2 Ways to do a U-Turn. Which is better?

[@PRSer]

I like the Asian U turn the best, most popularly used in countries like Thailand, Malaysia or India. What you do is you just U turn whenever, wherever and however you want. You can even pick up your bike and physically u turn it. It's amazing

[@MotoControlEn]

@@PRSer Also this maneuver is usually performed in shorts, so the operator has to mind the exhaust pipe location. Adds more challenge!

[@mattthomson3464]

So, contemplating some southern hemisphere riding (Albuquerque is becoming colder now, hour by hour), will the rental bikes have reversed controls for throttle and clutch? Specifically, clutch on right side and throttle on left? Additionally, will left or right U-turns (clockwise or counterclockwise) feel more or less dizzy than usual? Thanks for another wonderful vid!🎠

[@PRSer]

@mattthomson3464 motorcycles work the same pretty much everywhere in the world. Besides some maybe lesser known brands having weird placements for signal lights, horns and ignition switches

[@PRSer]

@MotoControlEn you're right! Road traffic rules? Riding gear? What's that? My bicycle helmet, shorts and slippers are all I need

[@aluisious]

@@PRSer Incorrect. The controls must be swapped due to the Coriolis force. This is also why they ride on the left side of the road in Australia and South Africa, to balance the forces in roundabouts.

[@BIBuildy]

Your cheerful smile and positive outlook always brightens my day. Thank you!

[@Chevsilverado]

Learn both and eventually you’ll subconsciously use the appropriate one for the situation effortlessly.

[@Nikolesh_nocash]

Hey i just wanted to thank you. I have been watching your videos for a while and gotten interested by it.and got my license yesterday. Tomorrow is gonna be the first time i get to drive my motorcycle!

[@viniciusdavila2737]

Here in Brazil I was taught to use rear break only in motorcycle school. A few weeks after I got my license I realized that riding the clutch (or "half clutch" as we call it) is much better.

[@andrelaureijssen9537]

The rear brake is mainly used to counteract the play in the drive (chain) so that the motorcycle drives without jerks and jerks. In the Netherlands we learn the combination of throttle, friction zone and rear brake.

[@aluisious]

It's impossible to ride a Harley without jerks, that's why we emphasize the clutch here.

[@Antillen44]

Same here, in riding school learned to use all; throttle, clutch and brake to control the bike (Netherlands).

[@neilp1885]

@@aluisious not all Harley riders are jerks 🤣

[@Gnerko123]

My Dutch instructor told me to do u turns and figure 8 without clutch. I learned on a four cylinder 650, when I bought my first bike (single 650), I quickly got used to using the clutch. Most instruction bikes are two cylinders, there using the clutch is probably more necessary than on my instruction bike

[@cedricl3157]

As an european from France, I'm surprised by your definitions because we learn the friction zone method for the licence exam. I did learn the clutch out / rear brake technique later but only for comptetitive gymkhana course where the speed is higher. Both are useful depending on your pace, as you stated. Your videos are always great, keep the good work !

[@rincewind666]

Other way around in Hungary. I was taught the rear brake method for the exam, and the friction zone method at a training course.

[@MythoMan-c2f]

In France we have really slow speed maneuvers for the licence (doing a certain distance in the maximum time possible) and we tend to use both techniques to achieve this. Using clutch to give the minimum speed possible and rear break for slowing it even further when we release a bit too much the clutch and to stabilise the bike... On a day to day commuting I usually don't use the rear break but we learn to do both at the same time if needed

[@aluisious]

Going real slow, I just drag the rear brake, give it a bit of gas, and use the clutch to control speed. Anyone can do a real tight uturn if you don't mind doing it at 3 mph.

[@vijayam1]

Good to see you again refreshing the topics needed the most.

[@rueda-roja]

Very well explained, thank you very much! Yesterday there was a storm here in PNW, with lots of power outages, and the traffic lights have been out the whole day in several cities. Hence every intersection became a 4-way stop requring crawling to it in the very heavy traffic. Got 2 hours of slow races and stop&go, my camera went out closer to the 2nd hour :D Thanks to your exercises, all great!!

