Ride like a pro
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
Keep in mind, you don't need to lean the bike very far to turn in 18ft, let alone 24ft. I'd bet your problem is not the lean but, lack of clutch/throttle rear brake control. Mainly clutch/throttle(friction zone). Here's a test for you to see where the problem is. Mark out a 34ft circle. Then turn inside that circle with the bike straight up and very slowly, 2mph or very slow walking pace. If you can't do that, It's the friction zone rear brake thats your problem. Practice all the friction zone exercises then the slow cone weave. Then set up your u-turn at what ever distance you feel comfortable. Your speed in the u-turn should be 5 to 7 mph. Making an aggressive dip as you start the u-turn insures enough speed to complete it. As you get more confortable turning, narrow the u-turn space until you can do it in 18ft.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Panic is not your friend. Why do you panic? You have to ask yourself that and decide if a motorcycle is the right thing for you. Fear of dropping the bike should not be a factor. Hope you learn to get past your panic and learn to do the maneuvers that will make you a better rider.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
I've found that the key to really tight turns was the use of the "dip". That first exercise that they go through very quickly is supposed to give you a feel for rolling that weight from side-to-side using their dipping method. When you watch the turning exercises later in the DVD, they often use a dip or in the case of a U-turn two consecutive dips to initiate the turn. Once the bike is leaned over (even just a little) keep the power to it. When you practice the U-turns, try the double dip. It really helps.
The bike turns best while leaning, not strait up with the wheel cocked over and duck-walking it through.
I've been practicing myself. Shift your weight to the outside of the seat, turn the bars where you want to go. No counter-steering here, it's direct steering. You need to keep a constant pull on the engine by using the friction zone of the clutch, and a little rear brake may be necessary too. STAY OFF THE FRONT BRAKE. The most important part after all that is NOT to look at the ground, but in the direction you want to go.
I'm pretty good at it after some time practicing, but for fun I do it before I park when I get home from work, or if I have time, before I leave.
I've been practicing myself. Shift your weight to the outside of the seat, turn the bars where you want to go. No counter-steering here, it's direct steering. You need to keep a constant pull on the engine by using the friction zone of the clutch, and a little rear brake may be necessary too. STAY OFF THE FRONT BRAKE. The most important part after all that is NOT to look at the ground, but in the direction you want to go.
I'm pretty good at it after some time practicing, but for fun I do it before I park when I get home from work, or if I have time, before I leave.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
Check out this clip; same techniques made to look easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSFvZ...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSFvZ...eature=related
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 987
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Panic is not your friend. Why do you panic? You have to ask yourself that and decide if a motorcycle is the right thing for you. Fear of dropping the bike should not be a factor. Hope you learn to get past your panic and learn to do the maneuvers that will make you a better rider.
Do not panic and trust physics. That bike doesn't want to fall any more than you want it to fall, at least if you're giving it gas.
Don't fight the bike. . .that bike will win. Work with the bike.
Be at one with the bike. Just don't get too close. Hot mufflers burn.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Florida
My .02 - I bought the new ride like a pro dvd watched it all the way through twice, then got some very cheap cones from the amf and went out to a local school and practiced with a couple of buddies for a couple of hours. It was totally worth it, I've used what motorman teaches, on my rides several times, and feel way more confident making the tight u turns.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
Panic is not your friend. Why do you panic? You have to ask yourself that and decide if a motorcycle is the right thing for you. Fear of dropping the bike should not be a factor. Hope you learn to get past your panic and learn to do the maneuvers that will make you a better rider.
Everyone knows that no one wants to drop their pride and joy for numerous reasons. But we all know that it does happen and to some that fear is always in the back of their mind until training and practice overcomes that fear. watch
If ya watch the video one of 1st things you see is how to pick up your bike "if" you drop it. It's obviously there for a reason....People can and do drop their bikes.
I took a course a few years back "Streetmasters Precision Cornering Motorcycle Workshop". At one point the class you had to to make a "U" turn from a standing stop (IE: Idling, bar at the lock left u turn and right u turn, no rolling turn involved). Having never tried that yes I was slightly worried about dropping it. Left was not bad made, right (my weak side on the bike) without even knowing I did it I grabbed the front brake, down went the bike. But after practice I could do it.
I guess even with the OP especially after seeing others doing it it was predominant in his thinking. Just a guess.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Syracuse, NY
The average parking space is 8.5 feet wide. That would make 2 spaces about 17 feet wide. The cones on the right are way over a foot inside the lines. Also, add for the thickness of the cones on each side. This EASILY could be 15 feet or less.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I still say no way, I'm not even sure it's POSSIBLE to do a U-Turn in 15' on a Harley touring bike. 16' yes, but 15'? They do have their limits.
Last edited by stro1965; Jun 25, 2012 at 04:11 PM.