Why Cornering Is the Key to Lap Times
If you want to go faster on a motocross track, the biggest gains aren't found on the straights — they're found in the corners. A well-executed corner sets you up for a clean exit, better drive, and ultimately a faster lap. Poor cornering, on the other hand, costs you time and energy on every single lap.
In this guide, we'll break down the core elements of motocross cornering so you can start shaving seconds immediately.
The Four Phases of a Motocross Corner
- Approach & Braking – Setting your entry speed
- Entry & Line Selection – Choosing where you turn in
- Mid-Corner – Maintaining balance and drive
- Exit & Acceleration – Getting on the gas early
Body Position: The Foundation of Good Cornering
Before you think about speed, your body position needs to be correct. Sloppy positioning leads to loss of traction and unpredictable handling.
- Inside foot forward: Drop your inside foot off the peg and push it slightly forward — not dangling to the side.
- Weight forward: Lean your chest toward the handlebars to load the front wheel and prevent it from washing out.
- Outside leg grip: Squeeze the outside of the bike with your outer knee to anchor your position.
- Relaxed arms: Keep your elbows up but don't lock your arms — stiff arms transmit every bump directly to your inputs.
Braking: Getting It Right Before the Corner
Most amateur riders either brake too late or carry their braking too deep into the corner. The goal is to do the majority of your braking in a straight line, before you begin to lean.
Use both brakes progressively — squeeze the front brake rather than grabbing it, and use the rear to help control your entry angle. As you begin to turn, gradually release the front brake so you don't wash the front wheel.
Line Selection: Ruts vs. Berms vs. Flat Corners
Not all corners are the same, and your line choice should adapt to the terrain:
- Bermed corners: Use the berm to your advantage — carry more speed and let the berm do the turning work. Drive into it aggressively.
- Rutted corners: Find the smoothest rut and commit to it early. Switching ruts mid-corner kills momentum and risks a crash.
- Flat corners: These require the most technique. Stay low, weight the outside peg, and use throttle control to maintain traction.
Throttle Control: The Exit Is Everything
Getting on the throttle early — but smoothly — is what separates fast riders from average ones. As soon as your front wheel is pointed toward the exit, begin rolling on the throttle. Don't snap it open; ease into it progressively so the rear wheel drives cleanly without breaking loose unnecessarily.
A smooth, early throttle application gives you more drive out of the corner and lets you carry speed into the next section.
Common Cornering Mistakes to Avoid
- Braking too late and running wide on the exit
- Looking at the ground instead of where you want to go
- Sitting when you should be standing (on rough-entry corners)
- Letting the inside foot drag instead of being in front
- Grabbing the throttle abruptly on corner exit
Practice Drills to Improve Your Cornering
The best way to improve is through deliberate repetition. Set up cones or markers at a single corner and spend 20–30 minutes working on just that one turn. Focus on one element at a time — braking first, then line, then exit drive. Isolated practice is far more effective than just lapping a track hoping things improve.
Film yourself from the side if possible. Watching your own riding is one of the fastest feedback loops available.