How To Do A SLOW & TIGHT U-Turn On ANY Motorcycle

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Join the DDFM Crew SMART Riders by using code "YTMembersYAYA" at checkout for 80% off your first month. ddfm.me/AcademyMembership . I want all of you to become SMART Riders and this training will help guide you there. If you don't need the training, but you have a friend that doesn't ride, go ahead and give them the coupon 😁.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*There's a tribble on your shirt collar.* That's the trouble with tribbles, isn't it?

[@pilgrim7779]

For what it's worth, I've been riding for 41 years and whenever I get a new bike one of the first things I do is practice at low speeds in an empty parking lot. I like to master the bike by turning the tightest circles that I can at the lowest possible speeds and then I expand the circle and gradually increase speed. Another drill is emergency stopping at various speeds just to get a good feel for the brakes and characteristics of the bike. One mistake that I avoid is hopping on a different bike right after riding a totally different style bike. You have to give your brain time to adjust and then make some strong mental notes (hope that makes sense).

[@Conqueefstador]

Yes absolutely. A supersport will brake much quicker than a cruiser, but it may be easier to do a tighter circle with the cruiser

[@mr.memebot3924]

U r osm broo

[@dangerous8333]

But how many miles do you have under your belt? That's what matters... Years are meaningless.

[@AstroBlack143]

Thank you for sharing!

[@brakernight7881]

Tnx bro im gonna start riding soon

[@joeyp4196]

I almost dropped my bike practicing a slow uturn in an empty lot. I struggled with giving it enough throttle and finding the friction zone. I can ride at 50 mph all day but these tips are important.

[@nicerides9224]

I've been riding for over 30 years and I did drop my bike trying out one these tight turn video tips about a year ago. It was pretty much a static drop and only a snapped brake lever luckily. Gave me an excuse to buy some nice shorties. I still suck at tight turns.

[@JS-ds1ux]

I dropped mine yesterday, and the fender got fucked so now i’m not making that mistake again lol

[@Ramy_Ramz]

I statically dropped mine 2 times yesterday. It's just a learning curv and expect it for a new rider

[@mahmud1019]

Yeah, man. I've been learning for 4 days. I was able to drive around comfortably at 45-50kmph but yesterday I dropped the bike at 10. Braking and slow speed maneuvering is where the difficulty rises up.

[@verediano]

I drop it another day in traffic. Sunny day, I was sopped behind a car uphill and I tried to get the lane between the cars, but there ins't enough space. Then I stopped again, but when I put my feet on the ground the spot was wet and with mud, my foot slipped and the rest you know.

[@denly123]

Raise rpm Find friction zone Counterbalacing Turn head to shoulder Apply rear brake Don't look down you will go down The lower you lean your bike the smaller you can make your circle. Even to 17 feet. Thats it .

[@scrateshooter]

You forgot: discombobulate

[@davidbesant]

So remember, RFCTADTYT. Simple!

[@tringe22]

I dropped my bike ... bc I was looking down. And not going fast enough on a sharp turn/curve. Youre exactly right.

[@agonleed3841]

@@davidbesant 😀

[@LynxStarAuto]

And never use your front brake! Be surprised how many folks make that mistake while turning

[@brunopombo8579]

Got my bike yesterday (125cc here I only need car license for those) today trained for 2h+ and made +20km (+12 miles) on a parking lot using many of your tips on breaking, turning and using engine to slow down, head turn etc, then starting all over again but turning right. Thanks a lot man, still working on my lane position. Being ultra careful on those blind turns also. Your work is amazing and you are saving lifes with your tips and lessons. Big thanks from Portugal!

[@jozojozojozo4483]

Was it hard to learn riding motorbikes? Im thinking of getting a motorcycle

[@slothyfromnemmondod]

@@jozojozojozo4483 Not riding the bike is hard. I believe you can learn in 1-2 hours with someone's help. Handle the bike safely is the difficult.

[@jozojozojozo4483]

@@slothyfromnemmondod what do you mean? Not driving recklessly and dangerous?

[@HaffDeadFred]

I’ve been riding for 5 years and I still find these small tips and tricks useful to brush up on just for a refresher on the fundamentals! Always learning more if you wanna get better at riding guys !

