As a motorcycle instructor, I tell my students that we as riders must reprogram our instincts. Instead of going for the front brake when we feel like falling, we must let the clutch out and add throttle. We ought associate our fear of falling with increasing speed rather than stopping the bike. Once you can truly reprogram your instinct, you'll never drop the bike.
Yes but also no. Usually when you have to slow down in a corner, there's a reason. In this video it's just cones so it's no big deal when you hit them, but if it's a parked car you're not gonna wanna hit that. Cause then you hit the car AND drop the bike
@@laurasanchez7105 But here our instructor, expressed the general rule. Rules may change depending on circumstances. If we understand that we cannot save the vehicle by slightly opening the throttle on a narrow road full of vehicles or during a U-turn, it would be logical to apply the rear brake. It should not be forgotten that opening the gas slightly in congested traffic instead of reflexively pressing the brakes will save us from falling or hitting vehicles.
Agree with this. Same thing when you realise you've overcooked it mid corner - adding a touch more throttle, leaning further and hanging off the bike more has a 100% greater chance of getting you round than trying to slow down, even though that's what all your instincts are telling you to do.
I started riding back in 78.' I thought I knew how to ride until I started watching Jerry's videos. Boy, was I shocked. I can ride at speed (who can't) but at slow speeds I suck. I got so convicted that I bought the RLAP & Mean Streets video and signed up for a RLAP class for the end of the month. I got some cones and have started practicing. It's a humbling experience at 64 years of age but I'm determined to Ride Like a Pro! BTW: My wife (who doesn't ride) listens to these videos and is proud of me for being open to learning something new in my old age!
Awesome, synoptic! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I've been sending Jerry's videos to my Indian-riding dad now that he's itching to get back on the road again. Between a hip injury and a self-imposed electrical gremlin caused by some overzealous bike modding, he's been out of the saddle for a bit. He rides a big Chieftain. I ride a 1999 Honda Interceptor. I never stop practicing slow-speed maneuvers. I told my dad that anyone can ride like an expert in a straight line. It's the low speed stuff that separates the men from boys. I know he's itching to be the rider he used to be and to improve on top of it. Hopefully he'll take something away from Jerry's content. I even told him that Jerry has an Indian-specific video where he uses the biggest heaviest model they make to prove a point that anyone can do it.
@@Shalimar_trailsss well that mindset is great, i have it myself, but the mindset doesnt matter if you dont actually have the money. you cant just make money appear
Been riding for many years currently have heritage classic, I want to practice this more but I don't have crash bars would you suggest doing these drills without them?
The rider at 4:35 gets a 👍from me. She takes a wild ride then dumps the bike and jumps back up with her arms up in the air! Love it. That's something I would do.
I am learning how to ride a motorcycle at 52 years old in the Philippines. I found your channel, and i have started practicing what you are teaching for a couple hours every day. I live in a remote province, so i can practice tight turning on the national highway with zero traffic. I really appreciate your videos. They are helping A LOT!
It’s really cool watching the CHP motorcycle course. Those guys are insanely good at maneuvering. I’ve ridden bikes my entire life and these courses are still difficult to do without practice.
I love these videos. Most seem to have the same thing in common. A person that walked into the dealership and bought one of the biggest and most expensive bikes on the floor. 😂 Furthermore, many new riders don’t consider that the slow maneuvers and the practice of turning is what may someday save your life. Anyone considering getting into riding should watch these videos. 👍🏻
More momentum pulling me forward, than gravity pulling me down. Got it. I'm back riding after 40 years off, on a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King. I'm feeling good so far, working on these slow techniques. I'll have rear crash bars next week. Thank You for this.
I just finished taking the MSF beginners course and the instructors recommended checking out these videos. I've been watching daily and learning even more tips for riding. Thank you Jerry! I'm excited to take my first ride with my own wheels.
So Cal Deputy here: The cone patterns we qualify with every three months are a 16’ diameter. We warm up doing figure 8’s in between the width of two parking spaces. It’s all about where you point your head and keeping power to the rear wheel. Also, learn clutch throttle by trying to ride on a straight painted line at less than walking speed.
I'm 33, and have been riding since I was a kid (starting on dirtbikes) and let me just say - the things Jerry teaches are awesome. Just by watching these videos, I've improved & find myself learning even more about the PHYSICS of motorcycles...when you begin to understand things like keeping your speed >5 mph, things suddenly "click" for you, and it takes away much of the anxiety that often comes with learning slow speed manuevering.
I'm also 33, but just started motorcycle with 0 exp. '07 FZ1 liter bike after one year of e-bike riding. I was very cautious at the start but never made any major mistakes. Now I'm having a blast!
If you’ve been riding since youth and you didn’t have complete mastery and control of full lock turns and low speed maneuvers, what the hell have you been doing?
Very helpful. It sounds strange but its really helpful to see other beginners drop their bikes. In third person you can really see why it happens (and to yourself as well), as soon as their speed stops, it drops. While they keep their speed up, it never drops.
If I've learned anything from watching all your videos its your head turn and the friction zone that are key. Pulling in the clutch almost always results in a drop. Your videos have helped make me a much better safer rider. Thank you so much.
Sir.. You are a revelation...I've been riding since I was 16 am now 66 (now with two hip replacements). Toured Europe and rode in many countries. How I've survived I will never know.. I have learnt more from you than in all my year's of self taught riding.. thank you so much.. love your no nonsense style.. My full respect to you sir.
ive been watching these videos for a year now.. it definley help me out & save my life ... my classs instructers on my motorcycle driven test , stoped after a course,, man u have all 10 riders watching you make it threw the course with no faults.. just want to say THANK YOU ""MotorMan "" jerry,,,,, for maken me a better ryder, thank you
This is truly an art form. It’s a dance between the rear brake, clutch, head movement, body position and speed. Its so satisfying when you get it right.
Hey Moterman! I just wanted to let you know that I love your videos and they really taught me a lot over the years. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a very nice 1988 Suzuki Intruder 750! You are saving lives and I can’t wait to do these drills and become a safe motorcyclist! 😎👍
Thanks Jerry. I'm in England, UK. Im on a 125cc cruiser and I had a right old fight with myself learning not to pull that clutch in. I listened to your techniques and sure enough if I keep my speed up and don't be afraid to lean the bike everything goes well.
