Hey Greg - great lesson. I struggled with my 250kg (550lb) bike at slow speeds until I used your techniques. Jeez you make that Harley look like a scooter! Nice one mate - keep up the great training vids.
I’m an old man with coming off a Goldwing to a Goldwing DCT Tourer. Amazing bike. What surprised me the most… after owning this DCT 4 years now. I’m still practicing. I am fortunate to live near a high school with a nice student parking lot. I actually have fun practicing riding this bike as slow as possible. I actually enjoy practicing more than riding. It keeps me ready for my longer trips. If you can’t handle slow speed, you are not ready for the road at any speed. The DCT is an amazing bike, however, I had to learn all over, from the beginning, slow speed maneuvering. It’s absolutely not the same technique as if feathering the clutch. Thanks for your content on your channel
I've never seen anyone else explain this stuff more clearly than you do and I'm someone that took an advanced riding course before, thank you for this !
This was so darn helpful, I wish I saw this video before I started to learn to ride on my co-worker’s Harley Ultra Classic. It’s not the best way to learn to ride, but it taught me a lot
The two things that helped me most with low-speed bike control are 1. smooth clutch operation and 2. perfectly relaxed arms and hands. I try to feel the handlebar instead of holding it still. Anyway, I owe you any skills I have! :)
You are a treasure. Seriously, I could write a paragraph long comment on every one of your vids (and I've watched a LOT), and still my appreciation would be inadequately expressed. Your demonstrations and instructional style are top notch and I credit you with a huge part of my skill and confidence. Thank you so much.
@@MotoJitsu I have your app. :) Right now troubleshooting some electrical issues with my 250 which (thanks to you and practice), I can whip around no problem. In a few days I have a 580lb Triumph coming - the reason I'm watching this over and over! LOL I love how much fun you're having 😄
I learned so much from all your videos, thank you so much. I have been riding for over 20 years and I learn something new every time I get on my bike. My wife and I travel all over the country together on our Harley davidson limited CVO. We take as many classes as we can per year and always use the tools you teach us. I am the President of the Blue Knights LEMC and I teach the guys and girls in my chapter too. Again thank you, stay safe
My first and only bike is an '86 Goldwing. It felt impossible to ride when I got it. After laying it over in a parking lot a few times, I quickly learned that a little clutch goes a long ways lol I have nowhere near this much control, but this has got me wanting to go put in some overtime in the lot!!
I got a 1999 bmw r1100rt that i found for 1000 bucks in perfect condition one owner like 50000 miles. So i bought it. Dude gave me a bunch of extra stuff and all the luggage for it too. Anyways. The dang thing is so heavy. I can ride it but stopping is hard. I almost drop it when i stop every time and i do drop it some times. Its frustrating
My grandpa just gave me his 1986 suzuki calvacade 1400GD with only 11161 miles and damn is it heavy. I weigh 145 on a good day and im 21 so its my first bike and these tips and tricks will definitely help me in the near future. Thank you sir.
This is so good . This is a wonderful review for me . I sold my 2015 Gold wing two years ago . So I didn’t ride during Covid . Started renting with Eagle rider . I knew I was using to much front brake but needed to see the technique again . Thanks for this great video
Thanks for the inspiration to get back to riding. It's been 26 yrs since my last bike (Yamaha 400) and I'm amazed that I survived without the wealth of knowledge presented by especially you and other UA-camvideo teachers. -Inspired enough to get a beautiful c50t Boulevard and practice skills on the "heavy" (-I'm only 165#) Thank you, Greg.
Yes, I'm amazed I survived without all that knowledge either. With my first real bike ( 1956 500cc Triumph Tiger 100) I knew zilch (coming from a 150cc scooter), with my second years later ( 1982 Honda GL500I) it was better (I did a couple of courses to regain my licence), at least I now understood countersteering, but it's only in these videos that I'm starting to understand a whole lot more really basic stuff (braking technique, slow speed handling). In all those years I dropped it only four times, between 0 and 10 mph, which these videos explain, but I am so thankful nothing worse ever happened despite my ignorance. MotoJitsu, MCrider and others do an amazing service to motorcyclists.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Great Job!! Going today, just started riding again on a Electra Glide Classic after over 30 years. The skill of riding any bike perishes with time, I don't care who you are!
I am about to migrate from a 535 to a 1500cc heavy bike. Such techniques are fantastic. I already knew and use the rear brake tip, but anyhow I learned it intuitively several years ago. I loved the tip about the half clutch, it seems to be very important for heavy and powerful engine motorcycles! Thank you!
You are of course exaggerating, but you are exactly correct. As I approach a stop, after the bulk of the slowing, I remove my fingers from the front brake and only use the rear. Parking lots tend to be flat, roads are not. If there is an irregularity at slow speed the front brake will amplify the effect and pull the bike down. I also stop with left foot down. I know shorter people need to put both feet down and hold position after stopped with the front brake.
I'm always in awe watching petite ladies handle heavy cruisers and dyna street type bikes. they have that understanding of balance and power and it just seems so effortless.
