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@@MCrider I take every opportunity to see how long I can maintain my slow speed without putting foot on the ground, still needs work but Yes, that is an important skill.
Hello Kevin, I’m commenting from rural Scotland in the UK. You have a far reach. I’ve been riding for 40 years. I have still learnt from your videos. Thanks.
MCrider - Motorcycle Training Hello Texas. I had my dna done recently. Apparently I have dozens of relatives who are Texans! Small world. Let’s hear it for USA.
Every time I am going slow at a light or intersection, I'm thinking that Kevin is behind me. Try to get my speed down to 2-3 mph with feet up. It's great motivation.
As an Airline Pilot, I have been completing recurrent training every 6 months for the past 30 years. As a motorcycle rider, I have been attending recurrent advanced classes every 24 months for the past 30 years. In all of those sessions, there has never been an occasion where I didn’t walk away having either learned something new, polished a rusty skill with the supervision of a professional coach or had a lot of fun. It all paid off when I collided with a deer while riding through West Virginia with my wife on the back. The muscle memory kicked in without me even thinking about it and we kept the bike upright and in our lane. I can’t emphasize enough how much continual coaching and practice has paid off. Not to mention, riding is much more enjoyable. Really like your videos!
Being able to finally do slow speed u turns like they're nothing was so satisfying. I had such a big smile on my face when I could do them over and over again. It's a real confidence booster when you finally learn to do it correctly
A rider can never hear "head and eyes, frictiin zone, light rear brake pressure" enough when talking about slow speed maneuvering! I dropped a buddy's brand new Fat Boy back in 2005 because of not knowing these easily learned (and practiced) skills. Great video!
Great advice. Got my licence a few weeks back. Ended up dropping my new bike in front of my parents apartment building. I think probably everyone saw me and were laughing :) Reason? Hitting the front brake while turning. I knew not to do that, but that instinct was not gone apperently. Huge dent in my confidence and expensive fix on my Kawasaki.
The primary problem is firmly rooted in physics. The wheels/tires generate centrifugal force, exactly like a spinning top does. At low speeds the force isn't sufficient to counteract the center of gravity of the motorcycle. So a top heavy bike becomes essentially more top heavy the slower you go. A low center of gravity bike does too, but it shows less in handling. I rode a Concours 14 for a few years, and extremely top heavy motorcycle. At higher speeds the handling was spot on, but at slow speed, like pulling into a gas station and maneuvering around cars and trucks it feels extremely top heavy and out of balance. My Harley-Davidson felt much more secure at slow speeds, but with all that weight, a mistake was something you might not be able to stop before the bike needs two people to pick up. Well, when I was younger I could do it alone, but not anymore. So I ride a trike, but thats a different story. The second part of the problem is lack of practice. Pure and simple. Thats why MSF Experienced Rider courses have you run a tight figure eight and do sharp turns followed by stops where you keep your feet on the pegs until the bike stops moving. Its a combination of practice and gaining confidence. You have to know what it feels like to do it well in the real world.
4 года назад
@patrick henry LOL. You are so polite! Centrifugal force has absolutely nothing to do with it. As the bike slows, inertia is overcome by gravity and friction forcing the object to come to rest becoming static (another type of inertia). If the moving object is an inherently unstable mass (say a wheeled cycle) it will come to rest how, and when gravity dictates. That can be overcome by adding throttle, balance, and lean to re-establish rectilinear motion (moving inertia), OR decreasing throttle (and/or applying brakes, i.e. friction) to stop the machine, and brace it level with your legs and feet thereby achieving stasis (resting inertia). Seems like "firm roots in physics" start some time after 4th Grade.
Struggling at slow speed is absolutely me!! Thanks for this. I have a top heavy Adventure bike (Varadero) and that doesn't help. Another thing I have noticed is how much more difficult it is to ride very slowly in traffic when you are tired!
You are an amazing rider coach. I am a returning rider after a 20 year break. I have forgotton more than I used to know. I used to consider myself a good rider back then. There was not MSF course when I started riding, you just bought your bike, read a book and took a written test for the permit. Then you went to a parking lot with your licensed friend and your diagrams from the local licensing authourity, (DMV here in Oregon) and practiced until you felt confident to take the riding test, no sage advice or actual technical training was involved. I recently finished my intermediate riding course and I can tell you I needed that course, both now and some 30 years ago when I originaly started riding. What was the most important thing for me? The simple advice that the instructor gave to me at the end of the course as he told me I had passed. He said "Keep your head and eyes up. You look down too much." The reason I say this is the most important thing I learned that day is because I honestly did not know I was doing it. Certainly this is not something ne,w I am sure I did the same when I rode before. I want to thank you and apologize to you at the same time. I watch your videos because they are entertaining and easy to listen to. I have learned so much just listening to your advice. For that I want to thank you profusely. I am unable to join due to financial restraints. I promise you that if I could, I would as I feel that what you offer is extremely valuable. for that I apologize. Anyway this comment is too long already have a great day and rememt to keep the shiny side up.
FALCRO this comment is for other. You already realize the importance of, as you put it, "I didn't even realize I was doing it." This is to encourage others to go take a class. And when you take a class be open minded. If an instructor says you are doing something that needs to be improved listen. They have experience teaching and observing riders. If they say your doing something there a a 99% chance you are doing it. If they say that you need improvement in an area believe. Ask for suggestions. There are many rides on the road that started when you first started that are not as good as you are now. They never told a break from riding. So they never took a class. The just kept practicing the same bad habits for twenty thirty, or forty years. Because they have been lucky they think they are good rides.
Thanks Kevin. You are an inspiration and role model to me as fairly new rider at age 59. I often imagine I am riding with you behind me as I try to hone my riding skills. I see so many bad examples of riding out there and I'm glad you are there as a voice promoting motorcycle education and sensibility.
Thanks again Kevin. Been watching your vids for a while now, finally subscribed. I too can attest that a front break grab at slow speed will drop the bike. Did it twice on a resent cross country trip. Very embarrassing. An especially bad move on gravel.
Hi Kevin, new rider just finished course get my M2 monday, have a great friend to ride with i'm 60 hes 72 have a 750 Honda Shadow lots for me for a few years, im a big man 240 6ft. got on bike last Friday practiced in great parking lot, Sunday went for first ride 70 miles. Today going for 2nd, watched this vidio and this morning practiced for hour in parking lot. Thanks for your all your instuctions there great and very helpful.
Thanks once again Kevin! I think one thing is crucial is to be on manageable bike, these guys in your video are having large beautiful and expensive bikes that some of them can’t manage or simply afraid to practice because they don’t want to fall down. I like HD road king and I have test ridden one recently but despite the fact it is the most beautiful Harley in my opinion I have to be honest with myself that it is too heavy and too large for me at least at the moment with relatively long brake in riding mc.
another super video Kevin, keep up the great work. Keep practicing, I find if I dont, rust sets in and that is why keeping motorcycling all year is a big help. Thanks again.
