Did you know that counter steering can drastically improve your cornering speed and overall control? It made me climb up the grid consistently and boosted my speed!
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about counter steering. We’ll cover the basics, step-by-step on how to do it, and even explore some advanced techniques for you podium hunters out there. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting on the track, you're going to be in awe of your riding improvement after reading this guide.
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What is Counter Steering?
Counter steering is the technique used to initiate a turn on a motorcycle by pushing the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn.
For example, if you want to turn right, you push the right handlebar away from you. Sounds weird, right? But here’s the science behind it: when you push the handlebar, it causes the bike to lean in the direction you want to go, and that’s what actually makes the turn happen.
If you’re like me, the first time you heard about counter steering, you probably thought, “Wait, what? You steer left to go right?”
It sounds counterintuitive, but it works. I remember my first track day when I learned this concept before joining the racing academy and eventhough it was utterly scary since turning left to turn right made no sense I tried it out and boom I was already beating all batchmates who hadn't learned it yet!
Now, let’s break it down a bit more. When you’re riding at low speeds, you can pretty much steer your bike like you would a bicycle. But once you hit higher speeds, especially on the track, things change. The dynamics of the bike require you to use counter steering to make those sharp, precise turns.
Another thing to keep in mind is that counter steering isn’t just for the pros. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a weekend warrior, mastering this technique can make a huge difference in your riding.
How to Counter Steer your motorcycle? (Step-by-Step)
Initial Setup and Body Positioning: Sit comfortably on your bike, with your feet on the pegs and your hands on the handlebars not gripping with firm hands. Your body should be relaxed, not tense.
When you push the handlebar, you should also shift your weight slightly. This helps create a more balanced and controlled turn. It’s a bit like dancing with your bike— you and the machine need to move in harmony. You can’t just rely on your hands; you need to engage your entire body.
Applying Pressure to the Handlebars: To initiate a turn, you need to apply pressure to the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn. Want to go right? Push the right handlebar away from you. Want to go left? Push the left handlebar. It’s that simple. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to push hard. So, start with gentle pressure and adjust as needed.
Executing the Turn: Once you’ve initiated the turn, it’s all about maintaining control. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not where you are. This is crucial. Your motorcycle will follow your line of sight, so look through the turn, not at the ground in front of you.
Adjusting for Different Track Conditions: Track conditions can vary, and it’s important to adjust your counter steering technique accordingly. If the track is wet or slippery, you’ll need to be more gentle with your inputs to avoid losing traction. On a dry track, you can be a bit more aggressive.
Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, counter steering takes practice. Start by finding a safe, open space to practice or preferably on an easy corner of the track. Begin at moderate speeds and gradually increase as you get more comfortable. Focus on smooth, controlled movements and pay attention to how your bike responds.
The more you practice, the more intuitive it becomes. You’ll start to feel the bike’s responses and adjust accordingly.
Avoid what I did: my first few attempts at counter steering. I was so tense, gripping the handlebars like my life depended on it. It didn't work in fact almost causing me to slide out of the track 3 times. Then my racing coach taught me the paramount importance to relax and let the bike do its thing. So, take a deep breath and loosen up avoiding stiff arms.
What are the Common Mistakes in Counter Steering Your Motorcycle?
Oversteering and Understeering: Oversteering happens when you push the handlebar too hard, causing the bike to lean too much and potentially lose control. Understeering, on the other hand, is when you don’t push hard enough, and the bike doesn’t lean enough to make the turn. The key is to start with gentle pressure and gradually increase it until you find the right balance and you will eventually find that sweet spot for a corner.
Incorrect Body Positioning: Your body plays a crucial role in counter steering, and if you’re not positioned correctly, it can throw everything off. You need to lean with the bike, not against it. Your body should be relaxed and fluid, moving in harmony with the bike.
Not Looking Through the Turn: Your bike goes where your eyes go, so if you’re staring at the ground or the front wheel, you’re not going to make a smooth turn. You need to look where you want to go, through the turn, and towards the exit. It might be a hard habit to break for you just like it was for me, but once I started looking through the turn, my riding improved dramatically. So, keep your head up and your eyes focused on the exit.
It might be a hard habit to break for you just like it was for me, but once I started looking through the turn due to using reference markers, my riding improved dramatically. So, keep your head up and your eyes focused on the exit.
Advanced Counter Steering Techniques
These are the skills that can set you apart on the track and give you that competitive edge you've been looking for.
Trail Braking and Counter Steering: One advanced technique to master is trail braking alongside counter steering. Trail braking involves gradually releasing the brake as you enter a turn, which helps to maintain stability and control. Combining this with counter steering can be a bit tricky, but it’s incredibly effective.
Counter Steering at High Speeds: The faster you go, the more pronounced the effects of counter steering become. This means you need to be even more precise with your inputs. A slight push on the handlebar can make a big difference.
Combining Counter Steering with Other Racing Techniques: This includes things like body positioning, throttle control, and line selection. When you can seamlessly integrate these elements, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with on the track.
I used to get nervous when counter steering at high speeds, especially when approaching tight corners. But once I learned to trust the bike and my counter steering skills, it became a lot easier. The trick is to stay relaxed and let the bike do its thing. Don’t fight it; just guide it.
Conclusion
Mastering counter steering is a game-changer for any motorcycle racer. From understanding the basics to diving into advanced techniques, it’s a skill that can significantly improve your performance on the track, and it's as simple as pushing right to go right and pushing left to go left.
Remember, it’s all about practice and patience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re part of the learning process. Focus on your body positioning, look through the turns, and start with gentle pressure on the handlebars. As you get more comfortable, experiment with advanced techniques like trail braking and high-speed counter steering.
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