Problem with u turn on I/S

[macdoesit]

U turn on narrow 2 lane paved country road I have not atempted  on my I/S. Had no problem on a sportster that I had, repeat  had.
I hear the motorman ride like a pro is good. Have you seen it, what do you think?

[fudgie]

When we flip a bitch, I swing wide to the middle and then roll back alittle then off we go. I'm short legged and the center of the road is perfect hight for my feet!

[macdoesit]

When we flip a bitch, I swing wide to the middle and then roll back alittle then off we go. I'm short legged and the center of the road is perfect hight for my feet!

Don't think i'm followig you, are you saying one foot is on the ground, if so I wanting to do it with feet on the pegs.

[bg]

Motorman Jerry is good to watch and practice the drills.
He has several videos on youtube.

Having a hard time making a U-turn?	powered by Aeva

[RainMaker]

It can be done.  The "Ride Like a Pro" guys teach how to do it.  Last year during the GOTF we practiced and learned how on our Valks.

[macdoesit]

It can be done.  The "Ride Like a Pro" guys teach how to do it.  Last year during the GOTF we practiced and learned how on our Valks.

Did anyone lay it down?

[RainMaker]

It can be done.  The "Ride Like a Pro" guys teach how to do it.  Last year during the GOTF we practiced and learned how on our Valks.

Did anyone lay it down?

Only one laydown all day, and that was me on tight figure 8s at the end of the day. And that was because I was dehydrated a bit and tired. 

[DFragn]

Right or wrong.
If it's a tight turn start far right or left.
Turn bars to full lock, light throttle, light clutch feathering and if tight let the bike lean into it while you're slightly shifting your body mass to the high-side. Get it turned and roll out of it. This is without putting a foot down.
If the road has an exceptional crown to it, well it could get a little sloppy and there's always the chance of dumping it too or running off the pavement.

Lots of parking lot practice advised...
That's the way I do it anyway. And the first one of the season is tricky for me sans practice.
If your with other riders you may need to wait for them to manage anyway they can!

[f6gal]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

[old2soon]

I'm 6 foot 2 inches tall and more than one person mentioned the height thing. Myself i'm able to idle around doing figure 8s and u turns keeping my feet on the pegs. Just decided to do it one day. But i'm thinkin 3 years of motocross and some road racing in Japan probably didn't hurt the training none. And i do have an I/S. Find a large non busy parking lot. It will come to ya. If worse comes to worse and you do drop her back up to the side that is the highest and grab the hand grip and the seaker case/passenger arm rest and back step and lift. DO NOT ask me how i know that!! Let us know how ya do on the slow speed stuff-i promise-no laugh icons-course i may have to wait a bit before i post back. RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

The key to turn a big bike around in a short distance is to gain as much room for the turn as you can (get all the way right), and then flop the bars all the way over left (not quite to the lock, but close), drop your shoulder and roll thru the turn (feet up).  This can be done at slow speed, but you need enough speed to complete the turn (you don't want to be needing gas in mid turn with your right hand/arm fully extended, ideally you want to coast the turn, then gas out of it).  

The problem most people have is failure to start the sharp turn immediately.  Starting a gradual turn and hoping to make it up at the end is not gonna cut it.  The place to practice is a parking lot.  The usual two-lane road is 22-24 feet wide.  Drop a tape and set out some markers (or use spray paint dots); don't use the curb or concrete dead man barriers.

Just practicing doing the slowest tightest circles you can will also help (but that requires a bit of constant throttle, not coasting).  We all turn left better than we turn right (right and left handed has nothing to do with it).  

If you don't make it, DO NOT grab the front brake to abort the sharp turn.

IMHO everyone should be able to do do a U-turn on a two lane.  Course, high crowns and bad surface/potholes can make it tough.... but remember a three point turn requires you back up with your feet and backing up a high crown can be impossible for the short legged.

[macdoesit]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

That is another problem That I'm kinda getting used to but not yet comfortable with and that is turning my head and eyes to where I want to go instead of where I'm going at the time.

[BF]

F6gals advice is dead on and I use it myself.....and I'm certainly no master and I've got ALOT of riding techniques yet to learn and master myself, but this one thing I have learned and it works very well for me on a bike as big and heavy as the Valk........drag brake.  

Whenever I'm making a u-turn or a similar tight turn, I'll keep my right foot on the brake and usually make the turn in second gear instead of first.  First gear is too jerky for me to be smooth while making a tight turn.  

Drag brake....works for me.  