[@throsbychurch5179]

I just stumbled upon this youtube video after watching some Aussie videos just getting a heads up on whats expected on test day for ones licence. I wanted to make sure I know what I am up for and the confidence in my abilities is there when I commit. I had my learners 30 years ago and never took the next step. So, Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this video its terrific. I was worried about the tight u-turns I need to do as I couldn't do them without putting my foot down. I didn't know that counter-balancing was needed. That is such an important thing to know and now I am eager to give it a try. I am looking forward to seeing what else you can teach me. This is great, I shall save the videos I need to re-watch for further reference and hopefully I will be well informed when I get my bike, be well practised and pass my licence. I didn't even know about using throttle friction for certain manoeuvres even though I do know how to do it. I am super excited to learn properly and can't say thanks enough.

[@MrPeazy10]

I just passed my test today! This video helped me a lot. The one thing I struggled with was committing to the turn 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@mustbescud]

Congrats man! Happy and safe riding.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Get a Busa and get it over with........ :D jking..

[@happytrails5342]

Congrats, ride safe

[@johnnymoore7480]

Keep practicing Brother, we never quit learning! Ride safely…

[@usernamemykel]

Instead of making sharp turns that you're afraid of, just go around the block.

[@efsyoo]

I practiced this just yesterday, along with your turn from a stop. I tapped the ground twice with my foot in total, so it went pretty well. Practice up peeps!!

[@maksum3]

This is really nice and educative. I just started riding 11months back, started with a 300cc, stepped up to a 1000cc now; no crashes on both bikes with more than 2000km on each and I attribute this to all I've learnt watching ur videos on road strategy and accidents. MC rider and Fast eddy videos also were of great help. God bless u for what u are doing. This is Maximus fm Nigeria. Out!

[@dangerous8333]

Peer pressure got to you huh? There are speed limits, and 99% of the population has no idea what kind of bike you're riding. 99% of the people on the road think an R3 is no different than an R1. Spending almost 20k on a liter bike is completely impractical for most people. What is the moral of the story? Don't think you need a liter bike just to impress your doofus buddies and less than 1% of the population. Edit: You are still a beginner. My two crashes didn't happened until after I had 70k miles under my belt.

[@usernamemykel]

I sent the money, Max.

[@nicerides9224]

I wouldn't recommend stepping up to the big bikes until you've dropped the smaller bikes. Nothing like grazed skin and bruises to teach you to not to go overboard and the importance of riding within your skill level. I'm glad my first bike was very cheap and just a standard 250 with no fairings. It copped a bit of abuse the first few months. I tested my limits a bit too much and wasn't paying enough attention to road surfaces or maintenance. One time I dropped it because the chain was so loose it came off and locked up the rear wheel around a corner. Luckily it was a slow corner and I'm pretty careful about that sort of stuff now. Another time I dropped it because my tyres were almost bald and a car stopped suddenly in front of me. Now I buy decent tyres and make sure to replace them long before they get bald. You might not be as silly as me when I first started riding but a lot of people drop their bikes when they start out.

[@usernamemykel]

Are you the “Nigerian Prince” who scams folks for money, or are u more like Peter Pan???? 😆

[@mariakinsky]

What do you mean by this comment?????????

[@coltonj.9848]

as someone who is getting into riding i really appreciate all that you do on this channel as i am someone who has the point of view of safe is fast. riding isnt about how fast you can go but how safe and how in control you are so your videos are just a breath of fresh air from many other channels who just review the bike or tell you things to do. you show, demonstrate, and encourage safety. keep up the great content and would kill to have some lessons from. probably will never happen but hey a boy can dream.

[@МаркЯкубов-я9к]

We had lots of such exercises in my school. Actually instructors insisted on repeating them until we managed to successfully u-turn inside 1.5-2 parking slots depending on a motorcycle 9 out of 10 times. Then we added full stops right in the middle of it and then continue turning further without touching the ground with our legs. And by the end of the course this had become a completely regular and easy thing to do. And the exam was ridiculously easy to pass after all those exercises. After the course I was surprised to see that so many experienced bikers can’t perform it. I understood what a great instructors I got lucky to find only after I actually passed the exam and got to city driving. And I still keep on coming to my school to get more and more knowledge and skills from those guys. Not only for safety reasons but also for fun. I now love doing more and more difficult exercises on a parking lot. It gives so much fun and pleasure to me

[@wenisinvietnam]

Thank you! Just went from a Ninja 400 to a V-Strom 1000 and this helped me take my turning circle from scared to lean a big boi back to nice and tight really whipping it within 2 parking spaces. Feels awesome!

