In all simplicity, it's like the opposite of how you hang your butt off when you try to drag knee through a high speed corner. You fit your butt on the opposite side of the turn.
Thanks for making the video, respect! May i make a suggestion?
I'd recommend moving away in the friction zone (or at the 'biting point' for European viewers) then steering AWAY from your intended direction of travel (in this video that means steering to the right) by pushing the LEFT handlebar AWAY from you (not too much though, just about 10 millimetres or so) then snapping your head immediately to the direction you wish to take and just feathering the throttle, just so it is pulling
Thanks for making the video, respect! May i make a suggestion?
I'd recommend moving away in the friction zone (or at the 'biting point' for European viewers) then steering AWAY from your intended direction of travel (in this video that means steering to the right) by pushing the LEFT handlebar AWAY from you (not too much though, just about 10 millimetres or so) then snapping your head immediately to the direction you wish to take and just feathering the throttle, just so it is pulling
i hated doing the two u-turns during the MSF course i nearly drop the bike during the test saved myself by putting my foot down, better losing 5 points then failing the test.
Especially cruisers! If you're riding heavy American steel, you had better be following mevd's advice unless you're strong enough to pick up an 800 pound bike by yourself!
The one thing I would add to mevd's advice is to dial in some rear brake as you make the turn.
At all? Of course you can use your brakes during a turn. Just keep in mind that the harder the turn, the less traction you have left over for braking. If you're leaning way over in a corner, you essential have no brakes (something to keep in mind before you dive into a blind corner). If you're in a moderate turn, you have a little more. For hard braking, you need to stand the bike up first (which will cause you run wide in your turn--something else to keep in mind).
...none of this applies to parking-lot turns. The rule there is to stay off the front brake. Keep the clutch in the friction zone to avoid falling toward the inside of the turn, and use the rear brake to control speed and avoid going wide.
They tell you not to cover your brake controls too. The MSF course is about giving basic instruction to beginning riders. They assume these riders lack finesse on the brakes or a feel for traction, so it's better that they just avoid any braking in a turn. But if the riders are going to progress, they're going to have to develop finesse and feel. I hope you'll continue with a more advanced course. Maybe others can chime in here.
I hate to give advice. Something you might try WHEN you are ready and comfortable with straight ahead braking is this. In a parking lot, put the bike in a gentle turn at not more than 20 or 25 mph. LIGHTLY apply the front brake. You'll notice the bike begins to stand up. Release the brake. Try that a number of times. Then, as you feel the bike stand up, apply a little more brake. Once the bike is vertical, brake to a stop.
Noooo! Ignore what I wrote. Find an intermediate course when you're ready. My point was that you will sometimes have to brake from a turn. There's a technique for doing it. You start to apply brakes--very gently--while the bike is leaning. As it straightens up more, you apply more brakes. When the bike is no longer leaning, you can apply full brakes.
It takes a delicate touch and there are too many variables to explain in text. Best to find an instructor.
I get a lot out of these videos when I watch them after a day's riding. It's easy to compare my performance from the day to what I see here so I can see what I need to work on. ty
No, I don't normally have to turn the wheel completely. Try turning your head such that your eye see where you trying to turn the bike. That seems to work for me.
Rubbish, if you do it correct you dont have to counter lean at all, if your counterleaning its because you over leaned the bike for the turn in the first place
i think for us to see what your doing you must mount a pole at the rear of your bike and attach a lightweight camera in that position we can see not only where are you going but we can see your body position as well..keep safe dude
This is standard in Sweden when your getting a motorcycle drivers licens. Remember to use the rear break to keep the balance. If you use the front break you'll probably loose balance. Good tips about the eye point fix! Don't look down low, keep your head up high:) Nice vid!
lots and lots o' talk ... can't see so not helpful - you can only visualize/imagine so much if you have never seen or done it before - all you see is your field of view turning around you might as well have been standing and just walked in a u-turn - think about putting a camera on the ground and doing it - a picture is worth a couple thousand of your words... I know how to do it but doubt this really helped anyone. sorry
Dude, you talk for 10 mins and demonstrate for 2 seconds, lol! More action, less talkin. And probably help to set the camera down for one shot. Thats also a really big u-turn on the first one heheh. For the video, I'd drag the rear brake and lean the bike WAAAY over while counterbalancing your body and butt over outside the turn. Kudos though!
I should be use to the idea of giving kudos just for doing something even if it sucked. I use to think kudos was to be given when someone actually did something well. blahblah anywayz
Great vids you put a lot in to them but I dont think this shifting to the side of the seat for road riding u-turns is right, you should be able to full lock u-turn without shifting and you know what Im saying, I suppose standing on the pegs will be next!!!, no offence fellow motorcyclist
You could perhaps have mentioned the rear brake dragging technique which I have been told should accompany all slow-speed turns, using the friction zone and enough gas. Nice vid. Thanks!
I found your site from Shockawenow. I enjoy both and look forward to you adding some new material.
I am going through my mid life crisis, (42 years), and have gotten the motorcycle craving. I have not owned or learned to truly ride, but sites like yours make it appear doable.
