How can a motorcycle lean so much, yet still stays up?

Question

I see MotoGP riders lean so much that their shoulders can touch the ground. How is this possible?

In: Physics

Answer 1

“Center of gravity” is a funny thing, and when you add velocity, it may actually be nowhere near the object itself.

At significant enough velocity, in a turn, the center of gravity shifts *opposite* the turn, and that shift makes it possible for riders to lean pretty close to the ground.