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View Poll Results: Do you have mAd U-tuRn SkiLLz? | |||
I can easily pull a U-turn in under an 18 foot diameter | 131 | 55.04% | |
I can pull a U-turn in under 24 feet dia. | 59 | 24.79% | |
I am not that comfortable doing U-turns, but will do so if necessary | 44 | 18.49% | |
I have no pride and am willing to admit that I cannot U-turn on a bike... | 4 | 1.68% | |
Voters: 238. You may not vote on this poll |
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Thread Tools |
February 14th, 2009, 04:52 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Purspeed
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
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How Many Can Pull A Tight U-Turn?
...on your bike?
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"This is my Ninja. There are many like it, but this one is mine..." ~ Purspeed (ca. Nov, 2008) |
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February 14th, 2009, 04:54 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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how tight? "the box" at MSF?
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February 14th, 2009, 04:57 PM | #3 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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Not so much with gloves and my sv clp-ons, unless with a little rear brake
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February 14th, 2009, 05:00 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Purspeed
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
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I'm not sure how tight "the box" would be, so I wrote in the 18 and 24 foot diameters for reference.
Lane width is roughly 12ft, so it's like going from the outside of the lane (when pulling a U-turn) to the outside of the number 1 lane upon exiting the U-turn (for the 24ft diameter).
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"This is my Ninja. There are many like it, but this one is mine..." ~ Purspeed (ca. Nov, 2008) |
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February 14th, 2009, 05:54 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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I can do full-lock turns pretty easily on the ninjette. It's a little more challenging on the RT, and it's quite challenging on the 10R. Some of the differences are due to weight, but steering geometry plays a big part as well. Some people recommend using the rear brake to control the bike during these, but personally I don't use that technique and typically stay off the brakes altogether.
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February 14th, 2009, 05:57 PM | #6 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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I always use the rear brake to balance the slipping clutch.
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February 14th, 2009, 06:01 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Purspeed
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
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I keep the bike in the "friction zone" by modulating the rear brake and keeping the RPM's around twice idle.
By using the rear brake, the bike behaves like it would if it were going much faster. So, you can pull much tighter turns. It's a California Highway Patrol trick (along with "the dip")
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"This is my Ninja. There are many like it, but this one is mine..." ~ Purspeed (ca. Nov, 2008) |
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February 14th, 2009, 06:17 PM | #8 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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February 14th, 2009, 07:36 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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CaptCrash
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February 14th, 2009, 07:47 PM | #10 |
Live Life
Name: Don
Location: Lincoln, NE
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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The MSF Box is 20 x 60. Did it, did it practicing on the '01 250, need some clean parking lots to try it on the new one (and a big inflatable mattress just in case)
http://www.msf-usa.org/MSTS/PDFs/BRC...nge_Layout.pdf
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February 14th, 2009, 07:52 PM | #11 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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I usually just do a stoppie and turn it around on a dime. That wasn't an option though, and I'm sure not everyone has that mad of skillz. Pity...
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February 14th, 2009, 08:21 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Tim
Location: Portland, OR
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796
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February 14th, 2009, 08:27 PM | #13 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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most bikes are basically the same. it's all about getting used to where the friction zone is for each individual bike. slight adjustments with the clutch lever adjuster really helps to what you are used to when going from bike to bike.
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February 14th, 2009, 08:34 PM | #14 | |
============
Name: Nick
Location: Occoquan, VA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518
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Quote:
I havent measured my u-turns, but i know i've gotten much better as time has gone by. I can almost do a full-lock turn but am always ready to put down a foot if needed. |
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February 14th, 2009, 08:46 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Howard
Location: Cypress, So. Cal.
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Candy Thunder Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 618
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you guys have it all wrong, downshift from 6 all the way to 1st as fast as you can, burnout 'till about 180 degrees =]
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February 14th, 2009, 08:50 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Faiyaz
Location: Davis, Ca
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 70
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I just started riding about a month ago and I was horrible at U turns on that Elim 125 at the MSF course. On the Ninja tho, it's really easy. I can get it within 20 ft no prob.
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2008 Ninja 250 - Yoshi Exhaust, Brake Light Modulator, HID Kit To Come: Sliders, Fender Elim, Flush Mounts, Hugger (much later...no $ ) |
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February 14th, 2009, 10:17 PM | #17 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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that is the only thing i failed in the msf course. i have gotten better, but i still think i would fail the MSF box. i have watched a few how-to videos without success.
as far as what my turning diameter is now? i don't know. |
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February 15th, 2009, 12:43 AM | #18 |
dirty old man
Name: Chris
Location: Hazel Green, AL
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
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To get on the onpost cert. we had to do the MSF riding test on our own bike. After I had practiced it for 45 minutes, and figured out (remembered?) the friction zone and ride it in 2nd gear, it wasn't difficult, esp after I remembered (reminded) to look at the far corner and the bike will go in that direction.
The riders with bigger bikes got to use a bigger box, mine was the small one. Not sure what the size was, someone said 20. nb
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Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org |
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February 15th, 2009, 12:44 AM | #19 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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why 2nd gear?
