I know... it would've been great if I had shown the GoPro clips of riding the twisties... unfortunately I somehow am missing that footage. Hopefully you couldn't tell :P Want to do a 1 on 1 cornering sessions with MJ? Just email him, he does it free! fasteddiemotojitsu@gmail.com MotoJitsu's full analysis on my cornering ua-cam.com/video/inq_gWyihDU/v-deo.html When MJ almost made me poop my pants ua-cam.com/video/vJwAqrgKIPs/v-deo.html
Awwww... I found this video honest... An enthusiast! Subscribing... I already am subscribed to "MJ" ... Since his Fast Eddie days... He had another name prior to that when he has only about a hundred subscribers... Hard working guy... I liked the honesty in your enthusiasm... Go biker!!!
When, NOT IF, MJ comes to Georgia would you two consider inviting subscribers out to do a mini training/ group ride type day? You both are two of my favorite motorcycle UA-camrs
I've enjoyed goth of you for years already, but the two of you together are internet gold. Your combination of eager novice and focused professional naturally generate an informative entertainment. Do it again. Do it as often as you can. You won't regret it.
Dude, MJ is literal riding goals. Love learning from his vids as a beginner rider, thank you for this video doodle (and high key jelly you got to train with him!!)
Your willing to learn while staying humble and honest about where you are at any particular point in your motorcycling is admirable and something I strive for. Thank you for the reminder to stay true.
The car conversation at the beginning reminded me of my instructor talking to me when I was learning how to drive an 18 wheeler long haul. He said it like this, “ I am a hypocrite! You will see me doing things that contradict what I am teaching you because I have the experience and you don’t. If you do what I do, you can cause a wreck. Don’t do what I do, do what I say. Now, the reason is that I have to teach you THROUGH the points needed to get your skills to do what I do. By the end of the next few months my job is to safely get you on your own with the same skill set I have after years of driving. The difference is I have more experience, but we are supposed to have the same set of skills. Always be willing to learn and never stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you hang up the keys as you became a danger to the public by not learning.”
Two of my favorite people talking about my favorite subject!! Amazing how much a very experienced rider can find that you are doing different and could improve upon... Glad you got this amazing opportunity Doodle!!
I have always been an advocate for track day riding. All these suggestions are great. But I have always felt things like trail breaking are easier to learn when you are not dealing with traffic. Many racers I talk to will not ride street anymore because they feel it's safer to race. I can see their point but I have found my track skills improved my street riding immensely.
Having spent 48 of 55 years on this rock riding anything on two wheels in mud, dirt, snow, street, fire roads, drag strip, beach, whatever, I really appreciate this discussion. One bone to pick - and it is a personal preference - in a fast right hander in the twisties without a clear line of sight, I like to stay left in the lane until I can see through to my exit, because it is much easier to tighten the turn then to come in tight, ease up and then adjust so I don't cross the double yellow. And yer man can do his thing for his reasons, and that's cool too. He also makes a great point about braking rather than downshifting. File all that under Control. You are 100% present and in total control. You're telling the bike exactly what to do through your control inputs and body positioning, with the understanding of its limits. Otherwise you're a part time passenger. Namaste, stay sticky side down
Thank you for your inspirational and educational videos. I'm a WA state rider and we seriously lack training opportunities here. I am signing up for track lessons in the spring. I don't have the ability to travel and learn but your advice and experience is gold to me. Love Motojitsu too. Good peoples with invaluable knowledge. Thank you Doodles!!
I dont usually watch videos like this because everybody thinks there a expert. ive been riding ,really fast, for 40+years,I was suprised, this guys someone i can agree with, totally agree with his method of riding.
I especially like his criticizms of your lines. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes I cringe just from the video footage. I always try to leave myself the most options for the unexpected. Your riding has blossomed, so don't take this wrong, but after riding for 44 years I STILL try and learn something every time I ride. I hope you keep doing the same!