I’ve been receiving your Friday videos for a long time but the last 2 weeks I’ve gotten nothing. I value your videos and the lessons they offer. I’ve re applied for the subscription and hope that corrects the problem
I ride (and practice slow trials) on my Ultra. But its a lot of fun to run the same trial on the wife's sportster! I use that to show me where i need improvement on the big bike! Haven't dropped the sporty yet, but that Ultra is no fun to pick up! I have noticed one thing: It won't fall over without an audience! Been there, done that!
I remember years ago really having to be very careful on turns in major intersections because the striping material that was used was very slick especially when wet. The striping materials that are used now seem to be much better
I have had bikes with drum front brake that don't grab and are only good for sitting at lights, I haven't dropped a bike in 35 years until I got this FLSTC with disc front brakes. I dropped this bike three time once in my garage pushing it and once in my yard and once in a parking lot where I was working on getting use to a front brake that grabs hard. I dropped it all because i used a front brake I was not use to.
Even on the works scooters, a bit of rear brake and a touch of gas increases the level of control whether making a tight u-turn or filtering between traffic to the front of the queue.
Going to a big heavy cruiser right away has a much steeper learning curve. I am a big guy but ride a tw200. It has taught me so much about balance and slow speed riding. Also if I drop it there is really no consequences.
@@MCrider I have had multiple other bikes but the tw has always stayed. I currently have a nc700x which I like but it is no tw200. People make fun of me till I let them ride it and then they get it.
After watching a bunch of Jerry Palladino's videos a few years ago I took it as a challenge and spent many hours practicing both starting and stopping with the bars locked hard left and right, not sure it made me a better rider but it taught me how to control the front brake on my Harley at low speeds and must have looked hilarious to anyone watching.
The other thing that starting with the handle bars at full lock and the motorcycle leaning gets a person practicing is controlling the lean angle by varying the speed. It is a great clutch and throttle coordination drill. I always enjoy doing this.
Watched this with the intention of adding things you forgot but DANGED if you didn't hit on all the most important parts of slow riding. You friggin' rock. (okay, one thing you didn't mention, maybe on porpoise, those big-assed HD's and like bikes may weight 800 pounds, give or take, but they're pretty danged easy to ride at slow speeds 'cause of that low CG. Ask me how I know :) ). Thanks again, just awesome info' on this channel.
In real estate there is location,location,location....n cycling (motor or pedal) there is balance, balance, balance and to get better balance you must practice, practice, practice 👍🏼. Stay safe, Stay healthy 😷
There is no change in the technique… But practice with a passenger so that you get used to the additional weight… The passenger should scoot up to you as tightly as possible and turn their head & eyes with you… Jerry Paladino has.a Ride Like A Pro video where he demonstrates a U-turn with a passenger… You can find it on RUclips… then practice till you get it right, then practice till you can’t get it wrong... All the best…
Yes sir, I do u turns quite often with my wife on the back. As long as she keeps still and sits upright the maneuver becomes as easy as riding by myself.
After riding for a few min I make it a point to do at least 2 u turns each direction some place and 2 figure 8s and one turn from a stop at lock steering angle right and left. People I ride with say I am screwing around all the time. I just smile and nod my head.
Great show again this week. Seems I was much better at slow speed when I was younger and doing lots of trail riding at low speeds. I'll have to do some more practice! God bless and Stay safe.
If you really want to practice slow speed riding to the point where you can get your knee down while turning at walking pace it is advisable to learn how to replace your clutch plates. If you can change your clutch plates in 15 minutes you can then have one set for everyday riding and one set for slow speed riding practice. If you can't ride safely at very low speeds you'll never manage to do it at high speeds.
I just finally passed my road test after a difficult time getting an appointment because of COVID. Still, I remember 15 mins before my Motorcycle Skills Test here in B.C. Canada, I threw my bike on the ground by grabbing the front brake at full lock. I just laughed while my buddy just stared at me, not laughing.
Having just had my 1st accident on my bike about 2 months ago ( thank goodness only a couple of brused ribs ) I won't to thank you for admitting that even professionals riders can have an accident . Ride safe my friend.
Drops happen, especially in training. Much better to drop the bike in a parking lot when it doesn't matter than drop it in the street with traffic when it does matter. Practice Practice
I may have been recently practicing figure 8s in a parking lot with my 1994 Honda Magna 750cc but I feel like I have work to do as compared to the much tighter loops that Kevin was fluidly performing while driving on a larger motorcycle and making it look easy.
Other than the intimidation factor of weight and length, larger motorcycle are not always the hardest to do low speed maneuvers on. Steering lock, clutch & throttle response and gearing are also factors. Example Harley Sportster handle bars don't turn as far as the handle bars on most other Harleys.
Love the intro on headphones .great info as usual kev i try to train between kerbs gives that real life scenario yes first few times hit kerb( was looking at it )dropped bike luckliy only once. after a bit of training in parking lots i am now doing figure of eights in same gap this is a vast improvement to my early days and this can boost your confidence immensly also try to let cars through in tight spaces and keep feet off ground to control bike a bit more only on a 130 kg 125 at moment massive delay in taking tests over here in uk love from wales uk.
If a rider depends on his/her feet on the pavement at slow speeds, that rider will ALWAYS plant a foot when things go wrong while riding at ANY speed. It's a learned reaction and riders that drag their feet are teaching their bodies to depend on feet on the ground instead of depending on the clutch, throttle, and break to ride or maneuver out of sticky situations. This is why we practice; not so much to be able to ride at slow speeds; but to learn to control the motorcycle at any speed. I was taught that when a rider puts feet on the pavement, that's the moment he/she says, "I give up, I can't control my motorcycle. The ONLY way to develop proper motorcycles skills is at slow speeds. I know far too many people that have suffered broken legs, ankles, and feet because they instinctively planted a foot while their motorcycle was in motion. There's a time to plant one's left foot . . . that is, after the motorcycle has stopped! (Right foot should remain on the brake). Otherwise, when the motorcycle is in motion, both feet should be on the pegs/floorboards. It's a shame to ruin a perfectly good day by unnecessarily crashing one's motorcycle because the rider doesn't have the skills to ride it properly and safely.