[@jamesw9873]

Additional tip for any slow speed manoeuvres which also works here: utilise your rear break. Easier to control your speed and balance with the rear break AND clutch, than it is to just use the clutch

[@tiger2q]

I have a question about that if you don’t mind. I failed my MSF course yesterday and that was one of the main reasons why. I kept going wide on my upturns and didn’t have the confidence to counter steer properly. When using the rear brake, are you pressing down on the rear brake the whole time or only as needed and also how much pressure do u need to apply?

[@maxthullen6408]

I really appreciate this Dan Dan. I don’t have anyone I know to help me with my new bike. You’re a helpful man

[@slickwilly8333]

I am soo glad you are doing this series, AND involving the community. Thank you Dan!

[@tophermatt0834]

Great content! I practice all basic skills each time I ride; clutch/throttle manipulation, start and stop, slow speed turning (stop, u-turns) in both directions, weaving, obstacle avoidance and quick stop braking. Usually do many at slow and then as close to speed as I typically ride...0-75 mph. Always feels good to know you can stop, swerve, or turn the bike where YOU want it to go.

[@aloisius4188]

There's a saying among us motorcycleists when it comes to Noobies: Any idiot can ride straight and fast, but can the same idiot ride circles and slow? Both skills are essential in today's traffic conditions.

[@burghking]

I watched this prior to my MSF eval and it helped me ace the U-turn. Thanks Dan!

[@DanDanTheFireman]

So glad I can help!

[@jamesbaynes6580]

I’ve been practicing these on my Goldwing. Right ones are tougher and counterbalancing is great.

[@jayworthington6831]

Hi mate, I have been having trouble with these and always putting my foot down instead of counter-balancing. I watched your video a few times and it really helped. Today I had my license test and passed first go thanks to your help. Much love and gratitude from down under 🇦🇺 Perth, Western Australia 🤙🏻

[@ProriderCentralTexasYouTube]

Counter weighting is a good technique to use for several reasons but the most important is the use of the friction zone. Being in the friction zone is what keeps the bike from falling. You had your knees pointed out on that second run ha ha

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Knees! Haha yes you got it.

[@mrroams5812]

Wait really? I've always had the clutch all the way out through roundabouts and u turns. Guess I forgot that from my rider course oops. Thanks, I'll be practicing that!

[@ProriderCentralTexasYouTube]

@@mrroams5812 If you have your clutch all the out then if you have any throttle input during your turns all the power goes to the rear wheel which tends to make your turns choppy. By staying in the friction zone this helps to regulate the power to the rear wheel which will smooth out your turns.

[@ProriderCentralTexasYouTube]

@@mrroams5812this is used for slow speed turns like u turns. I wanted to make sure I didn't confuse you.

[@mrroams5812]

@@ProriderCentralTexasKZbin Yeah, thanks. I guess I was thinking more about saving the clutch and avoiding slipping it, but it is definitely necessary at times like this.

[@simbioscope3076]

I am a new moto driver and your videos helped me to build up my mind set changing from car driving to moto, I am still building my gear change ability (which feels harder than i expected) and the friction/throttle control, practice, practice and more practice, until becoming a bit more confident I will wait to go into big city, thank you for your info.

[@dalevoigt8612]

If you listen to Jerry ( ride like a pro) he will tell you that dragging the rear brakes helps with slow speed maneuvering. It seem that most of his student are on larger bikes.

[@frankhubbardiv8711]

It definitely helps on my street glide

[@fatdmk168]

It is good for any bike

[@courtneygrier2015]

@@frankhubbardiv8711 it helps on my Heritage Softail too! I just instinctually use the rear brake for slow maneuvers and it hasn't failed me yet.

[@LynxStarAuto]

That's the only way to do it. All "professional" riders are taught rear brake manipulation. Keep the throttle loaded, play with the friction zone of thr clutch, but use the rear brake to control your speed.

[@zubairs9626]

Daaaammmnnnn been looking for that trick. Did that by accident once for a turn and didn't exactly know what I did but the turn felt so easy. Thanks for the bitt cheek off technique

[@HaryBane]

that is some manly chest hair sticking out there Dan.... ;}

[@Eledaraumar]

Pretty sure thats part of his beard that fell off

[@feliperodriguez6885]

He's so manly his own chest hair is jumping out of his shirt saying I want some camera time too.

