye opener for me. Makes perfect sense, get the bike into the direction you want to go with the brakes. If only all instructors would teach this...

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

I totally agree!

@dertyberty

8 ай бұрын

Thank you. You have cleared a lot of things up for me . We'll explained. I'm going to re watch now, so you know it's a good one.

@mannyechaluce3814

8 ай бұрын

not sure if this can simulated in simple safety course in the parking lot :D you need an instructor teaching in a track environment :D

I was out exploring the Black Hills this summer and this braking technique makes running the mountain roads very enjoyable.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Aren't those roads just magnificent!

@grounded7362

8 ай бұрын

@@CanyonChasers They sure are. My Favorites were Iron Mountain Road and Spearfish Canyon Road.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

indeed! images.canyonchasers.net/_data/i/upload/2016/09/27/20160927150156-04eabf4b-la.jpg

Hands down the best motorcycle channel I watch. Just got an R3 and all the tips have made me so much more confident tackling those Socal canyons. As an engineering student I love the heavy physics base you use to justify yourself.

I loved the crisp clear quality of your videos ❤. Respect

Cool aerial shots. One thing I'd love to see in the future perhaps would be live telemetry of front brake pressure through corners.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

We've looked into this and it's still on the table. :)

@CurtisBrandt

8 ай бұрын

Very cool idea. Alternately, it’s not difficult to try these ideas and see the results for yourself. Consider the possibility that helps more than a chart or graph.

@CurtisBrandt

8 ай бұрын

@@CanyonChasersI thought the video of fork travel with various front braking strategies was awesome.

About a hundred years ago when I first started riding, someone told me, "Slow in. Fast out." and "Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast." When it comes to cornering, I have held onto those words of wisdom and applied them to how I ride on the track and off. I have taught countless people how to ride in my job and one thing I'm always sure to include are those same words. Control and proper bike management will get you out faster and on the correct line, and that builds confidence. A confident rider is a safer rider.

Nice clear video instruction. Eyes up, light trail braking, squaring corners...in my mind, those are the 'take aways'.

This video demonstrates why proper testing of US motorcyclists is crucial to prevent road deaths and injuries. I recommend your viewers to buy a copy of “Motorcycle Roadcraft”, published by the Crown Stationery Office. This is the manual for UK Police riders and explains the principles which they are taught by. Around 15 years ago, a British bike magazine put an amateur track day enthusiast on his Gixxer, a professional racer on his British Superbike race bike, against a British bike cop on his BMW R1150RT (long time ago). The cop posted lap times just under a second slower than the pro racer, and 4-5 seconds faster than the amateur. If you watch a British bike cop, they’re very smooth in everything they do.

@ppepperoni3570

7 ай бұрын

Isn't that special.

@albertol1529

7 ай бұрын

@@ppepperoni3570 spoken like a true, expert, well done. I’m glad you’re a much better rider than our UK Police Motorcyclists.

@tylerdurden4289

6 ай бұрын

@@ppepperoni3570aren’t you special. Special needs.

@user-rr5pv8fu5p

Ай бұрын

No one has a right to tell me I can’t ride ever. So yeah Ill never take a motorcycle test. Chump

@albertol1529

Ай бұрын

@@user-rr5pv8fu5p I just did! What are you going to do: cry about it or go and play with your guns? Or I know, end up in a heap on a road somewhere. Don’t worry about wearing a helmet, you need protection on your arse, since there’s nothing in your head to protect! (I had to explain that for you, sorry!)

Good video of trail braking in action. Looking too close to the front wheel is a real trap that I was caught in for a while or looking at the bike in front on a fun ride through the hills. Also, from a distance a bend in a flat road looks much sharper than it is, which can play with your mind a bit and make you slow down too much. Downhill corners are more scary than uphill and for many people, rights are more scary than lefts.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! And you are correct! Except in the UK, lefts more challenging than rights. :)

@simpletonballsack

8 ай бұрын

@@CanyonChasers I'm more intimidated by rights because my throttle hand is close to the road. I'm in Australia and I think we both ride on the "right" side of the road!

This is like the 'splainer' for the difference between track and road. Excellent.

Thank you for this video! I‘ve been riding for years like I was taught in Germany (Break before tip in, neutral throttle through the turn) and with all the tight and blind corners in southern Germany and the alps I very often had corners that I felt I took too slow and conservatively or I was too fast for my own comfort. With the trail braking, I always feel in control of the turn and since then had no turn were I felt my speed was wrong through the turn. A real game changer!

