How to learn and practice counter steering

This week on MCrider we look at a couple of practice exercises that you can use to learn and practice the technique of counter steering on your motorcycle. This is an easy exercise to set up but does require a fairly large parking lot to practice on.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@augusthenrik1899]

I realize it's kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good site to stream newly released series online ?

[@skylersalvatore2335]

@August Henrik Flixportal =)

[@augusthenrik1899]

@Skyler Salvatore Thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !!

[@skylersalvatore2335]

@August Henrik you are welcome xD

[@bikedawg]

How does one know WHEN to countersteer vs direct steer? Is there a certain grey zone where either will work on a range of speed?

[@nicoagrosso]

I´ve just bought my first bike, I am a "one month old" rider and your videos are really helping me to learn to ride without bad habits. Just want to thank you, keep sharing knowledge, it's really helpful.

[@sobc2737]

How's your riding been? I'm take a course in two weeks and plan to buy the honda 700N CTX DCT as my first.

[@Kalle1995]

@bill frost so ..nothing

[@SaltyReward]

When I learned to ride, not once was counter steering ever mentioned. I found out about it through my own research after I passed my test. It's extremely important to understand and execute, and makes riding and steering so smooth and enjoyable. Thanks for this and all your videos, and a big hello to Major!

[@drivejapan6293]

You have reaffirmed my subscription to your channel. Push right to go right, push left to go left. Good job. Every so often I hear people describing counter steer and telling new or prospective riders to "turn the opposite way you want to go" which is so counter intuitive to learning when somone first starts out riding.

[@MrJDadBlack]

Really getting a lot from these videos, thanks for sharing! I’m a fairly new rider in North Texas and I will look at scheduling a class with MCRider before the winter to get my legs out from under me more! I look forward to learning more about riding on 2 wheels!

[@johngriffin5317]

Major is a nice addition. I have a couple of pretty much good for nothing pups and they bring me great joy just doing nothing but being my dogs. There is nothing quite like the love you get from an old dog friend.

[@douglasradowick508]

Kevin, THANK-YOU for explaining the "trigger" to make the counter-steering take place at 10-15 mph+. I understood it perfectly)pre 2:30 minute mark)! Oh happy day!🏍️😁👍 Doug

[@patrickdumont8670]

I have yet to ride, courses start in a month but i love watching your clips and mostly like you’re ability to dissect and explain the why, when, how in your techniques. Thank ✌🏻 you

[@michaeltsatvs6139]

I'm glad you found you some good dependble help there. Hard to find that anymore. Appreciate your expertise MC 👍

[@jasong546]

You’ve been very helpful to me thanks for your work doing this content.

[@Guitargod4221]

Just bought my first bike and stumbled upon your channel because ive been watching tons of videos on how to be safe and not die! Love the videos and keep up the good work Kevin.

[@tobiasreed2991]

Hi, just want to say thanks for doing these videos, I'm a complete beginner to motorbikes so I'm finding all your lessons really useful. thank you!

[@waynewalker3064]

Great to see the addition of a quality co worker, thanks for your videos Kevin.

[@jdhsingi]

Wonderful basic exercise....thanks for sharing.

[@kellymeier579]

Great new partner you have! My little guy is absolutely glued to my side any time I'm working in the garage. Its great to have the companionship. Sometimes I swear he knows exactly what I'm doing.

[@brianalex1017]

you are awesome I'm singed up for MSF classes because of your recommendation

[@Final_Turn]

Love that 🐶 If he is waiting for you at home - You must ride safer and safer ❤ Today I came to know your motivation for safety 😀👍

[@wesleybrooks62]

Thank you so much for that good information a subscriber and a new rider I be riding for the last four days you made it simple and easy by using the cones to help you count us to gear thank you so very much

[@dinosabelli8652]

Thank you very much for this video. Cheers from Montreal, Canada

[@lewontwo5883]

Thanks for the great videos. Ride safe.

[@idkwhythisismyhandle]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@ajuggalonamedboom]

Just ordered mine! Thanks!

[@chainsmoke6533]

Great video series.

[@ccarroll3129]

Welcome aboard Major! You are adorable and will grow to be a big dog!! Good vid, something I've never mastered. My project this year. Thanks again for your support to the community.

