4 Ways to Turn Your Adventure Motorcycle Around in Tight Spots

[@pumrel]

It is so refreshing to see that you've even included parts where you fall. Glad to see you are human too. :-)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Hah, thanks, and yep....there's no denying that it happens from time to time. Scars to prove it : ) ---- Especially when that front ABS can't be turned off, and it pulses over the buried rocks, it can make that whip-around move a little hard to pull off sometimes in a split second.

[@kleitosaliagas5668]

@@RIDEAdventures can I just confirm that that wasn't done on purpose :) ?

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@kleitosaliagas5668, you mean, "falling on purpose?" Definitely was not the case. As mentioned over those semi-buried rocks and with front ABS locked on, it's quite a challenge in this situation.

[@ecalzo]

Thank you so much for showing us even the parts where you did not succeed and you an the bike fell off... this makes the instructions more inclined to real person too.. thanks

[@RIDEAdventures]

ecalzo, thanks for noticing that, and yea, maybe we can even do a video sometime on "how to tuck & roll." New guy, Tyler, can be the crash test dummy though : ) ----- RIDE on!

[@ecalzo]

@@RIDEAdventures ahah.. or maybe myself .. i just got back into adv bike after many years of street bike with a vstrom 650

[@1001CP]

After 50 years of riding and teaching I ESPECIALLY like that you show it does not always go perfect as some never show. Dumping it IS part of off road, its going to happen and its no big deal if you dont get hurt. I run my Vee 1000 pretty much everywhere these days and`sometimes it has other ideas than I do. But in general if you do as you say and evaluate, visualize and have CONFIDENCE in what you are doing sure goes a long way! I like your site, attitude and tips! Thank you for posting these. Take care and be safe my friend!

[@RIDEAdventures]

The TRAVELOR, thanks for the note, and yea, it's hard to imagine having as much fun if there wasn't the occasional get-off. Gotta push ourselves a little bit, and so it does happen. -- Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Really appreciate your honest footage of the failed turns ✌ dude !

[@istanjim6195]

That kick stand turnaround with a strap is great, never thought of that!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Rarely needed, but handy when it is. Enjoy, and thanks for commenting.

[@nickcsuki8123]

This is my new favourite channel on YT! The calmness and slow pace really make this enjoyable to watch. It mimics the way adventure riding should be feeling I guess... Great job, keep it up.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nick, that's the spirit. Why should we be in a hurry to rush through our adventure rides? Seems better to savor them. Alas, adrenaline and such often takes over and increases speed. Thanks for the note, more videos ahead : )

[@igig2792]

I didn’t get my 890 KTM but I already have so much things to practice! Thank you so much!

[@GiantLoopMoto]

Good one! We recently used a video showing a rider spinning a donut to turn his bike around, and we got some negative blow back about it because of the rut and roost. (Even though it was on his own property!) So thanks for reminding people to be a positive public face for off-road motorcycling by not leaving big trenches on trails and roads!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Geeze, that guy isn't supposed to be able to work his own soil? Mankind is wiping its butt with this planet plenty, but moving a little dirt around.....on one's own property.....perhaps there are bigger things for us to worry about.

[@davidsimmons3844]

@@RIDEAdventures yes sir, those people are called hypocrites, and there's no shortage of them. Did you do the America rides maps i just purchased? I'm in blairsville.

[@jimsnow9183]

I use a safety strap from centerstand crossbar to the lead edge of the skid plate when doing bike maintenance. It saved the bike coming off the centerstand once that I will swear by when I was undoing a stubborn rear axle nut with a breaker bar. Now I will use it on the side stand too.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Excellent point, it's not just on these sidestand pivots where we may lose track of how much forward pressure we're applying. Good one. Thanks for sharing.

[@amodmalvankar4904]

awesome i have got a new adv bike and this is rrally helpful , i was stuck today and had to ask two people to pull my bike

[@RIDEAdventures]

Welcome to the ADV riding world! Lots of fun little moves like that will come up again, so enjoy the feeling of conquering each moment : )

[@theSkavenger84]

I have a very short inseam and ride an wr250r. This is one thing that makes me fall A LOT!

[@someguy5035]

That kickstand turn pointer! 👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

Rarely needed, but oh-so handy sometimes. Thanks for commenting.