[@aluisious]

You didn't cut to the front of every intersection? That's what we do in California.

[@rueda-roja]

@ lane filtering isn’t legal here in WA. However, I did get my blood heat up quite a bit when someone cut me off although I played by the book, so I ripped through on the shoulder for few blocks :)

[@TheEvil._.Grimace]

As a sport moto rider I use a mixture of the two. I know rpm=radius and depending on the U-turn I may just use the rear brake to tighten the radius or I may use the friction zone with throttle control to do it. Slow speed practice I always experiment with using the front brake at a minimum of pressure just enough to slow the moto and complete the U-turn along with the friction zone. I find practicing and experimenting with techniques has helped me navigate U-turns. I use what works. 😎

[@adammcallister2260]

I’m in the UK. Having passed my test last year, I have never heard of not using the clutch and was taught the friction zone method.

[@klubi-8095]

Im an motorcycle instructor from Finland and ive never heard of not using the clutch either..sounds bananas that somebody tells people to make slow turns without clutch…

[@PapZoltan99]

here in Romania I never heard of either of them in riding school. The instructor told me first session to ignore rear brake. I learned most stuff on how to ride a bike from ytube .

[@klubi-8095]

@@PapZoltan99 ”instructor”

[@sj_-_]

I was taught a combo of friction zone and brake. Release the clutch enough that the bike moves forward but revving doesn't add any speed, and then control speed with the back brake. I learned in the UK.

[@glynhannaford7332]

Great video! 👍 An additional factor is that the sensitivity available through fingers, is far higher than through one's foot, especially when encased in a boot. This means that far finer adjustments are possible when using the friction zone, compared to using the rear brake.

[@F3udF1st]

My impression is the opposite; the American method is to use the rear brake and the european is to use the clutch. I know this because I'm from Europe and was taugh to use the clutch and rear brake only if necessary, and whenever I suggest this method on Reddit (which is mostly american) I get downvoted. In either case, using the clutch to control your bike is far superior to using the rear brake.

[@Gnerko123]

Interesting, I’m Dutch and my driving instructor taught me to use the rear brake only and keep the clutch fully engaged. In practice, I find it easiest to use both.

[@atiko]

I'm Swedish and was taught to use the clutch. The slow speed course consists of multiple start and stops, sharp turns and a u-turn. Speed has to be kept below 5 km/h, a good way to practice this is to do the course slow enough that the abs light stays on. Using the rear brake for slow manouvers during the driving test is not allowed over here.

[@hctim96]

I took a few Police motor officer training courses for civilians. I noticed that the west coast police (CHIPS) use the clutch method and the east coast police us the rear brake method.. What ever works for you is the best for you.. Try both..

[@RollWithSoul317]

In my case, I have no choice but to use the European method because I ride a Honda Rebel CMX1100 DCT. So it’s throttle and rear brake for me! However, It was said by some KZbinrs that doing excessive slow speed maneuvers can cause problems with the internal clutch of the DCT. I will definitely have to speak to a Honda expert about that conclusion!?! 😎👍✌️

[@MotoControlEn]

Those youtubers were me😁It MIGHT cause the problems with the clutch, because it does not disengage completely during slow speed maneuvers. However, I have no real data to backup this claim, so it may not be true after all!

[@RollWithSoul317]

@@MotoControlEnThank you for your reply and I will investigate further with Honda. I’m sure that they had to know that “slow speed” maneuvers would have to be performed on this bike when it was first developed and manufactured!?! So far, so good with the internal dual clutch system in my bike. I haven’t heard any complaints from Honda Goldwing DCT owners about that issue either. 🤔👍

[@briangc1972]

Honda is aware of slow speed U turns and how it affects the clutch. The amount of wear is minimal and the average rider won't perform enough U turns in 5 years to make it a warranty issue.

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@MotoControlEn Why is that an issue with DCT more than the regular clutches? When using the clutch in the friction zone it's also partially disengaged.