First time riding a cruiser Magna '97, after owning couple of adventures. Your videos helped me a ton mastering the clutch and the feel of the motorcycle. Thanks a lot sir, and big greetings from Macedonia. Thank you for the videos.
I had quite the experience yesterday, one of the most shocking and embarrassing moments. I had been riding for only 2 months yet I practiced a ton of these small tight maneuvers including all the skills test requirements and never got even close to dropping the bike. I was 100% confident I would pass my test. Welp. Today I went to take it, and after executing the first skill perfectly, ON MY WAY to the second skill I somehow dropped the bike for my very first time. I left the place fuming and defeated, even considered quitting riding because of how unexpected it was. It felt like getting 100 on the practice test and then literally right after getting a 0 on the actual test. I kept trying to figure out how the heck it fell over, because it literally felt like someone walked up to me and pushed me down. After watching this video I think what happened was that I was going under 5 mph and maybe I pulled in the clutch too much, and sure enough, down went the motorcycle lol. Wish me luck as I try the test again next week! 😅
Good luck mate! I think your analysis of why the bike dropped will be useful, and analyzing mistakes like you did is something we all need to do to be better riders.
Same experience, but mine was on the quick stop. I grabbed the brake and locked it due to anticipation and anxiety. Felt the worst! And I too contemplated giving up, but I will be back with my smaller bike that I am more comfortable on. Never give up. Even if it is the 5th or more test.
Received the new RLP flash drive and the content is excellent. If you have taken the class, this new content will keep you current. If you haven't taken the class it will still help you master the techniques and still make you a much better rider. It's worth every penny and just may help save your life.
I have a feeling that I will do that in the future . I hope 40 years of mountain bike riding some of those lessons will help when learning to ride a motorcycle.
I've heard that all proffessional bike racers practice mountain biking, to keep fit and train on similar vehicles to handle different situations. It should stand you in good stead
Stay balanced that is the key, what ever you’re lean or not. Avoid front brake for beginners. And try to using rear brake gently. Hope you guys have a safe ride. ❤
Thanks for the info. I'm doing research before getting the license. Motorcycle ownership has always been a goal for me and now I am rebuilding a 79 Suzuki Gs750 as my first bike.
The techniques applied here are key for a rider as myself. All through my yrs riding, others have almost discouraged me from riding a larger motorcycle (such as an FLCH, or larger) because of my 126 lb. 5' 5" frame. I chose to prove them wrong.
This tutorial is by far one of the best I've seen. No shifting butts or dragging feet unlike some of the trash I've seen. Quasi police motorcycle school drills and concepts-very good! I'm a retired motor officer/ motor officer instructor and totally approve of this method👍
Im going to be taking my first MSF course in about a week and im so glad i found your videos. It helps me not to beat myself up too much whenever I eventually drop the bike. Im excited but still super nervous. 😅
I’m a new rider, don’t have my bike yet but when I took my MSF class I must’ve dropped the bike 10+ times. We had crash bars on them so no damage but it was embarrassing af
I could imagine, im new, no drops fortunately, still expecting mine, only two dropped, one was during the friction zone beginning excercise, she couldnt get it, bowed out of the class right after Felt bad because her motive to learn was inherited a deceased relatives harley, big bike
Been riding for 10 years and still drop my bike during drills - the thing nobody tells you is how quickly you should work out the kinks in your skill set. Over the years I've ridden in my comfort zone and and cemented many bad habits. If you are beginning to learn, listen to this man and master these drills ASAP in your riding career.
Dropping the bike happens so don't be embarrassed if you do in a course like this, the purpose is to train, make mistakes and learn from them. While I have not taken Jerry's course, I, like Jerry have been thru police motor school (he's an instructor, I'm not of course) but I go thru yearly recertification required by my agency in order to ride. I learned how to ride in that school almost 25 years ago. I've seen experienced guys in the course drop bikes and more than one time. In my duties now, I don't get the opportunity to ride. However, I do get to suit up and ride a couple of times a year at work during special events. (such as July 4th) This video is right on time for me I have to go to recertification class (3 days) at the end of May. I own my own bike, a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and I've also signed up for a 4-hour honing skills course taught by the Virginia State Police in August. You cannot practice enough.
I have found that because of practicing you tips/tricks/methods. My corner has improved. As well as my on the road turns. However, when in the lot practicing. I'm still have a fear of dropping. I think it is because if two reason. 1) I want to do the maneuvers to well. I think too much. Instead of just "doing it." 2) I need to fix my clutch. I'm just not liking the way it "grabs." So I will be saving up to replace the clutch plate kit and pressure conversion kit from Barnett. Tht said, I have become a better rider because of your shared knowledge. Thanks to you and your wife, Jerry.
For some reason keeping it right at friction sunk in this time. Awesome video, love the repetition of one concept so you're able to really get it. Thank you.
This is a skill that you have to practice routinely, or you forget it. It's like learning a new language. Don't use it, you forget it. I constantly have to remind myself to practice low-speed drills in parking lots. Excellent information, Mr. Motorman! God bless you!
Great video! Been riding for 8 years. Still lots to learn! However I do find exactly as you say - drag the rear brake, decent speed and riding the clutch does make tight turns easier.
Your videos are a huge help. I'm practicing on my permit at an abandoned parking lot to get ready to take my msf in 2 weeks. Your explanations have been helping getting me acclimated to my bike.
Thanks for these videos, Motorman. I got my learner's permit for motorcycling earlier this week, and I pick my motorcycle up from the dealership in six days. Until I can actually practice in an empty parking lot, I'm glad I have your videos to help get these techniques in my head. Can't wait to get started and practice, practice, practice! Cheers.
Best advice that I can give you, as a 26-year rider and instructor/mentor is this: TAKE A BASIC COURSE. It will be the absolute best $$ you will spend in your career of riding. Second tip: find a mentor/friend who is willing to practice with you, both parking lot and on road... get a cheap dashcam and use it to film your rides.. review with your mentor and critique. Be honest. Cheers from Canada.
@@themittonmethod1243 Absolutely! Thanks for those tips. I'm signed up for an MSF course at the local tech college, but I could only sneak in to their last course session of the summer at the end of July, so I got my temps to practice while I wait for the course!
Practicing alone in an empty parking lot with no pressure is really what is needed. While I appreciate the lesson of these vids. It seems some of the exercises are harder than the need to be for people that are not really ready for them. These tight turns in my opinion should be done first with lots of space, then in increments make them tighter giving the riders some time to build up their confidence. Hope I'm wrong but it appears it doesn't happen that way.
