Better to take a corner than let it take you. A little advice can go a long way when it comes to motorbikes. JOHN WHEELER offers his second guide to better biking
The steering geometry of a motorcycle is built with physics in mind, to such an extent that any motorcycle can corner better than most riders. To steer a bike, we know it must lean. Now you can, and most riders do, make the bike lean by body movement to one side or another. But, that's a slow and imprecise method of steering.
A more efficient method is to "counter steer". That means you give a short, forwards push on the handlebar on the same side that you wish to turn towards.
For right-hand bends, give a short push to the right hand of the bars. For left-hand bends, give a short push to the left-hand end. At first glance that seems all wrong but it's not.
This push makes the front wheel steer away from the desired direction. The result is that the contact patch of the front wheel moves away from the rest of the bike, causing the bike to swivel round its own centre of mass.
This is not something to try for the first time on a busy road. Provided the bike is moving above a walking pace you can counter steer. But, it's vital to learn exactly how much you need to push the bar end. At normal speeds very little effort is needed to change direction.
Before you start off, remember you must be seated properly on the bike. Feet firmly set on both foot pegs, body braced and arms relaxed.
Find a totally clear, empty space with a good surface. At around 15 mph give a gentle but firm push to the right hand end of the bar.
If you're not seated properly on the bike all you will do is push your body backwards. Assuming you are sitting properly, notice how very quickly the bike sets itself up for a stable right-hand bend. Then do the same again, this time for an imaginary left-hand bend.
You will notice that, in a very short distance, much shorter than if you relied on leaning your body, the bike has set itself up for the curve. Bear in mind that the higher the speed the stronger are the self-stabilising forces of the bike, so you need a somewhat more powerful push.
If you've never tried this before (some riders instinctively counter steer without realising it), it might seem all wrong. You could wonder if this technique is of any real value and your survival instincts might tell you that it's not safe.
Well, it is. It's the most effective way of steering. If you find you have to make a quick change of direction, say you were day-dreaming and didn't notice the severity of the bend, or if you have to swerve to avoid a sudden hazard, counter steering can make the difference between avoidance and impact.
Perfecting the technique requires a lot of practice and there is more to it yet. When the bike leans it is riding on the edge of the tyre, which has a shorter circumference. This means part of the tyre is going slower. To counteract the inevitable deceleration, you need to gently apply a bit more throttle, which will help transfer more of the bike's weight to the rear wheel.
Coming out of the turn straighten the bike by increasing the throttle opening or, if needs be, pushing the outer end of the bars.
To convince yourself, having chosen a totally clear, safe practice area, not on a public road, place some markers in a slalom-type line. Now ride in and out of the slalom line using your normal technique.
Then, try again using counter steering. If you are doing it correctly you will find you can turn far tighter, much more precisely and a lot safer. You should also feel that you and the bike feel much more under control.
After a lot of practice it should become instinctive. Then you are far better prepared to deal with the totally unexpected crisis situation and you will enjoy your riding much more.