Thank you for this video. I started to progress with “slow” speed maneuvers once I realized I was going too slow. A specific amount of momentum is necessary to keep the bike balanced. This is the type of info we need in the community
So glad I discovered your channel! I've been riding for 4 yrs. I took MSF, and then IMMEDIATELY hired a retired moto-officer for 1:1 training for an additional month. He competes in the rodeos and works for H-D and YCRS (you probably know of him). We spent 4 hrs. each week (in one block) for 4 straight weeks and the foundation he gave me was - and remains - immeasurable. I can honestly say that, purely because of his tutelage, I am light years ahead of people who've been riding for 30+ years. I say that not in a brag-y way; instead, to show my deference to what y'all do and to thank you for providing such sound guidance to the MC community. I still watch the usual suspects, all of whom are talented, but you're right...nobody's talking about what you are in this video. Robert Simmons is phenomenal, no doubt, and he, along with Quinn Redeker, Jay from Motor Officer Training (Houston), and Andrey from MotoControl are my favorites, because y'all get into more granularity, but manage to do so succinctly. Your camera at 2:18 and again at 3:50 where you're physically demonstrating and then walking us through the actual turn is pure gold! Thank you for what you do and your focus on keeping riders safe (Obvi, I subbed). 🤘✌
You, sir, are the exception! Continued training after MSF is very rare. I absolutely love to see people take their skills and safety seriously. When I became a motor officer, I realized the group I was in was very serious about this stuff. I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be just riding a motorcycle around some traffic cones. No, it was more than that. They taught me that this is a discipline, like a martial art, that you continuously improve on yet never fully master. I love the motorcycle community and, hopefully through RUclips, I can reach some people who want to take it seriously. If I can pass on skills and safety and save even one person or prevent a family from dealing with a loss, it will be worth it. Thank you for the kind words! Glad to have you!
@@BarkersBikes - Couldn't agree with you more and you nailed it by analogizing it to martial arts. You're right to characterize it as a discipline, and I believe that's why guys like you who create this content have such a well-deserved cult following. Most people take the MSF, get their license, and that's it...nothing further, which is scary AF, for them AND the rest of society. But you, the others, and all who follow, view it as a discipline and a challenge. It's fun to get better at things, and all who enjoy this are, IMO, competitive by nature, certainly with themselves, and that's healthy. Tiger Woods doesn't show up at the 1st Tee without hitting the range first, and the only way to get better is through persistence. I've also noticed that when other drivers see someone who's in control of their motorcycle, they respect that rider. They know the rider knows what he/she is doing and not some daredevil or idiot. Again, much respect for what you do, thank you for your service and sacrifice, and thank you for giving your time to share useful, life-saving knowledge. Looking forward to watching your channel's growth! 🙌
It’s a good way to say fall without saying fall. If you’re teaching a class of new students, they are already terrified. Telling them they will fall makes it even worse. Another thing to say is “ unscheduled dismount”. Thanks for watching!
Nobody taught me how to ride my first bike at age 25 yo, until after I had ridden three bikes, years later. Finally, after buying and riding my Road King I went through a basic rider course at the Killeen Harley Davidson shop. It was very basic and mostly, “How to make slow turns”. I’m gonna try again, age 68 yo, at the HD shop where I live now. I’m really weak in maintenance skills. I know my riding skills are pretty simple. I would rather at least experience some real training before I quit…maybe to pass on to a grandson. Thank you, from east Tennessee.
Thanks for the comment! It’s very commendable of you to take the class again before passing along your love for riding to your grandson. That’s impressive. Thanks for watching!
I'm very curious why you use all 4 fingers on your clutch lever ? I've always loved having only 2. I also set up my lever more inboard so the 2 fingers grab with more leverage. Finally I set up the clutch so that I can have the clutch fully disengaged without any need to bring the lever close to the handle bar. It works great for trials, and I use it on the road too. Kind of the same with bicycle brakes. I find it gives me more precise control. What is your take in this please ? 🙏🏼
Hi, thanks for sharing. In police motor school, they require us to use all four fingers on the clutch lever and brake lever. The clutch pull on the Harley is pretty heavy and gets even heavier during extended training sessions. Personally, I find it more comfortable and feel I have better control when the friction zone is closer to the bar rather than further out. Most motor officers I know prefer it that way. I do see a lot of riders using two fingers on sport bikes and other types of bikes. I guess it depends on the bike and riding style. Good question. Thanks for watching!
I appreciate your kindness help... Im keeping learning from you... You are a very good person..trying to help others to be a good bicker... Excellent Episode as usual 👏🏻 Greetings from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 🌴
I just watched this video and subbed instantly! I feel like I learned so much in this 5 minutes. Can’t wait to see what else you are going to teach me! Thanks and keep up the good work!😎👍
Appreciate finding videos like yours. I took the SMART course with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and it made a world of difference. They also taught me to scoot up in the seat toward the tank using motormen terminology. IYKYk😂
Thank you for sharing your insights and instruction. Your combination of clear instructions with video overlay is very easy to follow. As I have much more time playing with a car than a bike, I'm thinking that your comments about using the friction zone & throttle to keep your bike stable in a U-turn (a steady-state turn) is analogous to "throttle-steering" a car in a steady-state turn. Ideally, once you have your wheel turned, you don't need or want to keep hacking at the steering (which upsets the balance), but just increase or decrease throttle to adjust your radius. It's so important to feel the friction zone on a bike even more than a car! Very excited to be riding again (and being safe in the process) and looking forward to more of your videos. God bless you, sir.
