How to U-turn a motorcycle and make it easy, uturn
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- This detailed tutorial on how to ride tight u turns on any motorcycle is taught by a 24 year veteran of the motorcycle training industry. A veteran in instructor for Police, Military and civilians, domestic and international. Sit back and listen to details and explanations that will truly help you master Uturns on your Harley Davidson, BMW, Honda or any other large motorcycle whether it's a cruiser, touring bike, sportbike or Adventure bike.
This is the best "how to" video on TH-cam for you turns.
Bret Tkacs is also the author of Washington States newest rider curriculum series for new and experience riders.
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I’ve been riding for 30 years and this is something I need to practice. Anyone can hop on the freeway and pin the throttle, but this is what indicates true skill on a bike.
Honestly I don’t think it’s about skill as much As it is and having confidence in yourself. I think people get scared and that’s what makes them fail.
@@gress12000 sure mate)
@@gress12000 id still consider it a skill that needs to be practiced, yes fear kinda holds u back, but even if someone isn’t scared of falling at all, they probably won’t hit a perfect tight u turn first try… but I mean I’m not disagreeing, once u have good clutch control really the only hard part is “not being scared to lose balance” to an extent, so confidence would help
it's the falling off and damaging my bike is the fear factor for me lol
Someone once told me the worst riders he's seen have 30k miles under their belt, but they were all highway miles. He said "You haven't done 30,000 miles, you've done the same mile 30,000 times."
Almost 70 female rider here. I think you can get at least “something” out of all these vids by various ppl. Haven’t been riding street bikes in 17 yrs and getting my confidence back. Riding a 2014 Heritage and each vid gives me something to practice. Grateful for them all.
I think I just got a new idol... Have fun dear
4:24 was a jaw dropping demonstration for me. The turn radius difference when the bike is leaning.
Easily the most instructive and erudite moto guru in the United States! Bret, this was brilliant.
John is definitely a GS rider.
Agreed, I love this guy.
@@sunnyvalejedi 🤣
Indeed ♡
I just subscribed to his channel, because of this comment
I have been finding u-turn videos for my son to watch before his class. This is the best one.
Been watching U-Turn videos for a week, this is by far the best.
Glad you enjoy it!
"Think about rolling the bike freely beneath you, let the bike do the uturns"
Seriously great. This is inline with advice from every other good instructor, relax and don't be stiff. I've had big problems with this, still do.
I never thought Coelho would be a bike instructor. "relax, want, and it comes by itself"...
I think this is his experience as an off road oriented rider.
Most street and sport riders think of themselves and the bike as one, until they need to drag a knee...
Off road riders understand that their bike is more like a horse, it has it's own needs and desires and needs to move around under you to achieve what you want. I think most off roaders are just more comfortable and confident giving their bike more freedom and flexibility under them and not trying to control it so much. Also, arguably off road riders have a much bigger focus on shifting body weight and using their center of gravity to get the bike where they need it.
That's just my guess as to why he has this mentality.
I've seen a nearly identical lesson taught by a street rider and they use different language and consider it controlling the bike and forcing it to do what you want. A very different way of looking at it, and personally I like Brett's thought process better. Our bikes keep us alive, and they require a soft tough. If you try to force a motorcycle to do anything, you get bucked.... hard.
One hell of a choice he made to teach us the u turns on....hats off man!!!
A good choice - I have that same bike.
This is the most informative video I've ever watched on u turns. Simple, straight forward and well thought out. Would help anybody, beginner to advanced. Thanks for sharing!
The Dip & Go!!. I'm a new rider, but have probably put in 500 practice U-turns in parking lots over the course of my 6-week biking career. Was getting a little frustrated with the slow progress and inconsistent turn radii. But the Dip & Go changed that. I can now do my left-hand U-turns within 18 feet and with confidence. And am getting there with the right-handers. I've watched just about every You Tube video on U-turns and its your Dip & Go that made the final difference. Nicely done. Invaluable to me. Thanks!
Just passed the MSF Course to get my endorsement and this was by far the trickiest thing for me to do. Great explanation in this video and I saved it to review frequently. Keeping my chin facing where I needed to go was the biggest thing that helped me. It’s nerve-racking as a brand new rider but I understand how essential it is now.
Doing this often causes one to look at your path of travel. As Tkacs says “vision is #1”. Repetitions make it automatic.
What an amazingly well done informative lesson. Brilliant. Probably the best lesson I've seen. Thank you so much!
That clutch tip at the end changed my world.