[@jasongoerndt1123]

Thought he had a squirrel in his shirt.

[@names9530]

Austin powers

[@mikesdailygaming]

Lol think it's a wind screen for the mic

[@vicmorrison8128]

Good one! I've been working on this for awhile. I do pretty good considering the bike is over 1000lbs. Butt cheek and pressing and putting my weight on the counterbalancing side is getting my turns tight. Takes a while. Thanks for posting!

[@kaseyod113]

What kind of bike do you have that’s over 1,000lbs?

[@plazmamasta193]

@@kaseyod113 probably a Harley

[@ryansegovia8515]

This video helped me become more successful in slow speed 90deg. Angle turn and my U-Turn allowing me to pass my MSF course, thanks!

[@EverlastingPinecone2]

Super helpful! The butt scoot helps a bunch for the vertically challenged. I found right turns harder bc I found the clutch harder to manage furthest away from me

[@fili91]

New rider here all motorcycle driving courses are sold out now. And your videos have shown me so much. Thanks for all the content keep up the great work

[@franspoels8251]

I know that instructors always say to look over your shoulder when starting to make your U-turn. I've also seen instructors/riders(police?) focus on the center of the U-turn (and circle). I also find it easier sometimes to focus on the center. I thought having seen you do that as well at some point in the video. What is your opinion about using the center of the turn circle to make the turn. Thank you.

[@RobFrederick_Koob]

On a funny note, I thought a piece of your beard fell off and stuck to your shirt... haha - Great video, looking forward to more in this series.

[@efsyoo]

That's his chest hair Rob!! Lol

[@byronwhite3620]

🤣🤣🤣

[@toid286]

Same 😆

[@jonnymurphy666]

I thought he had a chest dreadlock of some kind

[@austintomkewitz7206]

You ever see that pissed off British kid like 5 yr old or something says he will punch his dad's beard off 😂

[@JerryWDaviscom]

I recently bought a 1978 Honda GL1000 Goldwing. It was in really bad condition but after I got her put together and cleaned up, I headed over to the elementary school parking lot to practice my tight turns. I do this same exercise every weekend, and a GL1000 is a 603 lb bike, plus I have a fairing on the front. Point is: heavy, likes lots of room. But I do this exercise well within the three parking space model, and am shooting for two parking spaces. Its the lock and the lean and balls enough to hold the line tight. Holding that tight radius is challenging, but quite fun. It teaches me how to handle the bike a lot better in slow conditions, and gives me tons of confidence at stops and intersections. The coolest part of these figure eights is arm position and that I actually lean into the turn with my upper body, slightly pressing forward on the handlebars, and fowrard/down on that inside handgrip. That seems to make the turns noticeably more crisp.

[@thatspiritualhumane]

This man is GOLD on youtube, esp his accident reviews, amazing

[@dusty111]

That's the first thing i practice fpr a little bit every new riding season. Refreshing these skills is always very good

[@inthegarage342]

I've found dragging the rear brake offers alot of stability. Certainly on a heavy bike ( chief vintage ).

[@inthegarage342]

@SW33TR1DE You correct fine sir.

[@nigelchapman1291]

Hi from the UK. This is great technique thanks. The real snag for me Is that I am only 4' 11" with 25" inside leg. Right hand circles are intimidating as the more that I counterbalance by leaning to the left, and managing the rear brake with bum cheek over a bit, my right leg is really stretching to reach the brake. If it goes a little bad, my chances of getting my right foot near the ground are slim to none. It's not a great feeling, without the option of a dab. Left circles or u turns work great for me with your method, so I am working with that. Half pint snags, and old dog new tricks.... I'm 66! Cheers Dan

[@BB-pm6uc]

I just started riding bike. I am very lightweight and the butt shuffle for counter balancing helped amazingly. All tips very helpful. Thanks

[@byronwhite3620]

Finally catching up to a weeks worth of content by @DanDanTheFireman. Been busy with work, but been thinking about brushing up on my fundamental skills, which I think is important during quarantine.