[@juliusmotocikli]

Great advices! I am wondering how to approach to U turn with big ADV bike on a slope. Example when you come to the end of the narrow forest or white road on the uphill, a you need to turn back.

[@chipm2544]

Thank you. This helps a lot.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad if it helped in anyway, thanks for saying so.

[@CommieHunter7]

This is good stuff. Some KTM/Husky bikes can't do that kickstand, but you're right, a lot will hold up no problem.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, we could have probably re-worded the notion more carefully, but hopefully folks are careful and considerate that all bikes may not be able to support themselves like that. (Folks, be careful! : ) ---- Thanks for the positive note, Adam.

[@CommieHunter7]

@@RIDEAdventures yep! Overall I love your content. And you're spot on with regards to most bikes, even street bikes and Adventure bikes. It's those pesky dirt bikes....

[@GORidingADV]

Thank God where I'm going with my motorcycle has no Bears!😁 Awesome video Tim and Thank you for sharing with us those tips. Ride Safe.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad if the info helps, thanks for commenting! More videos ahead.

[@The333]

Eric this was an awesome post - thank you for the great content. Just got my Tenere and went for a ride back in the South Jersey pine barrens and the deep sand just totally kicked my butt, plus I did not realize that I have no idea how to turn around on the trail! I have a lot to learn for sure!

[@RIDEAdventures]

The 333, glad if the info helps. Love those Pine Barrens : ) Thanks for sharing, and RIDE on!

[@mikoaj1321]

Seeing you rotate AT on the kickstand gave me chills, they're notorious for bending and breaking from what I've heard. Mine got slightly deformed even from from mounting the bike standing on the footpegs.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Ha, ha, it sure does wobble a bit when making that pivot : ) Seems to handle it just fine, but wow, wonder how yours bent so easy. This was a 2018 ATAS in the video, maybe they have a different part number for another year or something. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikoaj1321]

@@RIDEAdventures I have the same exact model in fact

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@mikoaj1321, okay, good info. Maybe we just got lucky. Not very often (other than for filming) we have to do such a pivot move. Thanks.

[@shafferfoods4669]

Too funny. Just in a tight spot with a bear running towards me. I'm watching:)

[@CurtisTarwater]

Again another GREAT video. Just remember doing the u- turn power pivot turn under power to turn UP-HILL like you did. If you go down hill I find that I wash out the front more times than not. Keep up the great content - Subscribed.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, I'd rather have the rear wheel slipping downhill with the ground & gravity than the front. Thanks for the note and for subscribing, and RIDE on! - Eric

[@thagerm2390]

Here's the caveat...Short people like me have a real hard time with that, and by real hard, I mean it cannot be done. Notice how he has no problem putting his foot down on the low side and does exactly that to keep from tipping? Well, at 5'5" I cannot do that. I just fall over as my foot misses the ground by 3"-5". So, short people have two choices. 1.) Learn to do it as he instructs (uphill) but do it much better so you don't need to put your foot down (counterweight the bike as soon as you get it spinning). 2.) Learn to do it downhill so that you have the option of putting a foot down. It's a game-time decision for me depending on the current terrain and situation. He is showing the correct way to do it for his size and bike. But us vertically challenged folks out there are used to modifying or ignoring certain parts of tutorials as they are literally impossible for us. Edit: BTW, I ride the same bike as in the video.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@thagerm2390, without a doubt, not being able to reach the ground with ease is a huge factor in pulling off that pivot/powerslide turn. However, there ARE shorter bikes than the Africa Twin Adventure Sports! (Ha, ha, you know that of course.). --- That #4 pivot is about 99.99% for fun anyway, as even here in Oregon, I've never come across a bear or needed to turn around so fast. ----- Have fun with all this, folks, and ThaGerm, thanks for the note. RIDE on!

[@tgsignaturetours]

Nice personality, confidence inspiring and trustworthy video. Thank youb Gents...appreciate.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad if the info helps, thanks for the positive feedback : )

[@pareshprajapati7916]

Thank you sir 🇮🇳😊

[@odiatoka]

SO helpful man!

