Figure of 8 advice?

[StevenF]

I was doing the figure of 8 for the first time today and struggled with it a little bit. The first time I put my foot down and the second time I ran too wide. For some reason I don't feel as comfortable turning right as I do left - probably a mental thing. I'm back again tomorrow for module 1 practice, just wondered if anyone could offer and tips for getting it right?


Cheers,
Steven
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My Project - Honda CBR 600 F2/FM

[snomag]

Ah, I hated doing the figure of 8.

If you just want to focus on the test, don't worry about running wide. You can use the whole carpark if you want to, so don't try to prove to the examiner how good you are.

Otherwise, make sure you're good at the clutch control at slow speeds. You want to keep stable revs, clutch at the biting point, so you can feel the bike is stable and wants to move.
I've always found if I just try to coast, my confidence drops massively and I put my foot down. So that's something important for me.
If you go faster than you wanted to, you can either pull the clutch in, or use the back brake. (always cover the brake, helps a lot)

Also, if you don't relax your upper body/arms, the bike will handle a lot worse. So make sure, you keep your arms loose (if that makes sense), relax and look where you want to go. (when you're tense, you might hold onto the throttle like your life depends on it and this could slightly alter the revs when turning)

Oh yeah, don't focus on the cones, that'll lead to bad things usually.

I've been told that counter balancing also helps at slow speed maneuvers. So if you're turning left, lean slightly to the right as this can help keeping the bike to fall into the corner.

This is just my experience, but I hope this helps.

[Theoutsider]

I found that very easy to do on my NSR125 at full lock.Keep practicing U-turns and you will find the figure of 8 piece of cake.If you don`t feel like you can do it just go wide and imagine that it is a roundabout.
Good luck

[crackfinder]

[Ol]

[Clanger]

Practice practice practice, keep the bike slow at first, keep it controlled, it'll soon come so easy you will feel like you are turning on a sixpence.

Master the figure of eight, and it will help enormously when you do the u-turn. Do the u-turn - pass your test, you will never ever have to do it again.
____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[StevenF]

Thanks guys. I had a lot of practice last Saturday and nailed it, got my mod 1 on Sunday
____________________
My Project - Honda CBR 600 F2/FM

[crackfinder]

good luck with mod 1

[DrDonnyBrago]

Yep as per above, lots of revs slip the clutch and control speed with the back brake. The spinning engine creates a mini gyro effect which helps it balance.


It is still a bit awkward at first though

Good luck mate hope you nail it!