Here’s the Simple Hack for Turning Your Motorcycle in Tight Spaces

Riders have all done the forward, backward, forward, backward, 19-point turn tango required to flip a motorcycle from facing the rear of a garage to the garage door. Because of a motorcycle’s limited turning radius, it takes for-ev-er. It doesn’t have to, and you don’t even need any specialist tools. All you need is one foot and both of your manos.  

(Disclosure: When Guides & Gear wanted to do a big series on motorcycle parts, riding methods, payload carrying, and a few other stories for two-wheeled lovers, Honda came through and sent us a 2021 Honda Ridgeline and CRF450RX to play with. Look for more stories soon.)

There’s no real name for the technique, but I call it the lift and twist because, well, you lift the bike up and twist it around until you’ve achieved the switcheroo. And today, the Guides & Gear editors are going to show you exactly how to do it so you can save hours of pretending you’re Austin Powers. Let’s get on with it.

Estimated Time Needed: 30 seconds

Skill Level: Beginner

Vehicle System: Balancing

Working with your motorcycle can be dangerous. Things can go very wrong, and when working with a heavy motorcycle, there’s the real risk of a 300-pound bike falling on top of you. Be wary, and if you feel the motorcycle falling, let it go. It’s not worth you breaking your foot or leg to save your bike’s bodywork.

We’re not psychic nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage. Thankfully, aside from a good pair of shoes or motorcycle boots, you won’t need any tools. Just yourself. (You definitely don’t need a blowtorch for this job—Ed.)

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street. You won’t be violating any ordinances, so the 5-0 shouldn’t give you grief. 

This is probably going to be the easiest How-To that Guides & Gear ever publishes. We’re going to do this as if you’re spinning it to the right. To spin left, just switch your hands and feet. Are you ready?

Place your left foot on the motorcycle’s side stand with the back middle of your foot straddling the end of the peg. 

With your right hand, grab the handlebar furthest from you. With your left hand, grab the tail section or rear fender of the motorcycle. 

Tilt the motorcycle just off the ground using the kickstand as a fulcrum and turn the entire motorcycle in the direction of travel. Repeat as necessary.

That’s it. It’s that easy. You’re done.

Here’s me actually turning a bike.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: If you pull it too far forward, it can, but if you balance the bike on the kickstand correctly, you’re golden.

A: You can, but they’re expensive. This only costs you 30 seconds of your time. 

A: It probably will, but it will die if you try to put it into gear and head off. 

A: You won’t need to use your foot to balance the bike if your motorcycle has a center stand.

We’re here to be expert guides in everything How To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below, and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles. Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com.