Author Topic: U-turn (Read 1100 times)

xt125r · « **on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:14:43 PM »

I have been going crazy over the U-Turn exam thing that i did a search on the web and everybody hate it...

This is from an instructor discussing this on the school's website

"We have yet to meet an examiner or any representative of the Driving Standards Agency who has been adequately able to explain what the purpose of the U-turn is. Hundreds of people across the country fail their test every year doing the U-turn, and yet to our almost certain knowledge no one has been killed or injured by their inability to turn their motorcycle round in the road without putting their foot down. On the other hand there are thousands of people who have spent the better part of their training doing U-turns to pass their test when they could have been doing more useful things like riding round corners without falling off. If anybody can think of a good reason for the U-turn we would be thrilled to hear from you."

You guys that are more experienced would like to explain to me

WHY CANT WE DO A U TURN WITH OUR FOOT DOWN?

Anyway i will practise on the XT everyday slow manoeuvres but its a light bike.....

As well i found this video amazing riding

http://www.superbike.co.uk/video/bikeslalom_news_73101.html

Evel KEVevel · « **Reply #1 on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:18:43 PM »

The ability to do it goes out the window with most sports bikes....

The need to do it.....? Nae idea.

xt125r · « **Reply #2 on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:20:12 PM »

Quote (Evel KEVevel @ July 21 2006,18:18)

The ability to do it goes out the window with most sports bikes....

Great ... Thats really helping ':p'

john · « **Reply #3 on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:33:43 PM »

Tis easy, just takes practice, really it does:)

find yourself a deserted car park and ride in large circles, when you can do that happily start doing slightly smaller ones, then smaller still, etc, til you find yourself doing the smallest circle your bike can manage. Use a few markers (a few cans or somesuch) to mark out the circle your trying to ride and just move them in a bit as you get it sussed. Sounds silly but it does work honest !

May take a few sessions but if your patient and don't try to rush into it you'll get it cracked, just take it one step at a time

'>

oh and I believe I'm right in saying use your back brake to control your speed, not your front, and practice slipping the clutch to control your forward motion rather than just letting it out and trying to control your speed with the throttle. I think thats the idea (works for me) maybe someone else can confirm or deny it ?

Alba · « **Reply #4 on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:43:15 PM »

its my black beast as well (ask OMD!

'> together with the fact that i dont perform well under pressure, i.e. the though of throwing 300 quids off the window if i fail...
but i must admit, to make a U-turn well means that you can control your machine, and thats what is all about. i hate it with a passion, but does make sense, even though they're illegal on the road...

'>

trouty · « **Reply #5 on:** 21, July, 2006, 06:47:08 PM »

alba's goddit! its to show you have complete control over the vehicle at slow speed

'>

Wildcat · « **Reply #6 on:** 21, July, 2006, 07:19:26 PM »

Didn't have to do it when I took my test, I've heard a lot of people worrying about it lately so I've been thinking about it a bit more as I do U-turns.

It seems to be more difficult the harder you think about it. My XT600 turns in a tiny street no trouble, the Blade's a bit trickier. I take it they give you a reasonably wide street to do it in.

Many years ago I was helping an old friend prepare for his part 1 test, we set up a few cans in the carpark to practice figure of 8's and things, and borrowed a dodgy 125. He set off, but left the sidestand down, then realised his mistake and tried to flip it up with his foot whilst negotiating a fig of 8, he wobbled and the stand hit the ground making him wobble back over to the right, he tried to put his right foot down but the kickstart lever had gone up his trouser leg so he couldn't move his leg. He fell off, and refused to get back on - it took him another 2 years to take his test. It was one of the funniest things I'd seen in ages, and he got really pissed off with me for laughing.

'>

ianxv1600 · « **Reply #7 on:** 21, July, 2006, 11:30:33 PM »

You should try doing it on my Wildstar ':p'

Betty Butterworth · « **Reply #8 on:** 22, July, 2006, 06:17:46 AM »

do not fear the u turn

many have written of it but how many actually use it on a regular basis

think of it in the same manner as parallell parking when driving a car

the test requires 1 smooth movement into a space

but how many of us ever actually do it

as well as driving with both hands on the wheel

you only have to do it properly once

you need to use a lot of rpm and slip the clutch while applying some rear brake to maintain your balance and speed control

use second gear instead of first

you will likely need quite high revs do not worry the tester is looking for smooth and consistent

practice it in various places and it will become second nature

if you are familiar with the ace cafe instead of turning right to go to the ace take a left and go into the small industrial area past the cafe

here you will find roads that are quiet and which gradually get narrower

do not fear the u turn

it is merely a test of control

you can do it if you set your mind to it and do not fear it

do not fear it

Triggerhappybaby · « **Reply #9 on:** 22, July, 2006, 09:59:41 AM »

I did it with the side-stand down on my test ':blush'

: instructor said he wouldn't fail me on the basis that I wouldn't get any other bike started, let alone make any manoeuvre,and therefore it would be idiot-proof. Lucky really...

