Counter-steering is the act of pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of the turn you want to make in order to initiate the lean of the motorcycle.
Yes, counter-steering is the most effective and efficient way to change direction on a motorcycle. It allows the rider to quickly and smoothly initiate a turn.
Counter-steering is necessary on a motorcycle because of the physics of how motorcycles turn. Unlike cars, motorcycles cannot turn by simply steering in the direction of the desired turn. Counter-steering allows the motorcycle to lean and turn in the desired direction.
Counter-steering works by creating a gyroscopic effect on the front wheel of the motorcycle. When the rider pushes the handlebars in the opposite direction of the desired turn, the front wheel will momentarily turn in that direction, causing the motorcycle to lean in the opposite direction and initiate the turn.
Yes, all experienced riders use counter-steering, whether they are aware of it or not. It is a natural and instinctive technique that becomes second nature with practice.