Low Speed Turns...

[StangRider]

Hey guys...

I'm a new rider and the R6 is my first bike...I completed the MSF Course and all because I know it helps loads...And it did...

I've been riding the bike around my neighborhood and let me tell you...It's really fun and exciting...I know to take baby steps and take my time to learn...I will be riding at my own pace and will be practicing a lot...

I have a 2003 Flame Edition R6 and here is my dilemna...

From a stop...I am having trouble making a left or right turn due to the slow speeds...I tend to lose my balance going a little slow and will need to put my foot down and try again...

I am also having some difficulties with U-Turns...I think it might have to do with my throttle control because I'm either going too slow and need to put my foot down...Or too fast and the bike will tend to go in a straight line over turning...

I will be working on my low speed maneuvering to correct the situation...

I hope you guys get what I'm trying to explain...If not...Ask and I'll try to explain it again...

Any tips? Thanks

-Dan

[JayB]

Probably the best thing that I can tell you to help out in this situation is...LOOK TO WHERE YOU ARE WANTING TO GO. This has been said numerous times here, and I'm sure that the guys at your MSF Course said the same thing. Humans go where we look, it is that simple. This will help you out tremendously in the U-turns.

As for the low speed turns, like from a stop sign or whatever, get the bike moving forward in a straight line then make the turn. It will happen quickly, but that is the best way I have found to do this. I can safely make a right turn this way with plenty of margin to move if necessary due to potholes, etc.

I hope this helps, and I'm sure you'll get more advice as my way may not be the best way for everyone.

Be safe, and congrats on the new bike! ENJOY!!!

[schmidtys311]

I'll second JayB. I was in the same position as you in Oct and I found out that getting the bike moving first then turning helped immensely Same thing with U-turns. Although i still have a little trouble doing tight turns in the parking garage when I'm pulling the bike out from in front of the Jeep. Working on it though. Congrats on the bike you'll find that she loves the speed.

[FarrOut]

Find a parking lot and circle some mini-vans

[kriton12]

I actually just read something by Lee Parks about low speed turning last week. He says low speed turning is essentially the exact opposite of high speed turning in terms of how you do it. In high speed turning you use countersteering and position your body to the inside to get the motorcycle to turn. However, at low speed you want to position your body opposite to the way you do a higher speed turn.

So for that U-turn you'll want to position your body to the outside of the turn and use it as a counter-balance for the bike. You want to allow the bars to turn into the turn and not fight them; again use your body position (on the outside edge of the seat) to counter-balance the bike. It will feel awkward at first but with practice you'll get the feel. If you do start to fall over, apply a little bit of throttle and that will help to stabilize the bike. As stated above, head position and looking where you want to go also plays a big part. I've seen pictures of Lee Parks using this method to turn a full-dress touring bike (think goldwing) in a U-turn. I'd suggest picking up his book, Total Control sportbike techniques, it covers a lot of good stuff and has lots of good photographs.

When I get home I can double check all the stuff I just wrote from his book, i'm going from memory just now. Oh, and low speed turning is anything from a stand-still up to like 15mph.

[RSeven]

I know its already been mentioned many times but it really is the best advice. Look to where you WANT the bike to go and NOT where its going. I think that is the single most helpful tip when it comes to making low speed turns. And just keep practicing in a parking lot. You will get the hang of it in no time.

[CzarKat]

I find that it helps to drag the rear brake a little when doing U-turns.

I can make full-lock LEFT U-turns turns, but right turns are a little more difficult for me.

Like others have said, just practice! I use to go to the school parking lot and just practice doing circles and figure eights. The first time I would use like half the parking lot for a figure eight, after a few weeks / months, you'll have it down in two parking spaces.

Just be sure to get the tires a bit warm before you start. I have dropped my bike practicing. Just a warning!

[drtymex]

I actually just read something by Lee Parks about low speed turning last week. He says low speed turning is essentially the exact opposite of high speed turning in terms of how you do it. In high speed turning you use countersteering and position your body to the inside to get the motorcycle to turn. However, at low speed you want to position your body opposite to the way you do a higher speed turn.

So for that U-turn you'll want to position your body to the outside of the turn and use it as a counter-balance for the bike. You want to allow the bars to turn into the turn and not fight them; again use your body position (on the outside edge of the seat) to counter-balance the bike. It will feel awkward at first but with practice you'll get the feel. If you do start to fall over, apply a little bit of throttle and that will help to stabilize the bike. As stated above, head position and looking where you want to go also plays a big part. I've seen pictures of Lee Parks using this method to turn a full-dress touring bike (think goldwing) in a U-turn. I'd suggest picking up his book, Total Control sportbike techniques, it covers a lot of good stuff and has lots of good photographs.

When I get home I can double check all the stuff I just wrote from his book, i'm going from memory just now. Oh, and low speed turning is anything from a stand-still up to like 15mph.

Love that book, and exactly the way to position your body for slow speed u-turns.

[thwwx]

For moving off into slow speed turn, sticking out the inside foot motocross style can help. For U turns, this may not work as there is not enough ground clearance for the inside foot. I practice sticking out the outside leg a little for counterbalance. It sounds a little weird, but it works

[Shrewd]

Hey fool, I dun called you today after school. Maybe tomorrow. Holla at yer boy.