7.2 Steering: Direct Steering, Countersteering and Look–Push–Go

Steering: Direct Steering, Countersteering and Look–Push–Go

A motorcycle is single-track and must lean to turn at normal road speeds. Queensland’s guide distinguishes direct steering at very low speed from countersteering for ordinary direction changes and summarises the practical action as Look–Push–Go.

Direct steering at very low speed

At very low speeds, such as a tight U-turn or some intersection manoeuvres, the front wheel is turned in the intended direction. Balance is helped by smooth clutch friction-point control, steady low throttle, gentle rear brake and a head turned toward the exit. The upper body may remain more upright while the motorcycle leans underneath.

Avoid fixing an exact universal changeover speed such as 15 or 20 km/h. Motorcycle geometry, speed and manoeuvre vary. The official distinction is functional: direct steering for very-low-speed turns; countersteering for changes of direction at road speeds.

Countersteering

To initiate a right turn, apply slight forward pressure to the right handlebar. To initiate a left turn, press the left handlebar. That brief input causes the motorcycle to lean and turn in the intended direction. Countersteering is also used to adjust the line through a curve or steer around an object.

The word can seem backward because the front wheel initially points very slightly opposite the final path. The rider does not need to calculate gyroscopic force. The useful action is smooth pressure on the grip on the side of the intended turn.

Look–Push–Go

The guide’s key sequence is:

1. Look—look in the direction of travel.
2. Push—push the handlebar in the direction of travel.
3. Go—move in the direction of travel.

Look well through the turn and point the chin where the motorcycle should go. Peripheral vision continues to monitor the road edge and hazards. Staring at a pothole, guardrail or oncoming vehicle can draw attention away from the safe gap and delay the correct steering input—often called target fixation.

Posture and body weight

Keep the head up, arms relaxed and slightly bent, back relaxed, knees connected to the motorcycle and feet correctly on the rests. Locked arms transmit bumps and make fine steering difficult. At normal cornering speeds, lean with the motorcycle. In a tight, very-low-speed turn, moving the upper body outward can help balance.

Body movement influences the machine but does not replace handlebar steering. A rider who tries to turn only by leaning the torso may react too slowly when a rapid path change is needed.

Adjusting a line

If the motorcycle is running wide but grip and clearance remain, look farther through the correct path and apply additional smooth pressure to the inside handlebar. Avoid an abrupt throttle closure, grab at the brake or a sudden body movement.

If an obstacle appears, choose whether to steer around it or brake based on space, surface and traffic. Do not combine maximum braking with maximum lean. When strong braking is required and room permits, reduce steering pressure and bring the motorcycle more upright before progressively applying both brakes.

Swerving and returning

An emergency swerve consists of a decisive but smooth countersteering input away from the hazard followed by the opposite input to return to the original direction. Look toward the clear path. Complete heavy braking before the swerve where possible; separating maximum braking from the steering change preserves tyre grip.

Practise these skills only in a controlled training environment. A public road is not the place to discover the amount of pressure a particular motorcycle needs.

Slow manoeuvres

For moving off, use the guide’s sequence: ready position, establish friction point and fast idle, then check mirrors and blind spot before releasing the motorcycle smoothly. During a U-turn, keep eyes on the exit and use direct steering. If balance begins to fail, look where escape space remains rather than at the kerb.

Exam distinctions

• Tight walking-speed turn: direct steering and balance controls.
• Road-speed turn or line adjustment: countersteering.
• Directional instruction: Look–Push–Go.
• Running wide: look through the safe path and apply smooth inside-grip pressure.
• Need maximum braking in a curve: reduce lean first if space permits.

The skill is deliberate visual direction followed by smooth handlebar input, not an unsupported speed threshold or a physics calculation.