Knowledge is NOT a Burden when it comes to Safety & Riding a Motorcycle Correctly 😄👍 Even after i do my Learner course & Restricted/ Unrestricted Courses to become a fully licensed rider im definitely going to do some Advanced Riding Courses to learn & improve on my skills as a Motorcycle Rider 🏍 Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🍹🕺
What really helped me was to first do the "slow race" technique (basically playing with the friction zone - on and off) causing the motorcycle to get to the point of tipping over when nearly becoming completely idle and then slowly release the clutch to keep you upright and safe. In my own experience, this on and off process of engaging and disengaging the clutch trains you to instinctively learn to not brake or stick your legs out.. that applying power yo to thr rear wheel is the only thing that matters, in slow speed manoeuvres. All of this, strictly in a straight line, before even attempting to make any sort of turn. Only then, I would move on to attempting the slow turns (using your technique).. but already with the proper clutch control ingrained in your subconscious.
Ahhh… your recent video came across my feed. My first thought, we do that in motor training. It was then, I saw your other videos. I’m glad there are other motor instructors offering this information to the public. Great job! I’m gonna like, subscribe and check out your other videos.
It seems like a lot of the motor guys I know either assume the public already knows what they want/need to know, or they don’t care, or they don’t want to take the time to share their knowledge. If I can lower the yearly statistics by one… then that’s one person saved and one family not missing a loved one this Christmas.
While the logistics and techniques I know already I may not apply them 24 7 I am still practicing your specific explaination and camera view exactly when you let it out further into the friction zone was the piece I have been missing !!!!!!! Thank you. Can’t wait to practice just like this ❤🎉
Thanks man! Glad to run into your channel. We just picked up a bike for our channel to fix and flip. That is if we don't keep it for ourselves. lol. Can't wait to get back on a bike.
I’ve watched lots and lots of video’s on motorcycle slow speed training of which are all trying to teach beginning motorcycle riding people the bare beginning basic skills of how to ride a motorcycle at slow speeds in order to be safe on a motorcycle, be able to ride a motorcycle safely, and/or pass the required basic state skills test. Every one of them are excellent, and each of those instructors whether they are a MSF instructor, a private instructor, or an actual city, or state police motorcycle officer all do an outstanding job - bar none - at teaching those necessary basic slow speed riding skills. Yes, after that training by those great instructors, almost every new rider learns how to operate a motorcycle properly and generally passes the skills test the first time. Unfortunately, therein lies a problem. Every one of those video’s and instructors fail to address a specific situation getting more common to the newer motorcycles. The problem is that a lot of the newer motorcycles now have an automatic transmission. And a lot of people now-a-days are now getting these newer style automatic transmission motorcycles as their first motorcycle. Unfortunately they do not have a manual clutch, and a manual foot operated gearshift. So trying to teach the basics of feathering the clutch in the friction zone in order to control the motorcycle at slow speeds does not work as there is no manual clutch to feather in the friction zone. I know. I’m one of those people who now own one of those automatic transmission motorcycles and I’m struggling to learn how to do slow speed maneuvers without a clutch in order to pass the required basic state skills test. And nobody seems to have any training video’s of which addresses this problem. All these instructor's need to address this newer problem and start training and producing training video’s pertaining to how to operate an automatic transmission motorcycle of which does not have a manual clutch to feather in the friction zone at slow speeds in order to be able to pass the required basic state skills test. I'm not complaining per se' - I'm just trying to address a particular problem of which seems to have a lack of attention being paid to that particular problem of which needs attention brought to it for training those people who are in the same situation of owning an automatic transmission motorcycle and need to learn the basics of slow speed skills without a manual clutch in order to pass the required basic state skills test.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s very well written and clearly addresses your concerns. You’re right-automatic motorcycle riders don’t get much love when it comes to slow riding content. It seems that many hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts don’t take automatic motorcycles very seriously. The automatic transmission is often viewed more as a handicap than a luxury. I believe the combination of that perception and the stress slow maneuvers put on the transmission is why support for automatic motorcycles is low. That said, you make a valid point, and someone needs to address it. Automatic motorcycles are becoming more popular, and I don’t think it’s just a fad or something that will disappear. With that being said, slow maneuvers CAN be done. I would suggest only practicing for a few minutes (maybe five) at a time to give the motorcycle plenty of time to cool off. Without the clutch (my favorite of the trio), you’re left with throttle and rear brake. You can still perform these maneuvers, but you’ll need to really dial in your throttle and rear brake control. You’ll need to drag the rear brake while applying just the right amount of throttle. This means lightly applying the rear brake to create resistance and limit speed. Combined with the right throttle control, this will make the bike more stable and help it stand up at slow speeds. I’ve tried this on electric bikes like the Zero Cycles, and it worked fairly well. You’ve definitely got me thinking. I might take your advice and create some content on this topic in the future. Thanks again for sharing!
