Why You're STRUGGLING With Low Speed Turns On A Sport Bike 

That unexpected slide on oil-over-paint was a great addition and a good reminder for us to keep an eye out for little hazards on the road that can become big problems.

I'm so digging the new format, with two cameras back and forth, thats actually so involving! Perfect for vlog and talk

Hi, I've watched every single one of your videos and practice, too little. I'ìve always tought that theory can overtake practice: I was wrong. Now I've tried to practice a little more and the confidence i built in such a small time is amazing! It takes really that little of your time to be a better, safer, driver. Thanks man, for all of that you have you done! #ShutUpAndPractice

Have you practiced "Japanese Police U-turns" Moto Control has posted on? Looks kinda neat for tight cornering. From a stop, they turn the triple clamp to full lock so the bike is completely pre-loaded in a counter-steer. Then at the moment of throttle, they force the bike to correct its path, taking advantage of all the lean counter-steering from a dead stop gained them, and ultimately throttling themselves through a tight u-turn before the bike leans over into a full drop. I have not practiced this myself.

I appreciate that even when i watch videos of you doing techniques and explanations of things you’ve already done, theres still some to learn from them. Thanks a lot!

I really don’t want to drop my bike… haha

This is exactly what I needed! I'm still building up my low-speed confidence on my R6. Just bought some cones to start setting up practice courses. I think the part that I'm still hung up on is my fear of dropping the bike while practicing. It's not a new bike or anything but it's just an embedded fear that I know is irrational. I have frame sliders so all should be fine at those low speeds. Practice makes perfect. I'm gonna try to get some practice in before the weather turns here up in Western Canada. Thanks Greg.

I was trying to find a video on this topic, i thought it was just me being weird with learning slow speed maneuvers on a sport bike

Thanks for this video bro. I've been riding almost 6 months and started on an R7 and it's great to see this.

Congrats on the new bike guy! Picking my ninja 400 up in 2 days 🙏. I haven't been this nervously excited about something since I was a little kid. Good advice too thank you

Hello, thank you for the sport bike low speed maneuvering guidance. I'd been struggling with doing your drills on my Ducati and now I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I'll keep practicing and get the hang of letting the bike lean under me. I guess I'll disconnect from RU-vid now and go practice.

Great man, I've been doing your drills on a full blown bike, good to know such stuff :p

great info ! Thanks for the video !

What a great video. I've been riding for 40 years, but measured in miles ridden very little. Therefore I lack confidence manoeuvring on my 1999 TL1000R. I can come to a stop and move on without putting a foot down, but struggle with low speed turns. Interestingly the TL1000R has a fast idle lever on the left bar which could help me practise what you demonstrated - it's one thing less to think about trying to set a little more throttle (if required). I'll have a look at your Apps too. Thanks from the UK 👍

I just got a 750, I have your app. I beg you to do plenty more videos involving this bike. This video did help tremendously

Hey! Thanks for all the great vids! I was wondering how I best protect my bike while practicing in case I drop it?

yes !!! can't wait to see people accepting the challenge et post video doing slow speed stuff on a hyper sport bike 👀👀👀

I spoke with you on Instagram showing my elbow dragg !!! I'm happy to see you getting GSX-R 750 like me this bike is perfect for everything!!!!!

Yes!!!! The video I was waiting for!!! 🙃😁

That was cool. The slide on oil and paint!!!❤

I’ve been doing SuperSport low-speed maneuvers from day one and having dropped my CBR twice, paying for Chinese Fairing kits gets expensive real quick, never mind OEM prices. When I take out practice days for myself, I just remove al the side fairing pieces and put in my frame sliders then. Had saved me so far from the fairings costs. Not only is maneuvering a SuperSport harder than other bikes, but it’s also expensive lol

He almost fell “ man that was awesome” you a wild boy 😂. Respect because you could edited that out.

YES!! Crazy 13 on a sport bike will be a sweet video! Please get both POV

Hi , And without a bicycle kickstand. Without net. 😏🤚The king. Thank you. There is the 90° counter-steering TURN. Which isn't bad too. You already explained it to us. But it is a pleasure to remember it. 🇺🇲 ✌🇲🇫

Thank 😊 u for ur vids....i always learn something....1❤..

When i was doing these drills on my gsxr750 i found that to do the tighest parking space u-turn drill, (i think it was two spaces?), i had to go to full lock AND lean it over a lot. In order to do this I had to clutch in and brake to get the bike to "fall into" the turn, and then clutch out and gas out of the turn to pick it up just before the bike fell too far. Its a pretty risky and impractical technique but i was able to achieve much tighter circles than what he demonstrated in this video.

I was wondering do you still have the scooter? Living in Vietnam and being from the UK I will always have both a scooter and a motorbike, since they have such different functions, with a GSX is a great combination.

Thanks Greg! Is it possible for practices like this to have "external" camera position (like gopro on tripod)? It would help me to see the actual lean angle from the outside.

Thanks man.

Very nice bike you have. I own a 2011 Suzuki gsx-r600 and I just love it. Unfortunately I have to sell it soon.

