How To U-Turn on Adventure Motorcycles / Works with Street Bikes Too

[@MOTOTREK]

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[@solodad7999]

Years ago, in a galaxy far away I completed a 2.5 week long police motorcycle school and part of the final test was a speed u turn inside 2 parking stalls. We had to accelerate in, brake hard and turn a U turn inside the lines of 2 parking stall & full throttle out, simulating a pursuit. It was a blast! I still do it today on my adventure bike.

[@mollygrubber]

Every time you talk about riding techniques, I learn SO much - even after riding for 30+ years and taking other courses. You're my guru Brett. Gotta come down and take one of your classes soon. Thanks so much for posting these videos.

[@syedabdulhalim23]

This guy is so good at explaning things, complete with visuals and so on. 10/10.

[@peterjames7905]

I have been riding motorcycles all my life I am 77 years old and I wish you had been around when I started but I have learnt so much from watching you now thank you you are the best

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on!

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Finally, after all these years, a flawless how-to video on motorcycle handling. Thank you.

[@markbarkntrunk102]

Thank you for your videos. I have been riding 42yrs and you are teaching me thing I never knew. this will help me in my new style of riding, Adventure.

[@calin7017]

It is probably one of the very few channels where the explanations are short and to the point, beside being done in proper English. Even for experienced riders, who`ve been riding for years, it is good sometimes to go back to the basics and clean up some of the bad habits we picked up along the way. Thanks and looking forward for some more.

[@patrickmcloughlin8069]

Great U-turn instruction from a very able teacher. I've been riding 30 years and still don't feel 100% comfort with this skill - will try your lean and coast technique for sure! Thank you for great videos.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Patrick.

[@richardzrogers]

Great video! Thank you. I've been riding motorcycles, on and off road, for 30 years. The first time you try to make a tight U-turn on one of these high riding 650 pound monsters, it's different. The center of balance, your body position, and how much you turn the wheel (not at all on some street bikes, all the way on these), all changes. The way you lean away from the turn to hold up the bike, which you do on a BMX bike but do much more on one of these, is worth practicing even if you think you know what you're doing. Thanks for posting this.

[@silverchimes81]

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve recently upgraded from a road bike to an adventure. Boy was a fright having that first tip over, although not a u turn. I have an extremely steep driveway and tried to exit the garage like I normally would (reverse and take off at a right angle). Still have to master that completely but the uturns are coming along nicely now lol.

[@TucsonDude]

I'm with you on this. I've been riding 40 years on the road and still am wary on handling my 2-year old GS.

[@ttrguy9952]

Tight U turns are a MUST on ADV bikes!!! Handling an ADV bike in crowded places is a Must! Slow speed skills is a MUST have for us on BIG bikes! Parking lot practice is HUGE!!! Great Video!!! 🙌👏🤙👌🖖✌👍👋🙂

[@RuslanBabich]

This is the best explanation of a U-turn I've ever heard! I like how you explained the steps of the U-turn at 3:30.

[@Peter-un8no]

Excellent way to demostrate leaning vs no lean to turn tighter

[@sharmanshah6542]

All this time I thought only pros could ride this way. After watching your video over and over again and a significant time practicing turns, I'm able to comfortably make locked handlebar turns feel so much more confident. Thanks!

[@shubhenduchatterjee4967]

It’s incredible to see how Bret manages the weight of those heavy monstrous motorcycles with so much ease. 🙏🏼

[@thierryfaquet7405]

That’s because when you ride correctly you don’t have to fight your bike’s weight. It’s only when your balance’s off that you start feeling the weight and obviously the more unbalanced you are the heavier it will feel.

[@troy9er]

I would love to do a bunch of figure 8’s in front of our house while waiting for my wife to come out to go on a ride. It was a blast and great practice!!

[@quadguy1470]

Excellent video, just discovered your channel and despite riding for over 35 years and can honestly say I am nowhere nearly as skilled at the u-turn as you! Never too old to learn a new skill I guess. Thanks!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're not alone, Frank. Many riders we interact with have problems with U-turns. That's why we made the video :) Thanks for subscribing!!

[@johnhays1939]

I've been doing low traction U-turns in a high traction environment, time to go hit the road and practice this, Thanks.

[@weridemotoz5551]

Bret, I've watched hundreds od videos on riding and you are one of the most relaxed riders I've seen. You are definitely comfortable on your bike and it shows. Look forward to your next video! PS you should do some of your travels.

