Managing U-Turns and Sharp/Narrow Turns
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg
Managing U-Turns and Sharp/Narrow Turns
Just got my roadking and having difficulty in managing U-turns, sharp turns in parking and sudden braking given the weight of roadking. Any tips on how to manage it better?
Had a sportster earlier and never had a challenge with it.
Had a sportster earlier and never had a challenge with it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1,229
From: Depends on where I am
It just takes practice. I had some adjustments to make being a fairly new rider moving up to my Road King from a Yamaha V-Star 950. That extra 200+ lbs doesn't really matter rolling down the highway, but it will bite you a slow speeds / tight turns. The things I try to focus on for slow speed maneuvers is friction zone control, using the rear brake only (front brake at low speed with the wheel turned will put your bike on its side), and looking where you want to go (turning your head to look down the road where you want to go on a U-turn) instead of where you are.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,092
Likes: 13,023
From: Texas, USA
It just takes practice. I had some adjustments to make being a fairly new rider moving up to my Road King from a Yamaha V-Star 950. That extra 200+ lbs doesn't really matter rolling down the highway, but it will bite you a slow speeds / tight turns. The things I try to focus on for slow speed maneuvers is friction zone control, using the rear brake only (front brake at low speed with the wheel turned will put your bike on its side), and looking where you want to go (turning your head to look down the road where you want to go on a U-turn) instead of where you are.
1. Friction zone
2. Rear brake ONLY
3. Practice
The only other action I do during U-turns is counterbalance. I move my weight to the high side of the seat which allows me to lean the bike more effectively. I also do that because I have beach bars and it helps me move my leg out of the way so I can fully turn the bars.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
Take the above tips and practice. When you get good 1 up then practice with 2 up.
Best tip don’t hit touch front brake and look at the ground while under 5mph. Nothing good will come of it!
Best tip don’t hit touch front brake and look at the ground while under 5mph. Nothing good will come of it!
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
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From: USA
Well, if there's a Ride Like A Pro course nearby, it would be worthwhile.
Otherwise, proper practice. In general, look at where you want to go, not where you're afraid of ending up.
So in a parking lot, look over your shoulder at where you want to end up at. Turn and go to it. Don't look wide, don't look down at your front tire. Just look all the way over your shoulder at the target and let the bike turn into it.
Otherwise, proper practice. In general, look at where you want to go, not where you're afraid of ending up.
So in a parking lot, look over your shoulder at where you want to end up at. Turn and go to it. Don't look wide, don't look down at your front tire. Just look all the way over your shoulder at the target and let the bike turn into it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 126
Likes: 6
From: Clover SC
All good advice! I am still learning how to do real tight turns and U-turns on my Ultra. Go to YouTube and watch the video's for Ride Like a Pro. I bought all of his videos used off ebay for $60. They have been well worth the money. I plan on taking the actual class when the weather turns cooler.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 805
Likes: 1,510
From: Bloomington, IN
I've been practicing shifting more weight over to the opposite side (if turning left, lean over the right side of the bike, and vice versa).
For me, that is what really helped with the tight turns instead of trying to muscle the bike. Now I just let it do the work.
For me, that is what really helped with the tight turns instead of trying to muscle the bike. Now I just let it do the work.