Just booked the practical - what to do now?

[mark grinyer]

I've just booked my practise for 27th november. It's at 08:20 in telford.
Is doing it that early going to be make it easier/harder. It does mean I have to go through college traffic, but I aint filtering on my test.
I have "accidently" mastered the controlled stop (emergency) through practise from racing down contry lanes.

Only problem I have is the U-turn. I try to follow the advice, look far ahead, knees in but it never seems to work. I can do it but only if I totally open the throttle half way round, which I would fail due to lack of control.

Any advice other than practise much welcome as I'll be doing plenty.

[Ed]

Mark, there's plenty of advice on here. This is a good thread on teh subject:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=94556&highlight=u-turns&page=2

I think I copied the link from page 2, Fizz did a great post on page 1.

It'll be cold first thing in the morning. Just beware icy bits. You'll have all day to celebrate:D Where is the test centre in Telford?

[fizzwheel]

Fizz did a great post on page 1.

U turns are just practise, till you nail it. This is the post Ed is refering to

http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php?p=1254036&postcount=4

[mark grinyer]

It's in hortonwood. heading north on the A442, i think it is last island before shawbirch, 3rd exit, 1st left, on your right.

I'm just hoping i haven't picked up too many bad habbits in 10,000 miles, because i may not be able to afford any lessons. Wheres that uncle when you need him

[simesb]

+1 on keeping the revs up - you shouldn't fail on lack of control for that.

My school told me there's nothing in the test for mechanical sympathy - the only way I could do a u-turn then was to keep the revs well up and slip the clutch a lot.

[mark grinyer]

I only seem to loose it and plant my foot when the bike hits full lock, even when i do it gently

[simesb]

Some people find it easier going straight into the turn, I always found it easier to ride straight for a couple of metres before turning - but remember you need an extra lifesaver before the turn if you do. Otherwise, Fizz's advice is good, but I would add that you don't need any throttle control for the turn, it's all in the clutch. Wind the revs on, and just slip it round.

Just think, it's the only time you ever need to do a u-turn without putting a foot down. After you pass, who cares?

[Ed]

I used to keep putting my foot down. It was because I let the revs drop and there was insufficient power to drive the bike through te turn. You must get used to the engine revving - yes it sounds loud but don't worry about that - and also you don't want to have to keep looking down at the tacho to see how fast the engine is turning as if you do you'll come to grief. Get used to the sound of the engine and don't let the loudness put you off.

[evonic]

I nailed this with advice from my instructor not to start too close to the curb. Come out about 1-1.5 metres then turn into the nearest curb before fully locking the bars to the opposite kerb. Does that make sense?! The extra space it gives you in your turn can make all the difference.

[cuffy]

Loadsa rev's, ride it on the clutch and shift your ar$e off the seat to enable you to counter balance it better at low speeds, well it worked for me anyway :D

[Vespillo]

I had trouble with my U-truns and most other people I know who ride did, so you are not alone!

My advice would be, quite a lot of revs, get the bike go forward using the clutch (slipping it) for a few feet, and then twist your neck (almost like an owl!) to where you want to go (but dont look at the kerb!, look head high, as the bike has a habbit of going where you look) and control the speed with the rear brake (dont even think about the front brake!) if you feel the bike falling inwards, ease the clutch out a bit / ease off rear brake a little and it will be fine)

[harvy]

Personally i found leaving out of the turn a little helps... and keeping the revs up (or as i found blipping it) and slipping the clutch...