@@BarkersBikes - Thank You Sir. I am 74 years old, I used to have a motorcycle endorcement years ago and let it lapse.That was 40 years ago. I have ever since regretted that decision all these years. Now I have gotten bitten by the motorcycle bug again and have just purchased a 2021 Honda 1100 Rebel DCT with the automatic transmission. Unfortunately I have to start all over again basically from start. I passed the written test but now have to do the skills test. I didn't realize just how much I had forgotten in 40 years from the last time I had a motorcycle endorsement and had last rode a motorcycle. All I can say is... WOW ! - it's so embaressing and that you feel like an absolute beginner all over again due to the lack of use of those skills of which you once had. So having and starting all over again with a motorcycle of which has an automatic transmision is not easy nor is it an easy task to re-learn those slow speed skills with such a system of which does not have a manual clutch. But I'm Trying and I'm not giving up until I have re-mastered those skills again and have my endorcement once again. But Thank You Sir for your sincere interest in looking into and helping solve that problem pertaining to learning slow speed skills with automatic transmission motorcycles for others who are already in that situation an/or for those who may later find themselves in that same situation and may need that type of help. Also Thank You Sir for all your great training video's. They have been excelent, and you present them with a great deal of both knowledge, skill and precision in teaching so that they are easy to understand and learn with. (P. S. - At my age, one of my daughter's thinks I'm having a mid-life crisis. Another one of my daughters loves the idea, and loves my Honda 1100 Rebel motorcycle. - LOL. - But if I am, then all I can say is... it's going to be a fun crisis - LOL ) - Anyway, Keep up the great work, and great video's Sir.
Thanks for the splendid video. It's always a fine balance between clutch and throttle with a tad pressure on rear brake (friction zone), if needed. Rear wheel needs to have power while making turns, period.
I've been taught to u-turn in 2nd gear clutch fully engaged and enough throttle to prevent stalling the engine. Adjusting acceleration with the back break
Hello and thanks for watching and commenting. If that works for you then by all means do what works. However 2nd gear would be much too fast for the slow controlled u-turns I do. Being in a higher gear at a slow speed means less torque/power going to the rear wheel and more stress on the clutch. I need that power to keep the bike from falling over. 2nd gear u-turns rely on speed/momentum, combined with a little power, to keep the bike up. This is not necessary a bad thing but I want slow and controlled. Check out “How to Master Full Locked Turns On Any Motorcycle” these two videos complement each other.
That’s Japanese style… problem with that method is that it’s a fixed range of speed and only works for that single u turn… it won’t work in confined areas where you need more precision and control of your speed.
Nice vid. Go with me a bit, but I think classes should require bicycles as well as motorcycles to help people understand how momentum is crucial and help them conquer their fears of slow maneuvering. It paid off for my early years riding and I still use the mindset when practicing, which I do often. Cheers. 👍🤪🏳️🌈
Momentum can definitely help in many cases but in the motor officer world the turns and transitions are too tight to use momentum. We are required to use the technique I mention in this video. I love that you continue to practice! That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching! Glad to have you here.
Thanks. I just bought my first bike. I'm surely going to try this. :) Is there a way to figure out the smallest possible turning radius for a specific bike (to have a target to aim for)?
You could use some sidewalk chalk and mark the ground as you walk it in a full locked circle ⭕️ and then measure it. Maybe it’s on the manufacturers website or maybe you could Google it or check Chat GPT. I normally use parking spaces as a general rule of thumb because each parking stall is 9 feet in width. The Harley Davidson I ride has an 18 foot turning radius (without leaning). So if I can do a U-turn within 2 parking spaces I know I’m doing okay. You can achieve an extra 1.5-2 foot smaller turning radius on the Harley if you full lock and lean to the point the floorboards are dragging. Check out my latest video on “How to do a full locked turn on any motorcycle” You’ll probably find it useful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Please build on this concept. You explain and demonstrate this well. The clutch manages power to control. Pull in the clutch and there is no more power or control. CxPx0=0 Happy Riding
Thanks so much for the comment! My next video is in the works. It is about preventing rear-end collisions. A common fear amongst riders. Especially with all the distracted, driving these days. Thanks for the video ideas. I will definitely be thinking about those topics.
Something I have struggled with is, how hard do you hold the handlebars? I tend to support my upper body with my arms instead of my core , ( Broken back a few years ago killed my core muscles, The injury slows the rebuilding of muscles, but I am getting there). How much do you use your arms while riding? Are you muscling the bike around like a stubborn horse or are you just placing enough pressure to give the inputs on the bar like with a well trained horse?
The core is involved a lot. Being on a bike all day, everyday, has definitely strengthened my core muscles. I had a back injury a few years ago myself, unrelated to motorcycles, and being assigned to the motor unit unexpectedly helped my back more than anything else. Arms are involved but not much. They are more secondary. If your posture is upright. You push and pull the bars using more chest and back muscles than arms. However, I feel like the bars are very light and almost fall into place. The motorcycle will lean underneath you as you counter lean and the bars just seem to follow. The friction zone creates the stability so once I’m in the friction zone and start moving the weight of the bike and the bars is greatly reduced. Thanks for the comment! Glad you’re here!
Get that throttle up, find the friction zone, lean the bike, and use rear brake but u gotta push that bike down and lean that sucker. Practice ur ass off and try to get every part of the technique perfect! Practicing everything else with slow speed helps all other areas of slow speed too
That’s a common problem. It takes practice, but it’s better to have a little too much throttle at first than not enough. I’m going to be releasing a video about how to do a full locked turn. Practicing the technique that I’m going to explain in the video will help you. Be looking for that! Thanks for watching!
Unfortunately, modern bikes now come with an electronic throttle which often has it´s own plan (or program). I once dropped my new Triumph in a U-turn using my clutch, brake and throttle as many times before - when out of the nowhere (and in the middle of the turn) the ICU suddenly decided to rev up - probably to avoid stalling. So keeping the balance between clutch, throttle and movement in slow speed becomes more difficult in „modern times“…
We’ve had a few throttle issues from the new Harley’s with the throttle inadvertently dropping RPMs during the maneuver, even though the throttle was applied properly, so I understand what you’re saying. My new Kawasaki Z900rs actually did this to me yesterday and almost caused a drop. 😅 Thanks for watching!