It's so much better to learn from the experience/mistakes of others than your own mistakes! Stay safe out there and thank you for sharing. Very informative!
I credit him for most of improvement in my riding skills. From my first bike, 390 Duke and after 2 1/2 years now on my Multistrada 1260 I still find his riding lessons so useful.
UGHH THIS IS WHAT I LIKE ! Respecting the bike is all about practice not the actual bike itself. Glad you did this, I'm really passionate about motorcycles and I hate riders who always goes on the streets and highways then start posting bullshit on Instagram. Like this, this is what you're supposed to be doing.
I've been riding for 3 months now, and I know everything. Joking :D. I feel like a total noob on the streets still. Planning to have more training classes soon
Your the only female rider I know that’s totally committed to becoming a great rider. Keep doing what your doing, your doing great and your us along with you. Cheering for you doodle.
I just watched your trip to the Dragon video and subscribed immediately. I live here in Gatlinburg and ride almost exclusively in East Tennessee mountain roads. I did start approaching curves to hit late apex . This is a must because as you approach a curve on the outside, you must be slow enough turn in and then accelerate. One of my Canadian friends noticed that I do not use brakes very often. I mostly never approach a curve faster than I need to navigate the curve, why get a ticket on straight sections? I do actually speed up as I approach the curve as to get maximum enjoyment of leaning and then accelerating on exit. Right after the entrance turn-in and see the line, I get a good long accelerations while exiting the curve. I do the opposite of what your instructor says, I always downshift as I approach the entrance to a curvy section to navigate the cause with controlled engine braking. This is not especially good track day practice but I ride the hills and hollows . That Canadian friend acknowledged that although We don’t ride all that fast and I don’t brake much, I do take the curves briskly.
The curves in the area can be very tight. I usually ride outside lane. Seen too many cagers and bikes crossing that center line in blind turns (head deep into the smartphone is a problem). I don't go crazy fast in corners in the mtns unless its a sweeper.
@@mojomanmurph1925 Going around a curve on the outside is okay but is not the best approach to be safe. A constant late apex approach is the best way to navigate curves safely. When approaching on the outside line, one naturally slows down. If you do not slow, your entry speed is too fast. That is the first point because if one hits the early apex, one cannot see if they are too fast or not and will be more likely to run out mid corner. The second point is when to turn in, as you enter and remain outside looking around the corner, always looking for the late apex or some reason to enter early. If no traffic is encountered or any bad terrain, turn in when all clear and the late apex is seen. You have the benefit of getting on throttle early to exit in good speed. If you do not do this, you risk runout or just unnecessary slow speed through the curves. Main point is it is much safer, if you waddle through a curve, you cannot move quicker to avoid trouble. It is not about fast, just navigating in a timely manner in a safe and fun way.
Thanks MJ, I heard that! I also rely on engine braking too much in curves and twisties when I should be using the brakes more. ✅ Thank you Doodle for taking one for the team and riding the MotorJitsu roller coaster!
I had to make an effort to think about it when riding to realize what I do, since it's sorta automatic. I pull in clutch and use brakes at same time as I'm downshifting (never had speed shifter). Then I let out clutch and adjust revs to engine brake or speed up. I think when I'm actually entering the curve, I'm engine braking or speeding up, depending on curve and line of sight.
Yeah Greg is the man. I’ve always wished I could have a one on one with him because I know there’s so much I can improve on. That’s cool you really took him serious and utilized his expertise
Unbelievable opportunity to get feedback from an instructor. As a sport bike rider all of my adult life, I learned early on the first upgrade to a new motorcycle...always get steel-braided brake lines installed. Night and day difference and it just makes you more confident.
