Every rider has been there, your bike is in a tight spot in the corner of your shed and there’s no room to turn around. Instead of dragging the rear wheel like a caveman, try this trick: a side-stand spin turn. With a little technique, you can pivot your bike 180 degrees on the spot without breaking a sweat or performing a million point turn.
- Get a Grip
Before you start, make sure your stand and surface are solid — this will be hard on soft dirt or uneven ground. Stand on the left side of the bike, grab the rear guard with your right hand and the inside handlebar grip with your left. Keep the steering slightly turned towards you to balance the bike as you lean it.
- Lock It Down
You don’t want the bike rolling forward or backward as you start the pivot. So, make sure it is on flat ground and it is in gear and keep the bars turned slightly in toward your hip.
- Find the Balance Point
Lean the bike towards you until the tyres just lift off the ground and all the weight sits on the side stand. You’ll feel a sweet spot where the bike feels weightless — that’s the balance point. Keep your core tight and your arms straight; you’re controlling the pivot with your body, not brute strength.
- Start the Spin
Once balanced, begin to walk the rear of the bike around by gently pivoting it on the stand. Small, steady movements are key. If you try to muscle it, you’ll lose control or end up under the bike. Keep it balanced and on the sidestand the whole time.
- Keep the Motion Flowing
Once the spin starts, don’t freeze, keep a steady rhythm as the bike pivots around the stand. You’ll feel the weight shift slightly as it moves; the trick is to go with it, not fight it. Maintain gentle, consistent pressure on the rear guard and handlebar, letting the bike glide smoothly around. Avoid jerky movements that might move the stand in or throw you off balance. Keep your knees bent and stay light on your feet. Think of guiding the bike rather than lifting it.
- Shuffle and Watch the Pivot
As the bike rotates, shuffle your feet around with it, stepping in small half-circles to stay in sync with the motion. Keep your eyes on the bike’s lower frame and stand to monitor how it’s tracking, this helps prevent over-rotation or tipping too far. Watching the stand contact point ensures you maintain the right lean angle and momentum to complete the spin cleanly.
- Land it!
As the bike comes around, ease it back upright by pulling slightly on the rear guard and straightening the handlebars. Make sure the tyres touch down evenly, then release the brake and roll it away like a pro.
Full Throttle Tip
Don’t rush it — this is more about finesse than force. Make sure your side stand pivot bolt is tight and not bent before trying the move. If your bike’s heavy, you can use your thigh under the seat for extra leverage.
Pro Tip: Try practising on flat concrete first before you attempt this on uneven ground. Once you nail it, you’ll save yourself countless awkward lift-and-drag turnarounds.
WHO’S IT FOR
SKILL SET
Beginner to intermediate.
GENRE
Garage life.
PRACTICE
Start with small lifts — just enough to find the balance point before going for the full spin.
STRENGTH & HEIGHT
Taller riders will find this easier, but technique beats strength here.
WIDOW POTENTIAL
Low — unless you drop it on your own foot, in which case… lesson learned.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
You’ll look like a seasoned vet turning your bike in a space barely wider than your handlebars.
