When turning, how should you shift your weight?

When turning on a motorcycle, leaning your body towards the inside of the turn is essential for maintaining balance and control. This technique allows the motorcycle to counteract the forces acting on it, such as centrifugal force, which pushes the rider and bike outward during a turn. By shifting your weight towards the inside, you help keep the center of gravity lower and more aligned with the motorcycle, which facilitates a smoother, more controlled turn. This position also enhances traction, as the bike remains more stable and less likely to skid out or tip over.

Staying upright or leaning backwards can lead to instability and increase the risk of losing control, while leaning towards the outside of the turn can significantly compromise your balance, potentially causing the motorcycle to drift wide or veer off the intended path. Thus, leaning into the turn is a fundamental aspect of safe and effective motorcycle handling during cornering.