I am glad this topic is receiving so much attention. I started counter steering from day one and it was further emphasized when I took the Keith Code class. You can definetly see how it works on a racetrack. One thing to note is that since every bike is different, there will be varying degrees of steering input needed depending on what you are trying to do. If you are on a track and you need to make the bike drop quickly, then you would apply a firm push-pull like affect on the bars. For some situations (like a quick lane change) maybe only a minor, but firm, push is needed. The faster you go, the harder it gets to turn the bike so it would take a little more force. What we learned in school was to get most of your braking, gearing and body postion out of the way before you initiate the turn, then once you get the bike turned you can apply maintenance throttle and depending on the type of turn you may still need to steer the bike in order to keep your line so that you don't run wide.

Try turning the bike without counter-steering (if you can) and watch how straight you go.

Just my two cents!

 

I just downloaded/watched Keith Code's twist of the wrist II, and it was incredibly educational for me!

I feel like a better rider already!

 

wow this vids did make sense, since i was on the side streets yesterday and it was cold and wasnt really thinking about anything but how cold it is. but when i got on the freeway and changed the lane at 65-70 mph i now look back at that turn and the way i shifted my body to lean into the left turn it made my hands pull the handlebars to the right just for a split second. its just natural for your body to do.

but now since i have watched those vids, i can work on actually doing it and knowing im doing it. as soon as it gets warmer. no more riding in weather below 50*F.

getting the bike to a higher speed was a rush, but also riding it on the side streets was a joyful experience.

 

I haven't crashed in 24 years, and never consciously counter steered. But after checking up on myself, ya, that's how you do it. Once, back when I was young and eager, I was leaning a switch back on a Honda Rebel when the peg started scraping. There was no way that I could lean enough on that bike (250 cc, 16 hp) to make that corner. Somehow, from all my years riding dirt on a BMX, I knew to lock the back tire to get her to drift and all worked out well. I came out of the corner with the throttle twisted all the way back and was headed for the next when my rational mind kicked in and then I parked on the side of the road to think about it. The fact that my rational mind didn't know to do that scared the sh*t out of me. That's when I should have stopped trying to be rational. Since then I've ridden rationally, and haven't had nearly as much fun. I'm looking to take an advanced rider's course now.

 

***The fact that my rational mind didn't know to do that scared the sh*t out of me. That's when I should have stopped trying to be rational. Since then I've ridden rationally, and haven't had nearly as much fun.***
Interesting comment S/bugs. Of late I have been thinking that I am thinking too much and enjoying it a tad less. I have been riding a few decades and was aware after watching flat track races that I was counter-steering,and knew that was the only way to ride the bike. For me I started thinking about it and stopped just riding. It HAS saved my but a few times in the hills of Colorado,sand in the roads, Road alligators (tree branch, a tire, S#!^ is that OIL ?!!) and such but those incidents I was not thinking about what to do, I just did it and avoided the accident. Even on the occasion that I was way too hot in a curve and needed to correct my line,again without thinking, I just did it and went "whew" after it was over. I think for me at least, I learned it, I do it, and now I need to stop thinking consciously about it. My subconscious knows what to do, I need now to learn to let it have the reins. It has worked so far.

 

grendl, I saw you were from Denver and my next thought was of Clear Creek Canyon from Golden up to I-70 with the left-hand on-ramp. Now that can be a fun road with some great twisties. Then there is that little cafe near I-70 with all the bikes parked out front... and then Loveland Pass. Some great rides!

 

hi i have a question about turing at high speeds on the highway. im obviously counter steering, im just not sure about throttle usage on highway turns. After i crashed my bike i haev been hyper concious to not use too much brake or throttle on turns, but when im on the highway i get scared to use throttle in tighter turns and will slow down substantially. I'm not talking about crazy turns it is mostly saw mill pkwy 287 and taconic. my question is should i be able to maintain speed with the throttle or even speed up with out fearing a high speed crash or should i just pull the clutch in to prevent engine braking

 

excel/decel & maintain correct/steady thru the turn & then gradually throttle/excel out of the turn (NOT thru the turn).....when bike is on a lean thru a turn, keep steady speed....don't pull the clutch! don't grab the brake (F + R) abrubtly.....if you feel speed is too fast for the turn when entering the turn, very light tap of the rear brake/or ease the throttle a bit to slow down is ok.....

what is a safe speed for any turn? it's the speed rider is comfortable with! by the end of the day, you are safely home with love ones is THE most important.