[@KYPresto]

Good comments on counter steering. And welcome, Major!

[@kennethadams8322]

Love the video and love your new puppy!

[@alkoos8485]

I been watching your video's for a long time now and I find them very helpful to me and my wife who ride's to thank you so much for everything.I like your new helper he's very cute l love dog's too enjoy your weekend Kevin.

[@amra5548]

Love your videos and your partner Major is a great addition!

[@RamenOnWheels]

Very useful nice work.

[@TheAvi3133]

Great video! .🙏

[@lakshmipathi7795]

Thank you Kevin, your lot of inputs keep efficient for newbie, like me. Appreciate for your efforts. From India🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@Solar2go]

Major looks like a great addition to your team!

[@masonscasualaccount2726]

I can see how this would sound like one of your buddies trying to make you drop your bike, for a laugh. Lol

[@nickolaszinsmeister523]

Mayor will be a great asset to the work you do! Thanks I'm at the capital of Texas police chute out Austin also I've been practicing everyday

[@sebbecoo]

thx for the lessons from learner driver in Sweden.

[@drummerdm1016]

Haha, love Major!!! Nice Kevin, Nice

[@glynhannaford7332]

More great training thanks Kevin and welcome aboard Major!

[@glynhannaford7332]

Ps Nice bike too, which model?

[@motovloggingwithvman2188]

Love the new co worker!!

[@johnrice4769]

Best kind of helper you could have! Wrote an article for a women's motor cycle message board once. It went down like a lead balloon with most of its members. I think they plain didn't believe me. Happy to forward a copy if you like. ( and I had an email address to send it too)

[@MrEd6066]

That was a major Major improvement!

[@malone6t6]

Kevin, your channel is going to the dogs ! Enjoy watching your vids. Hello Major.

[@neilshepherd1904]

Too good. Hey Major and Kevin :) . I think there are riding techniques (like active counter-steering) that I used subconsciously but not consciously. Started riding in late 70s or so, and wish I had learned to use and practise this technique from the beginning. Cheers.

[@samanthacrisp9421]

Major! He is now over 3 years old! My friend has the most handsome German Shepherd that is the best and his name is Major, too! Need to see an updated video of Major!

[@nonaubiz8939]

Thumbs up for Major! GSDs are my favorite breed. We just recently had to put our oldest one to sleep, she was 13 years old (pretty old for a German Shepherd Dog) and getting really bad as far as her health. Our vet recommended it was time to say goodbye, it is never easy to say goodbye to such a good friend. Our younger Shepherd, Balto, is even missing her, time for us to get a new puppy, too. Nice video, I have been riding since I was 8, I'm now 60, and have never had a wreck on the street and yet I watch videos like this because I have seen too many long time riders get to where they think they know it all and can't learn anything new...until they make some stupid mistake 2 months later and crash. Keep up the good work, brother.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Nona, we had GSD when we first got married, he lived about 9 years. They are great dogs.

[@nunyabizness2433]

Thank you for this series. I've been an avid rider for over 50 years and I still learn regularly. I don't think it is possible for a human to ever completely master a motorcycle. I wonder if that may have something to do with why we love them so much?

[@SH1N081]

What a great channel!

[@MCrider]

Thank you!

[@markburkill4244]

Seems like a super nice guy love his puppy🐶❤️👍🇨🇦

[@hollydougherty8772]

What a great companion! Welcome Major!

[@ericoconnor6314]

Holly Dougherty: if Kevin gets a cat he has to name it Knievel. Since cats are the biggest contrarians on the planet.

[@hollydougherty8772]

Somehow I can't see a cat on the range.

[@joaomunoz183]

Great co-worker. Major will be an excellent companion. Congrats.

[@josea5949]

Nice addition to the show Kevin. I have 4 (2 German Shepherds and 2 Belgian Malinois.) Have fun with him

[@kenmiller5090]

Love the Dog ! Best partner ever .