[@thebestdamager7400]

I learned with the throttle "method", I struggled having confidence in 90° turns for a long time. I made the exact mistake you mentionned here, using the clutch when it was absolutely unnecessary.

[@Archangel144]

Great explanation, Professor!

[@skylinegeert]

Here in Belgium (Europe), we learn slow speed movements by using the friction zone. And if you want to go even slower (or smaller radius), apply rear brake in addition to it. First lesson here was even rolling the motorcycle without applying any throttle and only use the clutch and friction zone.

[@miseracle7291]

For me, applying constant pressure to the rear brake while making a turn is much easier than maintaining the same pressure on the clutch, especially when practicing an 8-figure. On one circle, you move faster and less controllably than on the other.

[@daiblaze1396]

Surprised to hear that in many european countries they learn only throttle and brake for turning. I will speak for France, we learn the three commands. It is even written in the text for the license test. Thanks for showing the two ways.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

In the UK we use the clutch and biting point as well, some schools prefer the rear brake method but A license bikes tend to have taller gears so often clutch use is taught. It's not one or the other.

[@MeowMuscleTv]

This channel explain very good in real life scenario it no best way to ride it up to yourself

[@Ramon51650]

Thanks for the two choice styles of throttle/brake & brake options. BTW - my electricity monthly bill has tripled where I live, so the UltraMax shirt is compensating. I wear it whether riding or at home. I hope they release new colors.

[@MotoControlEn]

Ha! I guess electricity bills tripled globally - same thing here in Argentina!

[@baronvonslambert]

Just as a general operator of many varieties of machines equipped with manual transmissions, if you're not feathering the clutch for finer control at low speeds, you're doing it wrong. Brakes are like arms, great for making broad gestures, clutches are like fingers, perfect for delicate manipulation and fine movements.

[@grantodaniel7053]

I couldn't have said it better! Cheers from Oz. 👍🇦🇺

[@glennpuckeridge6244]

I understand your point of view but there are nearly always exceptions. Motorcycle Motokhana riders never use the clutch for low speed manoeuvres. As Andre said, you choose the correct tool for the job you have to do.

[@nonsolorasatura9093]

Between these two methods I think is better the first one since be able to master the friction zone give a fine control. While reserving the second one only for motorbike without friction lever since isn't possible do otherwise. Note: Maybe the manufactures that push for automatic transmission will understand to replace the friction lever with the rear brake instead of let it empty aside from the useless button to make "manual" change,as used in the scooter,make more sense.

[@Uniquecapture]

I'm in the UK and was taught to use a combination of friction zone and rear brake. Personally I think the biggest challenge is not which technique to use but people no longer practicing slow speed manoeuvres once they have passed their test. My recommendation is at the end of every weekend ride, go to the carpark of your nearest school and do some slalom, figures of eight and u-turns before you go home.

[@neilp1885]

Yep, UK teaches fiction zone. Sometimes for beginners on level ground, they don't even say to use the brake, just apply the throttle and control the speed and turn with the clutch. They then introduce the rear brake to the mix once the clutch control is there, for use in more dynamic situations (slopes, manoeuvres where you are speeding up between turns, going into them faster, etc.) and to smooth out any effects from drive train slack as you introduce/remove power. Other instructors/schools just go straight in with the 3 controls from the start. I haven't heard of anyone teaching throttle and brake only, except on automatics/mopeds/scooters that don't have clutch levers (twist and go). Of course, my sample size is relatively small, so there might be ones that just teach throttle and brake, even in manuals with clutches, it's just I haven't seen or heard of that.

[@megaquacksalver]

This low speed maneuvering has been a bit of a challenge on electric motorcycles where there is no clutch and no gyroscopic forces helping to keep me upright. Maybe the foot brake method will help. I’m going to try it. Thanks for the great video! Any chance you might consider a series on technique for electrics? While they are simpler overall, I think there is still a need for videos showing adaptations of some basic skills with the electric setup, especially slow speed maneuvering and trail braking. Really anything that normally involves a clutch.

[@catherined.398]

When I got my license, we were told touching the rear brake was not allowed, but the instructor also said he would look the other way if we did.

