DAS Test Question

My other half has her test tomorrow aand has been having problems with the u turn on the 500 - putting her foot down.

Aside from back brake, looking where you are going. Are there any tips, or things she could try?

thanks all

tom

Keep the revs up and slip the clutch. The engine spinning has a gyroscopic effect which helps stabilise the bike.

Personally, I find it easier to full lock the bars and then only have to focus on the throttle and braking (and not steering as well). I would advise against trying this if she will not have time to do a few practices of it prior to the test if she hasn't been doing it this way already.

Yes. It's not just a question of getting the bike mechanics right - slipping clutch, maintain revs at around 3K - 3.5K throughout the turn, covering back brake etc, and also all the observations and signals. You also need a positive mindset. If you think you're going to put your foot down, you will. If you think you're going to hit the kerb, you will. You need to be relaxed, comfortable and confident on the bike first, and then it will flow. So for example, unless you're relaxed, you won't have bent arms, and you won't be able to turn the bars properly. You'll also be prone to stabbing the back brake. You need to think 'I can do this, I will do this, I've done it before and I know what I need to do' not 'oh **** I hate these, I'm going to c*ck it up'

Trust me, I know, I failed two tests on U turns...

[Mr Speirs]

One thing that helped me alot was to drive straight for a little bit (maybe 5-10m) it let settle the bike and set clutch revs and brake before thinking about the turn.

There a few other things but the one that helped me most this.

i like to slide my bum over on the seat to counter balance the bike. helps me and makes me feel more in control as im moving around in the seat with no problems!!

Faster! The faster I go the easier it is, dragging back brake with slipping clutch and high revs. If you go slowly you wobble, its all about confidence.

I agree with Warthog - much easier done a bit quicker. Too slow and there will be wobbles

Also,

1. Try to get most of the turn out of the way before halfway round
2. Try not to target-fix on the kerb.

If she does give a quick dab of the toe on tarmac then ask if that will be a fail. If so then be cheeky and ask for another go! Can't hurt and I did hear of this working once

I found revving the nuts off it helped. You get nothing for mechanical sympathy in the test.

Look up at where you want to go, and grip the tank firmly with the knees. (and the other good advice above).

Before my test my instructor took me to the narrowest road imaginable and had me do turns there. When it came to my test I knew I could turn in about 1/2 the road - it's all in the head.

Don't look where you are going, look where you WANT to be going.

and +1 about all the comments about being positive.