Feathering the throttle and Front Brake never failed me at slow speeds . Even won a competition doing that exact thing but of course turning requires you to switch to rear brake
Kevin, when you use the front brake with no angle on the bars, the force of the bike moving forward goes through the steering head at a zero degree angle and into the front end and through the tire to the ground, stopping the bike. If you turn the handlebars to a significant angle, some of that force is now going to go into forcing the bike to roll over the front tire, which rolls the bike into a lean angle that keeps increasing until the bike is stopped. If the speed is sufficient and the angle of the bars big enough, the bike stops when it hits the ground on the side the front tire was turned to. Try it in your garage at a very slow speed and watch the bike try to roll over the front tire in the direction you turn the bars. Look at those stoppies, that is the whole bike rolling over the front tire. I talked to a potential new rider the other day and he was saying how he would never use the front brake. I told him you had to or you would never get a license. I told him the front brake is 80-90 percent of a bike's stopping power. This is an older fellow and he is hardheaded because some people talked to him about how dangerous the front brake is. Yes, I told him, it is if you don't know how to use it. I am afraid he is heading toward a rough time. Told him about your channel. Keep up the good work, Kevin.
I went out to practice the figure eight lock to lock turns you demonstrated here. Great practice, and it demonstrated that I need more of it. It was funny that I had a relatively easy time doing it to the right, but lefts were about 2 feet wider. Even stopped to make sure I was getting all the way to the steering stop. I was! Just got to get my mind trained. Thanks for this exercise, I will continue with it until it is mastered.
Did you just start using a noise gate? The background noise disappearing is, pardon me, 'bad technique'. Take it from a newbie on a bike who's been an audio engineer for over 30 years. And thanks for all you do. I support you on Patreon. You deserve it.
Watched a video just last night in Sturgis, following a group of bikes through a bunch of lights, and this guy, with a passenger, never picked his feet up! The most stupid thing I've ever seen! I practice keeping my feet up until I'm stopped, even with my wife on the back, every time I ride! Don't know what kind of mileage he gets out of those boots, but I bet it ain't much!🤣 Youda best, Kevin!!😎
@@iallso1 Don't know what kind of boots they were, but I'm thinkin' if you're gonna drag your feet like that, you should put steel cleats on the heels and at least give us a spark show!🤣 Stay cool, brother!!
For me, the solution was doing daily trafic. Often going as slow as 3 or 4 kph. Also doing uturns on parking lots. With a Star Stryker it was not that easy at first as it was my first bike. But I think it paid off. I see a lot of people just avoid city and traffic just doing long rides at highway speeds. There are things to learn there, but avoiding slow speed, I really think it's a bad idea if you really want to master your bike.
Do your viewers really have trouble with slow skills? They seem pretty confident, and the dreadful riders watch other channels. The real problem I see is the rider who buys a 600lb bike, has never ridden a bicycle (or hasn't in 50 years), always drove an automatic.. I can tell if a new rider has no bicycle skills, even if they took the MSF course, they faked it during the exam, like a ballroom dancer counting outloud and only stepping on his date's toes a couple times. Guys, I don't think you should start on a 300cc. I think if you have balance problems, then start with a Schwinn, then the 250/300. I wish they'd reintroduce full motorcycle frame 125 like the old CB125 for starting bikes in North America. Honda now has novelty bikes with that motor (Monkey Grom Cub), but not a true learning frame for a teen boy or smaller stanced woman wanting a MOTORCYCLE. Asia, Aus, SouthAmerica and Europe still have these.
@@garthhowe297 this is the mature rider vlog. He is probably preaching to the choir. The Goldwing definitely nailed that down. Here's hoping it'll fall on freshly plowed ground.
Correct, in the 70's EU, we started on 50cc at the age of 16 and did all our repairs ourself. To be honest, we laugh with all that duck stepping , sunday riders and total stupid questions in the fb groups.
@@corneilcorneil I started with a worn out 1971 CL70 in 1975. Learned how to fix engines, fuel systems and adjust mechanicals on that 5hp, dual drum bike at 14. So it was common in the US too.
Hello Kevin, the example with one of your first mistakes sounds very familiar. I ve made the same mistake and I was looking to some obstacles I did nt want to hit. And also used the front brake with the same result🤣
Hey Kevin great video as always. For the many, including yourself who now ride with out a hand clutch (DCT) would you do the same practice maneuvers with your DCT. Perhaps mor tips for theDCT users. Many videos using friction zone but few routine video programs on DCT programs. Thank.
A while back I was experimenting with some ECU mods and had just installed a fresh flash. The ECU had not yet learned the idle properties of the engine, and it stalled when I was starting a right turn after a stop with my feet on the pegs. The handlebars were at full right and I leaned confidently into the turn, expecting power and grace. Next thing I know, I feel and look like an idiot. Oh well, lesson learned. The ECU needs practice too! 😁 On an unrelated topic, I have to wonder... Do you ever lose your camera drone in one of those trees dotting the practice parking lot?
I don't get why it even matters. Once you get comfortable enough on your bike you can cut corners here and there. And if you're at sturgis going from stop sign to stop sign then it's probably more comfortable to keep the feet down. It takes a good amount of muscle power to lift your legs up on the pegs over and over again, with boots and chaps especially. I'm sure by the end of the day they've had it. Plus I'd say it's actually a good thing to practice bad technique every now and then. Like braking in a turn for example. Something that msf teaches as a no-no is actually a very useful thing to get comfortable with. It's totally fine to engine brake all the way through a turn, but a lot of new riders think it's not safe and get in accidents because of it.
@@quantumleap4023 two comments. First comment, Not picking up your feet place your feet in a location that increases the the chance of a foot injury. That is why it is considered better to have your feet on the pegs or boards. But I do agree with you, many of the Sturgis rides were probably just being lazy. Second comment. The MSF Basic Rides Course does teach emergency / quick stops in a corner. In the class parking lot the technique that creates the shortest stopping distance is one of the exercises. This technique is straighten and then brake to a stop. This permits maximum braking force. This technique is not always the best option. In the classroom additional quick stop in a curve techniques are talked about. This talk includes when each technique would be used and how they can be combined. For anyone that has taken the class it may be a good idea to review this section in the class book. Many people don't remember this section. Most MSF instructors discourage covering the brake while riding on the class parking lot, specially during turns. This is due to the tendency of even experienced make poor brake choices under the pressure of the class. This guidance is for use on the parking lot during the class. In the classroom and in the class book MSF encourages covering the brakes under certain situations. Kevin was talking about the problem of using the front brake at slow speed with the motorcycle leaning and the handle bars turned. He was not talking about riding at above 10 mph. By slow speed he means less than 5 mph. Skidding isn't the only problem. Stopping with the bike leaning like this means that you have to hold up a bike that not only leaning but in the process of leaning more. AKA falling. It is leaning more or fall because slowing down causes the bike to lean more. To make the bike to lean less speed needs to increase or the handle bars need to be turned farther. If you are close to the tightest turn the bike can make the handle bars are already turn all the way. So turning the handle bars more may not be an option.
