Steering the wrong way?

[GhostRider]

First Post! Glad to be among a seemingly great, responsible and helpful group!

So I was test riding a '96 Honda CBR 600 F3 earlier today, and I noticed that when I went to turn, the bike did not want to easily go where I wanted. Now since I was test riding another's bike, I didn't lean much at ALL, and the handlebars didn't want to turn in the direction of the turn very much. However, I noticed that when I turned the handlebars the OPPOSITE way of the turn, the bike leaned MUCH easier. SO! :

Is this normal for the bike? I've heard the term "counter-steering" used regularly whilst reading up on the biking world (yes, I am a new-B ). Is this what was happening?

And if this is normal, is the feeling something I will get used to? Like I said I didn't want to lean the bike too much (almost too little), but turning the handlebars the other way made me feel a little uneasy.

Well, I'll be done chatting the ears off now, but thanks in advance for any responses! It's good to join!

Zach

[sharpmagna]

Yes that is called countersteering. The easiest way to learn it though is to push the handle bar in the direction you want it to go. For example, you want to turn right. With your right hand push the right handle bar to the right. This has an affect of "pulling" the left handle bar.

It sounds like you're new to riding, so I would suggest taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundations's Basic Rider's Course. You'll learn this technique and many more strategies. Even for seasoned riders it is nice to take the course if coming back to the sport.

Welcome to the forums!

[jonnythan]

I suggest you take the MSF Basic Rider Course. All of this stuff is covered.

[GhostRider]

I am scheduled to take the MSF Basic Rider Course at a college near me the weekend of October 13th. I took a ride on a '99 Honda CBR F4 600, and counter-steering wasn't as noticeable on that, so I was wondering if it was merely a difference in bikes or something that shouldn't be happening altogether. Thanks for the lightning-fast responses!

[jonnythan]

I am scheduled to take the MSF Basic Rider Course at a college near me the weekend of October 13th. I took a ride on a '99 Honda CBR F4 600, and counter-steering wasn't as noticeable on that, so I was wondering if it was merely a difference in bikes or something that shouldn't be happening altogether. Thanks for the lightning-fast responses!

Different bikes are going to be different in the quickness and responsiveness of steering, but in general, to steer to the left, you will be pushing out with your *left* hand.

Instead of leaning your body over, the way you generally would with a bicycle, you will more often keep your body right where it is and simply push in the direction you want to go.

You will experience this most obviously during the swerve exercises. You'll be going 15-20 mph, and if you try to throw the bike around, you will not do well. If you push the handlebar hard in the direction you want to turn, the bike will very quickly turn while your body stays right in line with the bike.

[Kal]

Just from whats been posted in this thread I would strongly suggest that you aren't ready to play with CBR's

[Seca Girl]

Counter steering is fun.

It's even more fun when non-riders don't believe you!

[Lion_Lady]

It has more to do with the speed you're travelling than the bike.

P

[bok]

too see countersteering in action, check out the steps below you will see three countersteering pictures of a guy on a green kawasaki.

"turning" the wheel like you would drive a car is something that will pretty much make your turns too wide or take you in the opposite direction.

basic steps:

1) look where you want to go
2) push in the direction you want to go (notice the wheel points in the opposite direction, or "counter" to the way you are pushing)
3) keep your eyes up! (the front tire falls into line)

[CNF2002]

GhostRider, do not ride any more motorcycles until you take the MSF course. You are going to break something.