Counter Steering

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countersteering
Either I wasn't paying attention or don't remember this in the Motorcycle Safety Course I took... Anyone know a better example or video of this online? Thanks,
Ed

Here is a Google search list for you. There is lots of good information in all of those sights.
I have sat in two state rider's training courses. The first instructor brought it up several times during the day. The second one mentioned it once.
Other than wearing correct clothing and a helmet it is THE biggest safety factor of riding.
We all do it naturally, but knowing you do it and using it and practicing it makes all the difference in the world. It has gotten me out of a couple scrapes.

Post edited by: The Milkman, at: 2008/02/26 10:57

Have you ever seen a motorcycle flat track race? this is countersteering at its extreem.It is a bit hard for me to explain but once you understand the principle it feels very natural on the bike. jonnybiker

youtube.com/watch?v=C848R9xWrjc
Thought that was a pretty good video explainin it. I know I used to counter steer alot riding dirt bikes, but never practiced it till a couple days ago on the street. Pretty big difference over just leaning into a curve, for me at least
-Ed

You can see how counter steering without even moving. Sit on you bike standing still and push on the right side of the handlebar, you can feel the bike lean to right as you do this. Then push on the left side of the bar and it will straighten up and lean to the left.
Even when you are physically "leaning" the bike you are using counter steering but not realizing it. Makes for much safer riding using counter steering you don't have to lean at all the bike does it all for you.

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An absolutely critical skill to learn and make a habit. It was emphasized in the MSF class that I took in '05. It's the only way a person will pass the course that I know of.

I took an intermediate riders course from Team Oregon two years ago and was disappointed to learn that they discontinued the lesson that included using a spinning bicycle wheel fitted up with hand grips. Not sure why they did, shame on 'em as far as I'm concerned.

Here's the drill. Rig up a bicycle wheel with something as simple as a pair of vice grips on the axle nuts. Spin the wheel and then quickly turn it to the right. You'll immediately see that as you push it right it LEANS to the left. The same thing happens to a spinning motorcycle wheel and tire, only times ten, maybe a hundred. If you're riding down a straight road and push with your left hand, the front wheel will turn right and the centripetal torque (my term) will force the bike to lean left. The result is that you're set up for the turn and happily coming up under it.

"Coming up under it" is an expression that explains counter steering without considering the centripetal torque. In this scenario, you're wanting to turn left, your first move is to push with your left hand. The front wheel turns right and the bike falls left, setting you up for the left turn. Some folks call this " Off tracking ".

Weather you're "off tracking" or "Counter Steering" doesn't matter, the end result is that you're initiating your turns more quickly.

Ride on!

KZCSI

Post edited by: KZCSI, at: 2008/02/26 21:49

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