Cornering weight distribution??

[Yesjus]

Hi,

Recently new to motorbiking and just have a quick question about cornering.
I'm reading a lot about "leaning in" and "hanging off" the bike meaning my weight is off the bike left or right depending on the corner which I understand.

My question is where should my weight be in terms of front to rear. In a corner should I be leaning over and forward, or should I be leaning over and keeping weight off the handlebars and towards the rear.

thanks guys

[owl]

twist of the wrist II (cornering bible)
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Observation is the greatest source of wisdom.

[arry]

[Holdawayt]

Yup stop thinking about it and it'll come naturally.

I tend to stick my head down to my left mirror when turning left and vice versa, so to answer your question - lean forwards.

[Monkeypony]

Just ride. No need to worry about it. Modern tyres will let you corner plenty fast enough scare yourself without even thinking about hanging off. As your confidence grows, you'll naturally begin to move around a bit more on the bike.

Only thing I would add is, as you start to move, keep your body in line. If you shift an arse cheek out of the saddle, your head and shoulders should go with it.

Riding 'crossed up' is not the way.

Another vote for 'twist of the wrist' It's a bit 'Murican, but is an interesting watch.
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Current bike - 2018 H2-SX, 2004 SV1000s, 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF, 2017 Sherco SERF 300, 2003 Suzuki DRZ400 (stolen - AY53 JUU)

[Hawkeye1250FA]

If you can feel Tarmac through your clothes and the scenery is going Sky/Ground/Sky/Ground/Sky/Ground - then you are doing it wrong.

Other than that, just keep practicing...

[kgm]

Definitely over thinking it. There's no real requirements to lean off on the street on most bikes. A little shift towards the inside of the corner is all that's really needed, even at speed. Just think head towards inside mirror but keep body in line with itself. Whatever makes you feel comfortable though.

[Yesjus]

Thinks I might be overthinking it!
Guess I'm Just worried about picking up bad habits or the risk of an off because I'm applying weight in the wrong place - too much weight on handlebars = wash out?
Cheers

[tom_e]

You're more likely to end up face down on the black stuff from trying to overthink and force yourself to be in the "correct" position than just going with the flow.

You'll learn what works and what doesn't just by riding, one day you'll realise you're shifting your weight and hanging off a bit just because it becomes second nature.

[stinkwheel]

The very worst thing you can do is start adjusting your position once you've started the corner, you'll just cock-up the trim.

If you're going to lean, think of it as like peering round the side of the handlebars, no gross movements. I'd just concentrate on nice, smooth, neutral cornering for now though.

You shouldn't really be putting any weight on the handlebars at all, they're for steering, not for holding onto. Your arse and legs are for taking your weight. I like to think of steering as pulling on one bar rather than pushing on the other one. You probably shouldn't be thinking of steering at all at this stage, just ride it.

Get all the braking done before the corner, approach on a nice wide outside line to maximise your visability, smooth application of power through the corner looking where you want to go. When you see the exit, feel free to nail it.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[supZ]

[Baggyman]

[MahatmaAndhi]

Just look at where you want to go and the bike will naturally move in that direction. And relax. Stiffening up makes everything more difficult.
I tend to cock things up when I over-think what I am doing.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

[Bozzy]

As the others have said really. Relax, don't over think it. The most important thing is to look where you want to go.
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2004 SV650S >>> 2009 Street Triple R

[Yesjus]

Thanks peeps,

Went for a ride this afternoon, didn't think too much about the cornering weight distribution blah blah, and it felt much better!!

Cheers 👍