Jerry is a great instructor. Bought a couple of his instructional DVD's and recommend it for any rider. Do Harley's have a better turn radius as I find that exercise tough within 2 parking spaces. I find grocery stores have a wider space than restaurants in Canada. I find full lock turns tough, but still practicing in parking lots weekly now in season 3. I think the Road Star is longer and the rake is a bit different, thus turning radius differs. I could turn my 1100 V Star in 2 spaces but need more practice with the Road Star. Any comments appreciated.

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A lot of turning tight is your technique. I believe a Goldwing can turn much tighter than a R* based on the position of the floorboards and mufflers. But still, the R* can be turned closer to its maximum if you use the body positioning of putting all your weight on the outside of the seat (as much as you can on that outside butt cheek) and pulling the handlebars all the way to assist the lean (but not necessarily turning all the way to lock). This is putting the bike's tires on the inside curve of the circumference of the tires (or partially on the sidewalls) which gets the bike around.

I've also found that sometimes going real slow is harder than at 10-15 mph. If I do get down real slow and I think I'm about to fall, I increase my throttle and my brake both to get the torque to help keep me up.

Now I may not have explained this too well, but it's how I make turns in 15-18' diameters all the time. I don't know just how Palladino has described it.

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drumsonly2002 wrote:
Do Harley's have a better turn radius...

Yes, they do.

I remember someone here had a problems with a bike test and was then passed when they showed that even if they got off the bike and walked it with the bars turned hard lock over the bike would still not be able to pass.

Slow speed maneuvering should be a Celina Clinic...

MidwestMike wrote:
drumsonly2002 wrote:
Do Harley's have a better turn radius...

Yes, they do.

I remember someone here had a problems with a bike test and was then passed when they showed that even if they got off the bike and walked it with the bars turned hard lock over the bike would still not be able to pass.

Slow speed maneuvering should be a Celina Clinic...

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You can turn sharper if your bike is tilted over than if you just stay upright and 'duck walk' it around.

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RonK wrote:


You can turn sharper if your bike is tilted over than if you just stay upright and 'duck walk' it around.



Leaned and walked the bike. It could not "fit" in the course the same way a shorter wheelbased HD could...

MidwestMike wrote:
RonK wrote:


You can turn sharper if your bike is tilted over than if you just stay upright and 'duck walk' it around.



Leaned and walked the bike. It could not "fit" in the course the same way a shorter wheelbased HD could...

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Boy, those testers are tough! Must have been a lot of bikes that failed. I know when I took my driving test, most folks suggested that I "borrow" a small bike as it's easier to maneuver. But I figured if I couldn't pass in the bike I was actually going to ride, then maybe I shouldn't be riding. I did practice a lot in parking lots before testing.

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The problem with the R* is anything below 08 is a carbed model and the CV carb does not respond well to quick changes needed for power on at low speeds. get the R's up and drag the rear brake to keep the momentum going at the proper rate. It is much better with a FI bike or a HSR. Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice! Don't forget the push pull method as well.

RonK wrote:
MidwestMike wrote:
RonK wrote:


You can turn sharper if your bike is tilted over than if you just stay upright and 'duck walk' it around.



Leaned and walked the bike. It could not "fit" in the course the same way a shorter wheelbased HD could...

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Boy, those testers are tough! Must have been a lot of bikes that failed. I know when I took my driving test, most folks suggested that I "borrow" a small bike as it's easier to maneuver. But I figured if I couldn't pass in the bike I was actually going to ride, then maybe I shouldn't be riding. I did practice a lot in parking lots before testing.

--In Missouri a 125cc. scooter qualifies as a motorcycle. Took my test on one , GRINNING through the whole thing ! After the officer handed me the PASS papers she asked me what I was really going to ride. I just smiled and said " heck this little sucker gets 84 mpg ! And road off.

I tell everyone to take the Motorcycle Safety foundation course which is usually on something around a 250cc bike. Then take your test on the same size bike.
Most of the idiot tests they do in the DMV parking lot are useless in real life on a bigger bike and we all know it. I would think they would be tough on a crotch rocket too due to seating position though they are shorter wheelbase.

Good evening all--I took the motorcycle safety course at the local community college. The safety course is required in most states--or it is here in Maryland. They provide 3 speed 250 cc bikes and when you are done they give you a piece of paper you take to the DMV--and viola--you have a MC endorsement. I think the cost was about $100-150 for the 2 day course.