Hi Kevin. Thank you again for a wonderful video. Can you make a video for recommended practice to shorter riders with heavy bikes? Mine is a R1200GS but at 5 4" sometimes it's a challenge. Installed is a Touraech extra low seat and I can reach the floor on both sides. I've taken the Motorrad courses and learned a lot but do you have additional recommendations for shorter riders?
At a slow light where your 2-3 mph, stop then go then stop then go. I leave my feet down. Just to lazy to keep putting them up and down every time. Just easier to just leave them dangling.
Only thing I can’t do is shift my weight to counter balance when in slow tight turn. Have lower back problems so if I try it my back immediately tells me ,don’t do that,LoL, having said that it only makes me strive to get better at the rest of the maneuver.
I can put a different slant on this. I ride a 125cc CVT scooter.The left lever operates both brakes, 80% on the rear, 20% on the front. Testing these on gentle curves, I found the bike stayed neutral. Thanks to Kevin's training, I have (so far) made lots of full-lock turns from stop without drama, head fully turned, modest revs, and flickering the brake lever keeping the clutch forced into the friction zone. Feet dangling well off the ground though; at that angle of the handlebar, there's no room for a knee. So far so good. I park my scooter behind the house and have to start and end my rides weaving between vehicles and plant pots on the gravel drive. This is always the toughest bit, and it seems tougher returning. I've found that psyching myself up for moment by leaning forward and staring intently where I want/have to go helps me to minimize weave. There's only about 2 feet clearance each side most of the way, and it's not a straight path. A few times I had stop dead, but not yet hit anything (I might have kicked one of those plant pots, but that's another matter.) What I'm leading to here is that I use the "stare hard, lean forward a bit" technique when doing U turns, and when pulling away, whether turning or going straight. If I don't spend that fraction of a second in psych mode first, I'm all over the place. And I use the same technique when riding very slowly - stare had at the ground directly in front of me. This helps me to stop with the front wheel where I would very much like it to be, if it would be so kind.
I made that schoolboy mistake of braking while turning at slow speed back in April this year. My embarrassment was only exceeded by my frustration at my own stupidity.
I would say it depends how well you have your head together. Progressive braking is a skill all on its own for a bike without abs. I would imagine that if you work on it like you should be doing with all your other basic MSF skills, you will be just fine.
Just my opinion here and I'm an old guy with many many years on 2-wheels but I will never ride any legbreaker with ABS on it. Goes against the first rule my dad taught me (a former flat-track racer) "never put the bike on the ground" intentionally - when ya do that you are simply along for the ride and rash. As long as ya have the scoot on 2 wheels (and ya have a good feel for balancing the weight of whatever size scoot you are riding) YOU still have control of that motorcycle. I have slid 600-900 pound scoots parallel to the idiot that pulled out and stopped in front of me (and they always stop directly in your path it seems) and literally uprighted the bike from it's lean from sliding sideways and rode around them more times than I can remember (Houston drivers grrrrrr) - ya cannot do that IMHO with a scoot that has ABS and I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks. (I rented a car once unaware it had ABS and they were not happy when I returned it (Lincoln Towncar) with a bent steering wheel after topping an overpass to find a parking lot instead of a freeway - no crash but I probably bent the brake pedal too, and yep, I had to change my shorts).
I assume that most people who brag they have never dropped a bike... well, they just aren't practicing slow speed maneuvers enough. Adding to places not to practice u-turns.... country roads with gravel shoulders and ditches ... oh yeah, I was staring at that gravel before I dropped it... fortunately at a walking speed, only my pride was damaged.
You think you're joking with the thumbnail, but two days ago I saw a lady on a Harley with literally that same setup... two extra wheels, on either side of the main rear wheel, outrigger-style, with full fenders and trim, etc.... looked like a trike, but no; it was a motorcycle with two extra wheels 🤦🏻♀️
Always good info from you, I've been practicing the slow turn and uturn in a parking lot nearby and I was struggling a bit probably because I was using the front brake with the clutch. Today will be different! New habits. Thanks.
Ok, worked on it yesterday with the rear brake and it was definitely easier. Still struggling a little with the body counterweight, head turn, rear brake, clutch and throttle all at the same time. Repetition should fix that. Question on the throttle, should I be trying to bring the rpms up a bit so when I feather the clutch I get a quick response?
True, many attendees at rallies are posers that have weak skills. And there are many other places to find posers. Let's encourage these rides to improve their skills and tactics. Let's show them the advantages of improved skills and tactics. Let's avoid insulting them. That only makes them more resistant to change and improvement.
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Mastering slow speed maneuvers gave me tremendous confidence on the bike. I practice it every time I ride with some slow speed tight figure 8's.
It is amazing how that one small thing can help in a lot of other areas of riding.
@@MCrider I take every opportunity to see how long I can maintain my slow speed without putting foot on the ground, still needs work but Yes, that is an important skill.
Hello Kevin, I’m commenting from rural Scotland in the UK. You have a far reach. I’ve been riding for 40 years. I have still learnt from your videos. Thanks.
Awesome Charles, from Texas to Scotland...my family tree reaches back there. ;)
MCrider - Motorcycle Training Hello Texas. I had my dna done recently. Apparently I have dozens of relatives who are Texans! Small world. Let’s hear it for USA.
Every time I am going slow at a light or intersection, I'm thinking that Kevin is behind me. Try to get my speed down to 2-3 mph with feet up. It's great motivation.
Every time I ride period I imagine he is with me.
As an Airline Pilot, I have been completing recurrent training every 6 months for the past 30 years. As a motorcycle rider, I have been attending recurrent advanced classes every 24 months for the past 30 years. In all of those sessions, there has never been an occasion where I didn’t walk away having either learned something new, polished a rusty skill with the supervision of a professional coach or had a lot of fun. It all paid off when I collided with a deer while riding through West Virginia with my wife on the back. The muscle memory kicked in without me even thinking about it and we kept the bike upright and in our lane. I can’t emphasize enough how much continual coaching and practice has paid off. Not to mention, riding is much more enjoyable. Really like your videos!
Being able to finally do slow speed u turns like they're nothing was so satisfying. I had such a big smile on my face when I could do them over and over again. It's a real confidence booster when you finally learn to do it correctly
Still working on this, not there yet but soon hopefully
A rider can never hear "head and eyes, frictiin zone, light rear brake pressure" enough when talking about slow speed maneuvering! I dropped a buddy's brand new Fat Boy back in 2005 because of not knowing these easily learned (and practiced) skills. Great video!