What's help me, by and large, is to not let the engine impersonate Seth Rogan's laugh. With exception of turning into an uphill, that's kept me from stalling out.
Hey, bud. Coming back to this thread because I saw a video from Doodle yesterday offering conflicting info and thought you're just the authority to address it. Between 4:25 to 5:15, she discusses the moto-officer class FortNine took where they stressed counterweighting for slow speed vs. Lock & Lean where the officers stressed NOT doing that. What's your viewpoint, please? ruclips.net/video/enGo-UgY6vo/видео.htmlsi=y1ItBmiXNAGy_N6g
Never have I seen counter leaning done to the extent Fortnine demonstrates in that video. Letting the bike lean under you (counter leaning) is fine but it’s not the “#1 Key”. What Doodle was explaining is what we call “nuts on the tank” (please excuse the vulgarity) but that is what the police motor instructors will say if it’s a 100% male class to emphasize an upright and forward posture. The guys seems to understand exactly what they should do when they’re told this. So starting from the top down… Head and eyes, clutch and throttle, nuts on the tank, rear brake. Thanks for the comment. Very interesting stuff.
@@BarkersBikes - hahaha. Man, I think you just created your tag-line! I can see it on t-shirts. Seriously, thanks for that because it's a solid tip. I agree FortNine's leaning was extreme, although presumed he demonstrated that way simply for affect. Regardless, when I say Doodle's posture, I thought her arms looked too tense and restricted (like chicken wings). Gotta be relaxed overall and have freedom of movement. I'm gonna experiment with it nonetheless and might even take L&L...I'm intrigued. Thanks again, bud!
"Pull in the clutch and apply the brakes" is stupid advice because if something is REALLY going wrong, you should just brake. Bike stalls? Whatever. If you don't get hit by a truck, that doesn't matter. Also you see newbs going 30 mph hundreds of feet from an intersection pulling the clutch to start braking. Well now you have to be in some gear, and decide when to let the clutch out. Is a newbie going to rev match after braking and shifting? No. So now they're suddenly getting drag from the rear tire, or even locking it.
Yes, you could brake and stall the engine, especially if you are in a higher gear just cruising when the threat happens. The problem is, with new riders in training, you will see them attempt to brake with the throttle still open. Since they are in training and most likely in first or second gear, the torque and power from the engine can overpower the brakes and lead to a bad day..
Have you ever ridden a motorcycle? If you leave the clutch engaged and simply brake, the bike will most likely buck you off. Try it next time you ride…if you do…sidewalk commando.
Bike stalls then you are sitting in traffic on a dead bike. Not good. Unless you like being rear ended. Just because you avoided one accident doesn't mean there isn't another one bearing down on you from behind.
In the Police world, we do an exercise called the brake and escape. The maneuver involves emergency braking from 40 mph to almost a complete stop. At this point, you must be in first gear and able to maneuver around an obstacle in order to successfully complete the exercise. You’re not allowed to go into ABS, skid the tires, put a foot down or hit a cone. Also you must be in first gear. Otherwise it’s a failed run. This exercise is part of the certification course and completing it as demonstrated is a necessity for use to get certified and remain certified. I say all that to say using the clutch and gearing down in an emergency braking situation is second nature for us. It’s required for a reason and has already shown to be useful for me in real world situations. Thanks for the comment!
I've been a biker for over 45 years. I enjoy watching your channel. One never stop learning. Greetings from Cymru Wales 🏴 uk
Awesome! Glad to have you! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this video. I started to progress with “slow” speed maneuvers once I realized I was going too slow. A specific amount of momentum is necessary to keep the bike balanced. This is the type of info we need in the community
Great!
I really want to help as many riders as possible. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.
So glad I discovered your channel! I've been riding for 4 yrs. I took MSF, and then IMMEDIATELY hired a retired moto-officer for 1:1 training for an additional month. He competes in the rodeos and works for H-D and YCRS (you probably know of him). We spent 4 hrs. each week (in one block) for 4 straight weeks and the foundation he gave me was - and remains - immeasurable. I can honestly say that, purely because of his tutelage, I am light years ahead of people who've been riding for 30+ years. I say that not in a brag-y way; instead, to show my deference to what y'all do and to thank you for providing such sound guidance to the MC community. I still watch the usual suspects, all of whom are talented, but you're right...nobody's talking about what you are in this video. Robert Simmons is phenomenal, no doubt, and he, along with Quinn Redeker, Jay from Motor Officer Training (Houston), and Andrey from MotoControl are my favorites, because y'all get into more granularity, but manage to do so succinctly. Your camera at 2:18 and again at 3:50 where you're physically demonstrating and then walking us through the actual turn is pure gold! Thank you for what you do and your focus on keeping riders safe (Obvi, I subbed). 🤘✌
You, sir, are the exception! Continued training after MSF is very rare. I absolutely love to see people take their skills and safety seriously.
When I became a motor officer, I realized the group I was in was very serious about this stuff. I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be just riding a motorcycle around some traffic cones. No, it was more than that. They taught me that this is a discipline, like a martial art, that you continuously improve on yet never fully master.
I love the motorcycle community and, hopefully through RUclips, I can reach some people who want to take it seriously.