[@DoraKage]

getting flashback to my figure 8 training in Singapore. Part of the driving lessons and test includes a slow figure course where you are supposed to maintain a certain speed while you're in the track.

[@brycebuildsit]

Great lesson slow skills are so important and often overlooked for all out speed. My dad recently got a Honda Valkyrie a 780 pound cruiser he of course let me ride it. He thought a u turn on it was impossible until i busted one in the drive way. He is a far better rider than me but hasn't been on a bike in 10 years so he'll get it. When i first got my magna i went to the parking lot everyday for a few hours.

[@RBM23]

Thank you Dan. Newbie here. Attempted MSF course last weekend. Couldn't wrap my brain around counter balance. Going to take the course at a different location my biker lady friends referred me to where the instructors are more patient for a completely green rider such as myself.

[@tiger2q]

I feel you bro. I failed my MSF course yesterday for the same reasons. I sucked at the slow maneuvering and had a hard time controlling the bike. I probably would’ve figured it out quicker had I had more time to practice but the course was kindve fast paced so they couldn’t spend a lot of time working with ppl who struggled because they had a lot of exercises to get through over the course of two days. I’m taking the course with them again only because they’re giving me a discount since I already paid for the first class and going anywhere else I’d have to pay full price.

[@virgilhawkins5680]

I barely passed mine yesterday because I fucked up both of the low speed test exercises. They had us practice low speed 90-degree turns for one period on the test day and I laid down the bike both times I got to try it. Keep in mind, I'd never even been on a motorcycle before the previous day. My only improvement was that on the test, I didn't lay the bike down because I managed to kick back upright with my foot (which shocked the hell out of me in and of itself). All of that was after I fucked up the slalom cones. Fortunately, the exercises at road speed and involving braking, I pulled off successfully and cleanly. Now, 7 days after I first started learning about motorcycles, I have an M1 designation on my license. 💪🏾 I look forward to getting my own bike so I can learn and practice more. 🏍️

[@tiger2q]

@@virgilhawkins5680 I passed the second time around. The trick was for me was to trust the clutch. It’s your best friend. Love it like a woman and it’ll never lead u astray, especially in slow speed maneuvers

[@virgilhawkins5680]

@@tiger2q lol let's not get into my trust issues.

[@tiger2q]

@@virgilhawkins5680 😂

[@mahaylaotis7177]

Am a new rider didn't know about the counter weight I was leaning into it and going wide Everytime or almost dropping the bike so this helps a lot thank you

[@jonnymurphy666]

Brilliant video, between you and fast Eddie I've learned a lot about reading the road, slow exercises, and loads more. Thanks for the videos.

[@edcgadgets-de]

I’m so happy I found this video, I have a big heavy naked (BMW R1200R) myself. Most people who show these tricks have a sub 700cc little naked. Of course it’s more agile. But now seeing you doing it on the Indian, I’m amazed what these big bikes can do. Oh yeah, and I’ve seen lots of maneuvering videos on 1200GS, it’s amazing.

[@MrKing1961]

After riding for more then 50 years I still learning, you have to keep practicing to get better, the roads everyday are geeing more and more danger, very simple you have to ride like someone is up to kill you, is the only way to survive, and never assume you know everything, and I warranty you are going to live longer, please ride safe. God bless!!!!!✌

[@nyandiboy]

Thanks. Awesome vid. Why is there a gerbil on your chest?

[@jared2661able]

I hadn’t owned a motorcycle since 1990 so I decided to buy a new VMax. It was the bike that I always wanted back in 85. Yep a little crazy. Lol I immediately learned that I needed to do some serious counter steering. Seemed it took me at least 50’ to make the 1st full u turn. Fortunately I bought my Max in Orlando and rode it to NW. Ar. I had 1,365 miles to retrain. Oh and I do appreciate the Fireman’s video on such matters.

[@crhyme_scene.29]

Great lesson! I usually didnt throw away any rocks back then because I know sometimes there will be rock(s) in the middle of the turn, and I got to know how to handle

[@wyattnoise]

Practiced in a parking lot today and did a few really good ones and a lot more really sloppy ones but that's why you practice in a parking lot! I'll go back tomorrow and do even more until it's just second nature.

[@rebelbase3006]

Sir I'm a new rider and your videos have to helpful. Just wanted to say thankyou for your videos and service. As a firefighter.