Been practicing the “brake light initiative” a lot and it made a huge difference in my riding when I went to Tennessee and NC this year. Smooth is fast!!!!

@vpweber

8 ай бұрын

You ride the tail?

@nathanyt

8 ай бұрын

Best way to master that is walking your motorcycle while braking.

@bobholley6202

8 ай бұрын

@@vpweber been up there twice this year. Up and down four or five times.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@vpweber

8 ай бұрын

Cool! I rode it last year, amazing piece of road!

Earlier lighter longer. Always when I’m riding Ortega Highway. Just a safer feeling it’s a different style.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

And so precise!

I love your breakdown of the physics of braking and explanation of eyes pointed towards exit. It has definitely made me a smoother and more fluid operator. Thanks for the content, truly good stuff.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

this summer i start riding my restored 1967 Norton Atlas, have not ridden for 25 years and when i did it was all the wrong advice. These lessons are so good thank you.

Oh god. Run for your lives everyone. He has summoned MotoJitsu, a man made of ego and hubris distilled into its purest forms. We are doomed.

@literal_lee

8 ай бұрын

Lol. You didn't turn on him now, did you ? 😂

@Fee.1

8 ай бұрын

@@literal_lee what do you mean? I’ve always been critical of the man when I felt it appropriate and appreciative of any good content he produces when appropriate. Contrary to his beliefs as espoused after his supposed “social experiment” his viewers don’t owe him any deference when it comes to calling out his BS just because there’s been x # of videos we have liked/appreciated. You’ll have to forgive me if we have interacted before, it’s not ringing a bell at the moment and I’m stuck on the couch with a fever and Covid so for all I know I’m hallucinating and this entire exchange isn’t happening.

@literal_lee

8 ай бұрын

@@Fee.1 We have interacted before and I have accused you of being a fanboy. Thanks for explaining your opinion on the dude and please accept my apologies for calling you 'fanboy'. Personally I despise his ego and hubris and don't regard him the great rider he portrays to be. Get well soon, brother. 💪🏻

All I can say is this the faster I ride the better I am because I like to live !! The slower I ride the worst I get and to have those 4 wheel morons on my ass makes me very very very nervouse So I just go as fast as I can. At the age of 70 I must admit I have been lucky Or have I ?? Some learn to ride others just ride I am not sure which is best but all I know is that common sense always comes first... There are those that can learn to be good riders and then there are simply good riders I honestly wish I were a natural but sadly not I live in the middle but to try and teach someone to ride in my humble opinion is an impossible task YOU HAVE IT OR YOU DON'T but you can still enjoy riding as long as you use common sense and don't try to keep up with the fast lads and lasses !!!!!!!!!!! I know I have contradicted my self to a point but these so called educational vids make me smile Get out there and practice and then practice again if you are a natural just ride and enjoy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You always give us the best advices on corner entry, thank you!

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

I’ve just started riding properly (had a little 100cc commuter bike 20 yrs ago). Corners and roundabouts have been making me anxious, I knew I needed to use my front break but am really cautious of it (prior bad cycling experiences I think)…this video is really helpful, thank you, I’ll try using tomorrow on my commute 👍

There are a couple of things to be conscious of with regards to trail braking. Firstly, loading up the front tyre means that you are removing load from the rear tyre. The rear tyre is usually the wider and, as a consequence, the one of the two tyres with more traction. Do you really want to be transferring load from that tyre? The rear tyre also plays a significant role in turning a bike. Secondly, available traction. A tyre only has so much traction available. You can use that traction to brake, accelerate and to turn. You can't do all three at a time, but you can at least balance braking with turning and accelerating with turning. Keep in mind that the more you turn, the less you can brake, and the more you brake, the less you can turn. Something has to give, one way or another. Which are you prepared to sacrifice? Yes, compressing the front end tightens up the steering angle, that's a given. You will turn "faster". But at some point, you're compromising cornering traction and braking traction. Beware. Trail braking has its place, and you should learn it. Personally, on the street, I don't see exit speed and the line through the apex as "that place" or trail braking as a better way to achieve that end. We're not Valentino Rossi or Mark Marquez. I beg to differ with the analysis in this video that the bikes going through that turn were in anyway affected by not trail braking. Those tight lines with no view to the apex were just that. Any of those bikes could have kept a far wider line until seeing the apex whether trail braking or not. That was all about road craft and nothing about technique. Trail braking is a very good tool to have in the kit for when you "overcook" the corner. It's a safety thing. Slowing and turning concurrently is a skill that you're going to need, one day. But there is nought wrong with riding a bike through a turn with a loaded up back tyre. In fact, it's probably safer. By the way. I learned how to trail brake on an old 250 Honda, in first gear, in a car park. Top tip. Wear gear (you'll need it). Remove rear indicators or have spares. Have spare brake clutch and shift levers (you'll need those, too). You'll know that you're getting the hang of it when the peg's just about or is touching down as you come to a dead stop. Don't practice this on a heavy bike unless you have really good knees and a really good back. Practice it on an expensive bike if you can afford to. Most can't, be realistic.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