I dropped my bike not even making a turn, duh....I forgot to take off my Bully lock on the front wheel when leaving a motel on a ride. The riders I was with yelled that I went down, and some came back to help me up. Yes, it was embarrassing! I forgot to mention that I just ran into your video's last night on RUclips. I subcribed, as I think you can always learn new things when riding a motorcycle no matter how long you have been riding.
I am making the little errors on the Scout. That is what is holding me back on the Victory. I am not practicing 2x a week either and that has a lot to do with it too.
I'm glad this video popped up, now I'm absolutely positive that I never want to ride a bike. A few years back I was driving in a car through mountain roads, drove by a horrible bike accident. Bike was on fire, the rider was in shock with God knows what kind of injuries. It was not a collision, he just drove off the road. Fall when slow, die when fast, just no.
Due to riding a bmx bike, I somewhat have great control over balance. Doing turns on a bmx bike somewhat seem similar. Also this helps me in my search of learning/getting into motorcycling.
Except that they are nothing alike the the physics are completely different, how do you balanc the clutch give throttle and cover the rear at rhe same timr
In Europe we start to learn on a 125 than 600 than unlimited. Takes lots of time. Also 99% of people learn to drive on manual car so we understand cluthes immidately on a bike. So interesting to see people first time learning biking on a 1) big bike, 2) first time driving manual. Very informative.
Awesome video. Thanks. I’ve been riding over 40 years. Never had a class. A lot of times I feather the clutch for slow, tight stuff. I’m gonna try this. 👍
Happened to me today on day 3 of my MSF class. I was literally turning. From a stop. Down I went. I wasn't "getting" it and I knew I wasn't going to pass the skills test so I'm going to try again. I did learn some things. Which is good. Just psyched myself out after trying to do the in the box exercises, s turn, u turn, figure 8.
Things I've learned: In a slow circle not only pulling that front brake will drop the bike, pulling the clutch may too. Don't come on too timid - commit! Speed is your friend here.
@@plazmamasta193 well I reckon if you try to stop ( as you say in a turn ) you are bound to go over .I saw in the video one guy who stopped in a turn and over he went .
I have been riding since i was 6 years old. I cant explain most of this stuff but hearing it he makes sence. Im going to have to send this to my girlfriend she she can learn more
The constant friction zone tip helped me a lot. I used to feather in and out on the clutch and that always got me hung up. I live in Sanford, FL. I’m gonna get down to one of Jerry’s classes one day! These videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you MotorMan!
It pays to have full understanding from the examiner. I am 71 and took my MC driver's test on a Yamaha FJ1300. I stayed in the friction zone and did a toe tap and full stop to stop on the steering head stops to stay within the box. When I got done, the examiner said to me. Well, you did a great job in spite of the toe tap, but did you know you could have gone outside the box on that last turn and that would have made it much easier for you? Trying so hard to pass, I was too hard on myself! Drat!
You rock! I just found your channel and I needed your help. Just got back from practicing turns in a nearby parking lot. Thanks for all you do for motorcycling and helping riders. Stay safe.
Very important lesson, thinking back the second motorcycle fall of mine was from pulling the clutch during a tight turn (and road being muddy) and kissing the mud, I should've committed with steady momentum and power in rear wheel. Well, it was during my advanced riders course(before I even bought my first motorcycle) so I was still a newbie back then :) I still learn new things, we should never stop learning !
For slow riding and turns, you cannot go wrong with the info Mr. Palladino shares, much like for fast riding and fast turns Keith Code's Twist of Wrist series. Both absolute gems!
Great tips. I'm taking three MSF courses through Team Oregon this year. Advanced Riding Techniques, Braking Clinic, and Precision Motorcycle Course. The PMC being what you're doing here. It's good to frontload with some information.
Excellent tips. A little instruction goes a long way. Skiing as if I knew what I was doing was exhaausting. 'Stand up thru the turns' - instant olympic champion ! Will be using these lessons. Thanks. x
Great tips, I got a dyna glide first ride terrified me. Couldn't hold this thing up, figured it out but not untill I watched this guys vid, your going where your looking, dont tink you can duck walk around and prevent falling, learn to use the cluth and power not the cluth and brake, once again 5 stars for this channel!
2:57 This is some valuable advice that nobody's ever told me. I mean, just riding motorcycles you can feel when it starts to reach that point but I didn't know 5mph was that point.
I was a policeman in Los Angeles for 23 years. The best assignment I had was 4 years as a motor officer. When preparing for motor school, our trainer would tell us, “Keep your feet on the floorboards…. You walk your dog; not your bike..”. Motor school and subsequent in-service training was the best.
Been riding street for a long time and pretty good with a clutch and low speed situations, intuitively bikes feel light as a feather while moving but get real heavy real fast when going slow but no one has ever told me about the 5mph rule, I’ll surely pass it on. Gonna dig into more of your videos. Thanks
Hey Jerry, first off, I'll try to keep it short. Thanks for all the great RUclips videos, I've learned a lot. I live in Oregon, took the Basic Rider's Training course, and failed mostly due to not getting my head turns far enough around. My dilemma, I have a motorcycle, can't legally ride it to a parking lot to practice your instructions in. My mother has a small sheep ranch, I actually ride my Softail Slim in the lower (cut) stubble field, which is dirt and grassy. I've been mostly practicing slow right turns and figure eights, since the right turn for me is harder to do in a smaller circle. I can do the left turn of the figure eight in 24 feet diameter, and the right turn in 32 feet diameter, with about 75 feet end to end of the figure eight, again on dirt and grass. I have dumped my bike once, ( no damage) and a couple close calls but caught the rest and stood the bike back up before going completely down, caught a floorboard a couple times trying to get a little tight in the dirt. So, my question finally, am I just wasting my time practicing in the dirt? Or figure out how to get said bike legally to an empty parking lot?
You can't lean a heavyweight cruiser very far in dirt or grass without losing traction. On pavement, leaning is key to tight turns. If you're turning the bike in dirt or grass with the bike straight up, it will teach you clutch throttle control though. That will make leaning and turning on pavement easier to learn.
