Tips to Master Downhill Twisties
Cornering downhill, particularly on winding roads, presents a significant challenge for many riders. Riders often struggle with maintaining corner speed, taking proper lines, and making excessive corrections. These difficulties are in sharp contrast to the smoother, more enjoyable experience of riding uphill.
So, what’s going on? To uncover the reasons behind these problems, we spoke with beginner and seasoned riders and consulted Nick Ienatsch, Lead Instructor at Yamaha Champions Riding School. If you or someone you know struggles with twisty descents, this article will help.
The Role of Gravity

The root of the problem is unavoidable – gravity. The effect gravity has on motorcycle handling is easily overlooked but fundamental. Motorcycles are designed to corner best with a compressed fork. Compression changes the bike’s geometry, specifically rake, trail, and wheelbase. The sharper angles and somewhat shorter wheelbase make quick, precise cornering possible. For example, Yamaha Racing bikes are designed to steer with about 100 millimeters (∼4 inches) of fork compression. Street riders are unlikely to push that hard, but the point remains that compressing the fork is important to help the bike turn.
Back to gravity – when riding into an uphill corner, rolling off the throttle naturally transfers weight forward, and gravity amplifies this effect, causing the fork to compress more than it would under throttle alone. Adding front brake often feels excessive because gravity is doing much of the work.
Downhill corners, however, flip the script. Gravity works in exactly the opposite way. It no longer helps shift weight forward when engine braking. Instead, it pulls the bike, reducing the compression effect. Now, the rider must use the brakes to control both speed and direction. Gravity puts a spotlight on proper braking technique.
Using the Brakes
Brakes are essential for handling downhill corners. Proper brake application helps load the suspension, setting the bike up for stable and confident cornering. Even a light squeeze of the brakes—just a few percent of pressure—can make a significant difference by compressing the fork and stabilizing the geometry.
Ienatsch gives his students “permission to use 100% more braking entering downhill turns” because often students don’t appreciate that braking goes hand in hand with riding fast. It’s always better, and safer, to over-slow and build on that learning in the next corner—progress comes one turn at a time..
Don’t Avoid the Rear Brake
Mastering the use of both brakes ensures smoother and more controlled descents. While the front brake is the workhorse, the rear brake is a valuable tool for speed control. Think of the rear brake as a complement to the front: use the front to manage speed and geometry, and the rear primarily to assist with slowing the bike.

When the rear wheel is on the ground, the rear brake is available. But use it carefully in combination with the front brake. A sharp squeeze on the front lever may cause the now unloaded rear wheel to lock up. The rear brake can offer added control when used carefully in tight downhill corners and during low-speed maneuvers.
Why Throttle Braking Isn’t Enough
Throttle braking—rolling off the throttle to reduce speed—can be helpful, especially uphill, but it’s not sufficient for downhill corners. To precisely control both speed and geometry, the front brake is your primary asset.
As Ienatsch puts it, “Brakes are not just for speed control; they are also geometry control tools.”
Downshifting slows the rear wheel, shifts the motorcycle’s weight forward, and ultimately compresses the fork, but as a consequence rather than a direct action. In many ways, it’s not much different than using the rear brake alone. Throttle braking alone is not a proper technique to set-up for corner entry.
The Mental Game
Steep downhill twisties can shake a rider’s confidence. Mental butterflies are normal, but practice and proper technique can transform nerves into confidence. Avoid charging into corners, chopping the throttle, and slamming on the brakes at the last minute. Instead, approach each corner with a plan for braking and cornering.
If you are relying on engine braking you are so basically out of control – Nick Ienatsch; Lead Instructor, Yamaha Champions Riding School
With a strategy in mind, riders who practice proper braking techniques will find last-minute reactions give way to deliberate, controlled inputs, leading to greater confidence with every ride.
Chris Peris, an instructor at Yamaha Champions Riding School, demonstrated this point on his record-setting lap at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Arizona. During that lap, Chris used maximum braking for a mere 20 feet of the 2.8-mile track, showing that deliberate, controlled braking outperforms last-minute grabs.
Build Confidence Through Practice
The key to mastering downhill cornering is consistent practice, focused on proper braking techniques. Build confidence by incorporating these fundamentals into every ride:
- Eyes up: Always scan the road ahead to anticipate the curve and spot potential hazards.
- Downshift early: Select the right gear before the corner to ensure smooth power delivery as you exit the turn.
- Brake progressively: Start with light pressure to load the front fork, then add more as needed to control your speed.
- Trail brake smoothly: Maintain light pressure on the front brake through the corner to fine-tune your speed and line.
Practicing these techniques regularly will make them second nature, giving you the confidence to handle even the most challenging downhill twists.
Learn From the Best
Professional training is a great way to refine your braking skills and boost your confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or looking to sharpen your technique, these programs provide expert guidance to elevate your downhill cornering abilities.
Programs like Yamaha Champions Riding School and the online Champ U course specialize in braking and cornering techniques. They tackle common challenges riders face on descents and equip you with the tools to handle even the trickiest roads with confidence.
[quote block] “When you are going slowly nothing really matters, when you enter a 50 mph corner at 50 mph you have a lot of choices. But when you get down into a corner that you think is 50 and when you get there its 20 because some kid stole the sign then all this stuff [about braking technique] really counts.” – Nick Ienatsch
When you are going slowly nothing really matters, when you enter a 50 mph corner at 50 mph you have a lot of choices. But when you get down into a corner that you think is 50 and when you get there its 20 because some kid stole the sign then all this stuff [about braking technique] really counts – Nick Ienatsch; Lead Instructor, Yamaha Champions Riding School
If you prefer hands-on learning, Yamaha Champions Riding School offers immersive, in-person training. You can use your own bike or one of theirs, ensuring an experience tailored to real-world riding. For a more flexible and budget-friendly option, Champ U delivers video lessons and practice exercises you can complete at your own pace, allowing you to hone your skills whenever and wherever you ride.
For more on training options, check out our article, Top Track Schools for Sport Touring Riders.
Mastering Gravity
Downhill twisties may seem intimidating, but they’re not insurmountable. By understanding the role gravity plays and working on proper braking techniques, you can transform challenging descents into an opportunity to sharpen your skills and build confidence.

With regular practice you’ll find that downhill corners become less about struggle and more about control and precision. Remember, every ride is a chance to improve, and mastering braking techniques will not only make descents more enjoyable but elevate your overall riding experience.
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