Tyre corner traction is a crucial aspect of motorcycle riding that every rider should understand. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, mastering the art of cornering with confidence relies heavily on your tyres' ability to maintain grip on the road. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key factors that influence tyre traction and provide practical tips to help you navigate corners like a pro.
Tyre traction refers to the grip between your motorcycle's tyres and the road surface. It's the foundation of your bike's stability and handling, especially when cornering. Several factors contribute to tyre traction:
- Tyre compound
- Tread pattern
- Tyre pressure
- Road surface conditions
- Weight distribution
To maximise tyre traction, it's essential to choose the right tyres for your riding style and maintain them properly. For example, sport tyres with softer compounds offer excellent grip for aggressive cornering, while touring tyres with harder compounds prioritise durability and comfort.
One of the key principles of maintaining tyre traction while cornering is progressive loading. This means gradually applying weight to the tyres as you lean into a corner, allowing them to build up grip gradually. Abrupt inputs, such as grabbing the brakes or throttle, can cause the tyres to lose traction and potentially lead to a crash.
To practice progressive loading:
- Smoothly apply the brakes before entering a corner
- Gently release the brakes as you lean the bike
- Gradually increase the throttle as you exit the corner
By loading the tyres progressively, you give them the best chance to maintain grip throughout the corner.
Mastering cornering techniques is crucial for maintaining tyre corner traction and riding with confidence. Here are some essential tips:
Proper body position helps you maintain balance and control while cornering. Keep your head and shoulders aligned with the bike's centerline, and lean your upper body into the corner. This allows you to keep the bike more upright, reducing the lean angle and increasing tyre traction.
Smooth throttle application is key to maintaining rear tyre traction, especially when exiting a corner. Avoid abrupt throttle inputs, as they can cause the rear wheel to break traction and slide out. Instead, gradually roll on the throttle as you stand the bike up and exit the corner.
Trail braking is a technique that involves gently applying the brakes while entering a corner. This helps to slow the bike down and load the front tyre, improving steering response. However, it's important to release the brakes smoothly as you lean the bike into the corner to avoid overloading the front tyre.
Selecting the optimal line through a corner can help you maintain tyre traction and carry more speed. Aim to enter the corner wide, hit the apex, and exit wide. This allows you to straighten the bike up sooner and get on the throttle earlier, maximising traction.
Proper tyre maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal traction and cornering performance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check tyre pressure regularly and adjust as needed
- Inspect tyres for wear, damage, or foreign objects
- Replace tyres when they reach the minimum tread depth
- Use tyre warmers for track riding to bring tyres up to optimal temperature
By maintaining your tyres properly, you can ensure that they provide the best possible grip and performance when cornering.
Riding in adverse conditions, such as wet or cold weather, can significantly reduce tyre traction. In these situations, it's crucial to adjust your riding style and cornering techniques to maintain safety. Some tips include:
- Reduce your speed and lean angles
- Smooth out your inputs (brakes, throttle, steering)
- Avoid painted lines, manhole covers, and other slippery surfaces
- Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances
By adapting your riding to the conditions, you can maintain tyre traction and corner with confidence, even in challenging situations.
When it comes to maintaining tyre traction while cornering, choosing the right tyres is crucial. Eurogrip offers a range of high-performance motorcycle tyres designed to provide excellent grip and handling in various riding conditions.
Eurogrip's sport tyres feature advanced tread patterns and soft compounds that offer superior traction, even at high lean angles. Our traction tyres are engineered to deliver confident cornering performance, allowing riders to push their limits on the track or enjoy spirited rides on twisty roads.
For riders who prioritise comfort and durability, Eurogrip's touring tyres provide a balanced combination of grip, stability, and longevity. These tyres are designed to maintain traction in a wide range of conditions, from dry highways to wet backroads, ensuring a confident and enjoyable riding experience.
Mastering tyre traction and cornering is essential for every motorcycle rider. By understanding the factors that influence tyre grip, practising progressive loading, and employing proper cornering techniques, you can ride with confidence and enjoy the thrill of leaning your bike through turns.
Remember to choose the right tyres for your riding style, maintain them properly, and adapt your technique to suit the conditions. With practice and patience, you'll develop the skills needed to corner like a pro and fully enjoy the freedom and excitement of motorcycle riding.
So, gear up, stay focused, and embrace the art of cornering with confidence. Trust in your tyres, your skills, and your instincts, and you'll discover a whole new level of riding pleasure on every twist and turn of the road ahead.