If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member
This summer will be 40 years since I bought my first bike. I continue to learn from Kevin and never pretend to know it all. I wanna live a long time. Thanks again Kevin. Keep safe.👍🏾 Victoria Canada 🇨🇦
This is the same technique that we teach in police motor schools. The rear brake helps tremendously with maintaining control/balance. It’s great to see good information being put out. Also, the drone footage looks great!
As a Master Tech from 3 different manufacturers and a few credits short of a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I want to comment on some of the concerns about wearing out brake pads and or the clutch. You need NOT be concerned about either. Kevin's advice is 100 percent SPOT ON, as always. Following his instructions will ensure you folks a lifetime of memories and safe miles in the wind. As far as brakes and clutches, your attention should be towards routine maintenance and upkeep of your motorcycle. A simple check of cable free play before each ride if you have a cable actuated clutch, and follow your manual for hydraulic cluch maintenance. Hydraulic or Cable/Rod actuated brakes are the same. Routine maintenance is paramount and quite easy for most anyone to learn. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND ESPECIALLY KEVIN for these videos.
Just joined, 60 years old and just bought first bike. Have no problem riding tap round at speed but really uncomfortable with slow. Started to do your very basic drills, still need a lot of practice! Thank you!
Been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, I had great slow speed skills and used both of those techniques to great effect, but now after major back surgery that didn’t go as planned I have great pain getting my feet onto the pegs, also lost some leg strength. Now I have to make a conscious effort to get my left foot down. My confidence is shot, some may say my riding days are over but it’s such a big part of my life , even if I can only do a couple of short rides a year, it still matters to me , I wish I could afford to have a system on my bike that could help me overcome this, not even sure such a thing even exists? My riding is now one of the biggest pleasures I still have. Keep sunny side up everyone x Dave
How about a Yamaha niken or Piaggio mp3? Might not be "purebred" motorcycle but might help your condition and still ride 'a' motorcycle? ~Regards, Radek
Kevin is absolutely right about the necessity of developing slow-speed skills on motorcycles. I know I am proficient when I can do linked lock-to-lock turns at will. That being said, the thought of being critiqued on my riding posture and technique while moving up in stop-and-go traffic is ridiculous. I am not riding in an observed trials event, I am just trying to enjoy the ride. I have ridden unfaired, wind in your face motorcycles substantial distances, over 160 miles in one trip I can remember taking in 1972, without touching a foot to the ground, because New Mexico. When I stop, if I want to stretch my legs, rock the bike from side to side, stand on tippy toes, or otherwise loosen up at every opportunity, it does not mean that I need to go to remedial motorcycle training class. Thanks anyway.
Just got a Pan Am. Devouring techniques vids. Thank you for reminding of my practice as a youth. And Go Rams. Same here. Was living in St. Louis when “we” won there. And 2022 was extra special as i was sick.
My 54 yr. old Son-in-Law just bought his first bike last Friday. His daughter just got her first bike this spring. Your channel was my first recommendation along with Motojitsu. I just sent this to Steve a minute ago. Thanks for helping create three generations of safe riders. I can’t wait to meet up with them for a ride.
You might want to direct him to Ride Like A Pro on YT and the web. The Motorman offers a video training course for $40 that is worth the $$ and the time.
When I taught my wife and sons to ride, I used to have slow speed races with them, to help them with slow speed control. It is something that can be worked on even in your driveway. I will be changing my channel name soon, but will, of course, still watch, comment, like and share your videos, Kevin. Y'all be safe.
Excellent tips...I saw this and your u-turn tips vids yesterday and went out and practiced. It is amazing how quickly I was able to improve, on my new Africa Twin (I’m new to this size of bike). I was practicing other things too, like standing up, and realized I was doing so at too high a speed. I realize now how, just like drumming, the trick is always to start slow, and hold the tempo, building or speeding up after you can do so smoothly. Many, many thanks for what you provide.
2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT - Riding 3 years now. Started with a manual CB500X. The biggest change I found with DCT is that the rear brake is your clutch. Off road, gravel, on road, it's all the same. I use the rear brake more than the front brake keeping it balanced. Emergency stops are the same. Keep things balanced. The beginner course I took told us front brake and no rear brake but I think this is a disservice. People need to know there is a balance to be had between the two. Once up to medium and beyond speeds the gyroscopic effect takes over and the bike will stay upright unless you tell it otherwise.
My wife bought me a Suzuki boulevard 1800 cc it's about 1200 pounds without riders. It currently has a Voyager kit, side wheels and a tow package. I have been getting accustomed to the heavy / clunky shifting. It shifts like a dump truck, but your videos about friction zones have helped immensely. What advice do you have for buffeting wind, from traffic or natural, other than slowing down?
Thanks! I've ridden about 325K miles, but in the last couple of months I've dropped my GSA twice, beginning a low speed turn. When my crushed right foot heals, I"ve be out in the parking lot practicing the above. Many thanks!
First of all, thank you for the great content you produce everyday. Where I did my license, part of the practical test is to ride your bike 10 meters (32 feet) in no less than 15 seconds in a lane with a width of 1 meter (3 feet). For me, that was what I had to practised for the most. A general tip for everybody who wants to practise this would be, to lean your upper body forward, so that you got your weight closer to the front wheel. This brings a bit more stability, especially when riding at very low speed. Also depends a bit on the bike of course. Cheers!
I'm getting better with the slow speed. Got down to 3Kmh the other day. I'm doing a lot of my slow speed turns & figure 8s on a cricket oval and gravel parking area. It really shows how important that is, because I can now turn more sharply, effectively and safely at intersections and roundabouts. I feel like I'm attacking corners and riding through them rather than hoping to go around and trying not to go too wide.
61 years old and rode dirt bikes at a much younger age. Got back into cycles again 2 yrs ago with a dual sport. First time being a cycle rider on the rode of course with a cycle endorsement. Going to a HD and somewhat fear the weight factor. Kevin’s training videos have me on the right track to make this transition. I believe my biggest fear is low speeds and ultimately dropping the 750lb bike. Fantastic Videos!
In my youth (early 80s) we used to goof around off-road on small trail bikes (XL125s, TS100s and similar). Mostly low-speed stuff, just goofing around. When we stalled, we kick-started without putting a foot down. Lots of daft games like "slow races". It all comes from there. I now no longer ride, but have friends who came to bikes in middle age, quickly bought a GS Land Whale and ride it as if it was a Camry with handlebars. Ladies and gentlemen, find an old TS100 and go out into the forest. The playground can be the best school.
****Standard long comment warning**** I have discovered since my re-entry into riding that I really enjoy the challenges that come with slow speed maneuvers. I practice them in traffic coming to a stop and in stop and go traffic as well as in parking lots. I purchased a little set of cones like the MSF course uses here in Oregon so that I can set up some specific things to do. As a side note I have put 1500 miles on the scooter in these last two weeks (as of 09/15/2020!! ) I thought that 2020 was going to be a bust but the covid restrictions lifted just enough to allow me to get my MSF passed (THANK YOU TEAM OREGON) and my written taken. The fires have hampered me a little but I am getting as much seat time as I can before we get into the wet and cold of an Oregon west side Winter. To Kevin specifically, your words go well beyond the scope of this channel. I am sure I am not alone in hearing your voice in my head, "Point your nose where you want to go", "Trust your tires", "keep your head and eyes up", "Lean a little more", " look at least 12 seconds ahead", "Practice every chance you get", "Ride within your vision", etc. I know I paraphrased some of those but there is no doubt that Kevin goes with me every time I throw my leg over my S50 Boulevard scooter. Thank you Kevin for keeping me and my fellow drivers/riders safer on every ride.
