Holding the foot out while making a u-turn is a common habit among some motorcyclists, particularly those who are less experienced or lack confidence in their slow-speed maneuvering abilities. While it may not necessarily be a "bad" habit, it can affect your balance, control, and overall technique.
To break this habit and improve your u-turn technique, consider the following tips:
Practice and build confidence: Spend time practicing u-turns in a safe and controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot or a designated training area. Gradually increase the tightness of the turn as you gain confidence and become more comfortable with your bike's maneuverability.
Look ahead: Maintain a forward gaze and focus on where you want to go rather than fixating on the ground or the turn itself. Looking ahead helps you maintain balance and improves your ability to judge the turn's radius.
Counterweighting: When making a u-turn, shift your body weight to the opposite side of the turn to counterbalance the bike's lean. This technique helps maintain stability and reduces the tendency to put your foot down for support.
Feather the clutch and control the throttle: Modulate the clutch and throttle to control your bike's speed and maintain smooth power delivery. Feathering the clutch provides better control over the bike's acceleration and helps maintain stability during the u-turn.
Practice proper body positioning: Position your body weight toward the inside of the turn while keeping your upper body relaxed and upright. This helps maintain balance and control throughout the maneuver.
Practice slow-speed control: Develop your slow-speed maneuvering skills by practicing low-speed riding techniques, such as figure eights, tight turns, and slow-speed weaving. This will improve your overall control and confidence on the bike.
Remember, breaking any habit takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and focus on gradually improving your technique. If you feel you need additional guidance or instruction, consider taking a motorcycle training course or seeking advice from experienced riders.