Calculating minimum turning radius

[brownie0486]

I'm looking to find out what the minimum turning radius is on my 2012 1200GS.

I'm not a math wiz, so formula's won't help me unless it's simple math. Links maybe?

Thanks

[20774]

I read in a Rider Magazine article that the author did a u-turn in two parking spaces. So that's a general idea.

[PGlaves]

The minimum turning radius at full lock and the radius which can be achieved by a trained (moto Cop style) competitive cone rider are not the same and would be hard to calculate in any event.

[jandhumphreyme]

https://itstillruns.com/calculate-mo...s-8493202.html

Google is your encyclopedia, the math is pretty simple. Good luck and post your findings.

[kthutchinson]

https://itstillruns.com/calculate-mo...s-8493202.html

Google is your encyclopedia, the math is pretty simple. Good luck and post your findings.

This procedure gives the turning radius for the motorcycle at full lock and zero degrees lean angle. Better make sure your training wheels are attached firmly.

[mlytle]

This procedure gives the turning radius for the motorcycle at full lock and zero degrees lean angle. Better make sure your training wheels are attached firmly.

LOL..yeah, that website is pretty useless....unless you are just looking for upright duck paddle radius.

[Guenther]

Well brownie0486 did not say what the number would be used for. Maybe he wants to know whether he can make a U-turn with his bike by moving it by hand/feet in his garage? In such a case the number calculated by math would do.

/Guenther

[BC1100S]

Hold the front brake, light up the rear tire, pivot it around on your foot. Turning radius is your wheelbase.

[akbeemer]

I read in a Rider Magazine article that the author did a u-turn in two parking spaces. So that's a general idea.

I can do an 8 point turn in one parking space if I am allowed to peddle.... so there.

[brownie0486]

If we can establish an upright turning radius, then it will be less when leaning the bike in cone events. Just looking for the turning radius of the bike if you walked it in a circle bars at full lock.

2 parking spaces is 18 feet in diameter. I know the GS is less than that, some guys are getting into 16 foot circles cleanly. I was just wondering what the minimum radius would be for the bike. As I mentioned, higher level math isn't a strong suit. Some good with the numbers could probably run the numbers based on the wheelbase though,

[Omega Man]

This article is on a 2010 and mentions the rider was able to "squeak out" a u-turn in the space of 2 parking spaces-

https://ridermagazine.com/2011/06/20...ure-road-test/

From experience, hitting either side of the steering lock while being on the bike left me wishing I hadn't.

OM

[brownie0486]

This article is on a 2010 and mentions the rider was able to "squeak out" a u-turn in the space of 2 parking spaces-

https://ridermagazine.com/2011/06/20...ure-road-test/

From experience, hitting either side of the steering lock while being on the bike left me wishing I hadn't.

OM

18's are the standard for motor cone courses. Fairly easy on my 2012 GS1200 actually. That's the width of two parking slots.

[36654]

Actually, this is an excellent rider training exercise to each low speed turns. The handlebars to full lock, lean the bike towards the direction of turn and position yourself to the outside of the bike (counter-weighting the bike). This should enable you to make the Moto-Cop turn described by Mr. Glaves. It's also a good prep move for right-hand turns to avoid running wide into oncoming traffic.

[flhfxd]

Is this a legit question? Why in the name of all things holy would you even care...?

[PGlaves]

Is this a legit question? Why in the name of all things holy would you even care...?

When we were preparing to go riding in Southern Africa Voni and I both practiced doing U turns to the right and to the left until we could do them within the width of two parking places. Why? So we were sure we could do a right-hand U turn on a typical paved roadway with traffic riding/driving in the left and not right lanes. Preparing with these kinds of skills has the ability to save a persons life in a pinch.