I love the physics of all this, counter steering, counter balancing. That was a great video, I learned a lot and look forward to practicing and using this information. I've read this thread twice because of all the great information, and clicked the links, haven't digested it all yet. I have also read a Twist of the Wrist 2.
On the counter steering, is there another way to steer the bike above (I've read 28mph, 12mph, walking speed) a "slow speed"? I haven't found one, watching other riders not counter steering, they haven't found one either. They shed speed until they can steer through the corner, never leaning more than 10 degrees or so. You have all seen it, looks like a shopping cart with a bad wheel. This is the only operation on a motorcycle that I absolutely trust, the rest I verify. The physics will not fail, right?
As a young lad I would spends hours and hours on a BMX bike at slow speed on tarmac. Always pushing the limits of the physics, leaning into and counter to the turn. One handed, one footed, I would counter balance as far as my outside arm would stretch, as if pulling the bike on a string. I would also lean into the turns so hard the front wheel would push to where I thought the tire would roll off the rim. Yes, I dropped it all the time. Not knowing at the time all that was involved, looking back I can see that leaning into the turn or counter lean*, both work, but you have to do one of them.
As technology has improved on many fronts for cycling, the humans ability to push the physics has been impressive (MotoGP). Not long ago I'm riding some great twisty mountain road thinking about steering, leaning, balancing, and throttle control. Somewhere in the depths of my brain I remember about putting all my weight on the outside peg. Not wanting to upset the enjoyment of my ride, I go easy on the throttle as I shift my weight to the outside peg. It went something like, see turn, slide butt over, lock in the outside leg to the tank, push down on outside peg, lean. I know I left out push inside bar, its happening on a subconscious level. I had miles and miles of trying to get fluid, sometimes it was. I noticed how effortless everything was when I got right. I don't use my elbow as a curb feeler, and don't have dexterity of the Moto cops, but it seems that pushing that outside peg is counterbalancing. Are both techniques at play here?
As an aside, I really enjoy being a part of this community. I wonder if there are quilt making sites or such like this.
*edit for clarity.
ridelikeachampion.com
