Counterbalancing (Off-Road Cornering)

Counterbalancing is a cornering technique used mainly off-road and in slow, tight turns. Instead of leaning with the motorcycle, the rider leans the bike into the corner while keeping his or her upper body more upright, so body weight stays over the tyres' contact patches.

Off-road, the rider presses down on the outside footpeg, which pushes the tyres into the ground and improves grip on loose surfaces. Seated in a flat corner, the inside leg often comes forward. Riders use the same idea in slow-speed manoeuvres on the road, such as U-turns, leaning the bike while staying upright.

Practise in an open area at low speeds: look where you want to go, keep weight on the outside peg and use the clutch and throttle smoothly. It gives more control and reduces the risk of the front wheel tucking.