You don’t fully understand grip. Grip comes from two things. Mechanical grip and pressure. While a bigger tire may be capable of more grip, that doesn’t mean it always has more grip. That ignores pressure. Or in simpler terms. Weight. A loaded tire has more grip than an unloaded tire. We don’t steer with the rear tire. We steer with the front. We want pressure on the tire we are using. In other words we load the tire before we use the tire. It’s the exact same thing with acceleration. We roll on the throttle to allow weight to shift to the rear so that we can accelerate. If we just snap throttle on, the rear tire will spin, despite being bigger. Trial braking is not stabbing the brakes at lean, which based on your 250 story, may be your misunderstanding. Grabbing brakes at lean is “oh shit braking”. Trail braking is simply “trailing off the brake past corner tip in, decreasing pressure as lean increases”.

@literal_lee

8 ай бұрын

There's a lot speaking for trailbraking, but advocating this for noobs (or anyone) is nigh on criminal if you ask me. Proper useful trailbraking requires very fine control of the frontbrake. And that's definitely not for noobs or other unskilled riders

@davidbrayshaw3529

8 ай бұрын

Yes, grip does come from both mechanical grip and pressure. All things being equal, the greater the contact with the road surface, the more mechanical grip that there is available. Tyres deform around imperfections in the road's surface creating this mechanical grip. Pressure must be applied to the tyre for this to occur. The more pressure, the more mechanical traction. The wider the tyre is, the more mechanical traction it has that can be exploited. You just have to apply pressure. No, we don't initiate a turn with the rear tyre. But once the turn is initiated, the rear tyre plays a large role in maintaining stability and traction throughout the turn and it is critical in maintaining the turning radius. The tyre's profile is designed in such a way to help achieve this. And that is a key thing to remember when explaining trail braking. One of the reasons that we trail off the brakes as we tip in is to take advantage of the available mechanical grip on the rear tyre. It also balances forward inertial forces as well as downward inertial forces. The physics are incredibly complex, and some aspects are still unknown. We don't know why wheels act the way they do at given angles of lean with given amounts of forces applied, they just do. If you've ever played with disc like objects, a tyre maybe, on a level surface, you learn very quickly just how many variables there are in its behaviour, given different inputs. No, trail braking is not stabbing the breaks at a lean. That's called a scary moment, or an accident! I certainly did not suggest this in my original post. Implicit, however, in my original post was that this is a skill that should be taught and learned OFF public roads and at LOW speeds. Aside from the various environmental factors that come into play on public roads such as debris, road imperfections and traffic, this is not a skill to be learned at speed. If you are hoping to achieve anything close to your full potential (that will vary greatly between different riders), start off slow and work your way up. If you haven't met the limits going slowly, you certainly wont meet them at speed, and if you do, may God be with you, 'cause it's going to hurt. Also implicit in my original post is that in the context of road riding, this should be taught from a perspective of safety, not speed. I would also suggest that using trail braking as a tool to negotiate an unknown blind corner is far from best practice. The last thing that you need is to find a patch of gravel that you couldn't see while banked over with the front brake applied! Slow, lean, roll before the corner. Trail braking is not some sort of magical tool that should be used to find "the right line". And note the difference between road lines and race lines. It's not always about the exit, on the road. "The road to a good apex is lined with gravel", an instructor once said to me. I should have listened. That was the end of the old Honda, and nearly me. Trail braking on the road should be viewed as a tool of last resort. Once you've "mastered" it, at low speeds, you can practice on the road. But make sure you know the road and you can see what's coming. Trail braking through a blind corner...? let's hope you never find out. @@CanyonChasers

@davidbrayshaw3529

8 ай бұрын

Please see my reply. I am open to criticism and/or correction.@@literal_lee

@literal_lee

8 ай бұрын

@@davidbrayshaw3529 I pretty much agree. Moreover.... we can't ride track without trailbraking, but we surely can ride public roads without it. As a track instructor, I take issue with CC and MJ (and others) for introducing track riding techniques to the public roads.

