Countersteering, huh?

**CB ARGH** · 5th June 2008, 21:15

Hey guys,

I'm new, and I'm interested in countersteering. Now I understand that this is when you lean the motorcycle over whilst turning the corner, okay, I understand that. What I don't understand is how you'd push the left handlebar if you want to go left, wouldn't that turn the bike right?

I'm confused, help!

**DEATH_INC.** · 5th June 2008, 21:17

Yes it does, but the bottom of the tyre goes right, that makes the bike fall left....think of it like pulling a rug from under your feet, pull it left, you fall to the right, pull it right and you fall left...

**Usarka** · 5th June 2008, 21:20

do a search young jedi, your answers will be...ummm...answered.

its a gyrosopic effect. if you turn a spinning disk on its horizontal axis it tips in the opposite direction on the vertical axis. i think there is also an element of drag involved too, but i'm just a stupid potatoe. mmmmm, tower.......

BTW - it only works above a magical number of km/hr. that secret number is only known by the shaolin buddha finger. be praised!

**James Deuce** · 5th June 2008, 21:21

It does indeed turn the wheel to the right and causes the bike to roll around the curve of the tyre profile - to the left. This makes the bike lean to the left and makes the bike attempt to travel in a circle whose circumference depends on the angle of lean and the velocity at which you are traveling.

Some people will be along soon to confuse you and attempt to discourage you from believing in the magic of counter steering.

**alanzs** · 5th June 2008, 21:21

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

Yes it does, but the bottom of the tyre goes right, that makes the bike fall left....

Perfect answer without the tedium of having to explain inertia, the laws of physics, traction, etc....

**yod** · 5th June 2008, 21:23

try it, then you'll feel what they're talking about

**CB ARGH** · 5th June 2008, 21:25

I hate science.

Might give it a go on the push bike (don't have a bike at the moment). In motocross I never did the above and got a lean into the corner... is it a thing that you just do without realising perhaps? I honestly don't know

**James Deuce** · 5th June 2008, 21:26

You'll need to be doing more than 20 km/hr or so for it work. Depends on the rake and trail of your pushie's front end geometry.

The other thing you can do is take your front wheel off, hold it by the axle nuts and get some one to spin it really fast. Try turning left and feel it fall to the right.

**Usarka** · 5th June 2008, 21:28

Originally Posted by Jim2

You'll need to be doing more than 20 km/hr or so for it work.

Praise be the secret shaolin buddha finger.

It likely is a thing you do without realising. Stand up like you're holding the bars and lean to one side. weight goes onto the inside arm so its quite possible that this transfers into the bars. I've also been drinking authentic english cider.....

**CB ARGH** · 5th June 2008, 21:31

Haha cheers guys... Might leave it for when I've got a bit of on road experience. Absolutely can not wait for a bike. Have got my eyes on a CBR250, are they two or four stroke?