Great video from a Rams fan in St. Louis. Many people here really hate them now that they moved back to LA, but my son and I are still loyal fans regardless of where they are playing. Now off to find a parking lot to practice...
Hey Kevin....last week I got caught in a 20mi+ back-up on my '87 BMW K75. I never got out of 1st gear- and my clutch hand is still shot....from a week ago. All that feathering wore mine out. Literally, for about 45min- and I'm still toast. EXCELLENT Drone work!!
I am way more nervous at low speed on the Goldwing than on my V-Strom because of the weight of the Wing. I will go practice in the parking lot. Coming to a stop on the Wing two up is what I dread the most.
Doug Cultra Kevin may disagree, but for me, if you have a passenger then both feet should be on the ground. Too easy for unexpected weight shifts to cause loss of balance. Also it’s more upright putting less weight on you and more on the bike...
Kevin, great to see you joined the "Light-Side" and you're riding a quality bike. I enjoy your teaching videos and gain a lot of quality instruction from you. Keep your instructional videos coming. We need your foresight.
Thanks for this video....I needed it. I've been practicing my slow speed control, but I haven't been able to nail the right turn from a stop yet. I'll work these exercises until I can get slower.
Thank you for giving novice riders a solid skills base Kevin. I really appreciate your calm demeanor and teaching style ... Cheers Neil Norris Ottawa, Canada
I am glad you did that demonstration with both bikes. I find low speed maneuvers much easier on my Honda CB500X than my HD Dyna Fat Bob. Some of it is the weight but also the riding position for me. And I know the answer, I just need to practice more on the Dyna to get used to it. Something good to do in the closed school parking lots if you can find a window between all the kids doing donuts :) Thanks for another great video
Good point, bikes ride differently and all riders are different so the same rider on different bikes will struggle more with one than the other. Practice and familiarity will help and some of it just comes down to which bike you naturally ride better.
I had a Kawasaki 700 sold that years later I bought a shadow 1100 I have to admit at low speeds I'm terrified of dumping that bike it's just so much heavier than what I'm used to it's almost a mental thing so I'm going to do a lot of slow speed practicing some of which I learned here thanks for helping guys like me out
A Rams fan, huh. Now I know I made the right choice in choosing you as my first instructor. I've been a Rams fan since the days of Roman Gabriel. Thanks for the lessons. Jesse
Thanks for the reminder Kevin. Late last season I had to do some slow speed maneuvers around a gate. It was very awkward, and I recall doing slow speed riding very well when I was younger. I'll have to practice this again when I plate my bike this year. Stay safe.
Great Video and thanks for the tips. I've been riding my Sportster for 45 years now and never had any formal education on how to ride except from my boy friends when I was young. Apparently I was given some good advice as I haven't gone off this bike in the 25,000 miles I have put on it. I have a good master of the "friction zone" and I get looking where I want to go. But what is new to me that I haven't heard about before is dragging the rear brake. It's winter here in Klamath Falls, Oregon and the bike won't see daylight until April or so but I would love the rear brake "drag" theory talked about a little more. As mentione it will be awhile until I can try all this and believe me I'm anxious to get out and really after all these years get comfortable with the true slow speed riding but the rear brake drag I have not had that explained at all. Thanks again for a great video. Lisa
I hope I can describe this well. I completely agree with you Kevin on practicing this technique as a slow speed skill, especially the slow to pause. I’ll take that skill even further and go ‘slow to pause to slow to pause’ and focus on making as few steering inputs for balance as necessary. Using the clutch zone and slow speed U turns are very important. But I disagree with the assumption that a rider is less skilled because both feet are down. Now coming to a stop, left foot down right foot up (to apply rear brake pressure) is my standard practice but once stopped, many times I’ll drop the right foot down simply because it’s a more stable and a more upright position. I ride a heavy bike, a BMW GTL, there have been times when I’m stopped, right foot up, and for some reason my balance force shifts right and I have to quickly get the right foot down. In that instance I have to plant my foot (hope for good footing) and catch the weight. My point is there are several things that need to happen and sometimes very quickly without issue, or I could go over. Both feet on the ground is always a more stable and more upright stance. This is even more important when a passenger is aboard were weight shifting can happen without notice. Same thing goes for rolling at a slow speed. Most of the time both feet are up and only use my left foot for momentary touch and go situations. But there are times when both feet are down, gently gliding the surface, simply because the speed is too slow or the distance between stops too quick to get a foot up and down. This technique again keeps the bike more upright and it requires almost zero steering input for balance corrections. Again, with a heavy bike or with a passenger, this too me is a more stable and much safer technique...in some situations. I think that’s my point ,while most of the time the technique of ‘left foot down right foot up’ is correct, there are situations when a rider should not feel shame or less skilled, because both feet are down. Stay covid safe and sane 👊
A little refinement: if you need both feet down *at a stop* for balance or safety, do so. If you do, hold the front brake on so your brake light is on to communicate to other drivers that you are stopped. But once you start rolling again, don't drag your feet. Get both feet on the pegs, knees in, head up. Cheers!
Nice video, Kevin, good use of your drone. Your multiple figure 8s at the end is one of the goals that we should aim for. 18 feet wide X 32 feet long crossing the X in the middle each time around. Well done. I hope everybody sets this goal for themselves. Any flat open parking lot with lines painted on will do, so there is no excuses...
Thanks Peter, it all starts with the fundamentals: Head & eyes Clutch and throttle control body position Any riders struggling with u-turns should start with today's skills and build from there.
Thank You Kevin for this valuable refresher! I’d been iff the bike for awhile (unrelated to riding), and these refreshers do the trick! Thanks So Much!
For the slow race, the Honda CB650F I learned on, when you first started the bike, the ABS warning light wouldn't go out until you rode faster than 5 mph, good little indicator as to your speed if you need to keep your eyes up and away from the speedo...
I agree feet belong on the pegs. I have developed one minor exception to that. When I am approaching a stop with a car behind me, I do put my left leg out in a way they can see it, so that if they are paying attention, they have 2 to 3 seconds to recognize that I am preparing to come to a full stop. It's hard to test whether it works for certain, but intuitively I think it does. Even before I rode, if I saw a motorcycle rider put his foot out approaching a stop, I'd assume he was close to stopping. My hope is that they don't get too close behind me. I find that is not often a problem for me, drivers tend to stay back an OK distance for the most part. Just a thought.
Excellent stuff Kevin & Excellent Control with a Beautiful Motorcycle, that's Excellent training to get great control, thank you Kevin & Happy Riding Friend 🙂🙂🙂
Excellent quality video Kevin, you rock! The content is bang on too. I practice my U turns but still cannot get them to a maximum of two parking spots wide. Two and half spots for now, still practicing. I just challenged my buddy to a slow race in a parking lot. I'll be using your techniques. Thank you Sir.
