Counter Steering...

[Queso]

I just started using some countersteering today, but I find myself pulling on the left to turn right as opposed to pushing on the right to turn right... Does that really matter? Everyone is always saying "push" and I'm just wondering if there's a particular reason... I can't believe how far to the side a person can lean without fallin over! I was either to hit a curb or quickly figure out countersteering and get over that "I'm gonna fall over" feeling. I didn't hit the curb, but I did gain a better understanding of what's so fun about twisties 

[galahs]

Usually if your pulling on the opposite side its because your gripping the bars too tight.

Loosen your grip and use your palms to ese the bike through the bends 

[Alphamazing]

You should push because it is your inside hand. You should do your turning with your inside hand. I forget why right now, but you should.

[makenzie71]

This whole countersteering thing is utter nonsense.  People "trying" to do it are typically the ones who wash out or run into parked cars while practicing at walmart.  You know the basics behind the way a bike steers...just use them.

Simply follow the bars along the lean and keep your strength to the inside.

[melloGS]

This whole countersteering thing is utter nonsense.  People "trying" to do it are typically the ones who wash out or run into parked cars while practicing at walmart.  You know the basics behind the way a bike steers...just use them.

Simply follow the bars along the lean and keep your strength to the inside.

i don't understand...

[makenzie71]

Which part escapes you?

[skoebl]

Well, I guess if you're completely new to motorcycling (and are like me and haven't ridden a bike in 10 years or so); it helps to consciously go through it for a bit (when practicing in parking lots so you don't have to worry about hitting stuff).

I find that I've been trying to use my body to lean the bike into some curves...which is bad until I realize what I'm doing and counter-steer.

[John Bates]

...........................................
Simply follow the bars along the lean and keep your strength to the inside.

What does this mean?  Is it another way to do the same as counter steer?

I was taught to  push rt. to go rt., left to go left.  Very simple and it works for me.

[makenzie71]

What does this mean?  Is it another way to do the same as counter steer?

Somewhat, yeah...but not to try and make a concious effort.  After you learn how the steering of the bike works, manuevering it at speed should be entirely your body's weight transfer.  The bars will move themselves just fine...additional rider input to them at the wrong time can yield disasterous results.

[NWDave]

Don't forget counter-leaning in low speed turns, I'd also have to say if it doesn't feel stable speed up, not a lot but enough to stable out in a lean.. but remember you only have so much tire hitting the road, be safe.

[John Bates]

....................additional rider input to them at the wrong time can yield disasterous results.

I think we're saying the same thing.  After extended riding experience you become more aware of the weight shift and less aware of the pressure on the bars.

It's like manual shift transmission, after a while it becomes automatic. 

[RVertigo]

I pull to turn sometimes...  But, it's when I'm riding with one hand on the bars and the other on my hip...  Like a superhero.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

76

[Queso]

I think y'all make a lot of sense. I'll be practicing that. I have been trying to push. It feels a lil strange, but I'll get used to it pretty quick.

[scratch]

Just palm the bars, open-handed, keep all four fingers over the clutch and brake levers.

[t dubs]

This whole countersteering thing is utter nonsense.  People "trying" to do it are typically the ones who wash out or run into parked cars while practicing at walmart.  You know the basics behind the way a bike steers...just use them.

Simply follow the bars along the lean and keep your strength to the inside.

I like this! I think you have a good point about thinking too much. Having never ridden a bike when I got mine, my roommate gave me absolute basics on what to do. By the time I took my safety class I was fairly comfortable riding. When they explained turning and countersteering, I'm thinking, hey! I do that! And I never realized it.

[Chuck]

After you learn how the steering of the bike works, manuevering it at speed should be entirely your body's weight transfer.  The bars will move themselves just fine...additional rider input to them at the wrong time can yield disasterous results.

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Sorry to use the caps but this is 1000% wrong.

I suggest you read some Keith Code.  In the mean time, read up about "The no BS bike" that he designed:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/motor_cycles/1268501.html

The conclusion is that body leaning provides little to no effect on the direction your vehicle takes, and assuming it can do so can yield disasterous results.

I'm sorry to be harsh.  Normally I would ignore the comment, but with newbies in the forum it's too dangerous to be giving out information like this.

Your ability to turn comes *directly* from your steering input on the handle bars.

I would also ignore any advice to "just forget about it and do what comes naturally."  Much of motorcycling is counterintuitive and you jeopardize your safety by making the decision to *not* learn about the mechanics involved.  Learn everything you can!

[chrisalberts]

Just palm the bars, open-handed, keep all four fingers over the clutch and brake levers.

I was going to suggest this, but on a bicycle.  Flat palms and just pushing down left or right to turn works great.  I'd probably be too chickenshit to do this at speed on a GS - worried it would vibrate my flat hands off.

You do need to be carrying some speed to use the push down to turn method.

C.

[daneilah]

Much of motorcycling is counterintuitive and you jeopardize your safety by making the decision to *not* learn about the mechanics involved.  Learn everything you can!

What he said 

Consider getting one of the many great books out there on motorcycling education.  Here's my current favourite....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889540536/sr=8-1/qid=1148592751/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-5299196-1902419?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Worth every penny.

[Jake D]

I focus on the push (I never pull, unless I am waiving to another motorcyclist during a turn).  I enjoy focusing on it.  Of course I lean with the bike, too, but I focus on the push, smooth through the turn, roll on the throttle.  Then the next turn, brake, push/lean, roll on the throttle.  It is the rhythm that I enjoy.  Just like the carving on a snowboard or picking a line on a mountain bike.  The rhythm.  Swoosh.  Swoosh.  Push, roll on the throttle.  That is the best part about motorcycling to me.