Moving adventure bikes around..

[iamdjdz]

I wondered if those of you with adventure/adv bikes would mind offering some advice.. I'm considering chopping my Harley iron 1200 in for one in the next couple of months and have a really simple question:

How easy is it to turn around 180 degrees on a tarmac drive?

I have a single drive back to my garage (like 3 cars in length but one in width) and whilst it's directly connected to my neighbours I try not to use theirs. They won't complain but I want to be able to turn the bike on my own and I'm worried I might not be able to manage...
I can turn my Harley by walking it backwards and doing a 5 point turn holding the bars but the centre of gravity is very low. I generally don't do it while on the bike but can also do that but the seat is low and I'm only 5'8" so wouldn't be fully flat foot both sides on most if any ADVs.

Bikes I'm sort of thinking are Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere or KTM 790 Adventure, that kind of thing at least.. Harley Pan America maybe but its on the bigger side.

Probably worried over nothing but just want some experience of how difficult it is moving these things about.

 

[iamdjdz]

@Diddums and @MissChief part of my question really is from going to a dealer and trying a Tenere 700 world raid, however it has a very high seat height and a lot of bikes are available with low seats or have lower ones anyway. I struggled a bit while on the bike (not riding only pushing it for parking up which I tried deliberately) but I could only reach on tip toes and had to push with one foot while the bike was on its centre of gravity. I didn't feel that I would be welcome to move it about more than parking in the dealership but I wouldn't buy from that one based on service and feeling anyway.

I think that with a lower seat height I'd manage ok, but suppose moving one about at a dealer is the only way to know for certain..

 

[iamdjdz]

Spin it on its kickstand

HOW TO TURN A MOTORCYCLE ON THE KICK STAND | MOTORCYCLE SIDE STAND TURN | KICKSTAND TURN TUTORIAL

The title is pretty self explanatory on this one. Thanks for tuning in. I'm thankful to all of you who have subscribed so far and have gotten the channel to ...

www.youtube.com

This is something I've considered but the idea scares me lol!
Dolly looks a good idea and is something I've considered for convenience anyway in the past..

Basically you're all saying it's something I'd get round one way or another so get an adv right?

 

[iamdjdz]

It'll be easier to wheel it 3 car lengths backwards than to turn it around in 1 car width.

The problem with that is the cars in the way...

Basically to get it out I need to move the cars forward on the drive and turn it near the garage then ride it out, my neighbour only has one car and I can ride between it and my front one.

In any case, I went to look at an Africa Twin and had a go pushing it about on and off the bike and didn't find it too bad so reckon I'm overthinking. Its also only £140 for a dolly which would solve the issue.

 

[iamdjdz]

Just as a follow up, I was overthinking.. I bought a 2016 Africa Twin and can roll it about and turn it no problems almost easier than the Harley.. Cracking bike too, haven't gone off road yet just some packed gravel stuff but when these tyres are done I'll put some semi off road ones on and try a couple of trails. No complaints yet and nearly done as many miles in a month or so as I did last year in total.