TallGuy · « **Reply #10 on:** 22, July, 2006, 10:28:14 AM »

Yep the U-Turn is all about bike control and looking where you want to go. It shows balance, steering, throttle, clutch and rear brake combination, observation and so much more all in one go. For an added twist my instructor made me do mine on a very badly cambered road too. By the end of it I could almost turn in 3/4 of the road width but for the test it should be kerb to kerb in the shortest possible distance. Training bikes are chosen for their ability to do the U-turn so that helps. With forearms as long as mine though U-turning a Pan is not easy at all.

xt125r · « **Reply #11 on:** 22, July, 2006, 11:03:33 AM »

OK I can undestand the whole control thing but i cant really practise can I? I can practise with the little XT but its a small , easy bike to do U's.

If i want to practise with a 500cc then it can only be during the course but if i wanted to practise during my own time i cant.

Exampe is with a car you can practise driving a car doing parallel parking with a passenger next to you that has a full license (Australia)...

So if i go down the hire shop and ask for a 500cc to practise they will ask for license

'>

I think the whole thing is a money scum.... You pay 400 pounds for the course for God sake??

I will be able to pass it i think but its a chance i need to take of course.

Sorry a bit of a bad mood this morning ':rock:'

Aceman · « **Reply #12 on:** 22, July, 2006, 12:23:16 PM »

xt125R - I can understand how you feel, and think that I would be in the same, infuriating mood, if I was in your shoes. When I passed my test, it was 26 years ago, before the CBT and the 2-stage licence. I did my test on a DT125LC, and can't remember being asked to do a U-turn.

Last year, I did a slow riding course with my advanced training group. One of the things we were asked to do was a full circle on full steering lock. I couldn't get the steering to hit full lock for more than a fraction of a second. I questioned whether it was my lack of skill or if my bike was particularly difficult and got an almost arrogant response saying something like it can be done on any bike. So to avoid confrontation I said that I'm worried about dropping it, and just can't seem to get this, can you show how on my bike, knowing that if he could do it, I should be able to. The guy immedaitely got on my bike, tried it for half a minute, unsucsessfully, then put the bike on its stand and walked off with no comment or eye contact with any of us in my group. The other insturctor in my group, a nice guy called Tony, didn't seem too impressed either. But the main bloke, never gave any recognition of it being difficult on my bike, or any further comment whatsoever. The bike was a 2004 R1.

There is a danger of putting your foot down. Do it on a slippery surface, and you can slip out bring the bike on top of you, so make that a last option.

I'd recommend you take John's advice in the big car parks. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, at least half of most skills that have a consequence, like getting hurt/embarrassed, are down to confidence.

Weaver · « **Reply #13 on:** 22, July, 2006, 04:23:38 PM »

I had to do it in my DAS last year - well twice cos I failed the first one but not on my U-turn.

Apparently I was the first female my instructor had taught who had not dropped the bike trying it - for some reason females have more difficulty with it than males. In the second test i dabbed my foot down - just a tiny dab not supporting the bike - I was given one minor fault for it but the examiner said it was about control and I was in control at all times so that was fine.

Take the advice given - get into second asap it's easier in second. Keep the revs up and hand on the clutch and make sure you look towards where you are going and slightly UP. Whatever you do don't look down even if you think you are near the kerb.

I was terrified of mine but was OK as I said - bizarrely I had to turn the bike round in a narrow space in a car park a short while ago - got round and lined up with the others ready to leave and realised I had just executed a perfect u-turn without even thinking about it!

'>

OMD · « **Reply #14 on:** 22, July, 2006, 05:15:25 PM »

Ahh the dreaded U-Turn

It would take me forever to talk through all the stuff I've heard about over the years, there is only one way to do a good U-turn & thats the proper way, with slow speed control whilst maintaning good obersvations. With PRACTICE this can be acheived on ANY bike.
If any one wants to know more pm me and I'll gladly answer your question, or if you come down to Box Hill on a wedensday evening I'm more than happy to give tution for the price of a cup of tea guvnor

'>

Cheers
OMD

The old man · « **Reply #15 on:** 22, July, 2006, 06:45:07 PM »

I am suprised no one has added this. it goes against the grain but when you can tight 'u' turn a BMW1200LTSE, i'd say you'd got it cracked (and i have).
Along with all the other advice, throttle, clutch rear brake etc....Try this (told you it was against the grain) Lean the opposite way to the turn. ie on a right hand 'U' shift your body weight to the Left. IT WORKS, and its make you feel soooooooo good.

