"Japanese" U-Turn and How to Make It?

[@kimonoracing]

OMG! You call the style as Japanese! As a Japanese MotoGymkhana racer, I am so proud of it!!!!😍

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! Love your work!🥰

[@steve5825]

I was going to ask if your practice ever went wrong but fair play you included your mishaps - makes us mere mortals feel a little better! Love your channel.

[@tanbosan]

Thank you for introducing me. I am working as a marshal at an event hosted by JAGE in Japan. I'm really happy that the activities of Moto Gymkhana, which is so successful in Japan, are becoming more popular in various places. It's a Google translation, so please excuse any clumsiness.😅

[@mr.notsure9679]

I finally got a warm day last week and was able to go out and try some things ive seen here. I found a brand new gas station with a brand to asphalt parking lot that wasn't open yet. So I rode a lot of fast circles around it and managed to get to the edge of my tires. Thanks for the instruction it works.

[@tigeruppercut2000]

REEEE the salt must flow!

[@dgphi]

Thanks! That was way easier to understand than the French guy.

[@michaeldog3459]

🤣

[@M70fan]

Anti ligne pilote?

[@michaeldog3459]

@@M70fan you are also 👍🤣

[@Elscroftz]

Clément is also a master of this technique. His videos, though... You have to go through many rewatches if you'd like to understand how this style works. Despite all of this, I highly recommend you to do so. It is starting to "click" into my riding!!

[@boerhenkcb]

He has an English channel aswell ;)

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

The Japanese technique does not use counter steering. They use the seat to apply weight to the inside of the turn direction, using the rear wheel to pivot. This is covered by kintaro who posted a standard Japanese motorcycle lesson as well as antipilot (French guy). The reason given is you turn faster by not having the front wheel slightly point in the wrong direction when initiating a turn, as well as you want to steering to rotate itself into the turn.

[@TheShift1313]

Very nice video! I would like to add a few points that might be of interest. On the first u turn, you can get a tighter turn by riding the inside first. Lets say you are making a left u turn. If you go closer to the cone on approach then steer right before steering left you will get your front and rear wheel to follow a different arc. I use this off road, in mountain biking and in this kind of riding. The othet point i wanted to make is initiating and exiting the turns by weighting the pegs. This is how we do in supermoto and road racing. All steering does is shift the contact point of the front tire off of the center off mass. If you lean. Shift your weight or push down on the peg these will all initiate and control a turn. In supermoto we used the outside foot and body to get the bike as low as poasible.

[@nikomarios]

Another fantastic video from you!. Your information on safe riding is so easy to understand-really well done!

[@DangNguyen-xx3zi]

In my country (Singapore) one part of the closed circuit test is a figure of 8 (aka the 'S-course'). Looks a lot like what you just showed here. It really requires you to lean confidently and know where to look. What we're all taught is NEVER look straight ahead at the path, or worse, look down. The bike will go where you look, and that means off the course. Stare at the center of the circles instead, and you will have a very smooth turn. One other mistake I've witness while learning, some are scared of moving at speed while leaning, and instinctively slows down. Physics dictates you will fall inward. So maintaining a constant speed is key as well

[@shananarocks]

You are right Dang, in Singapore our learner motorcyclists learn this sort of 'circus" riding INSTEAD of focusing on slower turning with more emphasize on clutch play. So I see alot of riders falling for the sake of instructors' ego to show off such circus riding technique which rightly belongs to the advanced lessons after the learners passed a basic course. We don't use such rapid turning on the real road as the focus is still on safety. Wonder why nobody check the instructors' ego teachings in Singapore. Sigh.

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Hmm, I have always questioned the idea that you go where you look. The human mind is an incredible thing and can be trained. So, if the bike always goes where you look, and you keep looking at the middle of the circle, the bike should end up in the middle of the circle. After all, that is where you are looking at. I think that that is said more to help people learn. Looking down at the ground can look very scary even while not doing slow turns on a parking lot. In racing they look as far as they can around a turn because looking close by or down makes things appear to be moving faster.