About 6:12 "Downshifting vs. Trailbraking" - some professional instructors I listened to seem to disagree with "MJ": They seem to use as much engine braking as possible and use it as a "replacement" for the rear brake. Advantages of engine braking + front brake vs rear brake + front brake seem to be: - The rear wheel doesn't stop turning (that's only if you have a slipper clutch/back-torque limiter!) - Due to a shift of weight caused by engine braking the front wheel gets some relief and therefore has more reserve for (front) braking if necessary. - Furthermore, if you use engine braking instead of your rear brake your right foot/leg is free to move while you position your body for cornering. - All in all enging braking is softer and in contrary to what "MJ" says it actually is very controlled and predictable - if you know your motorcycle well! Obviously nobody would ONLY use engine braking. The most important brake is the front brake. But the least important brake maybe is the rear brake. Disclaimer: That's only what I learned about this, I would consider myself a beginner so maybe I am wrong. And everything I wrote about breaking is about breaking *before* reaching corners, not *in* corners. I would love to hear more opinions on this! Sorry for my bad English, I hope my comment is understandable at all.
Great video! He's awesome! I've always wanted to ride a bike, but I never thought I could make my family happy by doing so. Finally, I decided to follow my dream and bought a bike. I practice 3-4 times a week in parking lots and have already put in 600 miles of driving time, mostly slow riding, in less than a month. Riding a bike is a craft that requires patience and practice. If more people understood this, we would see fewer accidents and more amazing riders on the road. That's just my opinion. Your videos are awesome!
Awesome to see you hook up with MotoJitsu. I call him Sensei (Master/teacher) for respect........and also hooking up with Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino (I'm also a retired Cop). I love all three of you teachers, awesome to see you together, sharing all of your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding about riding motorcycles. God Bless you all (Doodle, MotoJitsu, and Jerry) !!! Aloha from Hawaii !!!
Never stop learning. That's the best advice anyone can give, and anyone can do. Even the best at anything have room to grow, they are not the best at everything.
Greg has a real skill explaining technique. He, Dave from Canyon Chasers and Mike from Mike on Bikes have taught me a lot, but the common thread (although they all have their different perspectives, which is healthy) is their focus on putting yourself in a good position and when appropriate using trail braking, and above all continuing to practice and improve. Just as I do with other pursuits, I will spend part of most rides practising something, and sometimes go out with the express purpose of practising one skill (midget be trail braking, or rear braking, or hating without a quick shifter, or riding on a dirt road on a road bike, or wet weather riding). Thanks for your video - hope you are enjoying your ride focused life
Always learning, never be afraid to take (good) advice. It does seem to me that a lot of USA riders actively avoid using brakes especially the front. Pretty much all training in Britain emphasises the correct use of the brakes. One tip I learnt from our (UK) Police Instructors was to talk to yourself and comment on what you plan to do when, say, going into a blind corner.
I'm working on downshifting at high speeds. But I started on a 150 scooter, so I'm a pro at braking! I find that by practicing braking/emergency braking, leaning, lane filtering/splitting, and slow maneuvers on the scooter, I was much easier to engage in safe techniques once I got on a bike.
I've learned a whole lot from him just from his videos and practicing it. Sometimes he seems a bit arrogant, but he really knows what he's talking about.
He's right track riding and road riding are different when positioning. Give yourself the best chance to survive the unexpected. Same applies for blind corners and passing going up hills.
Something HUGE I've learned over a decade+ of riding is don't spend more than a second looking left/right/backwards. The closest calls I've had (other than deer and dogs of which you can't control) is when I looked at something too long on right/left. In two cases a car slammed on their brakes and I locked up brakes on one situation and the other I had to dodge it by riding off shoulder or into ditch..I didn't have enough room to brake. Both of those situations were in rain. The one thing that kept me from laying that bike down was not panicking. Two times I went off shoulder to dodge a car I knew that brakes were useless and I fully committed to making a straight line off shoulder.. once you hit grass (especially wet) you'd better keep it straight and go easy on controls. There are unavoidable situations (deer, dogs, road debris, muffin man, etc) but the ball is in your court most of the time.
