Counter-steering By tyscoots (Read 2,569 times)

[tyscoots]

Hello All,

Just a quick question. Most likely this has been asked before but I am wondering, is counter-steering necessary on a 250cc scooter or on any scooter?

Thanks in Advance

Tonya

[Cruiser]

That's a good question, Tonya. I haven't used counter-steer when riding my scoots, but I generally drive slower so that I can visualize and plan turns and maneuvers usually in a timely manner. However, counter-steer is good at higher speeds when something unexpected pops up like a pot hole or something in the road that you want to avoid but don't have the time to set up (lean) for a turn. Counter-steer will make the scoot or motorcycle turn quickly in the opposite direction of the steer because it kicks the front wheel out from the line of travel causing an automatic lean in the opposite direction. This should be practiced under controlled conditions before doing it in an emergency. The easiest way I remember to work the counter-steer is push on the handlebar which corresponds to the direction you want to go. Pushing on the right handle bar will cause the scoot or motorcycle to lean right and vice versa. Counter-steer is something which works best at higher speeds (maybe 20 to 25 mph and higher) depending on the scoot or motorcycle. So, speed, not engine size is the determination of whether or not you need to use counter-steer. Practice makes perfect. ;D

Hope this answers your question.

[scooteraddict]

I have been trying to get into the habit of counter steering more. I feel that it allows for stronger cornering. What I mean by this is that I don't have to slow down as much going into a turn and provides more stability. By counter steering forces you to place the center point of your weight more onto the bike then off of the bike.

[speedracer]

I have been counter steering for years. I use the push right go right, push left go left method. Seems easier to me as if I need to avoid an object I can push right or left and it turns just in time. To be honest I think almost everyone counter steers but they just don't know they are doing it. If you notice when you make lets say a right turn you lean right and your righ hand is actually pushing the handle bar as you do it.

[ccprof]

I'm with Speedracer. I think most of us do it but we aren't aware.

[bobf]

Never heard of counter steering before. In the manual for the motorcycle safety training course they just describe it a pressing. Press on the right handle bar and you will go right. Press on the left handle bar and you will go left. That works for me. I just lean on the handle bar for the direction I want to go.

All this talk about turning left to go right is very confusing so I will just not worry about counter steering, it is too technical. I will just lean on the handle bar to turn.

[speedracer]

BobF you are counter steering the way you do it. It works both ways. You can push the right handle bar to go left or pull it to go right. I do it the same way you do it and yes it is counter steering. I admit they make it more complicated then necessary, but you are counter steering. When you push the right or left handle bar the front wheel turns in the opposite direction causing you to lean right or left.

[bobf]

Understand speedracer, I am in effect counter steering. But to me the definitions and such are far too misleading. I prefer to just lean on the right handle bar to turn right.

Imagine my confusion and mistakes if each right turn I had to consider that if wanting to turn right I must first turn the wheel to the left to get the action going to the right. Far too much to think about and put in to motion. So I keep it simple and just push on the handlebar, not worrying about the ever so small a turn to the opposite side the wheel must take to generate a lean. Sometimes I wonder about educated folks that seem to delight in making things impossible to understand. I think the Motorcycle Safety Training folks got it right. Simply press the handlebar on the side you want to turn to.
.

[speedracer]

As Judge Judy says "Keep it simple stupid". Counter steering makes missing an object in the road easier and faster then leaning. Less thought more instinct. Hands always faster then body movement.

[89newbie]

I do it all the time, squirrels on the road. That T.V. commercial about squirrels making cars wreck had to be filmed around here, those two guys were out in the road yesterday setting up the oncoming car, I got outta the way! lol