16. U-Turn

THE ADDED CHALLENGE OF LIMITED SPACE

The U-Turn exercise is an excellent opportunity for you to practice and develop your slow control skills within a confined space. As you learn how to implement the skills, your confidence will soar and you can take this onto the road between two kerbs. You usually practice the U-Turn in a safe environment and between painted lines or a line of cones. This ensures there are no physical barriers in place to put you off in the early stages of practicing. The U-Turn exercise requires your coordination of the clutch, throttle, rear brake and steering.

MIRROR CHECKS AND LIFESAVERS ARE REQUIRED

The key is for you to create maximum room within the turning area, whilst maintaining full control of the clutch, throttle and rear brake. Use the widest width possible to give yourself more space. Mirror checks and lifesavers are required because this exercise is intended to represent performing a U-Turn on the public road. You need to know where and when to look and carry out a lifesaver before you start the turn.

THE LIFESAVER MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE

• Carry out rear observations before pulling away
• Keep the machine steady and under full control whilst riding parallel to the line (kerb)
• Carry out a lifesaver before turning
• Ensure the motorcycle is close to the line (kerb) prior to turning, this creates maximum turning space
• Look in the intended direction of travel throughout
• Stop at the other side of the road