If I can pass on skills and safety and save even one person or prevent a family from dealing with a loss, it will be worth it.
Thank you for the kind words! Glad to have you!
@@BarkersBikes - Couldn't agree with you more and you nailed it by analogizing it to martial arts. You're right to characterize it as a discipline, and I believe that's why guys like you who create this content have such a well-deserved cult following. Most people take the MSF, get their license, and that's it...nothing further, which is scary AF, for them AND the rest of society. But you, the others, and all who follow, view it as a discipline and a challenge. It's fun to get better at things, and all who enjoy this are, IMO, competitive by nature, certainly with themselves, and that's healthy. Tiger Woods doesn't show up at the 1st Tee without hitting the range first, and the only way to get better is through persistence. I've also noticed that when other drivers see someone who's in control of their motorcycle, they respect that rider. They know the rider knows what he/she is doing and not some daredevil or idiot. Again, much respect for what you do, thank you for your service and sacrifice, and thank you for giving your time to share useful, life-saving knowledge. Looking forward to watching your channel's growth! 🙌
Good information. Need to practice to get used to your bike. Some bikes are more difficult due to less flywheel effect, frame geometry, etc.
“A gravity enhanced moment” - a superb comment… going to keep that in mind when I’m teaching next season.
It’s a good way to say fall without saying fall. If you’re teaching a class of new students, they are already terrified. Telling them they will fall makes it even worse. Another thing to say is “ unscheduled dismount”. Thanks for watching!
Nobody taught me how to ride my first bike at age 25 yo, until after I had ridden three bikes, years later. Finally, after buying and riding my Road King I went through a basic rider course at the Killeen Harley Davidson shop. It was very basic and mostly, “How to make slow turns”. I’m gonna try again, age 68 yo, at the HD shop where I live now. I’m really weak in maintenance skills. I know my riding skills are pretty simple. I would rather at least experience some real training before I quit…maybe to pass on to a grandson. Thank you, from east Tennessee.
Thanks for the comment! It’s very commendable of you to take the class again before passing along your love for riding to your grandson. That’s impressive. Thanks for watching!
Thank you. For best results of your channel keep it short and concise.
I'm very curious why you use all 4 fingers on your clutch lever ?
I've always loved having only 2.
I also set up my lever more inboard so the 2 fingers grab with more leverage.
Finally I set up the clutch so that I can have the clutch fully disengaged without any need to bring the lever close to the handle bar.
It works great for trials, and I use it on the road too.
Kind of the same with bicycle brakes.
I find it gives me more precise control.
What is your take in this please ? 🙏🏼
Hi, thanks for sharing. In police motor school, they require us to use all four fingers on the clutch lever and brake lever. The clutch pull on the Harley is pretty heavy and gets even heavier during extended training sessions. Personally, I find it more comfortable and feel I have better control when the friction zone is closer to the bar rather than further out. Most motor officers I know prefer it that way.
I do see a lot of riders using two fingers on sport bikes and other types of bikes. I guess it depends on the bike and riding style.
Good question. Thanks for watching!
Very clear good video. Keep em coming! Thanks.
I appreciate your kindness help...
Im keeping learning from you...
You are a very good person..trying to help others to be a good bicker...
Excellent Episode as usual 👏🏻
Greetings from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 🌴
Wow! Thank you so very much for your support! I sincerely appreciate your generosity!
"Gravity Enhanced Moment" = Unscheduled Dismount"
Unscheduled Dismount! Love that! I might have to use that in a future video. 😂
I just watched this video and subbed instantly! I feel like I learned so much in this 5 minutes. Can’t wait to see what else you are going to teach me! Thanks and keep up the good work!😎👍
Awesome! Welcome to the growing community here!
Thank you for your service Sir! Yes more tricks and tips please! I love this stuff! 😊
Will do!
Appreciate finding videos like yours. I took the SMART course with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and it made a world of difference. They also taught me to scoot up in the seat toward the tank using motormen terminology. IYKYk😂
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your insights and instruction. Your combination of clear instructions with video overlay is very easy to follow.
As I have much more time playing with a car than a bike, I'm thinking that your comments about using the friction zone & throttle to keep your bike stable in a U-turn (a steady-state turn) is analogous to "throttle-steering" a car in a steady-state turn. Ideally, once you have your wheel turned, you don't need or want to keep hacking at the steering (which upsets the balance), but just increase or decrease throttle to adjust your radius. It's so important to feel the friction zone on a bike even more than a car!
Very excited to be riding again (and being safe in the process) and looking forward to more of your videos. God bless you, sir.
Thank you. This is very clear and easy to understand.
Thanks for the comment! Glad to have you!
Knowledge is NOT a Burden when it comes to Safety & Riding a Motorcycle Correctly 😄👍 Even after i do my Learner course & Restricted/ Unrestricted Courses to become a fully licensed rider im definitely going to do some Advanced Riding Courses to learn & improve on my skills as a Motorcycle Rider 🏍 Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🍹🕺
You’re going to be a great rider with that attitude! 👍🏻
Very helpful advice. Thank you. Been riding a long time, but it is still useful to have these techniques articulated clearly.
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
What really helped me was to first do the "slow race" technique (basically playing with the friction zone - on and off) causing the motorcycle to get to the point of tipping over when nearly becoming completely idle and then slowly release the clutch to keep you upright and safe. In my own experience, this on and off process of engaging and disengaging the clutch trains you to instinctively learn to not brake or stick your legs out.. that applying power yo to thr rear wheel is the only thing that matters, in slow speed manoeuvres.