You don't have to believe me, Just try it.

Biker Biker · « **Reply #16 on:** 22, July, 2006, 06:50:39 PM »

Hey Mario,

The U turn is possible, so first of all take a positive outlook and don't just focus on that aspect of the test.
Practice is key and you did it in your CBT so you already have the confidence and know that you can do it.

When you are asked to do the U turn you are usually first asked to walk the bike from curb to curb. This gives you a chance to feel how tight the turn is and the angle.... the mind set is 'if you can push the bike round, then you can ride the bike round'

I did my test in Walton and I know a couple of the roads where they do the test U turn menover. If you want we can go practice on my bandit closer to the day, IF you think that you need more practice.... but i think you'll be ok. Try not to sweat about it

'>

Mr Rizla · « **Reply #17 on:** 23, July, 2006, 08:35:47 PM »

Tried it today, nearly fell over 5 or 6 times before i accepted my slow speed needs work on so will be heading to a local large car park to practise some point this week, I know its in my interest to learn this skill even though i cant remmember when i last did a u-turn in a road wide enough to do it without it turning into a 5 point turn

'>

Aceman · « **Reply #18 on:** 23, July, 2006, 09:52:09 PM »

Quote (Weaver @ July 22 2006,16:23)

get into second asap it's easier in second.

Second gear for a U-turn? Weaver, what have you been smoking!

Take your time and go with John's advice in the car parks or industrial estates.

Wildcat · « **Reply #19 on:** 23, July, 2006, 10:10:46 PM »

Second gear's the way to go.

There's a road near here I often do feet-up U turns in without thinking about it on the XT, I was there on the h**da today, and had a go. The bike will physically not turn round in the space, feet or no feet, on full lock it still hits the kerb. Will find a suitable space and find out how tight the h**da will turn one day this week.

Mr Rizla · « **Reply #20 on:** 23, July, 2006, 10:29:00 PM »

Question, If your vehicle is not capable of turning a u-turn doesnt that mean the bike is not road legal? or do they supply a list of bikes you can do the test on.

TallGuy · « **Reply #21 on:** 23, July, 2006, 10:52:34 PM »

Riz, the ability to U-turn is not a legal requirement of a bike. There are bikes which are easier to turn and there are those that are quite difficult. The easier bikes are those which can turn the front wheel to a greater angle (obvious really) and these are super-motos and commuter bikes eg ER5, Hornet, Bandit etc all the stuff that the training schools use. Sports bikes are more difficult because of the reduced lock, but leaning the bike over makes a heck of a difference. Problem is confidence in leaning a bike over that is only doing 5mph.

Best bike to do the test on ..... ER5....... then never ride one again. ':p'

fruitskin · « **Reply #22 on:** 24, July, 2006, 08:43:29 AM »

xt125 r - agree with - its all about slow control and obervation - but do not worry!! - just take it easy and dont panic and im sure youll be fine... if you practice enough, youll know exactly what do do in the event of it tipping too far over, or loosing balance.

having said that - i bet most people have dropped their bikes a slow speed - you just not allowed to do it on the test! ':oo'

check this our for some tips ':devil'

How to turn on a penny - with style

whufl · « **Reply #23 on:** 24, July, 2006, 08:50:17 AM »

Only did my test in December and had problems with the U turn as well for ages. What actually helped me was doing the Uey on Hills up an down as i actually found doing them on a hill easier, i think this was because you could use gravity for part of the turn. So once i'd got a couple of confidence boosting hill turns i do them on the level.

Unfortunately its easier said than done but its like everything in life...confidence is everything. Once you start worrying about it you'll naturally tighten up and start putting harsh responces in which will unbalance you.

xt125r · « **Reply #24 on:** 24, July, 2006, 10:06:44 AM »

I dont know anymore. I tried on the XT and it was piece of cake but lets not forget that the XT is a light , dirt bike..

Anyway i am a whinger so its ok .... ':baa:'

TallGuy you know the law ':p'

is it legal for me to practise on a larger than 125cc bike on a private car park although i am on my L's ?

fruitskin thanks for the tips ':p'

I will try them once i get home (on the XBOX !!!! )

If i do fail the exam how much is it to redo it do you know ?

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Author Topic: U-turn (Read 1100 times)