How do motorcyclists manage to stay on their bike even when going round sharp corners?

Question

For example, in Moto GP, you see Toseland, Stoner etc stay on their bike despite being near horizontal whilst going round a corner on the track

Answer 1

friction of rubber on tarmac!

Answer 2

I say 10points to PROCK!  For more in depth info read TWIST OF THE WRIST.

Answer 3

It's a question of physics. I'd need a whiteboard to show you.

But if they didn't lay down to the inside, they flip off to the outside!

Answer 4

centripetal force? they're going so fast gravity doesn't have time to pull them down.

Answer 5

good tires and forward motion.

Answer 6

The first thing to understand is the bike wants to stay upright. the design is for the wheels to act like gyroscopes.

the rider has to physically pull the bike over. this is all down to technique, and is where the main differences come from between riders.

then we come to the grip of the tyre

when you think of the down force pushing on  a bike sideways, on a piece of rubber a few centimetres across. (the usual description is a credit card size)the grip is phenomenal. they are leaning over at an angle of 72 degrees.

if you think 90 degrees is flat. and 45 degrees is quick. you get some idea of the skill and technology involved.

Answer 7

Great answer Proc.  You sure know your stuff.  I sometimes wonder how the riders stay on their bikes even doing mx when they rail a berm and the bike is over so much.  Skill, Skill Skill.