Redently bought a sv650s from 2000. This video is perfect timing 😊

I am a beginner, I have a license for 2 months and a motorcycle for a month and a half. I have a CBR650r and the first time I tried the white belt I was shocked at how hard it is. Now I'm used to it and I can say that after you train and go out on the street, everything is much easier. I recommend everyone to train. Thank you Motojitsu for all the information you present.

Dude, thanks so much for the great channel. I've got a question. On slow turns, it looks like you lean the bike a lot and counterbalance by keeping your body upright. But on high-speed turns in other videos, I've seen you try to lean the bike less and hang off it more. Could you help me understand how this slow-speed method helps me with higher-speed turns? Thanks. I really love your videos.

*"Once your skill becomes high enough, the bike becomes irrelevant"* Agreed. The best tips I ever heard from both you and Jerry Paladino, was to just get comfy with the control of clutch, the friction / bite point, and counter balance / counter weight on the opposite foot peg, pressing down through the heel not the toes. That's a game changer if you're not already doing it. Thanks always fella. This next part is gonna seem completely contradictory to me agreeing with you previously though... Back when I had a small sports bike - a CBR500R - I watched your previous video featuring this topic, and you explained about the way that you have to position your wrists whilst doing U turns etc, I was always practising doing the slow speed manoeuvres before nearly everytime I'd go for a long ride. It was mainly because of how incredibly disconcerting it is to put your wrists in such an unnatural position before U turning or doing other tight turns. I'm not blaming the bike, or myself, it's just I could never get completely comfortable with the slow speed stuff on it because each time I'd go to U turn or something, it just wouldn't feel right at all like... It got to the point where I was going to get upright bars installed on it, so it would be more like a streetfighter, like the Bandit 600 I learned on, but a local motorbike mechanic told me that it would have ruined the feel at higher speeds, which oddly enough, I didn't have a problem with. In the end I decided to sell it for a different bike similar to the one I learned on, because I remember leaning that right over. The handlebars on it are almost like that of a bicycle. Very comfy and the wrists are no where near the tank at full lock. I don't have to think about that awkward wrist position, instead I just look where I want to go, get the speed and revs right, nice feel of clutch, full lock and lean, sorted! That's how it should be. I mean, how many times do you see Moto GP or British superbike riders doing U turns on the track?... they're designed to go fast on a race track, not be used for slow races, figure of 8's and U turns 😅 Lastly, over here in Britain, when it's wet, and especially when it's cold, you really do feel the less grip. That's also a cause for discomfort. Over in sunny California or Miami etc, it's bloody lovely. You got the hot sun baking the roads and it's dry most the time. But I'm not gonna complain about that because I only really went out when the weather was good anyway 🙃😝 There isn't many things in life that comes close to the pure pleasure of warm weather riding. I would do it until the petrol runs out, or the wheels fell off, whatever comes first LOL 😊😄😉😜

Not since I started gymkhana 😁 Now it's super fun!

Try upgrading your Gopro on your helmet its a bit muddy. Love the video. 🙂

Thanks

I am doing gymkhana on a non modified sport bike for more than 2years. So I can confirm that a lean angle is a key A solution to the handlebars / forearm / tank is required but not necessarily overrotate. Instead of clutch, I am using rear brake+throttle I am not couterbalance. The counterbalance as shown doesn't allow quickly change directions and speed.

Ur vids are beyond 🔥 EXCELLENT.....how i ride....ive learned from u.....1❤...

It's amusing to see what qualifies as "low speed manuevers" in other parts of the world. I am just getting into motorcycle riding and getting my license in Sweden, as part of the licensing we have to complete a course while not doing more than the equivilent of 3MPH at any point on the course.

can you show me you enter and do the figure 8 has 19 inches lane road and 22 ft each turn? if doing tight turn free way it's not too hard but if do it correctly in tight lane, you might can't go fast for your leaning.

You listed all the bikes you have done your drills on but you are missing one. A trike and a can am spyder….I’d like to hear your input on the both of those..

Awesomeness!!!!!

I nearly dropped my 2022 Busa the first time slow speed u-turns, definitely body position super important.

Nice bike… I did the California Motorcycle test on a Ducati…. Bad day they were watering the green stuff that day and water was flowing over the test course. Had 15-20 waiting and watching in line behind me. The lady giving the test was her first time giving and knew zero about bikes. I told her the only way I could do it. or anybody else, would be slide it around the course. Well did it but scared her and everybody watching to death… everybody waiting left without taking the test. Her boss came out and gave me a pass. Yep did it no foot down and slide around like a super Moto.

Like Eddie says, be prepared to drop your bike. These drills are quite hard on a super sport, I've dropped mine twice. Tip - put crash protectors on your bike and wear a cheaper jacket for slow speed drills.

Hey greg, I’m looking to upgrade next year or year half to a 600cc, I understand the basic of slow turn is same on any bike, but does feel different slow turning on a 600cc than 300cc due to weight? And if is the chase what the difference like the quicker will start falling or more difficult to make it lean etc. Never tried above 500cc for now and I want to have some advise. Theses videos have been really helpful started watching even before started riding @motojitsu

I'm glad you exist.

