Why can't motorcycles lean into turns?
2 Answers
Motorcycles can lean into turns. Leaning into a turn refers to the operation of tilting the body of the vehicle to complete a turn, commonly used in motorcycle riding. Simply put, it is to avoid cars that suddenly appear head-on. In such situations, mastering the correct avoidance principle allows the rider to evade the car in a very short time without fearing the motorcycle losing balance and hesitating to turn boldly. High-speed cornering relies solely on "countersteering" to tilt the body, known as leaning into the turn. The handlebar's turning angle is very small (negligible), and the turn is completed entirely by the difference in diameter between the edge and the center of the tire. The faster the speed, the deeper the lean. Techniques for leaning into turns: Maintain speed: Do not accelerate unnecessarily before entering the turn, as this can make the vehicle unstable and prone to tipping over. Avoid using the clutch and brakes: Maintain a constant speed during the turn and avoid using the clutch and brakes. Instead, adjust the speed and path of the turn using the throttle and lean angle, while keeping your eyes focused ahead. Body tilt: Tilting the vehicle outward generates centrifugal force, so the rider must appropriately shift their center of gravity inward toward the tire's contact point to counteract the centrifugal force.
After riding motorcycles for so many years, I've learned that leaning is the core skill for turning. A motorcycle must tilt its body to counteract centrifugal force in order to navigate a curve smoothly. But why do some people say 'you shouldn’t lean'? In certain conditions, it’s indeed not advisable. For example, on slippery or gravel-covered roads, leaning can easily cause the tires to lose traction, significantly increasing the risk of the bike tipping over. Or, if the speed is too high, excessive leaning can lead to loss of balance, especially in sharp turns where beginners might mishandle and crash. As an experienced rider, I’ve seen many accidents caused by improper leaning—beginners mimicking racing moves on public streets and ending up losing control into ditches. Safety advice: first practice the basics in open areas, mastering body coordination and gentle leaning techniques; slow down on rainy days or unfamiliar roads, using gradual angles rather than sudden tilts. Leaning isn’t something you shouldn’t do—it’s something you should do with preparation. The key lies in road conditions and your own skill level.
