countersteering help
#181
03-20-2012, 02:14 PM
Ok so I have read every page on countersteering on this forum and I am still confused about the concept. I definitely do not doubt it because I tried it last night...deliberately at least. When I tried it just a little bit I found that my bike turned REAL quick so what I need help with is how much pressure do you apply to the handlebars? Also do you need to apply pressure throughout the entire turn or do you just do it to initiate your turns. Kind of crazy I have been riding for a little while and nobody has ever mentioned the term countersteering. I am sure learing how to perfect will be an invaluable lesson so thanks in advance for your responses.
#182
03-20-2012, 02:22 PM
Elite HDF Member
Unquestionably true. It's not possible to ride a heavy bike without countersteering at speeds over 20 mph. If you ride dirt bikes or other lightweight bikes you can throw them around with your weight, but that will not work with an 800 pound bike.
Understanding how countersteering works will make you a better and smoother rider, but if you've been riding for any period of time you are certainly already doing it.
Understanding how countersteering works will make you a better and smoother rider, but if you've been riding for any period of time you are certainly already doing it.
#183
03-20-2012, 04:44 PM
If you have not or cannot master counter steering... please, stay off the road. The life you save may be mine.
#184
03-20-2012, 05:04 PM
really, cannot believe this thread is still on. the reason the bike is turning is no different to how a bicycle turn.
starting from: straight position, moving fwd
Right turn: even when you throw your weight on the right side, without even realizing it the handlebar is tilt first to left, then immediately the centrifugal force pushes the weight of bike+rider to the right and then the handlebar has to slightly be turned to the right to create the centrifugal force in the opposite direction to counterbalance the weight of bike+rider that would otherwise fall down to the right. the opposite is true for left turn.
If from a straight position you tilt the handlebar right, the centrifugal force pushes you to the left, now you have to do the opposite and tilt handlebar to left to generate centrifugal force to the right to avoid falling to the left: at this moment the bike is tilted left, the weight is pushing the bike left as it's tilted, the handlebar is slightly turned left generating force to right to counterbalance the weight. as an effect the bike turns left.
I wouldn't worry about any of this as if you can ride just a bicycle you are already doing instinctively without thinking.
starting from: straight position, moving fwd
Right turn: even when you throw your weight on the right side, without even realizing it the handlebar is tilt first to left, then immediately the centrifugal force pushes the weight of bike+rider to the right and then the handlebar has to slightly be turned to the right to create the centrifugal force in the opposite direction to counterbalance the weight of bike+rider that would otherwise fall down to the right. the opposite is true for left turn.
If from a straight position you tilt the handlebar right, the centrifugal force pushes you to the left, now you have to do the opposite and tilt handlebar to left to generate centrifugal force to the right to avoid falling to the left: at this moment the bike is tilted left, the weight is pushing the bike left as it's tilted, the handlebar is slightly turned left generating force to right to counterbalance the weight. as an effect the bike turns left.
I wouldn't worry about any of this as if you can ride just a bicycle you are already doing instinctively without thinking.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cruzomatic
General Harley Davidson Chat
41
03-10-2013 01:24 PM