[@BretTkacs]

I will certainly share some of the lessons learned from travels and maybe even video a trip or two

[@allenp6711]

Best U-Turn video I have seen! Great job on the demo of how turning radius changes with bike leans. Covering both good and poor traction is brilliant. I started coaching at an advanced riding school (mostly people wanting to go on to race). I enjoy improving my skills and helping people that want to improve there everyday riding skills, what your doing is perfect! I will likely be sharing the link to your video with others. :)

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Allen!

[@ducatidon1]

Nice Work..... the leaning to decrease turn radius demo by walking the bike was brilliant. I taught physics for 13 years and was always on the lookout for ways to demonstrate concepts and you nailed this one in the motorcycle world .

[@MOTOTREK]

+Don Tujaka Thanks!

[@kildareman051]

Clear, simple and concise language. Brilliant

[@idratherberiding3456]

Don't forget to explain the rarely mentioned counter steering action to trigger the lean of the bike. It is very clear when you do it on videos shot from above at the 0:31 seconds mark and then again on 5:50 mark. Great stuff, man!

[@briw4647]

When I was practicing on my 125 for my test, I visited an abandoned factory parking lot, marked the floor and did lots of weaving, figure of 8 etc. I would make smaller and smaller marks and tighter and tighter weaving until I could do a figure of 8 in 2 car space parking lines. I really believe this practice of balance, clutch control etc helped alot and continues to now

[@stuffypoo]

probably one of the best u turn videos out there. all the other ones confuse you with slipping the clutch, counterbalancing, dragging rear brake, which can be too much for a new rider. your video is simple, brake late, then pull in the clutch as you tip your bike inward and then back on the throttle.

[@irishrover63]

I recently completed an off road riding course at MotoScotland and we were doing those very techniques on very rough and unstable ground. Our instructor insisted that we stand on the pegs with duck feet and head up at balance looking were we want to go and counter lean as we turn in full circles, it was amazing how tight we could make those turns.

[@BretTkacs]

standing has a lot of advantages but there is more that goes into that than a 5 min video. I will do something on positioning in the future

[@John_Ridley]

I'm on my first bike, and I bought a cruiser. It's doing well by me, I've put about 15000 miles on it in about 18 months so I can't complain but it really threw me that I wasn't able to do a lot of this stuff until I realized that with the forward controls the ability to throw my body weight back and forth is close to zero; leaning is the best I can do. Still any skill gain is good, and I hope when I get a bike with pegs I can stand on I'll get better at these things. . I plan to replace it with an ADV in the spring.

[@getrollin2471]

First time seeing this channel , I Instantaneously became a subscriber . Your masterful explanations of the dreaded U-turn using a heavy bike was very informative and much appreciated . Also , very impressed with the way the video was shot , the different angles provided visual data of body and head positioning related to bike movement . Keep up the great work!!

[@408SPLKINGS]

Thank you Sir Precise, clarity, no condescending. great verbal & visual lessons.

[@mbj1163]

The full walk, upright vs lean, from 1:50 through 2:45 really makes the video. (Must say I'm impressed by the leaning walk. Theses bikes have a high center of gravity. I'm sure I would drop mine if I tried to walk it like that and I'm a bigger guy than you.)

[@mark4x4x4]

Impressed me too, was really surprised in the difference in the turning circles!

[@mattphelps3718]

@Bret- been a subscriber and follower for a while! Hope to do one of hour training courses soon. Great video as always!! (I realize it’s a few years old) If I may add, the part missing from this great video is HOW to counter steer. As a GS owner, I think it’s helpful to think “knee to outside cylinder”. It’s there, use it! Push the outside knee on top of the cylinder to help shift your weight. On other bikes, the same principle applies... knee to in front of the outside foot peg. Stay nimble, stay light on the pegs. Feather the clutch and look in the direction you want to go. And Practice, practice, practice!!! Cheers mate!

[@finlaggan-lordoftheisles-7982]

Very well explained, especially the turning radius and leaning with high traction. Thanks !

[@BretTkacs]

That is one of my favorite demonstrations as it really illustrates the value well.

[@matthewmillar3804]

THANK YOU! Finally someone who explains how to do this! Well made, kudos sir.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome

[@Thumpermad]

I put a set of wide bars on my GSXR750, 15. the 1st turn I did with the the limited steering lock on this bikes was how do you say ... interesting alls I could think about was my dirtbike 😁 you have some great points in your tutorial and I can see the expertise in your bike handling skills. The 1 thing I noticed is that in tight situations it's virtually impossible to turn around on a heavy adventure bike , I now have a think before I get myself in too deep especially on single track

[@runemagic7]

finally found an "adv" focused channel. I think the only thing missing for me now is the DCT Adv bike channel. Using the rear break as the "clutch slip" portion is a skill I am still working on. Have become better but still have a ways to go!

