What is "counter-steering"?

Counter-steering is a fundamental technique used by motorcyclists to initiate a lean and effectively navigate a turn. When a rider wants to turn to the left, they will subtly push the left handlebar forward while pulling the right handlebar back, causing the motorcycle to lean left. This lean allows the tires to grip the road better and provides the necessary balance to make the turn smoothly.

This technique is important for maintaining stability and control, particularly at higher speeds where a simple steering input is insufficient to change direction. As the motorcycle leans, centrifugal force allows it to navigate the curve effectively without tipping over.

Other options, such as using brakes before a turn or changing gears quickly, are related to riding safety and control, but they do not directly contribute to the concept of counter-steering, which is specifically about managing the motorcycle's lean and direction through handlebar inputs. Adjusting mirrors is necessary for visibility but is unrelated to steering techniques or turning maneuvers.