Mastering the Lean: How to Turn Your Motorcycle with Confidence
By SoCal Rider B
Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about pulling the throttle and banking into a turn. To truly ride well—and ride safely—you must learn how to lean the machine properly, steer with control, and feel what the bike is doing beneath you. The video “How To Turn a Motorcycle: Master Your Motorcycle Lean” lays out a solid progression. Below, we break it down into clear steps, key insights and actionable drills you can practice.
Why Leaning Matters
When you turn a motorcycle you’re not simply choosing a new direction—you’re shifting the combined mass of rider + bike, changing how the tires grip, how suspension reacts, and how your body interacts with the machine. Master the lean, and you get better control, smoother lines, more confidence—especially in unfamiliar roads.
That quote nails it: initiating the lean via proper input is the foundation.
The Four-Stage Drill (as outlined in the video)
Here’s an adapted version of the progression for your on-the-ground practice:
Standing up & slow speed practice – In an empty lot, get comfortable with the idea of leaning the bike while moving slowly. Keep the speed minimal so you can focus on feel.
Press-handlebars / counter-steer initiation – At a safe speed, practice pressing the bar on the inside of the turn (for a right turn: press the right bar). That initiates the lean. It might feel odd at first, but it's the most efficient way. (See more on counter-steering later.)
Find your lean angle, hold the line – Once you’re leaning, hold a smooth steady line through your turn. Don’t hustle the bike, don’t force it—let it settle, ride the arc you choose.
Exit & recover – As you exit the turn, gently straighten the bike and throttle out cleanly, ready for whatever comes next. Good form here avoids surprises.
Best Quotes & Insights to Remember
“Press left – lean left – go left.” This simple mantra captures the essence of counter-steering.
“Getting on the gas stabilises the bike’s line.” Slamming throttle mid-turn can upset the balance.
“On the street we sometimes come across this wet stuff called rain—… get the bike steered then stabilized as soon as possible.” Rain amplifies mistakes; good technique still applies.
Why New Riders Must Nail This
As a new rider, you’ll encounter everything from tight canyon turns to crowded city streets. The ability to lean with intention and steer with purpose gives you three big advantages:
Better safety margin: Proper lean means more predictable grip and less chance of surprise slides or buzzy maneuvers.
Better ride quality: Your turns look and feel smoother, more confident—not jerky or tentative.
More fun: When you feel the bike working with you, you relax into the ride, enjoy the flow, and gain rider-joy.
Three On-the-Ground Exercises
Try these this week:
Parking lot circles: At very slow speed, right and left, work the press-bar to lean initiation. Focus purely on feel.
Cone arc drill: Set up three cones in a gentle arc. Approach at moderate speed, initiate the turn early with press/bar input, maintain line, exit cleanly.
Street practise (low-risk road): Pick a quiet road with gentle curves. Apply the same sequence: set entry speed → initiate lean → hold arc → exit. Take video of your ride (helmet or chest mount) and review your lean/body position.
Your Takeaway
When you ride, remember: lean first, then steer. The bike wants to lean before it changes direction; you give it that lean by pressing the bar. Once leaning, you guide, stabilize and finish. The difference between a hesitant turn and a confident one often comes down to how early you commit to the lean and how smooth you hold it.
At SoCal Rider B we believe every rider deserves that “flow” moment—the one where machine, road and rider all align. Practice this lean-steer progression, and you'll unlock it.
Ride safe, lean smart.
SoCal Rider B Team