[@sunnyvalejedi]

☝🏼What you said.

[@TheSuperKnug]

This channel has the quality of a Tv series! Keep up the Good work! You will ge sooo many more subs in a short while!

[@lamb212]

U turns are my biggest weakness, had a bike that would stall when it was cold, that's was when I most often needed to do a slow speed turn. I dropped it a couple of times so it's a big fear for me now. I will practice :)

[@ridernotrunner]

Use more throttle and let the clutch control the power to the ground. That keeps the revs up and reduces stalling. You might also like a fuel injected bike haha. But I'm sure you know all that :D ride on!

[@jamesklauzner6938]

Bret, I could not tell if you were also using the rear brake whilst in the turn, but you should be basically working the rear brake against the throttle whilst in the turn, along with some clutch slip as necessary.

[@nomoreblahblah]

I hit the parking lot every chance I get to practice U-turns, figure 8s, Stops, avoidance simulation, and other motorcycle exercises. Riding a motorcycle isn't new, but I didn't practice riding exercises as often as I do these days. I am a much better rider for it.

[@MOTOTREK]

Excellent!

[@andreyka64]

you guys are one of my newest and most favorite channels. keep it up !

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Andrey!

[@MARINE7276]

Great, easy to understand video. I practice doing this every morning when I get to work, it's fun and I get a lot of comments about how easy I make it look doing tight u turns and figure eights. Thanks for the video.🏍

[@0HARE]

Great advise and demonstration. I have actually been practicing my low speed U-turns in a parking lot near my house. As your U-turn skills increase, so does your confidence. Happy Trails

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Some of the best production values I've seen in a motorcycle information video.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you. We're trying!

[@suprPHREAK]

Excellent video! Same principals of the hightraction environment apply to big sport touring bikes, too. Concours 14, ST1300, FJR. If I could point out one thing that wasnt said, but was visually obvious: TURN YOUR HEAD. Look THROUGH the turn.

[@r1misra]

Please check 1:20 min point, he does talk about not looking down but turning your head all the way around and looking at where you want to go

[@383SS350]

In all fairness, at 1:20, he's looking in the direction he wants to turn, but he's looking right at the ground. You want to look over your shoulder, maintaining a high visual horizon.

[@damachine3]

2:12 Glad to see you trust your kickstand so much!

[@snakeo99]

Awesome, high quality video. I hope you can keep producing them!

[@Stoxoz]

Holy crap you really walked a tilted GS like it was nothing! Superhuman strength!

[@BretTkacs]

yep build like Arnold Schwarzenegger (when he was 12)

[@otecron]

I’ve been listening to Bret’s segments on the Adventure Rider Radio podcast - some of my favorites! Glad I found the videos too. Subscribed!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Mark!

[@Christian-ve1wi]

What an insightful video no bull no time wasting just the information you need. Thankyou very much for creating and uploading this video.. another subscriber to your channel..

[@daniel_diaz97]

Man risked dropping his bike to show us how much better it is to turn and lean. Explains everything perfectly.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Daniel.

[@383SS350]

To do this maneuver properly, you pretty much want the bike right on the verge of falling over.

[@markturgeon4181]

i just bought a GS 650 as my first bike, love the bike, keep up the good work with your videos.

[@AppleBear033]

Just listened to this segment on Adventure Rider Radio Podcast, ha ha! Thank you for the tips! Nice to be able to see and hear it.

[@BretTkacs]

My talk with Jim on ARR was perfectly timed with this production which is one reason I suggested it to him. I like the chats on ARR as we get to talk about details I don't have time for on a youtube production. Let ARR know how much you appreciated finding a video to support the talk if you feel that it is true.

[@AirdaleDucky]

Yes! It's great to see it in action.