[@beard_behind_the_lens]

Halfway through my riding course (finishing tomorrow) this is the one thing I was struggling with but I’m really looking forward to getting better with it

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Awesome....you make it look EASY! Thanks for sharing!

[@aloisius4188]

It DOES get easy the more you try it during your rides this summer. Concentrating on where you "look" (head turned) and focusing on your task is the key. Everyone learns it eventually, and I don't mean years down the road.

[@beepbop6697]

I love slow speed maneuvers. Call you local sheriff's motorcycle dept and ask them when/where their next practice will be. You'll be amazed at their skills.

[@youknow62]

I wish i would have seen this very good informative video 2 weeks ago before i fell flat on my face with my heavyweight BMW K1200 LT with passenger (total around 500 kg or .1 108 pounds)...while taking a very slow turnaround the engine stalled and well as everybody know its a heavy heavy beast and once it falls u let it fall ,beside some light cosmetic damage who was not too bad we were not hurt but many people warned me that this would happen and it did ..lesson learned the hard way .I love your videos ..greetings from Belgium :-)

[@fffreak12119]

I am a new rider. Very new. This is my bane. I have tried this multiple times and keep screwing it up. I was missing counter balancing! I actually laid it down once because I started wobbling and yanked the throttle on accident. Thank you for this! Gonna try it

[@susancassells9356]

👍 also a new 🏍 rider + found sticking leg out direction your turning helps me remember 2lean opposite side😄 also dropped bike trying right tight turning😒my left👍 Perservere + Practice! Safe riding!

[@instructorautomotopiatraneamt]

What a cool view in the background, with those mountains.

[@aloisius4188]

Arizona ! I'm pretty sure. Tucson maybe?

[@LiloUkulele]

Arizona weather?...I’m cooking down in Baja...I go into panic mode trying to get my gear off fast enough....but it feels good to go out and practice and get a little closer to perfect turns EVerytime

[@mattdifabio9969]

where are you located... this looks like my home town scenery of Las Cruces

[@lyndabrady1113]

DDFM you make everything seem so easy!!! I have the Rebel 1100 DCT due to partial paralysis. Friction zone isnt an option...rear brake is my option

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Rear brake works so well. Main thing is eyes, head pointed to exit, handlebar turn, and rear brake for your situation. Slow and steady!

[@lewisthomas2132]

i love the way you have sponsors but just get straight to the point, nicely done

[@Mrtweet81]

Just remember if you are in Europe and want to use the diagram that one US parking spot equals about 9,5 spots in Europe...

[@hunny1502]

Pretty funny!

[@c0n0rr0b]

in Europe we have to prove we can do U-turns and slow movement as part of a Mod 1. cant do it cant pass to the Mod 2 road test.

[@mikeporro3311]

I was told by my MSC instructor that in Europe the bike u test with is the class of bike u can legally ride on the street. No Gixers for noobs.

[@gomezthechimp1116]

@@mikeporro3311 Different EU countries have different laws. In the UK they`re exceptionally complicated (I`m glad I passed my test 30 years ago), but essentially you can ride any bike which is restricted to 46hp once you`ve taken a theory test and a basic practical test. After two years you have to take the main practical test and can then ride bikes restricted to a mere 300kmh (187mph).

[@bigchungus5612]

@@gomezthechimp1116 all depends on what licence you go for CBT is limited to 125cc and a max of 11kw. You also must have L plates, you may not use the motorway or carry a pillion until you get an A1 licence. Very complex but ensures riders are capable for machines of different levels of power

[@johnanderson6311]

I'm a small dude with a heavier bike vfr 800. I didn't learn the but cheek thing till a little later and it helps alot

[@robertemmons2260]

Thanks for producing these videos Dan! They've been a big help to me.

[@Brandon25043]

Took my cbt (UK course similar to msf for US) my instructor told me I did everything perfect except the U turn and figure of 8, because I struggled to find either the right amount of throttle or the right amount of rear break. Still passed however. Just need more training before continuing for the full licence

[@ProriderCentralTexasYouTube]

Good Job!! One mistake riders make when making u-turns is they don't make a full head turn and look back over their shoulder. By turning your head and looking back over your shoulder this will also help you turn the handle bars more. Also your head turns needs to be quick and precise which will make for a quicker handle bar turn which will tighten up your u-turns. So a slow head turn makes for a slow handle bar turn which pushes you wide. I hope this makes sense ha ha

[@wpankey57]

I love your mountains! I live in Illinois and all we have are corn and bean fields.