When i started riding 3 years ago i never had much faith in learning from youtube videos. That was until i found your channel. Got my 04 gixxer 600 as my first bike. Super intimidating. Got kinda used to it after a year. Bought a 2019 aprilia tuono v4 1100rr as a second bike. Just an absolute beast of a bike. Almost not enjoyable on city streets. This year sold the tuono and bought a harley road king. And that was a wise choice. I used it more than my gixxer or the aprilia. I still got my suzuki and now the harley. Both has their place. And i went from not knowing how to get comfortable on my harley to scraping pegs at every tight turn. Big bike is easier to ride because of it's torque and turning abilities. I can literally inch with my harley preloading and clutching it. It's harder on a sport bike since it just wants to shred the rear tire. All of this to say thank you MotoJitsu for doing what you're doing. Merry Christmas
Great explained!.. My experience is that a heavy bike will automatically feel more easy to handle when being putting on some miles to it!.. Like a big screen TV,.. Huge at first, but becomes normal when viewed some weeks
When I was a new rider my Instructor said “ Always let the bike take your feet out from under you instead of lifting them off the ground yourself..” I still remember that every time!
I respect people that choose heavy bikes and love the way you are so calm, the heaviest I have owned is a 200cC standard and still I couldn't do what you are doing, but fun to watch.
When you showed the clutch part that was great!! A lot of people just say ease off the clutch but they never show it You did!! You literally are teaching how to do it exactly! For newbies like me this is great!! Thank you very much for that!! 🙂
Bought my first bike. 06 Yamaha FJR. A lot of people told me it is heavy bike for a beginner and indeed it its. However your video gave me the confidence that I needed. Excellent lesson, clear explanation. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!.
I was watching your video on counter balancing during slow speed maneuvering. I set up some cones with my buddy and did some practicing. I am just shy of 2 years of riding and was amazed what a difference it made for me and my 500llb bike.I am surprised they didn’t cover this in my motorcycle safety class to get my endorsement.I think people assume they know enough and that’s very far from true .
Learning so much from your training, thank you, I just past my training basics so now i can get my endorsement. That training isn't the same as watching videos, the actual real world practice really wakened me up and realize need so much more practice. When I get my bike I'll have to go back, watch videos then go out there and practice them.
I don't know how else to say this...I learn something new with every one of your videos. Just bought a used 2017 R1200RTP and lots of cones off of Amazon for parking lot practice. The drills you teach are simple AND effective.
That 9:25 mark is pure skill!!! Recently traded in my sportster 883 for a lowrider s. Never ever dropped the 883. 2 days in drop the lowrider s coming in the driveway. Ego was hurt. And like you said practice practice practice!
Great to see you again bro. I had this motorcycle and now have the 2022 year model. I totally agree with you. On thing, I would relax the rule to stop with only one foot down for such a heavy machine. Two feet for me
In the UK, we’re taught to “ride the clutch”, whilst balancing throttle and back brake. By increasing engine revs, whilst limiting speed and engagement, you can control any bike at low speed. It comes from the flywheel gyroscopic effect. Your method is a lot easier, if you’ve never had to pass a proper motorcycle test as we do in the UK. I like your statement about keeping everything straight, including your eyes. Again in the UK, we’re taught that where you look on a bike is where you end up. This is particularly important when cornering, because, many bikers die, from target fixation in bends. Basically, they see a lorry or car coming in the opposite direction and they fix their eyes on the vehicle and not where they want the bike to go. It’s particularly a problem with summer bikers who don’t use their bike all year round. Loads die at the start of the biking season.
Very informative post. I wonder how a longitudinal crankshaft bike (Moto Guzzi, CX-500, boxer style) responds as opposed to a transverse (HD style or parallel 2/4/6) one? Target fixation is an important point.
@@awuma Thank you, in the UK we have pretty high traffic density. In the US in some states there’s limited traffic density so I’m guessing the tests don’t have to be as rigorous. Having owned and ridden an in-line 4, albeit BMW’ K1200S, it was great to ride. It, like the current BMW1600GT(L) had the engine down low at 55degrees. This kept the bike “light” and flickable all the time. My first bike, an Aprilia Futura 1000 RSV, was a twin whose centre of gravity was extremely high. It was a nightmare, whereas the K1200S and now my R1250RT (I had a 9 year hiatus from bikes) are a piece of p1ss to ride and manoeuvre at low speeds.
I needed this exact video last weekend 😭 feeling my new heavy bike gently lay down as I was going entirely too slow in a u-turn as I did the everting wrong was no fun. Off to the parking lot I go this weekend.
Hi Greg what you describe certainly makes sense and that is why I never kept my Honda CrossTourer with DCT very long. Turning it around in a narrow road was a nightmare.
Solid, I’m on a 21 street glide special, still getting used to the weight at low speeds. The reinforcement of the speed= stability was helpful I need more time in parking lot working low speed u turns and figure 8s. Thanks for good video
I have an altar classic and I do real tight. U-turns like you're doing in this video, it's very easy to ride like you say speed up no problem if you do dump that bike, you can pick it up, just grabbed behind the bar and down there by the other bag bar and walk backwards, it'll stand right up for ya no problem. I picked up my buddies when he dumped it. Nice video.
Just got the new Indian Pursuit. It's an absolute beast weighing over 500kg. I've applied your techniques when riding it and it's been super helpful! Thx!
I'm not going to lie, i came to this video because i myself had an incident just the other day with a heavy road glide. I've been riding dirt bikes and smaller bikes for years, i myself normally ride a 2022 Harley 1200 Sportster. But i rode a road glide for the first time the other day and i dropped it coming to a stop. I was already stopped and it basically just slowly lowered to the ground, so it didn't damage anything, but it fell over because my front tire wasn't straight and i felt like an complete IDIOT that didn't know what i was doing. Guess we ALL live and learn at some point....LOL.
