Low Speed Maneuvers

9863 Views 23 Replies 12 Participants Last post by CB750F, Dec 12, 2007

C50-Blvd.

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2007

Curiousity is getting the best of me and I'm wondering where I stand with other riders regarding my proficiency with low speed maneuvers. I bought my first bike when I was 20, I'm now 39. It was a 1989 Suzuki GS-500E. I rode that for several years before selling it - married, bought a house, etc. etc. I didn't ride again until this summer when I bought a new Suzuki C-50.

When I started riding the first time, I practiced, got my license, took the motorcycle safety course, etc. I felt pretty comfortable riding. I feel very comfortable riding at road and highway speeds, cornering, etc. However, turning very sharp at very slow speeds always was a buggaboo for me. I'm talking very slow speeds, like barely moving in a parking lot or doing a U-turn on the road. When I took riding back up this year, I've been practicing that weak point in my riding quite a bit. U-turns on a narrow road, etc. are no longer a problem. However, turning with my handlebars at full lock moving very slowly still requires me to occassionally put a foot down. Finally my question - Do most of you out there have the same problem or is it just me? I know it's possible to turn out full lock, do figure 8's etc., at full lock. I can do it, but again occassionally find myself having to drop a foot. I guess more practice is in order.

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

edger

· #2 · Dec 2, 2007

I think what you are experiencing is pretty much across the board! I don't know too many guys that don't have to drop a foot now and then in slow speed turns. Of course a lot of it depends on the style of bike you have and how low the center of gravity is. The lower the center, the easier it is to balance at the slower speeds. So I would think each bike is different at least a bit.

Dennis in NH

· #3 · Dec 2, 2007

I got good there for a while. I did it on my last bike -- full lock turns and then doing figure eights. But I did probably 2 times per week practice at a school or my driveway/parking area. I spent 20 minutes doing figure eights, and sharp circles (with intention to scrape the floorboards) and when I got done, I would ride and feel real confident. And then I'd try it a few weeks later and it was effort again. I'm thinking in Spring, I'll be doing more practice.

On my current bike (a little heavier and bigger), I've not had the opportunity (cold weather, etc.) to do much skills work. My u-turns require a foot down at least half the time. I'm seriously thinking of buying that "Ride Like a Pro" DVD so I can get ideas on what to work on. My plan/hope is to get really good at maneuvering just to help me feel safer and just make the ride more fun -- I've found the more skill, the more fun and the lighter the bike feels.

Dennis

C50-Blvd.

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 3, 2007

Dennis - Funny you should say that. I bought the Ride Like a Pro DVD. While it is a little dry to watch and has some corny humor, it does provide some good tips. Of course the reminder to keep you head up and look where you want the bike to go is essential. They also talk quite a bit about feathering the clutch and throttle at slow speeds and riding the rear brake to help stabilize the bike. I recommend it.

I actually enjoy practicing tight U-turns and figure 8's. Any dumb bloke can jump on a bike and putter down the road, I think your true skill as a rider is demonstrated on how you handle your bike during slow tight maneuvers.

TFee3

· #5 · Dec 6, 2007

C50 - you probably remember that I have a C90T, same bike, bigger engine. I REALLY HATE making short turns on my bike, because it's so heavy. Also, the V-twin engine spooks me. I know that if I let the clutch out under idle speed, it's going to buck and knock me flat (done it twice already). My theory is (and it might be just an excuse) that if I have to make that short a turn, I didn't plan well enough before I got into the situation. Even so, I know that some day, I'll be forced into making a short turn, and it's going to be really difficult for me, inevitable. I admire you for practicing! I don't practice, because I'm afraid I'll drop my bike again.

Flyer

· #6 · Dec 6, 2007

TFee, try baby steps. When you get ready to park or other slow moving activities, gradually make the turns you need to make tighter and tighter. You will have it down in no time if you do them a little at a time.

TFee3

· #7 · Dec 6, 2007

Flyer, thanks, I never thought of that. I will try to make them tighter and tighter turns. I'm still gunshy because of having dumped the darned bike on both legs making short and slow turns. I should get off my rear and go up to the local theater and practice. My problem with that is there's nobody to get it off me if I go down. My friend who rides with me lives 15 miles from me, and maybe I'll call him and ask him to come over and watch. Thanks again for the suggestion!

C50-Blvd.

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 6, 2007

TFee - Never dumped my bike, at least yet - knock on wood. As I said when I am practicing my full lock turns I occassionally have to drop a foot, but that's the closest I've come. I find myself doing that less and less as I improve. I think one of the biggest problems people have, or at least I did, was looking down at the ground when doing tight turns or U-Turns. When doing tight U-Turns you need to snap your head around like an Owl prior to starting the turn. Keep your head up and look in the direction you want the bike to go. It works like a charm.

TFee3

· #9 · Dec 6, 2007

C50, thanks for the suggestions. I had forgotten that you don't look down when you stop for a stoplight, too. I finally figured it out and got along better after that. I shouldn't have sold my bike 20 years and not ridden that long. All this used to be second nature to me. Now, I have to relearn all of it again.

Urban Coyote

· #10 · Dec 6, 2007 (Edited)

Interesting post,

When I took the MSF rider course, I was learning on a Honda Nighthawk 250 and I was able to do slow figure 8s in a small area without even touching my throttle or brake or putting my foot on the ground.

