Newbie Question.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 44
From: Keizer, Oregon
While you can counter steer by pulling on outside grip or pushing on inside grip, I'd practice getting proficient at all styles individually. The good thing for the OP is they know they are pushing and pulling at the same time on right hand turns or curves. Be deliberate to not do one of them the next time you ride. Either pull with left hand or push with right. If you have to go even slower then you have been to feel confident enough to do this.
Practice each way over and over until you are proficient pulling or pushing with one hand in each turn/curve confidently. You'll learn your most comfortable style. My style is to push through each turn/curve naturally for me, but I do play with pulling occasionally.
Practice each way over and over until you are proficient pulling or pushing with one hand in each turn/curve confidently. You'll learn your most comfortable style. My style is to push through each turn/curve naturally for me, but I do play with pulling occasionally.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: atlanta
MTW, I had the same issue in the beginning. Turning left was more comfortable than right. I'm dominant right too.
In my case, I think while pushing right to go right, I was also pushing with my left without realizing it!!
Lefties are still a bit more natural feeling after 5 years.
In my case, I think while pushing right to go right, I was also pushing with my left without realizing it!!
Lefties are still a bit more natural feeling after 5 years.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,613
Likes: 7,087
From: SoCal / AZ
I am right handed, and on the street I am pretty comfortable going either left or right. On the dirt when I raced motocross I could definitely hit left turns harder and faster than right turns. Slow speed U-turns are easier going left for me also.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
Are you muscling the bike through the corners with those big Harley handlebars? Are you too tense? Try to initiate the turn by slightly shifting your weight to the inside (direction of) the turn. As you do, your torso will twist slightly, and the "inside" shoulder will push the "inside" arm forward slightly, thereby applying pressure to the "inside" end of the handlebar. As you approach the apex of the turn, the outward "G force" will cause you to shift the weight to your "outside" foot on the footpeg or floorboard. This is how I used to go fast on my GSXR AND my bicycle, so I think it applies to anything on two wheels. If you ride fast enough, you won't have time to think about what you're doing - you'll just do it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
Turning left will feel more natural because of the way the earth spins, especially when riding north. Not so much so when riding south. East and west is a tossup.
during a full moon these factors can change...
during a full moon these factors can change...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
I was like that for a while. Just as the others said- practice.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Surprised that no one has stated this yet..... but Left hand turns are typically easier, than right for 2 main reasons.
1. right hand turns are sharper (on the road that is, not practicing in a parking lot.)
2. During right hand turns you are using your right hand to push, AND control throttle. This makes it more difficult.
Practice and miles... I'll bet in a few weeks, you won't even be thinking about it anymore.
1. right hand turns are sharper (on the road that is, not practicing in a parking lot.)
2. During right hand turns you are using your right hand to push, AND control throttle. This makes it more difficult.
Practice and miles... I'll bet in a few weeks, you won't even be thinking about it anymore.