I am forced by laws to learn on a 650. Anyways, I am still learning but one of the first things I learned is: Even if you're going near 0 speeds, as long as your clutch control is on point, aka as long as the bike is still in movement and you've not accidentally stalled it or came to a complete stop, it's hard to fall. So don't be like me! Just practice, find the right spot to keep the clutch at to stay in movement, use the rear brake try to not constantly adjust clutch in the slow manoeuvers, try to keep it steady, because if you mess up the clutch you will stall mid turn and find yourself on the ground
🙋🏻♂️ ooh I got one! I dropped my bike at the MTC... We were doing basic 1st gear go and stop. The girl next to me forgot about the clutch and brake...she swerved towards my right leg...I had already come to a full stop...it was either a busted ankle or hop off the bike...I hoped off and laid it down gently...she kept going and got stuck upright on a bush/hedge... I'm the one who had to fill the dropped bike report...🤦🏻♂️...lol
It's a smart idea, especially for beginners, to start/use a smaller bike (like the Sportster) to learn/practice skills. This way the rider has more forgiveness if/when they mess up. Additionally, a smaller bike is a lot easier for the rider to pick back up, on on their own. It always nerves me when I see a rider on a bike that they can't single handedly pick up on their own. To be stranded if something happens, because your bike is too big, seems crazy to me.
It's nice and confidence boosting watching your vids. I'm hoping to get a Suzuki Boulevard M50 in upcoming August.. Being a beginner and starting with a cruiser, I'm kinda nervous but having you talk about the mistakes, helps me know what I can hopefully avoid. In the end if I lay it over, oh well, but I hope I don't lol
thanks for teaching us. i am doing my motorcycle license right now and I've noticed that I really suck at slow corners. cant wait for my first bike, to do some practice.
Wow, all these people learning how to ride with these baggers.. I learned how to ride on a little 250 in a class, then I bought a 750cc never did I get more bike than what I felt I could handle
In Europe, getting your motorcycle license involves passing 3 tests: special maneuvers (a variant of this), road & technical knowledge (desk), and practical road behavior (street). I noticed a difference where we are taught to lock the throttle in place for the faster exercises (figure 8, fast turn) and not bother with the clutch but ride the rear brake to control speed. Only on the slowest exercises (tight slalom, walking pace follow) do we learn to balance clutch and throttle.
Great teaching video. Is it any different for a maxi-Scooter that is fully automatic? No clutch, so how would you manage the same turns & balance. I'm fairly new to riding. Thanks for any help & advice.
I started riding maxi scooters, had a 400 Majesty and 650 Burgman and recently switched to a cruiser Kawasaki Vulcan, there's a lot of fun with learning the clutch if you haven't, but yeah, after doing both, I feel friction zone makes it easier for slow speed manuvers than throttle and rear break like a maxi scooter.
I can confidently say that i can do these circle 8s without a lot of trouble. It's became fun. Some days I'll take a hour plus to do show speeds, but almost everytime i ride, i try to remember to do my u-turns and circle 8s. I always worn up my tires with quick stops and starts.
I agree with you because when I was young I thought looking and sounding cool was some of the most important things. I didn't appreciate a good lean in the curves or confident riding in the parking lots. Now I do one of the drills that MOTO JITSU shows a lot because no cones required...just the parking lot lines.
Very humbling video. Those bikes are so big and intimidating. I am so afraid of practicing by myself because if and when I drop the bike I will have a heck of a time picking it up. I will be practicing with my riding buddy.
As a motorcycle instructor, I tell my students that we as riders must reprogram our instincts. Instead of going for the front brake when we feel like falling, we must let the clutch out and add throttle. We ought associate our fear of falling with increasing speed rather than stopping the bike. Once you can truly reprogram your instinct, you'll never drop the bike.
Yes but also no. Usually when you have to slow down in a corner, there's a reason. In this video it's just cones so it's no big deal when you hit them, but if it's a parked car you're not gonna wanna hit that. Cause then you hit the car AND drop the bike
@@laurasanchez7105 But here our instructor, expressed the general rule. Rules may change depending on circumstances. If we understand that we cannot save the vehicle by slightly opening the throttle on a narrow road full of vehicles or during a U-turn, it would be logical to apply the rear brake. It should not be forgotten that opening the gas slightly in congested traffic instead of reflexively pressing the brakes will save us from falling or hitting vehicles.
Yeah I almost dropped my cousins heavy bike doing a turn. I noticed braking would make it heavier on the turn
@@MUSHIN_888 the slower, the heavier it fells
Agree with this. Same thing when you realise you've overcooked it mid corner - adding a touch more throttle, leaning further and hanging off the bike more has a 100% greater chance of getting you round than trying to slow down, even though that's what all your instincts are telling you to do.
I started riding back in 78.' I thought I knew how to ride until I started watching Jerry's videos. Boy, was I shocked. I can ride at speed (who can't) but at slow speeds I suck. I got so convicted that I bought the RLAP & Mean Streets video and signed up for a RLAP class for the end of the month. I got some cones and have started practicing. It's a humbling experience at 64 years of age but I'm determined to Ride Like a Pro! BTW: My wife (who doesn't ride) listens to these videos and is proud of me for being open to learning something new in my old age!
Good for you, I am 56 and just got my first bike, Drive safe.
I love this so sweet
you're only old when you say you are. the number means nothing. kudos to you for being wiling to improve your riding!
@@HS99876 Did she say that right after she took out the life insurance policy on you? 😁
Awesome, synoptic! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I've been sending Jerry's videos to my Indian-riding dad now that he's itching to get back on the road again. Between a hip injury and a self-imposed electrical gremlin caused by some overzealous bike modding, he's been out of the saddle for a bit. He rides a big Chieftain. I ride a 1999 Honda Interceptor. I never stop practicing slow-speed maneuvers. I told my dad that anyone can ride like an expert in a straight line. It's the low speed stuff that separates the men from boys. I know he's itching to be the rider he used to be and to improve on top of it. Hopefully he'll take something away from Jerry's content. I even told him that Jerry has an Indian-specific video where he uses the biggest heaviest model they make to prove a point that anyone can do it.
Better to drop in a parking lot than on a highway or in traffic.
Stalled and dumped in traffic in front of cop, "you alright?"
9 no no no
@@klamup l ln
@@klamup 0 pp
@@klamup pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop pop
I don't own a Motorcycle and I've never even ridden one. But I now know all about the Friction Zone & Looking where you want the Bike to go 👍😎
what are you waiting for! do it, it's fun!
