Class 2B Figure 8: How to Ride Smooth Tight Circles

The figure 8 is two linked circles ridden inside a marked box. You change direction in the middle and finish where you started, without touching the lines or putting a foot down. It tests the same slow-speed control as the crank course, but with continuous leaning instead of sharp corners.

The signalling routine

The figure 8 is also where many learners lose easy points on signals. Follow the routine your instructor gives you; it usually looks like this:

1. Signal before entering.
2. Cancel the signal once you are in the course.
3. Signal again before you exit, then cancel after.

The technique

1. Turn your head into the circle. Look across the circle to where you will be in a second or two, not at the ground in front of the wheel.
2. Let the bike lean, keep your body upright. At low speed the bike leans more than you do. Relax your arms so the bars can turn.
3. Keep a little throttle on. Steady drive holds the bike up in the lean. Rolling off makes it fall into the circle.
4. Control speed with the rear brake and clutch. Never the front brake while leaning.
5. Change direction in the middle. As you reach the crossover, look across to the other circle, straighten briefly, then lean the other way.
6. Exit smoothly with your signal on and the bike upright.

Common mistakes

• Looking at the boundary line. You will ride toward it. Look across the circle.
• Too little throttle. The bike drops into the turn and you put a foot down.
• Rushing the crossover. A brief upright moment between circles makes the change of lean much easier.
• Stiff arms. Locked elbows stop the bars from turning enough for the tight radius.