Talk: Motorcycle
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In the UK, a motorcycle is sometimes called a motorbike. I haven't yet changed the article to say this. I've added a picture of my sons motorbike (a Cagiva Planet, rare in the UK).
Arpingstone 11:45 Feb 21, 2003 (UTC)
"At speed, the gyroscopic forces cause a phenomenon known as "counter-steer" to occur, where (for instance) pushing on the left handlebar and pulling on the right will cause the bike to lean to the left, and then execute a left hand turn".
Really, surely the bike turns to the right!! in which case what has countersteer got to do with it? -- Arpingstone 12:32 Mar 6, 2003 (UTC)
The description of countersteering is correct, but the explanation is incorrect. It is generally considered that precession is only a small component of what goes on during counter steering, and that the major component is simply due to the contact patch moving to the side and causing the motorcycle to yaw (I think it's yaw) around its center of mass.
If precession were a major factor, moving the bars in a wheelie and tank-slappers would induce major lean, and neither is the case.
Comments on usenet about this text; google groups Giskart Walter 09:25 11 Jul 2003 (UTC)
This really is a very dull and boring page for motorcycles, the little bits of advice about riding and tuning sound like an old mother hen. One day when I have time I'll write a new one. Bob Palin 23:18, 12 Feb 2004 (UTC)
