How to Ride a Motorcycle - The Rider's View - Counter Steering

[chinwakebhai]

It is really very simple. At low speeds, you steer your bike by pulling the handlebar in the direction you want to go. As soon as you reach 10-15 mph or thereabouts, you steer your bike by pushing the handlebar in the direction you want to go. Now, if you want to get into the Physics and Mechanical principles involved, break out a big fat textbook and buckle down. I prefer to keep it below rocket science, and you can too.

[Mrbikertomtom]

Cool video, don't think I could ever use the handlebars on that thing though!

[jdkarmch]

@Mrbikertomtom The camera in use exaggerates the shape of the bars - they are actually quite flat. It doesn't matter what kind of handle bars you have on your bike - the principle is the same. Now, if you are just talking about a personal preference, then i can understand that... : )

[Mrbikertomtom]

@jdkarmch Haha, yeah, just personal preference. It took me a little while to understand the concept of counter-steering being a keen BMX'er I thought the principle would be the same and it did work and that got my head round it! Your basically leaning the bike back over and it then wants to travel that direction :) Roll on the summer!

[jdkarmch]

@Mrbikertomtom I had a BM K100RS a few years ago - actually one of the first to be imporedt to Australia. Steering has nothing to do with leaning - you must apply counter steering first to initiate the lean - at speeds above about 20 kph that is. The point that I guess is important is the mistake some of us may make when in a corner - the right thing to do is to apply more counter steering pressure - not just lean or apply the brakes. If you just t you will low side...