To Lean or Counter Lean into a Corner

PP186515 · 02-12-2022, 07:47 PM

Ok, let’s stir up some conflict. Here is a video from FortNine (Ryan Kluftinger) who studied Physics and Art History ( good combination if you ask me) that talks about if you should lean into or counter lean into a corner. The conclusion (with impressive graphs) is that counter leaning is safer because you have greater situation awareness and can correct any loss of traction better. As a slower speed adventure motorcyclist, I prefer to stay neutral or counter lean (I ride on gravel a lot, so try to keep up with me if you can).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1mSavQ_DXs

So, I am not going to try to convince any of you sports motorcyclist to stop leaning, but I would like to hear you convince me that it is better than counter leaning on pavement. The only real advantage I can come up with is air resistance and you look bad . What other benefits am I missing?

Thanks and I look forward to a lively discussion.

flipstyledsm22 · 02-13-2022, 10:08 AM

Great topic idea!

It all really depends on the ride, in my humble opinion.

If you are street riding, then situational awareness and balance is key. I typically ride my cruiser which is an upright seating operation. This lets me keep my head on a swivel without any strain to turn my body slightly, if needed. I'm also more neutral seated so I can put my feet flat on the ground in case I have to stop suddenly and stabilize my balance. In this type of riding I like to counter lean into corners because it is more comfortable and I'm not trying to add additional stress on my body because I'm "mile eating" and not trying to fatigue.

Now track and race is VERY different. In this type of riding I am leaning into corners because I'm only concerned in getting the best lap time. This means consistency is key for success. Everything is based on going fast in the most efficient way possible... But it's not easy or simple either. You have to study the track, know your braking markers, know your bike, know everything you need to know because everything is going WAY faster. Leaning into corners in this type of riding helps me keep the bike in its most upright position possible while using my body to bring more weight lower and further into the corner, which should allow more entry speed and a better chance at carrying that speed through the apex. But leaning comes at a cost as well... it is very physically demanding and you fatigue very fast, so you have to practice A LOT!

PP186515 · 02-15-2022, 05:52 AM

Sounds like counter leaning wins.

NewRider · 02-15-2022, 05:32 PM

Keith Code is out there having an aneurysm.

02-12-2022, 07:47 PM	#1
PP186515 Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Galleria Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 49 Experience: 5 years Bike(s): Suzuki V-Strom DL650 Adv KTM EXC 530	To Lean or Counter Lean into a Corner Ok, let’s stir up some conflict. Here is a video from FortNine (Ryan Kluftinger) who studied Physics and Art History ( good combination if you ask me) that talks about if you should lean into or counter lean into a corner. The conclusion (with impressive graphs) is that counter leaning is safer because you have greater situation awareness and can correct any loss of traction better. As a slower speed adventure motorcyclist, I prefer to stay neutral or counter lean (I ride on gravel a lot, so try to keep up with me if you can). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1mSavQ_DXs So, I am not going to try to convince any of you sports motorcyclist to stop leaning, but I would like to hear you convince me that it is better than counter leaning on pavement. The only real advantage I can come up with is air resistance and you look bad . What other benefits am I missing? Thanks and I look forward to a lively discussion.

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02-15-2022, 05:32 PM	#4
NewRider Riding, Eating & Partying Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Houston/Heights Feedback Rating: (1) Posts: 18,223 Experience: 3 years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): '09 Ducati Monster 696 Retrospec Drome (Fixed Gear Bicycle) '01 Ducati Monster 600 (Sold) '07 Suzuki GSXR Track Bike (Sold) '02 Honda F4i (Sold)	Keith Code is out there having an aneurysm.
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02-15-2022, 05:52 AM	#3
PP186515 Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Galleria Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 49 Experience: 5 years Bike(s): Suzuki V-Strom DL650 Adv KTM EXC 530	Sounds like counter leaning wins.