U-turn Box from Hell

U-turn Box from Hell

by Steph
(East Coast)

So I just passed my BRC class, today and will be getting my license in the mail soon! I did however completely botch the counterweight figure-8 u-turn in the 20' box. I wasn't able to figure out the trick to it in the practice sessions and knew there was only a 50% chance of it looking pretty in the test.

Well it looked even less pretty than in training and I completely drove out of the box after accidentally rolling the throttle too much while turning the handlebars. So I stopped the bike, backed up and finished the second half of the figure eight and ended up putting my foot down. So be it.

Gladly I was completely comfortable with all other parts of the exam (plus the U-turn had less scoring weight) and I passed.

So here I am, crazy perfectionist, too hard on myself so I can't enjoy anything me, obsessing about the darn U-turn. I looked over my shoulder, scooted my butt as far as it would go to the opposite side, but had a terrible time trusting that my weight would be enough to counterbalance the bikes. I also think that my problem may be that I coasted too much instead of keeping on the throttle and using the clutch? And maybe I was turning the handlebars too much?

I also occasionally have trouble rolling the throttle unwantingly (during stopping and tighter turns). I swear my fat fingers just don't want to flex without the thumb.

Anyway, I hope to get a bike soon and will be drawing giant chalk U-turn boxes from hell to practice in. I made my non-motorcycle riding husband promise that he'll sit in his truck while I practice in case I drop the bike and end up needing help.

Side note: I do wish they went over how to pick up a dropped bike in the class. I watched a u-tube video but would have liked to try it.

Anyways, I LOVE this site. I just found it a couple days ago and it made me feel so much better going into class a novice.

Comments for
U-turn Box from Hell

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Jun 12, 2011

Figure 8
by: Janine

Don't feel bad. I totally practiced well then dumped the bike (guess I took my hand off the clutch but I think i turned it to tight) in the eval and my day was done. I was lucky that they had a spot open in the afternoon class and allowed me to come back and retest that same day.. One of the instructors thought I should come back another day but the other one said to come back that day. My husband was like get right back on and do it. So I did and I passed. I knew I could. Now I need to find my own bike.

Jun 07, 2011

Ditto
by: Aryn

I did rather well in the practice rounds, but during the final test, I ended up botching the u-turn box as well. I also found that first gear jerked too much and used 2nd. I've been riding for a solid year and a half now, and I've never had to make such a tight u-turn since... and I doubt I ever will. Sometimes if I go to the store, I'll attempt it for funsies.

May 29, 2011

I Botched Bad
by: Anonymous

I managed to almost fail my whole test but I ended up buying a Harley a month later and to be honest, I still can't do a good u-turn. I just learned to drive around the block and it takes a lot of stress off my back, so don't stress and just remember everything gets better with practice.

May 16, 2011

Congrats
by: Lynn - Florida

Congrats on passing your test! I agree that they should practice the proper way to pick up a bike. We all do it sooner or later. I did the figure 8 in 2nd gear as I found 1st gear was too jerky on the bikes we were using. (old dirt biking trick) You will find what works best for you as you practice the technique.

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