Great clip ! You are really appreciated my friend !!! (You got a lil show/offy at the end with the look away , opposite turns , but you gotta have fun once in a while , especially in a controlled, safe environment). As far as the weight ? It is that heavy with a passenger plus driver )
Ooorah Devil Dog, thanks for teaching me how to use a motorcycle clutch in one of your videos a couple of years ago. Since then I completed the MSF Course and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. I am thinking of a big bike but I have a slight back injury from my USMC career. Thanks for sharing another riding skill with me. Semper Fi
Really helpfull well explained and the riding was amazing .ive bought a 1600 triumph thunderbird .im 5ft 6 so need help to enjoy riding without falling over .great instructor who really enjoys his riding.mick uk
Hey brother ..!! Here , me again enjoying and learning from U . I Loved that little baby step riding working the rear brake and the throttle . BEAUTIFUL LESSON BRO ..!!! tHANK UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU ...!!!!!!!
Hi there. I really enjoy these videos you are posting. This particular drill I had to do some years ago before passing my exam for the motorcycle category. Thing was that the bike I had at that time was a scooter125cc, and the bike we had to use was an old/gold/ yamaha xj750. And yes, I am subscribed. Thumbs up
I just bought a 2003 ultra classic (fully equipped 1100lbs) and never ridden a bike this size. I have been practicing slow speed riding / maneuvers on a HD sportster just get the technique. I live on a hill so I do not have choice go up or down to start my lesson. Thank you very much for informative video, greatly appreciated
Your the man Eddie! Great video showing it ain’t the size of the bike, it’s the skill of the biker. Bikers should test ride and switch up once in awhile and check their skill level on various bikes…sport bikes, adv bikes, cruisers and tourers. IMHO We all should be confident and competent no matter the bike before us.
Went back to biking after years, aged 65, found taller, heavier bikes to be a bit tricky. Some of the roads I have to travel, get a little technical due to deep gravel (stones). I found your speed=stability right-on with that. Anything under 60k and the bike feels unsafe (scary) and as someone else mentioned, f/all tension on arms, nice and relaxed, works wonders too. All sweet on the 'real' road as long as I think-through how/where I park in order to move off again with no dramas. Dave Aotearoa nz
Just what I needed. Amazing stuff. I've watched many videos like this but you have a way of teaching that very easy to understand.. Like you said, it can be if you practice.
I just baught a suzuki intruder 1500. Never riden a bike that big and heavy before today and I'm what what you would call skilled. I'm going to incorporate some of your techniques in my practice
What surprised me the most when I got my RoadGlide was how much more stable and manoeuvrable it was at low speeds at 850lbs compared to my previous Bike a Suzuki Marauder cruiser at 450lbs. The little Cruiser had a crazy Rake on it which the RG doesn’t have
I have only been riding for 6 months. I went from a Kawasaki KLR650 (400lbs) to a Honda GoldWing (900lbs) and I have no problem riding it at normal operation on the street. I can sit at lights and move forward without ever putting my feet down. However, at low speed tight corning its a beast and the weight really shows. Once the bike decides your going too slow and gravity pulls her down it can be a bear to hold it up. I need to practice the low speed stuff for sure.
Another tip for stopping a big ass touring bike: When coming up slooo to a stop smoothly transfer to the rear brake and keep some revs at hand and if needed let a little power to the rear against the rear brake to stablize if it feels getting a little off. Once there is power to the rear you have a much lesser chance to dump it. Harley touring bikes are actually very maneuverable. I’m far from perfect but I always try to slowly come to my stops and gently set down my left foot. Sometimes I gotta throw out the landing gear but shit happens and trying to hone these skills beats those that just throw out the landing gear and pull the front brake under 5mph. Thanks motojitsu dude! I found a few new tips to try out from your vids
Great video, wish I had watched it before I did Route 66 2 years ago on an Electraglide. Kept on dropping it coming to a stop in a parking lot - very embarrassing. Wife had no issues as she dismounts horses everyday. Had all sorts of advice from other riders, more momentum, more speed etc. Eventually had a eureka moment in bed one night, pure physics - if the wheel is turned even slightly and you grab the front brake, you’re going down. So when coming to a stop I hardly used the front brake and had no more problems.
6 Years ago I vividly remember my first drop. The last two feet I squeeze the break which shifted me forward and the front wheel was not straight. Lessoned learned! That happened at my work's card swipe gate. Yes they caught me on camera and would have had to take a pee test if I hadnt gone to a director I knew right away :)
Amen to that! Practice practice practice! I'm up to figure 8's in 4 spaces on a Harley Road King, with a passenger. I would never have gotten to that level without motojitsu!
@@MotoJitsu I have your app and all your books. I've maybe got around 20 copies of your 1 st motojitsu book and I give it to all of my riding buddies and people I work with who have a motorcycle. You rock, and your emergency brake exercises have already saved my life
Great video. I used to ride all the time. I took about a 10 year hiatus from riding. Picked up a used harley road king for an amazing deal. Just finished the MSF beginners course. I've been practicing in neighborhood, on some roads and in an empty parking lot. I've had a couple oh shit moments all do to beginners mistakes. I'm keeping at it. Thanks again for the great videos.
