U-Turn on a Motorcycle - Step-by-step Guide!

This is essentially a step by step guide to learn how to do a U-turn on a motorcycle effortlessly. So if you are not very confident in making u turns on your bike - you may find this video useful. These explanations will help you make u-turns on a Harley Davidson, Honda Goldwing, BMW GS or any another heavy or tall motorcycle - it really doesn't matter. I demonstrate it on different types of bikes - cruisers, adventure, dual sport and road motorcycles. If you want to know more about countersteering on slow speeds, clutch control (friction zone) and motorcycle training in general - here are some useful links for you:
Countersteering - • COUNTERSTEERING on slo...
Friction Zone - • Mastering the FRICTION...
Full Lock U-turns - • How to make tight Full...
Join to access training videos:
/ @motocontrolen
Support channel on Patreon: / motocontrol
Facebook group for beginner riders: / 690597518731645
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On Moto Control channel you will find videos about motorcycles, motorcycle riding techniques, tips & tricks and online motorcycle training for beginner and advanced riders!
A little info about me. My name is Andrei Bodrov, originally I'm from Moscow, Russia, and now I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in Moscow I was a motorcycle instructor and creator of Moto Control Beginner & Advanced motorcycle rider courses, which quickly became the most popular courses in Moscow (well, at least the advanced one😁). My advanced training course makes emphasis on slow speed riding techniques at first (such as good clutch and throttle control, proper riding posture, proper use of vision, etc.), then proceeds to more advanced techniques (such as aggressive braking, trail braking, maximal lean angle). The course incorporates a lot of exercises from DOSAF slow speed riding (similar to police rodeo like motorcycle training in USA), braking and cornering exercises and motogymkhana style riding. And now, since I actively learn English - I decided to post some useful videos for both your and mine practice!😉
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Since everyone writes this, it's necessary, I suppose 🤷, so here we go. Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk, you are responsible for your own safety. Me, Andrey Bodrov and my channel, Moto Control disclaim any liability incurred in connection with the use of riding techniques from this channel. Use common sense, wear full protective gear and ride in a safe and predictable manner!
00:00 Intro
00:15 Skills to make a good U-turn
00:40 Friction Zone
03:00 Relax and let the bike to ride
05:00 Countersteering
08:15 Perfect U-turn
09:20 U-turn Mistakes
10:57 Full Lock U-turns
11:39 Counterbalancing

[@Tax2Me]

You are simply the best free instructor out there. Your paying subscribers have to be so happy to go deepest into your abundance of knowledge. Thank you sir.

[@carlsteele603]

Very good instructions

[@DavidetaraborrelliIt]

That's the best video I have seen for mastering u-turns! A QUICK TIP for anyone owning a sport bike, struggling with tight U turns: totally RELAX your arms and let the bike turn itself! That's the biggest thing you can do if you own a sports bike and I GUARANTEE it will make all the difference. I've been struggling with tight U-turns on my bike since I got it. Because of the riding position and poor turning radius of the handlebars, sport bikes are difficult to turn at low speeds. So if you want to do a 20-18 feet u-turn, there's no other way other than go full-lock and have a decent lean angle. To do so on a sport bike you have to countersteer and then let the handlebars turn themselves into the turn. You won't be able to do so by manually steering the handlebars, because of the weight you're putting on them due to the position. You will constantly push yourself out of the turn. Just go at a decent speed, countersteer briefly and let it go. The bike will turn as tight as it can, at that lean angle. Having both a bike leaned and at full-lock is scary at first, so do it gradually. But you have to let the bike do its thing, or you will constantly fight with the handlebars as I did for weeks. Don't forget also to keep giving power to the rear wheel while staying in the friction zone and keep your eyes on the horizon. Once you get that done you can add body weight and your bike will turn as tight as it can possibly can. But please, save yourself days or weeks of frustration by letting the thing steer itself.

[@snorman1911]

Letting the bars move themselves to full lock was the key to unlock easy uturns for me. Thank you!

