Counter-steering

What is it

Counter-steering is how you turn a motorcycle at speeds above ~15 mph. To turn left, you push the left handlebar away from you (as if steering right). This initiates a lean to the left, and the motorcycle turns.

How it works

At low speeds, a motorcycle steers like a bicycle — turn the bars in the direction you want to go. But above ~15 mph, gyroscopic forces change the rules. To lean the bike (and lean is what creates the turn), you need to push the wheel out from under the center of mass — by pressing the handlebar on the opposite side.

How to practice

• In an empty parking lot at 20-25 mph — deliberately push the bar and feel the response
• «Push left, go left. Push right, go right.» — the MSF mantra
• Start with gentle presses, then work up to quick swerve drills