Not 1200#, but my VEE is heavy for me at about 550#. Three times I've had a get-off since I bought my VEE last year, and each was at low speed, and the wheel was turned: #1 parking lot going forward--I thought I was going to run over some broken glass and I stopped too suddenly; #2, Trying to back into a parking spot on a deceptively sloped driveway; #3 country road which just ended. Try to back up on uneven gravel my foot went into a low-spot. Now, I'm most nervous driving into shopping mall parking lots. Head on the swivel, making lots of turns, looking for my spot, watching out for people or cars jumping out in front of me, and possibly needing to make a quick stop. I'm going to replay that balancing act at the end and see if I can apply it to my parking lot anxiety. Thanks for the demo.
It has a very low center of gravity. I ride a 2015 Kawasaki concourse 14. High center of gravity and about 690 lbs. I'm still getting back into it, and yes, practicing. I took about 12 years off riding. I am now 56, and it is kicking my ass. But I love my bike. She is a beast. I now live in Arizona. I used to live in San Diego, CA. I rode with a tight group sport bikes a lot of Palomar mountain, Anza Borrego, the glass elevator. Had several bikes back then. CBR954, CBR1000, R6 hated it. The good old days. Lol
Hey good lesson I would love to see you do this on a 2018 to 2022 Yamaha star venture transcontinental I haven't seen any videos with this particular bike with practice videos or obstacle course it will surely give me more confidence seeing this bike do what you do with it
I'm sat here smiling like an idiot. Your skills are outstanding. You are a joy to watch. Thank you very much for teaching me the importance of the clutch.
Watching this because I'm looking to buy a VTX 1800 tomorrow (About 700lbs). I thought that was a heavy bike, but this one is over a 1000(with you on it)! that's crazy...
You and Jerry the motor man are the best! You’re riding so impressive! Could you do a short video on how to do pause breaking? Why and how it works and how to do it? Keep up the great work! I downloaded your app from the App Store. Very helpful.
Big bike, big gloves ! Hahah Thanks for the video. My elderly neighbor asked me to drive her late husbands Harley. It had been sitting a while and she wanted to sell it. I’m not an experienced rider and it is a huge bike. I told her yes, but in a little while, then I came here. Hahah. Thanks
This was really good for me thank you. I have a big bike. No issue riding it it’s stopping and moving it in and out of parking spaces. Haaaa this was so good thank you. Your skills on pause ! Is sick !!! Wooooooot. Any suggestions on parking for this type of bike and a shirt rider would be helpful. Thanks again.
FYI I looked it up since a few people let me know, it's about 910lbs or so, not 1,350lbs... Either way, who really cares....go practice!!
Some people get lost in the details and miss the point completely. Great video as always.
Yeah, not like 900 plbs is a heavy bike or anything. 😂 Doesn't detract from how impressive this is at all.
@@MitchMZ I think he's adding the weight of the average rider to it... 😉
@@jubei6802 on a Harley..... accurate 🤣
@@jeremyfink537 tbh, I'm jealous :D
Hey Greg - great lesson. I struggled with my 250kg (550lb) bike at slow speeds until I used your techniques. Jeez you make that Harley look like a scooter! Nice one mate - keep up the great training vids.
thanks!
MotoJitsu.com for my app, books, etc.
I just fell so now you have me here 😂
I’m an old man with coming off a Goldwing to a Goldwing DCT Tourer. Amazing bike. What surprised me the most… after owning this DCT 4 years now. I’m still practicing. I am fortunate to live near a high school with a nice student parking lot. I actually have fun practicing riding this bike as slow as possible. I actually enjoy practicing more than riding. It keeps me ready for my longer trips. If you can’t handle slow speed, you are not ready for the road at any speed. The DCT is an amazing bike, however, I had to learn all over, from the beginning, slow speed maneuvering. It’s absolutely not the same technique as if feathering the clutch. Thanks for your content on your channel
I've never seen anyone else explain this stuff more clearly than you do and I'm someone that took an advanced riding course before, thank you for this !
thanks!
This was so darn helpful, I wish I saw this video before I started to learn to ride on my co-worker’s Harley Ultra Classic. It’s not the best way to learn to ride, but it taught me a lot
What did he say? To stay upright?😅 what did you think?
The two things that helped me most with low-speed bike control are 1. smooth clutch operation and 2. perfectly relaxed arms and hands. I try to feel the handlebar instead of holding it still. Anyway, I owe you any skills I have! :)
:)
You are a treasure. Seriously, I could write a paragraph long comment on every one of your vids (and I've watched a LOT), and still my appreciation would be inadequately expressed. Your demonstrations and instructional style are top notch and I credit you with a huge part of my skill and confidence. Thank you so much.
Glad to hear it! 650+ videos total to watch, like and comment on lol ;)
@@MotoJitsu I have your app. :) Right now troubleshooting some electrical issues with my 250 which (thanks to you and practice), I can whip around no problem. In a few days I have a 580lb Triumph coming - the reason I'm watching this over and over! LOL
I love how much fun you're having 😄
ohhhhhhhhh nice :)
I learned so much from all your videos, thank you so much. I have been riding for over 20 years and I learn something new every time I get on my bike. My wife and I travel all over the country together on our Harley davidson limited CVO. We take as many classes as we can per year and always use the tools you teach us. I am the President of the Blue Knights LEMC and I teach the guys and girls in my chapter too.
Again thank you, stay safe
My first and only bike is an '86 Goldwing. It felt impossible to ride when I got it. After laying it over in a parking lot a few times, I quickly learned that a little clutch goes a long ways lol I have nowhere near this much control, but this has got me wanting to go put in some overtime in the lot!!
yes!