[@fintonmainz7845]

I think schools prefer the rear brake method because it also works for automatic scooters.

[@Dellvmnyam]

There is also a "Japanese" method, it works on DCT motorbikes only. The rider uses the throttle and the rear brake and the motorbike comntrols the clutch for them.

[@TheNanoBadger]

good thing i got recommended this channel somehow motojitsu doesn't make sense to me in my case i generally use the friction zone of the clutch for slow speed maneuvering because rear brake slows me down too much (also i daily a 125cc so not much power to play around with)

[@archerman152265]

I think I use American style mostly. Firstly I’m now riding American cruiser (Honda Shadow 750), secondly, for me, slower speed= more confidence. But in my driving school, Hong Kong, they teach us slope figure 8 by dragging rear brake only.

[@Thanatos2996]

I was taught to use the clutch and rear brake, with the throttle held constant in my MSF course in the US.

[@chrisbamborough222]

Same here in the UK or similar. I was told to just use the clutch with the throttle closed but at the same time gently pressing the rear brake. Apparently this weights the rear wheel for better control. You just use the clutch to control speed. If needed a little open throttle with rear brake lightly on but still using the clutch for control. We have a National teaching System as I believe you do but in both cases I think some instructors have their own ideas. Cheers👍

[@briangc1972]

I would like you to analyze the technique used by the Japanese police as well as gymkhana riders. They lean much further and accelerate through the U turn.

[@jerrylong381]

I think he has made a video on that already.

[@briangc1972]

@@jerrylong381 Found it, thanks

[@jerrylong381]

@briangc1972 You're welcome.

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Excellent

[@temelkaraarslan7944]

Teşekkür ederiz (thank you)

[@lpls]

This makes BMW's move to remove the clutch lever make more sense (from an European perspective). Personally, I'd like to keep the clutch control.

[@Darkaltayr]

4:43 when I take my bike for a walk in the winter so it doesn't get lonely in the garage

[@acnologia7919]

I just passed my Motorcycle exam in Germany a month ago and was taught to use all 3 mostly just drag the rear brake to get slower and clutch in the slipping zone but give the engine some throttle so the bike wont stall. we have a walking speed slalom where you have to go around 5-8 kmh

[@andrewschultz2504]

I use a combination of both. Really tight u turns can be accomplished this way.

[@BUGBYTE_]

I didn't even know these had names. My mom taught me the way with the throttle and rear brake. I knew it was different but when that's how you learn that's what you know. (My mom is German so I guess this makes sense)

[@Toxicdemon2]

I'm European (Belgium) and I use both methods depending on the situation.

I'm here regardless I respect your perfect information and it's 👍 from me even if I don't need to know how to do this, I ride a small bike in Vietnam and you have taught me a lot of good stuff! I don't ride a elephant 😂, I ride a light excellent Yamaha, with vva and it's perfect for Vietnam, you should come to Vietnam, I'm sure you would love it. So my bike it's just 155,cc it's lovely!

[@shaun8256]

Is a u turn on a dual sport considered an Aussie u turn? Great explanation of u turns in either case!

[@vikaschheda3350]

Depends on speed we can use both techniques accordingly

[@UnCivilEngineerIRL]

GREAT SUCCESS !

[@DeKuen-b6u]

Thanks for the entertaining video. But it's not what we are taught in Switzerland. We are taught to go into the friction zone to be slow, then micro control speed with the foot brake. Without using the clutch, you would be simply to fast to make the turns and the slow-drive required to pass the drivers license tests.

[@MrCommuterUG256]

Hello sir How are you doing sir. Greetings from Uganda. I started practicing the motorcycle drills in your book yesterday. At what speed am supposed to stop using tge friction zone while in 1st gear?! My bike when I relase clutch and ride at a speed between 10-16kmh without friction zone. Kindly guide me sir

[@guilhermedelopes]

there won't be any black friday? looking forward to buy both courses. cheers from brazil!