When I was a beginner I happened to discover that by instinct. I use only two fingers for both clutch and F Brakes. Feels more control over bike, as if having four hands functioning independently.
Pro tip: Allow your subconscious instinct to work. While turn all that shown in video can be done very easily if you just use your eyes and let the brain do it’s job by leaning, turning, revving etc. It’s like automation. Everything will align perfectly without your conscious interference.
Watch what the 4 fingers of his left hand do when he takes off right after that clutch tip 😜
@@HaJoSchatz Hole shots don't apply :)
I had always kept the slack on the clutch lever and throttle according to specs. 1/8 " +/-. but thought it to be sloppy. But now I will tighten them so that power and clutch release happens in the first 1-2 millimeters.
Beginners' choice as just was mine. Only rear brake left and used for slow turns.
Great explanation about counter weighting. Keeping your body perpendicular to the ground (and no further), while pushing the motor down will give you the tightest turns and will facilitate side to side transitions when you need it. I have seen guys do an extreme but off the seat counterweight and coming out of the u-turn have to make an immediate transition the other direction and can’t do it because they are all loaded up on one side. They end up stopping and dropping the motor. Also, even though it’s not prime material on you tube, practicing 90 degree pull throughs and 90 degree turns from a stop using six foot wide cone lanes will help most people improve more than any other single exercise.
That's on the list of future videos
I see Bret's video - I like) BTW, another little tip for quickly understanding counterbalancing: make some slow weaves and pay attention for what are you doing with upper body. Most people are unconsciously counterbalance quite well when making slow weave.
I went out and practiced these techniques today. Huge improvements in my riding skill in just one ride. Thank you.
Here in The Netherlands, we learn the 'drag your rear brake' technique for slow maneuvers. I like that, because your clutch is fully deployed, your throttle locked in one position and you'll only have to control your speed with your right foot. I could do maneuvers with the bike on the clutch, even before I took motorcycle lessons, but the instructor convinced me to learn the rear brake technique. I think the advantage for new riders is that when it doesn't go well, they'll just have to release the brake and apply some throttle to move on. It may be difficult for some people to fiddle with the clutch and with the brake it's much easier. I have had multiple bikes (from smalll to extra large) and it never failed me.
it works for me on left turns but for right turns it makes me a little anxious knowing i can't quickly put my foot down
Yeah, learned that in The Netherlands as well, only with the coupled and boosted brakes of my R1150RT it isn't that great of an idea, LOL! When doing U-turns, I look to where I wanna go. Works like a charm.
@@lex1945 That's right. It's something BMW fixed in later editions of the combined braking system. It worked on my 1200GSA and now on my K1600 as well.
I got my bike licence in Thailand with a 1 minute practical test, since then I have learned a lot, but like my first hill start I have had to learn from vids like this. So now I will perfect my U-turns..thanks. I have been riding for 16 years, in Asia and Europe, so a wealth of experience. Smile all the time, Thailand LOS ("land of smiles")
As a new motorcycle rider with a cb500x as my first bike, being only 5 foot 5, I absolutely love your channel. You are doing great things. Hope to keep the content up and making new! Your videos really give me good insight and have helped me get on the road!
how did you find it? thinking of getting one, also a bit on the short side myself (29 inch inseam).
Really like its looks :).
well I learned more in 10 minutes than I thought possible.
Bret should make instructional program that should be mandatory when learnings how to ride
I'm pretty sure that is what he does
He does
I thought you were being ironic lol he created the best beginning motorcycle skills course in Washington state. Puget Sound Safety
Yes. But sometimes the only thing 2 instructors can agree on is what the third guy is doing wrong.
The only video a beginner (like me) needs to do good U turns. Bret, you've got one more fan. And now you've got me turning my bike on the real road,, not just in a parking lot. Thank you!
Out of all tutorials on YT, it was this man from whom i learnt u turn when i started riding. Now i know how to do u turns but i m still watching this clip just cause of how well he teaches and his excellent presentation.
Guy is handling the bike like a BOSS
1:30 Vision
2:21 Counter-balancing
4:00 Demo
4:24 Leaning the bike
5:24 Clutch
6:42 Dip and Go
7:16 Review
8:56 Bonus Pro tips
Yes i can do the U turn but the way you do it is too smooth and above my level! Thanks for making the video
I’ve watched many videos on counter balancing, and this is the most concise, and easy to understand. Thank you for putting this out!