[@TraderCzarek]

I was thinking whole winter of ridding safe on my PCX, and one topic was counter steering. This Sunday I got my first trip and occasion to practice. Man, this is really simple when using it but hard to understand because of its unintuitive. I have even confused it with body balancing which is slow in reaction and won't help you in steep turn. Absolute base, riders who got off the road while touring with decent speed probably never heard of this concept. I also don't think that a lot of bicycling can give you good understanding of its mechanics. You need some speed to work with this. Push right bar to turn right and left bar to turn left. And the push is really delicate. It sounds crazy but it works. Thanks for educating. 🏍

[@shahadalobeidi7805]

Finally 😍😍😍👌🏼

[@harryclark4126]

Awesome dog! Great videos.

[@MsnTX]

Welcome aboard Major! Thanks for a great lesson Kevin.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Welcome, Major! Li'l feller's got "puppy breath"! Thanks for the vids, Kevin. As for counter steering, I was doing fine 'til folks put a name to it...and a "technique"...it turned out to be something I'd been doing naturally for years w/o ever calling it anything. Ah, live and learn. Ride safe, y'all...

[@richmighty1752]

Welcome Major! I love to hang out with my dog Brutus when I’m home.

[@realwrae7918]

I can't Wait to see Major in future videos! He's adorable

[@ukairgunner3267]

Brilliant video mate. I was about to post a negative comment due to you criticising your colleagues motorcycle potential, but after watching another few seconds... i agree 🤣🤣👍 keep up the great content!

[@wambuigitau280]

Thank you

[@B235RViggen]

Let's get some goggles for Major! Great training video as always. I just received an invitation to instructor training. In the late-spring to summer, I will be taking some intensive courses to become an instructor/rider coach. I have you to thank to inspire me to give back to correctly instruct new riders and guide returning riders, and the good Lord for opening up doors for a great opportunity.

[@MCrider]

Awesome! Where is instructor training for you?

[@williamcastleberry7338]

Love the pupdog. He will be one of the best friends you will ever have

[@napoleoneinstein2487]

Nice pup!

[@pikkuniilo]

Greatings from Finland! That little guy - I think he is planning to eat all your motorcycle gears :)

[@michaelcoulter714]

By the time I caught this video it was almost 2yrs later. So Major is a full grown pooch I imagine. Nice pup 2yrs ago beautiful Dog no doubt now. Dogs are my favorite people.

[@N3PRO-Dave]

Welcome Major! Major improvement :-D

[@provi3010]

Omg so freaking cute! Love your videos thank you so much!

[@karengrace6804]

Nice to meet u Major 🙂

[@etiennelouw9244]

here in South Africa I use the lane lines to practice counter steering on a road that is not busy, parking lots are being fenced off so it is difficult to find one, thank you.

[@jessalvo6375]

Nice addition, Major. You made me miss my GS Marley! Now I'm thinking of getting another dog. Enjoy!

[@terryhaught9976]

Hey Kevin , would u do some of your demonstrations on that triumph bonneville, been riding new and used triumphs since 1968. Love um !

[@chrismorris9065]

Luv Major!

[@MrJeffinLodi]

I think you need to re-shoot this video. It LOOKS like you are pushing right to turn left, eg 'steering'; unfortunately, it creates a confusing image. I think more speed, or a lighter bike would improve the visual. Great work.

[@blueplasma5589]

I've rode all my life. 65 yrs old. The way I remember how to counter steer is you push the side of the tire you want to turn to to the front. That side of the tire will make the arc.

[@sharifsircar]

Outro just melted my heart

[@TheKneutervalve]

Really appreciate your videos! I consider myself a new rider. I started riding dirt bikes at 7 years old and graduated to street bikes at 15. There may have been a moped or 2 in there lol. At 26 years old I sold my bikes because I needed cash to buy a house and start my family. Now I'm 40 and have been riding for almost 2 years. I think I'm a decent rider, but my confidence is pretty low. You'd be amazed at how much your videos have helped my strategy. My confidence still needs work. Hopefully someday I'll be able to afford to support what you do. I'd love to be a part of it! I'm saving up for a hat or "strategy" shirt. Keep it up! And Thank You!!

[@phdtobe]

I used to practice on a section of interstate highway near my home that usually had very little traffic. The drill was to weave the bike back and forth in between the lane divider stripes. When I got really good at it, I could weave through them at about 50 mph.

