Taking bends correctly – eye tracking

Posted by

Good eye control is a very important aspect of motorcycling, but it is often also a major challenge. After all, riding a motorcycle is much more than just a means of transportation – it is a passion that requires skill, concentration and an understanding of the intricacies of riding. In this quick tip blog post, we take a closer look at eye tracking when riding a motorcycle and explain why good eye tracking is of great importance for every motorcyclist.

What is eye tracking?

Gaze control when riding a motorcycle refers to the conscious control of your gaze while riding. It’s not just about where you look, but how you look. Correct and effective gaze control helps you to better assess the road and its conditions, recognize hazards at an early stage and react accordingly. It is therefore crucial for safety and also improves the driving experience.

Importance of eye tracking when riding a motorcycle

The importance of eye tracking when riding a motorcycle should not be underestimated. It plays a decisive role in two key areas in particular:

Anticipating hazards and improving cornering technique

  1. Anticipation of dangers

Riding a motorcycle requires a high degree of attention and foresight. By keeping our eyes on the road and thus looking far ahead, we can recognize potential dangers such as potholes, oil slicks, unexpected road conditions or the behaviour of other road users at an early stage. This early detection is crucial as it gives us more time to react and adjust our driving line if necessary. Recognizing hazards in good time can not only prevent accidents, but also helps to avoid stressful situations and make the overall driving experience safer, more enjoyable and also more dynamic.

  1. Improving cornering technique

By looking in the direction in which the bend leads and where it ends, we can draw a clean and efficient line through the bend. This technique enables us to negotiate the bend at an optimum speed and with minimal corrections. Riding style can improve enormously with the right line of sight and thus also contribute to safety.

The sections of a curve

  • Braking before the bend: Start braking before you turn into the bend.
  • Turn in correctly: Choose the right moment to turn in. This moment depends on several factors and depends on your speed and the cornering angle.
  • Apex of the bend: You should already have the exit of the bend in view here.
  • Keep an eye on the exit of the bend: Concentrate on the point at which you leave the bend.

How do I improve my eye tracking?

  1. Practice looking ahead: Train yourself not to look directly in front of the bike, but far ahead. Look into the bend early on so that you can correctly assess its shape and length. This gives you a better overview of how tight the bend is and how you should best approach it. This helps you to better assess the road conditions and potential hazards at an early stage. Your gaze is your own personal navigation system, so to speak. Your gaze navigates you through the bend and helps you to find the right speed. In addition, as described above, looking further ahead helps you to recognize potential hazards (e.g. potholes, oil marks, bumps, wet leaves, etc.) at an early stage and react accordingly.
  2. Correct head and body posture: Your head should be turned in the direction you want to ride, especially when cornering. This supports a natural and effective line of vision. Also make sure your posture is relaxed. This will help you to move your head and eyes freely. Avoid tensely holding on to the handlebars in order to optimally control your gaze and therefore your riding line.
  3. Conscious training: Conscious training is the be-all and end-all: consciously practise your eye tracking every time you ride. Try to concentrate on “reading” the road and recognize changes ahead at an early stage.