Hi Dean, How is your DCT Goldwing in traffic where speed varies constantly from from crawl 5mph to 25mph constantly. I am looking for transmission gear shifts.
Jacek Piterow it’s definitely a learning curve to getting to figure out how to reacts to traffic but I’ve only got 1000 kms on it. How are you finding it in traffic?
@@matrixdean I hand NM4 for a year. It was a nice bike except two tings: Death wobble and no clutch. DCT was revolutionary, but in traffic entire bike was jerking between gears 1 and 2. Very annoying give me feeling of bike being heavily bitten up. In NJ where I live traffic is part of the live. Every direction I go I will hit some of it. I sold the bike quickly. Wobble was at the certain speed when I just slightly let the steering go and the front wheel started to bouncing left to right amplifying itself. With hands firmly planted on the handles, that never had a chance to develop. But there was enough to let it go for a second.
Thanks so much Kevin for including your Goldwing! I got my 2020 Goldwing about a month ago and it's great to see that everything you are telling us applies to the DCT also. I hear about the friction zone and now since I don't have a clutch it makes me wonder. I'll be practicing as soon as it stops raining up here in Northwest Indiana, and well it gets above 50 degrees...ugh! Stay safe!
Would love to see you perform more slow speed turning maneuvers and videos on your DCT just to show the comparison of your two bikes, clutch and DCT. Narrow U turns between two parking spaces is a bit more difficult on the th DCT I have found, and couture to practice. Love your site, keep it coming.
Two suggestions on the Goldwing DCT at slow speed: put it in the Econ mode for smoother throttle response and put it in manual mode to avoid up and downshifts that upset the motorcycle.
Greetings from one of your fan from philippines sir! i have a lot of Learnings from your vLogs.. Hoping have one of your mCrider sticker to put on my motorcycle..😊 Godbless !!! More power! Ridesafe🚦
Thanks Kevin. Another great video! pouring rain here in Fl so it was the perfect time for me to hit the parking lot and practice my slow speed and braking maneuvers. Still have a way to go until my shoulders and relaxed, however redundancy builds fluency :)
It is quite funny to read the "foot down" reasoning from across the Atlantic. Here in Sweden you learn something that is the opposite. When taking your MC driving license you need put down the right foot and the right foot only, the left should stay in control of the gear lever. The fact that one might perform a smoother stop with another method is not considered important for safety and is not an accepted alternative.
I find that my European friends that I ride with here in the US tend to have various habits that differ. I do so many different things myself for different situations. Some things I have learned from track riders and other things I know from riding in the dirt. I think there's no real right size fits all when it comes to a set of rules to fit every situation. I do find that extremely interesting that the gear selector lever is prioritized over the brake. I definitely keep both feet on for as long as possible and am definitely already in the right gear. This is true even when emergency braking as I downshift at the same time (not engine braking, but just a habit to be able to take off again quickly). Honestly, my one foot doesn't even go down until I'm at a full stop. This is interesting info lol. Thanks for sharing.
Agree with the importance of slow speed riding & practice. Just wanna share my country motorcycle test that emphasis slow riding. The part 2 test (part 1 is classroom) begins with slow speed on a "bridge" - which is essentially a raised concrete about 1 foot wide & 8 m ( 9 yards) long, and candidates must ride it for more than 7 seconds. Do it less than 7 secs (fast) - fail. Tires fall off either side - fail. Foot down - fail. Failing the first part means failing the whole Part 2, that includes the slow ride "bridge" I've just mentioned, slalom test, emergency brake test, uneven/bumpy surface test, figure 8 slow ride and finally sharp corners slow ride. Part 3 of the test is normal road riding test.
I'm rolling properly at low speed since I touched the steering of a motorcycle. We have mandatory MSF courses which include this element in training. And mandatory exam on a closed circuit and road
When there are perfect conditions such as no wind or passenger on the back I will only put my left foot down and use the rear brake to keep the motorcycle from rolling. This allows me to keep my right hand around the throttle in case I need to accelerate out of hazardous situation. For example if I am keeping the motorcycle from moving by using the front brake lever and I suddenly have to manuever to avoid a rear end collision or another hazardous situation I first have to release the front brake lever and then roll on the throttle which takes time. I know it is only a fraction of a second but sometimes that could be the difference. Also it adds one more thing you have to do under stress. And if you don't practice releasing the front brake lever, rolling on the throttle quickly and releasing the clutch, which most of us don't, your chance of stalling the motorcycle increases under stress. The more variables you can remove from the situation the better chance you have for success. All that to say it really comes down to a defensive riding strategy.
Too funny. Gotta love the Internet/RUclips. I always thought that those were "my techniques" & I always feel a lill' guilty for "burnin' da clutch" & "ridin' da brake", the "rear" brake no less (are we even still allowed to use it?), as my Dad would call it. I actually thought some of that was my imagination since some bikes handle so differently when doing these techniques, especially with modified front-ends. Great video...nows there's word & pictures to explain it all. Too funny.
2:21 my MSF BRC didn't teach left foot down, they taught to flat foot at stops. It wasn't until a bit later I heard that putting both feet down was bad form.
I've watched so many videos of people that can't use the clutch rear break and throttle to ride slow, so many people squid and duck walk on here that I went looking for a video like this to thumbs up and promote. Edit I learned at Fanshawe college in London ont great program.
I ride in a place where you are able to filter through tight traffic. I do use my feet and do the feet wobble sometimes, when an inch to the right or the left will hit the car. There's no room to get off line
Thanks, Kevin. I'm a new rider, in fact, my first motorcycle only has 1600kms on it (1000 M), and I just went out to a small parking lot in my town here in B.C. Canada and practiced those skills. How quickly they become rusty over the winter. I also want to say that my first bike is a 2017 Honda Africa Twin, but at 50 years of age and enough maturity to not be a hooligan, as well as your videos, have made learning to ride lots of fun and a whole lot safer. Thank you very much. With that being said, I will be joining MC Rider finally because It's your voice I hear when I get out and practice, not my wife. I obviously haven't told her that. ;)
You guys always give absolutely fantastic,life saving, advice.....1 at class,no question asked!! But the Rams??? seriously??? Stick to the bikes;!! The Cowboys rock;!
I came in here for a refresher. I got back into riding and dropped a bike for the first time in my life. Luckily it was in the driveway and the only thing I hurt was my pride.
@@MCrider Maybe, but we are more prevalent that you might think ;) I was planning to ask the same thing until I saw you on the DCT. Many people I ride with say that slow speed maneuvers are impossible of the DCT. I beg to differ.
Kevin, you caught me at the cereal bowl this morning. I have found myself going slower now that there aren't cars behind me in a big hurry nowadays. The virus has provided the biggest buffer zone ever ! Take care pal!
mike maxwell Hi Mike, (cool name 😉) Honey nuts and Oats with cranberries here for me... I agree with your covid assessment, it’s been the best thing for being on the road right now...and though places are closed, the scenery is still open for viewing. Ride safe 👊
@@maxwellmark Spot on MM, Ks. Flint Hills are beautiful right now for sure, 2-wheel distancing in the area you are in......nothing better! Take care yourself!
