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Countersteer question
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Shifty04
New User
| Posts: 48
| Joined: 08/05
Posted: 03/27/06
03:04 PM
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I heard that you don't have to countersteer when you're on a cruiser, is this true? I know this isnt a cruiser site but, i need to know cuz my dad is getting a cruiser.
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casey
Enthusiast
| Posts: 470
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 03/27/06
03:42 PM
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No, not true.
All motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles are similar in this regard. That is simply how you steer them (at speed), whether you realize you are doing it or not.
However, do not try to ride/lean/countersteer your cruiser at the same speed/angle/degree as you would a sportbike. This is the mistake that I made that led to the destruction of my VS1400.
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Shifty04
New User
| Posts: 48
| Joined: 08/05
Posted: 03/27/06
03:47 PM
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So what would be your directions if i wanted to tell my friend how learn to countersteer because he has had a Harley for about 2 years now and never even heard about countersteering.
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Dustin
New User
| Posts: 41
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 03/27/06
05:19 PM
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Anytime you take a turn at speed, say 25+MPH, he is countersteering. He's just unaware of it. To prove that, while going down any road turn the handlebars one way and you'll notice you go the opposite way you are turning the bars.
That's what I've always understood countersteer on a motorcycle to be. If it's not feel free to correct me.
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grickard
Enthusiast
| Posts: 324
| Joined: 02/05
Posted: 03/27/06
07:50 PM
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If it has two wheels, one in front of the other, then you counter steer. That is the nature of the beast.
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Posted: 03/28/06
05:44 AM
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Agreed, these are the physics of a single track vehicle. No way around it. 25mph is pretty high too, I've been able to test it succesfully on my mountain bike at maybe 5mph. Just fast enough to ride without holding the bars. My suggestion to your friend would be to stop just assuming he knows what he's doing and take a rider course. I bet he wears out the rear brakes before the fronts as well.
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Posted: 03/28/06
05:50 AM
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A very convincing test is to get going a speed that you can let go of the bars. Maybe 20 or so, as you are about to come to stop or something. Then let go of the bars (make sure this is something that you are comfortable with) and just take one finger, gently apply a small amount of forward pressure to the barend of either left or right handle bar. Then watch as the bike turns in the same direction. Push right bar, go right. It's not designed into particular types of motorcycles, it's undeniable physics.
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casey
Enthusiast
| Posts: 470
| Joined: 09/05
Posted: 03/28/06
04:19 PM
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Quote:
it's undeniable physics.
Yes, and even though Harley Davidsons are able to break some laws of physics, such as converting fossil fuels into noise without the nasty side-effect of horsepower, they are still countersteered.
Maybe your friend has heard of "Look left, push left, lean left, go left" ? Same thing. That is what countersteering is. Simple, really.
But it doesn't apply if the single track vehicle is strapped to a trailer. Maybe that's the reason....
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