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February 15th, 2009, 12:54 AM | #20 |
dirty old man
Name: Chris
Location: Hazel Green, AL
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
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At the time, and I still am rough, I didn't have very good throttle control and for me it was easier to ride it 2nd. In 1st, I was surging all over the place.
nb
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Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org |
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February 15th, 2009, 01:07 AM | #21 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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surging or driveline snatch? in first, try holding the revs steady between 2-3k, drag the rear brake while letting out the clutch to the friction point to control the forward speed of the bike. more/less pressure of the rear brake controls your speed. on dirt bikes you can come to an almost complete stop while doing this while not putting your feet down. works out great for street bikes to let the bike go slower than first gear allows otherwise.
the steady throttle position takes care of the surging and dragging the brake takes out the driveline snatch. also, to help cure the surging, shim your needles for smoother throttle control at the lower revs. |
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February 15th, 2009, 09:14 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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Size of the Box
The "Alternate MOST", which 29 states use for the vehicle skills test, has a "Box" width of 24' for 500 cc and above and 20' for under 500 cc. In the MSF class, practice is with the 24' box, while the final skills test is with a 20' box.
If you wish to practice the U-Turn, go to a large (empty) commercial parking lot. The standard parking space is 8 1/2' wide, so 3 spaces is 25 1/2', while 2 spaces is 17'. Every few weeks, I practice in an empty lot and have gotten to where I can do the U-turn in 17' (2 spaces). You must force yourself to look way behind in the direction you wish to turn. The Capt Crash U-turn video covers all the above. Good Luck |
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February 15th, 2009, 01:37 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kim
Location: mundo de ensueño
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.
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Don, if you're really worried about her when you practice it, you can always do it street-fighter style with the plastics off...
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February 16th, 2009, 12:47 AM | #24 |
lolwut
Name: Alex
Location: socal
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 196
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Those tight u-turns are tricky. Half the time i could make the Uturn in the box just fine, but sometimes i would be about 3-6 inches out from it.
The absolute BEST advice i could give is to TURN YOUR HEAD!!! This helped me alot.
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08 Blue Ninja 250R |
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February 16th, 2009, 11:00 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Deb
Location: Philly
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 ninja 250 (blue) Posts: 295
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+1 to darkknight49 & ninjabrewer
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A woman is like a teabag; you never know how strong she is until she's in hot water! |
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February 16th, 2009, 07:04 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ryan
Location: San Francisco
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '11 Street Triple R Posts: 337
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Not sure how tight I'm capable of turning, but I pull u-turns every day in my parking garage so I can swing the bike around and park it behind my car. I'd guess it's about 25 feet wide between parking stalls?
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February 16th, 2009, 07:41 PM | #27 |
Live Life
Name: Don
Location: Lincoln, NE
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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I like that idea - I'll bet that would look wicked to - hmmmmm
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- ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots |
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February 16th, 2009, 07:45 PM | #28 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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if you think plastics are expensive, consider the cost of a new tank or engine case parts.
best way... don't drop the bike!!! running around naked does have its disadvantages... wait, that didn't sound right!!! |
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February 16th, 2009, 08:25 PM | #29 |
============
Name: Nick
Location: Occoquan, VA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518
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February 16th, 2009, 08:35 PM | #30 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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February 23rd, 2009, 06:20 PM | #31 |
Da Duckman
Name: Duckman
Location: Pensacola, FL
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, '06 Chopper, '80 Puch Magnum II, '01 SV650, '99 CR250/CR500AF Sportbike. '02 CRF450/CR500AF Dirt Posts: 480
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I can turn my raked out chopper around in a residental back street just barely. The little 250 I can turn around in a parking spot, lol. Lean that little thing WAAAAAAAAAY over but keep your body straight up!
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March 20th, 2009, 04:40 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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U-Turn Practice - Figure 8s - 17'X34'
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September 5th, 2009, 02:50 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Joey
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250r modded=), 2005 R6, 2003 cbr600 Posts: 7
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dude i have an 02 ninja and i can pull a u'y without going outside of a lane its not to hard to push these little guys around in a circle
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September 5th, 2009, 07:59 AM | #34 |
Special Member
Name: Tyler
Location: Idaho
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 Ninja 500, '81 Yamaha XS400 Posts: 16
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Practice U-turns both ways! I got good at doing them to the left, full lock even. Then the Idaho skills test administrator had everyone do them to the RIGHT that day. Let's just say... I failed that part (still passed overall, though).
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September 5th, 2009, 12:17 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: LA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 07 GSXR600 (N250 sold :( ) Posts: 415
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I can do it but I cant fully flat foot so I go wider than necessary.
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September 5th, 2009, 01:53 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ed
Location: Washington DC
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 157
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I found three things that really helped:
1) Using 2nd gear 2) Using Rear brake 3) Balancing on balls of feet (I think I read that in Keith Code's book and it really works) Also, watch the "Ride like a Pro Videos" and doing the exercises, living in downtown DC and parking in a very tight underground fallout shelter converted to garage.
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www.edmcqueen.com |
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September 5th, 2009, 05:51 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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20 Feet is no problem. Just finished the advanced course--a real good time. Had the smallest bike there but was told it was the snappiest on the course. There was no doubt in anybody`s mind that the Ninjette really handles. I let the instructor ride the bike and he definitely raised some eyebrows. Bigger is not always better. He plans to buy a Ninjette after that ride. Told him he should definitely join our family. He could give us some good insight.
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September 5th, 2009, 07:13 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Nick
Location: Sacramento, California.
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 379
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I can now do it in <18ft. I failed the msf u-turn box (but not the class!). I used to be scared of getting it down. This morning I scraped a foot going 25 maybe..
I still feel somewhat uncomfortable doing a tight u-turn with a passenger, unless it is with my 105 pound asian "friend" |
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November 17th, 2009, 07:54 PM | #39 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
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Quote:
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December 29th, 2011, 01:11 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Quinton
Location: Las Vegas
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 4
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What are some opinions on counter-leaning in the U-turn? I've noticed that as I initiate the turn, it feels more under control when I counter lean; but when I execute the full maneuver, I shift from leaning outside to inside of it, coming back upright as I make my exit.
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