What Is Counter Steering And Why You Have To Learn How To Do it?

Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in traffic accidents, and this disparity usually comes from a lack of knowledge. Many riders don’t know how to use their machines and haven’t mastered all the techniques required to ride safely.

Counter steering is important to master when learning how to ride a motorcycle. It requires placing a bit of pressure in the opposite direction that you want to turn.

While it takes practice to get right, the benefits of counter-steering are massive. When done correctly, it results in smoother, safer, faster riding.

Many riders use counter-steering without realizing it, but they may not be doing so correctly. There are various mistakes to avoid to keep yourself safe and have the best ride possible.

Read our guide to understand what counter steering is, how to do it, and why you need to master it.

What Is Counter Steering?

Before you learn how to countersteer, it’s important to understand exactly what it is.

Counter steering is defined as steering in the opposite direction at the beginning of a turn to adjust the center of gravity. It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s an important part of learning how to ride a motorcycle effectively and safely.

Counter steering is natural and something that even children can do when riding their first bicycles. Doing it properly is the difficult part, and it takes practice to learn how to countersteer correctly.

Why You Need to Countersteer

There is a debate in the motorcycle community over whether counter steering is necessary. Some riders believe you can steer the bike with your body alone. Experts agree that this isn’t the case and that it’s important to know how to countersteer correctly for a variety of reasons.

The most important consideration is in regards to safety. Counter steering can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. It can help get you away from danger quickly.

Casual riders will also notice improvements from proper counter steering. It will make you feel more in control of your machine. You’ll maneuver better and have a more enjoyable ride overall.

Counter steering is also useful in racing, as it requires split-second timing and rapid turns.

No matter why and where you use your motorcycle, knowing how to countersteer is an important skill to master.

The Physics

A motorcycle is a large machine, and there is a lot of physics involved in keeping it upright as you ride. While it’s not necessary to know all of them to understand how to countersteer, it can be useful to have a grasp of the basics.

One of the most important forces for motorcycle riders to keep in mind is known as gyroscopic precession. It happens when a lateral force is applied to a spinning gyroscope like the front wheel of a motorcycle.

When the wheel spins, it moves the force 90 degrees away from the direction of the spin. Apply force in the correct direction (i.e. the right side to turn right), and the wheel and motorcycle will lean in that direction.

Counter steering fights the natural forces working against the motorcycle and attempting to make it stay still, topple over, and/or turn in the wrong direction. It helps provide balance, ensuring the motorcycle goes where you need it to and remains upright.

A poorly maintained motorcycle is more likely to fall to the natural forces of physics, so see our motorcycle maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in pristine condition.

How to Countersteer

Once you understand what it is and how it works, you must learn how to countersteer correctly. Any rider can do it, but only the truly skilled can do it properly.

Counter steering can still help at slow speeds, but it’s much more noticeable when you go faster. If you want to practice counter steering, try to increase your speed to at least 15 mph.

Pressing on the side of the handlebars that you want to turn towards keeps the motorcycle going in the right direction. Pressing on the other side of the handlebars as well is a more advanced technique but useful for quick turns like those required in racing.

It’s also important to lean in the direction that you want to turn. This helps to further improve the motorcycle’s balance.

Most riders use counter-steering daily but may not realize they’re doing it. It takes practice and skill to learn how to countersteer effectively, but it can be done.

If you’re a racer and want some more advice on how to countersteer effectively, check out our quad racing safety tips and beginner mistakes to avoid.

More Counter Steering Tips

When you learn how to ride a motorcycle, you need to know how to perform every necessary action safely. This applies to counter steering as well. It can be difficult to master, and there are plenty of other elements to keep in mind while attempting it.

Remember to keep your head up and look in the direction you’re turning. The motorcycle will go in the direction that your chin is pointing.

The harder you press on the handlebars, and the more you lean to one side, the greater the counter steering effect. Make sure you don’t overdo it, as this is a common mistake too many riders make.

Another tip is to be careful where you place your legs when making fast turns. Place your left thigh on the tank to turn right and right thigh on the tank to turn left.

Counter Steering For All Vehicles

Counter steering is a seemingly counterintuitive but surprisingly natural way to ride a motorcycle. It involves placing pressure on one or both sides of the handlebars and leaning toward the direction you want to turn.

Counter steering mistakes are common, but it’s important to learn how to perform this technique. It’s more than a timesaver for racers or a way to have a better ride. It can save your life in an emergency, as it allows for quick and accurate turns.

Counter steering applies to more than just motorcycles. Almost any vehicle that has a rider and requires balance can benefit from it.

It becomes more difficult to countersteer correctly when you don’t have the proper vehicle. We have a wide range of options, including motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and more. Check out our financing options and contact us today for more information.