What is the first step of the basic cornering procedure?

• A. Slow.
• B. Look away.
• C. Accelerate.
• D. Turn abruptly.

Answer: (A)

Starting with a deliberate reduction in speed before the turn is all about maintaining control. Slowing before you enter gives you time to judge the curve, pick a safe path, and keep the tires loaded so they can grip the road through the bend. If you enter too fast, you’re harder to steer and more likely to run wide or lose traction. After you’ve slowed, you look through the turn toward your exit to line up your path, then you can ease back into throttle and lean smoothly as you progress. Looking away, accelerating into the corner, or snapping the turn disrupts control and increases the risk of a bad line or a spill.