[@laszlokekkoi6020]

I was taught the European style for the exam, and life taught me the American style. By the way, in the European style, you can wave with your left hand at the same time. :)

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

I would add… the friction zone method allows for far greater precision in confined space manoeuvres, not just slow speed… look at us rodeo speed and precision courses… you cannot do that with the full clutch method

[@motoringwithmouseball1219]

When I said my Andre would save America 🇺🇸 I was right!!! Because of my Andre and his mastery of the friction zone!!! My Andre convinced the American people to vote for common sense and good principles when it comes to improving your skills with the new king of the hill online course and improving the economy making everything cheaper!!!! My Andre and Vance 2024!!!! Use the friction zone

[@RollWithSoul317]

I had know idea that this is a political channel!?! Shouldn’t the content creators be in charge of that?!? Aren’t there channels for that type of dialogue??? 🤔🏍️🤨

[@motoringwithmouseball1219]

My guess your candidate wasnt my andre

[@MotoControlEn]

@@RollWithSoul317 Of course it's a political channel! I'm going to be the first US president who has never been in the US! See you in elections😁

[@motoringwithmouseball1219]

@@MotoControlEn my Andre saved America 🇺🇸!!!!

[@doswoods653]

@@RollWithSoul317freedom of speech means anyone can speak about anything they wish. So I’d say if it offends you you might want to go cry to yourself in a corner somewhere in private and let Andre continue to Make Motorcycling Great Again! Much love to Andre from 🇺🇸!!!

[@alitoroganan2442]

Can you please demonstrate how to do U turns using a liter sports bike, cheers

[@philipfieldhouse9229]

I was always taught to use clutch AND brake

[@kumabear3367]

I have the exact same duke 200, learning for couple months now. I have a problem with the rear brake, it's so high up that I have to lift my entire foot to hit the rear brake. How can I lower the brake pedal to fit me?

[@MrBCRC]

One of the more awkward situation is rider/bike combinations where the rider is physically limited in how much they can maneuver themselves on the bike and thus limit how much they can counter lean and still have their feet on the pegs and hands on the bars. Beginners that fall into this group will ask about how that can do tight u-turns and sometimes the correct and safest answer for them is... It's impossible. Don't try it. You're just going to drop the bike and injure yourself.

[@rawmaterials3909]

I grind my teeth every time I hear those pipes scratching the asphalt...

[@johnherian781]

Current riding situations may call for different techniques.Learn to do both.

[@samirxtz250]

"amigos" haha :D 🇧🇷

[@yvan2218]

Whats the right way to hold the throttle? I find that I can easily find the friction zone but I can't seem to accurately find the "biting" point for the throttle so I can keep it at a constant RPM. I know that theres supposed to be a bit of slack from fully off and slight throttle engagement like the clutch, but how should i hold the bars so its easier for me to find that? The ice cream cone method that I saw from Fortnine's vid was good but I feel a bit of wrist pain if i dont lean forward more. The "bicycle" grip allows me to easily reach for the front lever and cover it as I would during city traffic, but i find it harder to find the throttle biting point. Might be a dumb question but I want to learn how to better control my throttle hand!

[@Murad.bn2]

Ideally, throttle handle should not have any biting point between idle rpm and any acceleration, but on some bikes, especially with mechanically actuated throttle, there is a "dead zone". I have it on my CF Moto 300NK, when engine revs up from 1500 idle to ~2700 rpms with nothing in between, and it results in jerks while moving in slow trafic in 1st gear (have to hlod clutch to smoothen it up).

[@yvan2218]

@Murad.bn2 I do notice in slow speed low rpm, my vitpilen tends to be a little jumpy if I just use the throttle. I gotta use a bit of clutch to smoothen out the accel. But I was more talking about the hand position to get low rpms and stuff, since I tend to either have it completely off or rev too much if I give it some gas. Is it muscle memory or hand position?

[@Murad.bn2]

@@yvan2218 based on my experience, it is related to the seating position, e.g. you should be able to hold yourself with legs and back, without pushing or pulling by handlebars. If your throttle operates smoothly while motorcycle is in Neutral, then it might be unconscious hand movements. I control wrist position with 2 fingers over brake lever, and it takes time for body to react correctly.

