A red motorcycle is leaning in a corner on the road using a countersteering technique

What Exactly is Countersteering? (and why all motorcyclists need it)

Written by: Territory Motorcycle Training

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Time to read 4 min

Riding a motorcycle is a blend of physics and coordination, and one of the most fundamental yet misunderstood techniques needed to operate the motorcycle is countersteering. If you’ve ever wondered how motorcyclists navigate sharp corners or maintain stability at high speeds, countersteering is the answer. In this article we will demystify countersteering, explain how it works, and provide practical tips to sharpen your countersteering skills.


What is Countersteering?


Countersteering is the act of subtly turning the handlebars in the opposite direction of where you want to go, in order to initiate the lean of the motorcycle. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s the correct technique to control a motorcycle at speed. By subtly pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction, you allow the motorcycle to roll onto the side of the tyre in your intended direction of travel, in order to lean into a corner.


With the right drills, most riders will learn how to countersteer a motorcycle intuitively, but it is also important for riders to understand how the motorcycle will respond when attempting to countersteer at higher speeds. Riders need to understand countersteering in order to give the motorcycle the right input, so that it responds the way we intend. This is most important in high speed collision avoidance situations.

Motorcycle rider leaning the motorbike and countersteering
All motorcycle riders need to understand countersteering, in order to know what input to give the bike at speed.

The Science Behind Countersteering


Countersteering relies on the principles of gyroscopic force and centrifugal force:

  • Gyroscopic Force: The wheels of a motorcycle act like gyroscopes. When you subtly push on the opposite side of the handlebars, it disrupts the gyroscopic stability, allowing the rider to initiate the lean of the motorcycle.

  • Centrifugal Force: As the bike leans, centrifugal force balances the gravitational pull, allowing the rider to lean with the bike and maintain control through the turn.

This combination of forces helps motorcyclists to initiate the lean of the motorcycle at speed, and hold the lean angle of the motorcycle through the corner.

Motorcycle rider wearing black helmet turning to look behind his shoulder

Countersteering is an important skill for cornering, and collision avoidance for all motorcycle riders.

Why is Countersteering Important?


Picture this. You're headed down the Stuart Highway on your motorcycle at 130km/h. You suddenly see a pothole in front of you, and you need to swerve around it fast.


If you were to use your regular approach to steering through a U-turn, by pointing the handlebars precisely in the direction you intend to turn, what do you think would happen? This technique might work in Woolies carpark, but at higher speeds it would cause the motorcyclist to lock the handlebars. The result? At speed, we'd probably end up as roadkill.


Countersteering is the correct technique to turn a motorcycle at higher speeds, because it allows the rider to initiate the lean of the motorcycle, in order to corner at speed. It is not only a safe and effective technique to corner at speed. It is the only technique to corner at speed. The motorcycle was designed to countersteer!


The forces acting on the bike during countersteering allow three outcomes:

  1. Control

  2. Stability

  3. Safety

Not to mention, it's fun! When you consciously realise how to countersteer, you'll be able to "flick" the bike into corners with ease. Your bike will feel as light as a feather! The forces acting on the bike will also make it feel grounded at speed. You can physically feel the bike grip onto the road as you increase your lean angle. The result? Excellent cornering. Every time.


How to Practise Countersteering on your Motorcycle


If you’re new to countersteering, practicing in a controlled environment is the best way to build confidence. Follow these steps to master the technique:


  1. Choose a Safe Location: Find an empty parking lot or a quiet road to practice.

  2. Set out a line of cones: Set out 5-6 cones about 5-10 meters apart. Begin at a moderate speed of around 20-30 km/h, weaving either side of the cones by leaning the bike.

  3. Push the Handlebars: Notice that as you lean the bike to the left, the handlebars need to be ever-so-slightly pushed to the right in order to initiate the leftward lean. Also notice this on the right leans, that the handlebars will need to be slightly flicked to the left in order to initiate the lean.

  4. Repeat and Build Confidence: Practice this technique repeatedly until it feels intuitive. Once you feel confident, set out a group or line of cones to represent a hazard that you might need to swerve around at speed. Work up to higher speeds as you confidence and skills grow.


A new learner motorcycle rider in a slalom cone weave drill on his motorbike

Use a "slalom" drill to get familiar with countersteering.

A new learner motorcycle rider doing a collision avoidance swerve drill around cones using countersteering

Progress to harder swerving around a group of cones at speed, using the countersteering technique.


Common Misconceptions About Countersteering


Many riders are unaware of countersteering or mistakenly believe they’re turning the handlebars in the direction of the turn. Here are a few misconceptions to clear up:

  • It’s Automatic: While countersteering might feel natural once you get the hang of it, it’s an intentional action that we need to understand.

  • It’s Only for Experts: Countersteering is essential for all riders, regardless of experience level.

  • It Will Make the Motorcycle Lose Grip: On the contrary, countersteering enables force to act on the bike that actually increase traction.


Advanced Tips for Countersteering


Once you feel confortable countersteering the motorcycle, refine your technique with these advanced tips:


  1. Combine with Body Positioning: Use your hips to push your bodyweight into the turn to complement the bike’s lean.

  2. Anticipate Turns: Look ahead and plan your actions in advance to execute smooth transitions.

  3. Practice Emergency Maneuvers: Use countersteering to swerve around obstacles or make quick directional changes in emergencies.

  4. Stay Relaxed: Tension in your arms or upper body can hinder your ability to countersteer effectively. Keep your arms and hands as light as possible and let your lower body do the work.


Motard Motorcycles cornering at speed on the racetrack
Conscious countersteering will improve the handling of the bike and increase traction.

Countersteering is an essential skill that every motorcyclist should understand and practise.

While it may seem counterintuitive at first, it’s the key to giving the correct input into the motorcycle at higher speeds.

By consciously noticing and working on your countersteering routine, you will improve your handling of the motorcycle.

Countersteering is especially important for motorcycle riders to use in collision avoidance situations, where evasive action is needed. Practise your skills to keep them sharp!

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