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.

 

I highly recommend his video

 

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.

 

^^^ I totally agree with cowboydoc's advice.
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.

 

 

 

Ride Like a Pro videos.
Follow your nose.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.