What To Do When You’ve Overcooked a Corner on Your Motorcycle

There’s that moment. You’re diving into a corner and it hits you—oh no. You’re too fast. Maybe you misjudged the turn. Maybe you got distracted. Maybe the corner tightened unexpectedly or you hit a false neutral. It doesn’t matter how it happened. What matters is what you do next.

The truth is, this happens to everyone. Even the best riders in the world overcook a corner entrance from time to time. The good news? There’s a way out. As a professional motorcycle coach for over 25 years, I’ve used these techniques myself, and I’ve taught them to thousands of riders.

What Does It Mean to Enter a Corner Too Fast?

It’s not always as simple as raw speed. Sometimes it’s too fast for your brakes. Sometimes it’s too fast for your skill set or your chosen technique. I learned this lesson firsthand after getting my Aprilia, which had nearly 100 more horsepower than my previous bike. I underestimated the speed I could gather between corners, and sure enough, I blew it. I overcooked the corner and there was no way I could make it at that pace.

Step One: Move Your Eyes

This might sound simple, but it’s critical. Target fixation can kill us. In a moment of panic, say out loud to yourself: Move your eyes. Shift your focus away from the outside of the corner and onto the inside. Physically move your eyes. It can save your life.

Step Two: Get the Bike Upright

Your goal is to find a way to keep the bike upright for as long as possible. Upright means less lean, and less lean means more grip. The more tire surface on the ground, the more braking power you can use. At this point, nothing matters more than staying on the asphalt.

Load the Front Tire

In a panic, our instinct is to stab at the brakes. But we need to remember what Champ School teaches: load the tire before you work the tire. That means easing the weight transfer gently onto the front tire before squeezing harder. Think of it like walking on ice: test it before you commit. Once the tire is loaded, it can grip, and that gives you a fighting chance.

If You Leave the Road

Sometimes, despite your best effort, you’ll run out of room. If that happens:

• Get the bike as upright as possible.
• Jump your eyes ahead. Do not stare at the ground.
• Focus on staying upright as long as possible.
• Use rear brake as much as you can, with light front brake pressure if possible.

Your goal is to slow down, stay in control, and, if possible, rejoin the road.

Dealing with False Neutrals

A false neutral mid-corner can be terrifying. If it happens:

1. Pull in the clutch and hold it.
2. Move your eyes to the inside of the corner.
3. Shift up, not down. False neutrals usually happen between 1st/2nd or 2nd/3rd.
4. Once you’re slowed and stable, shift back to the right gear.

If Your Throttle Sticks

If your throttle sticks wide open, clutch in immediately. If possible, hit the kill switch. If not, just keep that clutch pulled in no matter what. Yes, you might blow the engine. But replacing a motor is better than hitting a tree at 60 mph.

The Worst Case: Bailing Off

There is a last-resort option that nobody likes to talk about: bailing off the bike. This is never a tactic—it’s a survival decision. If you’re facing total brake failure, a fire, or you’re aimed at an immovable object, there may be a point where abandoning the bike is your only chance. Your protective gear works better when sliding across asphalt than when wrapped around a tree.

How to Avoid This Situation Entirely

The best outcome is never having to use these techniques. Here are a few key practices:

• Use your front brake. Data shows most riders who leave the roadway weren’t braking properly. Learn to go to the brakes early and stay with them.
• Don’t ride at 10/10ths on public roads. Save knee-dragging for the track.
• Always leave yourself an out. Scan ahead for possible escape routes.
• Practice abrupt lean angle reduction. Push the bike upright fast when you need more grip.

Practice Drills

You can practice these skills off the bike:

• Move your eyes deliberately when cornering, even in a car or on a bicycle.
• Focus on the first 5% of brake pressure: load before you work.
• Scan for space: always know your way out.
• Practice taking away lean angle quickly.

Final Thoughts

Every rider will overcook a corner at some point. What matters is how you handle it. With the right mindset, the right vision, and the right techniques, you can recover safely. Remember—don’t fear the brakes, don’t fear practice, and don’t fear admitting mistakes. Fear abruptness. Smooth inputs, smart decisions, and practiced responses are what keep us alive.