HOW-TO GUIDES

Conquering Corners: How to Corner a Motorcycle & Motorcycle Counter Steering for Beginners

Taming the open road on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is more than just gripping the throttle and pointing toward the horizon. Mastering the art of cornering—seamlessly navigating bends and curves with grace and confidence—is a skill that will elevate your ride to a whole new level.

But motorcycle cornering isn't just about leaning into the turn. In this guide below, you’ll find all the steps, tips and techniques you need to dominate any long and winding road from the back of your trusty Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

WHAT IS COUNTER STEERING ON A MOTORCYCLE?

There are fewer better feelings than carving your way through a corner with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. But to master this skill and take on corners smoothly, we need to dispel a common misconception first: you don't steer into corners with your handlebars. Turning or, rather, counter steering a motorcycle relies on the rider leaning in the direction you want it to go.

That’s because, once you’re above speeds of 10-12 MPH, the way you turn is the opposite of what many think. Motorcycle counter steering, the seemingly counterintuitive technique at the heart of motorcycle cornering, actually relies on turning the front wheel in the opposite direction of the way you want to turn.

In other words, to counter steer, you push forward with the hand that’s on the same side as the way you wish to turn. Here’s an easy way to remember it: press right, go right; press left, go left.

HOW TO CORNER A MOTORCYCLE: STEP-BY-STEP TO CONFIDENT CURVES

Before we dive into step-by-step instructions for cornering, here is a helpful system for what to do before you approach a turn. We call it “Search, Set Up, Smooth:”

Search: Look ahead and understand the curve in front of you.
Set Up: Slow to an appropriate speed and gear that suits both the entry point and exit path of the turn.
Smooth: Make smooth, easy use of your controls throughout the curve, and ensure that the road is clear, with no sand or gravel on the surface.

With that philosophy in mind, let’s dive into how to corner your motorcycle for beginners.

Brake and downshift: Set yourself up at the right speed and match the speed of the engine to the turn before you get into the turn.
Adjust position and choose your line: Before turning, make sure you’re in the right position on the road. Pick a line that keeps you in the middle of the lane—the preferred path on public roads.
See through the corner: Remember—where your eyes go, your motorcycle will follow. While keeping your speed steady, look all the way through the corner and evaluate the road conditions ahead of you.
Lean and counter steer: This is where the magic happens. Lean the motorcycle into the turn and counter steer by gently pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of the turn. Don't overthink it—a slight nudge is all you need. Trust the physics and feel the motorcycle begin to dip into the corner.
Throttle through the perfect turn: When you get halfway through the turn, begin to gently and smoothly accelerate. This will help you straighten the motorcycle as you gradually straighten your handlebars and exit the bend, carrying the momentum—and that one-of-a-kind feeling—into the rest of your adventure.

Want to see these steps in action? Watch this video and dig deeper into mastering the art of cornering your motorcycle.

Learning cornering and how to counter steer a motorcycle takes time. But by following these steps and trusting your instincts, you'll grow in confidence and be carving corners like a seasoned rider in no time.

Master even more skills for the open road and make the most of every ride by joining one of the many courses available at the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Explore our range of classes and training for riders of all skill levels to find an option that suits your particular riding needs.