A four-step process allows us to smoothly negotiate turns and curves without exceeding the limits of our available traction. The slow, look, lean, and roll technique for cornering provides a means of riding through turns as smoothly as possible. This cornering technique ensures we are properly using our traction so our needs don't outpace what we have available to use. It also helps reduce the total amount of traction we'll need to safely negotiate the turn.

The first step is to slow. As we ride towards the curve, we are traveling at some speed. This is our approach speed. As we look at the curve before us, we determine the speed at which we can safely and comfortably ride through the curve. So we slow our motorcycle down to this entry speed.

We may just need to roll off the throttle or we may need to apply both brakes to slow from our approach speed to our entry speed. We may even need to downshift if there is enough difference between the two speeds.