Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - Counter Steering the Key to Directional Control

Learning to Riding a Motorcycle is a unique experienceknown as Counter Steering. The use of counter
that implements examples of the law of physics. Assteering allows the rider to change direction quickly
you consider this comment, we will take a brief lookand with control.
into these effects.Briefly, counter steering uses the effect of applying a
First, start with the effect of a motorcycle movingforce resulting in an opposite reaction. You just push
forward. The bikes movement creates a gyro effectthe handlebars in the opposite direction of your
as the motorcycle attempts to maintain a forwardintended path. If you want to go left, you push
direction of travel. As speed increases the force offorward slightly against the left handlebar grip
this effect increases to keep an upright, straight line.resulting in the handlebar actually turning to the right.
To change direction of the gyro effect we use theAs the handlebar turns to the right, the bike leans to
next example of physics, Counter Steering. Both ofthe left, the intended path or travel. The harder you
these effects provide the rider a key to enjoyingpush on the left grip the more the lean, the quicker
control of their motorcycle.and the tighter the turn. To change direction to the
As mentioned as speed increases on a motorcycleright just do the opposite, push against the right
the harder it is to change the direction of travel.handlebar grip.
Leaning over to the side may have a slight effect,To a new rider this will sound strange and on the
turning the handlebars to turn the bike in the desiredsurface does not make sense. On a bicycle, they
direction of travel will be difficult and will bring aturned the handlebar in the direction they wanted to
surprising result.go. It always worked. On a bike capable of speeds in
The high-speed of a motorcycle creates the effectexcess of 12-15 MPH, the effect of using direction
of a gyro holding an upright, stable path for the bike.turning to the intended path fails. At that point, if you
Turning the bike is not through weight shift or bruteturn the handlebars in the direction you want to go,
strength. Turning eases with another riding techniquethe bike would go in the opposite direction.