[@mattthomson1689]

Looking for downstream rocks when canoeing even mild river rapids is important, however should not be allowed to become a point of focus. Instead, focus on something beyond the rock, on a path to one side or the other. Similarly on lake canoeing, focus on landscape beyond your intended landing point. Also may be another way to reflexively avoid roadway potholes.....perhaps?

[@stephaneschram9156]

Hi Andrei, good beginner video! Just wanted to mention that while counter steering is effective to lean quickly the bike, we avoid it in Gymkhana because you reduce the grip of the front wheel. Besides we try to release the handlebars as much as possible . Gymkhana riders rather use the body position and legs to lean the bike and also the front brake to help reaching the handlebars stopper faster . A strong front wheel braking requires you to have a maximum grip, that’s why we avoid using counter steering even if very effective. Counter balancing and steering are in fact rarely used in Japanese style competition.

[@garyrowe58]

Hi, when you are going in a straight line and then want to turn right, how do you do that without countersteering ?

[@stephaneschram9156]

@@garyrowe58 Hi Gary, in Japanese style, you focus on releasing the handlebars as much as possible. You dont turn right by pushing or pulling on the handlebars but by leaning the bike thanks to your body position, and thanks to your external leg pressing the tank. If we talk about U turn or 360°, we apply front brake in order to transfer weight on the front wheel, helping the steering to go full lock. By leaning the bike first, and letting the handlebars free of your grip, the handlebar will turn by itself in the direction of your turn, front brake accentuating the rotation. Understand me well, this is not a debate wether or not using countersteering, everybody's free to use whatever they think fit. Here, it's just a contribution of a Japanese-style Gymkhana Rider to explain the best I can, the technics we use in competitions. Andrei is really doing a great job, and I didnt intend to start a debate. The main takeaway is that we dont really use our arms to ride a bike.

[@garyrowe58]

@@stephaneschram9156 you don't need to be touching the handlebars to countersteer, though

[@garyrowe58]

Can you explain how, taking the below video into consideration? It best explains my current level of knowledge kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5SxnoiEfbh1l8U

[@stephaneschram9156]

​@@garyrowe58 From 7:25 in your link it gets really interesting and perfectly illustrates why we release the handlebars. In Japanese Style, we often say that the front wheel is following the rear wheel, and not the opposite. By first leaning the bike, without interference of the rider, the handlebars will turn by themselves, in the direction of the leaning, following the rear wheel. But in true honesty, you are right because the steering will first move by itself in the opposite direction (countersteering), even maybe for only one or two seconds right before moving in the direction of the turn. In my eyes, I do not consider that as countersteering like, willingly pushing the handlebars or hitting the tank with a leg (same effect). What's really interesting by releasing the handlebars, as explained in the video, by leaning in a direction, and the front wheel turning in that direction, the center of mass will move the opposite way, and help you get the bike up again. Cheers mate !

[@lau5067]

Instant click! That's a topic I've wanted to see here for a long time!

[@irvan36mm]

Thanks for the lesson, Andrei. Glad you’re safe!

[@vijayam1]

Lots of love from India! Always loved your effort and quality content from your channel.

[@KF1]

1:36 car in the background is like "Oh, we're practicing U-turns? Okay right on let's boogie"

[@estebanod]

So that’s like a regular U-turn lol.. I had to learn that to get my bike license in France because it is used like 4 or 5 times in total during the first exam out of the two

[@unkunk5842]

Love this channel. Only one I actually subscribe to. Love the accent, the way the information is delivered, and great content.

[@the3by5]

I watch a lot of motorcycle channels. Yours is the best. Not to mention funniest!

[@Xaito]

4:48 hide the pain Harold was a nice touch. 🤣

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Hey Moto Control! I'm a fairly new rider and lean angles have spooked me so far. Working on this. Would you be willing to do a video on common reasons why people crash on turn? I know there are several reasons (such as rear break, bad engine breaking) but would love to see you discuss it - things to do / avoid to do.

