No, it is not possible to turn a motorcycle without leaning. Leaning is an essential aspect of motorcycle maneuvering and is required to maintain balance and execute turns effectively.
When you steer a motorcycle, you initiate the turn by countersteering, which means briefly pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of the desired turn. This action causes the motorcycle to lean in the direction of the turn, creating a balanced and stable state.
The principle of countersteering works by using the gyroscopic forces generated by the rotating wheels of the motorcycle. By pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction, you momentarily upset the balance, causing the bike to lean in the desired direction. Once the motorcycle is leaning, you maintain control and adjust the lean angle throughout the turn by modulating the throttle, using the brakes, and shifting your body weight as needed.
Attempting to turn a motorcycle without leaning would result in a loss of balance and stability, making it extremely challenging to control the bike effectively. Leaning is a fundamental part of motorcycle riding and allows for efficient and controlled maneuvering through corners and curves.