I like the braking advice. When I took my safe riders course, that is what they taught us. They also told me if I do it right in times of need my mind will automaticly go to the basics. I have 250000 miles on cruiser style bikes. No expert but this all makes good clear sense. I do not profess to be at MotJitsu level. But if you do the basics it will make you safer. And ALWAYS watch the other guy.
Hey! I just wanted to say I really have enjoyed watching you progress and admire your focus on getting trained and practicing to gain confidence and skill! I point new riders in our area to your channel to see what is possible when you overcome your fear and anxiety about trying new things.
Fascinating - he exhibits a kind of mindfulness approach - an excellent video thanks to your being prepared to get lectured, which too many people would want to avoid
Instruction videos by MJ and others, combined with on-going practice and review is the reason people think I have been riding for decades. Looking forward to videos where you put newly acquired instruction to practice.
Great advice from MJ although I never take classes and I don't rely on that sort of learning personally.. Have met a couple of beginners that took 2 or 3 classes yet they had no confidence and Low skill, and I would never ride with them again..... Cool I see that KTM Duke and love that machine I owned one when I was touring around in Cambodia under the Bajaj badge.. 6 speed low geared slipper clutch really snappy little bike Max out at about a 150 km per hour with bags and passenger I might add.. It was my temple adventure machine.. All great advice appreciate and even still want to want to improve and increase availabilities.. My 1st ride was on an old backfiring loud Harley 60 years ago when I was only 4 years old.. It's been a great love affair ! 🙏🙏🙏
What a cool insight into cornering. As always love your content and presentation, keep it coming because I'm sure there's a lot of us that appreciate it.
Twisty riding - Left hand bend, wheels to the right of lane body to the middle of lane. Right hand bend, wheels to the left of lane body to the middle. Lean opposing the bike direction of lean. Doing this for street/twisty riding is so you can see round the corners further and helps prepare for corners better. Cutting to the centre of the road is for the race track only where you would move to the extremes to smooth out corners. The last thing you want to be doing is going round a bend with your head in the other lane. If there are obstacles stopping you from doing this then you should slow to their speed and overtake after the corner.
When you use downshifting to “brake”, you’re braking only with your rear wheel. Learn to control your bike with braking, then incorporate engine braking. That’s the smooth way, and smooth is fast.
Hi Doodle, a very interesting video, and an important point! you can never know it all, we're always learning, even MJ, with his vast experience! Ride as if you're invisible to motorists, is a way to stay alive. I learnt that the hard way in my very early years! Keep these type of videos coming, as there is so much to learn from them.
I liked this video, I try not to be leaning into a corner with my body in the opposite direction lane. Yes I will have to practice just braking into the corner too. When I learnt how to drive my brother taught me, and he made me look as far ahead as I could see, it made keeping the car on course much easier, so that was a good thing to learn while young because it is a natural thing to do automatically.
Same as with cars on curves....scrub off speed before the curve, then just manage the curve. I like the way you show your riding 'faults.' You are helping riders ride better.
The difficult bit, using this information, hope you learn and progress Carolyn 👏👏👏👏👏. Your in a fantastic position to get better all the time....practice makes perfect. 🥰
Good to see you learning from someone with such excellent knowledge. Cornering on a bike, or bicycle, is just a little bit like playing soccer. Part of your attention needs to know where the ball is while running and looking ahead anyway, 'cos if you don't you're gonna collide with someone/thing/go off the road!!!!!!!! Heehee, 😀 I only just thought of it that way right this minute, and I've ridden motorcycles, on and off, for 47 years. It ain't easy!
Been riding for more than 17 years now! Still Great informative videos to watch, its always fun watching your videos! You should consider travelling overseas, you have a great potential and energy to subdue any kind a terrain! Challenge yourself to limits.
