Flaring the knee happens for a number of reasons... The biggest is because people see motorcyclists do it, so they do it on their bike.
The two biggest reasons I do it are to lower the center of gravity when leaned (small reason) and to open up my hips so I can look through the corner better while staying low (main reason).
Originally Posted by
Robert A
So will a bike turn quicker if you shift your weight slightly to the outside of the turn?
No. Countersteering is just how you steer. Next time you're cruising around above 20 mph gently push forward on one side of the handlebar. The bike will instantly lean in the opposite direction you pushed. That's countersteering, and it has nothing to do with weight.