All of this, strictly in a straight line, before even attempting to make any sort of turn.
Only then, I would move on to attempting the slow turns (using your technique).. but already with the proper clutch control ingrained in your subconscious.
Thanks for sharing! Good stuff.
This young man knows his stuff and has perfect delivery. I applaud him.
Those are very kind words, sir. Much appreciated!
Thanks for watching!
@@BarkersBikes Hard earned.
Ahhh… your recent video came across my feed. My first thought, we do that in motor training. It was then, I saw your other videos.
I’m glad there are other motor instructors offering this information to the public. Great job! I’m gonna like, subscribe and check out your other videos.
It seems like a lot of the motor guys I know either assume the public already knows what they want/need to know, or they don’t care, or they don’t want to take the time to share their knowledge.
If I can lower the yearly statistics by one… then that’s one person saved and one family not missing a loved one this Christmas.
While the logistics and techniques I know already I may not apply them 24 7 I am still practicing your specific explaination and camera view exactly when you let it out further into the friction zone was the piece I have been missing !!!!!!! Thank you. Can’t wait to practice just like this ❤🎉
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Thank you Sir! That reminded me of my training 30 years ago. I took a 20 year break from bikes and jumped back in this year. Much appreciated,,
Your welcome! Welcome back to the joy of motorcycles!
Thanks man! Glad to run into your channel. We just picked up a bike for our channel to fix and flip. That is if we don't keep it for ourselves. lol. Can't wait to get back on a bike.
Awesome. What bike did you get to flip?
Good video bud, thank you. It seems to be 90% mental.
Very much so. Thanks for watching!
Great video for a new rider. Thank you for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, it was really helpful seeing the u-turn in slo-mo and tying it in with your throttle control tips to make it work!
Awesome, glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I’ve watched lots and lots of video’s on motorcycle slow speed training of which are all trying to teach beginning motorcycle riding people the bare beginning basic skills of how to ride a motorcycle at slow speeds in order to be safe on a motorcycle, be able to ride a motorcycle safely, and/or pass the required basic state skills test. Every one of them are excellent, and each of those instructors whether they are a MSF instructor, a private instructor, or an actual city, or state police motorcycle officer all do an outstanding job - bar none - at teaching those necessary basic slow speed riding skills. Yes, after that training by those great instructors, almost every new rider learns how to operate a motorcycle properly and generally passes the skills test the first time.
Unfortunately, therein lies a problem. Every one of those video’s and instructors fail to address a specific situation getting more common to the newer motorcycles.
The problem is that a lot of the newer motorcycles now have an automatic transmission. And a lot of people now-a-days are now getting these newer style automatic transmission motorcycles as their first motorcycle. Unfortunately they do not have a manual clutch, and a manual foot operated gearshift. So trying to teach the basics of feathering the clutch in the friction zone in order to control the motorcycle at slow speeds does not work as there is no manual clutch to feather in the friction zone.
I know. I’m one of those people who now own one of those automatic transmission motorcycles and I’m struggling to learn how to do slow speed maneuvers without a clutch in order to pass the required basic state skills test. And nobody seems to have any training video’s of which addresses this problem.
All these instructor's need to address this newer problem and start training and producing training video’s pertaining to how to operate an automatic transmission motorcycle of which does not have a manual clutch to feather in the friction zone at slow speeds in order to be able to pass the required basic state skills test.
I'm not complaining per se' - I'm just trying to address a particular problem of which seems to have a lack of attention being paid to that particular problem of which needs attention brought to it for training those people who are in the same situation of owning an automatic transmission motorcycle and need to learn the basics of slow speed skills without a manual clutch in order to pass the required basic state skills test.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s very well written and clearly addresses your concerns.
You’re right-automatic motorcycle riders don’t get much love when it comes to slow riding content. It seems that many hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts don’t take automatic motorcycles very seriously. The automatic transmission is often viewed more as a handicap than a luxury. I believe the combination of that perception and the stress slow maneuvers put on the transmission is why support for automatic motorcycles is low.
That said, you make a valid point, and someone needs to address it. Automatic motorcycles are becoming more popular, and I don’t think it’s just a fad or something that will disappear.
With that being said, slow maneuvers CAN be done. I would suggest only practicing for a few minutes (maybe five) at a time to give the motorcycle plenty of time to cool off. Without the clutch (my favorite of the trio), you’re left with throttle and rear brake. You can still perform these maneuvers, but you’ll need to really dial in your throttle and rear brake control.
You’ll need to drag the rear brake while applying just the right amount of throttle. This means lightly applying the rear brake to create resistance and limit speed. Combined with the right throttle control, this will make the bike more stable and help it stand up at slow speeds. I’ve tried this on electric bikes like the Zero Cycles, and it worked fairly well.
You’ve definitely got me thinking. I might take your advice and create some content on this topic in the future.
Thanks again for sharing!
@@BarkersBikes - Thank You Sir. I am 74 years old, I used to have a motorcycle endorcement years ago and let it lapse.That was 40 years ago. I have ever since regretted that decision all these years. Now I have gotten bitten by the motorcycle bug again and have just purchased a 2021 Honda 1100 Rebel DCT with the automatic transmission.
Unfortunately I have to start all over again basically from start. I passed the written test but now have to do the skills test. I didn't realize just how much I had forgotten in 40 years from the last time I had a motorcycle endorsement and had last rode a motorcycle.