So how do you low speed turns and how do you do low speed fiqure 8 ?

I'm a scooter rider and these drills are hard but they are fun.

Keep it loaded!

Greg, I am a beginner rider. I practice a lot on a parking space on the Ninja 650. I can do tight turns and circles on 8+mph. But my thumb joints are very sore. I do deep leaning but probably I do most of the pressure on handlebar?

What kind of pants are those? Thank you and great videos.

Howdy. When I steer with my butt, or lean the bike (shift my weight) before I turn the bars, it doesn't feel like I am counter steering at all. Is This still a form of counter steering that I cant feel in my hands, or something different?

I think it would be better to show us these stuff if you put a camera on the ground for a third person thew, it well help to show us better everything

Just bought your app

Side bar 🍸:..ur 🏍 bike tis sooo tight...im soo gkad u went back to sport bikes.....1❤

issue is that for the slow speed course test over here you have to go below 5 km/h or they fail you.

The jacket you have on in the video doesn’t show on your links.

i can jump on any bike and ride fast... i cannot jump on any bike and do super slow full lock u-turns lol, you get use to your bikes weight and geometry and big enough difference nearly cost me lol (13 years riding every day)

I'm surprised you haven't mentioned that the gear ratio (final drive ratio) has an effect on the difficulty of low speed turns with a sport bike. My R1 can do 90+mph at max RPM in 1st gear. The throttle which is 4" in circumference only has to twist just 3/4" or a total of 0 to 67.5 degrees to WFO thus It requires much more precise control to keep it under 20 mph. Take a look at the rear sprocket of any of the amazing stunt bikes and riders who must have 90 tooth rear and probably 2 teeth less than stock up front. WFO on those bikes in 1st is probably only 40 mph. Much finer speed control. Powerful sport bikes can scare the crap out of you if you twitch too much while making tight turns. Yes, more speed and use more lean, but maintain your respect for the power.

Are you using countersteering to start the lean, ahh never mind just saw it at the end.

What is that battery bank. Having trouble finding something that low of a profile.

Ive been riding sportbikes for some years now, but the one thing that i still dread is making u turns on inclined roads..

My first big bike was a sports bike and after trying a naked I realized how bad are sports bikes at low speed!

There is nothing like a terrifying crash to smarten you up.., Nothing as bad as this high dipped over the handle bars after hitting a battery at 75 mph square on…. I am ordering the Dainese air bag armor tomorrow…. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7roamDedaME.htmlsi=qbPy2QIEOMj4Fl0i I wear even at low speed a Dainese Pro Armor Safet Jacket 2… and it saved me big time for sure broken an arm or worse last year…. Low speed drove up a pillar, left bike in first gear turned off ignition and simultaneously dropped the clutch with front tire against a vertical pillar, shot straight up about 5 feet ended with bike 400 lbs and me 200 lbs falling sideways and landing on my left forearm midpoint right on the edge of a curb. Bike saved zero damage… me zero damage. The reactive armor on the arm worked. That was a solid 3 foot fall of 600 lbs onto my arm on the edge of concrete curb.

Cool

you counter balance but those motogp riders touch knees on low speed circle drills. how is that even possible? like physics

❤❤❤

I JUST found the perfect lot and the owner filled it with police cruisers after me showing up for 1 day

After watching Japanese moto gymkhana i noticed their butt is glued to the seat so I guess you don't really need to move it for making tight u turn.

"7 inch slide".... thats what she said

I get practicing emergency braking, line selection, etc, etc. But why the emphasis on slow speed maneuvers? 99.9% of riding is at speed, not the parking lot slow speed maneuvers.

Bro 10:15 what you said right there is it. I learned to ride back in 2008 in nyc on a kawasaki ninja 650 with ZERO training and just learning on a friend's suzuki, with no guidance. Not to sound full of myself but i have a feeling i was one of those born to ride. I instantly picked up technique and long story short. I never took MSF course but after 3 yrs i sold my bike because of tickets and money issues. Now in 2023 i wanted to get bike again and bypass taking roadtest. So I signed up for MSF course and honestly, I didnt learn shit. I was doing countersteering naturally during our exercises and I was the fastest one without dropping bike or coming out the lines and instead of being given props for it, hater instructor just said i shouldnt counter steer, that I was doing it wrong...and that I should lean with the bike....we were going 5-10 miles per hour....and like I said I actually was doing the drills faster than all and withoutcoming out the line...in my book that should deserve either a just thumbs up, or just no comment and let me do my thing, but to tell me im not doing it right? Fuk that course and those people. HAters always wanna bring you down when they see you got it better than them when they first tried.

Without watching the video I’m going to say too much weight on the bars and not enough thigh squeezing.

Algorithm

...less experience and skill and that bike would have hit tbe pavement for sure . Nice save.

absence of cone is a clue , he himself is not good enough but stops not to ridicule others , counter balacing is incorrect technique for sporte bikes having very limited lock to lock handlebar turns , nerd to use counter steering , falling inside the turn and using hip muscles, way more challenging