Awesome video. I am glad to hear Doodle’s reactions and learnings too. I have been riding almost 8 years and am still struggling on some of the curvy roads; I tend to slow down more than a bit. Looking for practice techniques to improve my skills…
Downshifting without first utilizing brakes seems much harder to me. I utilize both brakes first and foremost then immediately after do the downshifting to match the speed but also make sure to be in gear at all times while moving.
I owe my skills to dirt track, leaning to slide, hit rocks, and quick response saved my life on the street many times. Dirt track courses should be a requirement to get a license.
Straight up my favorite guy and gal on bikes!! Thanks for the video Doodle.... IMHO if you (those who talk smack about him) can't handle how direct MJ is, you shouldn't be on a bike, cause you need heart and thick skin for that... the guy knows his stuff!! 😎😎
That one thing I can not do because I started riding my Piaggio after I stopped for years from a bad fall and got injuries to my knees! I had left knee replaced and right knee I wear a brace and to seeing the doctor for it 18 years till now! Mrs Doolie
So question for him but if not downshift to slow down how am I to get into power band after turn appex I know that as you lean the RPMs increase based on physics but on my 300 I can't be in 3rd gear at 70 I have to be in 5th so if I come into a turn at 70 I'm gonna end up slowing to 50 and if I don't downshift to 3rd it'll bog the bike down when accelerating out of the turn. Pointers?
I guess every bicyclist learns to use the front brake. Well, maybe not the fixie guys. :) Nick Ienatsch stresses trail-braking so much in his Cycle World columns that I have it as safety skill #1. ABS taught me how much braking I had that I never used, and didn't know how to use, because it gave me the confidence to work the front brake a lot harder.
So I found this video interesting for maybe a different reason than most. Probably a year and a half ago my thread was showing MotoJitsu video after MotoJitsu video which were taking techniques effective for one style bike and generalizing them for all bikes. Even saying you were riding wrong if you weren't using those techniques. As a rider of almost every style bike over the last 20 years, I knew almost all those techniques were not right across the board. For example, as similar as the 2 bikes may look, I use very different cornering techniques on my R7 vs my ZX6R. Not related to the difference in HP, but instead the weight distribution. The ZX6R is top heavy with the inline 4 and the R7 is the complete opposite. So when you add in a HD or naked or retro bike, a single technique is not going to apply to all bikes. So what was interesting to me was he seemed to almost contradict the idea of one size fits all techniques at one point in the video. When I first saw your introduction of him, and you mentioned the military history, I thought I had figured out his mind frame. The military doesn't care if you have a more effective or efficient way. You do it the military way. I'm not knocking the military. Just talking about how it works in the military. Everybody has to be on the same page. And changing the military way can quite literally take an act of Congress. So I still may not suggest a new rider watch a MotoJitsu instructional video, I will try to keep a more open mind if one of his videos pops up in my feed. BTW I'm not trying to be overly critical. I see him get a lot of praise in the comment sections of his videos. Although I do attribute that to the hive mind set of those only riding the bikes that those techniques apply, he is providing techniques for those people that are absolutely correct.
I was hoping that the subject of turning is where the most pressure is place on the contact patch, Acceleration or deceleration compounded with the lean and turn increases the inevitability of breaking traction, which in turn shortens or lessens the safety buffer aka your safe operating zone. The faster, the smaller of a safety buffer you have.
I know... it would've been great if I had shown the GoPro clips of riding the twisties... unfortunately I somehow am missing that footage. Hopefully you couldn't tell :P
Want to do a 1 on 1 cornering sessions with MJ? Just email him, he does it free! fasteddiemotojitsu@gmail.com
MotoJitsu's full analysis on my cornering ua-cam.com/video/inq_gWyihDU/v-deo.html
When MJ almost made me poop my pants ua-cam.com/video/vJwAqrgKIPs/v-deo.html
In Europe we have saying that is very true,,its, LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, ,,if you look at the ditch ,,you'll end up in the ditch .
Motojitsu is a gem. I learnt a lot from him and have been learning everyday.
