MBMOTOBEACON
Motorcycle imagery for Turning and braking

RIDER ACADEMY · LESSON 03

Turning and braking

Look through curves and use both brakes smoothly.

Motorcycles turn best when the rider looks where they want to go and uses smooth steering, throttle and brake inputs. Practice braking upright before adding curves.

Riders illustrating the Turning and braking lesson

How to practice it

1

Prepare before the curve

Reduce speed and select a useful gear while upright. Keep your head up and scan through the turn.

2

Press and look

To turn right, gently press the right handgrip; to turn left, press the left. Turn your head and eyes toward the exit.

3

Maintain smooth control

Use a steady or slightly increasing throttle through a normal curve. Avoid abrupt changes that use traction suddenly.

4

Brake progressively

For a straight stop, smoothly squeeze the front brake while pressing the rear. Increase pressure without grabbing or locking a wheel.

VISUAL TUTORIAL

Separate turning from hard braking

Four-stage tutorial showing curve preparation, looking and pressing, progressive braking and a balanced stop
  1. 1Slow and select the correct gear while upright; turn your head and look toward the curve exit.
  2. 2Press the inside handgrip gently and keep your eyes through the turn. Use smooth, steady control.
  3. 3For a firm stop, straighten the motorcycle first and progressively apply both brakes.
  4. 4Finish with the bars straight, eyes up and the left foot down when safely stopped.

Study the sequence while parked. Practice moving exercises only in a closed area with full protective gear and qualified instruction.

Practice checklist

  • Begin at low speed on clean, dry pavement.
  • Practice straight-line stops using both brakes.
  • Increase speed only under qualified instruction.
Stop and reassess: If you enter a curve too fast, look through it and increase lean gradually. Sudden braking or steering can reduce traction.

Safety guidance adapted from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. MotoBeacon lessons are educational summaries, not riding certification.

Find an MSF Basic RiderCourse ↗