[@MotoControlEn]

Good idea, I'll make such a video!

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

@@MotoControlEn You are the best!

[@YvesVerstraeten]

Target fixation is one tuff mf to overcome when shit hits the fan 😁

[@WaldoBC]

​@@nonamesthesame Painted lines... Such as the ones found in parking lots (which also happens to be one of the best places to practice slow manoeuvres)?

[@hugoduran5682]

Hi Andre, now I also understand for new 300cc yamaha Tricity (CVT driven and fitted with combo brake) there is a foot brake purposely for Japanese u-turn, I own a 125cc old model tricity but will try your video, nice keep it up thanks

[@pingislife2653]

This was a very clear and informative video. Thank you, and have a good ride.

[@who912]

Can you please upload a detailed doing of rev matching and rev matching with applying break also

[@sz004]

Great explanation, now I am goong to practice

[@deekshithvodela]

Your style is so cute dude. You are the best!

[@jimdavis8391]

Wow! Wish I could get even close to doing that!

[@projectbiker]

Great video, I'd love to learn these faster turns. I'm interested to know, in your process of becoming competent at all kinds of slow speed control, did you drop the bike a lot? Or was it something that you avoided by being careful about how you increased difficulty?

[@MotoControlEn]

Slow speed control (with clutch/throttle/rear brake combo) is fairly easy, it's totally possible to carefully exercise it and not drop the bike. Well, maybe couple of times 😁. With most of my students we manage to not drop the bike once. Motogymkhana, on the other hand, is completely different story. There you sort of have to push a limit of traction a little, so almost on any training day I usually have couple of minor crashes like in this video. 99% of the time they are harmless 🙃

[@fibranijevidra]

Wow. That looks very nice. I am not confident doing U turns on my fully loaded Africa Twin, especially with passinger.

[@dannyroosenboom3640]

seems more complicated to learn, but might be very handy if there is more traffic

[@quacktac]

These videos make me think I need a beater bike to push myself a bit more.

[@holeephuc007]

I bought one.

[@franciscolozano6632]

Tecnopolis is the best place to practice man! Thanks for the great content and awesome tips! Keep it up!

[@chrissmith7669]

Mind blown and something new to practice

[@Anksh0usRacing]

I don’t have a motorbike anymore but I’ll try learning this once I save up for one later.

[@boerhenkcb]

I was really hoping this video would come one day. And there it is! Yeah! I started to gymkhana last year and i'm hoping to do some exercise this year. Unfortunately there is no gymkhana school in Belgium, so i am counting on your channel! Keep up the good work.

[@stephaneschram9156]

Belgian MotoGymkhana Federation does exist, and training stages too :)

[@johnadams3038]

I'm a new rider since last summer but got used to it very fast and this technique I just discovered myself just from intuition and feel of the bike... I didn't even know that it is called Japanese steering or whatever

[@Movimentoesvida]

Obrigado pela passagem de conhecimento! Com certeza, esse vídeo fez todo a diferença. Uma forma de agradecimento que dizemos aqui em São Paulo - Brasil... Tamo Junto!!!

[@future62]

Excellent video, thanks so much.

[@morganofil]

The ego is not a problem anymore, not much left due to being an old boy, however, seeing your beauty scratched causes sleepless nights :)

[@kopasznyaku]

“… or steal a dirtbike from your nephew. This is a perfecrly valid option.” 😂😂😂 I’m crying 😂😂😂

[@aaaaaa-lt2tl]

You are the non-cringe motojitsu Great video fren :)

[@Sladep123]

You do a very good job, thank you!

[@karagumruk2104]

Great lesson

[@CONEHEADDK]

Never owned a bike with power enough, but the coolest U is a drift "on the spot".

[@jace701sm]

Such a great channel mate, love your work, cheers!

