Right Turns
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,646
Likes: 40
From: Midtown Tulsa
RE: Right Turns
Has more to do with control of the throttle (grip not as tight on the bar) and left brain thinking. I had issues with this years ago. Just got some small soccer orange cones, went to a local parking lot after dark and tried every move that I could imagine. A lot of it has to do with confidence and the bike's center of gravity.
I rode a lot on dirt bikes through trees and trails (differing speeds, inclines, and maneuvering) as a much younger buck. Keeping a two stroke KX250 upright on the trails taught me alot, but getting on a 720 lb bike with a much different center of gravity required a whole new set of "mind sets".
As always, look where you want to go and feel the bike. Honestly, since I put on my rider's back rest, I feel more in control of the bike than ever before. Why, I don't know.
I rode a lot on dirt bikes through trees and trails (differing speeds, inclines, and maneuvering) as a much younger buck. Keeping a two stroke KX250 upright on the trails taught me alot, but getting on a 720 lb bike with a much different center of gravity required a whole new set of "mind sets".
As always, look where you want to go and feel the bike. Honestly, since I put on my rider's back rest, I feel more in control of the bike than ever before. Why, I don't know.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
RE: Right Turns
Glad you posted this. My wife is haveing problems with right turns. She hasn't rode in 20 years; so she says. She has took the MSF course. After showing her this she feels better. She was almost ready to give up. Personaly speaking I can not add any help without seeing you ride.
Thanks
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Right Turns
Taught this a while back.
In the US where we drive on the right side of the road, Left turns tend to give the driver more room to manage the turn. Right turns are usually quicker and sharper.
(in a vehicle you also add the fact you sit left and see left easier)
Go to a parking lot and set up a "T" intersection, ride straight at it and make alternating turns from 15' and 30'. you will find that the longer distance is easier left or right, but, when you drop to 15' both turns will be more difficult. Remember to look through the turn at a spot where your bike will be straight again and it will help you through.
Several years of Pursuit Driving and Dignitary Protection finally pays off.
Mg
In the US where we drive on the right side of the road, Left turns tend to give the driver more room to manage the turn. Right turns are usually quicker and sharper.
(in a vehicle you also add the fact you sit left and see left easier)
Go to a parking lot and set up a "T" intersection, ride straight at it and make alternating turns from 15' and 30'. you will find that the longer distance is easier left or right, but, when you drop to 15' both turns will be more difficult. Remember to look through the turn at a spot where your bike will be straight again and it will help you through.
Several years of Pursuit Driving and Dignitary Protection finally pays off.
Mg
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood, IN
RE: Right Turns
ORIGINAL: TonyVT
I found that turning my head to the right and looking where I wanted to go while using the friction zone until I completed the turn worked wonders.
I found that turning my head to the right and looking where I wanted to go while using the friction zone until I completed the turn worked wonders.
JD
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
RE: Right Turns
I think the difference is in the throttle. I have the opposite problem, I have a harder time turning tight left turns. After a lot of aggravation and observation, I figure out it is the angle of my left hand while holding the clutch. My clutch is pretty tough, which makes it harderto feather through the friction zone when my left hand is closer to my body in a left turn. I’m looking for a new cable to soften it a bit, but I’ll bet your new handle bars put your hand in a different angle than you’re use to from your old ones.
Just a different perspective. .
Beary
Just a different perspective. .
Beary
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: State of Confusion, SE PA
RE: Right Turns
Practice in a parking lot but my bet is you'll get used to it in less then 1000 miles...I had 80,K miles on my WG when I bought an Ultra. Just some time and practice...