Awwww... I found this video honest... An enthusiast!
Subscribing... I already am subscribed to "MJ" ... Since his Fast Eddie days... He had another name prior to that when he has only about a hundred subscribers... Hard working guy...
I liked the honesty in your enthusiasm... Go biker!!!
Was great to meet you and was fun riding with you that day! Keep at it :) Maybe I'll take a road trip to come visit you in GA this year? :)
Great to meet you and thanks for not making me cry!! 🤪🤣 The guest room or ABB is ready!!
I need a listen by you motojitsu. Great content doodle
When, NOT IF, MJ comes to Georgia would you two consider inviting subscribers out to do a mini training/ group ride type day? You both are two of my favorite motorcycle UA-camrs
I've enjoyed goth of you for years already, but the two of you together are internet gold. Your combination of eager novice and focused professional naturally generate an informative entertainment. Do it again. Do it as often as you can. You won't regret it.
I would love to meet you guys in person and I'm getting a new bike sooner.
Dude, MJ is literal riding goals. Love learning from his vids as a beginner rider, thank you for this video doodle (and high key jelly you got to train with him!!)
Your willing to learn while staying humble and honest about where you are at any particular point in your motorcycling is admirable and something I strive for. Thank you for the reminder to stay true.
The car conversation at the beginning reminded me of my instructor talking to me when I was learning how to drive an 18 wheeler long haul.
He said it like this, “ I am a hypocrite! You will see me doing things that contradict what I am teaching you because I have the experience and you don’t. If you do what I do, you can cause a wreck. Don’t do what I do, do what I say. Now, the reason is that I have to teach you THROUGH the points needed to get your skills to do what I do. By the end of the next few months my job is to safely get you on your own with the same skill set I have after years of driving. The difference is I have more experience, but we are supposed to have the same set of skills. Always be willing to learn and never stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you hang up the keys as you became a danger to the public by not learning.”
Hi Doodle: Thanks for flying out to California to train with MJ. I’m 69 and have been riding for 50 years. You CAN teach on old dog new tricks!
Two of my favorite people talking about my favorite subject!! Amazing how much a very experienced rider can find that you are doing different and could improve upon... Glad you got this amazing opportunity Doodle!!
I have always been an advocate for track day riding. All these suggestions are great. But I have always felt things like trail breaking are easier to learn when you are not dealing with traffic. Many racers I talk to will not ride street anymore because they feel it's safer to race. I can see their point but I have found my track skills improved my street riding immensely.
Glad to see UA-camrs together, i watch you both!
Having spent 48 of 55 years on this rock riding anything on two wheels in mud, dirt, snow, street, fire roads, drag strip, beach, whatever, I really appreciate this discussion. One bone to pick - and it is a personal preference - in a fast right hander in the twisties without a clear line of sight, I like to stay left in the lane until I can see through to my exit, because it is much easier to tighten the turn then to come in tight, ease up and then adjust so I don't cross the double yellow. And yer man can do his thing for his reasons, and that's cool too. He also makes a great point about braking rather than downshifting. File all that under Control. You are 100% present and in total control. You're telling the bike exactly what to do through your control inputs and body positioning, with the understanding of its limits. Otherwise you're a part time passenger. Namaste, stay sticky side down
Thank you for your inspirational and educational videos. I'm a WA state rider and we seriously lack training opportunities here. I am signing up for track lessons in the spring. I don't have the ability to travel and learn but your advice and experience is gold to me. Love Motojitsu too. Good peoples with invaluable knowledge. Thank you Doodles!!
I dont usually watch videos like this because everybody thinks there a expert. ive been riding ,really fast, for 40+years,I was suprised, this guys someone i can agree with, totally agree with his method of riding.
I especially like his criticizms of your lines. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes I cringe just from the video footage. I always try to leave myself the most options for the unexpected. Your riding has blossomed, so don't take this wrong, but after riding for 44 years I STILL try and learn something every time I ride. I hope you keep doing the same!