So I’ve watched this video several times. Great training and i do practice this. I have great control in my opinion. But being stuck in traffic when interstate merges to one lane and slow speeds for a long while, around 15-20 min killed my wrist. And how still a great video. Actually its what i thought about while stuck in that traffic
Hi Kevin. Question for you: I understand that putting your left foot down at a stop is considered good practice but don't understand why. Realize that I have been riding a LONG time yet I almost always put both feet down when stopped at a light. I feel I have great control of the bike and can stay vertical at almost no speed. It is actually a game I play when coming to a light - seeing how long I can go before putting anything on the street. What is the logic of 'left foot down'? Great content - always learn something and many thanks - Mark
If I may, to properly come to stop at stop sign, traffic light or just stopping you need to use rear brakes for smoothly coming to stop hence right foot is on brake. But when completely stoped the you may put both foot down, I think this what you are talking about. I do the same with of course right hand on front brakes. Cheers
Hi Mark. I'm not Kevin, and he will probably answer, but I have a reason that I started doing it myself and wonder if Kevin has the same reason. I started doing it so that I am ready to accelerate very quickly from a stop. I never noticed much when I slowly accelerated from a stop and pulled both of my feet up. To be honest, sometimes I do have both feet down and still take off, but both my feet come up practically before the bike is moving. Sometimes I actually practice pulling my feet up and on the pegs before even letting out the clutch. I do that as balance practice, but I digress. One of the benefits that I noticed I had with my right foot up are that I don't have my feet swinging like bells under me which improves my body's connection to the bike and therefore my balance. This is more obvious when turning from a stopped position or under heavy acceleration. Then, another benefit has been related to the larger more powerful bikes that I have purchased as the years go on. When I goose the throttle on take off for quick acceleration, I have to practice a bit of throttle discipline as my bike will happily stand my front wheel straight up. I really don't wish to attract the attention or problems that happen with wheelies on the street, so I do my best to find that fine line of throttle control that keeps my front wheel down. At times, my bike will still power wheelie in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, so I have my rear brake covered when I take off aggressively so that if I make some huge error on my throttle discipline, I can put that front end back down. I once looped a dirt bike as a kid because I had recently taken up popping wheelies, but hadn't learned to cover the rear brake with my foot to control rotating back too far. I know this last reason isn't really something that maybe Kevin would endorse as a reason (I don't know) and probably isn't something that most street riders even encounter. However, I think that aside from wheelie control, having a foot on the rear brake is really useful right away from a safety stand point. Lastly, a foot on the rear brake allows one to drag the rear brake to improve slow speed handling. I also use it when taking off on an uphill slope. I'm sure if I keep thinking about it, I can think of more reasons why I do it and how it has been useful. All in all, I like the benefits of it, but sometimes still put both of my feet down - especially when riding 2 up when I think of it. With a passenger moving around at a stop, I have found it easier to stay stable with 2 feet down. I guess my conclusion is that there is a time and a place for everything lol. I need also to clarify that the street is not the place to ride wheelies, and I do not ride wheelies on the street. Don't ride wheelies on the street kids.
While agree with Mohan for the ‘reasoning’ behind left foot down, I don’t see it as a mark of a poorly skilled rider to put both feet down. Just as Kevin said in his example of the effect of wind, both feet down gives you more stability and you can keep the bike more upright, especially if you have a passenger. I also will use the ‘duck walk’ technique in some very slow to stop and go situations. It’s simply smoother and requires less side to side steering input to keep balance. Evident in Kevin’s video as well.
The 2 main reasons for me are: 1. I can use the rear brake to finish the stop. This is much smoother to do this: ruclips.net/video/p_X5TmXkj5E/видео.html 2. I can take off quicker with just the left foot down if I need to. When I am riding 2 up I often put the right foot down after the stop for more balance. Because if the passenger shifts at a stop it is easier to maintain the bike.
Mark Keckeis Two main reasons, one which applies always and the other which applies mainly when on hills. On the level, it allows you to use the rear brake right up to the point of being stopped. If you put your right foot down while still moving, you aren’t applying the brake with it. Now, on some bikes with linked brakes this is no longer strictly true. The second reason is when stopped on a hill. It is often easier to hold the bike on the hill using the rear brake to allow your throttle hand to only have to do one function (throttle control) rather than two functions (releasing front brake and controlling throttle) simultaneously. Now, with practice, you can coordinate both front brake and throttle on a hill, but it certainly is a higher skill activity than is using your rear foot and throttle when starting out on a steep hill. And additional consideration on a hill, especially on dirt or other loose road surfaces, is that with the weight transfer the front wheel may not hold the bike on a hill whereas the rear brake is more effective in that circumstance.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide.
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This summer will be 40 years since I bought my first bike. I continue to learn from Kevin and never pretend to know it all. I wanna live a long time.
Thanks again Kevin. Keep safe.👍🏾
Victoria Canada 🇨🇦
This is the same technique that we teach in police motor schools. The rear brake helps tremendously with maintaining control/balance. It’s great to see good information being put out. Also, the drone footage looks great!
2 years later and you’re still helping beginners with your videos!! 💯👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
As a Master Tech from 3 different manufacturers and a few credits short of a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I want to comment on some of the concerns about wearing out brake pads and or the clutch. You need NOT be concerned about either. Kevin's advice is 100 percent SPOT ON, as always. Following his instructions will ensure you folks a lifetime of memories and safe miles in the wind.
As far as brakes and clutches, your attention should be towards routine maintenance and upkeep of your motorcycle. A simple check of cable free play before each ride if you have a cable actuated clutch, and follow your manual for hydraulic cluch maintenance. Hydraulic or Cable/Rod actuated brakes are the same. Routine maintenance is paramount and quite easy for most anyone to learn. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND ESPECIALLY KEVIN for these videos.
Just joined, 60 years old and just bought first bike. Have no problem riding tap round at speed but really uncomfortable with slow. Started to do your very basic drills, still need a lot of practice! Thank you!
Been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, I had great slow speed skills and used both of those techniques to great effect, but now after major back surgery that didn’t go as planned I have great pain getting my feet onto the pegs, also lost some leg strength. Now I have to make a conscious effort to get my left foot down. My confidence is shot, some may say my riding days are over but it’s such a big part of my life , even if I can only do a couple of short rides a year, it still matters to me , I wish I could afford to have a system on my bike that could help me overcome this, not even sure such a thing even exists? My riding is now one of the biggest pleasures I still have. Keep sunny side up everyone x Dave
Hope you have a speedy recovery. How was your back injured?
How about a Yamaha niken or Piaggio mp3? Might not be "purebred" motorcycle but might help your condition and still ride 'a' motorcycle?
~Regards, Radek
How about a trike? Some absolutely beautiful cruiser style bike to trike conversion options available.
This was one of the smoothest and cleanest intros I've heard in a long time.
Kevin is absolutely right about the necessity of developing slow-speed skills on motorcycles. I know I am proficient when I can do linked lock-to-lock turns at will. That being said, the thought of being critiqued on my riding posture and technique while moving up in stop-and-go traffic is ridiculous. I am not riding in an observed trials event, I am just trying to enjoy the ride. I have ridden unfaired, wind in your face motorcycles substantial distances, over 160 miles in one trip I can remember taking in 1972, without touching a foot to the ground, because New Mexico. When I stop, if I want to stretch my legs, rock the bike from side to side, stand on tippy toes, or otherwise loosen up at every opportunity, it does not mean that I need to go to remedial motorcycle training class. Thanks anyway.