[HayHauler]

You are right BF.  Feather clutch, ride rear brake(stabilizes the bike), and start about 3 feet from the right side of the road.  Start your turn to the right, towards the shoulder, then turn all the way left and lean into the turn keeping your body vertical.  Immediately look over your left shoulder at the center of the road, the double yellow line if the road has one.  DO NOT look at the left shoulder of the road, look at the center stripe over your left shoulder.

You will be amazed at what you can do if you can force yourself to look over that shoulder.

At least that's how I do it.  Learned it with RM at Ride Like a Pro last year at the GOTF.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've said it before on here if I could give any advice whatsoever it's look where you want to go. As for U-turns I just kinda swing into it and gas on it .

[macdoesit]

F6gals advice is dead on and I use it myself.....and I'm certainly no master and I've got ALOT of riding techniques yet to learn and master, but this one thing I have learned and it works very well for me on a bike as big and heavy as the Valk........drag brake.  

Whenever I'm making a u-turn or a similar tight turn, I'll keep my right foot on the brake and usually make the turn in second gear instead of first.  First gear is too jerky for me to be smooth while making a tight turn.  

Drag brake....works for me.  

I have heard of that, clutch where barely grabs about 1200 rpm and slight pressure on back break. I need to trust the bike more I think.
I can do a u turn,well not one 24' wide more like 30 just can't get brave enough to do a tighter one, and when I do my whole body is tense.

[RainMaker]

F6gals advice is dead on and I use it myself.....and I'm certainly no master and I've got ALOT of riding techniques yet to learn and master, but this one thing I have learned and it works very well for me on a bike as big and heavy as the Valk........drag brake.  

Whenever I'm making a u-turn or a similar tight turn, I'll keep my right foot on the brake and usually make the turn in second gear instead of first.  First gear is too jerky for me to be smooth while making a tight turn.  

Drag brake....works for me.  

I have heard of that, clutch where barely grabs about 1200 rpm and slight pressure on back break. I need to trust the bike more I think.
I can do a u turn,well not one 24' wide more like 30 just can't get brave enough to do a tighter one, and when I do my whole body is tense.

Just takes practice, practice and more practice.  Parking lot without gravel - try the uturns inside of the 2 parking spaces.  That will get you there.  As everyone said, look at the exit point, not where you are going.  Crazy but it works.

[~ Timbrwolf]

. ...practice. ..I can pull my State head on into a parking space with Chili on the back and most times turn her on a dime and park with the front end pointing out...because I like to get on and ride off when I leave out.. .

[..]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

That is another problem That I'm kinda getting used to but not yet comfortable with and that is turning my head and eyes to where I want to go instead of where I'm going at the time.

Lyn you must try to always look where you want to go.

Sounds kinda obvious I know.

As you approach a tight bend you need to look as far as possible thru the bend to where you can see the exit. Even if that means looking thru trees etc. If nothing else one day you will see the dually towing the horse trailer that's gonna try and kill by cutting the bend into your half of the road.

As you get nearer take another look at the exit. Not just a quick eye shift but a head turn so both eyes and you brain are working out where your bike needs to go.

Go find a flat parking lot and simply try riding in a tight circle.

Feather the clutch in the friction zone, use the rear brake, swivel your head to the left or right whichever is the most comfortable direction to you and make a circle.

AS PREVIOUSLY STATED DO NOT USE THE FRONT BRAKE. THIS WILL DUMP YOU ON THE GROUND.

You could get some garden hosea nd wrap the engine guard to help minimise any scratches if you do drop.

I assure you one day YOU WILL. We all have. Anyone who tells you they never has is either a liar or has only been riding for 15 minutes.

you should be able to make a circle in the width of 3 parking spaces to start. Having the bike on full lock doing circles will become second nature if you practice. No practice and you will not suceed.

Eventually you should be able to make a figure 8 in the width of 3 parking spaces.

The Valkyrie has a wet clutch so don't worry about damaging the clutch practising with the friction zone.

[f6gal]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

That is another problem That I'm kinda getting used to but not yet comfortable with and that is turning my head and eyes to where I want to go instead of where I'm going at the time.

If you can master the head turn, a lot of issues will magically resolve themselves.  It's like having the bike read your mind.  

[BF]

Hayhauler's advice about NOT looking at the shoulder of the road is dead-on right.  If you look at the edge of the road, that's exactly where you'll go.  Ever hear of target acquisition?  

[macdoesit]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

That is another problem That I'm kinda getting used to but not yet comfortable with and that is turning my head and eyes to where I want to go instead of where I'm going at the time.

If you can master the head turn, a lot of issues will magically resolve themselves.  It's like having the bike read your mind.  

Almost hit a tree one time making a turn in my yard, couldn't take my eyes off the tree and I could not make the bike go the other direction, barely missed it.