All I can say is... WOW ! - it's so embaressing and that you feel like an absolute beginner all over again due to the lack of use of those skills of which you once had.
So having and starting all over again with a motorcycle of which has an automatic transmision is not easy nor is it an easy task to re-learn those slow speed skills with such a system of which does not have a manual clutch. But I'm Trying and I'm not giving up until I have re-mastered those skills again and have my endorcement once again.
But Thank You Sir for your sincere interest in looking into and helping solve that problem pertaining to learning slow speed skills with automatic transmission motorcycles for others who are already in that situation an/or for those who may later find themselves in that same situation and may need that type of help.
Also Thank You Sir for all your great training video's. They have been excelent, and you present them with a great deal of both knowledge, skill and precision in teaching so that they are easy to understand and learn with.
(P. S. - At my age, one of my daughter's thinks I'm having a mid-life crisis. Another one of my daughters loves the idea, and loves my Honda 1100 Rebel motorcycle. - LOL. - But if I am, then all I can say is... it's going to be a fun crisis - LOL ) -
Anyway, Keep up the great work, and great video's Sir.
Thanks for the detailed explanation! You made it easy to understand.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the splendid video. It's always a fine balance between clutch and throttle with a tad pressure on rear brake (friction zone), if needed. Rear wheel needs to have power while making turns, period.
Exactly! You’ve got it! Thanks for watching! Glad to have you.
I've been taught to u-turn in 2nd gear clutch fully engaged and enough throttle to prevent stalling the engine. Adjusting acceleration with the back break
Hello and thanks for watching and commenting.
If that works for you then by all means do what works. However 2nd gear would be much too fast for the slow controlled u-turns I do. Being in a higher gear at a slow speed means less torque/power going to the rear wheel and more stress on the clutch. I need that power to keep the bike from falling over.
2nd gear u-turns rely on speed/momentum, combined with a little power, to keep the bike up. This is not necessary a bad thing but I want slow and controlled.
Check out “How to Master Full Locked Turns On Any Motorcycle” these two videos complement each other.
That’s Japanese style… problem with that method is that it’s a fixed range of speed and only works for that single u turn… it won’t work in confined areas where you need more precision and control of your speed.
Glad I stumbled upon your channel. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you! More videos are in the making! Glad to have you.
Awesome information 👍🏽
Great tip! Good luck with your channel 🙏
Thanks so much!
Great tips. Thank you
You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment!
Nice vid. Go with me a bit, but I think classes should require bicycles as well as motorcycles to help people understand how momentum is crucial and help them conquer their fears of slow maneuvering. It paid off for my early years riding and I still use the mindset when practicing, which I do often. Cheers. 👍🤪🏳️🌈
Momentum can definitely help in many cases but in the motor officer world the turns and transitions are too tight to use momentum. We are required to use the technique I mention in this video. I love that you continue to practice! That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching! Glad to have you here.
Thanks. I just bought my first bike. I'm surely going to try this. :) Is there a way to figure out the smallest possible turning radius for a specific bike (to have a target to aim for)?
You could use some sidewalk chalk and mark the ground as you walk it in a full locked circle ⭕️ and then measure it. Maybe it’s on the manufacturers website or maybe you could Google it or check Chat GPT. I normally use parking spaces as a general rule of thumb because each parking stall is 9 feet in width. The Harley Davidson I ride has an 18 foot turning radius (without leaning). So if I can do a U-turn within 2 parking spaces I know I’m doing okay. You can achieve an extra 1.5-2 foot smaller turning radius on the Harley if you full lock and lean to the point the floorboards are dragging.
Check out my latest video on “How to do a full locked turn on any motorcycle” You’ll probably find it useful.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@BarkersBikes Thanks a lot for the detailed reply. I'll try and I'll watch your other video.
Great stuff!!!
Thanks!
Good content and nice style of presentation. 👏 Thanks for this.
I've liked and subscribed. 👍
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks for the tips.
Happy to help!
great info explained nicely ! glade to follow !
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Great video ! Thanks for putting it up !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment.
Great chat brother.
Thanks for the visit!
Well presented thanks very much.
great video great information!
Glad it was helpful!
Cheers mate,,, great video! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you!
Please build on this concept. You explain and demonstrate this well. The clutch manages power to control. Pull in the clutch and there is no more power or control. CxPx0=0 Happy Riding
You’ve got it!
Great video!! I am subbed. I hope you keep bringing great content. Cornering? Riding 2 up?
Thanks so much for the comment! My next video is in the works. It is about preventing rear-end collisions. A common fear amongst riders. Especially with all the distracted, driving these days.
Thanks for the video ideas. I will definitely be thinking about those topics.
Something I have struggled with is, how hard do you hold the handlebars? I tend to support my upper body with my arms instead of my core , ( Broken back a few years ago killed my core muscles, The injury slows the rebuilding of muscles, but I am getting there). How much do you use your arms while riding? Are you muscling the bike around like a stubborn horse or are you just placing enough pressure to give the inputs on the bar like with a well trained horse?
The core is involved a lot. Being on a bike all day, everyday, has definitely strengthened my core muscles. I had a back injury a few years ago myself, unrelated to motorcycles, and being assigned to the motor unit unexpectedly helped my back more than anything else.
Arms are involved but not much. They are more secondary.
If your posture is upright. You push and pull the bars using more chest and back muscles than arms. However, I feel like the bars are very light and almost fall into place. The motorcycle will lean underneath you as you counter lean and the bars just seem to follow.