Just got a Pan Am. Devouring techniques vids. Thank you for reminding of my practice as a youth. And Go Rams. Same here. Was living in St. Louis when “we” won there. And 2022 was extra special as i was sick.
My 54 yr. old Son-in-Law just bought his first bike last Friday. His daughter just got her first bike this spring. Your channel was my first recommendation along with Motojitsu. I just sent this to Steve a minute ago. Thanks for helping create three generations of safe riders. I can’t wait to meet up with them for a ride.
You might want to direct him to Ride Like A Pro on YT and the web. The Motorman offers a video training course for $40 that is worth the $$ and the time.
When I taught my wife and sons to ride, I used to have slow speed races with them, to help them with slow speed control. It is something that can be worked on even in your driveway. I will be changing my channel name soon, but will, of course, still watch, comment, like and share your videos, Kevin. Y'all be safe.
Excellent tips...I saw this and your u-turn tips vids yesterday and went out and practiced. It is amazing how quickly I was able to improve, on my new Africa Twin (I’m new to this size of bike). I was practicing other things too, like standing up, and realized I was doing so at too high a speed. I realize now how, just like drumming, the trick is always to start slow, and hold the tempo, building or speeding up after you can do so smoothly. Many, many thanks for what you provide.
Like bass playing too.
2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT - Riding 3 years now. Started with a manual CB500X.
The biggest change I found with DCT is that the rear brake is your clutch. Off road, gravel, on road, it's all the same. I use the rear brake more than the front brake keeping it balanced. Emergency stops are the same. Keep things balanced.
The beginner course I took told us front brake and no rear brake but I think this is a disservice. People need to know there is a balance to be had between the two. Once up to medium and beyond speeds the gyroscopic effect takes over and the bike will stay upright unless you tell it otherwise.
My wife bought me a Suzuki boulevard 1800 cc it's about 1200 pounds without riders. It currently has a Voyager kit, side wheels and a tow package. I have been getting accustomed to the heavy / clunky shifting. It shifts like a dump truck, but your videos about friction zones have helped immensely. What advice do you have for buffeting wind, from traffic or natural, other than slowing down?
I love that bike. I used to own one.
Absolutely! I pride myself on being able to make a full stop at stop signs without taking my feet off the pegs!
Wow any tips on how is that possible
@@derekagard good balance, and judicious use of the the clutch and rear brake.
Thanks! I've ridden about 325K miles, but in the last couple of months I've dropped my GSA twice, beginning a low speed turn. When my crushed right foot heals, I"ve be out in the parking lot practicing the above. Many thanks!
*watching MCRider doing perfect u-turns inside of 20'*
I have so much work to do
First of all, thank you for the great content you produce everyday.
Where I did my license, part of the practical test is to ride your bike 10 meters (32 feet) in no less than 15 seconds in a lane with a width of 1 meter (3 feet).
For me, that was what I had to practised for the most.
A general tip for everybody who wants to practise this would be, to lean your upper body forward, so that you got your weight closer to the front wheel. This brings a bit more stability, especially when riding at very low speed.
Also depends a bit on the bike of course.
Cheers!
I'm getting better with the slow speed. Got down to 3Kmh the other day. I'm doing a lot of my slow speed turns & figure 8s on a cricket oval and gravel parking area. It really shows how important that is, because I can now turn more sharply, effectively and safely at intersections and roundabouts. I feel like I'm attacking corners and riding through them rather than hoping to go around and trying not to go too wide.
Thank you so much for this video. Haven't ridden in 40yrs and this really helped!
61 years old and rode dirt bikes at a much younger age. Got back into cycles again 2 yrs ago with a dual sport. First time being a cycle rider on the rode of course with a cycle endorsement. Going to a HD and somewhat fear the weight factor. Kevin’s training videos have me on the right track to make this transition. I believe my biggest fear is low speeds and ultimately dropping the 750lb bike. Fantastic Videos!
In my youth (early 80s) we used to goof around off-road on small trail bikes (XL125s, TS100s and similar). Mostly low-speed stuff, just goofing around. When we stalled, we kick-started without putting a foot down. Lots of daft games like "slow races". It all comes from there. I now no longer ride, but have friends who came to bikes in middle age, quickly bought a GS Land Whale and ride it as if it was a Camry with handlebars.
Ladies and gentlemen, find an old TS100 and go out into the forest. The playground can be the best school.
Another excellent video Kevin! I always wondered about the DCT in slow speed maneuvers so was glad you brought that up. Have a great weekend
Thanks, you too!
Hello Mr morris.. went to school.. same time u did at SBU! ..
Oh by the way.. i played on the Basketball team .. myself..Thomas Hawkims,Franklin Buckley,Larry Ely, Rick Howard, Rodney Noel, Jim Cox,
Magic using the drone, really made it life like. Thank you!
****Standard long comment warning**** I have discovered since my re-entry into riding that I really enjoy the challenges that come with slow speed maneuvers. I practice them in traffic coming to a stop and in stop and go traffic as well as in parking lots. I purchased a little set of cones like the MSF course uses here in Oregon so that I can set up some specific things to do. As a side note I have put 1500 miles on the scooter in these last two weeks (as of 09/15/2020!! ) I thought that 2020 was going to be a bust but the covid restrictions lifted just enough to allow me to get my MSF passed (THANK YOU TEAM OREGON) and my written taken. The fires have hampered me a little but I am getting as much seat time as I can before we get into the wet and cold of an Oregon west side Winter. To Kevin specifically, your words go well beyond the scope of this channel. I am sure I am not alone in hearing your voice in my head, "Point your nose where you want to go", "Trust your tires", "keep your head and eyes up", "Lean a little more", " look at least 12 seconds ahead", "Practice every chance you get", "Ride within your vision", etc. I know I paraphrased some of those but there is no doubt that Kevin goes with me every time I throw my leg over my S50 Boulevard scooter. Thank you Kevin for keeping me and my fellow drivers/riders safer on every ride.
Great video from a Rams fan in St. Louis. Many people here really hate them now that they moved back to LA, but my son and I are still loyal fans regardless of where they are playing. Now off to find a parking lot to practice...
That’s awesome, I followed them from LA to Stl and back to LA. Go Rams!
Hey Kevin....last week I got caught in a 20mi+ back-up on my '87 BMW K75. I never got out of 1st gear- and my clutch hand is still shot....from a week ago. All that feathering wore mine out. Literally, for about 45min- and I'm still toast. EXCELLENT Drone work!!
I am way more nervous at low speed on the Goldwing than on my V-Strom because of the weight of the Wing. I will go practice in the parking lot. Coming to a stop on the Wing two up is what I dread the most.
When you come to a stop finish the breaking with the rear brake and it will be much more balanced. ruclips.net/video/p_X5TmXkj5E/видео.html
Doug Cultra Kevin may disagree, but for me, if you have a passenger then both feet should be on the ground. Too easy for unexpected weight shifts to cause loss of balance. Also it’s more upright putting less weight on you and more on the bike...
Kevin, great to see you joined the "Light-Side" and you're riding a quality bike. I enjoy your teaching videos and gain a lot of quality instruction from you. Keep your instructional videos coming. We need your foresight.
