The Michigan MC license test that I'm taking Friday requires a right hand U-turn in a 20' width. I can get it into maybe 23', but at 20' I stall, dab or dump it in spite of braking and clutch slipping.  Bikes over 500 cc get a wider slot for the test, so a 500 is right on the edge.

This isn't the just for funsies MSF box, it is a test requirement.

Is this even possible in 20' with a GS500?  Or I do I just need more practice practice practice?  I read a lengthy earlier thread on U-tuns, but it leaves this question unanswered.

If you have a tape measure handy, give it a try!

Jeffrey

The MSF figure-8 U-turn is part of the exam.  I lost 6 points on it.  I believe that it's also 20 feet wide.  I'm sure it's possible, but it takes practice, with particular attention to using the friction zone and counterweight steering.

Have you taken the MSF?  If so, then why do you need to take the license test?  If not, why not?

it can be done.  Practice Practice Practice.


Just to make you feel better, California's circle is 19'5" and I passed on my first try....

Right hand? SC is a left hand.

I have done it on my TLR. It is a matter of balance.

20ft is easy.  It requires a lot of practice, though.

If you want to see something impressive I'll get a vid up of my CX.  Damn 30 year old bike does it in 14...nearly ON the rear wheel.

I'll be honest, I'd probably have a tough time doing it.  The best advice I can offer is to look far over your shoulder and practice.

Sounds like I need to work on the technique, then.

I am scheduled for the MSF course, but not until late June, so I want to pass the test in the meanwhile.  The MSF classes  are VERY difficult to get into around here.  In fact, even taking the state test is tough  around here since they use private test agencies and there are only 2 currently in the entire county!

Thanks for the encouragement.

Jeffrey

This can be done easily. You can do it by looking all the way over your shoulder and going very slowly but this just feels akward. Once you get better at it you'll be able to go much quicker and lean the bike over which allows for very sharp low speed u-turns. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Go into a parking lot and do figure 8's in between two spots. In a relatively short time you will get very good at it.

I took the MSF course first then went to the DMV because lord knows I dont want to spend any more time there than I have to...and as everyone has said before: look up, head over the shoulder, friction zone. But in all honesty i've done that move I think 3 times in the last year...so...its more of a right of passage, to see if you can in fact handle a bike...if you dont pass that one section do they fail you? I got 2 points off for driving ON the lines, not quite going out...but I dont know how the DMV works...damn DMV...

the GS can EASILY do a u-turn in a 20' box.  I can do one with relative ease in a 16' area.  Practice, practice, practice.  +1 on going to a parking lot...try the turn within two parking spaces.   

Practice "The box" at a local parking lot that is flat, smooth, and empty.  Keep reducing the turning radius until you can confidently lock the steering left, then right.  You'll find three things of paramount importance:

1)  Keep your speed constant and don't try to crawl along.  Motorcycles become more stable as speed increases.  I find I do the box best at a slow running speed.

2)  Look OVER your shoulder where you want to go.  DO NOT look down.

3)  Counterweight the bike.  Position your butt on the high side of the seat and weigh the outer footpeg.

Beyond that, it's just practice and concentration.  Low speed manuvering is a big part of what separates those who are along for the ride from those who control the ride.  Last weekend I nearly dropped my GS while doing a U-turn in a driveway because I lost my concentration and looked down at a pothole.   

This is one thing I can do easily in less than 15 feet from years on a dirtbike. You do not have to lock the bars all the way to the tank, the trick is getting the bike leaned over and counter leaning.

Quote from: coolboarder on April 24, 2007, 08:58:33 PM
This is one thing I can do easily in less than 15 feet from years on a dirtbike. You do not have to lock the bars all the way to the tank, the trick is getting the bike leaned over and counter leaning.

Nah, the trick is locking the front brake and doing a circle burnout 180. Zero foot turning radius!

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 24, 2007, 09:21:19 PM

Quote from: coolboarder on April 24, 2007, 08:58:33 PM
This is one thing I can do easily in less than 15 feet from years on a dirtbike. You do not have to lock the bars all the way to the tank, the trick is getting the bike leaned over and counter leaning.

Nah, the trick is locking the front brake and doing a circle burnout 180. Zero foot turning radius!

I zero radius on the front is easy.  I wan to see someone pull off a zero radius on the rear.

Quote from: makenzie71 on April 24, 2007, 10:02:38 PM

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 24, 2007, 09:21:19 PM

Quote from: coolboarder on April 24, 2007, 08:58:33 PM
This is one thing I can do easily in less than 15 feet from years on a dirtbike. You do not have to lock the bars all the way to the tank, the trick is getting the bike leaned over and counter leaning.

Nah, the trick is locking the front brake and doing a circle burnout 180. Zero foot turning radius!

I zero radius on the front is easy.  I wan to see someone pull off a zero radius on the rear.

&^

+1 on the dragging of the rear brake. In my MSF course here in ole' MN, I went outide the line, but kept both feet on the bike, it was the only time i lost points on the test. By dragging the rear brake, you theoretically can take the clutch out of the equation and control speed with a combination of the throttle and the rear brake. Last suggestion, practice until you don't have to think about it, once it comes naturally, which I promise it will, then you're set.

Good Luck

-me

Hmm....Vertical Stoppie maybe or better yet burntout wheelie.  Either i think would do the trick if performed properly   just performing the maneuvor seems pretty damn sick though   I bet at some point some jackass/squid has attempted this during a License test

Quote from: tussey on April 24, 2007, 07:00:52 PMlooking all the way over your shoulder

Quote from: GeeP on April 24, 2007, 08:11:05 PM2)  Look OVER your shoulder where you want to go.  DO NOT look down.

3)  Counterweight the bike.  Position your butt on the high side of the seat and weigh the outer footpeg.

Quote from: coolboarder on April 24, 2007, 08:58:33 PM, the trick is getting the bike leaned over and counter leaning.

These were the two biggest helps for me...  Looking WAY over your shoulder...  Not with your eyes, with your whole head.  When I was practicing, I would chant TURN YOUR HEAD!  TURN YOUR HEAD!  TURN YOUR HEAD!!   It really made a difference in the diameter of my U-Turn......   I can't stress enough, REALLY TURN your head.  Look ALL THE WAY into the turn, where you're going to end up.


The next biggest help was scooting my butt off the oposite side of the U and counter-leaning.  It allows the bike to turn tighter without locking the bars (which makes it damn hard to balance)...  If you don't want to scoot your butt off the side of the seat, there's a different trick...  Just like on a dirtbike, you can stand up on the pegs and lean the bike between your legs while keeping your body straight up.  It actually takes more practice and may be harder than just scooting off.


Lastly...........   Keep the revs up and ride the clutch to control your speed.  The GS has a wet clutch and you can ride the CRAP out of it...  You can REALLY control your speed when you're using the clutch.  Trying to use the throttle is simply too jerky at slow speeds...  Feather the clutch!   


And just like everyone else said... Practice.  I did mine at the MSF.  I got three practice runs and screwed up every one...  Then when it was time for the test I friggen NAILED it repeating "TURN YOUR HEAD!  TURN YOUR HEAD!!!"   

Thanks to all that replied - it's what makes tis a great group.  Now if it will just stop raining ... I'll go out and drag a a rear brake, lean body out, lean bike in, and spin my head back like I need an exorcism.  I can hold a stationary post (feet up, bike stopped) on a road racing bicycle for as long as I want to, so I should be able to handle this.

Jeffrey