What it is
To turn right, you press forward on the right handlebar. The front wheel briefly turns slightly to the left, the bike leans to the right, and then it follows the curve. The faster you go, the more important this becomes.
Why it works
A bike turns because it leans, and leaning moves the contact patches under the centre of mass. Pressing the bar is the quickest way to start that lean at speed.
How to practise
- Find an empty, straight road and practise gently pressing the bar on one side, then the other, to feel the bike lean.
- Look through the turn, not at the road in front of the wheel.
- Press smoothly and progressively. More pressure gives more lean.
- Keep your arms relaxed. A tense grip makes the bike less responsive.
Why it matters on the road
If you need to avoid an obstacle quickly, a firm press on the bar makes the bike change direction faster than leaning your body. Practise it in a safe place. See cornering basics and practice drills.
Countersteering applies at normal riding speeds. At very low speed, such as a U-turn, you turn the bars in the direction of the turn instead.