The Physics of Motorcycles and Fast Bicycles : Lean, Stability and Counter-steering

Abstract

In this work I will obtain the system of nonlinear equations that correctly describes the motion of motorcycles and fast bicycles (above 30 km/hr) for the first time in literature. I will use it to calculate the lean angle during a turn and prove that the motion of the vehicle is unconditionally stable at all operating speeds under consideration. I will then employ it to give a quantitative model of counter-steering - the phenomenon by which a turning mobike first goes the wrong way and then starts going the right way.