[@Ynherag]

I've tried it this week with my GS-LC. First turn was a bit scary as the bike almost rolled over oO But I could pull it up with the throttle. Then I let it go gaz off and used the handlebars to find balance. It was much easier turning left than right. I'll definitively exercise again. Thanks :-)

[@richardseinstra5236]

Really good instructional vid (the others are also). But some comment on this technique. In The Netherlands (where I'm from) "special actions" are an essential part of your motorcycle license exam. You have to pass these before the examiner lets you go on the road and to get the license. Among other things these are u-turns, slalom and figure 8. When I learned them (many years ago), I learned them idling the engine in 1st gear and not using the clutch or break. Just slow down till the idling speed in 1st gear and then make your special manouvre at full handlebar lock. The engine will keep you rolling at the right speed to be able to make the manouvre effortless. But the rule was: engine idle in 1st gear and without using clutch or break. Maybe it's a bit slower than doing it your way, but once you trust the bike (and that it will keep on going, and yourself and your own balance of course), it's very easy. Also always look where you want to go, not where you do NOT want to go (because that's where you'll go!!). This not only apllies to slow turns, but to riding your motorbike in all circumstances. Try this out by trying to avoid manhole covers when you're lokking at them, you'll probably fail. Look next to the cover and you'll pass it without a problem. In a slow turn the same applies. We learned to look about 5' - 6'6" (1,5 - 2 meters) ahead of the bike's front wheel into the turn to where you wanted to go. By doing that you automatically go there. After that it's just finding the right balance for slow turns with any bike (from ADV to racer to cruiser).

[@BretTkacs]

True... true and true. I teach the same technique (slow idle) to many new riders

[@Thom4zz]

I learned it also this way(Belgium), but also with gently applying the rear brake, making the bike lean more into bends. Also the bikes in school was 4cylinder, huge difference in doing slaloms on idle compared to a 2cylinder. 2cylinders has way more torque in lower rpm, so you have to be carefull on giving it some power not to fall over.

[@henryhiggins2021]

Bret makes it look easy . U turn is simple manoeuvre on lighter bikes , but add 240kg and things can become embarrassing pretty quickly if you stuff it up .

[@Protagonist]

embarrassing.....and expensive :(

[@KamleshDesai]

With my first little adv bike coming in at the end of this month- this was an amazing video to watch... thanks.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

I give you two thumbs up for that very concrete demonstration of how much of a tighter turn can be made while increasing lean angle!!! PS. I miss living in Western Washington! I might be a little jealous of you.

[@SkatRadioh]

This was great, thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to practice this once some of this ice disappears!

[@chrismostlymotorcycling2694]

Excellent video. To the point and spot on. This technique is not just for U turns. I used it to get around the tight hairpin bends on the East slope of the Stelvio Pass in Italy. The queue to accelerate on the exit comes quite naturally. You won't need to think about it. Forget about the rev's, think about the clutch and look where you want to go.

[@davemould5868]

Thanks for the reply, enjoyed the video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.

[@didsombodysayskip]

Your rig must weigh more than my canoe packed for a two week canoe trip with a canvas tent and wood stove on board. I love the videos easy to listen to, thanks!

[@heavyd9154]

great video. All of these techniques are taught in the MSF courses in the USA. Which everyone should take since you get discounts on your insurance

[@davidholt4216]

I tried it and I came back to watch this again after struggling with it. I didn't notice the first time that you shifted your weight before starting the turn rather than during (which is very difficult since your working against nature). Hope to try again soon.

[@mark4x4x4]

Very interesting to see hat a difference there is in the turning circle just by leaning over!

[@kenpage7305]

Fantastic presentation. With this quality of instruction, subscribers will come flocking soon!.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Ken!

[@maxrider3460]

Absolutely amazing! That skill set of yours blew my mind. You make me want to practice a lot.

[@lukash7659]

Awesome! Definitely need to practice this in spring!

[@bikedawg]

This is one of the better videos explaining tight turns. And I've watched about 20 of them. The down-angle shots are extremely helpful. THANK YOU! ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

[@davidholt4216]

I've been riding for a long time, but never really had formal instructions for this, and am always a little nervous when space is limited for a u turn. Can't wait to try this.

[@michaelsupple6081]

That was incredibly informative and it just goes to show how much I have to learn. Thanks for sharing.

[@outty77]

When you get good at this in lower traction areas, you can really kick out the back tire if you give it a little more gas as you come out of the u-turn. The chicks love it, I think.

[@BretTkacs]

outty77 yes they do!

[@BMRTV]

2:53 Such a great demo. Seeing is believing.

[@stevedavies4615]

Who the hell would give a video like this a thumbs down?.....

[@BretTkacs]

I was thinking the same thing but there always has to be someone

[@smbutte]

Bloke, wonderfully explained and demonstrated with simple yet effective end states to achieve.

[@MOTOTREK]

+Simon Butterworth thanks!

[@sandyneveling4883]

Very good Video! Something we all need to go out and practice more often...