Great advice. Got my licence a few weeks back. Ended up dropping my new bike in front of my parents apartment building. I think probably everyone saw me and were laughing :) Reason? Hitting the front brake while turning. I knew not to do that, but that instinct was not gone apperently. Huge dent in my confidence and expensive fix on my Kawasaki.
Thank you Kevin for another great video, I told my son, I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about riding a motorcycle! Thank you my friend!
Keep them coming i Lear smothering every time I watch👍
The primary problem is firmly rooted in physics. The wheels/tires generate centrifugal force, exactly like a spinning top does. At low speeds the force isn't sufficient to counteract the center of gravity of the motorcycle. So a top heavy bike becomes essentially more top heavy the slower you go. A low center of gravity bike does too, but it shows less in handling. I rode a Concours 14 for a few years, and extremely top heavy motorcycle. At higher speeds the handling was spot on, but at slow speed, like pulling into a gas station and maneuvering around cars and trucks it feels extremely top heavy and out of balance. My Harley-Davidson felt much more secure at slow speeds, but with all that weight, a mistake was something you might not be able to stop before the bike needs two people to pick up. Well, when I was younger I could do it alone, but not anymore. So I ride a trike, but thats a different story.
The second part of the problem is lack of practice. Pure and simple. Thats why MSF Experienced Rider courses have you run a tight figure eight and do sharp turns followed by stops where you keep your feet on the pegs until the bike stops moving. Its a combination of practice and gaining confidence. You have to know what it feels like to do it well in the real world.
@patrick henry LOL. You are so polite! Centrifugal force has absolutely nothing to do with it. As the bike slows, inertia is overcome by gravity and friction forcing the object to come to rest becoming static (another type of inertia). If the moving object is an inherently unstable mass (say a wheeled cycle) it will come to rest how, and when gravity dictates. That can be overcome by adding throttle, balance, and lean to re-establish rectilinear motion (moving inertia), OR decreasing throttle (and/or applying brakes, i.e. friction) to stop the machine, and brace it level with your legs and feet thereby achieving stasis (resting inertia). Seems like "firm roots in physics" start some time after 4th Grade.
Struggling at slow speed is absolutely me!! Thanks for this. I have a top heavy Adventure bike (Varadero) and that doesn't help. Another thing I have noticed is how much more difficult it is to ride very slowly in traffic when you are tired!
This video will help with that.
ruclips.net/video/7Ix1B9MjKOQ/видео.html
@@MCrider Brilliant, thanks Kevin! I really do need to dip my hand in my pocket and will tonight.
You are an amazing rider coach. I am a returning rider after a 20 year break. I have forgotton more than I used to know. I used to consider myself a good rider back then. There was not MSF course when I started riding, you just bought your bike, read a book and took a written test for the permit. Then you went to a parking lot with your licensed friend and your diagrams from the local licensing authourity, (DMV here in Oregon) and practiced until you felt confident to take the riding test, no sage advice or actual technical training was involved. I recently finished my intermediate riding course and I can tell you I needed that course, both now and some 30 years ago when I originaly started riding. What was the most important thing for me? The simple advice that the instructor gave to me at the end of the course as he told me I had passed. He said "Keep your head and eyes up. You look down too much." The reason I say this is the most important thing I learned that day is because I honestly did not know I was doing it. Certainly this is not something ne,w I am sure I did the same when I rode before. I want to thank you and apologize to you at the same time. I watch your videos because they are entertaining and easy to listen to. I have learned so much just listening to your advice. For that I want to thank you profusely. I am unable to join due to financial restraints. I promise you that if I could, I would as I feel that what you offer is extremely valuable. for that I apologize. Anyway this comment is too long already have a great day and rememt to keep the shiny side up.
FALCRO this comment is for other. You already realize the importance of, as you put it, "I didn't even realize I was doing it." This is to encourage others to go take a class. And when you take a class be open minded. If an instructor says you are doing something that needs to be improved listen. They have experience teaching and observing riders. If they say your doing something there a a 99% chance you are doing it. If they say that you need improvement in an area believe. Ask for suggestions.
There are many rides on the road that started when you first started that are not as good as you are now. They never told a break from riding. So they never took a class. The just kept practicing the same bad habits for twenty thirty, or forty years. Because they have been lucky they think they are good rides.
Thanks Kevin. You are an inspiration and role model to me as fairly new rider at age 59. I often imagine I am riding with you behind me as I try to hone my riding skills. I see so many bad examples of riding out there and I'm glad you are there as a voice promoting motorcycle education and sensibility.
Thanks again Kevin. Been watching your vids for a while now, finally subscribed. I too can attest that a front break grab at slow speed will drop the bike. Did it twice on a resent cross country trip. Very embarrassing. An especially bad move on gravel.
Hi Kevin, new rider just finished course get my M2 monday, have a great friend to ride with i'm 60 hes 72 have a 750 Honda Shadow lots for me for a few years, im a big man 240 6ft. got on bike last Friday practiced in great parking lot, Sunday went for first ride 70 miles. Today going for 2nd, watched this vidio and this morning practiced for hour in parking lot. Thanks for your all your instuctions there great and very helpful.
Thanks once again Kevin! I think one thing is crucial is to be on manageable bike, these guys in your video are having large beautiful and expensive bikes that some of them can’t manage or simply afraid to practice because they don’t want to fall down. I like HD road king and I have test ridden one recently but despite the fact it is the most beautiful Harley in my opinion I have to be honest with myself that it is too heavy and too large for me at least at the moment with relatively long brake in riding mc.
another super video Kevin, keep up the great work. Keep practicing, I find if I dont, rust sets in and that is why keeping motorcycling all year is a big help. Thanks again.
Yes, riding is a perishable skill.
Thanks Kevin. Friction zone, head and eyes, rear brake. The essentials.
Yep
I’ve been receiving your Friday videos for a long time but the last 2 weeks I’ve gotten nothing. I value your videos and the lessons they offer. I’ve re applied for the subscription and hope that corrects the problem
I ride (and practice slow trials) on my Ultra. But its a lot of fun to run the same trial on the wife's sportster! I use that to show me where i need improvement on the big bike! Haven't dropped the sporty yet, but that Ultra is no fun to pick up! I have noticed one thing: It won't fall over without an audience! Been there, done that!
I remember years ago really having to be very careful on turns in major intersections because the striping material that was used was very slick especially when wet. The striping materials that are used now seem to be much better
I have had bikes with drum front brake that don't grab and are only good for sitting at lights, I haven't dropped a bike in 35 years until I got this FLSTC with disc front brakes. I dropped this bike three time once in my garage pushing it and once in my yard and once in a parking lot where I was working on getting use to a front brake that grabs hard. I dropped it all because i used a front brake I was not use to.
Adjust the lever's position to fit you, and then just use two fingers for the brake.