[@RIDEAdventures]

ODIATOKA, thanks for that. Glad if it helps. More ahead : )

[@mikemills5144]

Loved the out takes, nice to know I am not the only one that falls! Lol! Excellent idea about compressing the forks and using that to move you back. Will have to try that instead of falling next time.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Excellent note, thanks, and yea, however unfortunate, "There are motorcycle riders who have crashed, and those who will." - Unknown

[@jmtel1]

Excellent, good stuff, thanks.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Yep, I’ve done both the low side pivot turn, and the high side pivot turn...and occasionally just a plain old pivot turn

[@RIDEAdventures]

Two of them are great. Yikes, that high side one.......hope you were okay : )

[@tube8522]

Hope to see you on the road/trail. lol I remember turning the KLX300 around on a tight trail with Kick stand and some of the guys where shocked.. They learn something that days... Thanks for sharing

[@RIDEAdventures]

Lester, it's probably not too often we have to use these tricks, but they sure are fun and handy when needed. Thanks for commenting, and see you out there....RIDE on!

[@Porsche996driver]

Honest. New sub.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for subbing!

[@bobraby9089]

You can do the last one off the bike, too. Handlebars to full lock, lean the bike on your hip or thigh, give it a little gas, pop the clutch a little to break the back tire loose, and let the bike follow the front tire around until it's pointed the other way. There's a video on how to do it out there somewhere. I think Brake Magazine.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Right on. We were thinking of the "fastest when there's a bear ahead" approach to this, but you're right, standing next to it and peeling it around one's waist is pretty easy. Thanks for commenting and sharing.

[@bobraby9089]

@@RIDEAdventures Haha!! Yeah, if there's a bear, I'll just give him the bike and call it a day!

[@davereinhart9933]

Good training! Thank you.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Dave, thanks for the feedback. RIDE on!

[@anupsharma8082]

Was a really nice video tutorial. How about attempting the 4th option on a tar surface road. Will the rear tyre be giving up traction easily...

[@RIDEAdventures]

Ha, only if the tar surface is still hot/wet, or smothered in oil probably. Tough one....depends on the surface. Be careful : )

[@Macca260]

Thanks for the tips,I've been practicing the u-turn from a stand still in some deep sand which seems a bit more forgiving when wrestling the big atas around

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nick, for sure, less damage in some sand for the occasional oops on that big bike. Tough sometimes to get it to loop around in thick sand, without having some momentum. If you can do it from a stand still, RIDE on!

[@0xsergy]

@@RIDEAdventures stand stills in sand always get my front wheel plowing, lol.

[@guzzimon61]

Has been a bit of discussion on the Tiger thread about using the kickstand for a pivot point. I thought it would, but don't want to sacrifice mine to verify??

[@jaymcconnell3840]

Great info. Thanks!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thank you for the note!

[@potzen8140]

Would do the U-turn to the left, so you can control the rearbrake longer, rest with the clutch. At this point it is clear why I have choosen the normal version of the ATAS 2018. don´t want to learn new by DCT. I´m used in clutching in the dirt. ;-)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Correct, "to the left" is better for the reasons of that rear brake, but in this case in the video (ground sloping from right to left) then you're having to turn the bike downhill, which greatly works against the overall move. Point the bike uphill to give the rear the ability to fall a bit with gravity. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Dang...I recently found myself on a very narrow downhill rocky dirt road with steep sides where I had to turn around. I did a multi point uphill turn. I completely forgot the kickstand turn which would have been much easier. Thanks for the reminder. :)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Funny, the little tricks we can forget sometimes. Sounds like you pulled it off though : )

[@arthurhughes8659]

I did nearly the exact same thing on a fire road a few days ago. So, here's the question: is it safe to do a kickstand spin on a hill, and if so, should the kickstand be on the downhill or the uphill side? Downhill sounds easier, but the thought of a 500-pound bike on me (on a downhill slope), is certainly a consideration. Comments/advice, anyone?

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@arthurhughes8659, ahh, good question. As long as there's sufficient ground clearance, it should be possible to kickstand pivot even on a slope....but this would be an excellent occasion to make sure you've got a strap or similar pulling the kickstand forward as we showed. Hard to say what the scene is by text only, but anything that further complicates the maneuver would make for good reason to make sure that you don't push the weight of the bike forward and disengage that kickstand. Be careful but have fun :)

[@arthurhughes8659]

@@RIDEAdventures Thank you for replying...especially so quickly. I will definitely add a kickstand-capable strap to my gear. Maybe sometime in the future, you guys could add a segment on narrow downhill kickstand turns. If my bike were a few pounds heavier, I might still be on that trail. : ). Thanks again.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@arthurhughes8659 , you bet, we're glad if the info helps. We've got more videos ahead, and will cover this subject in greater detail in at least one of them.