Oh my heck...I've watched Brets videos for a few years off and on, and at 6:55 is the FIRST time I've seen him with out his hat!! Seriously though, thank you Bret for all your hard work and dedication to putting out these instructional videos! 👍
This was the thing I had the hardest time with during my MSF course. The thing my instructors didn’t tell me to do was lock the handlebars, everything else was spot on. I think I was a bit afraid to drop a harley and I thought locking the handlebars would do that 😂
The best explanation ive ever seen ! In Singapore there’s so many u turns. Thank u!
This is the best tutorial that i have ever seen on riding and maneuvering a motorcycle. Thanks
Almost 70 female rider here. I think you can get at least “something” out of all these vids by various ppl. Haven’t been riding street bikes in 17 yrs and getting my confidence back. Riding a 2014 Heritage and each vid gives me something to practice. Grateful for them all.
I passed my MSF yesterday. Took a few times with the practice portion to get U-turns but I had it well enough for the test. It's not that it's hard, it's just the balance of power, and your body position that made a big difference for me.
Seeing this, reminds me of my instructor, I had a good one. Every spring I practice these. Drive safe 🙏
You just earned another subscriber! Really liked that demonstration of turning radius. Makes things so much more clear about the effect of leaning the bike. After practicing on my R3 today my turns have improved a bunch. Next I’ll try it with the cruiser.
It's really unbelievable how well you have your bike under control. I still need a lot of practice to get even close to your level.
7:13 That kickstand kick into the graceful hop off was pretty smooth. Really does have great control over it
This is the best explanation I've seen on the topic. Great job. Now, if I could only do it, lol.
take it slow and have patience... your body will get used to the motions of balancing the bike. 30min a few times a week and you'll 'feel' your bike in a few weeks. be patient. :}
these were great instructions (except looking all the way to the back, that is difficult to execute as a beginner. turning your head 90degrees is more natural imo).
i started by setting my idle higher so that i could do the turns without working the throttle and clutch, just the rear brake.. it helps w/ concentrating on your body position, a lot.
ps: slipping the clutch generates heat, so keep in mind that you want to let it cool down after 10-15min of heavy usage.
@@duroxkilo I’ll have to try that. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hello and thanks for your very informative U turn instruction. In particular, the “turn and go” technique worked really well for me. The other key point of “inside arm straight, outside arm bent” puts me in the correct position, helps to look back, and helped me greatly. Great video all around!
4:55 perfect demo of the importance of lean... even as coaches, always be learning... thanks Bret.
Stay well,
Steve.
I'm in training to get my bike licence and made it to public road. It's daunting. I've been making either wide U-turns from rest or stalled halfway entering the correct lane. Previously in fig of 8 circuit practice, I keep getting immediate failure because I'm too slow. I feel kinda demoralised when it comes to my turning skills, especially when I'm not allow to put my right foot down.
I've watched other videos and I sort of get it,
- Look where you wanna go
- Don't look down
- Turn handlebar fully
- Throttle/clutch control
This video knocked more sense into me, the way he shows how his arms straighten and bend to the direction of the turn, and about the last part of using 2 fingers for the clutch. And the part where he compared the ending points between turning with bike upright vs slight bend. I appreciate the angles and video work of this. I really really do.
I will refer to this video again and again and keep practicing till I finally get that licence. I love how I've gained further clarity from this.
Great instructional video; moved right along and showed all the various aspects of handling the bike in a u-turn. Now all I need is the courage to try it. When I was younger it was not a problem; I didn't really worry about dropping the bike either out of worry for myself or for the bike. Now, I have a much more expensive and heavier bike, plus my strength and balance are not near what they used to be.
Wow, what a pro level of riding. Just yesterday did my very first ride on my first moto and all these low speed manuevers are so difficult to me. Here the instructor does it so easy and smooth, i'm really amazed. Practice, practice, practice.
It's about trust... If you trust the physics and yourself then it's easy. Bike weight and rider weight because almost a non consideration
@@BretTkacs Thanks a lot, very important thought - trust
That dismount at 7:12 got me swoonin'
Sounds like a future poser skill video
I watched that bit 3 times and I couldn’t see when put the side stand on... sorcery I tell you
That is exactly when I stopped the video and started looking at the comments. "did anybody else just see that?" xD
@@DeenHameed Literally me. Had to replay 3x. Cleanest dismount I've ever seen 🥇
Excellent Thank You It Bulds Confidence Great New Year
By far the nicest thing/ gift you've given a new rider.
Thanks man!!
