Watch me Move a 900lb Motorcycle with One Finger? Here’s How!

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What if I told you that I could move over 900 lbs with one finger? Not only that, but I can move it side to side with very little effort using any finger on either hand.

Sounds unbelievable, right? But this technique is fundamental to riding a motorcycle well. If you stick with me until the end, I’ll demonstrate how it works and explain how mastering this can make you a better rider.

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The Connection Between Technique and Safety

Many riders lack a clear understanding of how to move a heavy motorcycle with minimal effort. This misunderstanding often leads to crashes, particularly in corners. While there’s a lot more to cornering a motorcycle than we’ll cover today, we’re going to focus on one critical aspect: countersteering.

Countersteering is one of those concepts that sounds strange to new riders and sometimes even to “experienced” riders. It can feel counterintuitive at first. Here’s how it works:

To turn right, push out on the right handgrip.
To turn left, push out on the left handgrip.

When you push on the handgrip, the motorcycle leans in the direction you want to go and turns accordingly. In essence:

Push right, lean right, turn right.
Push left, lean left, turn left.

It’s that simple.

Why Countersteering Works

While the physics behind countersteering are fascinating, they’re also complex. For the purposes of this discussion, let’s keep it straightforward: pushing on the handgrip initiates the lean that allows the motorcycle to turn.

If you’re a rider who learns best by doing, head to an empty parking lot or deserted road. At speeds between 25 and 40 MPH—the range where countersteering is easiest to feel—try this:

Ride in a straight line.
Gently push on the left handgrip and observe how the motorcycle leans and turns left.
Push on the right handgrip and observe the same for a right turn.

This hands-on experience will help solidify the concept.

Common Misconceptions About Turning

Many riders mistakenly believe there are alternative ways to turn a motorcycle:

Leaning alone: Some think simply leaning the bike will initiate a turn.
Shifting body weight: Others believe moving their body is sufficient.
Turning the handlebars: Some assume turning the bars directly is how the bike changes direction.

These techniques may contribute slightly, but they are not the primary method for effective turning. To illustrate this, let’s look at an example from The California Superbike School.

The No BS Bike

The California Superbike School created a demonstration tool called the “No BS Bike” (No Body Steering Bike). This motorcycle is equipped with an extra set of handlebars welded rigidly to the tank. These bars prevent the rider from using countersteering.

When a rider attempts to turn using only body weight or leaning on this modified bike, they quickly discover that it doesn’t work. The motorcycle refuses to negotiate a turn effectively without countersteering.

This demonstration makes it clear: your body weight has minimal impact on turning the motorcycle. While adjusting your body position can help reduce lean angle and improve control, it’s not a substitute for countersteering.

Ride Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re physically exhausted after a ride or constantly shifting your weight, you’re likely riding too fast for the street or using improper technique. When done correctly, riding takes surprisingly little effort.

In fact, with proper technique, you can move a 900 lb motorcycle from one side of the road to the other—with just one finger.

The magic isn’t in brute strength but in mastering the fundamentals of motorcycle control.

Take Your Skills Further

If you want to improve your countersteering or other riding skills, consider becoming a Member of MCrider. Members gain instant access to the Digital Field Guide or can order a physical Field Guide. These resources include proven exercises that will help you become a better, safer rider.

Mastering countersteering is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a critical one. With practice and the right technique, you’ll find that controlling a motorcycle—even a heavy one—becomes second nature.