Turning and Steering
Motorcycle turning is controlled by the combination of a set of
handlebars which are connected to the forks which hold the front wheel
to the mechanism. To guide the motorcycle in a different
direction pressure is applied to one end of the handle bar.
Unlike a car however simply steering does not produce a successful
turn.
The rider is required to shift their weight and lean the vehicle to
some angle (dependent on the speed and radius of the turn) to maintain
a successful trajectory.
Steering
At low speeds steering a motorcycle is a simple manner of
manipulating the handle bars with the appropriate torque in the desired
direction.
Turning
When a motorcycle enters into a turn there are several things effecting the direction and outcome of the trajectory of the vehicle. There are many forces acting on the tires. As with all circular motion centripetal force is pulling the motorcycle into the center of the turn. The tires provide the needed friction to maintain contact with the road (Cossalter).
(Cossalter pg 114)