The blue bike is way to close to the mid line. Cars are violating your lane over and over again, especially in corners. Had I ride like that, I would have crashed head-on on an average 4 times in 800 mile.

Great video! Thanks for posting this - will definitely keep in mind in the twisties!

Just got back into riding this is helpful thank you

Who's scared in corners? Beginners? For how long? If you're scared but somehow allowed to ride on public road, stop immediately and find another hobby, thanks, we have enough dangers on the road.

Thanks for sharing with us all such life saving nuggets. Absolutely agree with your logic, reason, experiment, and your experience says a lot.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Yessir! This video delivers clear concise instructions and pointers--turned on a lot of lights--life-safers indeed! Thx!!!

Great video and great advice! I learned most of that when I was riding dirt bikes when I was young (10-18). The most important thing you must learn when you ride dirt bikes, is that you have to learn to "read the trail." Which requires looking as far ahead and around (peripheral) you as you can see and observing everything that could possibly be a problem and being competent to react and respond to the variances and nuances of the trail to get you and your bike through that trail. And as you stated, you can't always see what's on the other side of that corner or just over that knoll, so "it's like trying to predict the future!" And whenever you have to "try and predict" what's ahead, the best advice is to do so "Cautiously." Basically, the same "rules" apply on pavement. You just have to adapt to the paved "trail" rather than the dirt "trail." And your bike and tires will react differently on pavement than they do on dirt! I've been riding motorcycles for 58 years, from dirt bikes to sport bikes to cruisers and touring machines, and I still ride all year long. But I am more of a "fair weather rider" now. LOL. I'm too old to like getting soaked and freezing and then have to go home and clean my bike again! But, I've learned to control my throttle and hold the left grip with my thumb and index finger, and I keep my pinky, ring finger & middle finger of both hands on the front brake and clutch levers whenever I'm riding in "traffic" or riding the "twisty turnies" (i.e., the Blue Ridge Parkway, etc.) and I keep both of my feet close to the rear brake and shifter pedals, that way I'm always ready to make a maneuver when the "trail" throws something unique at me!

A great reminder of all the things the YCS guys taught me about trail breaking. thx u!

Simple and understandable. Nice work work mate! 👍🏼

Best idea when doing corners. . be AHEAD of where you ARE. If you 'get behind the curve'. . literally. . .you are OFF the curve. I've been riding a long time . .Tired, complacency, lazy, inattentive . . they all cause you to corner improperly. Last resort, slam on the brakes and reset. there's no such thing as 'too slow' in a corner.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

YES! I love this and I've called it out in a bunch of videos. Fighter pilots say "Stay ahead of aircraft". Everyone tries to go fast in the first part of the corner - that part doesn't matter - be fast out of the corner.

Outstanding. Thanks. Dragging the front by even slightly more than 1 or 2 points also works in conjunctiom with slightly more controlled and steady throttle right before actual turn-in, in conjunction with a very light dragging of the rear. Loved "keep your head up" at the start. Awareness before all else, riding within your limits a close second, technique a very, very close 3rd, but all aces to riders who put the 3 together each and every ride. Rubber down.

Thank you for this priceless video lesson! Only thing I want to mention is that the line selection in any curve on a two way road is so much dependable on incoming traffic. Well, at least in my country, where drivers constantly cut the corners (even blind ones). So even in cases when staying on the outside of a corner gives you better vision for the exit, I really prefer to slow down and run on the inside, instead of risking a direct hit with an idiot.

As a newbie rider with a full Kawa Z900 as first bike, your videos have been extremely helpful and informative to ride safely and bring more joy from canyons without being so afraid to enter the corners. Thank you, this is public service right here 🙌🏻

Thank you for an excellent informative video. Headed out for a day ride and this will be at the forefront of my mind today on the twisties.