[@darren1922]

The only one I can do is the "hop off bike and walk it around" technique since I'm 5'4" and 140 lbs. Riding a KTM Adventure 790R.

[@RIDEAdventures]

But with practice, and the right situations......you'll get the other 3 moves no problem. Have fun : )

[@ralphwaters8905]

I prefer left turns to right because I can transition from rear brake to power in an instant. Not so thrilled with using front brake in low speed turns, tho. This is the basis of a flat-track style sliding turn, so the skill is usable in other situations if you practice it.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Likewise, I prefer left, which is coincidentally the side I would prefer to turn to when dropping a leg and sliding into 2nd base. In this video situation, I just had to deal with the best lighting/dead-end spot we could find, that happened to require an uphill turn being to the right. ABS on that Africa Twin not turning off was definitely part of why I had those few hesitations/stutter moves on the pivot turn. So hard to tell what's going on up front when the computer gets involved. -- Thanks for commenting - Eric

[@yetkinalisverisci1858]

Directing to use the front brake at lean angle seems a little bit weird...

[@nerminc.1713]

#5 drop the clutch, kick the front tire up in the air, pivot on your left foot and do a 180.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Okay, next time I'm riding a 500+lb bike, we'll get'er done : )

[@nerminc.1713]

@@RIDEAdventures attaboy!

[@DiegoLuiz]

It's worth mention that U-Turn to the right is much harder, as you need to release the rear brake to put the foot on the floor and the bike can get traction.. It's much much easier to the left and leave the foot on the brake until the bike stops :)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, we somehow missed making that point, but hopefully folks will figure. Unless they ride a 1970 Triumph T6 or similar, where the brake was on the left, and shift on the right : )

[@DiegoLuiz]

@@RIDEAdventures my brain would completely short circuit if brakes and shift levers were swapped haha And I liked the way you explained that's it's better to do a turn uphill. Not many videos say that. Nice work :)

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@DiegoLuiz, thanks, and yea, it's a mind-twister. Someday maybe I'll tell the story about that 1970 Triumph, during a charity ride, when the throttle stuck and I was lurching through the intersection downtown accidentally downshifting (pressing wrong/right foot) and a how close I came to making a mess : )

[@moreorlesdone1497]

Can the the U-turn be performed on a low power bike like the CB500X?. I guess the size in in its favour but I'm not sure if the power is enough.

[@RIDEAdventures]

For sure. Might involve winding the engine up a bit more before dumping the clutch, and of course the terrain/traction is a factor. But at least once (about 17 seconds) into this video and in others, see we definitely had the CB500X pivot turning. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqaTZqqZpZeirKM

[@anupsharma8082]

If 500 is a low power bike, what would we call a 200 one, like I own one 200.

[@philtero1]

I'm curious is your AT lowered or how tall are you how do you touch flat footed those bikes are so tall at the seat??

[@RIDEAdventures]

philtero1, the bike in the video is a 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, all original/stock suspension (one of our rental fleet bikes here in Oregon.) It's a pretty tall bike, and Eric is about 6'3", 260 with riding gear, and a 32" inseam. When the seat is in the low position, he's flat foot, but the high position (about an inch higher) feet will not quite be flat. Hope that helps.

[@philtero1]

@@RIDEAdventures I appreciate the reply that makes sense he's a tall guy long inseam I'm 6 ft and my KLR is pretty tall as well just curious looking to buy one of those African twins in the future

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@philtero1, Africa Twins are a bit wider and heavier than the KLR as well, so yea, a proper sit-fit and/or test/rental ride will make it easier to decide.

[@dirkstuff]

Vince Vaughn is a badass off-roader.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Ha, ha....if that was a reference to my having a similar appearance, it has been a while, but I definitely have been told that before. Thanks for the fun note : ) - Eric

[@dirkstuff]

RIDE Adventures , btw, the kickstand has been my go-to. Working up the confidence to do the u-turn with my Guzzi.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@dirkstuff excellent. Satisfying moves when they work out just right, or even close to it : ) RIDE on!

