Figure Eight (AVB Motorcycle Exercise)

The figure-eight is probably one of the most well-known AVB exercises. Even people who have never ridden a motorcycle usually understand the idea immediately.

But this exercise is not really about the shape itself. It is about something else: learning to trust what a motorcycle can do, especially when you have to quickly switch between left and right.

What you discover is that a motorcycle can lean much further than your instinct suggests. That trust is exactly what makes this exercise both challenging and valuable.

Although you will never ride this exact pattern in real traffic, you do learn how to smoothly transition between directions. Think of winding country roads or mountain routes in the Eifel: this constant switching is something you encounter far more often than you might expect.

How do you do the figure-eight exercise?

In the AVB motorcycle figure-eight exercise, you ride a continuous figure-eight pattern within a marked area of cones.

You start with a left-hand turn, bring the motorcycle smoothly upright, and immediately transition into a right-hand turn.

The exercise usually begins with an approach along the side of the area. From there, you enter the first half of the eight in a controlled and steady line.

Once you complete the first circle, you bring the motorcycle upright again and switch direction. Then you immediately continue into the second half of the figure eight.

The focus is not on speed, but on smooth transitions between left and right, while keeping the motorcycle balanced at all times.

Where do things go wrong?

Most mistakes start with your vision.

Many learners keep looking too long into the turn they are currently in, which delays the next movement.

Tension is another common factor. Leaning the motorcycle feels more intense than it actually is, which often causes turns to become too wide and the rhythm to break.

You also often see riders steering too much with their arms, which makes the motorcycle feel unstable and less precise.

Tips

• Look early into the next turn
• Turn your head fully in the direction you want to go
• Keep your arms relaxed
• Lightly grip the motorcycle with your legs
• Maintain a steady, constant speed
• Trust that the bike can lean further than your instinct suggests

My experience

Still in progress.

The first half of the figure-eight is starting to feel quite good, but when switching direction, things still become a bit unstable and less smooth.

And that is exactly what this exercise shows: you immediately notice where your confidence is strong and where it still needs to grow.

To be continued.