The basic mechanics of countersteering are performed by every kid who’s ever ridden a bicycle. You’re already doing it, if you’re riding a motorcycle. At higher motorcycle speeds, however, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the process of turning the handlebars gently in the opposite direction of the intended direction of the turn, increasing the acuity of the intended turn. By understanding what countersteering is and how it works, any rider can make more controlled turns at higher speeds, steer away from hazards, and ride with less fatigue.
Countersteering Basics
1. Pull the handlebars to the direction you want to turn. If you want to turn right, pull the handlebars on the right side. If you want to turn left, pull the handlebars on the left side. While this may seem incorrect, turning the bars in the opposite direction from the turn forces the bike to tilt slightly, while maintaining the proper speed allows it to stay upright.
Memorize this countersteering mantra: Turn right, pull right. Turn left, pull left.
2. Move to the outside of the lane. As you approach your turn, signal at least 37 meters before the turn or corner, and check your mirrors for signs of any traffic. Move to the outside corner of the lane–the corner opposite the direction of your turn–as far as possible.
3. Slow down you motorcycle before turns to downshift. Turning on a motorcycle is dependent on the speed you are traveling, so it’s important to brake on your approach to the turn, then accelerate out of it. Most turns are safe at second or third gear.
- The balance of the motorcycle is gyroscopic, which means that speed keeps it up. Depending on the grade of the turn you’re making and the speed at which you’re traveling, you’ll probably need to slow down some.
- Never, under any circumstances, should you slow in the middle of a turn, or brake in the middle of a turn, unless there’s some emergency. Even then, it’s safer to evade than to attempt to stop.
4. Pull the handlebar on the side of the turn. Gently, increase pressure from your palm on the handlebar, pushing it gently, as if you were trying to turn the bike in the opposite direction you want to turn. As you do this, lean gently into the turn, shifting your weight slightly in the direction you want the bike to tilt.
- Again, while that may seem counterintuitive at first, this is the principle of counter steering, turning the front wheel slightly to drop the bike into a gentle lean, which allows for greater stability during a turn.
The sharper you want to make the turn, the greater your lean angle should be.
5. Always keep your head up. Maintaining pressure on the handlebars and look through the turn to the road ahead of you. Try to avoid looking at the side of the road or other distractions as target fixation can cause you to go directly toward it. Look at the path in the road you want to be on.
6. Accelerate out of the turn. When you are exiting the turn, release some pressure on the inner handlebar, apply some gentle throttle, and your motorcycle will stand upright.
The post HOW TO COUNTERSTEERING MOTORCYCLE appeared first on Biker Malaysia.
Gadget Reviews: mamaktalk.com
Car Reviews: automoview.com
Entertainment News: 38today.com
Today's Promotions: freepromotoday.com