Do you use this same technique for slow circle ride for the CA part of the driving test? Where you go around a circle twice. Thanks for your videos. they are a blessing.
This video is very helpful for me. I took the Harley Rider's Edge Course. I'm a 60 yr old woman in great shape that's been riding a 1200 Harley Sportster for 2 yrs and love every minute of it. Thanks.
like i said im going to be riding for weeks before the msf courses start, so this is helpful
was just thinking- i wonder what ppl in the lot might think when they see you waving your arms, driving in circles and apparently talking to yourself- but of course youre talking to potentially hundreds- or thousands over time.
Riding a Katana?? '83??
penna171980 7 months ago
This is the one thing I have the most trouble with on my first bike. Thanks man, I'll give this a go!
Fagottron 9 months ago
Lol..That shopping center is right off Rhode Island avenue in DC.
MajicTrix527 1 year ago
interesting - youre doing a u-turn into a completely blind spot behind that truck. GENIUS
pobey88 1 year ago
In all simplicity, it's like the opposite of how you hang your butt off when you try to drag knee through a high speed corner. You fit your butt on the opposite side of the turn.
Dennissays 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Thanks for making the video, respect! May i make a suggestion?
I'd recommend moving away in the friction zone (or at the 'biting point' for European viewers) then steering AWAY from your intended direction of travel (in this video that means steering to the right) by pushing the LEFT handlebar AWAY from you (not too much though, just about 10 millimetres or so) then snapping your head immediately to the direction you wish to take and just feathering the throttle, just so it is pulling
thanks
learn2rideVIDEOS 1 year ago
Thanks for making the video, respect! May i make a suggestion?
I'd recommend moving away in the friction zone (or at the 'biting point' for European viewers) then steering AWAY from your intended direction of travel (in this video that means steering to the right) by pushing the LEFT handlebar AWAY from you (not too much though, just about 10 millimetres or so) then snapping your head immediately to the direction you wish to take and just feathering the throttle, just so it is pulling
thanks
learn2rideVIDEOS 1 year ago
great video for not being able to show the body position, thanks for the help..by FAR!!! the hardest part of MSF is this damn turn haha
vouaux 1 year ago
head and eyes, friction zone, rear brake. Piece of cake. I normally don't have to shift my weight unless it's a very, very, tight turn I'm making.
TheLadyrider1957 1 year ago
i hated doing the two u-turns during the MSF course i nearly drop the bike during the test saved myself by putting my foot down, better losing 5 points then failing the test.
Lontavius1986 1 year ago
does this go for all motorcycles including cruisers? thanks.
redneck500 1 year ago
Yes, it does work on cruisers as well. Next time, I will provide a better camera angle which should help clarify the technique.
mevd 1 year ago
@redneck500
Especially cruisers! If you're riding heavy American steel, you had better be following mevd's advice unless you're strong enough to pick up an 800 pound bike by yourself!
The one thing I would add to mevd's advice is to dial in some rear brake as you make the turn.
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam I thought that u never want to use brakes during turns
TheMazaxist 1 year ago
@TheMazaxist
At all? Of course you can use your brakes during a turn. Just keep in mind that the harder the turn, the less traction you have left over for braking. If you're leaning way over in a corner, you essential have no brakes (something to keep in mind before you dive into a blind corner). If you're in a moderate turn, you have a little more. For hard braking, you need to stand the bike up first (which will cause you run wide in your turn--something else to keep in mind).
But...
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam
...none of this applies to parking-lot turns. The rule there is to stay off the front brake. Keep the clutch in the friction zone to avoid falling toward the inside of the turn, and use the rear brake to control speed and avoid going wide.
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam Oh the reason why im asking is that during MSF course they told us to NEVER use brakes during turn :-)
TheMazaxist 1 year ago
@TheMazaxist
They tell you not to cover your brake controls too. The MSF course is about giving basic instruction to beginning riders. They assume these riders lack finesse on the brakes or a feel for traction, so it's better that they just avoid any braking in a turn. But if the riders are going to progress, they're going to have to develop finesse and feel. I hope you'll continue with a more advanced course. Maybe others can chime in here.
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam
I hate to give advice. Something you might try WHEN you are ready and comfortable with straight ahead braking is this. In a parking lot, put the bike in a gentle turn at not more than 20 or 25 mph. LIGHTLY apply the front brake. You'll notice the bike begins to stand up. Release the brake. Try that a number of times. Then, as you feel the bike stand up, apply a little more brake. Once the bike is vertical, brake to a stop.
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam are you telling me to do a stoppie?
TheMazaxist 1 year ago
@TheMazaxist
Noooo! Ignore what I wrote. Find an intermediate course when you're ready. My point was that you will sometimes have to brake from a turn. There's a technique for doing it. You start to apply brakes--very gently--while the bike is leaning. As it straightens up more, you apply more brakes. When the bike is no longer leaning, you can apply full brakes.
It takes a delicate touch and there are too many variables to explain in text. Best to find an instructor.
