What is the counter steering technique?

What is the counter steering technique?

Simply put, the term ‘countersteering’ refers to the principle (governed by the laws of physics!) that to turn a moving motorcycle in a given direction, the rider must turn the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn.

Why is counter steering important?

Counter steering is important to master when learning how to ride a motorcycle. It requires placing a bit of pressure in the opposite direction that you want to turn. While it takes practice to get right, the benefits of counter-steering are massive. When done correctly, it results in smoother, safer, faster riding.

When should you counter steer?

Much like on a bicycle, at very low speeds you just turn the handlebars in the direction you want to go. It’s only above about 10 mph where countersteering becomes necessary. Basically, motorcycle riders countersteer because going around corners requires leaning, Bennetts explains.

Does counter steering come naturally?

If you’ve ridden a bicycle, counter steering will come naturally to you, so why would it be necessary to practise counter steering? The problem is that, in an emergency situation, your instinct is to turn the handlebars toward the direction you want to go.

Do you lean when counter steering?

To negotiate a turn successfully, the combined center of mass of the rider and the single-track vehicle must first be leaned in the direction of the turn, and steering briefly in the opposite direction causes that lean. The rider’s action of countersteering is sometimes referred to as “giving a steering command”.

Why is it called counter steering?

Known as counter steering or deliberate counter steering, because every time you roll through a corner—whether it’s on a sport bike, naked bike, Honda, Harley, or bicycle—you push against the side of the handlebars in the direction of your turn (push right, turn right) and pull on the other side.

Is counter steering necessary?

At low speeds countersteering is equally necessary, but the countersteering is then so subtle that it is hidden by the continuous corrections that are made in balancing the bike, often falling below a just noticeable difference or threshold of perception of the rider.

At what speed does counter steering work?

You need to be going at least 20 mph for countersteering to work effectively, but you do not need to be traveling at a high rate of speed to feel the effects.

Can you practice counter steering on a bicycle?

Countersteering always works, at any speed, in straight or turn. In fact, it is the only way of maintaining balance on a bicycle and steering it effectively. And the opposite – while a bicycle is leaned, turning the bars more into the corner will quickly straighten the bicycle.

Does counter steering work on a car?

It doesn’t. What people term ‘counter-steering is what you do to turn any two wheeled vehicle. To turn left, whether it is on a bicycle or a motorcycle, you have to initially make the vehicle FALL to the left and to do that you turn the bars slightly to the right.