Even on the works scooters, a bit of rear brake and a touch of gas increases the level of control whether making a tight u-turn or filtering between traffic to the front of the queue.
Very informative video and especially amazed by your figure 8 clip! Great job Kevin!
Going to a big heavy cruiser right away has a much steeper learning curve. I am a big guy but ride a tw200. It has taught me so much about balance and slow speed riding. Also if I drop it there is really no consequences.
Smart man.
@@MCrider I have had multiple other bikes but the tw has always stayed. I currently have a nc700x which I like but it is no tw200. People make fun of me till I let them ride it and then they get it.
After watching a bunch of Jerry Palladino's videos a few years ago I took it as a challenge and spent many hours practicing both starting and stopping with the bars locked hard left and right, not sure it made me a better rider but it taught me how to control the front brake on my Harley at low speeds and must have looked hilarious to anyone watching.
The other thing that starting with the handle bars at full lock and the motorcycle leaning gets a person practicing is controlling the lean angle by varying the speed. It is a great clutch and throttle coordination drill. I always enjoy doing this.
Watched this with the intention of adding things you forgot but DANGED if you didn't hit on all the most important parts of slow riding. You friggin' rock.
(okay, one thing you didn't mention, maybe on porpoise, those big-assed HD's and like bikes may weight 800 pounds, give or take, but they're pretty danged easy to ride at slow speeds 'cause of that low CG. Ask me how I know :) ). Thanks again, just awesome info' on this channel.
You are an inspiration.
In real estate there is location,location,location....n cycling (motor or pedal) there is balance, balance, balance and to get better balance you must practice, practice, practice 👍🏼. Stay safe, Stay healthy 😷
Love your channel, ordered some decals today, probably going to become a supporter and pick up the field guide soon. Keep up the great work!
Awesome! Thank you!
Kevin, what changes would you make for a u-turn with a passenger on the back? Keep the good stuff coming buddy.
No changes, just ask the passenger to remain still on the bike and don't fight the lean.
There is no change in the technique… But practice with a passenger so that you get used to the additional weight… The passenger should scoot up to you as tightly as possible and turn their head & eyes with you… Jerry Paladino has.a Ride Like A Pro video where he demonstrates a U-turn with a passenger… You can find it on RUclips… then practice till you get it right, then practice till you can’t get it wrong... All the best…
Yes sir, I do u turns quite often with my wife on the back. As long as she keeps still and sits upright the maneuver becomes as easy as riding by myself.
After riding for a few min I make it a point to do at least 2 u turns each direction some place and 2 figure 8s and one turn from a stop at lock steering angle right and left. People I ride with say I am screwing around all the time. I just smile and nod my head.
Great show again this week. Seems I was much better at slow speed when I was younger and doing lots of trail riding at low speeds. I'll have to do some more practice! God bless and Stay safe.
Great info as usual! Thanks Kevin!
If you really want to practice slow speed riding to the point where you can get your knee down while turning at walking pace it is advisable to learn how to replace your clutch plates. If you can change your clutch plates in 15 minutes you can then have one set for everyday riding and one set for slow speed riding practice. If you can't ride safely at very low speeds you'll never manage to do it at high speeds.
I just finally passed my road test after a difficult time getting an appointment because of COVID. Still, I remember 15 mins before my Motorcycle Skills Test here in B.C. Canada, I threw my bike on the ground by grabbing the front brake at full lock. I just laughed while my buddy just stared at me, not laughing.
Having just had my 1st accident on my bike about 2 months ago ( thank goodness only a couple of brused ribs ) I won't to thank you for admitting that even professionals riders can have an accident . Ride safe my friend.
Drops happen, especially in training. Much better to drop the bike in a parking lot when it doesn't matter than drop it in the street with traffic when it does matter. Practice Practice
I may have been recently practicing figure 8s in a parking lot with my 1994 Honda Magna 750cc but I feel like I have work to do as compared to the much tighter loops that Kevin was fluidly performing while driving on a larger motorcycle and making it look easy.
It takes some time and practice. Not hard if you use the correct technique.
ruclips.net/video/7Ix1B9MjKOQ/видео.html
Yes, Kevin could ride figure-8's inside of my figure 8's easily. I find them challenging to practice, as it makes me a bit dizzy. lol
Other than the intimidation factor of weight and length, larger motorcycle are not always the hardest to do low speed maneuvers on. Steering lock, clutch & throttle response and gearing are also factors. Example Harley Sportster handle bars don't turn as far as the handle bars on most other Harleys.
Love the intro on headphones .great info as usual kev i try to train between kerbs gives that real life scenario yes first few times hit kerb( was looking at it )dropped bike luckliy only once. after a bit of training in parking lots i am now doing figure of eights in same gap this is a vast improvement to my early days and this can boost your confidence immensly also try to let cars through in tight spaces and keep feet off ground to control bike a bit more only on a 130 kg 125 at moment massive delay in taking tests over here in uk love from wales uk.
Always great advice!
If a rider depends on his/her feet on the pavement at slow speeds, that rider will ALWAYS plant a foot when things go wrong while riding at ANY speed. It's a learned reaction and riders that drag their feet are teaching their bodies to depend on feet on the ground instead of depending on the clutch, throttle, and break to ride or maneuver out of sticky situations. This is why we practice; not so much to be able to ride at slow speeds; but to learn to control the motorcycle at any speed. I was taught that when a rider puts feet on the pavement, that's the moment he/she says, "I give up, I can't control my motorcycle. The ONLY way to develop proper motorcycles skills is at slow speeds.
I know far too many people that have suffered broken legs, ankles, and feet because they instinctively planted a foot while their motorcycle was in motion. There's a time to plant one's left foot . . . that is, after the motorcycle has stopped! (Right foot should remain on the brake). Otherwise, when the motorcycle is in motion, both feet should be on the pegs/floorboards. It's a shame to ruin a perfectly good day by unnecessarily crashing one's motorcycle because the rider doesn't have the skills to ride it properly and safely.
Brilliant stuff, Kevin, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Feathering the throttle and Front Brake never failed me at slow speeds .
Even won a competition doing that exact thing but of course turning requires you to switch to rear brake
Should have watched this BEFORE I left this morning....Pulling out of the gravel drive, full lock, slow speed and a sudden need to stop.
Once again, I'd like to see a video of you making such tight U-turns with your DCT Goldwing instead of your GS...
Kevin, when you use the front brake with no angle on the bars, the force of the bike moving forward goes through the steering head at a zero degree angle and into the front end and through the tire to the ground, stopping the bike. If you turn the handlebars to a significant angle, some of that force is now going to go into forcing the bike to roll over the front tire, which rolls the bike into a lean angle that keeps increasing until the bike is stopped. If the speed is sufficient and the angle of the bars big enough, the bike stops when it hits the ground on the side the front tire was turned to. Try it in your garage at a very slow speed and watch the bike try to roll over the front tire in the direction you turn the bars. Look at those stoppies, that is the whole bike rolling over the front tire.
