Counter Intuition

by Jag Singh


This page is not a substitute for taking an MSF course that is absolutely essential for anyone starting to ride a motorcycle.

Counter steering

Steering the front wheel right, turns the bike left; and steering it left, turns the bike right. Hence the wisdom:

Lean hard to lean less

Counter-leaning (natural instinct to stay upright) pushes the bike down and is bad for cornering. Lean hard (rider's body) to lean less (bike's angle).

Brake slow to stop fast

In a panic braking situation, squeeze the brake lever progressively, don't grab it.

Let go (of the brake) !

If the front wheel locks, let go of the brake. The wheel will unlock and you can brake again.

DO NOT let go (of the brake) !!

If the rear wheel locks, do not let go of the brake. The wheel will unlock and the bike will flip on you.