[@Andrewoval]

This is actually an amazing video

[@monirulalam1035]

Very informative, thanks

[@GroovyVideo2]

Im not using counter steering much any more - for me CS mostly upsets balance of bike and not useful except for kicking out rear tire to slide in dirt or to square off a turn - Thanks for your training classes -

[@dolphin-studio]

i dont think you're supposed rto do it in the dirt.

[@garyrowe58]

So, you're going straight, then you want to turn ... how do you do that without counter-steering?

[@phensriwood8081]

Somewhere I read don’t spend too much time in car park practice on DCT transmissions. ie Goldwings.

[@RideLikeAChamp]

They don't use counter steering to lean the bike during moto gymkhana exercises but they lean with the bike inside the turn using hip muscle and knee support on the tank. Counter steering transmits force on the front tire which might wash the front tire out on low traction environment, they lean the rear tire which forces the front wheel to turn in the same direction without any input to the handlebar. This creates strong centrifugal force since the radius of the turn gets smaller which balances the bike from falling. So based on the theory and my experience, I would recommend not to use counter steering rather lean with the bike inside the turn.

[@cadetwolf1234]

4:47 "They ask you how you are and you just have to say you're fine, and you're not really fine..." 5:35 I know that lot! Is it super popular or something? People stunt there all the time.

[@kitsura]

This is easy for me since our bike tests have a segment like this.

[@kitsura]

This is the test segment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaOmp4yZa5eMfrc Still not as difficult as the Japan one.

[@MrSaemichlaus]

What I notice about all of these exercises with cones on a flat lot, is that it's pretty challenging to orient yourself in that space. In a normal traffic situation, you have lots of objects around you for reference, so you always know where you're going. On a flat lot, you really only notice the tactile feedback through the bike but the visual element is lost. In a way, a completely flat empty lot deprives your senses of valuable references. The cones mark the layout of the exercise of course, but they don't really help the problem I'm describing. Now I'm not saying we should put hard barriers on a training course, but it might make sense to do these exercises closer to surrounding objects.

[@agnidominik4693]

well, 'technically' you don't even need the cones at all, because they are there only to simulate some sort live objects or boundaries, the only thing you actually need is a direction in which you want to go, and the bike will follow....that is at least if you are doing everything mechanically right :)

[@kenlee7954]

I want to practice it myself but could you clarify a few things for me about using brakes? 1. So when you approach a turn, roll off thw throttle but not completely and start applying rear brakes a bit? 2. In the 1st half of the turn, you apply the rear brake a little more and also apply the front brake slightly mid turn right? Cos I am a bit confused with the timing of apply front and rear before and in the mid turn. Still very well explained just wanted to get everything right in the correct order so as not to screw myself up thanks.

[@kenlee7954]

Also, what about trailbraking with the front when you initiate a turn and halfway thru the turn, use the rear brake just to tighten the radius while you have completed released the front?

[@vgo5213]

Great information thanks

[@sorin.n]

Great, as always! 👍

[@simonkennedy6116]

I'd like to see how you could do this with the Module 1 slalom and U-turn

[@matiasdipalma]

Hi, just saw that you are in ARG, where is that place you practice at? The one with the colored tower in the background, it would be of great help so I could use the same spot. Thanks!

[@MotoControlEn]

Hola! It's Technopolis

[@matiasdipalma]

@@MotoControlEn Superb! Thanks again for your help, really love your videos! :D

[@atfortyfivemotovlog5814]

For the Japanese U-turn style what should be the preferred or recommended body position? U-turn is my enemy regardless of style 😀 . So i used to do the side stand uturn instead 😀

[@MotoControlEn]

I just use neutral body position usually, on motard-style bikes can use a bit of counterbalancing. Gymkhana pros mostly either stay neutral or hang into the turn. I think it starts to be relevant on higher level than mine🙃

[@draganjancic5104]

Hello Andrei, great video! I just bought and watched your "Beginner Rider Video Course," and I have to say it was pretty informative. One downside for me is that it is all packed into one hour and a half video, which makes it pretty hard to navigate. For example, if you just watched the section on braking and wanted to go back and watch the slow speed exercises, you would have no idea where to find them. A solution might be to break the video into multiple smaller ones or to add a document with timestamps for each topic. Anyway, it was a nice course, and I was wondering if you'll be releasing an advanced course as well?

