Making Those U-Turns

Making Those U-Turns

I have practiced many hours on making u-turns. Looks so easy but there must be something I am missing. In the class we learned to use the friction zone and look where you want to go. We never really used the rear brake so I am trying to get that into the plan. I try and try to look where I am going but always find myself looking just in front of me. Has anyone really had so much trouble getting this? It is very discouraging. Anyone know something that would help.

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Making Those U-Turns

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Jul 07, 2011

Me Too
by: Jess

I am having the same problem. I just finished my safety course where the crazy 8 was NOT my friend. My instructor told me my lefts were great but my rights are terrible. Today I started playing on my own bike and I'm still having trouble with my right u turn. I think the looking thing is not happening on that side and it is frustrating. I'm taking all the comments here seriously. It is pretty much what my instructor was telling us for 2 days. Sigh, I just hope tons of practice will light the way. Here's wishing us both luck! Hang in there!

Jun 24, 2011

You are not alone.
by: Pinklady

I had the same problem. Just couldn't get that head to turn. After many failed attempts I go it!!! Needless to say my instructor said I was working on his last nerve.

Jun 22, 2011

Turns
by: Robin

Dont' forget to throttle thru the turn. If the speed gets to slow you will fall over. Throttling actually keeps the bike upright.

Slow, Press, Look, and Throttle

http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2&action=display&pagename=Library

Jun 22, 2011

Don't Get Discouraged
by: Martinique

Looking where you want to go can be so difficult sometimes. You want to practice in a nice, open parking lot that is safe. And by safe I mean, no traffic driving in and out, and no loose gravel sitting around. And nice smooth pavement. When you have that, you eliminate the need to look in front of you and make sure your immediate path of travel is safe.

So, practice large turns in the parking lot, then you can tighten them up as you get better/more comfortable. In most cases, your braking needs to be completed BEFORE you enter a turn. You need to set your speed before you start turning. So you should be doing this while the bike is straight up, so it doesn't matter if you use just the front brake, or incorporate both (only 10% of my braking power comes from the rear, so I rarely use it).

When you come up to a turn, brake and set your speed before the turn in point. Then snap your head to the side and stare at the exit. You already the pavement is clean and safe. Focus on the exit till you're almost there, then move your eyes down the parking lot to the other end of the turn. Even more amazing is doing figure 8's, because you have to turn your head farther. The farther you turn it, the tighter your turns will become. Trust me, once you start getting this down, you want to keep doing it, its just so amazing how much of a difference it makes! Hope this helps!

Jun 22, 2011

U Turn
by: kp

Iou're doing it right, looking where you want to go. Just keep doing it, over and over again.

Jun 22, 2011

U Turns
by: Anonymous

DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU!

Turn your head, keep your eyes level with the horizon, NOT DOWN and the bike will follow, use your rear break LIGHTLY to keep you up right.
Practice, Practice, Practice or take the safety class again.

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