When I got my Sportster 883C, the bike was much heavier and had a higher idle and I barely could do a slow U turn on a two lane street. I thought something was wrong with my Sportster at first since I new I could handle the Nighthawk with ease, but it was the weight and power differences in the Sportster I had to get used to and now I can do those tighter turns at slow speeds with my Sportster much better than when I first got it. I learned I have to use more throttle and clutch control with my heavier Sportster to keep myself balanced in slow maneuvers than with the Nighthawk 250.

What C50 said is also correct. They taught me in the MSF course to keep my head up and looking in the direction I want to turn and the bike practically keeps itself balanced and turning in the direction you want to go.

See less See more

G

· #11 · Dec 7, 2007

Wheel base

Urban Coyote said:
Interesting post,

When I took the MSF rider course, I was learning on a Honda Nighthawk 250 and I was able to do slow figure 8s in a small area without even touching my throttle or brake or putting my foot on the ground.

When I got my Sportster 883C, the bike was much heavier and had a higher idle and I barely could do a slow U turn on a two lane street. I thought something was wrong with my Sportster at first since I new I could handle the Nighthawk with ease, but it was the weight and power differences in the Sportster I had to get used to and now I can do those tighter turns at slow speeds with my Sportster much better than when I first got it. I learned I have to use more throttle and clutch control with my heavier Sportster to keep myself balanced in slow maneuvers than with the Nighthawk 250.

What C50 said is also correct. They taught me in the MSF course to keep my head up and looking in the direction I want to turn and the bike practically keeps itself balanced and turning in the direction you want to go.

Another factor in U-turns and figure 8's is wheel base and rake.

The Night Hawks have a 56.2 inch wheel base, your 883 a 59.4 in. wb, and the C50 a 65.2 in. wb. Factor in the rake on each and it dramatically impacts handling characteristics regardless of rider ability. You certainly don't expect a chopper with extended front forks to do U'ies very tightly. Matter fact those guys definetely put their feet down!

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

Flyer

· #12 · Dec 7, 2007

TFee3 said:
Flyer, thanks, I never thought of that. I will try to make them tighter and tighter turns. I'm still gunshy because of having dumped the darned bike on both legs making short and slow turns. I should get off my rear and go up to the local theater and practice. My problem with that is there's nobody to get it off me if I go down. My friend who rides with me lives 15 miles from me, and maybe I'll call him and ask him to come over and watch. Thanks again for the suggestion!

I gotta say, when I started riding to and from work, I was a little nervous. When I pull into my driveway, I come in front of the house, do a U at the driveway, swinging into it and back out towards the road so that I can back the bike up next to the car. I started off having to do more of a Y using the whole road and edge of my driveway. I am down to getting it where I want it just about. I still do not feel right doing full locks, but it won't be much longer.

I think it does help a lot that I'm on the bike almost daily and perform this manuveur at least once a day.

Flyer

· #13 · Dec 7, 2007

I will have to pay attention to where I'm looking next time I start making sharp, slow turns and see if I can improve upon them with what was suggested here.

I agee ... great thread.

G

· #14 · Dec 7, 2007

My buddy took the Experienced Riders Course, which uses the same box and maneuvers as the Basic course, on his Electra Glide with his girlfriend on the back since that's how he does most of his riding. That took some balls.

Ironically, he never had a problem on the course, but when they left and went out on the road some lady rear ended him. Not bad, but she must have been blind. You wouldn't believe all the lights and chrome on the back of his bike.

BillTheCat

· #15 · Dec 8, 2007

The experienced rider course is valuable. I have been riding most of my life
and I had developed some bad habits. With that said it does matter what i am riding at the time. I just got rid of a 1098 Ducati slow speed was no good
It was not designed for it. On my Triumph I can turn on a dime and sit halfway
through lights without putting my feet down. On my hawk you just spin it around like your on a bicycle.

It could be first of the year jettiers that make me put a foot down. You know where I am going here there could be a lot of factors but the one constant is get to know your bike and practice practice practice

BH121869

· #16 · Dec 10, 2007

I've bought three of the "Ride Like a Pro" DVDs and they helped me out alot. I've never had a problem with a Sportster but was really having issues with the Ultra on right hand turns at slow speeds. My buddys Road King does the same thing with him. We did quite a bit of practicing and I'm fine now except when I switch bikes. I have to remember what one I'm on.

CaptCrashIdaho

· #17 · Dec 10, 2007

This is all I have to say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMgU44UwByY

OH and counterbalance...

someone

· #18 · Dec 10, 2007

just a newbie question.....

what exactly is the rake on a bike? the world of motorcycles is definitely a big one and i am trying to learn all that i can. i just wanna thank all of you that have given me advice on what to do

.

thanks,
someone

w7ox

· #19 · Dec 11, 2007

CaptCrashIdaho said:
This is all I have to say:

OH and counterbalance...

Well done .. and thanks!

Phil

BH121869

· #20 · Dec 11, 2007

someone said:
what exactly is the rake on a bike? the world of motorcycles is definitely a big one and i am trying to learn all that i can. i just wanna thank all of you that have given me advice on what to do .

thanks,
someone

I would define rake as the slope or angle of the front end on a bike.

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.