Thanks for this video....I needed it. I've been practicing my slow speed control, but I haven't been able to nail the right turn from a stop yet. I'll work these exercises until I can get slower.
Thank you for giving novice riders a solid skills base Kevin. I really appreciate your calm demeanor and teaching style ...
Cheers
Neil Norris
Ottawa, Canada
Wow! Great tip. I am a new rider. I am going to practice this a lot. Thank you sir!
Great reminder, Kevin, on why paying attention to the small stuff pays off in the bigger picture.
Teach it Kev !! Low speed and a big parking lot are alot of fun . . . .
Definitely something I have practice/develop. Never too old to learn. Thanks Kevin.
Great skill and what a lovely parking lot for practice
I am glad you did that demonstration with both bikes. I find low speed maneuvers much easier on my Honda CB500X than my HD Dyna Fat Bob. Some of it is the weight but also the riding position for me. And I know the answer, I just need to practice more on the Dyna to get used to it. Something good to do in the closed school parking lots if you can find a window between all the kids doing donuts :) Thanks for another great video
Good point, bikes ride differently and all riders are different so the same rider on different bikes will struggle more with one than the other. Practice and familiarity will help and some of it just comes down to which bike you naturally ride better.
I had a Kawasaki 700 sold that years later I bought a shadow 1100 I have to admit at low speeds I'm terrified of dumping that bike it's just so much heavier than what I'm used to it's almost a mental thing so I'm going to do a lot of slow speed practicing some of which I learned here thanks for helping guys like me out
Brother, you really help me feel calm and comfortable on my Sportster. Really appreciated.
A Rams fan, huh. Now I know I made the right choice in choosing you as my first instructor. I've been a Rams fan since the days of Roman Gabriel. Thanks for the lessons. Jesse
Great practice. We're doing it again this year. Beautiful skies.
Thanks for the reminder Kevin. Late last season I had to do some slow speed maneuvers around a gate. It was very awkward, and I recall doing slow speed riding very well when I was younger. I'll have to practice this again when I plate my bike this year. Stay safe.
It is a skill you lose if you don't maintain practice...of course there are a lot of things I could do when I was younger that are harder now. ;)
Great Video and thanks for the tips. I've been riding my Sportster for 45 years now and never had any formal education on how to ride except from my boy friends when I was young. Apparently I was given some good advice as I haven't gone off this bike in the 25,000 miles I have put on it. I have a good master of the "friction zone" and I get looking where I want to go. But what is new to me that I haven't heard about before is dragging the rear brake. It's winter here in Klamath Falls, Oregon and the bike won't see daylight until April or so but I would love the rear brake "drag" theory talked about a little more. As mentione it will be awhile until I can try all this and believe me I'm anxious to get out and really after all these years get comfortable with the true slow speed riding but the rear brake drag I have not had that explained at all.
Thanks again for a great video.
Lisa
I hope I can describe this well. I completely agree with you Kevin on practicing this technique as a slow speed skill, especially the slow to pause. I’ll take that skill even further and go ‘slow to pause to slow to pause’ and focus on making as few steering inputs for balance as necessary. Using the clutch zone and slow speed U turns are very important. But I disagree with the assumption that a rider is less skilled because both feet are down. Now coming to a stop, left foot down right foot up (to apply rear brake pressure) is my standard practice but once stopped, many times I’ll drop the right foot down simply because it’s a more stable and a more upright position. I ride a heavy bike, a BMW GTL, there have been times when I’m stopped, right foot up, and for some reason my balance force shifts right and I have to quickly get the right foot down. In that instance I have to plant my foot (hope for good footing) and catch the weight. My point is there are several things that need to happen and sometimes very quickly without issue, or I could go over. Both feet on the ground is always a more stable and more upright stance. This is even more important when a passenger is aboard were weight shifting can happen without notice. Same thing goes for rolling at a slow speed. Most of the time both feet are up and only use my left foot for momentary touch and go situations. But there are times when both feet are down, gently gliding the surface, simply because the speed is too slow or the distance between stops too quick to get a foot up and down. This technique again keeps the bike more upright and it requires almost zero steering input for balance corrections. Again, with a heavy bike or with a passenger, this too me is a more stable and much safer technique...in some situations. I think that’s my point ,while most of the time the technique of ‘left foot down right foot up’ is correct, there are situations when a rider should not feel shame or less skilled, because both feet are down. Stay covid safe and sane 👊
A little refinement: if you need both feet down *at a stop* for balance or safety, do so. If you do, hold the front brake on so your brake light is on to communicate to other drivers that you are stopped. But once you start rolling again, don't drag your feet. Get both feet on the pegs, knees in, head up. Cheers!
Nice video, Kevin, good use of your drone. Your multiple figure 8s at the end is one of the goals that we should aim for. 18 feet wide X 32 feet long crossing the X in the middle each time around. Well done. I hope everybody sets this goal for themselves. Any flat open parking lot with lines painted on will do, so there is no excuses...
Thanks Peter, it all starts with the fundamentals:
Head & eyes
Clutch and throttle control
body position
Any riders struggling with u-turns should start with today's skills and build from there.
Thank You Kevin for this valuable refresher! I’d been iff the bike for awhile (unrelated to riding), and these refreshers do the trick!
Thanks So Much!
Thanks for teaching these two skills that constantly need "polishing."
This slow riding control is part of exam in Holland. This is indeed very useful when you ride in slow traffic.
For the slow race, the Honda CB650F I learned on, when you first started the bike, the ABS warning light wouldn't go out until you rode faster than 5 mph, good little indicator as to your speed if you need to keep your eyes up and away from the speedo...
Great vid and I totally agree these are great skills to master. When I figured out the rear brake, it all got much easier, especially U turns.
I agree feet belong on the pegs. I have developed one minor exception to that. When I am approaching a stop with a car behind me, I do put my left leg out in a way they can see it, so that if they are paying attention, they have 2 to 3 seconds to recognize that I am preparing to come to a full stop. It's hard to test whether it works for certain, but intuitively I think it does. Even before I rode, if I saw a motorcycle rider put his foot out approaching a stop, I'd assume he was close to stopping. My hope is that they don't get too close behind me. I find that is not often a problem for me, drivers tend to stay back an OK distance for the most part. Just a thought.
Thanks Kevin. Essential fundamentals that you can practice anywhere.
You explain very well, and have a very calming voice
Thanks again Kevin, look forward to having restrictions lifted so I can resume my practicing and riding, stay safe everyone.
Excellent stuff Kevin & Excellent Control with a Beautiful Motorcycle, that's Excellent training to get great control, thank you Kevin & Happy Riding Friend 🙂🙂🙂
u 2 lil buddy 😊
Thank you so much for videos and the effort!! greetings from COSTA RICA
Thank you, Kevin. Always learning something. Nice tip to try to stop with out the foot. I'll try it too. Greetings from Bolivia
Wow! I just love this. Short and sweet. Great tutorial!
Excellent quality video Kevin, you rock! The content is bang on too. I practice my U turns but still cannot get them to a maximum of two parking spots wide. Two and half spots for now, still practicing. I just challenged my buddy to a slow race in a parking lot. I'll be using your techniques. Thank you Sir.
