Nice additions Veyron & 2fast. What you'll have stated is applicable for any sort of 2 wheeler, not just the big bikes.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Veyron1 The quickest way to steer yourself out of trouble is counter-steer, but let's skip that. |
Actually, everyone countersteers, whether they know they are doing it or not. However, knowing what it is and understanding how it works will only help you improve. A basic explanation is:
At low speeds (upto about 15kmph), in order to turn the bike in the direction we want it to go, we turn the handlebar in that direction i.e. if we want to go right, we turn the bars to the right.
However, as speeds gradually build up, you need to do the opposite to go in the direction you want. i.e. if you want to take that same right hand bend, you now turn the handlebar to the left. This causes your front wheel to lean to the right. Every single 2 wheeler rider does this whether he/she is aware of this or not. There is not other way to steer a bike around a corner at any reasonable speed.
To demonstrate this effect, you can do a simple test. While stationary, turn the handlebar of your bike in one direction. The bike automatically leans in the opposite direction. That, in its simplest form is what counter steering is.
Now start you bike and begin to ride at about 20-30kmph in an open area like a parking lot. Imagine that you have a right turn coming ahead. Consciously turn the handlebar to the right (as we assume that turning right will cause us to go right). Your bike will want to turn left.
Now do it correctly. Image a left hand bend approaching. With you left palm,
push on the left handle and
pull with the right hand. Voila! while your handle bar is pointing ever so slightly to the right, the bike will lean to the left and guide you around the left hand bend. That's counter-steering for you.
The sooner you understand this and consciously begin to notice this while riding, you will improve the way you tackle corners and also become a safer rider.