Same trick for a car about looking far ahead and at the end of a corner but never just in front of you👍
@@Shalimar_trailsss maybe money, the license isnt cheap and a motorcycle also costs money
@@brynion2117 you only live once.
@@Shalimar_trailsss well that mindset is great, i have it myself, but the mindset doesnt matter if you dont actually have the money. you cant just make money appear
"Down goes the motorcycle"
Just read your comment as he said that lol
@@ploperdung same, what a coincidence!
@@ploperdung same lol
@@aborecki well he repeats that statement a lot
Been riding for many years currently have heritage classic, I want to practice this more but I don't have crash bars would you suggest doing these drills without them?
The rider at 4:35 gets a 👍from me. She takes a wild ride then dumps the bike and jumps back up with her arms up in the air! Love it. That's something I would do.
Yeah, I was just about to put in 4:55 ! She is great! I Love the 'safe' spin out (ok, she didn't hurt herself in that one, so I call it 'safe")
"She's cute because she does things like me (cute giggle)! I'm a girl btw!"
@@juliebraden6911😅 👍
"when you go below 5mph your chances of dropping the bike go up substantially" someone should tell my dualsport that.
I want a dual sport! But idk what you mean lol
@@jmar8504 dual sports thrive at low speeds
I agree. I ride a 1983 honda xl250r . I can go walking speeds and maneuver like a big bycicle
I ride a tw 200 and i can whip a U turn in one and a half parking stalls lol its so easy with a tiny bike cant imagine a 800 pound motorcycle
@@Supperup40672 lol nice
“Your brain is wrong” I need to start using this quote in everyday life.
I am learning how to ride a motorcycle at 52 years old in the Philippines. I found your channel, and i have started practicing what you are teaching for a couple hours every day. I live in a remote province, so i can practice tight turning on the national highway with zero traffic. I really appreciate your videos. They are helping A LOT!
You dont need this on a 125cc bike
Donna is the MASTER of throttle control!!! So consistent, the RPM's never change!!
It’s really cool watching the CHP motorcycle course. Those guys are insanely good at maneuvering. I’ve ridden bikes my entire life and these courses are still difficult to do without practice.
Check out the japanese motorcycle police training videos in the rain.
I love these videos. Most seem to have the same thing in common. A person that walked into the dealership and bought one of the biggest and most expensive bikes on the floor. 😂
Furthermore, many new riders don’t consider that the slow maneuvers and the practice of turning is what may someday save your life.
Anyone considering getting into riding should watch these videos. 👍🏻
More momentum pulling me forward, than gravity pulling me down. Got it.
I'm back riding after 40 years off, on a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King. I'm feeling good so far, working on these slow techniques.
I'll have rear crash bars next week.
Thank You for this.
I just finished taking the MSF beginners course and the instructors recommended checking out these videos. I've been watching daily and learning even more tips for riding. Thank you Jerry! I'm excited to take my first ride with my own wheels.
I have been riding for 27 years, still find these instructions very beneficial. Thanks for the awesome videos.
I’m glad I came across this I can now show my brother instead of trying to explain….appreciate this
So Cal Deputy here: The cone patterns we qualify with every three months are a 16’ diameter. We warm up doing figure 8’s in between the width of two parking spaces. It’s all about where you point your head and keeping power to the rear wheel. Also, learn clutch throttle by trying to ride on a straight painted line at less than walking speed.
What do you mean by practicing clutch throttle?
@@slowroadsouth Did you even bother reading what I said? No? Yeah, I figured.
@@JB-mo8rs Not very helpful answer to a genuine question. Policeman eh?
I'm 33, and have been riding since I was a kid (starting on dirtbikes) and let me just say - the things Jerry teaches are awesome. Just by watching these videos, I've improved & find myself learning even more about the PHYSICS of motorcycles...when you begin to understand things like keeping your speed >5 mph, things suddenly "click" for you, and it takes away much of the anxiety that often comes with learning slow speed manuevering.
I'm also 33, but just started motorcycle with 0 exp. '07 FZ1 liter bike after one year of e-bike riding. I was very cautious at the start but never made any major mistakes. Now I'm having a blast!
If you’ve been riding since youth and you didn’t have complete mastery and control of full lock turns and low speed maneuvers, what the hell have you been doing?
@@AnonyMous-jf4lc ya mama
@@alligatorwithwifi6111 that would be necrophilia.
Very helpful.
It sounds strange but its really helpful to see other beginners drop their bikes.
In third person you can really see why it happens (and to yourself as well), as soon as their speed stops, it drops.
While they keep their speed up, it never drops.
I’m 44 and new to all of this ! I’m taking classes so I can learn . Been so much fun so far .
These videos are actually really amazing. What a confidence boost for anyone afraid of their first miles on a motorcycle :)
If I've learned anything from watching all your videos its your head turn and the friction zone that are key. Pulling in the clutch almost always results in a drop. Your videos have helped make me a much better safer rider. Thank you so much.
Sir.. You are a revelation...I've been riding since I was 16 am now 66 (now with two hip replacements). Toured Europe and rode in many countries. How I've survived I will never know..
I have learnt more from you than in all my year's of self taught riding.. thank you so much.. love your no nonsense style.. My full respect to you sir.
Glad to help.
Something I really don't like to see is someone dropping their bike but always you have the tips to practice and prevent such occurrences.
ive been watching these videos for a year now.. it definley help me out & save my life ... my classs instructers on my motorcycle driven test , stoped after a course,, man u have all 10 riders watching you make it threw the course with no faults.. just want to say THANK YOU ""MotorMan "" jerry,,,,, for maken me a better ryder, thank you
This is truly an art form. It’s a dance between the rear brake, clutch, head movement, body position and speed. Its so satisfying when you get it right.
Hey Moterman! I just wanted to let you know that I love your videos and they really taught me a lot over the years. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a very nice 1988 Suzuki Intruder 750! You are saving lives and I can’t wait to do these drills and become a safe motorcyclist! 😎👍
Thanks Jerry. I'm in England, UK. Im on a 125cc cruiser and I had a right old fight with myself learning not to pull that clutch in. I listened to your techniques and sure enough if I keep my speed up and don't be afraid to lean the bike everything goes well.
I think most of the those drops happened because of beginner riders on heavy cruiser bikes 😅 great video !
First time riding a cruiser Magna '97, after owning couple of adventures. Your videos helped me a ton mastering the clutch and the feel of the motorcycle. Thanks a lot sir, and big greetings from Macedonia.