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! First of all - thanks😊 About timestamps - now you can either download them in your account next to the video, or just look them on the page (second picture) moto-control.shop/product/moto-control-beginner-rider-video-course/ Let me know if it works!

[@draganjancic5104]

@@MotoControlEn I went through whole dashboard multiple times and never saw that image.😊 Thanks!🤘 And what about the advanced course, will you be releasing that as well?

[@MotoControlEn]

@@draganjancic5104 Yes, I'm working on it!

[@draganjancic5104]

@@MotoControlEn Awesome!👍

[@pareshprajapati7916]

Thank you sir 🇮🇳🙏

[@Yu26-]

Hong Kong driving exam: Ok now let's try this on a slope

[@David..]

It’s funny I was just thinking that I really need this technique in my tool box. When I leave my neighborhood there is a U turn you need to make to get towards the highway that’s a massive pain because it’s tight and a few 100 feet past the gate entrance so you’re doing 20+mph by the time you get to it then have to slow down substantially to make it. Saw a cop flick the u turn like this on a big BMW and thought “man I’d love to be able to do that”.

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! If you want to use this stuff on the roads, please practice it first, it's considerably more challenging than a common "friction zone" u-turn, especially on bigger bikes. So be safe, don't attempt it on the road for a first time😉

[@rustypotatos]

What are the competitions called for the Japanese gymkhana

[@andreashandoko724]

though the japanese not using it on daily ride, it used in competition only.. 😁

[@MotoControlEn]

Maybe 😉

[@patrolduty8715]

you cant risk your life by using these techniques on the road. In my city, I have 99% 90 degree turn, almost no curve or gentle corner. And I have not even mentioned random stupid actions from other people on the roads. Too risky to use these techniques on city roads. While you are trail breaking + leaning, one kid/man/old woman... runs across the street corner will destroy your day.

[@scottcates]

So, riskier. Got it.

[@oziege60]

so useful thanks ....

[@wheelsworkshop2754]

What do you know about the rider you use for your thumbnail?

[@pitrek121g]

Hi bro, I love your channel as a noobie it allows me to ride better every time I sit on my bike again! I have one question though about changing gears as I have noticed you never mention it. Can we make "normal" U-turns in 2 gear or we should always shift to 1 one before? Is using clutch in 2 gear at low speed bad for the clutch?

[@1PercentRealtyVI]

Love the content 😊

[@Elscroftz]

Hello Andrey, Elscroft-Z here! I really appreciate that you addressed my question related to "delayed headturns". Your explanation seems pretty logic & natural, as they have to follow an already programmed path. As for the Japanese Style in general, after watching A LOT both "AntiPiloteDeLigneDroite" (France) and Kintaro (Aim for higher safety) videos on KZbin, I have learned the importance of maneuvering the motorcycle with your lower body. That is, using the pegs, our buttocks etc to lean. How about this from your own experience? Regards again from Spain.

[@MotoControlEn]

I personally always thought about using the lower body, footpegs, fuel tank etc. more like the means to sit more securely on the bike. For me it doesn't reliably work like a steering. So I can't say a lot about this😁

[@johnhess351]

Looks just like the American Motorcycle Cop turn to me except it is a new mini bike instead of an Electraglide in 1963.

[@lukeorlando4814]

Something I’m afraid to try. I know it will require practise. And I know a part of practise is finding limits. Sometimes limits are discovered the hard way. My bike is my daily commuter. I drop it, break a lever, I cannot get to work. Any chance that I can convince my wife to let me have a second bike because I need it to practise becoming a more proficient and therefore safer rider?

[@RC45tv]

Who is the rider in your thumbnail?

[@thefaboo]

9:29 That front brake lever has seen some shit 😂

[@peterguy8454]

Another brilliant video, demonstration and explanation. Thanks!