I talked to a potential new rider the other day and he was saying how he would never use the front brake. I told him you had to or you would never get a license. I told him the front brake is 80-90 percent of a bike's stopping power. This is an older fellow and he is hardheaded because some people talked to him about how dangerous the front brake is. Yes, I told him, it is if you don't know how to use it. I am afraid he is heading toward a rough time. Told him about your channel. Keep up the good work, Kevin.
Kudos Kevin!
I went out to practice the figure eight lock to lock turns you demonstrated here. Great practice, and it demonstrated that I need more of it. It was funny that I had a relatively easy time doing it to the right, but lefts were about 2 feet wider. Even stopped to make sure I was getting all the way to the steering stop. I was! Just got to get my mind trained. Thanks for this exercise, I will continue with it until it is mastered.
Did you just start using a noise gate? The background noise disappearing is, pardon me, 'bad technique'. Take it from a newbie on a bike who's been an audio engineer for over 30 years. And thanks for all you do. I support you on Patreon. You deserve it.
time add something on my practice routine.. i can do the slow speed except for the u turn coz it feels weird looking way far back.. hahaha.. tnx alot
Watched a video just last night in Sturgis, following a group of bikes through a bunch of lights, and this guy, with a passenger, never picked his feet up! The most stupid thing I've ever seen! I practice keeping my feet up until I'm stopped, even with my wife on the back, every time I ride!
Don't know what kind of mileage he gets out of those boots, but I bet it ain't much!🤣
Youda best, Kevin!!😎
Yeap, me to.
Was he wearing mc boots or work boots with a heavy sole? My road boots would be worn out pretty quickly.
@@iallso1 Don't know what kind of boots they were, but I'm thinkin' if you're gonna drag your feet like that, you should put steel cleats on the heels and at least give us a spark show!🤣
Stay cool, brother!!
@@davehamilton8034 My logger boots feel big and clunky when I ride bit I love the way they look.
Is this a quick fix? lol
hey kevin i just got a new to me 2004 dyna with forward controls. can you put out a video that teaches me ways to operate it better. thanks.
For me, the solution was doing daily trafic. Often going as slow as 3 or 4 kph. Also doing uturns on parking lots. With a Star Stryker it was not that easy at first as it was my first bike. But I think it paid off. I see a lot of people just avoid city and traffic just doing long rides at highway speeds. There are things to learn there, but avoiding slow speed, I really think it's a bad idea if you really want to master your bike.
Mastering slow speed skills will help every other aspect of riding.
Do your viewers really have trouble with slow skills? They seem pretty confident, and the dreadful riders watch other channels.
The real problem I see is the rider who buys a 600lb bike, has never ridden a bicycle (or hasn't in 50 years), always drove an automatic..
I can tell if a new rider has no bicycle skills, even if they took the MSF course, they faked it during the exam, like a ballroom dancer counting outloud and only stepping on his date's toes a couple times.
Guys, I don't think you should start on a 300cc. I think if you have balance problems, then start with a Schwinn, then the 250/300.
I wish they'd reintroduce full motorcycle frame 125 like the old CB125 for starting bikes in North America. Honda now has novelty bikes with that motor (Monkey Grom Cub), but not a true learning frame for a teen boy or smaller stanced woman wanting a MOTORCYCLE. Asia, Aus, SouthAmerica and Europe still have these.
I think the average viewer has better skills than most, because they accept they can be better, and work on their skills.
@@garthhowe297 this is the mature rider vlog. He is probably preaching to the choir. The Goldwing definitely nailed that down. Here's hoping it'll fall on freshly plowed ground.
Correct, in the 70's EU, we started on 50cc at the age of 16 and did all our repairs ourself. To be honest, we laugh with all that duck stepping , sunday riders and total stupid questions in the fb groups.
The Yamaha TW200 is used (I’m told) in a lot of the riding schools.
@@corneilcorneil I started with a worn out 1971 CL70 in 1975. Learned how to fix engines, fuel systems and adjust mechanicals on that 5hp, dual drum bike at 14. So it was common in the US too.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
Hello Kevin, the example with one of your first mistakes sounds very familiar. I ve made the same mistake and I was looking to some obstacles I did nt want to hit. And also used the front brake with the same result🤣
LOL, See, proven fact. ;)
Hey Kevin great video as always. For the many, including yourself who now ride with out a hand clutch (DCT) would you do the same practice maneuvers with your DCT. Perhaps mor tips for theDCT users. Many videos using friction zone but few routine video programs on DCT programs. Thank.
A while back I was experimenting with some ECU mods and had just installed a fresh flash. The ECU had not yet learned the idle properties of the engine, and it stalled when I was starting a right turn after a stop with my feet on the pegs. The handlebars were at full right and I leaned confidently into the turn, expecting power and grace. Next thing I know, I feel and look like an idiot. Oh well, lesson learned. The ECU needs practice too! 😁
On an unrelated topic, I have to wonder... Do you ever lose your camera drone in one of those trees dotting the practice parking lot?
Thanks...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Great 411
Great topic. Did you ever complete the ride like a cop series? I can’t find it searching you tube.
The people from the Sturgis cam footage didn't appear to be struggling. They were just being lazy.
My thoughts would be they probably had been drinking
I don't get why it even matters. Once you get comfortable enough on your bike you can cut corners here and there.
And if you're at sturgis going from stop sign to stop sign then it's probably more comfortable to keep the feet down.
It takes a good amount of muscle power to lift your legs up on the pegs over and over again, with boots and chaps especially.
I'm sure by the end of the day they've had it.
Plus I'd say it's actually a good thing to practice bad technique every now and then. Like braking in a turn for example. Something that msf teaches as a no-no is actually a very useful thing to get comfortable with.
It's totally fine to engine brake all the way through a turn, but a lot of new riders think it's not safe and get in accidents because of it.
@@quantumleap4023 two comments.
First comment, Not picking up your feet place your feet in a location that increases the the chance of a foot injury. That is why it is considered better to have your feet on the pegs or boards. But I do agree with you, many of the Sturgis rides were probably just being lazy.
Second comment. The MSF Basic Rides Course does teach emergency / quick stops in a corner. In the class parking lot the technique that creates the shortest stopping distance is one of the exercises. This technique is straighten and then brake to a stop. This permits maximum braking force. This technique is not always the best option. In the classroom additional quick stop in a curve techniques are talked about. This talk includes when each technique would be used and how they can be combined. For anyone that has taken the class it may be a good idea to review this section in the class book. Many people don't remember this section.
