I am a new rider, just got my M-1(beginners) which allows me to ride with some restrictions. I have a safety course scheduled for Aug. In the meantime I would like to do some riding.

Can someone please explain the concept of push steering. What I might expect and what to do. Right now it seems unnatural. I understand it will become second nature with more experience.

While out for a short ride yesterday it felt like the bike just took over and wouldn't allow me to correct a right "turn". I am under no illusion that it was anything but my lack of experience that caused it. What should I have done? Should I stay off the bike altogether until my course? Is there a "set" speed at which this can happen? I have googled this to death and done a search on here. I'm looking specifically for input on how you got over the "hump" so to speak regarding what 'feels' like the right thing to do and what 'is' the right thing to do. Any and all input from more experienced riders greatly appreciated.

 

It's called counter steering...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8IdTq3_3WI
Go to 1:35 in that video and he starts to explain it.
I could type it all out but the visual makes it easier to understand.

 

pretty simple, if you want to turn right, push the right side of the handlebar forward, if you want to go left, push the left side of the handlebar forward. Try it in an empty parking lot, anything above 5-10mph. I know it seems unnatural.

It has all to do with physics, and the rotational force created by the spinning front wheel.

Like I said, just try it in a safe place, and you'll get the hang of it no problem

 

If you are a total newb, kinda like I was last year ( outside of some MX riding as a kid), I would be careful until you take your course. I feel as though I control my bike with my eyes. If I want to turn, just look where you want to go and your body will take you. You don't really steer a bike too much, use your weight and keep your eyes off the ground.

just my 0.02

 

It's usually called counter steering. A Google search on "counter steering on motorcycle" will bring up volumes of info...

 

If you ride a bicycle you have done it and probably didn't even realize it.
At speeds above about 10MPH A little push (or pressure) on the left side of the bar the wheel turns slightly to the right, the bike leans to the left and you go left. (If you try and turn the bars to the left you will either turn right or fall hard on the right side).
Don't think about it too much.

Do keep your head up and look where you want to go (through the corners or straight ahead). Don't look down, don't look at the pothole, don't look at the truck coming in the other lane or the cuties on the sidewalk. Look where you want to go.

 

Get a book called Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough and read it.

This really works when you lean the bike you do this subconsciously. Like others have said keep you head up EYES LEVEL and LOOK where you want to go. They will beat this in your head during you safety class.

 

It is hard to do but you have to learn! Push bike by right hand and steer by left one.
That is why first bike has to be light one!

Counter steering is the same for bicycle and motorcycle. If you can ride a bicycle you know how to counter steer.
Keep in mind that you counter steer just 1-2 degrees or you'll fall down.

 

Like Piasspj said: you've already done this on your bicycle. You already know the physics of how to do this.

Don't think too hard about it.

Just look where you want to go.

 

Please, do NOT get back on that bike until you have had that course!

Shakey