U-Turn Q&A, Tips and Tricks

**george formby** · 2nd February 2012, 13:39

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Gave myself a huge fright on the RVF when I just did a U-Turn without thinking about it. Maybe people think too hard about this stuff?

True, over thinking is a biggie. I just say to myself I want to be over there & look at it.

**awa355** · 3rd February 2012, 15:23

I did read on a motorbike website, that a bike with a wet clutch handles a slipping clutch /friction zone better than a dry clutch operation.

Would that be right?

**martybabe** · 3rd February 2012, 16:51

I'd make a lousy teacher, I've been doing u turns for decades but writing down what I actually do ... I have no idea. Never heard of using the rear brake though? Good luck anyway, you'll get it.

**george formby** · 3rd February 2012, 16:59

Originally Posted by martybabe

I'd make a lousy teacher, I've been doing u turns for decades but writing down what I actually do ... I have no idea. Never heard of using the rear brake though? Good luck anyway, you'll get it.

My predicament exacary. I know what I do but actually teaching it is a different ball game. Sooo I got my gf some proper training.

**Ocean1** · 3rd February 2012, 17:01

Originally Posted by MSTRS

You'd be amazed at how many 'experienced' riders are out there that can't. It's not always tested...

I don't even think about the dirt bikes, I just slap them on full lock and ride around it. I can fuck it up on the Buell, though, it's got steering lock like the Exon Valdez and I've gotten a bit gun-shy of turning inside other bikes in a parking situation.

**MSTRS:Me** · 3rd February 2012, 17:02

Originally Posted by martybabe

I'd make a lousy teacher, I've been doing u turns for decades but writing down what I actually do ... I have no idea. Never heard of using the rear brake though? Good luck anyway, you'll get it.

That's a piece of advice handed out to those who can't do a u-ey...
Along with a constant throttle, and slipping the clutch to avoid jerkiness, it helps to control actual rolling speed.
Riders of Harleys don't need that part of the process. Everyone knows that Harley brakes don't work.

**G4L4XY** · 3rd February 2012, 17:03

Thank you all for your advice,
I had a look at a vid on youtube. It's very good as is all your advice.
I can do them on the wider roads but the tighter roads prove difficult but I guess it comes with practise so that I will do!

**martybabe** · 3rd February 2012, 17:28

Originally Posted by MSTRS

That's a piece of advice handed out to those who can't do a u-ey...
Along with a constant throttle, and slipping the clutch to avoid jerkiness, it helps to control actual rolling speed.
Riders of Harleys don't need that part of the process. Everyone knows that Harley brakes don't work.

Actually thinking about it that's exactly what I do on my pushbike (pedal against the brakes) for low speed manoeuvres, makes sense now but I think I'll stick to what I do now on the motorbike,whatever that is

**Old Steve** · 3rd February 2012, 20:14

Most important, before you start your U-turn:

LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT TURNING IN FRONT OF A VEHICLE COMING FROM BEHIND!!!!

**Tigadee** · 3rd February 2012, 20:23

Originally Posted by AE4ME

I can do them on the wider roads but the tighter roads prove difficult...

This might help:

http://www.youtube.com/user/motorman...11/CwUn_44yhYw

**SPP** · 3rd February 2012, 20:43

Don’t stress it dude, I had trouble u-turning my old Hyosung as well.

What helped me was sliding right up to the tank to be more upright and dragging some rear brake.
(My forearms used to jam up on the tank when the bars were turned which put me off but sliding up made it a lot better).

Practice in a car park and you’ll have it sorted in no time at all. Good luck, stay safe.

**george formby** · 4th February 2012, 08:45

Originally Posted by AE4ME

Thank you all for your advice,
I had a look at a vid on youtube. It's very good as is all your advice.
I can do them on the wider roads but the tighter roads prove difficult but I guess it comes with practise so that I will do!

Exacary. Slaloms, u-turns, figure 8's. Practice practice practice.

**Marmoot** · 4th February 2012, 08:53

There are actually 2 ways of doing it.

Some people like to tilt lean the bike more while keeping their upper body upright. Tilt the bike on your waist. It works better with bigger bikes and smaller riders. Especially true for tourers and cruisers. This is the method used in Tigadee's video.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/user/motorman...11/CwUn_44yhYw
Extreme example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1MlK...eature=related

The other way is to lean your upper body into the corner with the bike. Lean your shoulders into the turn and let the bike follow. Check out how riders in gymkhana do it (cue: youtube). It can be very effective if you are confident. Hesitate midway and the bike will wobble and you'll fail to complete the turn. It may need more throttle control and clutch play than normal.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5erdy08i_s

I started with the first, but now the 2nd is my favourite.

Both method requires speed control using clutch more than brake, and you to look into the turn to where you want to go (i.e., don't look to the front of the bike).
Don't use the front brake....ever....Ever.....Not in u-turns.
Be confident and you'll do it fine.

**jrandom** · 4th February 2012, 09:08

Originally Posted by AE4ME

can't u-turn. help

Look over your shoulder to where you want to go and just gun it. You'll surprise yourself. Bike always goes where you look. A u-turn is just a tight corner.

Watch the way this rider positions his head during the turns. He understands how crucial it is.

[YOUTUBE]gTO2s7wyrFs[/YOUTUBE]