The Art of Countersteering: What it is and why it matters.
Published by Lloyd Castle in Riding Skills & Techniques · 11 March 2025
The Art of Countersteering: What it is and why it matters.
Countersteering is one of the most critical, yet often misunderstood skills in motorcycling. Whether you’re a brand-new rider or have thousands of kilometeres under your belt, understanding and properly using countersteering is the key to smooth, controlled, and confident riding—especially at higher speeds.
Some riders use countersteering instinctively without realizing it, while others struggle with the concept or hesitate to fully trust it. So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, explain why it matters, and most importantly—help you apply it to your riding.
So, What Is Countersteering?
Put simply: Countersteering is the act of pushing the handlebar in the opposite direction of where you want to go to initiate a turn.
- Want to turn right? Rather than pulling back on the right hand, Push forward on the right handlebar.
- Want to turn left? Rather than pull back on the left hand, Push forward on the left handlebar.
This action causes the bike to lean into the turn, allowing it to carve through the curve smoothly. It might sound counterintuitive, but once you understand why it works, it makes perfect sense.
The Science Behind It: Why Countersteering Works
At speeds above roughly 16-24 km/h, motorcycles follow the laws of physics a bit differently than they do at low speeds. Instead of just turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go (which works well at really low speeds), the bike needs to lean to make a turn.
Here’s why:
- Gyroscopic Effect – Your wheels act like spinning gyroscopes. When you apply pressure to one side, it causes the bike to lean in the opposite direction.
- Centripetal Force & Lean Angle – A motorcycle doesn’t turn like a car. Instead of just rotating the handlebars, it also leans into the curve. The lean angle (of the bike) ultimately determines how tight or wide your turn will be.
- Tyre Contact Patch – By leaning the bike, the contact patch of the tyres shifts, allowing for a more stable and controlled turn.
This means that countersteering is the only effective way to steer a motorcycle at higher speeds. If you’re not actively countersteering, you’re not getting the best from your bike and you're either riding purely by instinct or fighting against your bike’s natural handling.
How to Practice Countersteering
If countersteering still feels foreign or uncomfortable, don’t worry—it’s a skill that can be practiced and refined.
Here’s how:
- Find a Safe, Open Road - Look for a stretch of road with wide, sweeping turns or an empty parking lot where you can safely test the technique.
- Start at Moderate Speeds (50-60 km/h) - At these speeds, countersteering is very noticeable. Pick a straight section of road, and gently push on one handlebar. Notice how the bike immediately leans and turns in that direction.
- Use Smooth Inputs - Countersteering should never be jerky. The smoother or gentler you push the bar, the more controlled and stable the bike feels through the turn.
- Combine It with Proper Body Positioning - Countersteering alone initiates the lean, but combining it with good body positioning makes cornering feel effortless. Keep your arms relaxed, look through the turn, and shift your upper body slightly into the curve.
- Keep Practicing Until It Becomes Second Nature - Once you fully grasp countersteering, you’ll feel way more in control of your bike—especially in fast corners or emergency situations where quick directional changes are necessary.
Why Countersteering Matters for Every Rider
- Makes Cornering Easier and Smoother - Trying to turn without countersteering at higher speeds is like trying to drive a car with the steering wheel locked. It’s exhausting and inefficient. Mastering countersteering makes cornering feel smooth, predictable, and fun.
- Helps You Avoid Hazards Quickly - If an obstacle suddenly appears in your path (debris, pothole, animal, or even a car), countersteering allows you to swerve quickly and accurately without losing control.
- Improves Confidence and Control - Many riders—especially newer ones—struggle with feeling in control of their motorcycle. Once you understand countersteering and consciously use it, you’ll feel more connected to the bike and in charge of your movements.
- Essential for Emergency Maneuvers - In emergency situations, hesitation is dangerous. Knowing how to instantly initiate a turn or swerve using countersteering could be the difference between a close call and a crash.
- “I don’t use countersteering, I just lean.” - You’re countersteering whether you realize it or not. The act of leaning at speed is initiated by countersteering, even if you’re doing it unconsciously.
- “Countersteering is only for racers.” - Every motorcycle, from cruisers to sportbikes to adventure bikes, relies on countersteering. It’s not a racing trick—it’s a fundamental riding skill.
- “You only need countersteering at high speeds.” - Countersteering becomes noticeable around 16-25 km/h and is essential for anything above that. Even at moderate speeds, it significantly improves handling and safety.
Remember: Master Countersteering, Master Your Ride
Countersteering isn’t just some advanced technique—it’s the foundation of safe, smooth, and confident riding. The sooner you fully understand and apply it, the better your riding experience will be.
- Push right, go right. Push left, go left.
- Use smooth, controlled inputs.
- Practice in a safe environment.
- Trust the process—it works.
Once countersteering becomes second nature, you’ll feel a whole new level of control, confidence, and enjoyment on your bike. So get out there, practice, and ride like a pro!
Stay Safe out there
Lloyd