Cornering, Curve Negotiation, and Surface Hazards
Slow In, Look Through, Roll On
Cornering is about smooth inputs and good vision. Set your speed before the curve, look through the turn toward the exit, and use a gentle, steady throttle through the corner. Lean the bike smoothly and keep your eyes up. A common trap is braking hard mid-curve; instead, if you enter too fast, ease off the throttle slightly, look through the turn, and lean more. Do not fixate on the outside edge or the centerline.
Choosing a Line
Enter wide, apex near the inside, and exit wide to maximize radius. On blind curves, stay in the outer portion of your lane to see farther and to leave room for oncoming traffic that may cross the centerline.
Surface Hazards
Watch for gravel, sand, oil, wet leaves, painted lines, and metal grates, especially after rain. Cross hazards as upright as possible and avoid sudden braking or leaning on them. Railroad tracks should be crossed at close to a right angle. In rain, reduce speed and increase following distance; the first minutes of rain are the slickest. In Arizona heat, watch for tar snakes and loose gravel on curves.
Rule of thumb: slow in, look through, roll on. If you see a hazard, cross it upright with steady throttle rather than braking or swerving on it.