Five Corner References Every Rider Should Know
If you’ve taken a rider course, gone to a track day, or even just listened to riding buddies, you’ve probably heard the same advice over and over again: “Eyes up!” But nobody ever explains where exactly you’re supposed to look. That’s what we’re tackling today. Let’s break down the five reference points every rider should know, and how to train your eyes to use them.
Why Street Riding Is Harder Than the Track
On the racetrack, riders can memorize their laps and hit the same markers again and again. Out on the street, we don’t get that luxury. Corners can hide debris, traffic patterns change daily, and visibility is rarely perfect. That means street riders need a wider field of vision and a strategy that adapts to changing conditions.
The Five Reference Points
Exit
Your number one priority in any corner is the exit. You do not win in the corner itself, you win when you can see and accelerate out of it. Always look for that view where lean angle is coming off and the bike is pointed down the road.
Apex
The apex is the point where you are closest to the inside of the bend. On the street, it often shows up late, sometimes almost at the straightaway. Spotting your apex and linking it to your exit gives you permission to roll back on the throttle.
Slowest Point
This is where you finish braking. It might be a quick moment in a sharp 90-degree turn or a long stretch in a sweeping curve. Either way, knowing where your slowest point is helps you plan control inputs with precision.
Turn-In Point
This is where the dance begins. Staying wide as long as possible usually makes corners feel bigger, gives you more time, and sometimes opens up visibility. But real-world roads are messy. Parked cars, blind driveways, or even tree lines may change where you start your turn.
Braking Point
On the street, braking is less about perfection and more about confidence. By scanning for all five reference points, especially braking markers, you will avoid panic reactions and replace them with deliberate choices.
Think Backwards, Ride Forwards
Here’s the key: you think about corners backwards, starting with the exit, but you ride them forwards. The sequence still begins with braking → turn-in → slowest point → apex → exit. The exit is your getaway car. If you do not plan for it first, nothing else matters.
Final Thoughts
These five reference points are not just for racers. They are for anyone who wants to ride smarter, safer, and with more control on the street. Start with the exit, build the rest of your plan around it, and practice until it feels natural.
If you would like to learn more about this subject, check out “Respect the Slowest Part of the Corner“