Ramiiam 1 year ago
@Ramiiam Oooh i get it now, haha silly me! Thanks for the tips heh
TheMazaxist 1 year ago
I get a lot out of these videos when I watch them after a day's riding. It's easy to compare my performance from the day to what I see here so I can see what I need to work on. ty
SpottedSharks 1 year ago
Do you have to fully lock the steering to do a u turn? i keep running out of space..
farlala 2 years ago
No, I don't normally have to turn the wheel completely. Try turning your head such that your eye see where you trying to turn the bike. That seems to work for me.
mevd 2 years ago
Rubbish, if you do it correct you dont have to counter lean at all, if your counterleaning its because you over leaned the bike for the turn in the first place
2wheelsteve 2 years ago 2
@2wheelsteve agreed
xaviertc07 2 years ago
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this guy sounds black, which mean im going to totally disregard this video
flyingfree98 2 years ago
Comment removed
lmind2 2 years ago
i think for us to see what your doing you must mount a pole at the rear of your bike and attach a lightweight camera in that position we can see not only where are you going but we can see your body position as well..keep safe dude
glang67 2 years ago
Hi...can u please show how do you put the camera in your helmet...THANKs =)
kreso1993 2 years ago
Hey dude
A lot of motorbike accessory shops sell the camera with a strap to connect to your helmet
robjil85 2 years ago
i know...i have go pro hero motorsport wide...but its to big to put it in the helmet...i can put on helmet but not in
kreso1993 2 years ago
This is standard in Sweden when your getting a motorcycle drivers licens. Remember to use the rear break to keep the balance. If you use the front break you'll probably loose balance. Good tips about the eye point fix! Don't look down low, keep your head up high:) Nice vid!
korvlukt 2 years ago 4
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shut up nigger
psmoket 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Thank you for your videos, but , frankly, you speak too much.
lordthistle 2 years ago
Nice thorough explanation.
jnkhd 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. You really like to hear yourself talk , don't you.? How about a lot less talk and more visual demonstrations?
Keyboardman88 2 years ago
lots and lots o' talk ... can't see so not helpful - you can only visualize/imagine so much if you have never seen or done it before - all you see is your field of view turning around you might as well have been standing and just walked in a u-turn - think about putting a camera on the ground and doing it - a picture is worth a couple thousand of your words... I know how to do it but doubt this really helped anyone. sorry
Pow3rGaming 2 years ago
Well he has to explain it. Im a new rider and its useful. Was good help thanks for effort.
gworgep2224 2 years ago 15
Dude, you talk for 10 mins and demonstrate for 2 seconds, lol! More action, less talkin. And probably help to set the camera down for one shot. Thats also a really big u-turn on the first one heheh. For the video, I'd drag the rear brake and lean the bike WAAAY over while counterbalancing your body and butt over outside the turn. Kudos though!
DumbDuck44 3 years ago 11
weak giving kudos after a total criticism... passive aggressive bullshit lol - either it sucked or you give kudos which is it? lol
Pow3rGaming 2 years ago
Constructive criticism was the idea.
DumbDuck44 2 years ago
I should be use to the idea of giving kudos just for doing something even if it sucked. I use to think kudos was to be given when someone actually did something well. blahblah anywayz
Pow3rGaming 2 years ago
Great vids you put a lot in to them but I dont think this shifting to the side of the seat for road riding u-turns is right, you should be able to full lock u-turn without shifting and you know what Im saying, I suppose standing on the pegs will be next!!!, no offence fellow motorcyclist
bikedemon99 3 years ago
Good stuff. Friction zone also feathering clutch as some might know it.
avalancher34 3 years ago
You could perhaps have mentioned the rear brake dragging technique which I have been told should accompany all slow-speed turns, using the friction zone and enough gas. Nice vid. Thanks!
eat911t 3 years ago
Mevd,
I found your site from Shockawenow. I enjoy both and look forward to you adding some new material.
I am going through my mid life crisis, (42 years), and have gotten the motorcycle craving. I have not owned or learned to truly ride, but sites like yours make it appear doable.
Later,
Uboro24501
uboro24501 3 years ago
Do you use this same technique for slow circle ride for the CA part of the driving test? Where you go around a circle twice. Thanks for your videos. they are a blessing.
J4jChoir 3 years ago
Yes, that's exactly right. This technique should be used to perform the slow circle ride.
mevd 3 years ago
Great thanks!
J4jChoir 3 years ago
Hence the term "counterweight". Explained thoroughly, in great detail and kudos to you sir, very well done.
stopthedouchebaggery 3 years ago
This video is very helpful for me. I took the Harley Rider's Edge Course. I'm a 60 yr old woman in great shape that's been riding a 1200 Harley Sportster for 2 yrs and love every minute of it. Thanks.
prettiiladiii1 3 years ago
Great video man...I've been looking for something that explained this well done.
M3Galaxie 3 years ago
thanks so much for your time, very helpful
like i said im going to be riding for weeks before the msf courses start, so this is helpful
was just thinking- i wonder what ppl in the lot might think when they see you waving your arms, driving in circles and apparently talking to yourself- but of course youre talking to potentially hundreds- or thousands over time.
wesleyb82 3 years ago 2