MotoJitsu.com for my app, books, etc.
Yeah, probably should have started with a lighter bike. Get used to it now.
@@ericbitzer5247 I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth lol
@@aaronmorris222 Hey, I don't blame ya!
I got a 1999 bmw r1100rt that i found for 1000 bucks in perfect condition one owner like 50000 miles. So i bought it. Dude gave me a bunch of extra stuff and all the luggage for it too. Anyways. The dang thing is so heavy. I can ride it but stopping is hard. I almost drop it when i stop every time and i do drop it some times. Its frustrating
My grandpa just gave me his 1986 suzuki calvacade 1400GD with only 11161 miles and damn is it heavy. I weigh 145 on a good day and im 21 so its my first bike and these tips and tricks will definitely help me in the near future. Thank you sir.
:)
This is so good . This is a wonderful review for me . I sold my 2015 Gold wing two years ago . So I didn’t ride during Covid . Started renting with Eagle rider . I knew I was using to much front brake but needed to see the technique again . Thanks for this great video
Thanks for the inspiration to get back to riding. It's been 26 yrs since my last bike (Yamaha 400) and I'm amazed that I survived without the wealth of knowledge presented by especially you and other UA-camvideo teachers.
-Inspired enough to get a beautiful c50t Boulevard and practice skills on the "heavy" (-I'm only 165#)
Thank you, Greg.
Yes, I'm amazed I survived without all that knowledge either. With my first real bike ( 1956 500cc Triumph Tiger 100) I knew zilch (coming from a 150cc scooter), with my second years later ( 1982 Honda GL500I) it was better (I did a couple of courses to regain my licence), at least I now understood countersteering, but it's only in these videos that I'm starting to understand a whole lot more really basic stuff (braking technique, slow speed handling). In all those years I dropped it only four times, between 0 and 10 mph, which these videos explain, but I am so thankful nothing worse ever happened despite my ignorance. MotoJitsu, MCrider and others do an amazing service to motorcyclists.
Great stuff, glad to see you on a Harley bagger. Now I feel even worse about my slow speed skills. I MUST PRACTICE!
lol!!! keep at it.
MotoJitsu.com for my app, books, etc.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Great Job!! Going today, just started riding again on a Electra Glide Classic after over 30 years. The skill of riding any bike perishes with time, I don't care who you are!
I am about to migrate from a 535 to a 1500cc heavy bike. Such techniques are fantastic. I already knew and use the rear brake tip, but anyhow I learned it intuitively several years ago. I loved the tip about the half clutch, it seems to be very important for heavy and powerful engine motorcycles! Thank you!
You are of course exaggerating, but you are exactly correct. As I approach a stop, after the bulk of the slowing, I remove my fingers from the front brake and only use the rear. Parking lots tend to be flat, roads are not. If there is an irregularity at slow speed the front brake will amplify the effect and pull the bike down. I also stop with left foot down. I know shorter people need to put both feet down and hold position after stopped with the front brake.
I have a video for short riders where a tip I have is not to put both feet down, just the left.
@@MotoJitsu 6' 3"
I'm always in awe watching petite ladies handle heavy cruisers and dyna street type bikes. they have that understanding of balance and power and it just seems so effortless.
When i started riding 3 years ago i never had much faith in learning from youtube videos. That was until i found your channel. Got my 04 gixxer 600 as my first bike. Super intimidating. Got kinda used to it after a year. Bought a 2019 aprilia tuono v4 1100rr as a second bike. Just an absolute beast of a bike. Almost not enjoyable on city streets. This year sold the tuono and bought a harley road king. And that was a wise choice. I used it more than my gixxer or the aprilia. I still got my suzuki and now the harley. Both has their place. And i went from not knowing how to get comfortable on my harley to scraping pegs at every tight turn. Big bike is easier to ride because of it's torque and turning abilities. I can literally inch with my harley preloading and clutching it. It's harder on a sport bike since it just wants to shred the rear tire. All of this to say thank you MotoJitsu for doing what you're doing. Merry Christmas
Greg. Awesome skills. Thanks for the insight. I’m in the car park 3 times a week at the minute & slowly making progress following your drills.
thanks!!
Great explained!.. My experience is that a heavy bike will automatically feel more easy to handle when being putting on some miles to it!.. Like a big screen TV,.. Huge at first, but becomes normal when viewed some weeks
Thanks!
When I was a new rider my Instructor said “ Always let the bike take your feet out from under you instead of lifting them off the ground yourself..”
I still remember that every time!
thats instinct for a natural rider
I respect people that choose heavy bikes and love the way you are so calm, the heaviest I have owned is a 200cC standard and still I couldn't do what you are doing, but fun to watch.
:) thanks
When you showed the clutch part that was great!!
A lot of people just say ease off the clutch but they never show it
You did!! You literally are teaching how to do it exactly! For newbies like me this is great!! Thank you very much for that!! 🙂
Glad it helped!
Bought my first bike. 06 Yamaha FJR. A lot of people told me it is heavy bike for a beginner and indeed it its. However your video gave me the confidence that I needed. Excellent lesson, clear explanation. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!.
Now just take more courses MotoJitsu.com/courses
I was watching your video on counter balancing during slow speed maneuvering. I set up some cones with my buddy and did some practicing. I am just shy of 2 years of riding and was amazed what a difference it made for me and my 500llb bike.I am surprised they didn’t cover this in my motorcycle safety class to get my endorsement.I think people assume they know enough and that’s very far from true .
and the course you took is just the basics, like 8th grade...there's much more to learn beyond that. MotoJitsu.com/courses
New subscriber from Vancouver Canada.
