When a motorcyclist hits a surface defect in a curve, the margin for error is almost gone.
The rider and bike are already leaned. The centre of gravity is shifted. Grip is relying on two small tyre contact patches. That is all that is holding the system together.
Now introduce a defect. A rut. A patch. A crack. A level change. What is a minor nuisance for a car or truck can be enough to destabilise a motorcycle. And once that happens in a curve, recovery options are limited.
This is not about rider skill. It is about who we’re considering in our maintenance programs.
Are we thinking motorcyclist when identifying and maintaining surface quality in high-risk locations like curves? Are we treating defects before they become crash risks for riders?
For practical guidance, check out the free Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly resources (produced by Safe System Solutions with the Victorian Government):
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