I've been riding every day for the past week, even if it was just 15 minutes' worth.
I'm not quite there yet as far as making full-lock U-turns - but it's coming. As has been stated, finesse with the throttle & clutch really pay off! And of course counter-lean and maybe a little rear brake when you want to do super-tight, low-speed turns. Oh, and looking where you want to go and keeping your head up, just like they said in class.
It really was a matter of practice. Just in the last few sessions, I feel I've gotten much, much better at everything.
This evening, I rode for a solid hour because I was having such a good time. I started with stop, start, and low-speed turn practice in an empty office parking lot. After about half an hour of that, I wandered around the area near my neighborhood. I mostly stayed away from the busier streets. I tried turns from stop sights in both directions, and a few of those funky turns you'll see in residential areas which are significantly less or significantly more than 90°. I only went home because it was getting super-dark, and I felt I was pushing my luck staying out longer.
Would I have been in control sooner and with fewer mishaps, had I started with a DL650? Possibly. Had I started with the 250cc dirtbike used in the class, I would be pretty darn good by now - that is undeniable.
Regardless, the fact is that I'm now at a sufficient (and still-increasing) level of proficiency, such that I am less and less preoccupied with running the bike. That means more attention to devote to watching traffic, doing "the weave" when coming to an intersection, thinking where I want to go next, etc.
Even when I do screw up - and I still do - my reactions are far less spastic. Accidentally shift into neutral instead of upshifting? No biggie, pull in the clutch and try again. Get going a little faster than intended when starting & turning immediately? More clutch, less throttle.
I've also noticed my throttle arm gets less tired holding it in position.
Coworker and I will be completing another moderate-length road trip Friday after work. This time, we'll go south instead of north.
Obviously, there is still work to do. There always is, yes?