[@yvan2218]

@Murad.bn2 interesting info on the seating position, would that also apply to a more leaned forward position i.e. sport bikes and cafe racers? I do find i have better control if I use the ice cream grip but I don't have good handlebar control as a result

[@Murad.bn2]

@@yvan2218 I would say that seating position is essential on every bike, as it allows you have relaxed arms and better control. For me, even if I change my trousers to a more slippy ones (e.g. getting less bike grip by knees), it affects how I ride.

[@gaasts]

Im wondering if what im doing is bad because I hear this part at the end often: no need for the clutch during normal turns (like an intersection). I still use it often there even in 2nd gear because I find my throttle is very sensitive and twitchy in low gears and it helps smoothing things out. Is this bad? Anything I should do instead? My baby is a Vulcan 650 if it matters

[@MrCommuterUG256]

Is it safe to ride at slow speed in 1st gear without the clutch?!!

[@Simon-fm8yc]

Of course.

[@t.sievers1024]

Using throttle, clutch and rear brake at the same time is part of every riding Test in Europe. If you can't do it, you won't get your licence.

[@cargeek6139]

I don’t understand why it’s American vs European. I live in America and I do use the rear brake for u turns. Why not explain it as 2 different ways of making a u turn.

[@fasttracklap8480]

in my ford focus 1.6 petrol na, when it is in 1st gear, free rolling on plane surface, with me not giving it gas, it rolls in a steady pace, now when i try to give it some brake, the car automatically raises the revs, so i feel a resistance to me braking, the car wants to accelerate, the more i brake the more it adds power, and when i release the brake, guess what happens, it lurches forward, now i don't know about motorcycles, but if this happens on a motorcycles while you try the european u turn, it won't work.

[@gasdive]

I use both. Plus the half donut.

[@aleksandarstevanovic5854]

but only if i look at the clutch while leaned bike starts to "feel" unstable, so basically in slow U turns i'm basically dancing between unstable "clutch-in" (im-gonna-tip-over) and releasing a clutch a bit (im-going-wide-towards-that-bush) around the friction zone... sounds good?

[@listek981]

Why would you use either brake or clutch? Just lean more.

[@guzziman]

Japanese police moto officer riders use which method?

[@chrissmith7669]

I prefer the Harley U-turn. Full front brake, full throttle and let out the clutch walking it around in a cloud of smoke n noise. Just kidding . Lol lol.

[@davidcox8961]

Ultra max underwear is stupid expensive ! $250 Ridiculous.

[@janschatteman3873]

sometimes the friction zone is so narrow it's really hard to nail it, i have this small 'issue' on my tracer9gt+, bit of a benevolent hooligan in 1st gear ,🫠 wonder how slow speed turns will work out in the 2025 version with the new yamaha y-amt ... i.e., no clutch 🧐

[@MrBCRC]

It has a clutch. It's just electronically operated by the ECU

[@janschatteman3873]

@@MrBCRC Well, yes, but i doubt the ECU knows how to 'slip' said clutch, and if indeed it does, hat off ... to clarify: I meant the clutch lever, not the actual clutch

[@8Jacob2]

Why American? Why European? I dont get it.. Its all international and universal :)

[@101steel4]

What about European Americans? 😁

[@8Jacob2]

@@101steel4 :) The only true Americans are the native Indians..

[@apaibirides4964]

Hello

[@hunczar]

so the Euro style is basically Japanese...

[@nelsonlamataveras4938]

"American" is not the same as belonging to the United States 😊

[@hctim96]

And here we go with the politics...uff

[@jfundora8583]

Hi Andre. Can you please tell me what year and make of motorcycle is that cruiser?

[@MotoControlEn]

@@jfundora8583 2012 Kawasaki VN1700. Pretty good bike for long distance, and a huge cow in the city🙃

[@jfundora8583]

​@@MotoControlEn Thanks for the quick reply my man. I enjoy all your videos. They have helped. Keep up the good work.