[f6gal]

I owe this Maneuver to Valker, the master of Dancing with the Fat Lady!

Of course, head turn with your eyes fixed on your exit point is the first step.
As you turn the handle bars, keep your torso vertical and allow only the bike lean in the turn.
Shift your weight to the outside edge of the seat and apply pressure to the outside foot peg to counterweight the lean.

Especially useful on gravel... I hate gravel!

That is another problem That I'm kinda getting used to but not yet comfortable with and that is turning my head and eyes to where I want to go instead of where I'm going at the time.

If you can master the head turn, a lot of issues will magically resolve themselves.  It's like having the bike read your mind.  

Almost hit a tree one time making a turn in my yard, couldn't take my eyes off the tree and I could not make the bike go the other direction, barely missed it.

Classic target fixation!  I did that to the guy that taught me how to ride... almost hit him... LOL

[..]

Hayhauler's advice about NOT looking at the shoulder of the road is dead-on right.  If you look at the edge of the road, that's exactly where you'll go.  Ever hear of target acquisition?  

OR target fixation.

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=motorcycle+target+fixation&oq=motorcycle+target+fixation&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1786l8742l0l9151l26l15l0l11l11l0l127l1232l11.4l26l0&gs_l=hp.3..0.1786l8742l0l9151l26l15l0l11l11l0l127l1232l11j4l26l0&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=fb2e33546f0a907c&biw=1152&bih=751

The most extreme personal example I can think of is.......................

A few years ago I was leading a small group on a narrow 2 lane near Lenoir, NC. As I came into an short tight S bend a wood chip truck came at me straightening out the S. To my right was a drainage ditch. To my left the approaching truck.

I HAD to force myself NOT to look at the ditch knowing IF I did I would ride into it.

I then HAD to force myself NOT to look at the truck knowing IF I did I would ride into it.

This happend so quickly that if I hadn't been prepared for such an incident I would have been badly hurt by the ditch or the truck. A similar occurence will happen to me again in the future and I hate to say it to you. BE PREPARED.

[macdoesit]

From stop sign left or right turn no problem, soon as I let the clutch out I can lean bike far as I need to, so I should be able  to do a tight u.  I need to make my head turn over my shoulder like you all say. Sure would hate to drop the bike.

[WamegoRob]

Like this... he knows exactly where he's going.

[..]

From stop sign left or right turn no problem, soon as I let the clutch out I can lean bike far as I need to, so I should be able  to do a tight u.  I need to make my head turn over my shoulder like you all say. Sure would hate to drop the bike.

Sometimes Lyn in a tight turn you have to slide yer butt to the outside of the turn.

Tight turn left slide butt across seat to the right.

Also need to remember that increasing engine revs a tad helps to stabilise the bike upright. Don't ask me the physics about this it just does.

Just like the front and rear wheels are big gyroscpes.

Ever been in a corner on a bike and touched the front brake a little to slow down and felt the bike try to stand up straight?

Brake in a bend on the Valkyrie and you WILL have to conciously think and force the bike back to a lean. If you arn't ready to do this your bike WILL try and take you in a straight line across the center line or into the grass.

Watch some of these videos a few times and be amazed and THEN watch again and try to pay attention to the riders body / bike position.

Southwest Police Motorcycle Competition 09	powered by Aeva

[Serk]

What I did when I got my Valk was went to a local school on a Sunday afternoon when the parking lot was empty, and just spent a few hours slowly turning tighter and tighter turns. Just spending time learning to dance with the fat lady has earned me some very big dividends over the years. I still go out and refresh myself about once a year, just spend some time in an empty parking lot making figure 8's, tight left and right turns, emergency stops, etc...

[..]

From stop sign left or right turn no problem, soon as I let the clutch out I can lean bike far as I need to, so I should be able  to do a tight u.  I need to make my head turn over my shoulder like you all say. Sure would hate to drop the bike.

Oh yeah, when leaning the bike don't keep your bike, butt, spine, neck, head in a straight line.

You need to have your head swivel is if on a gimbel. Your head needs to try and stay vertical, 90 degrees to the road beneath you.

[macdoesit]

Hayhauler's advice about NOT looking at the shoulder of the road is dead-on right.  If you look at the edge of the road, that's exactly where you'll go.  Ever hear of target acquisition?  

OR target fixation.