This is such a great explanation of how to do this. Bret is not only a brilliant rider but also a brilliant teacher. Roadcraft Nottingham does an older video that is excellent too
Ppp
Hi from England, great tutorial thankyou, I have ridden 50 years and never been great at u turns, any fool can go fast in a straight line but mastering u turns and tight corners is essential to good bike handling. I need to practice , thanks again
brilliant dismount, replayed it many times, I’ll try to practice that
I think there are orobably enough appreciative comments below...but...even though I started riding in the sixties watching this wasn't wasted. Awesome, thanks 👍
Prefect. It’s been a few years since I mastered this. Think it’s time I gave myself a refresher course. This video gave me some new tricks to try 👌🏻 thank you 🙏🏻
I started riding 4 months ago and only now stumbled upon tutorials. Lets say that the more you ride the bike the more you feel what is better. There is so much unnecessary detail for a beginner in this video. Most important thing in a u turn is speed control, clutch control and counter balance. that's it. Make sure you can roll your bike underneath you at slow speed, master the biting point of your clutch and rest comes natural.
Thank you so much for this. This is one of my biggest struggles as a new rider. I haven't been able to do a full lock u turn with my big R1200GS. It always feels as if it's about to tip over. I think counterbalancing will help this. Thanks Bret!
It’s my understanding that the slow turns under 10pm is all handlebars. No counter lean at all. We counter on the road at higher speeds. Slow speeds we lean into the turn with bars.
@@spraypaintgirl9418 you should watch the video, and pay attention to it.
I'm somewhat embarrassed that I have been riding for over 50 years and just learned more in 10 minutes than .....Well you get the idea. Since I bought my K1600 in 2013 I go into every U-turn with a bit of anxiety about having to pick up 750 lbs (don't ask me why please). Right now I'm heading to the closest open parking lot to practice what this video describes confident that I'll be good to go before this afternoon is over. Thank you Bret.
I was wondering where you were... Glad I've found you again. You are the best so we will follow you, always!
Excellent info, I have been riding for 30 years have taken beginner lessons and Advanced courses now that I am retired now I am riding a lot all things learned will save your life. Thanks
Thank heavens, Bret is here! When you, sir, left MotoTrek, I thought I've lost your wisdom for good. But lo and behold - you've had your own channel for years. Well, you've got another subscriber now, keep up the good work!
You can tell this guy is on a different level on motorcycle knowledge. I had to subscribe.
aaahhhh the way he handles that beast of a bike while walking 😨👍
TH-cam recommended this to me! I am a beginner still (3 years). Gonna practice that! So useful to be able to have such a small turning circle! Just have to "translate" the clutch stuff into electric. It's perfect control of the throttle.
thanks this was helpful Indeed 😌
Thank you Brett. With these great Videos you’re actually saving lives. I wish these videos were available fifty years ago, it would have saved a lot of time, pain and busted bikes.
Wow, this is some real life knowledge ! Thanks Bret
ive riding for 6 years.....not long. so much info here its blowing mind. never stop learning
Excellent lesson! Perfectly explained and shown!
Still the BEST video explaining tight u-turns. Brilliant!
Wish someone told me to use the clutch and not the front brake when making a u turn! Slams the bike directly on the ground! Lol. That happened years ago, but I still remember the embarrassing moment.
probably the best U-turn tutorial on the internet! certainly the best i've seen. the tip about body position is what helped me the most. forward over the bars and with counter lean. the improvement in my riding from this one simple tip has been immense. Thanks!
For me dip and go is easier to do. Its like turning around a small round about.
Ditto
Feels more "planted" for me.
I've always been doing this since bicycles without knowing the actual name for the technique.
it feels proper, especially on heavier bikes..
Used to do some of the widest turns until I learned some of these techniques. Thanks for posting this video & information.
Rare footage of Bret without a cap: 6:54
*I'm surprised no one has put training wheels on a motorcycle for U-turn practice. Something that lets one turn and lean without falling so that they can figure out how much clutch and how to get their weight right to do this maneuver. This would make it "easy."* Most people won't do U-turns because of embarrassment of either getting it wrong or dropping the bike.
Great video, there's always more to learn.
I've been riding for 65 years and have always gotten this wrong. Tried letting the bike roll under me yesterday and the difference was beyond amazing. Thank you so much!
I learnt this long ago but I couldn't ever use it cause of traffic and road conditions in India'.😂
need a louder horn!
Train ka horn lagana sahi hai!😂🤣
I'm about comment about Indian road🤣
pehle corrupt neta ko vote fo 100rs ki bhik le ke. fir pura desh ko international platform me bezti maaro, ye tik ni wo tik ni kr ke. bancho 😗. kabi bengaluru pe visit kiya bi hai? aaja idr, dikata hu tere liye kadak road
@@harys6382 bro I know the condition of Bangalore roads. I've studied in Bangalore for 2 years. The traffic is extreme.
