Superelevation of a curve provides a raised surface to counter the centrifugal force of the vehicle navigating the curve. Adverse superelevation is when the road is angled in such a way that the surface does not counter the centrifugal force experienced by a vehicle navigating a curve. Adverse superelevation results in a greater reliance on a motorcycles tyres grip to negotiate a curve. Further, it reduces the amount of ‘lean’ a motorcyclist can use to negotiate a curve. The combination of both of these issues can result in a motorcycle losing its stability and grip in a curve, or even catching a foot peg on the road surface.
Here’s a short video we made for the Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly package by the Victorian Government.