Another word on countersteering

“Push left go left, push right go right”. Those of us who’ve taken the MSF safety courses are familiar with the term and I’ve written about it here before. As a practical example I noticed an easy way to demonstrate it the other day. On an open stretch of road I decided to see how the bike would handle by using only one hand for steering input. The results were somewhat surprising and demonstrated, fairly simply, how counter-steering works. Not that I recommend riding with one hand but we’ve all done it on occasion on straight sections or gentle curves. I’ve seen arguments on occasion about how leaning or weight distribution have an effect on steering; but next time your on a safe stretch of road to try it keep your hands even and try turning the bike by leaning or sliding left or right on the seat, you’ll find that both have very little effect on changing the bike’s trajectory. Then try taking one hand off the bars (of course only where it’s safe to attempt) and pushing or pulling gently with your controlling hand. You’ll be surprised by the response and will get a concrete and simple example of how counter-steering works. If you get a handle on this concept it may save you precious seconds in an emergency and help you to more easily avoid an obstacle. Body position and peg pressure assist in steering but it’s counter-steering that has the greater effect.

Push left go left, push right go right. It’s a simple way to demonstrate an oft-misunderstood concept.

Be safe.