Hey man it’s been 6 years since I’ve ridden and I appreciate this refresher!
one of the things i found the most frustrating about the msf/BRC1 course was almost no instruction was given about how to do U turns other than verbal, and watching the instructor do it. ...i liken it to the step one draw a circle, step two draw an owl meme.... The tip about the extension of the inside arm, and bend of the outside arm, to guide body position was really helpful. I think also the idea of small adjustments to the clutch is often lost on new riders.
You could count on one hand, how many riders have mastered those skills. I'm not one of them. I've just stepped into an adventure tourer { 1200 gt pro }. My first large bike of this time. 40 plus years of riding, has taught me, that i still have a lot more to learn.
Aaaand I'm off to go adjust my cable operated clutch and throttle.....
hi in case you're new to this, consult your bike's manual for the REQUIRED free play on both controls.. most times it's 2-3mm..
i believe mr Bret was referring to EXCESSIVE play; you don't want to take out all the free play.
ps: if your bike has a idle setting, you can temporarily set it higher so that it doesn't stall if you give it no gas on a flat surface.
with he higher idle, you can practice your body position doing turns without modulating the throttle and clutch, just the rear brake... after you get more comfortable balancing the bike, you can start working on the controls.. be safe, have fun
@@duroxkilo an excellent point and distinction to make. My controls are already set to 2-3mm freeplay and I prefer idle a touch higher than spec just to smooth things out.
Sounds like I just need to get out there and practice! So instead, off to a vacant parking lot for slow speed maneuver practice!
Such a helpful video - especially the idea of keeping the inside arm straight. I was doing just the opposite and scooting my lower body away and "counterbalancing my counterbalance." Great teaching. Thank you for posting.
7:00 Bret, where's your hat? ATGATT :D
I was thinking the same thing. This must be a first. :-)
Amazing video! I was amazed on how you handle the weigth the that bike, you make it look ligther than it is.
Sir, some times why front brake is danger in offroad situation... Guide us with full braking technics...
because if you lock front wheel, it's gonna slide from underneath you and you'll end up kissing the dirt
I use my front brake offroad all the time. It’s just a matter of practice, control, and reading the surfaces correctly. If I’m really unsure of my surface conditions (like wet clay) then err on the side of caution and limit front brake application.
i am so grateful for your informative videp. My husband just passed away and i was wondering if i should stop riding and sell my bike. . Your detailed techniques have help me gain confidence and I have been riding..Its not as fun alone, but i cant imagine not riding. you have helped me a lot..thanks.
Damn, where was this vid when I took my test in June LOL
Great video, I’m an old man but I was taught to feather the clutch ride the rear brake and give it alittle gas look where you want to go, don’t know if that’s right but it works for me on my 900 lb Honda Valkyrie
I am a master of u turns on a motorcycle when I pull up on a police checkpoint my back tyre is smoking as i get away.
Can’t wait to get my bike 🏍 and clean up my rusty skills 👍 great work mate 🧹
Thanks. Very good explanations and demos. Now to go do it ....
Do this on a sportsbike and I am truly impressed. Those GS are easy to maneuver.
your control on bike movement, when you are on feet is incredible !!
This is the best video l'v seen on how to U-turn a motorcycle and make it easy. Thank you very much for that :) Now, its practice time.
Thank you for your great tutorial. It's enormously informative and easy to comprehend. I also like your way of speaking: like a good teacher should do it, very understandable. Thank you again. Greetings from the Netherlands!🇳🇱🇳🇱
i didn’t realize that i had been practicing this since i was 5 years old when i started riding a bike. it's natural movement ..
5:20 blew my mind. Thank you for the video!
The turning radius demo at the 5-minute mark was excellent. I think I will grab my tape measure and head for a parking lot to test that out...
This is the best riding teaching technique channel i have seen👍👍👍
Thank you.. this has been the most straightforward explanation and directives on making a u-turn... I am transitioning from a CBR300R to a CB 500X... Frankly other instructionals have been confusing..
Thank you for the tips! I'll start praticing as soon as I get to ride again
Very helpful info. I've been riding for 35 years and haven't done a u-turn that tight. I'm going to practice in parking lot.
2 minutes into the video and I’m already feeling overwhelmed.
I have been riding bike for 1500 years this is something new🐱🐱