[@axslinger99]

OMG, I love the elevator music followed by a record scratch! LOL.

[@shaquilleghotane6593]

I'm so glad i found this channel

[@mancavemoto]

A new subscriber from the UK. A friend recommended your channel and i'm really enjoying the content, great stuff! Its good to see the countryside too, I had a relation that lived in Edmonds, but I haven't been back for many years. Soon I hope......i still remember the breakfast at Snoqualmie Falls!

[@sono_waaan]

Subscribed. Awesome channel! Deserve more subs.

[@dznnf7]

Great content, really enjoying it!

[@fotograf3367]

Cool! Thanks for the detailed Tutorial!

[@orangelion03]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed! Good stuff here!! I ride a 2006 R1200GS and a 93 XR650L...relatively new to the off-pavement world and enjoying the adventure.

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

Great Video It is nice to see a video where you know how to do it wright. As for the people saying you do not need this skill they must only ride on wide roads, I have been many a time on narrow back roads and trails where I have had to do tight U turns, where the road just got too rough for the type of bike I was on or where the road was washed out. Keep your Videos coming they are very good.

[@fnq-8890]

Hildton McConnell .. Yeah mate I actually do a lot of riding on tracks that are usually to steep (slippery red volcanic oil) or overgrown to do u-turns on, a KZbin channel "Riding with Tom" filmed the area - CREB track in the Daintree Rainforest near Cairns North Queensland in Australia .. " Cape York jungle Adventures KTM 690" Episode 2 K

[@MrBillFletcherr]

I have used those Hippo Hands for the last two years. They are great!

[@pigeonpallz1733]

Doing a you turn is easy ! ...... I just close my eyes and ...BAM!!!! it just works out ! Every time ! Now I just neeb a motorcycle !

[@AMorgan57]

Wow, those figure 8s on that big bike in just four parking stalls is really impressive.

[@UncleWally3]

I wish you’d reinforced the verbal points with written points and perhaps break it down with some stop-action, but really - this is an excellent video. But, here’s my question: I’m decent at performing a u-turn with my “sit up and beg” V-Strom but I’m creeped out on my tucked-in Honda VFR (OEM bars). Is it a simple matter of practice and confidence or is there a slightly different technique required to accommodate the different ergonomics?

[@BretTkacs]

the technique on a bike with limited steering lock must be much cleaner and there are fine adjustments that will make it easier. The V-strom will always be easier. Even though my Ducati is lighter and shorter than my old GS it is far more difficult to u-turn.

[@philski2589]

Very well filmed and excellent content. You’ve just gained a subscriber 👍🏼

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Phil.

[@chritc]

love all of your videos, more power to you! Please post more!

[@StoryMotoADV]

Nice. I haven't worked on u turns on my adv bike yet. Did my test on a dirt bike that was much lighter than my new bike! My husband can do this on his beemer with his eyes closed so looks like its time for me to hit the parking lot! Thanks for the tips!

[@aaronbrown6266]

So unfortunate that you don't have to do your test on the bike you aim to ride. Don't die. Please. Be careful, and practice skills on your bike.

[@billhamilton7524]

i will be looking for more of this guys vids ,,i wish he was my junior high school teacher ,,i may have TURNED out better

[@FastNBulbous]

....wow...

[@josemanuelcarvalho6413]

Excellent Vid!! Thanks!

[@carlosmoreno986]

That shot at the end was great

[@MOTOTREK]

+Carloes Mooreno thank you.

[@gutsngorrrr]

When learning to ride a big bike I had problems doing a u turn, especially a slow speed, until someone showed me the trick of setting the accelerator and dragging the back break to adjust your speed. I found it gave much better control through the turn compared to using the accelerator.

[@Richard1976]

Wouldn't mind practicing on a loaner, but with your own bike with the risking of falling is something different

[@PSmith-qp2lo]

Makes it look soooooo easy.... thought about giving it a go, but was nervous about ballsing it up and tipping my bike onto its side over the front wheel.... ill keep playing though....

[@fnq-8890]

Sorry mate I was being a smart arse in that reply, your vids are actually pretty good value and I forget sometimes that there's a lot of blokes that need help in the early years of riding.

[@jasonmarsh7327]

Brilliant thanks for sharing your expertise..

[@DjuuletDjuul]

En plus y a une super musique, bravo la batterie, good drumer

[@MOTOTREK]

mattjorgensen.com

[@fordgeher]

Very great explanation. I will try those tips at the weekend on a parking lot near my home. Thanks!