How to Do a Figure 8 | Motorcycle Riding

-
-

Hi, I'm Joonil Park for Howcast, and this video will help you to do figure eight maneuvers on your motorcycle.

The figure eight move is utilized in many states' motorcycle licensing tests. However, after this test you'll probably never have to do a figure eight again. Still, an important technique to master.

You can use it for U-turns after you finish your test, you can use a lot of the same techniques. Remember, you want to turn your head as far into your path as possible. It will create balance. It will also sharpen your turn, because the further you rotate your head, and the farther you focus your eyes, the sharper your turn will be.

Begin your maneuver by turning your head to the left, starting your figure eight pattern. Use steady application of the throttle, you want to make sure you listen for it, keep your RPM steady, and use the middle part of your clutch, utilize the clutch levers travel, and keep that range in the sweet spot, slow speed, and fine control. Use the middle part of the figure eight to transition from left to right, making sure you turn your head ahead of your path, before your handlebars get rotated.

As you practice this maneuver, you can incorporate counterbalancing, using your body weight in the opposite direction of the turn to offset the motorcycle's weight, leaning into the turn. Practice this technique several times, and passing your motorcycle test will be a breeze.

[uptownsamcv]

I took my test this past weekend and this is definitely the trickiest part. 

understanding how counter steer works makes this a lot easier. 

I also cheated a bit by not using the clutch and just gave the throttle a little bump when I felt like a needed a little momentum. our bikes had really low idle which was why I was probably able to do it without using the clutch...

[Vovo]

I think you can better use the gas till 2000rpm and use the rear brake to control the speed. Also lean against in the way your motor is going to keep your balance, just like he is doing, but don't get off the seat of your motor. This is the way I learned. Also I live in The Netherlands, country in Europe, here is a figure eight almost mandatory to do during a exam.

[arrowstheorem]

Using the clutch in method is the easy way out. Try completing the figure 8 on gear 2 without clutching in and complete it within 10seconds. That's challenging and is the standard used overseas. USA is too lenient

[gayasrai]

ha ha ha when i am trying to do 8 my body cant control always dancing :P my instructor shouted to me always

[nicermog]

As this video demonstrates, if you keep going in a straight line long enough you eventually end up doing a figure 8.

[StEtienne]

i just cant believe people looking at this guy thinking he knows how to handle a bike. It looks more like his 3rd lesson.... completely wrong position, too wide, his sitting position is not relaxed at all... 

[thilinapraboditha]

I played 8 fig as a piece of cake...examinor said that I am painting 8 figure...very grateful for your instructions...

[keepinitGcode]

Wtf lol you aren't even in a box let alone doing it within the boundaries of one 😔

[socberttrucker]

we had a lot less space when I failed my motorcycles test. :(

[Kuwaiyu]

Using body weight in this tecbnique is definitely helpful

[upindersingh]

Using the clutch in Singapore Motorcycle practical test one will be disqualified. Here they say motorbike has to be in second gear, leave the clutch and maneuver turn by using throttle and foot brake. Your tip on looking farther is a good one. Same for narrow plank test.

[zhangdy]

Where is this place? Need a empty parking lot like this in NYC to practice.

[artemfokin]

like, if you dropped your motorcycle while practicing this

[dalibormarkovic]

I can across a great compilation of videos that may help you at Magic Tactic Formula

[BigMoeFo]

Wow, over here he would flunk the test. We only have 12 feet to make a UTurn and Figure 8's. I grew up in the States where they give you more like 20 feet.

[StEtienne]

indeed... jeez this is called circling the earth not a figure

[themarenda]

Its so wide that you forget that youre doing figure 8, it should be done practically with wheel locked

[akshayroy]

yep ..that's good.. i needed a lesson before doing trials.. :D 

[JOAYO]

I can do the figure 8 without even getting the rear brake and the clutch involved.

[tomw]

I'm sorry sir, but you would fail if you did figure 8s that wide in Pennsylvania.