The friction zone creates the stability so once I’m in the friction zone and start moving the weight of the bike and the bars is greatly reduced.
Thanks for the comment! Glad you’re here!
Good job, good video
Glad you enjoyed it
Get that throttle up, find the friction zone, lean the bike, and use rear brake but u gotta push that bike down and lean that sucker. Practice ur ass off and try to get every part of the technique perfect! Practicing everything else with slow speed helps all other areas of slow speed too
All good, solid tips very well presented. Find an empty parking lot and practice.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
I am struggling to keep the throttle at a set point. What is the trick? Maybe I am just being too stiff/nervous?
That’s a common problem. It takes practice, but it’s better to have a little too much throttle at first than not enough. I’m going to be releasing a video about how to do a full locked turn. Practicing the technique that I’m going to explain in the video will help you. Be looking for that! Thanks for watching!
Thanks
You’re welcome!
27 years of riding. And you’re right, apply power!
Unfortunately, modern bikes now come with an electronic throttle which often has it´s own plan (or program). I once dropped my new Triumph in a U-turn using my clutch, brake and throttle as many times before - when out of the nowhere (and in the middle of the turn) the ICU suddenly decided to rev up - probably to avoid stalling. So keeping the balance between clutch, throttle and movement in slow speed becomes more difficult in „modern times“…
We’ve had a few throttle issues from the new Harley’s with the throttle inadvertently dropping RPMs during the maneuver, even though the throttle was applied properly, so I understand what you’re saying. My new Kawasaki Z900rs actually did this to me yesterday and almost caused a drop. 😅
Thanks for watching!
now, try to initiate the turn with some countersteering.. you'll be surprised how easy it goes
This is true. I use that technique as well. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, thanks for watching!
-+*Thank you,makes perfect sense .
Find a safe place and practise. Even better, get a skilled friend to spot you.
my biggest worry is not falling, it's stalling out.
A valid concern. Just keep those RPMs up. It’s better to have them a little high than too low. Thanks for watching! Glad to have you.
What's help me, by and large, is to not let the engine impersonate Seth Rogan's laugh. With exception of turning into an uphill, that's kept me from stalling out.
💙🏁💙
Hey, bud. Coming back to this thread because I saw a video from Doodle yesterday offering conflicting info and thought you're just the authority to address it. Between 4:25 to 5:15, she discusses the moto-officer class FortNine took where they stressed counterweighting for slow speed vs. Lock & Lean where the officers stressed NOT doing that. What's your viewpoint, please? ruclips.net/video/enGo-UgY6vo/видео.htmlsi=y1ItBmiXNAGy_N6g
Never have I seen counter leaning done to the extent Fortnine demonstrates in that video. Letting the bike lean under you (counter leaning) is fine but it’s not the “#1 Key”.
What Doodle was explaining is what we call “nuts on the tank” (please excuse the vulgarity) but that is what the police motor instructors will say if it’s a 100% male class to emphasize an upright and forward posture. The guys seems to understand exactly what they should do when they’re told this.
So starting from the top down…
Head and eyes, clutch and throttle, nuts on the tank, rear brake.
Thanks for the comment. Very interesting stuff.
@@BarkersBikes - hahaha. Man, I think you just created your tag-line! I can see it on t-shirts. Seriously, thanks for that because it's a solid tip. I agree FortNine's leaning was extreme, although presumed he demonstrated that way simply for affect. Regardless, when I say Doodle's posture, I thought her arms looked too tense and restricted (like chicken wings). Gotta be relaxed overall and have freedom of movement. I'm gonna experiment with it nonetheless and might even take L&L...I'm intrigued. Thanks again, bud!
"Pull in the clutch and apply the brakes" is stupid advice because if something is REALLY going wrong, you should just brake. Bike stalls? Whatever. If you don't get hit by a truck, that doesn't matter. Also you see newbs going 30 mph hundreds of feet from an intersection pulling the clutch to start braking. Well now you have to be in some gear, and decide when to let the clutch out. Is a newbie going to rev match after braking and shifting? No. So now they're suddenly getting drag from the rear tire, or even locking it.
Yes, you could brake and stall the engine, especially if you are in a higher gear just cruising when the threat happens. The problem is, with new riders in training, you will see them attempt to brake with the throttle still open. Since they are in training and most likely in first or second gear, the torque and power from the engine can overpower the brakes and lead to a bad day..
Have you ever ridden a motorcycle? If you leave the clutch engaged and simply brake, the bike will most likely buck you off. Try it next time you ride…if you do…sidewalk commando.
Bike stalls then you are sitting in traffic on a dead bike. Not good. Unless you like being rear ended. Just because you avoided one accident doesn't mean there isn't another one bearing down on you from behind.
In the Police world, we do an exercise called the brake and escape. The maneuver involves emergency braking from 40 mph to almost a complete stop. At this point, you must be in first gear and able to maneuver around an obstacle in order to successfully complete the exercise. You’re not allowed to go into ABS, skid the tires, put a foot down or hit a cone. Also you must be in first gear. Otherwise it’s a failed run. This exercise is part of the certification course and completing it as demonstrated is a necessity for use to get certified and remain certified.
I say all that to say using the clutch and gearing down in an emergency braking situation is second nature for us. It’s required for a reason and has already shown to be useful for me in real world situations.
Thanks for the comment!
@@BarkersBikes agreed, for sure. I’ll say this, though: it’s easier to get good on someone else’s bike! 🤣
Really nice video, thank you
Thanks for watching!