[@hunczar]

yep, roll on after apes is key, too much and slide out. I think of it like feeling the drop in of the bike as when I have good tight angle. Also, when you coming to USA to put on a class? 🙂

[@MotoControlEn]

I would love to, hopefully some day I will😊

[@hunczar]

@@MotoControlEn I'll sign up!

[@bulletclub4life]

I didnt think that was a thing... when I first started doing tight turns thats how I felt more comfortable with them than the clutch one, fast in and slow out and ta small trail braking on the rear into a lean. lol

[@timucinguner4687]

Can you make these kinda videos with Chinese brand motorcycles too please. Japanese MCs are quite well but we don't know how it react with Chinese brands

[@MotoControlEn]

That's a Chinese bike in the video:)

[@bilginsaricikli6088]

Спасибо большое, очень полезно 🙏🙏🙏

[@984francis]

My problem with U turns is that I always look twice. That takes time and also points the head/chin/eyes the wrong way for a moment. I suppose look once and do it quick would possibly be safer but I doubt I will attempt to learn it. Moat of my U turns are made on country roads. Because I want to check for cars thoroughly, I usually U turn from a standstill.

[@trolltattoo202]

hi my friend let me know something, does your beginner video course include everything for beginner rider :)? thankss.

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! Here's what it has: • The video course is 1.5 hours long • Preparation for a ride • How to choose a good helmet • How to choose a good riding gear • Introduction to motorcycle controls • Pre-ride motorcycle check • Proper riding position • Clutch engagement, disengagement & friction zone exercises • Throttle control exercises • Changing gears • Proper arm position & exercises • Shoulder checks • Countersteering & exercises • Proper vision technique & exercises • Braking basics & exercises

[@trolltattoo202]

@@MotoControlEn will you record intermadiate and advance riding videos ? thanks def i will get.

[@MotoControlEn]

Yes, I'm working on it!

[@juliuszkosel8871]

@@MotoControlEn I am eager to watch them

[@adam346]

very cool and very neat... however I have a new favorite motorcycle dad-joke... "You can't import a Japanese motorcycle... aren't they left-hand drive???"

[@Pompomgrenade]

🍸Cheers. Well done!🏁

[@anitadevi3038]

Which gear were you in

[@Kantuva]

Ohhh, a Beta TR 200? They really sell these on Japan?

[@BasicMike]

Love the video. Instructions are werry ... very clear. :) One question: What do you look at when your not circling the cones?

[@MotoControlEn]

At the road, at the cars. At the girls sometimes 😁

[@bonsatago9220]

​@@MotoControlEn haha

[@조선-m1f]

대단히 감사합니다.ㅎ

[@michaeldog3459]

Nice 👍

[@user-ik4br3nk2w]

we want to know how to kick the rear tire sideways like a japanese drift

[@orhanbiyiklibykl3179]

Teşekkürler 🇹🇷🏍

[@Mosdager]

You're hilarious. Brilliant video. Especially when you borrowing a bike. 5:28 😂

[@prakashjy5615]

Hey, எப்புட்ரா....😀👍😲

[@dawoudjoufcaranguian5319]

Alright

[@jnh8381]

I dont get what is "japenese" about this u-turn, like why the "japenese" qualifier? It just seems like a fast u-turn, which would require different technique than a slow moving u-turn.

[@michaeldog3459]

👍 excellent, Russia is the best!👍

[@berealistic]

Pretty easy stuff on a tiny bike...

[@jackandblaze5956]

Probably not a good idea to use this in Texas. Since the pandemic, most corners have gravel and city streets are full of potholes and uneven pavement. There is no money to clean or fix the roads - we need to send it to Ukraine.

[@saengvilayanousone153]

I thought Japanese don't know how to counter steering they use self steering instead that why their upper body are so relaxed

[@maximo3997]

Buen ruso inglés!

[@daruween1398]

I always use this technique, i just thought it's how to u turn fast. I really like it because i likeleaning on a motorcycle

[@hafo1979]

👍