Out there you don't need 2 parking spaces to make a u turn 3 is ideal. Just my opinion 😊
Always appreciate your teaching style and also being an owner of a DCT Goldwing I appreciate DCT tips as well
Very welcome
Hi Dean, How is your DCT Goldwing in traffic where speed varies constantly from from crawl 5mph to 25mph constantly. I am looking for transmission gear shifts.
Jacek Piterow it’s definitely a learning curve to getting to figure out how to reacts to traffic but I’ve only got 1000 kms on it. How are you finding it in traffic?
@@matrixdean I hand NM4 for a year. It was a nice bike except two tings: Death wobble and no clutch. DCT was revolutionary, but in traffic entire bike was jerking between gears 1 and 2. Very annoying give me feeling of bike being heavily bitten up. In NJ where I live traffic is part of the live. Every direction I go I will hit some of it. I sold the bike quickly. Wobble was at the certain speed when I just slightly let the steering go and the front wheel started to bouncing left to right amplifying itself. With hands firmly planted on the handles, that never had a chance to develop. But there was enough to let it go for a second.
Huge huge help! Ive been riding one month and the scariest part for me is... parking. Not anymore!
Thanks so much Kevin for including your Goldwing! I got my 2020 Goldwing about a month ago and it's great to see that everything you are telling us applies to the DCT also. I hear about the friction zone and now since I don't have a clutch it makes me wonder. I'll be practicing as soon as it stops raining up here in Northwest Indiana, and well it gets above 50 degrees...ugh! Stay safe!
Thanks for showing the dct.
Would love to see you perform more slow speed turning maneuvers and videos on your DCT just to show the comparison of your two bikes, clutch and DCT. Narrow U turns between two parking spaces is a bit more difficult on the th DCT I have found, and couture to practice. Love your site, keep it coming.
Great exercises! This is a must-watch.
Two suggestions on the Goldwing DCT at slow speed: put it in the Econ mode for smoother throttle response and put it in manual mode to avoid up and downshifts that upset the motorcycle.
Greetings from one of your fan from philippines sir! i have a lot of Learnings from your vLogs..
Hoping have one of your mCrider sticker to put on my motorcycle..😊
Godbless !!! More power!
Ridesafe🚦
Thanks, details on decals are here: www.MCrider.com/decal
I lived in the Philippines for a year and saw how dangerous it is on a motorcycle or scooter. Be safe my friend and be careful😮😊👍🏾
@@MCrider am from kenya yu really helped me honing my motorbike driving skills
Thanks Kevin. Another great video! pouring rain here in Fl so it was the perfect time for me to hit the parking lot and practice my slow speed and braking maneuvers. Still have a way to go until my shoulders and relaxed, however redundancy builds fluency :)
Wow couldn't be more informative!
It is quite funny to read the "foot down" reasoning from across the Atlantic. Here in Sweden you learn something that is the opposite. When taking your MC driving license you need put down the right foot and the right foot only, the left should stay in control of the gear lever. The fact that one might perform a smoother stop with another method is not considered important for safety and is not an accepted alternative.
I find that my European friends that I ride with here in the US tend to have various habits that differ. I do so many different things myself for different situations. Some things I have learned from track riders and other things I know from riding in the dirt. I think there's no real right size fits all when it comes to a set of rules to fit every situation. I do find that extremely interesting that the gear selector lever is prioritized over the brake. I definitely keep both feet on for as long as possible and am definitely already in the right gear. This is true even when emergency braking as I downshift at the same time (not engine braking, but just a habit to be able to take off again quickly). Honestly, my one foot doesn't even go down until I'm at a full stop. This is interesting info lol. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Kevin.
Agree with the importance of slow speed riding & practice.
Just wanna share my country motorcycle test that emphasis slow riding. The part 2 test (part 1 is classroom) begins with slow speed on a "bridge" - which is essentially a raised concrete about 1 foot wide & 8 m ( 9 yards) long, and candidates must ride it for more than 7 seconds. Do it less than 7 secs (fast) - fail. Tires fall off either side - fail. Foot down - fail. Failing the first part means failing the whole Part 2, that includes the slow ride "bridge" I've just mentioned, slalom test, emergency brake test, uneven/bumpy surface test, figure 8 slow ride and finally sharp corners slow ride.
Part 3 of the test is normal road riding test.
Thanks for sharing...What country?
@@MCrider Malaysia sir.
Love the upgraded videos. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks! Will do!
Heeey looks like someone got a drone and wanted to put it to use. Good idea.
Yeah I did
@@MCrider Amazing quality to your videos! And they were already great!!
I'm rolling properly at low speed since I touched the steering of a motorcycle. We have mandatory MSF courses which include this element in training. And mandatory exam on a closed circuit and road
When there are perfect conditions such as no wind or passenger on the back I will only put my left foot down and use the rear brake to keep the motorcycle from rolling. This allows me to keep my right hand around the throttle in case I need to accelerate out of hazardous situation. For example if I am keeping the motorcycle from moving by using the front brake lever and I suddenly have to manuever to avoid a rear end collision or another hazardous situation I first have to release the front brake lever and then roll on the throttle which takes time. I know it is only a fraction of a second but sometimes that could be the difference. Also it adds one more thing you have to do under stress. And if you don't practice releasing the front brake lever, rolling on the throttle quickly and releasing the clutch, which most of us don't, your chance of stalling the motorcycle increases under stress. The more variables you can remove from the situation the better chance you have for success. All that to say it really comes down to a defensive riding strategy.
I can do it easily with passenger on my heavy ADV bike, with luggage. Practice, practice and one more time practice.
@@vsimileac I agree I never put my right foot down either. It is a matter of learning the balance point of the motorcycle.
@@ProriderCentralTexasRUclips vision, clutch, throttle and brake control... so, all points discussed in this video
Priceless tips.
Thank you so much.
Too funny. Gotta love the Internet/RUclips.
I always thought that those were "my techniques" & I always feel a lill' guilty for "burnin' da clutch" & "ridin' da brake", the "rear" brake no less (are we even still allowed to use it?), as my Dad would call it.
I actually thought some of that was my imagination since some bikes handle so differently when doing these techniques, especially with modified front-ends.
Great video...nows there's word & pictures to explain it all. Too funny.
2:21 my MSF BRC didn't teach left foot down, they taught to flat foot at stops. It wasn't until a bit later I heard that putting both feet down was bad form.
I've watched so many videos of people that can't use the clutch rear break and throttle to ride slow, so many people squid and duck walk on here that I went looking for a video like this to thumbs up and promote. Edit I learned at Fanshawe college in London ont great program.
Amazing video. Well demonstrated. Now if you could just keep it from upsetting the suspension on your pause-and-goes...
J/K! well explained!
LOL, that front end really dives on the BMW...I guess thats what you get with all that suspension travel. ;)
MCrider - Motorcycle Training doesn’t the front end dive indicate that you are using the front brake and not the rear?
Had my first riding lesson 2 days ago and approx. 80% of the time was learning how to ride slowly.
I ride in a place where you are able to filter through tight traffic. I do use my feet and do the feet wobble sometimes, when an inch to the right or the left will hit the car. There's no room to get off line
When you finally get the perfect pause down: "I am Spartacus!" LOL
C'mon, admit it.. You felt that way!
Thanks, will definitely try them out.
