Counterweight Technique U-Turn on Motorcycle

Response to Wesleyb82's request that I discuss/demonstrate the counterweight technique on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, the camera angle does not allow for visualization of my body position on the bike.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ninja
• 250
• camera
• kodak
• v570
• counterweight

[redneck500]

does this go for all motorcycles including cruisers? thanks.

[mevd]

Yes, it does work on cruisers as well. Next time, I will provide a better camera angle which should help clarify the technique.

[farlala]

Do you have to fully lock the steering to do a u turn? i keep running out of space..

[mevd]

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.

[J4jChoir]

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.

[mevd]

Yes, that's exactly right. This technique should be used to perform the slow circle ride.

[gworgep2224]

Well he has to explain it. Im a new rider and its useful. Was good help thanks for effort.

[DumbDuck44]

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!

[penna171980]

Riding a Katana?? '83??

[Fagottron]

This is the one thing I have the most trouble with on my first bike. Thanks man, I'll give this a go!

[MajicTrix527]

Lol..That shopping center is right off Rhode Island avenue in DC.

[pobey88]

interesting - youre doing a u-turn into a completely blind spot behind that truck. GENIUS

[TheMazaxist]

@Ramiiam Oooh i get it now, haha silly me! Thanks for the tips heh

[Ramiiam]

@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.

[TheMazaxist]

@Ramiiam are you telling me to do a stoppie?

[Ramiiam]

@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]

@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.

[TheMazaxist]

@Ramiiam Oh the reason why im asking is that during MSF course they told us to NEVER use brakes during turn :-)