Amazing riding !!!!
Learning so much from your training, thank you, I just past my training basics so now i can get my endorsement. That training isn't the same as watching videos, the actual real world practice really wakened me up and realize need so much more practice. When I get my bike I'll have to go back, watch videos then go out there and practice them.
I don't know how else to say this...I learn something new with every one of your videos. Just bought a used 2017 R1200RTP and lots of cones off of Amazon for parking lot practice. The drills you teach are simple AND effective.
That 9:25 mark is pure skill!!! Recently traded in my sportster 883 for a lowrider s. Never ever dropped the 883. 2 days in drop the lowrider s coming in the driveway. Ego was hurt. And like you said practice practice practice!
More practice indeed!
I was practicing figure eights just like this and dropped my SV650. I wasn’t riding my clutch as you so eloquently described. Lesson learned.
:)
What were you doing then? Riding your brakes?
Great to see you again bro. I had this motorcycle and now have the 2022 year model. I totally agree with you. On thing, I would relax the rule to stop with only one foot down for such a heavy machine. Two feet for me
I am riding a much lighter bike (Harley XL1200C), but your tips still apply, making my bike even lighter. Thanks!
In the UK, we’re taught to “ride the clutch”, whilst balancing throttle and back brake. By increasing engine revs, whilst limiting speed and engagement, you can control any bike at low speed. It comes from the flywheel gyroscopic effect. Your method is a lot easier, if you’ve never had to pass a proper motorcycle test as we do in the UK. I like your statement about keeping everything straight, including your eyes. Again in the UK, we’re taught that where you look on a bike is where you end up. This is particularly important when cornering, because, many bikers die, from target fixation in bends. Basically, they see a lorry or car coming in the opposite direction and they fix their eyes on the vehicle and not where they want the bike to go. It’s particularly a problem with summer bikers who don’t use their bike all year round. Loads die at the start of the biking season.
Very informative post. I wonder how a longitudinal crankshaft bike (Moto Guzzi, CX-500, boxer style) responds as opposed to a transverse (HD style or parallel 2/4/6) one? Target fixation is an important point.
@@awuma Thank you, in the UK we have pretty high traffic density. In the US in some states there’s limited traffic density so I’m guessing the tests don’t have to be as rigorous.
Having owned and ridden an in-line 4, albeit BMW’ K1200S, it was great to ride. It, like the current BMW1600GT(L) had the engine down low at 55degrees. This kept the bike “light” and flickable all the time. My first bike, an Aprilia Futura 1000 RSV, was a twin whose centre of gravity was extremely high. It was a nightmare, whereas the K1200S and now my R1250RT (I had a 9 year hiatus from bikes) are a piece of p1ss to ride and manoeuvre at low speeds.
I needed this exact video last weekend 😭 feeling my new heavy bike gently lay down as I was going entirely too slow in a u-turn as I did the everting wrong was no fun. Off to the parking lot I go this weekend.
Get to it!! :)
Hell yea man! Love the big bike content. Starting Motojitsu practice this morning and have already realized some results.
Hi Greg what you describe certainly makes sense and that is why I never kept my Honda CrossTourer with DCT very long. Turning it around in a narrow road was a nightmare.
get out there and practice!
Solid, I’m on a 21 street glide special, still getting used to the weight at low speeds. The reinforcement of the speed= stability was helpful I need more time in parking lot working low speed u turns and figure 8s. Thanks for good video
Thanks...more practice the better you'll get.
Very clear instruction. I was perspiring just watching you make the slow speed moves. Time for me to practice - Thanks
😃👍🏼
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Wow impressed on your skills on tossing that big bike around. This helped me a lot to go out and practice. Thanks for the tips!
thanks ;)
You are just incredible ! That experince and passion shows ! Cheers !
Thank you very much! :)
I have an altar classic and I do real tight. U-turns like you're doing in this video, it's very easy to ride like you say speed up no problem if you do dump that bike, you can pick it up, just grabbed behind the bar and down there by the other bag bar and walk backwards, it'll stand right up for ya no problem. I picked up my buddies when he dumped it. Nice video.
👍🏼👍🏼
Just got the new Indian Pursuit. It's an absolute beast weighing over 500kg. I've applied your techniques when riding it and it's been super helpful! Thx!
I own a 500 pound plus BMW 1250. Renting a 850 lb Harley for my Montana trip. This video was a tremendous help. Hope all goes well!
thanks!
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Thank you so much for these tips. I watched them before my MSF class and needless to say, it was VERY useful and I aced all the tests..
Learning how to ride on a VStar 1100… thanks for these heavy bike/cruiser videos!
Wow. As the owner of a “heavy” bike like the one you used here, I am impressed and encouraged. Thank you.
Now get out there and practice!!!!!!!!
Check out MotoJitsu.com if you have a min :)
I'm not going to lie, i came to this video because i myself had an incident just the other day with a heavy road glide. I've been riding dirt bikes and smaller bikes for years, i myself normally ride a 2022 Harley 1200 Sportster. But i rode a road glide for the first time the other day and i dropped it coming to a stop. I was already stopped and it basically just slowly lowered to the ground, so it didn't damage anything, but it fell over because my front tire wasn't straight and i felt like an complete IDIOT that didn't know what i was doing. Guess we ALL live and learn at some point....LOL.