[@radwanm.kassir9597]

Very enlightening! The best instructions I've ever encountered on achieving tight U-turns effortlessly. I was literally wrestling with my handlebar during making U-turns, until I came across your brilliant tip to just let the front wheel do the steering for you after just initiating counter steering. This is remarkable! You're such a talented motorcycle instructor Andrei Bodrov :). Great job!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

I tuned in for the tutorial, but stayed for the sparkling shirt!😉🕺🏻

[@greghart99]

Great video! This is the first time I have seen someone clearly show how much push is required to initiate countersteering. Brilliant!

[@vissla8084]

Hands Down you have the best motorcycle instructional videos!!

[@sam-pd6zi]

I was doubtfull about using clutch control instead of throtle, i was using throtle control which is why i was falliing sometime in steep u turns , now i got your point

[@cosmicflow42]

Clear, concise, relevant and useful information. No wasted words, no needlessly long speeches. Thanks for the quality lesson. The way you explain all the little details of making a nice stable tight u turn is incredibly helpful. A big reason why im able to handle my bike confidently is thks to you.

[@davidwilliams7220]

Another cracking video, well done.

[@foraride4369]

Thanks for putting all the tips in this focused video. Really helpful!

[@mymatemartin]

Excellent. Very clear instructions. Thanks Andrey.

[@KH-uv5ph]

You're a great teacher. Thank you!

[@codea1273]

Your videos are always really good. Thank you.

[@rashigupta5995]

Great video! All I ever needed, thank you!

[@jude.v25]

You're a good teacher, my friend. Thank you.

[@FiR3Dr4g0n]

your content is sooo underrated.. thanks for the videos!

[@MightyMouzMoto]

EXCELLENT video! I need to practice this asap. Thank u so much. 👍🏽

[@kathysprague7044]

Wow, great videos. Thank you for the clear instruction and examples. You've improved my riding!

[@coconutz247]

big thank you. love the channel and always learn a lot!

[@jakubpukovec7755]

Excellent video with precise explanation. Glad I found your channel. Great tips and advices, everything exactly to the point, full of useful information without empty words. Thank you very much!

[@YuksekCCYouTube]

The best tutorial ever. Great work, thank you. I will follow your channel now on.

[@blackxgun]

love your videos man! cheers from egypt

[@sumansarkar852]

Outstanding video for Learning Bike riding.

[@MrTaylormadetech]

I love this guys instructions… very clear and very simple zero frills

[@catherinecarey6507]

great advice, I enjoy all your clips, you are the best instructor I've come across. Thanks for making these clips I find them so helpful

[@margotk3498]

This video is amazing. Thank you

[@piperdraconi1034]

You’re excellent instructor!

[@kjellg6532]

Nice video and to the point! Easy to follow your arguments and they make sence!

[@NoVaSlowSpeed]

Very nice video man I don't struggle with slow speed motorcycle operation but I see a lot of people who do. I will suggest this video to them and I am about to spend some time watching your channel now keep up the good work man.

[@billmeloche4918]

Such a Good Instructor:) Thanks!

[@noobgamer-qx2rp]

this channel deserves more subs

[@PadmaDorjee]

you information is the best on KZbin

[@angryybirdss3667]

I have seen others saying some points leaving some areas for the question but you man you explained in full detail and answered all my question regarding this skill. Thank you

[@Ontario-PADDLER-1-Dave-M]

Excellent. As always.

[@KhaleelSanDiego]

as usual, fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@rydee3888]

The great instructor thankyou so much

[@vgo5213]

Man !! U make it look so easy … I practicing though

[@jameswilliams1111]

Great video especially on counter steering be for the U turn.

[@SilversKr]

Thanks!

[@noname60605]

Thanks for the instructions ❤❤

[@jj1983e]

Awesome video, congrats!

[@giuliopelliccioni2895]

Very very good video!! Thanks very much!!

[@josemutia7847]

Very good instructor very clear💯👍👍🇵🇭

[@ataboyboyboy8895]

You deserve a lot more subscribers. Your advices are golden nuggets. I earned things no books, videos or instructors will provide.

[@MinnesotaPikeVideos]

Great video thank you.

[@jeffray7092]

Your the best instructor

[@virendradr]

You are wonderful friend and sincere Guide 💖 I appreciate your kindness and generosity to help me And many beginners Thank you sir

[@goldie6579]

Great explanation

[@ronbatt756]

The best trainer videos are here in my opinion. Always full of excellent tips and ideas. 🇨🇦

[@davidwilliams7220]

I agree

[@bumpyface228]

Today was my first time on a motorcycle. Taking a BRC class. These videos are great.

