Failed U-Turn resulted in my bike on its side :(

Hi guys

Well, I tried performing a U-turn on my SV and it ended up on its right-hand side - I thought I would practice something I learnt on my test. this happened last month but it got me thinking about it again since it is one area where I am lacking most confidence. I learnt on a 125cc machine so slow speed control and weight was no problem in my test (I have no idea what I would be like on that machine now ). But the smaller bikes seemed to have a smaller turning radius (i.e. the big bikes seem to need two steers).

A few weeks later, I went for an advanced course and explained this to my instructor. He said that was because the bike lost momentum. So my question is, is this true? (I'm not doubting my bike instructor who must be pretty clued up). But I want to execute a U-turn on my SV but lost all confidence since this happened . Will the bike stay up no matter how slow you're doing the U-turn? Whenever I do one now, I stick my legs out as if I'm on a horse or something... and push the bike around with my legs.

It seems like I'm going back to basics here, but I've been on advanced training so I would hate for these few things to defeat me haha . It seems a lot to think about (perhaps that's my distinctive male features coming into play, multitasking ) - but it is obviously through clutch control; release it to biting point and picking the revs up, then release slightly more for the bike to ease forward, but it seems like it isn't stable .. I think this is also causing me to go around mini-roandabouts and sharp corners ever so slow also.

Sorry for the essay guys.. just wanted to make everything clear

Originally Posted by kd80

...A few weeks later, I went for an advanced course and explained this to my instructor. He said that was because the bike lost momentum. So my question is, is this true? (I'm not doubting my bike instructor who must be pretty clued up)...

Sounds like your doubting him

[fizzwheel]

This is what I do

1. Keep revs up and slip the clutch.
2. Use the back brake to control your speed, going to fast, then drag on the back brake, going to slow then ease off the back brake.
3. Look where you want to go, turn your head, and lift it up, dont look at the ground right in front of the front wheel.

Same technique will help on mini roundabouts and tight hairpin corners to.

If you want to practise, go and find an empty carpark or somewhere that way if you find yourself running wide you dont have to worry about clonking the kerb and also you dont have to worry about other road users to.

If I can U turn a Ducati with the turning circle of an ocean going oil tanker around in the road, you can U turn the SV. Its just confidence and practise.

IMHO

If you've already passed your test- save your clutch and rear brake and do a 3 point turn next time

I struggled with this and indeed dropped my first big bike trying to do a U-turn. Now i can u-turn on full lock without a thought. Just practice and becoming one with your bike, it's surprising how slow they can go whilst staying upright.

Thanks all for the quick responses. Like most say, it is best to go to an empty car park and practice slow riding.

Originally Posted by The Guru

Sounds like your doubting him

haha I promise, I wasn't . He was a really good instructor. Really enjoyed learning with him.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

1. Keep revs up and slip the clutch.
2. Use the back brake to control your speed, going to fast, then drag on the back brake, going to slow then ease off the back brake.
3. Look where you want to go, turn your head, and lift it up, dont look at the ground right in front of the front wheel.

Yeah I think that will be the best solution. I think there's a few industrial parks that I can go to in the evening that will have no one around. If a car park is open, but belongs to a business (e.g. McDonalds car park) - then am I allowed to be on it?

Originally Posted by natcar

If you've already passed your test- save your clutch and rear brake and do a 3 point turn next time

Hahaha I will do for now, until I am confident I can do a U-turn in one complete turn

Originally Posted by Garstang Rider

I struggled with this and indeed dropped my first big bike trying to do a U-turn. Now i can u-turn on full lock without a thought. Just practice and becoming one with your bike, it's surprising how slow they can go whilst staying upright.

Wow - cheers man. I'm glad I'm not the only one... I have an SV650s curvy. I am not sure if any other forum members are able to advise but when you turn the handles full lock, it leaves very little room for your forearms and hands

[ophic]

usual problem with U turns is trying to do them too slow. You need to tip in then get on the throttle - gently and smoothly, but get on it.

That said, I can't U turn the SV for toffee.

[yorkie_chris]

Practice

Here's what I'd do - I'd select neutral, put the stand down and get off the bike. I'd then pick the bike off the stand and flip the stand up then proceed to push the bike round to face the direction I wanted it facing.

I can perform feet up U-turns as well as anyone, but I'm not about to risk a few hundred quids worth of damage just because some governmental a***hole who has probably never thrown a leg over a motorcycle demanded that new riders have to be able to do one on their test. Keep the U-turns for when you've got more riding experience and for now just regard them as something you had to learn to perform for your test.

Btw, I've been riding almost every day for 32 years and still push my bike round 9 times out of 10.

[yorkie_chris]

Pushing it around takes ages, easiest way IMO is 3 point paddle.