Best teacher and instructor for bikers.
thanks!
Great clip ! You are really appreciated my friend !!! (You got a lil show/offy at the end with the look away , opposite turns , but you gotta have fun once in a while , especially in a controlled, safe environment). As far as the weight ? It is that heavy with a passenger plus driver )
Ooorah Devil Dog, thanks for teaching me how to use a motorcycle clutch in one of your videos a couple of years ago. Since then I completed the MSF Course and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. I am thinking of a big bike but I have a slight back injury from my USMC career. Thanks for sharing another riding skill with me. Semper Fi
You're welcome devil! :)
MotoJitsu.com
@@MotoJitsu I thought I heard you say in one of your UA-cam videos that you are a Marine, roger?
Really helpfull well explained and the riding was amazing .ive bought a 1600 triumph thunderbird .im 5ft 6 so need help to enjoy riding without falling over .great instructor who really enjoys his riding.mick uk
:)
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Hey brother ..!! Here , me again enjoying and learning from U .
I Loved that little baby step riding working the rear brake and the throttle . BEAUTIFUL LESSON BRO ..!!!
tHANK UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU ...!!!!!!!
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Hi there. I really enjoy these videos you are posting. This particular drill I had to do some years ago before passing my exam for the motorcycle category. Thing was that the bike I had at that time was a scooter125cc, and the bike we had to use was an old/gold/ yamaha xj750. And yes, I am subscribed. Thumbs up
Thanks for watching!! Keep at it!!
I just bought a 2003 ultra classic (fully equipped 1100lbs) and never ridden a bike this size. I have been practicing slow speed riding / maneuvers on a HD sportster just get the technique. I live on a hill so I do not have choice go up or down to start my lesson.
Thank you very much for informative video, greatly appreciated
welcome!!! :)
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Doesn't weight 1100,that might be gross w
yeah me to I bought dyna street bob as my first and I also live on a hill so it's pretty intimidating to leave my house lol
Your the man Eddie! Great video showing it ain’t the size of the bike, it’s the skill of the biker.
Bikers should test ride and switch up once in awhile and check their skill level on various bikes…sport bikes, adv bikes, cruisers and tourers. IMHO We all should be confident and competent no matter the bike before us.
:) yes!
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Great video and your upbeat style of teaching is priceless.
BADASS techniques! BADASS instruction! Just plain ol' BADASS! You sir, just may be the king of UA-cam motorcycle BADASS-ery! Thanks for the vids!
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Well done brother. Heck I'm only 5 four and I got the friction zone thing going on. A wet clutch won't wear as bad. Thanks for your videos
Went back to biking after years, aged 65, found taller, heavier bikes to be a bit tricky. Some of the roads I have to travel, get a little technical due to deep gravel (stones). I found your speed=stability right-on with that. Anything under 60k and the bike feels unsafe (scary) and as someone else mentioned, f/all tension on arms, nice and relaxed, works wonders too. All sweet on the 'real' road as long as I think-through how/where I park in order to move off again with no dramas. Dave Aotearoa nz
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Just what I needed. Amazing stuff. I've watched many videos like this but you have a way of teaching that very easy to understand.. Like you said, it can be if you practice.
I just baught a suzuki intruder 1500. Never riden a bike that big and heavy before today and I'm what what you would call skilled. I'm going to incorporate some of your techniques in my practice
Nice skill set, thank you for posting this, I have been riding 22 years and just got my first bagger, so learning some new skills😎
welcome
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What surprised me the most when I got my RoadGlide was how much more stable and manoeuvrable it was at low speeds at 850lbs compared to my previous Bike a Suzuki Marauder cruiser at 450lbs. The little Cruiser had a crazy Rake on it which the RG doesn’t have
they are pretty easy to handle :)
This guy is the master of motorcycling
I have only been riding for 6 months. I went from a Kawasaki KLR650 (400lbs) to a Honda GoldWing (900lbs) and I have no problem riding it at normal operation on the street. I can sit at lights and move forward without ever putting my feet down. However, at low speed tight corning its a beast and the weight really shows. Once the bike decides your going too slow and gravity pulls her down it can be a bear to hold it up. I need to practice the low speed stuff for sure.
This guy is good. Thanks for making this video. Simple to the point and practical.
Another tip for stopping a big ass touring bike:
When coming up slooo to a stop smoothly transfer to the rear brake and keep some revs at hand and if needed let a little power to the rear against the rear brake to stablize if it feels getting a little off. Once there is power to the rear you have a much lesser chance to dump it.
Harley touring bikes are actually very maneuverable.
I’m far from perfect but I always try to slowly come to my stops and gently set down my left foot. Sometimes I gotta throw out the landing gear but shit happens and trying to hone these skills beats those that just throw out the landing gear and pull the front brake under 5mph.
Thanks motojitsu dude! I found a few new tips to try out from your vids
welcome!!!!!
Great video, wish I had watched it before I did Route 66 2 years ago on an Electraglide. Kept on dropping it coming to a stop in a parking lot - very embarrassing. Wife had no issues as she dismounts horses everyday. Had all sorts of advice from other riders, more momentum, more speed etc. Eventually had a eureka moment in bed one night, pure physics - if the wheel is turned even slightly and you grab the front brake, you’re going down. So when coming to a stop I hardly used the front brake and had no more problems.
thanks :)
Just started my class this pass week. I love cruisers. So heavy though. Thanks for the tips.