[@ceugb]

I'm in the process of getting license now and find your videos very helpful and informative.

[@sssafe1]

I will be practicing “holding” the steering in full lock. That’s the piece of knowledge I’ve been missing. I have been getting full lock just for a moment in the beginning of turn, at the slowest point, then I let go. Great video, thanks.

[@mehdih001]

great and very helpful video

[@paulb1383]

Your instrucrional videos are awesome, and your skills back up your words 👌 Glad I came accross your channel 💯

[@francopineda9241]

thank you ❤

[@drysd63]

TOP TOP TOP video!!

[@Lacehairwigs]

Excellent

[@dennytuma]

this guy is the best on youtube

[@michaelb.42112]

I was skeptical that a man could explain accurately how to do something that requires hands on training , but you do it with a video and a simple explanation that I would have no idea how to convey. I am a re-entry rider after more than 20 years, not even a bicycle. I realized that when I used to ride in the 90's I was riding my BMX bike all my life, so U-turns and counter steering were natural. I have forgotten all that and felt like an idiot riding last week. I can't wait to use your advice today while I practice at an empty parking lot.

[@marathonrefrigeration9593]

Good info here

[@hasanksa362]

Thanks

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Nice videos. Nice shirt 🤘🤘🤘

[@geniuspackardbell369]

Među hiljadu sličnih videa ipak uspevaš da budeš drukčiji i, što je najvažnije, bolji, jasniji, precizniji... Ovde je objašnjena svaka sitnica tako da već sada, pre nego što sam i pokušao, imam utisak da sam savladao ovu tehniku. 😁 Hvala i BRAVO!

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Молодец! Спасибо! 🏍

[@oxxein1]

Hi, i'm in the 2nd weeks moto cours right now, no one explained the friction zone like you, so i learn everythings from you .. not there in moto academy.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Great video! I ride a Honda VFR800 (among other bikes) and a full-lock counterbalanced U-turn is nearly mandatory because of the limited steering lock of that bike.except a very wide road. But with those techniques a tight U-turn is still possible. I used to own an older VFR700 that had even worse steering lock characteristics than the 800. I had to learn this stuff on my own and wish I had such an excellent video back in the day when I first transitioned to street motorcycles from dirt bikes around 1980. Having already had many years on the dirt made it much easier, and I survived my early street years without a wreck on the road. Keep making these videos. I think you will even save people's lives if they listen and learn from you.

[@DavidetaraborrelliIt]

Exactly!

[@mattdrat3087]

Very nice summary! Now all we need is some nice weather and some warmth so we can practice!

[@MotoControlEn]

I can relate SO MUCH!))

[@mattdrat3087]

@@MotoControlEn Next winter I will try to get my bike up the stairs and into my apartment so I at least can sit on her and stroke through the winter! Looking forward to the next video!

[@drysd63]

Valeu!

[@aeromotive2]

this dude is solid in his teaching & technique.. where is he from

[@danieldominguezsanchez439]

Soy seguidor y suscriptor suyo. Me encantaría q los subtitulos de este video se pudieran ver en español.

[@yoozevanz8349]

Hi ,sir love all your videos can you show some tips doing U- turns using a two strokes sportbike carrying a pillion rider . I owned a Cagiva mito SP 525 and I afraid to drop it parts are hard to come by. .help...😅✌️

[@user-zd9st9wj2y]

대단히 감사합니다.ㅎ 여기는 대한민국입니다.ㅎ 현재 시간은 밤 10시 17분 경입니다.ㅎ

[@dogusdemirol2148]

Incredibly helpful content, really awesome but I have a specific question; rear brake aside, is your clutch is engaged or disengaged by the time you counter steer?? The way I do it is a bit different than the videos I watch about slow speed manuevers. I generally initiate the turn with my clutch fully disengaged. Of course to do that, I make sure I have enough speed and momentum to make the whole turn. Just before completing the turn, slowly ease it back out and give a little bit of gas. Is there any problem with that?

