Our bikes don't even need us ...
 

http://www.sciencefriday.com/embed/video/10376.swf

Sorry, but they just did not understand the real physics.

I'm not good at math, and I'm worse at physics. But I do know that my Lady Xizang needs me. She needs me to take her out for exercise, to keep her washed, and to buy her new shoes from time to time. Especially, my Lady Xizang needs my love and attention.

Someone has to give them a push to get them started and change the tires when they go flat. ;)

only watched part of the video- it's has a word in it that I find boring--Physics. As soon as people try to explain things using physics- I always feel that they have delved into a black art- or talking a load of cobblers.

But I do have to agree with the statement. Have done a few rides where after about 80 miles there is something giving me a lift to the end. It definitely isn't me putting the effort in to get up those last few hills- as by that time effort and energy have gone.

I noticed years ago while riding my motorcycle on interstate highways that when hit by a sudden gust of crosswind, the bike automatically leaned into the wind! You feel things on a motorcycle at 70 or 75 mph on an interstate highway that we don't pick up on while riding bicycles. But the two wheels are basically the same. There are some amazing forces automatically working to keep us upright and safe as we wheel down the roads.

Actually your motorcycle initially leaned with the wind, but so slightly that you did not feel it. Counter-steering then took hold and leaned the motorcycle into the wind until the forces were balanced.