I find that using the back brake when stopping, gives real stability to the bike. Especially with a heavy bike like my RT1100
6 Years ago I vividly remember my first drop. The last two feet I squeeze the break which shifted me forward and the front wheel was not straight. Lessoned learned! That happened at my work's card swipe gate. Yes they caught me on camera and would have had to take a pee test if I hadnt gone to a director I knew right away :)
I love this! I just got my first HD and I was intimidated by how much more it weighs but this helped my confidence a lot!
Amen to that! Practice practice practice! I'm up to figure 8's in 4 spaces on a Harley Road King, with a passenger. I would never have gotten to that level without motojitsu!
yes!
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@@MotoJitsu I have your app and all your books. I've maybe got around 20 copies of your 1 st motojitsu book and I give it to all of my riding buddies and people I work with who have a motorcycle. You rock, and your emergency brake exercises have already saved my life
you're the best!
Great video. I used to ride all the time. I took about a 10 year hiatus from riding. Picked up a used harley road king for an amazing deal. Just finished the MSF beginners course. I've been practicing in neighborhood, on some roads and in an empty parking lot. I've had a couple oh shit moments all do to beginners mistakes. I'm keeping at it. Thanks again for the great videos.
Thanks :) Keep at it !
Not 1200#, but my VEE is heavy for me at about 550#. Three times I've had a get-off since I bought my VEE last year, and each was at low speed, and the wheel was turned: #1 parking lot going forward--I thought I was going to run over some broken glass and I stopped too suddenly; #2, Trying to back into a parking spot on a deceptively sloped driveway; #3 country road which just ended. Try to back up on uneven gravel my foot went into a low-spot. Now, I'm most nervous driving into shopping mall parking lots. Head on the swivel, making lots of turns, looking for my spot, watching out for people or cars jumping out in front of me, and possibly needing to make a quick stop. I'm going to replay that balancing act at the end and see if I can apply it to my parking lot anxiety. Thanks for the demo.
Sehr gut, gerade ein schweres Motorrad gekauft und viel gelernt mit diesem Video🙏👍👍🇨🇭.
Seen lots of others on UA-cam teaching similar stuff but that Sir was impressive....thank you for sharing
welcome!
I have only been riding a year. I have a bike that weighs around 700. Riding has become so much easier since watching this video. Thank you!
:)
It has a very low center of gravity. I ride a 2015 Kawasaki concourse 14. High center of gravity and about 690 lbs. I'm still getting back into it, and yes, practicing. I took about 12 years off riding. I am now 56, and it is kicking my ass. But I love my bike. She is a beast. I now live in Arizona. I used to live in San Diego, CA. I rode with a tight group sport bikes a lot of Palomar mountain, Anza Borrego, the glass elevator. Had several bikes back then. CBR954, CBR1000, R6 hated it. The good old days. Lol
I see a lot of rookies on these dinosaurs. Thank you for this video. You are saving lives.
Showing off a little counter steering. Very nice.
been riding for 40 years lots of small to big and many in between ,Im going out to practice ,great tutorial well presented
Once you get your girlfriend on board your bike, then you can add at least 300 lbs to the weight of the bike.
Hey good lesson I would love to see you do this on a 2018 to 2022 Yamaha star venture transcontinental I haven't seen any videos with this particular bike with practice videos or obstacle course it will surely give me more confidence seeing this bike do what you do with it
I'm sat here smiling like an idiot. Your skills are outstanding. You are a joy to watch. Thank you very much for teaching me the importance of the clutch.
I really enjoyed every singel min of this Video.
Thanks alot
Watching this because I'm looking to buy a VTX 1800 tomorrow (About 700lbs). I thought that was a heavy bike, but this one is over a 1000(with you on it)! that's crazy...
:)
i like the way you explain this. interesting, right hand hup when stopping
That was some brilliant riding and instruction. Well done!
You and Jerry the motor man are the best! You’re riding so impressive! Could you do a short video on how to do pause breaking? Why and how it works and how to do it? Keep up the great work! I downloaded your app from the App Store. Very helpful.
Just rear brake and practice....do a lot of slow races. :)
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Great tips, nice vid and (of course) subscribed. Greetings and regards from a Honda F6C valkyrie driver
Awesome, thank you!
Big bike, big gloves ! Hahah
Thanks for the video. My elderly neighbor asked me to drive her late husbands Harley. It had been sitting a while and she wanted to sell it. I’m not an experienced rider and it is a huge bike. I told her yes, but in a little while, then I came here. Hahah.
Thanks
welcome!!
MotoJitsu.com
Awesome demonstration, greetings from Spain.
Great stuff! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
also key is stop only with the front wheel squarely straight. If it's turned and you hit the front break to hard with the wheel turned, drop city...
As a Goldwing owner I can relate to the importance of mastering heavy bike low speed maneuvers.
Thanks for posting just gentleman knows what he's doing sure he has paid his dues
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Awesome information I have been practicing myself on my Shadow 750 👍😊🎉
This was really good for me thank you. I have a big bike. No issue riding it it’s stopping and moving it in and out of parking spaces. Haaaa this was so good thank you. Your skills on pause ! Is sick !!! Wooooooot.
Any suggestions on parking for this type of bike and a shirt rider would be helpful. Thanks again.
you're welcome! :) I have videos on parking.
Great video! You help a lot of people, thanks for that👍🇬🇧
Hey, & nice that you have buddies who will let you abuse their bikes 😂