[@mybibleandmybike]

Can u do a video with a dct? Bcs I have a Honda goldwing dct bagger… on this bike of course there is no clutch so I am wanting a little more instruction on uturns and overcoming the fear of full locking the handle bars…

[@Zulebmwe007]

You are King menn

[@defh1980]

Lets go！！！！ 🔥

[@jonathanoliva6553]

Im always practicing slow speed stuff i use to make my u turn tight up to full lock turn but cant hold full lock on circle

[@pmacc3557]

Its the "don't do anything stupid "bit i have trouble with :) Have you done a vid of actual out riding in turns etc and how to do it best on unknown roads...at speed?

[@ashrafhelp]

Will using the clutch frequently while in the friction zone affect the gearbox and cause it to break down faster in the long run?

[@Elscroftz]

Hello Andrey, I have a question for you, When performing U-turns & tight gymkhana manoeuvres, do you use your lower body to control de bike? That is, butt, knee or foot inputs ( the so-called "japanese style" ), in opposition to always using counter-steering? Thanks in advance!

[@Golobtin]

Thanks Andrey, sweet and right to the point. on the subject of peripheral vision and turning head 90 degrees etc. I suppose peripheral vision that the helmet can provide seems to be a factor too, unless you are an awl of cours. I have a Shoei Neotech ll , which seems not to have the wide angle of view that a dual-sport /adventure-type-helmet does. Do you recommend specific helmets to your students for these tight maneuvers? Cheers

[@MotoControlEn]

I personally like dualsport helmets just for that unlimited view port) But I wouldn't say it's strictly necessary for a riding. Almost every full face ECE 22.05 (from now on 22.06) is good enough, pick any you like more)

[@sajidsvlogs]

I have not seen any video which shows how to make U-Turn with DCT bike (without clutch). Can you please share some tips and techniques of how to make U-turns using DCT bike. Also do show, how to make U-Turn when the bike is completely stopped

[@umeshdhond]

It's so amazing to see you perform these slow speed maneuvers on such a big cruiser. What is the make model and displacement of this one ? Vulcan Classic 900?

[@user-pk2ny5om4s]

Vulcan Classic 1700

[@davidlee4810]

Hi, can give some good advise for scooter drivers,?

[@Tax2Me]

So motorcycles without a clutch (certain current Honda Goldwing comes to mind) how do you manage tight turns?

[@ariefsulistyawan]

thanks for the lesson, but lean your head on way we lean is difficult at heavy traffic because we must pay attention to other vehicle

[@tlayn4]

I wanna see how to do this on supersports. :'( I am having problem with zx6r.

[@ModdingRealms]

Спасибо ! Братушка от Российй1 Я от Болгария

[@adithyaar9122]

🤩

[@rugershooter5268]

I KNOW that with decent tires, water on the road doesn't matter.......but I really don't like water on the road, it's a good thing showing riding in the rain

[@cafferacerchannel]

Do you need to counter-balance your weight as well when u-turn at low speed?

[@weqsas]

I always have the feeling that the motorcycle is going too slow and will fall over and when I release the clutch it goes too fast and the turn is too big it's so annoying

[@Corporalis]

love the videos and totally out of context: when he says throttle, it sounds like trottel, which mean idiot in german lol

[@ErnieOne]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@knifetoucher]

Can you use friction zone doing a u turn on 2nd gear or is it 1st gear only thing?

[@ivanraulsanchezdiaz7499]

good question

[@noonsun533]

For clutchless bike, if the bike is about to fall, what should I do?

[@PigeonSpeaks]

pedal

[@davidwilliams7220]

Why don't you come over to UK Andrey and host some classes, sure you would have some willing pupils

[@MotoControlEn]

I'm sure I will eventually)

[@android245]

Do you always let the steering go to full lock?

[@MotoControlEn]

No, not always, it depends on how sharp you want the turn to be.

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

👍🍺

[@Ddhallo]

Hi, would you please tell me the avg speed before entering the turn? are these steps correct? entering the turn -> turn the head -> counter steering -> pull the clutch and use the rear brake to make the handlebars turn itself -> full lock handlebars -> counterweight -> go out of the turn.

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! This order is roughly correct, but it is not like it should be set in stone) You can experiment with it during the practice. For example you can try to pull in the clutch just before using countersteering. Or you can apply counterbalancing before entering the turn. The avg speed I would say is 5-7mph at first, though it's possible to make a U-turn from 0 if you want to.