Most MSF instructors discourage covering the brake while riding on the class parking lot, specially during turns. This is due to the tendency of even experienced make poor brake choices under the pressure of the class. This guidance is for use on the parking lot during the class. In the classroom and in the class book MSF encourages covering the brakes under certain situations.
Kevin was talking about the problem of using the front brake at slow speed with the motorcycle leaning and the handle bars turned. He was not talking about riding at above 10 mph. By slow speed he means less than 5 mph. Skidding isn't the only problem.
Stopping with the bike leaning like this means that you have to hold up a bike that not only leaning but in the process of leaning more. AKA falling. It is leaning more or fall because slowing down causes the bike to lean more. To make the bike to lean less speed needs to increase or the handle bars need to be turned farther. If you are close to the tightest turn the bike can make the handle bars are already turn all the way. So turning the handle bars more may not be an option.
Yep done did the low speed brake in the parking lot ..boink down I went
Yep. ;)
Hi Kevin. Thank you again for a wonderful video. Can you make a video for recommended practice to shorter riders with heavy bikes? Mine is a R1200GS but at 5 4" sometimes it's a challenge. Installed is a Touraech extra low seat and I can reach the floor on both sides. I've taken the Motorrad courses and learned a lot but do you have additional recommendations for shorter riders?
At a slow light where your 2-3 mph, stop then go then stop then go. I leave my feet down. Just to lazy to keep putting them up and down every time. Just easier to just leave them dangling.
Only thing I can’t do is shift my weight to counter balance when in slow tight turn. Have lower back problems so if I try it my back immediately tells me ,don’t do that,LoL, having said that it only makes me strive to get better at the rest of the maneuver.
Counterweighting is not mandatory but some riders find it useful. I don't do it unless I am really striving for a tight u-turn.
I can put a different slant on this. I ride a 125cc CVT scooter.The left lever operates both brakes, 80% on the rear, 20% on the front. Testing these on gentle curves, I found the bike stayed neutral. Thanks to Kevin's training, I have (so far) made lots of full-lock turns from stop without drama, head fully turned, modest revs, and flickering the brake lever keeping the clutch forced into the friction zone. Feet dangling well off the ground though; at that angle of the handlebar, there's no room for a knee.
So far so good. I park my scooter behind the house and have to start and end my rides weaving between vehicles and plant pots on the gravel drive. This is always the toughest bit, and it seems tougher returning. I've found that psyching myself up for moment by leaning forward and staring intently where I want/have to go helps me to minimize weave. There's only about 2 feet clearance each side most of the way, and it's not a straight path. A few times I had stop dead, but not yet hit anything (I might have kicked one of those plant pots, but that's another matter.)
What I'm leading to here is that I use the "stare hard, lean forward a bit" technique when doing U turns, and when pulling away, whether turning or going straight. If I don't spend that fraction of a second in psych mode first, I'm all over the place. And I use the same technique when riding very slowly - stare had at the ground directly in front of me. This helps me to stop with the front wheel where I would very much like it to be, if it would be so kind.
I made that schoolboy mistake of braking while turning at slow speed back in April this year. My embarrassment was only exceeded by my frustration at my own stupidity.
Good info but it didn’t come until 4:11 into the video. You can cut this down a lot and get more views while still spreading valuable knowledge.
Is ABS brakes recommended for a new rider. I ordered a bike but it came without ABS I could either take it or wait a couple months for one with a ABS
I would say it depends how well you have your head together. Progressive braking is a skill all on its own for a bike without abs. I would imagine that if you work on it like you should be doing with all your other basic MSF skills, you will be just fine.
Just my opinion here and I'm an old guy with many many years on 2-wheels but I will never ride any legbreaker with ABS on it. Goes against the first rule my dad taught me (a former flat-track racer) "never put the bike on the ground" intentionally - when ya do that you are simply along for the ride and rash. As long as ya have the scoot on 2 wheels (and ya have a good feel for balancing the weight of whatever size scoot you are riding) YOU still have control of that motorcycle. I have slid 600-900 pound scoots parallel to the idiot that pulled out and stopped in front of me (and they always stop directly in your path it seems) and literally uprighted the bike from it's lean from sliding sideways and rode around them more times than I can remember (Houston drivers grrrrrr) - ya cannot do that IMHO with a scoot that has ABS and I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks. (I rented a car once unaware it had ABS and they were not happy when I returned it (Lincoln Towncar) with a bent steering wheel after topping an overpass to find a parking lot instead of a freeway - no crash but I probably bent the brake pedal too, and yep, I had to change my shorts).
I assume that most people who brag they have never dropped a bike... well, they just aren't practicing slow speed maneuvers enough. Adding to places not to practice u-turns.... country roads with gravel shoulders and ditches ... oh yeah, I was staring at that gravel before I dropped it... fortunately at a walking speed, only my pride was damaged.
Never trust anybody who hasn't cleared at least one set of handlebars! They haven't learned respect for the bike yet!
The most difficult part is the steady throttle
Man, you literally practice and live 20 minutes from me. I'm in north richland hills
Yep, not very far away at all. I used to live in NRH.
You think you're joking with the thumbnail, but two days ago I saw a lady on a Harley with literally that same setup... two extra wheels, on either side of the main rear wheel, outrigger-style, with full fenders and trim, etc.... looked like a trike, but no; it was a motorcycle with two extra wheels 🤦🏻♀️
Kevin! If I watch your video repeatedly before bed every night for a month do I still have to practice?!
LOL, yes...but you can still watch every night, it helps my numbers.
The biggest problem is ... ego! What is wrong with starting on a 50cc bike?
Always good info from you, I've been practicing the slow turn and uturn in a parking lot nearby and I was struggling a bit probably because I was using the front brake with the clutch. Today will be different! New habits. Thanks.
Using the rear brake only will make a HUGE difference! Come back and leave a comment and let us know how you did.
@@MCrider Will do, thanks.
Ok, worked on it yesterday with the rear brake and it was definitely easier. Still struggling a little with the body counterweight, head turn, rear brake, clutch and throttle all at the same time. Repetition should fix that. Question on the throttle, should I be trying to bring the rpms up a bit so when I feather the clutch I get a quick response?
Sounds like you caught some flack from the bad asses about their riding.
Not too much flack, I just wanted to make sure everyone understands the intent of the channel.
Have you ever considered a collab with Dan Dan the Fireman?
Sturgis. What a bunch of clowns.
True, many attendees at rallies are posers that have weak skills. And there are many other places to find posers.
Let's encourage these rides to improve their skills and tactics. Let's show them the advantages of improved skills and tactics. Let's avoid insulting them. That only makes them more resistant to change and improvement.