I needed this YOUR THE MAN BRO

Thank you for always taking the time to put out your best advice.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Always!

Very well put. Changed the way I think about cornering. Time to practice!

As usual, really good advice. Your advice has made me a better, safer rider. Thanks for caring about your fellow riders.

Right buddy. Ride safe. Thank´s you.

I wish I'd seen this years ago when I was a biker. I was always slow in turns and the windy roads, mostly out of lack of confidence to lean. Watching this video makes me miss biking. Stay safe!

Great video - concise, no ego and helpful clear graphics.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

Thank you - handling corners is one of my weak points, this video is perfect timing for me!

Superb video thanks, cornering is my favourite choice of road. Been riding 47+ years predominantly harley low rider and more recently triumph 1200xe scrambler, both bikes handle beautifully whilst staying on the power , judging the degree of curvature at reasonable speed, I don’t wanna die !!!

Great advice brother. Taking the Hornet 919 out this weekend. I will try these cornering tips.. especially looking where the exit is and where l want to go. Cheers from Australia 😊

Ive been searching youtube quite a while for a video with this information! Great information, thank you 👊

One of the best explanatory riding videos I’ve seen. Well done. 👍🤟

Great idea to keep front brake on if no dirt in corners. Try that in Canada where they cover roads with sand all winter and corners have sand all summer. Will go down and FAST

Really, really good information. I am going to watch this 500 times so I will remember it on the road. Thank you for this excellent video.

Since the first day of riding, I have asked people around, "How do you know what is the best speed to approach a corner without being too fast or too slow?". And to be honest, I just got stupid answers... After 1.5 years, I managed to have a good, fun pace on twisty roads, but always with a feeling of not being totally safe. This weekend, I went to ride on some twisty mountain roads. Everything was smooth and nice with the bike and my technique until I went on a downhill corner too fast. Seeing that I went wide, my action was to gently press the front brake (it was the first time doing this, and leaning more was for sure not a solution), and I made it without going in the other lane, but that was scary af. I pulled over, got some fresh air, took time to think about what was wrong and what I needed to change because I didn't want to feel this again, and almost instantly I remembered your video and decided to step up and use your advice. Since I saw that braking in a corner is not a no-no if it's executed gently. So I started slow and experimented, and after 30 km, I was back on a fast pace, but with a lot more confidence that what I was doing was making sense and in a much more safe manner. This was amazing because a portion of this road had potholes, gravel, and sand in the corners, and it worked like a charm without putting me in a scary situation. The way back home was amazing; it felt so natural, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I feel stupid and ashamed that it took me so much time to learn this, but... at least now I know. Thank you!

Hey. So much to like about this video, and a consistent message with Moto Jitsu's 'it's all about the exit' mantra (just a little more detail re entry braking). Apart from those who overcook entry speed, many come undone by entering more slowly than they realise they can, then getting on the gas too early to try and make up for it (just as your blue and yellow bikes showed!). You just need to have the patience to wait before getting on the gas on exit, and then work on lifting entry speed to something you're comfortable with. And like the drum back beat. Brett Tkacs for the road!! 🙂Cheers.

Great video Dave. The drum solo reminds me of Matt Jorgenson's stuff on MotoTrek 😊. Thanks in very large part to your channel and your podcast I finally took the plunge and added track days to my regimen of skills classes. I got some looks riding my Victory Vision but I had a blast and C group was actually a good pace. 🎉

Another awesome video. I’ve been “behind bars” over 50 yrs, & you are the best teacher I’ve seen.👍

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Wow! Thank you! 🙏

Thanks, it makes a lot of sense. Definitely gonna try your advice and share with my riding Buddies

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Right on!

Amazing job! Thanks for sharing your perspective. Tbf that's how I corner but I thought I was doing it wrong

Best break down I've ever seen.

Canyon Carving you are definitely right . I always took the " Orthodox " approach around Town though . 30 year rider . NO broken bones . Brake TO the Turn , tip in , neutral roll through the direction turn , and then take stock BEFORE nailing it again .

I love the way you explain things. In France they teach you to follow a similar line in corners, however, they don't talk much about using the front brake for a better grip.

@CanyonChasers

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Someone told me that in France they call "chicken strips" bandages de peur. I always thought that was a hilarious translation (assuming it's correct).

Watched this twice so far. Good stuff, thanks.