Thank you for the videos.
Glad to help!
I had quite the experience yesterday, one of the most shocking and embarrassing moments. I had been riding for only 2 months yet I practiced a ton of these small tight maneuvers including all the skills test requirements and never got even close to dropping the bike. I was 100% confident I would pass my test. Welp. Today I went to take it, and after executing the first skill perfectly, ON MY WAY to the second skill I somehow dropped the bike for my very first time. I left the place fuming and defeated, even considered quitting riding because of how unexpected it was. It felt like getting 100 on the practice test and then literally right after getting a 0 on the actual test. I kept trying to figure out how the heck it fell over, because it literally felt like someone walked up to me and pushed me down. After watching this video I think what happened was that I was going under 5 mph and maybe I pulled in the clutch too much, and sure enough, down went the motorcycle lol. Wish me luck as I try the test again next week! 😅
Good luck mate! I think your analysis of why the bike dropped will be useful, and analyzing mistakes like you did is something we all need to do to be better riders.
Same experience, but mine was on the quick stop. I grabbed the brake and locked it due to anticipation and anxiety. Felt the worst! And I too contemplated giving up, but I will be back with my smaller bike that I am more comfortable on. Never give up. Even if it is the 5th or more test.
S
Both times I dropped my bike nearly standing still, turning in a small parking lot & backing it in the driveway! I love practicing Jerry’s drills.
From Australia, been riding for 50years but still learned something today, thankyou.
Received the new RLP flash drive and the content is excellent. If you have taken the class, this new content will keep you current. If you haven't taken the class it will still help you master the techniques and still make you a much better rider. It's worth every penny and just may help save your life.
I have a feeling that I will do that in the future . I hope 40 years of mountain bike riding some of those lessons will help when learning to ride a motorcycle.
I've heard that all proffessional bike racers practice mountain biking, to keep fit and train on similar vehicles to handle different situations. It should stand you in good stead
All this time I’ve pulled the clutch in closed curves. I knew something was wrong! I was so lucky all this time
Stay balanced that is the key, what ever you’re lean or not. Avoid front brake for beginners. And try to using rear brake gently. Hope you guys have a safe ride. ❤
Thanks for the info. I'm doing research before getting the license. Motorcycle ownership has always been a goal for me and now I am rebuilding a 79 Suzuki Gs750 as my first bike.
The techniques applied here are key for a rider as myself. All through my yrs riding, others have almost discouraged me from riding a larger motorcycle (such as an FLCH, or larger) because of my 126 lb. 5' 5" frame. I chose to prove them wrong.
Nice
This tutorial is by far one of the best I've seen. No shifting butts or dragging feet unlike some of the trash I've seen. Quasi police motorcycle school drills and concepts-very good!
I'm a retired motor officer/ motor officer instructor and totally approve of this method👍
I was always told that a motorbike was like a gyroscope, once the power is exhausted down goes t G E motorcycle. Well done Jerry. 🤓 Stay safe 💙
Im going to be taking my first MSF course in about a week and im so glad i found your videos. It helps me not to beat myself up too much whenever I eventually drop the bike. Im excited but still super nervous. 😅
I’m a new rider, don’t have my bike yet but when I took my MSF class I must’ve dropped the bike 10+ times. We had crash bars on them so no damage but it was embarrassing af
I could imagine, im new, no drops fortunately, still expecting mine, only two dropped, one was during the friction zone beginning excercise, she couldnt get it, bowed out of the class right after
Felt bad because her motive to learn was inherited a deceased relatives harley, big bike
Been riding for 10 years and still drop my bike during drills - the thing nobody tells you is how quickly you should work out the kinks in your skill set. Over the years I've ridden in my comfort zone and and cemented many bad habits. If you are beginning to learn, listen to this man and master these drills ASAP in your riding career.
I was told to think of it like a boat don't look at where you're at look at where you're going to be
Dropping the bike happens so don't be embarrassed if you do in a course like this, the purpose is to train, make mistakes and learn from them. While I have not taken Jerry's course, I, like Jerry have been thru police motor school (he's an instructor, I'm not of course) but I go thru yearly recertification required by my agency in order to ride. I learned how to ride in that school almost 25 years ago. I've seen experienced guys in the course drop bikes and more than one time. In my duties now, I don't get the opportunity to ride. However, I do get to suit up and ride a couple of times a year at work during special events. (such as July 4th) This video is right on time for me I have to go to recertification class (3 days) at the end of May. I own my own bike, a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and I've also signed up for a 4-hour honing skills course taught by the Virginia State Police in August. You cannot practice enough.
Well said. I own a Road King Classic now, but remember my 1997 Royal Star Tour Deluxe! It was a sweet bike!
@@ZCAR355 mine is a 2007 and yes, a sweet bike indeed and reliable as the sun rising.
I have found that because of practicing you tips/tricks/methods. My corner has improved. As well as my on the road turns.
However, when in the lot practicing. I'm still have a fear of dropping.
I think it is because if two reason. 1) I want to do the maneuvers to well. I think too much. Instead of just "doing it." 2) I need to fix my clutch. I'm just not liking the way it "grabs." So I will be saving up to replace the clutch plate kit and pressure conversion kit from Barnett.
Tht said, I have become a better rider because of your shared knowledge.
Thanks to you and your wife, Jerry.
For some reason keeping it right at friction sunk in this time. Awesome video, love the repetition of one concept so you're able to really get it. Thank you.
Friction zone , in Scotland we say ‘clutch biting point’
I'm learning disabled and I understand what this guy saying he sounds like a really good person to listen to for advice
This is a skill that you have to practice routinely, or you forget it. It's like learning a new language. Don't use it, you forget it. I constantly have to remind myself to practice low-speed drills in parking lots. Excellent information, Mr. Motorman! God bless you!
5 mph . . . got it! The turning point between moving forward and gravity. Thank you!
Great video!
Been riding for 8 years. Still lots to learn! However I do find exactly as you say - drag the rear brake, decent speed and riding the clutch does make tight turns easier.
Your videos are a huge help. I'm practicing on my permit at an abandoned parking lot to get ready to take my msf in 2 weeks. Your explanations have been helping getting me acclimated to my bike.
