Motorcycle physics -- Countersteering and Bodysteering

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    Motorcycle Physics
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The discussion centers on the physics of motorcycle steering, particularly the concepts of countersteering and bodysteering. It highlights the challenges of countersteering in emergency situations, where riders may tense up and struggle to maneuver effectively. Bodysteering is presented as a viable alternative, allowing riders to shift their weight to initiate turns without relying solely on handlebars. The conversation also touches on the implications of motorcycle design, specifically regarding trail geometry and its impact on steering dynamics. Ultimately, the thread emphasizes the importance of understanding weight distribution and body movement in motorcycle handling.
  • #61
rcgldr said:
I don't think there is a reliable way to do this. Again, using the bike on a tight wire comparison, the long balance pole weighs more than the bike, in order to maintain balance on such a system.
As long as there is friction between the road and tires, it is very unlikely that bike's movement will completely cancel out rider's movement one way or the other, the hard but I think is which way that will be
 
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  • #62
rcgldr said:
I don't think there is a reliable way to do this. Again, using the bike on a tight wire comparison, the long balance pole weighs more than the bike, in order to maintain balance on such a system.

Erunanethiel said:
As long as there is friction between the road and tires, it is very unlikely that bike's movement will completely cancel out rider's movement one way or the other, the hard but I think is which way that will be
What I meant is that the rider ends up leaning the wrong way after the initial application of force. However, once gravity takes over and causes the system to continue to fall, the rider can then lean the correct way since that won't prevent the system form continuing to fall.
 
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  • #63
rcgldr said:
What I meant is that the rider ends up leaning the wrong way after the initial application of force. However, once gravity takes over and causes the system to continue to fall, the rider can then lean the correct way since that won't prevent the system form continuing to fall.
Oh what you said is there is not a reliable way to push the bike and then the rider ending up leaning the same way the system is turning to right? The rider can shift his weight to offset the center of mass of the system horizontally with a bike with no trail, but he would end up leaning the wrong way is what you are saying, have I got it right?
 
  • #64
Erunanethiel said:
Oh what you said is there is not a reliable way to push the bike and then the rider ending up leaning the same way the system is turning to right? The rider can shift his weight to offset the center of mass of the system horizontally with a bike with no trail, but he would end up leaning the wrong way is what you are saying, have I got it right?
The rider initially ends up leaning the wrong way, but once the system is leaning, then gravity becomes the dominant factor, and the rider can then lean the correct way, since the rider's movements won't be enough to prevent the system from continuing to fall over, at which point steering inputs will be needed.
 
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  • #65
rcgldr said:
The rider initially ends up leaning the wrong way, but once the system is leaning, then gravity becomes the dominant factor, and the rider can then lean the correct way, since the rider's movements won't be enough to prevent the system from continuing to fall over, at which point steering inputs will be needed.
So the bottom line on this thread is that, it is possible to change the horizontal position of the center of mass of the system with body weight shifts on a bike with no trail geometry, but you would need to "catch" the bike through handlebar inputs to stop the bike from falling. I guess if you confirm what I said is the case, we can call it done!
 
  • #66
Erunanethiel said:
So the bottom line on this thread is that, it is possible to change the horizontal position of the center of mass of the system with body weight shifts on a bike with no trail geometry, but you would need to "catch" the bike through handlebar inputs to stop the bike from falling. I guess if you confirm what I said is the case, we can call it done!
Correct.
 
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