Breaking in a Curve Follow-up - Police Motor Cop Riding Tip

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Breaking in a Curve - Follow-up
I have heard students say they were taught exactly as instructed by Captain Polan (congratulations Jim on the promotion). This technique is correct however the students told me that they didn't know what it meant to straighten up the motorcycle. In actuality the students do know how, they just don't realize they are doing it without thinking about it. When in a turn to the right the rider is pushing the right hand grip and pulling the left. To upright the bike the rider simply does the opposite. This can be done quickly, but it must be done smoothly (like any action or input used while riding) or the front wheel can snap forward and loose traction for a moment. Of course, for a Left turn the motions are opposite.

Some instructors refer to this as "turning into the turn". If you picture it, it seems as if you are doing just that. While in a turn to the right, you push on your left hand grip and pull up on the right as if turning to the right when riding at slow speeds. The difference is momentum and dynamics created by speed. This action at higher speed in a turn will up right the bike quicker than the old thought of braking to up right the motorcycle.


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This technique should be practiced on a daily basis while riding so it becomes a part of muscle memory and second nature when in an emergency situation. While taking an exit ramp try this exercise by setting up on the inside of the ramp. (Assuming a right turn)While the bike is leaning push on the opposite hand grip (left) and pull on the other (right) then return to the lean by switching back (push on the right and pull on the left). Do this a couple times while on the ramp to get comfortable with the technique. You will realize it is a movement you do all the time without thinking about it. The only difference is that now we want you to incorporate stopping (not while you are practicing on the highway.)

Once you get the feel of the bike up righting you can practice in a safe location coming to an emergency stop as explained by Capt Polan. This should also be practiced often. Remember smooth, quick continual squeezing of front brake and firm, smooth continual pressing of the rear brake. Both are done simultaneously and both are done until the bike comes to a stop. Remember, the front brake will save your life. It does most (60-75% depending on who you talk to) of your stopping. Also, don't forget that if you are not smooth on the front brake and you lock the front wheel into a skid, immediately release the front brake to gain steering control and reapply (smooth, quick continual squeeze).

I hope this helps. Keep the shiny side up and God Bless.

Joe Furman
Fairfax County Police Department

If you are a police motorcycle instructor and would like to share some of your knowledge with your fellow officers, please let us know.