U-Turn Question

[staningrimsby]

Just a quick one please folks,

After my Mod 1 failure last week for putting my foot down during the U-Turn I have been racking my brain as to why it happened as other than that everything else was fine I have done the U-turn loads of times with no problems.

The only thing I could think of was that I did my checks prior to moving off then pulled away slowly, checked again before starting the turn, now I am not sure if I was going to slow thus losing balance or I tried turning to soon after checking again losing balance so my question is if I don't do the shoulder check prior to the turn does that go down as a minor or is it a fail ???

As I cant think of any other reason that my foot went down, going out to practice again tomorrow but its on my 125 and its totally different then the 650 I was on but I do want to be ready when I eventually get a re-test date again

[runningman]

Missing that last check/life saver on the U turn is likely to be a minor I believe.

[al_stu]

I struggled to balance for exactly that reason, so in the end I went with stop, really big look round and then u turn. instructor pulled a face as its not normal but couldn't fault me on it.

The best thing that happened for me was a white van parked in a car park behind the test, so all I kept thinking was look for the van, look for the van...wasn't even sure I was inside the lines because I was afraid if I checked I'd stall (like usual!)

[fq-craigus]

Missing the last check is a major.

Make sure you use the whole straight before you start your turn, that is the most common mistake made where people rush. You can ride forward around 15 feet, keep the revs busy and use clutch control and that keeps the bike stable. Don't try turn too sharp you have a LOT of space so use it all. Main thing is don't overthink it like you say you have done it plenty of tines so you can do it you just had some bad luck. Good luck on next one

[OhJay]

The best thing that happened for me was a white van parked in a car park behind the test, so all I kept thinking was look for the van, look for the van...wasn't even sure I was inside the lines because I was afraid if I checked I'd stall (like usual!)

 

Don't look at the lines, that's where you'll go

[staningrimsby]

Well Guys I thought I would pop out for a couple of hours on my baby Vara this morning before everyone got up and practice a few u-turns.

I started off in a pub car park using the width of 3 bays which is roughly 7.5 mtrs, then moved to the road where we did our CBT u-turns then once again back to a car park in Cleethorpes, all told I must have done around 60 u-turns and not an issue with any of them .

Going to go out again later just hoping I don't bottle it on re test day.

[Joeman]

just try riding round in circles, get tighter and tighter until you are at full lock and cant turn any sharper.

keep going until you've mastered it in both directions, or until youre too dizzy to ride!

[millmax]

Ha Ha I used to get motion sickness doing that, used to come in all pale faced,

[Zipster]

If you put your foot down it's because you were going too slowly. You probably had a few nerves and wanted to keep your speed down. I was taught to keep the revs up and make some noise! (Rev it like a learner my instructor used to say!) slip the clutch and make sure you look where you want to go. Keep the bike moving and cover the rear brake. Practice this technique and use it for your slalom and figure 8 too. It worked for me

[staningrimsby]

Well Guys and Gals,

Been out for a couple of hours tonight to try and fathom out the problem I had on my Mod 1 test, I started in a car park again and had rather a lot of attempts (all good may I add).

Then I went on to the street and various other car parks still all going well , so it was killing me as why was I so bad on the test I have done well over 100 U-turns today on my 125 and all have been perfect. Whilst this is a good thing its annoying not knowing why it went pear shaped last week.

So on the way home I had to nip to Morrisons still thinking what went wrong ??? then I wondered was it because the fence of at the test centre was in front of me and it was another obstacle I was faced with that I had not experienced ??? As I was leaving Morrisons I saw the entrance that the wagons go through (2 huge gates), I measured the road with my tape measure a good 8 meters.

So I measured away 6.5 meters from the kerb (I realise I am allowed 7.5 but thought if I can do it in 6.5 then the test centre should have acres of room) and placed a cone then placed another cone about 8 meters from the first. So with the gate in front of me it simulated the U-turn area at the test centre, also it was on a bit of a hill which meant when I went back up if I didn't have enough revs it made me power out rather than put my foot down

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/staningrimsby/Motorbikes/Honda%20Varadero%20125%20v9/U-TurnPractice.jpg

All in all I have done over 100 U-turns today with not a single error, just hoping its the same when my re-test date comes through.

[fullscreenaging]

Bit of OCD creeping in Stan?

[staningrimsby]

Ha you know it mate but if it gets me through

[Joeman]

Did you try going too slow, and just when your instinct is to put your foot down, to give it more gas instead?

[staningrimsby]

Yep sure did Joeman it was going slightly uphill but did work

[Glorian]

The way i was taught was before you set off.

Do your shoulder checks.

Start to rev the engine a few thousand revs.

gently release clutch enough to pull forward.

Steady yourself

Do your last check

If clear turn the bike handles and look BEYOND where you want to go. So you're not looking at the floor.

keep revs high enough and just feather the clutch

Bingo bango you're done.