[@hemp64731]

That would be impressive since they are 40ft apart each.

[@spanky522]

It's amazing how easy it is to ride once you counter steer. I learned it early on with my bicycle when I was about 10 years old,so it was like second nature for me when starting on a motorcycle. I laugh when I see riders lean to go around a corner and that just tells me how inexperienced they really are. In an emergency situation, you will find that is so much quicker and easier to counter steer around something without even moving in the seat.

[@gordonreed248]

I find it convenient to practice countersteering on every trip this time of year. Just ducking all of the potholes gives me plenty of practice at actual road speeds.

[@motoryzen]

You need to specify HOW you push on the handlebars. Pushing down on the right handlebar makes the bike turn to the right. However pushing horizontally aka away from you on right handlebar will make the bike want to turn left and immediately begin to fall to the right. Beginners must know the difference between these two pushing options to prevent wrecking.

[@milanka1967]

Welcome Major he is sooo cute.. what type of dog he is? Love the colour too. Also thank you for the tips on counter steering skills and many other tips. Sanding big hugs to Major :-)

[@NuvolariF1]

Subscribed for Major!

[@mikelikesknives428]

That is an adorable puppy! Congratulations on the partner. I would be lost without my dog.

[@arcadia5607]

That’s a beautiful color on that bike

[@Bass.Player]

I like those flashing running lights...

[@limitless1692]

Major is awesome :)

[@PkwyDrive13]

That parking lot looks familiar....looks like the Cabelas by me off 35 and 170 in Fort Worth.

[@BobJJ9999]

Major is adorable! Dogs are the best! Man's best friend!

[@ravenmn80]

Awesome dog! German Shepherds are the best!!

[@BennyMalino75]

Welcome Major!

[@richardlohn3557]

Major might be your boss someday and thanks!

[@Ducati_Dude]

Major is too cute... ☺ Looking forward to seeing him in future videos... 👍 Most of us have ridden a bicycle... well guess what guys... to steer a bicycle (at speed) we use the same technique... Countersteering 👍😉 Why all the hoop-laa about it when we hop on a motorcycle ❔❔❔

[@DarkendBlack]

welcome Major!

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Thank you for sharing Kevin, have a blessed day man!

[@chrisbergonzi7977]

Thanks man...Major is a star. I hope it won't be too "ruff" working with him.....lol.

[@beanzbeanz]

Like most people who've been riding for a while I don't think about technique when steering. But in the video, correct me if I'm wrong-the bars are turning in the intended direction of travel no? Am I missing something?

[@charkatedoug]

The faster you go the less you turn in the direction of travel to maintain the lean angle. So if he were traveling faster, in order to achieve a lean angle sufficient to navigate the cones he would turn less in the direction of travel. The point to remember is at speed you push the steering away on the side of the direction you wish to travel to achieve lean angle in the direction you wish to travel.

[@scobadoba12]

@@charkatedoug so is it just a way to initiate the angle then maintain the angle with less movement of the bars...?

[@crisspbacon2048]

@@charkatedoug you turn your handle bars doing 25+ your going down. If you've ever ridden a bicycle you've counter steered same principle. If you've ever taken a corner on your motorcycle at speed you were counter steering don't think too hard on it. As you ride more and more you will gain confidence and be fine

[@dshieh4vids]

👋 Major! Adorbs.

[@jaydenbrockington4525]

Awww he’s so cute!!!

[@RobertMacCready]

Counter steering is an interesting experience. When someone asks me about riding 2 wheels I tell them I push in the opposite direction where I want the bike to go. They can't believe it so I tell them "get a motorcycle" and experience what seems like magic!!!

[@MCrider]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2GnZ2qqrcqMkMk

[@neilshepherd1904]

Hi Aaron. I don't want to muddy the waters but I thought counter-steering during normal riding is a simple dynamic of balance on two wheels. It can also be deliberately used to initiate or 'sharpen' a turn. Oversteer stands the bike back up. Cheers.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Have you ever thought about using a drone to film some footage from above ? I think it would add a new element to some of your (awesome) videos . Some aerial views in this video would of been useful for sure .

[@wmonroe21]

Great idea.