[@elainecalzadilla9739]

Thanks Dan , amazing video .I'm struggle with my right side ,This video Helps me lot .I wanna try this way.

[@bellerides2]

I just got my permit today and BOMBED the u turn. 😬 I was super nervous all day, plus a girl crashed yesterday and was taken away by EMS...so that probably added to my anxiety too. U turns aren’t on the endorsement test here, but I still want to perfect then! Thanks for all your videos...I’ve watched so many!

[@storm1024]

DanDanTheFireman, two things. 1: Thank you for this tutorial 2: I think you’d be a competent & fun pilot

[@malcolmabram2957]

Useful. The one problem I have with a motorcycle (I have a BM1250R) is low speed maneuvering. In my car at a junction I don't stop, I look both ways and if clear do the turn. On my bike I must stop. I bought a BM as it has a low centre of gravity. I test drove a triumph tiger 1200, I would have dropped it numerous times by now if I had bought it.

[@OFFICALMENOFCULTURE]

You explain the bidy weight thing in this one way better than the right turn one. Thanks

[@jakeburke7396]

Just did the MC Course and this was my biggest struggle, as a larger guy and brand new to motorcycles i was as paranoid as can be to do this, i actually failed it during the test course but succeeded every where else, we had to do a S style u-turn and i just couldn't do it. It was tough to keep the friction zone in check while remembering to counter balance as it is natural to lean to where you're going, i feel like this area needs a ton more focus.

[@tiger2q]

Same. I failed my test yesterday and that was one reason why the slow speed maneuvers

[@sebastianlaabak4657]

in norway out of many tests before the main driving we do this where we turn in a box and have to turn the handlebars all the way.

[@AutobahnVault]

I also drag rear brake a little. Amazing how slow and tight of a turn you can take with slight rear brake.

[@onementality9781]

I know when I’m slipping my clutch and holding my back brake it’s like it torques up between the trans and back wheel causing the bike to lean with confidence and control

[@conroygreyfin7011]

Where I live only car parks around supermarkets are safe to do slow speed practice (after hours of course). But they are all on slight inclines and all have trees planted through out. Having those physical barriers has really helped tighten up my uturns. Pretty consistently just outside 2 carspaces. My problem is a cone weave (requirement for advanced course for license) where the cones are in a straight line. Have no problem weaving and leaning at speed. Soon as I slow down everything just feels sluggish

[@gromageindustries6745]

Thankyou, but you could say more about throttle, clutch and rear break control, how, where and when you apply them on the different parts of the turn.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Dan. head and eyes, friction zone and some rear brake!

[@leakingjar6801]

riding for 45 years now. great vid mate you certainly help avid riders +10 100% respect i still find useful with years of exp Thank you Dan. We never had riding tip or school in the 70s 80s 90s it was just learn by making mistakes infact never heard of any such thing as riding school till 2005

[@rodneygilliam7293]

Thank you sir it's always good to stay sharp when riding that's why I tune in thank you!

[@caseyroskwitalski4647]

Dude, I legit thought your mike was corona style chest hair. Ride safe my friend.

[@twrcrew8852]

what's coronavirus chest hair?

[@NotABot-px7ky]

@@twrcrew8852 ppl aren't shaving because they're not going out

[@twrcrew8852]

@@NotABot-px7ky oh lol. my chest doesn't do that, but my arm hairs full blaze even when shut.

[@ajwalkz]

Ditto

[@raymondgarafano8604]

of course a little rear brake helps too. . .It works great in traffic keep a few car lengths of space infront, head up, 1st or 2nd gear and a light pressure on rear brake.

[@erichansen8268]

Tennis balls cut in half work great for cones. You can run over them and it won't disrupt your balance. Also they are cheap and small enough that you can put more then you need to run the drills you are doing in a tankbag or backpack.

[@sector9lover1]

I have my MST booked for next week on the 22nd. These videos are so helpful its crazy! I'm going to a parking lot today to really test my skills. I'm riding a Triumph 2022 Bobber, any tips specifically for bobber style bikes?

