Tips for Cornering With a Cruiser

Cruiser motorcycles offer an adrenaline-fueled riding experience, but they also pose an extra challenge when it comes to cornering. Use the following tips to make cornering with a cruiser motorcycle easier and safer. 

For more riding tips or to shop cruiser motorcycles for sale, visit Jim Moroney's Inc. Our dealership is based in New Windsor, New York, and we also serve Newburgh and Cornwall.

Understand the Cruiser-Specific Challenges

Cornering is a motorcycle riding skill that can be tough for newbies to master. Cornering with a cruiser motorcycle is even tougher.

There are many factors that make cornering with a cruiser more difficult. First, cruiser motorcycles are usually bulkier and heavier than other motorcycles. The extra weight can make it harder to lean in a given direction. 

Second, cruiser motorcycles tend to have a lower ground clearance and lower placement of certain parts, such as pipes.

Third, an improperly taken corner on a cruiser can cause the foot pegs to scrape against the tarmac, the exhaust to hit the road, and the side stand to dig into the ground. This can result in the tires sliding out and the rider getting hurt.

Cornering Strategies

Watch the Brakes

It's helpful for the cruiser motorcycle's suspension to be as high as possible when cornering. But when you engage the brakes, the bike sits down on its suspension and lowers it. Try to have all your braking finished before you start rounding the corner. This will keep the suspension higher and make the cornering easier.

Consider Slightly Accelerating

In contrast, accelerating causes the front suspension to slightly lift up. It can be helpful to speed up a little to raise the front suspension, which can improve the cornering experience.

Move Your Weight

As you start cornering, shift your weight towards the inside of the cruiser motorcycle. Be sure to sit straight before leaning the top of your body towards the inside mirror.

Focus On a Large Arc

The larger the corner arc, the less lean angle you will need. A wider corner also gives you extra visibility and makes it easier to see up ahead. This makes it easier to know whether you should tighten or open up the arc before you arrive. 

Focus on getting as large of a corner arc as you can - without running wide on the exit. Make sure to smoothly move the cruiser motorcycle so that you don't negatively affect the front forks and suspension.

Listen for Concerning Sounds

If you hear foot pegs scraping the road, it's a sign that you are approaching the maximum lean angle. Keep this warning sound in mind and adjust your cruiser motorcycle or lean angle as needed.

Want more cornering tips? Looking to shop cruisers for sale? Whatever you need, find it at Jim Moroney's Inc. Our dealership is based in New Windsor, New York. We also proudly serve Newburgh and Cornwall, New York.