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Turning Troubles

by Bridgett
(Roseville, CA)

Well, I have been riding now for about 1,400 miles (6 months). My skill level has soared. I never stall my bike anymore (LOL) I am able to ride on the freeway (when necessary) Have been on several longer trips, many round town riding days. Problem, I just cannot get the hang of tight turns, U Turns. Every time I am with my hubby or friends and I come upon a tight turn I have to walk it! How embarrassing! I went to the Parking lot a couple times so far, have watched the video "Ride Like a Pro" and do understand the friction zone. I can turn right or left from a stop using the zone, I can swerve with ease, I can come to a stop without putting my feet down, but when it comes to turns, I really struggle. I want to control my bike, not have it control me! Yesterday I had my hubby hop on and see if he felt my bike was top heavy (as I hear sportsters are), he rides a Heritage Softail (big cruiser). He zipped that thing around like it was a toy! He was able to do the tightest turns! He said my bike is so nimble and fun, handles very well! Oh, I was shocked. He has about 7,000 miles of riding, which is not a lot really (not counting the years in college on a small bike) but he seems to be able to turn so early in his riding. Does anyone else have this issue? I feel like I should be able to do this, I think it is mental, I'm afraid of dropping my bike. HELP!

Bridgett

Comments for Turning Troubles

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Apr 25, 2010

Turning
by: robin

Hi,

I am new to riding and this thread has been helpful...I am living at the local church parking lot practicing turns...some days are better than others. I have an 06 Ridley Autoglide 750. Yes ...look where you want to go...I will try turning my head even more. I too, want to be in control...am very determined to make that happen.

How is going for you now??

Feb 03, 2010

U-Turn Anxiety
by: Marsha

Hi,

It sounds like you are not turning your head as far around as you need to,to pull this off, I say this because we are fortunate enough to have a wonderful MSF rider/coach in our chapter - he gives of his skills numerous times throughout the year -asking nothing but "Be Safe", in return. A day last Fall when he was having some slow speed practice sessions in a parking lot - I was amazed that he had to tell me to turn my head around even farther than I was doing - I too, thought "aw,heck, I'm doing that" - turns out he was exactly right, - while I has been thinking my head was up enough & not looking at the ground, and that my head was turned around - looking back over my left shoulder - he noted to me how I could get more head turn going & the tight turns got easier & easier after that. The Ride Like A Pro folks are very accessible - if you were to call their toll free # & explain your fears Donna Palladino will encourage you wholeheartedly - I know this from my own experience with her . I dream of taking their class one day soon. Best of luck to you! Marsha in CT

Jan 19, 2010

Look Where You Want to Go
by: Barbara

Look where you want that bike to go and it will go there.

Sep 13, 2009

Are You Riding the Right Bike?
by: Tracy

Hi, I'm new here! What a great site!

I also had turning trouble with my Moto Guzzi Norge. Prior to buying this bike, I logged over 24K miles on a BMW 650 GS. I had the Norge for 18 months and after lots of practice, I finally admitted to myself that this is not the bike for me. And believe me, it took a lot to admit it! I felt that Norge hindered my riding skills, rather than advance them. Two weeks ago, I traded it in on a BMW 1200 GS and I feel my riding skills and confidence level are right back where they were. I'm having a ball with the new bike!

I've never ridden a sportster but have a female friend who is a HD rider as well as an MSF instructor. She tells me that regardless of what the dealer says, a sportster is not a good bike for a woman to start with. I'm not bashing your bike in any way, just passing along what I was told. I have no first hand knowledge.

Good luck and don't give up!

Sep 13, 2009

Practice
by: Susan

Practice is the key and don't forget to counter weight. The only time I laid down my bike (not drop...it was going down so I didn't let go, but slowed it down) was on a U turn in a parking lot. I was so mad at myself. Now, I walk it if I don't feel comfortable and the hell with those watching. Never let your ego make you do something you are not comfortable with.

Sep 10, 2009

I Can Relate
by: Kim

Hi Bridget! I have the same bike and sometimes experience the same problem. I tend to really struggle in gas station lots, of all places! Like you, I am comfortable with the friction zone, and looking where I want to go instead of down. It seems to me that my biggest problem is the counterweighting required in tight, low speed turns. I plan on practicing that part in parking lots again soon. While the Sportster may be nimble, it's a lot of weight to lean when you're not used to it! Good luck and keep us posted ~ Kim

Aug 19, 2009

Practice
by: kenberlyc

Practice, practice and more practice. It probably is mental. I have to go up a big hill to get out of my driveway. Have been riding for 3 years and still have trouble with that darn hill. I know it is mental. One day I will be victorious though, and you will too. Good luck!

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