[@drnmobile6764]

I just purchased my first bike (scooter 155cc) last 2weeks. After learning this technique my speed increase and my handling is much more confident right now. And now i realised how fun riding a bike😅

[@Bread-vk8fl]

the best tip i have ever seen so far!! I feel more confident now, even though i dont have a bike lol

[@xzi7499]

Sirr do u counter steer in that speed while u r turning ????????????

[@bullpups4life189]

My moto guzzi mgx 21 is so top heavy with a 21" front wheel and the spring loaded steering dampener always makes my uturns look like I dont know what I'm doing lol. My uturns tend to be WIDE.

[@AlmightyHilux]

Thanks for the tips, i really need to get that counter-balance down. I wish I had a nice parking lot to practice. In WA State you have to know how to do this to legally ride on the street, so my practice has been on my private gravel road and I've dropped the bike too many times in that gravel trying to U-turn.

[@moviebelle8938]

Dan Dan The Fireman, how do you get a secure seal on your breathing apparatus mask with the beard? Retire Firefighter wants to know

[@twrcrew8852]

If i had to bullshit you for a second, i'd pull a full face drop-on out as the excuse. not like the old m40 haz mask style that only sealed around the forehead, cheeks and jawline. though shaving is still required so im pretty sure Dan dan here is working off of firefighting history in his Yotube name - more so than being an active fireman. maybe he's making enough from KZbin. if not he mentioned being EMT now.

[@swingonthespiral]

He used to be a fireman I believe

[@jimsweet6574]

Yo Dan! I know, I know SUBSCRIBE! I will but I'm looking at an uncertain $$ situation right now and well... I figure you'd understand. You have my gratitude, I am learning so much about how to keep myself from becoming a statistic and what to do if I ever come across an accident. I hope that squres with what it is you're trying to accomplish.

[@robertmilburne4591]

What about dragging the rear brake a little with throttle control to keep you stabilized? Thats how learned to do tight turns at low speeds. But i was riding a cruiser style bike(85 magna 700f) then but not have a street rod 750. The bike is fun . And i still apply it . But you always show me something new for me too apply every time I ride. Thanks

[@drewesalan2958]

Good info if you are riding a Scout or FTR. Now how about demonstrating on a Road Master or Challenger?

[@ExpatriotSilencers]

Use of the rear brake is way more effective than the counter weighting.

[@shaunwilliams5395]

I so wish you guys in the USA had the UK training. CBT stuff

[@akquicksilver]

Great vid. I'm 68 and been riding since a teen. I have always had more difficulty with left turns. I lost my right eye when I was a child and after years of biasing my head and neck to the right, I have limited my neck turning range to the left significantly. Any suggestions?

[@aloisius4188]

Gradual neck and shoulder exercises should improve your range of movement. Look for " Neck Flexion Exercises" on line.

[@gordongoodman8342]

Can a person who is blind in one eye get a license?

[@akquicksilver]

@@gordongoodman8342 Yes, had car and motorcycle licenses for years.

[@gordongoodman8342]

@@akquicksilver Dont they give a vision test that tests eyesight in both eyes ?

[@akquicksilver]

@@gordongoodman8342 They do if you have both eyes. The last time I got my motorcycle license renewed, I told the DMV lady that I had an occular prothesis. She looked at me and said "What is that?" I replied pointing at my right eye, this is a "glass eye" (acutally it is acrylic). She looked back and forth at my eyes and asked "Can you see out of it?" I laughed and said "No, they haven't come quite that far with plastics yet." She was not amused, but I got my license renewed anyway.

[@Mr.M1STER]

Where I am from we drive on the left so our u turns are typically right hand u turns. I find left hand u turns easier but that is not much good to me. I have been practicing and getting decent but I don't have them every time like I want them. I think I need to counterbalance more. My slow riding in a straight line and clutch control I think are quite good but I feel I maybe leaning with the u turn sometimes which causes me to have to dab my right foot... no good.

[@rodcraig7295]

Training in a deserted area is good but when you are in traffic you have to look in the opposite direction to check for oncoming traffic before you turn which adds an additional complexity

[@wilsonwicks]

left u turns are difficult for me idk if its just psychological or what but i cant seem to get them tight great videos love the channel!

[@joeb9986]

Really like your style and content. Reminds me of my test a long time ago... My whole butt was hanging in the air with my thigh on the seat, heard the instructor laugh as I zoomed out of the box - good feeling.