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=motorcycle+target+fixation&oq=motorcycle+target+fixation&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1786l8742l0l9151l26l15l0l11l11l0l127l1232l11.4l26l0&gs_l=hp.3..0.1786l8742l0l9151l26l15l0l11l11l0l127l1232l11j4l26l0&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=fb2e33546f0a907c&biw=1152&bih=751


Back when I was 18 rideing a Honda goldwing fully dressed first time on a big bike going around Lake Murray about 45mph, Narrow 2 lane on comeing car passes another never tried to pull back in his lane
all i could do was hit the drainage ditch very rough and tree limbs I don't know what kept me from wrecking, the good Lord I always assumed, I came to a stop put the kick down got off the bike and was shaking so bad it took around 30 minutes to get back on the bike.

The most extreme personal example I can think of is.......................

A few years ago I was leading a small group on a narrow 2 lane near Lenoir, NC. As I came into an short tight S bend a wood chip truck came at me straightening out the S. To my right was a drainage ditch. To my left the approaching truck.

I HAD to force myself NOT to look at the ditch knowing IF I did I would ride into it.

I then HAD to force myself NOT to look at the truck knowing IF I did I would ride into it.

This happend so quickly that if I hadn't been prepared for such an incident I would have been badly hurt by the ditch or the truck. A similar occurence will happen to me again in the future and I hate to say it to you. BE PREPARED.

[macdoesit]

From stop sign left or right turn no problem, soon as I let the clutch out I can lean bike far as I need to, so I should be able  to do a tight u.  I need to make my head turn over my shoulder like you all say. Sure would hate to drop the bike.

Sometimes Lyn in a tight turn you have to slide yer butt to the outside of the turn.

Tight turn left slide butt across seat to the right.

Also need to remember that increasing engine revs a tad helps to stabilise the bike upright. Don't ask me the physics about this it just does.

Just like the front and rear wheels are big gyroscpes.

Ever been in a corner on a bike and touched the front brake a little to slow down and felt the bike try to stand up straight?

Brake in a bend on the Valkyrie and you WILL have to conciously think and force the bike back to a lean. If you arn't ready to do this your bike WILL try and take you in a straight line across the center line or into the grass.

Watch some of these videos a few times and be amazed and THEN watch again and try to pay attention to the riders body / bike position.

Southwest Police Motorcycle Competition 09

Good video paused it during turns, he is leanig opposit the turn

[macdoesit]

From stop sign left or right turn no problem, soon as I let the clutch out I can lean bike far as I need to, so I should be able  to do a tight u.  I need to make my head turn over my shoulder like you all say. Sure would hate to drop the bike.

Sometimes Lyn in a tight turn you have to slide yer butt to the outside of the turn.

Tight turn left slide butt across seat to the right.

Also need to remember that increasing engine revs a tad helps to stabilise the bike upright. Don't ask me the physics about this it just does.

Just like the front and rear wheels are big gyroscpes.

Ever been in a corner on a bike and touched the front brake a little to slow down and felt the bike try to stand up straight?

Brake in a bend on the Valkyrie and you WILL have to conciously think and force the bike back to a lean. If you arn't ready to do this your bike WILL try and take you in a straight line across the center line or into the grass.

Watch some of these videos a few times and be amazed and THEN watch again and try to pay attention to the riders body / bike position.

Southwest Police Motorcycle Competition 09

Looked like the guy in the other video had a blow out, not sure.

[macdoesit]

Like this... he knows exactly where he's going.

 Exactly, look at those eyes

[macdoesit]

Got to go grill some steaks. Great info and vids thanx a mill.

[Scott in Ok]

Come to Inzane in Eureka Springs, and we'll give you some tips!  (Or Robbers Cave in May, if Budman gets it put together in time.)

Jimmy, I need a form check......



By the way, always wear all the proper protective gear!  And dang, I kinda miss the ole Burple Valk.

-Scott

[Valker]

Thanks for the nod, f6Gal. I know the Valkyrie will turn circles slightly smaller than 20' going either direction. Lots of good information so far, not you just have to try it.

[macdoesit]

Come to Inzane in Eureka Springs, and we'll give you some tips!  (Or Robbers Cave in May, if Budman gets it put together in time.)

Jimmy, I need a form check......



By the way, always wear all the proper protective gear!  And dang, I kinda miss the ole Burple Valk.

-Scott

If that had been me looking at the ground thats where i would have ended up. I think you are looking at the ground.

[HayHauler]

Scott, form check.....check!
Gear check.......fail!   

Hay
Jimmyt

[Scott in Ok]

Gear check.......fail!   

Hay
Jimmyt

Yeah, I've been known to fail with protective gear when goofing around in the parking lots.  In fact, I've done some downright stupid things if truth be told.

-Scott

[Jabba]

Yeah, I've been known to fail with protective gear when goofing around in the parking lots.  In fact, I've done some downright stupid things if truth be told.

-Scott

Scott... we ALL have.

Where's my cursed camera again?  CRAP!!

Jabba