Problem with u turn on I/S

[Jess from VA]

There's only two kind of riders; those that have fallen, and those that are going to fall. 

Not that this should be a goal you are working toward.

[macdoesit]

There's only two kind of riders; those that have fallen, and those that are going to fall. 

Not that this should be a goal you are working toward.

Did you have to tell me that. LOL,LOL,LOL

[..]

Well, we're only 1314.15 miles apart....... come on over.  I'm a former instructor.  I taught a wife from scratch, so I have the patience of Job (and a nervous condition).  

Try this, start a slow wide circle (left is always easier), and each time you go around get just a little tighter.  Try to keep an even slow speed, but not a crawl.  Cover the brakes, but don't touch them unless you must.  Learn to trust that a lean will not fall over, unless you stop moving forward.  Round and round, tighter and tighter.  

BTW, if you own a bicycle, you can try the same thing to build confidence in a lean (thou I hate those skinny racing wheels/tires; mountain bike wheels/tires are better), except you have to keep pedaling.  Wear gear for this too.

An MSF course should probably be in your future.  No insult intended... practice on a Honda Rebel is way less intimidating than on our land yachts. (so long as you're not 6'6")

Jess can I disagree with one point?

Covering the brakes.
If you have your right hand near the front brake automatic reflex will cut in and you will grab it.

As you know if the wheel is turned to the left you will dump the bike.

I think it's best to keep fingers away from the front brake whilst doing slow speed manouvers and to only cover the rear brake.

[Serk]

Since you're getting used to dancing with the fat lady, may I make one other suggestion:

if you haven't dumped her yet, read up on how to bring a big bike back up, ride her into a soft grassy field and GENTLY lay her down, then bring her back up. Probably best to do it with a friend on hand in case you get frustrated trying the single person techniques for bringing a big bike back up...

LOT better to try this out and figure out how to make it work in a soft grassy field instead of learning how to do it the first time in a turn lane of a busy road...

[Jess from VA]

Jess can I disagree with one point?

Covering the brakes.
If you have your right hand near the front brake automatic reflex will cut in and you will grab it.


Agreed completely.  My problem (like many) is posting what I do, not what should be done.

My point, like yours, was to lay off the brakes completely in parking lot slow-maneuver training (esp the front); rear brake tapping may be necessary now and then.   

[salty1]

Your rIght Jess no front brake in slow maneuvers, you are likely to dump your bike in a slow turn.