Thanks for these videos, Motorman. I got my learner's permit for motorcycling earlier this week, and I pick my motorcycle up from the dealership in six days. Until I can actually practice in an empty parking lot, I'm glad I have your videos to help get these techniques in my head. Can't wait to get started and practice, practice, practice! Cheers.
Ride safe and enjoy!
Onto year 4 of riding now and I still love getting out for a practice day
Best advice that I can give you, as a 26-year rider and instructor/mentor is this: TAKE A BASIC COURSE. It will be the absolute best $$ you will spend in your career of riding. Second tip: find a mentor/friend who is willing to practice with you, both parking lot and on road... get a cheap dashcam and use it to film your rides.. review with your mentor and critique. Be honest. Cheers from Canada.
@@themittonmethod1243 Absolutely! Thanks for those tips. I'm signed up for an MSF course at the local tech college, but I could only sneak in to their last course session of the summer at the end of July, so I got my temps to practice while I wait for the course!
Practicing alone in an empty parking lot with no pressure is really what is needed. While I appreciate the lesson of these vids. It seems some of the exercises are harder than the need to be for people that are not really ready for them. These tight turns in my opinion should be done first with lots of space, then in increments make them tighter giving the riders some time to build up their confidence. Hope I'm wrong but it appears it doesn't happen that way.
I dropped my bike not even making a turn, duh....I forgot to take off my Bully lock on the front wheel when leaving a motel on a ride. The riders I was with yelled that I went down, and some came back to help me up. Yes, it was embarrassing! I forgot to mention that I just ran into your video's last night on RUclips. I subcribed, as I think you can always learn new things when riding a motorcycle no matter how long you have been riding.
Yeah I need to practice again after buying my new 150cc I have to get used to slow speed turns
I am making the little errors on the Scout. That is what is holding me back on the Victory. I am not practicing 2x a week either and that has a lot to do with it too.
I'm glad this video popped up, now I'm absolutely positive that I never want to ride a bike.
A few years back I was driving in a car through mountain roads, drove by a horrible bike accident. Bike was on fire, the rider was in shock with God knows what kind of injuries. It was not a collision, he just drove off the road. Fall when slow, die when fast, just no.
Due to riding a bmx bike, I somewhat have great control over balance. Doing turns on a bmx bike somewhat seem similar. Also this helps me in my search of learning/getting into motorcycling.
Except that they are nothing alike the the physics are completely different, how do you balanc the clutch give throttle and cover the rear at rhe same timr
This guy makes good videos he mentioned a motorcycle not a Harley in a video and I think it may be the motorcycle I want in 10 years
You're the man Jerry! Thanks for this!
Another fantastic lesson! Thanks Jerry for doing what you do for all bike riders. 👍
In Europe we start to learn on a 125 than 600 than unlimited. Takes lots of time. Also 99% of people learn to drive on manual car so we understand cluthes immidately on a bike. So interesting to see people first time learning biking on a 1) big bike, 2) first time driving manual. Very informative.
Awesome video. Thanks. I’ve been riding over 40 years. Never had a class. A lot of times I feather the clutch for slow, tight stuff. I’m gonna try this. 👍
Happened to me today on day 3 of my MSF class. I was literally turning. From a stop. Down I went. I wasn't "getting" it and I knew I wasn't going to pass the skills test so I'm going to try again. I did learn some things. Which is good. Just psyched myself out after trying to do the in the box exercises, s turn, u turn, figure 8.
Things I've learned:
In a slow circle not only pulling that front brake will drop the bike, pulling the clutch may too.
Don't come on too timid - commit! Speed is your friend here.
So let’s say you got to slow down or stop during a turn like this what would you do? Straighten the bike and then try to slow down?
@@plazmamasta193 well I reckon if you try to stop ( as you say in a turn ) you are bound to go over .I saw in the video one guy who stopped in a turn and over he went .
I have been riding since i was 6 years old. I cant explain most of this stuff but hearing it he makes sence. Im going to have to send this to my girlfriend she she can learn more
The constant friction zone tip helped me a lot. I used to feather in and out on the clutch and that always got me hung up. I live in Sanford, FL. I’m gonna get down to one of Jerry’s classes one day! These videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you MotorMan!
It pays to have full understanding from the examiner. I am 71 and took my MC driver's test on a Yamaha FJ1300. I stayed in the friction zone and did a toe tap and full stop to stop on the steering head stops to stay within the box. When I got done, the examiner said to me. Well, you did a great job in spite of the toe tap, but did you know you could have gone outside the box on that last turn and that would have made it much easier for you? Trying so hard to pass, I was too hard on myself! Drat!
Seems like the people that had their head turned the most where the people that didn't have any issues. Great video, guy!
You rock! I just found your channel and I needed your help. Just got back from practicing turns in a nearby parking lot. Thanks for all you do for motorcycling and helping riders. Stay safe.
Very important lesson, thinking back the second motorcycle fall of mine was from pulling the clutch during a tight turn (and road being muddy) and kissing the mud, I should've committed with steady momentum and power in rear wheel. Well, it was during my advanced riders course(before I even bought my first motorcycle) so I was still a newbie back then :)
I still learn new things, we should never stop learning !
“Anything over 5mph means you have more momentum pulling you forward than gravity pulling you down” key statement
For slow riding and turns, you cannot go wrong with the info Mr. Palladino shares, much like for fast riding and fast turns Keith Code's Twist of Wrist series. Both absolute gems!
Got the book, and have been practicing for about two weeks, every other day or so. I'm really improving. Thanks Motorman🤠
it pays to find out what you don't know-been riding 20 years now, and this was very interesting!
Great tips. I'm taking three MSF courses through Team Oregon this year. Advanced Riding Techniques, Braking Clinic, and Precision Motorcycle Course. The PMC being what you're doing here. It's good to frontload with some information.
Excellent tips. A little instruction goes a long way. Skiing as if I knew what I was doing was exhaausting. 'Stand up thru the turns' - instant olympic champion ! Will be using these lessons. Thanks. x
Glad it was helpful!
Im doing my license right now, we have similar drills in my country you have to pass, although it seems way more difficult with those big harleys
My class limits bikes to 350, mine is 750 but they provide a loaner. Costs 300 for the class
Great tips, I got a dyna glide first ride terrified me. Couldn't hold this thing up, figured it out but not untill I watched this guys vid, your going where your looking, dont tink you can duck walk around and prevent falling, learn to use the cluth and power not the cluth and brake, once again 5 stars for this channel!