Thanks, Kevin. I'm a new rider, in fact, my first motorcycle only has 1600kms on it (1000 M), and I just went out to a small parking lot in my town here in B.C. Canada and practiced those skills. How quickly they become rusty over the winter. I also want to say that my first bike is a 2017 Honda Africa Twin, but at 50 years of age and enough maturity to not be a hooligan, as well as your videos, have made learning to ride lots of fun and a whole lot safer. Thank you very much. With that being said, I will be joining MC Rider finally because It's your voice I hear when I get out and practice, not my wife. I obviously haven't told her that. ;)
That’s awesome John. There are a lot of good riders and info on the forums.
You guys always give absolutely fantastic,life saving, advice.....1 at class,no question asked!! But the Rams??? seriously??? Stick to the bikes;!! The Cowboys rock;!
Thanks Kevin, good advice as usual.
Great Video Kevin. Thanks 🤙
I came in here for a refresher. I got back into riding and dropped a bike for the first time in my life. Luckily it was in the driveway and the only thing I hurt was my pride.
Good Morning Kevin, any chance you can do more training/skills videos with the DCT? Thank you for all that you do!
Maybe a mid week video would work for it...since us DCT guys are the minority. ;)
@@MCrider Maybe, but we are more prevalent that you might think ;) I was planning to ask the same thing until I saw you on the DCT. Many people I ride with say that slow speed maneuvers are impossible of the DCT. I beg to differ.
@@TheUnwokeFool Although not impossible; definitely more challenging.
@@MCrider I'd like to see you do the 8 figures on your DCT Goldwing. I doubt they would be as smooth and nice as they were on your R 1250 GS...
Kevin great video. Wish I a parking lot that big, without gravel. Our snow has just left so out to practice now 👍
Roman Gabriel was my favorite QB
mine was Joe Pendleton
Kevin, you caught me at the cereal bowl this morning. I have found myself going slower now that there aren't cars behind me in a big hurry nowadays. The virus has provided the biggest buffer zone ever ! Take care pal!
What kind of cereal???
@@MCrider Special K Ancient Grains w/frozen fruit medly, 65 year old's have to eat healthy.....like riding safely!
mike maxwell Hi Mike, (cool name 😉) Honey nuts and Oats with cranberries here for me... I agree with your covid assessment, it’s been the best thing for being on the road right now...and though places are closed, the scenery is still open for viewing. Ride safe 👊
@@maxwellmark Spot on MM, Ks. Flint Hills are beautiful right now for sure, 2-wheel distancing in the area you are in......nothing better! Take care yourself!
So I’ve watched this video several times. Great training and i do practice this. I have great control in my opinion. But being stuck in traffic when interstate merges to one lane and slow speeds for a long while, around 15-20 min killed my wrist. And how still a great video. Actually its what i thought about while stuck in that traffic
Great Tip Thanks Kevin
I think the gold wing is crazy cool
Hi Kevin. Question for you:
I understand that putting your left foot down at a stop is considered good practice but don't understand why. Realize that I have been riding a LONG time yet I almost always put both feet down when stopped at a light. I feel I have great control of the bike and can stay vertical at almost no speed. It is actually a game I play when coming to a light - seeing how long I can go before putting anything on the street.
What is the logic of 'left foot down'?
Great content - always learn something and many thanks - Mark
If I may, to properly come to stop at stop sign, traffic light or just stopping you need to use rear brakes for smoothly coming to stop hence right foot is on brake. But when completely stoped the you may put both foot down, I think this what you are talking about. I do the same with of course right hand on front brakes. Cheers
Hi Mark. I'm not Kevin, and he will probably answer, but I have a reason that I started doing it myself and wonder if Kevin has the same reason. I started doing it so that I am ready to accelerate very quickly from a stop. I never noticed much when I slowly accelerated from a stop and pulled both of my feet up. To be honest, sometimes I do have both feet down and still take off, but both my feet come up practically before the bike is moving. Sometimes I actually practice pulling my feet up and on the pegs before even letting out the clutch. I do that as balance practice, but I digress. One of the benefits that I noticed I had with my right foot up are that I don't have my feet swinging like bells under me which improves my body's connection to the bike and therefore my balance. This is more obvious when turning from a stopped position or under heavy acceleration. Then, another benefit has been related to the larger more powerful bikes that I have purchased as the years go on. When I goose the throttle on take off for quick acceleration, I have to practice a bit of throttle discipline as my bike will happily stand my front wheel straight up. I really don't wish to attract the attention or problems that happen with wheelies on the street, so I do my best to find that fine line of throttle control that keeps my front wheel down. At times, my bike will still power wheelie in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, so I have my rear brake covered when I take off aggressively so that if I make some huge error on my throttle discipline, I can put that front end back down. I once looped a dirt bike as a kid because I had recently taken up popping wheelies, but hadn't learned to cover the rear brake with my foot to control rotating back too far. I know this last reason isn't really something that maybe Kevin would endorse as a reason (I don't know) and probably isn't something that most street riders even encounter. However, I think that aside from wheelie control, having a foot on the rear brake is really useful right away from a safety stand point. Lastly, a foot on the rear brake allows one to drag the rear brake to improve slow speed handling. I also use it when taking off on an uphill slope. I'm sure if I keep thinking about it, I can think of more reasons why I do it and how it has been useful. All in all, I like the benefits of it, but sometimes still put both of my feet down - especially when riding 2 up when I think of it. With a passenger moving around at a stop, I have found it easier to stay stable with 2 feet down. I guess my conclusion is that there is a time and a place for everything lol. I need also to clarify that the street is not the place to ride wheelies, and I do not ride wheelies on the street. Don't ride wheelies on the street kids.
While agree with Mohan for the ‘reasoning’ behind left foot down, I don’t see it as a mark of a poorly skilled rider to put both feet down. Just as Kevin said in his example of the effect of wind, both feet down gives you more stability and you can keep the bike more upright, especially if you have a passenger. I also will use the ‘duck walk’ technique in some very slow to stop and go situations. It’s simply smoother and requires less side to side steering input to keep balance. Evident in Kevin’s video as well.
The 2 main reasons for me are:
1. I can use the rear brake to finish the stop. This is much smoother to do this: ruclips.net/video/p_X5TmXkj5E/видео.html
2. I can take off quicker with just the left foot down if I need to.
When I am riding 2 up I often put the right foot down after the stop for more balance. Because if the passenger shifts at a stop it is easier to maintain the bike.
Mark Keckeis Two main reasons, one which applies always and the other which applies mainly when on hills. On the level, it allows you to use the rear brake right up to the point of being stopped. If you put your right foot down while still moving, you aren’t applying the brake with it. Now, on some bikes with linked brakes this is no longer strictly true. The second reason is when stopped on a hill. It is often easier to hold the bike on the hill using the rear brake to allow your throttle hand to only have to do one function (throttle control) rather than two functions (releasing front brake and controlling throttle) simultaneously. Now, with practice, you can coordinate both front brake and throttle on a hill, but it certainly is a higher skill activity than is using your rear foot and throttle when starting out on a steep hill.
And additional consideration on a hill, especially on dirt or other loose road surfaces, is that with the weight transfer the front wheel may not hold the bike on a hill whereas the rear brake is more effective in that circumstance.
Thank You. Background in your shop is looking good. Be safe👍🏻🙏🏼👴🏻
Thanks 👍
Most excellent topic!