Counter-Steering

Counter-steering is how every motorcycle is steered above walking pace. To turn right, you briefly push forward on the right handlebar, which turns the front wheel slightly left for a moment. The tyres steer out from under the bike, it leans to the right, and once leaned it follows the curve to the right. Push left to go left.

The main effect comes from the contact patches moving out from under the centre of mass, helped by the bike's steering geometry; gyroscopic forces play only a minor role. Most riders counter-steer unconsciously, but doing it deliberately makes turn-in quicker and more precise.

Counter-steering is also the key to emergency swerves: a firm push on the bar on the side you want to go moves the bike quickly. Practise it in a safe area at moderate speeds until it becomes natural.