Hey Eric, Thanks for all of your effort and video series. We really appreciate it! I how a question or proposal about a new video ;) What about you are going downhill with your adv bike and you find out the trail ends, and the width of trail is doesn't allow you just make a u-turn in single move?

[@RIDEAdventures]

cihanyyt, so I understand, do you mean if there wasn't even enough space/width to do a kickstand pivot? (Kickstand pivot requiring the least amount of space to turn around.) ---- This can happen on tight single-track spots, especially if there's for example.....a ledge/wall on one side, and a cliff dropoff to the other. In which case, "beep, beep," it's just time to throw that motorcycle in reverse, and back it up! (Ha, ha.) Hopefully, you're not pointing too steep down a slope, and can just push it backwards with your feet. Otherwise, this can be a real challenge, pushing from the front, as a solo rider's best grip/push-point will probably be the front of the forks, or the center of the handlebars, depending on the bike. And that's a challenge, because you're ultimately having to "steer" the bike, in reverse, from a narrow-grip position....while keeping it upright....from the front, instead of the side. Which is not easy sometimes, especially on choppy or super-soft terrain. It can be done though, and makes for good exercise. ----- Hope that helps, thanks for the good question, and RIDE on! ---- Eric

[@odiatoka]

This is a good topic for a video. Please do this video asap.

[@ghostmode9824]

The strap my kick stand is the fastest way to get away from a bear. Lol

[@joeburnsideSr]

Whether or not intended I enjoyed the "mishaps" a bit of humility goes a long way....

[@RIDEAdventures]

Hah, thanks. Believe there were even 1 or 2 more that would have just been too redundant to show : )

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

Dont do the kickstand pivot if your kickstand is attached to the engine block instead of the frame (looking at you, KTM), can lead to a disaster.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Ahh, good one we forgot to mention, ADVraider. Thanks for the comment.

[@bakerbrook1]

I haven't tried that yet. Yee Haw.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Which one? We got options : )

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Ah excuse me Mr. Bear can you help me pick up my 4000lb ADV bike ? Awe thanks buddy um yeah I got a sandwich in my tail bag , it's all yours !

[@RIDEAdventures]

And with helmet camera footage out there on the internet showing bear encounters, we know it's possible to be in a hurry sometimes! : )

[@larrytate50]

Kickstand turn ? Ok many big adventure bike have that kickstand mount to the engine case. I cannot recommend doing that. Bad idea

[@RIDEAdventures]

Risks with everything, but somehow it always worked out here.

[@ml9029]

It works on my klr pretty well. Though that bike gets beaten on most anytime it's out and breaking things on it is just a reason to upgrade.

[@michaelmagaw6870]

I'm guessing my street bike isn't going to work... lol

[@RIDEAdventures]

All are still possible. If you mean the kickstand pivot? Yea, be careful with the weight.....depending on the bike.

[@GregDiBernardo]

I want to see more fails. All of these instructional videos are a joke without them.

[@RIDEAdventures]

We did show a few in this video, but to everyone's disappointment, of course, the cameras aren't always running when such occurs : )

[@GregDiBernardo]

@@RIDEAdventures I thoroughly enjoyed you dumping it. I bought Chris Birch's let's latest video set and it's great but it's all Chris Birch doing everything and he might as well be wearing a cape. "Now I'm going to show you how easy it is to wheelie hop a 1290 over a 2' diameter log." You're videos are great. You oughta bring in some random rider to do things alongside you NOT the right way so people can see how you correct them. The old Rawhyde videos that showed classes in action were excellent in this regard.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@GregDiBernardo, good idea (showing what not to do) and we're building this Training Series to be hopefully, a great resource for lots of riders. Thanks for staying tuned : )

[@pollepost]

Let's respect the land and the trail we are riding on.... Lets do a u-turn and make huge tracks.. ha ha ha

[@RIDEAdventures]

Right. Instead we should all just stay in one spot, never walking, never paving roads, never driving cars, never riding motorcycles, not leaving footprints when we walk, etc. ---- Your point is taken, but attempting to make such a point without knowing the scene, location, etc. and in consideration of my words above, is a bit silly.

[@myronbenware8779]

Just turn the damn thing around, too much BS in video

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, just sharing some options : )