2:57 This is some valuable advice that nobody's ever told me. I mean, just riding motorcycles you can feel when it starts to reach that point but I didn't know 5mph was that point.
You CAN go slow but it's a completely different technique. Also very good to learn!
I was a policeman in Los Angeles for 23 years. The best assignment I had was 4 years as a motor officer. When preparing for motor school, our trainer would tell us, “Keep your feet on the floorboards…. You walk your dog; not your bike..”. Motor school and subsequent in-service training was the best.
Are you still in California?
@@motorman857 yes sir.
@@ricardodiaz6187 I would like to have a Ride Like a Pro school in CA. If your interested give me a call 866-868-7433
Been riding street for a long time and pretty good with a clutch and low speed situations, intuitively bikes feel light as a feather while moving but get real heavy real fast when going slow but no one has ever told me about the 5mph rule, I’ll surely pass it on. Gonna dig into more of your videos. Thanks
Hey Jerry, first off, I'll try to keep it short. Thanks for all the great RUclips videos, I've learned a lot. I live in Oregon, took the Basic Rider's Training course, and failed mostly due to not getting my head turns far enough around. My dilemma, I have a motorcycle, can't legally ride it to a parking lot to practice your instructions in. My mother has a small sheep ranch, I actually ride my Softail Slim in the lower (cut) stubble field, which is dirt and grassy. I've been mostly practicing slow right turns and figure eights, since the right turn for me is harder to do in a smaller circle. I can do the left turn of the figure eight in 24 feet diameter, and the right turn in 32 feet diameter, with about 75 feet end to end of the figure eight, again on dirt and grass. I have dumped my bike once, ( no damage) and a couple close calls but caught the rest and stood the bike back up before going completely down, caught a floorboard a couple times trying to get a little tight in the dirt. So, my question finally, am I just wasting my time practicing in the dirt? Or figure out how to get said bike legally to an empty parking lot?
Riding in the dirt is quite different from riding in the pavement. You'll have a lot more traction on the pavement.
You can't lean a heavyweight cruiser very far in dirt or grass without losing traction. On pavement, leaning is key to tight turns. If you're turning the bike in dirt or grass with the bike straight up, it will teach you clutch throttle control though. That will make leaning and turning on pavement easier to learn.
I am forced by laws to learn on a 650. Anyways, I am still learning but one of the first things I learned is:
Even if you're going near 0 speeds, as long as your clutch control is on point, aka as long as the bike is still in movement and you've not accidentally stalled it or came to a complete stop, it's hard to fall.
So don't be like me! Just practice, find the right spot to keep the clutch at to stay in movement, use the rear brake try to not constantly adjust clutch in the slow manoeuvers, try to keep it steady, because if you mess up the clutch you will stall mid turn and find yourself on the ground
I saw the red electroglide use his front brake in the turn. That is one mistake I see many do that mistake often.
🙋🏻♂️ ooh I got one!
I dropped my bike at the MTC...
We were doing basic 1st gear go and stop. The girl next to me forgot about the clutch and brake...she swerved towards my right leg...I had already come to a full stop...it was either a busted ankle or hop off the bike...I hoped off and laid it down gently...she kept going and got stuck upright on a bush/hedge...
I'm the one who had to fill the dropped bike report...🤦🏻♂️...lol
I am never afraid of dropping my bike...I am afraid of having to pick it back up. lol
It's a smart idea, especially for beginners, to start/use a smaller bike (like the Sportster) to learn/practice skills. This way the rider has more forgiveness if/when they mess up. Additionally, a smaller bike is a lot easier for the rider to pick back up, on on their own. It always nerves me when I see a rider on a bike that they can't single handedly pick up on their own. To be stranded if something happens, because your bike is too big, seems crazy to me.
It's nice and confidence boosting watching your vids. I'm hoping to get a Suzuki Boulevard M50 in upcoming August.. Being a beginner and starting with a cruiser, I'm kinda nervous but having you talk about the mistakes, helps me know what I can hopefully avoid. In the end if I lay it over, oh well, but I hope I don't lol
thanks for teaching us. i am doing my motorcycle license right now and I've noticed that I really suck at slow corners.
cant wait for my first bike, to do some practice.
Wow, all these people learning how to ride with these baggers..
I learned how to ride on a little 250 in a class, then I bought a 750cc never did I get more bike than what I felt I could handle
They been riding many years using dumb luck. Now they are learning technique.
In Europe, getting your motorcycle license involves passing 3 tests: special maneuvers (a variant of this), road & technical knowledge (desk), and practical road behavior (street). I noticed a difference where we are taught to lock the throttle in place for the faster exercises (figure 8, fast turn) and not bother with the clutch but ride the rear brake to control speed. Only on the slowest exercises (tight slalom, walking pace follow) do we learn to balance clutch and throttle.
Great teaching video. Is it any different for a maxi-Scooter that is fully automatic? No clutch, so how would you manage the same turns & balance. I'm fairly new to riding. Thanks for any help & advice.
A little throttle, against a little rear brake.
I started riding maxi scooters, had a 400 Majesty and 650 Burgman and recently switched to a cruiser Kawasaki Vulcan, there's a lot of fun with learning the clutch if you haven't, but yeah, after doing both, I feel friction zone makes it easier for slow speed manuvers than throttle and rear break like a maxi scooter.
I can confidently say that i can do these circle 8s without a lot of trouble. It's became fun. Some days I'll take a hour plus to do show speeds, but almost everytime i ride, i try to remember to do my u-turns and circle 8s. I always worn up my tires with quick stops and starts.
Great video Jerry! Thank you for your continuing great content. 🙂
I agree with you because when I was young I thought looking and sounding cool was some of the most important things. I didn't appreciate a good lean in the curves or confident riding in the parking lots. Now I do one of the drills that MOTO JITSU shows a lot because no cones required...just the parking lot lines.
I have an entire video on practicing in lined parking lots with no cones. ''Short Cuts to Riding Like a Pro'' available at ridelikeapro.com
Jerry is "THE GOAT"!
Very humbling video. Those bikes are so big and intimidating. I am so afraid of practicing by myself because if and when I drop the bike I will have a heck of a time picking it up. I will be practicing with my riding buddy.
I've never riden on the road but in the dirt the rule is when in doubt give it throttle.
When in doubt....throttle it out
I'm glad my MSF course provided the bikes. That Suzuki TU-250 was a great little bike to learn on.