It's so much better to learn from the experience/mistakes of others than your own mistakes! Stay safe out there and thank you for sharing. Very informative!
I credit him for most of improvement in my riding skills. From my first bike, 390 Duke and after 2 1/2 years now on my Multistrada 1260 I still find his riding lessons so useful.
Ducati ftw!
UGHH THIS IS WHAT I LIKE ! Respecting the bike is all about practice not the actual bike itself. Glad you did this, I'm really passionate about motorcycles and I hate riders who always goes on the streets and highways then start posting bullshit on Instagram. Like this, this is what you're supposed to be doing.
I've been riding for 57 years, and still learning🤔😎
I've been riding for 3 months now, and I know everything.
Joking :D. I feel like a total noob on the streets still. Planning to have more training classes soon
Your the only female rider I know that’s totally committed to becoming a great rider. Keep doing what your doing, your doing great and your us along with you. Cheering for you doodle.
Thanos Etsitty- Try Twowheelsandaponytail she loves bikes and makes good vids
I just watched your trip to the Dragon video and subscribed immediately. I live here in Gatlinburg and ride almost exclusively in East Tennessee mountain roads.
I did start approaching curves to hit late apex . This is a must because as you approach a curve on the outside, you must be slow enough turn in and then accelerate.
One of my Canadian friends noticed that I do not use brakes very often. I mostly never approach a curve faster than I need to navigate the curve, why get a ticket on straight sections? I do actually speed up as I approach the curve as to get maximum enjoyment of leaning and then accelerating on exit. Right after the entrance turn-in and see the line, I get a good long accelerations while exiting the curve.
I do the opposite of what your instructor says, I always downshift as I approach the entrance to a curvy section to navigate the cause with controlled engine braking. This is not especially good track day practice but I ride the hills and hollows .
That Canadian friend acknowledged that although We don’t ride all that fast and I don’t brake much, I do take the curves briskly.
The curves in the area can be very tight. I usually ride outside lane. Seen too many cagers and bikes crossing that center line in blind turns (head deep into the smartphone is a problem). I don't go crazy fast in corners in the mtns unless its a sweeper.
@@mojomanmurph1925 Going around a curve on the outside is okay but is not the best approach to be safe. A constant late apex approach is the best way to navigate curves safely. When approaching on the outside line, one naturally slows down. If you do not slow, your entry speed is too fast. That is the first point because if one hits the early apex, one cannot see if they are too fast or not and will be more likely to run out mid corner. The second point is when to turn in, as you enter and remain outside looking around the corner, always looking for the late apex or some reason to enter early. If no traffic is encountered or any bad terrain, turn in when all clear and the late apex is seen. You have the benefit of getting on throttle early to exit in good speed. If you do not do this, you risk runout or just unnecessary slow speed through the curves. Main point is it is much safer, if you waddle through a curve, you cannot move quicker to avoid trouble. It is not about fast, just navigating in a timely manner in a safe and fun way.
Thanks MJ, I heard that! I also rely on engine braking too much in curves and twisties when I should be using the brakes more. ✅ Thank you Doodle for taking one for the team and riding the MotorJitsu roller coaster!
😁❤️
I had to make an effort to think about it when riding to realize what I do, since it's sorta automatic. I pull in clutch and use brakes at same time as I'm downshifting (never had speed shifter). Then I let out clutch and adjust revs to engine brake or speed up. I think when I'm actually entering the curve, I'm engine braking or speeding up, depending on curve and line of sight.
Always, ALWAYS listen to a Marine! Semper Fi! Great information Doodle, thanks for taking the time to do this and share!
Yeah Greg is the man. I’ve always wished I could have a one on one with him because I know there’s so much I can improve on. That’s cool you really took him serious and utilized his expertise
Unbelievable opportunity to get feedback from an instructor. As a sport bike rider all of my adult life, I learned early on the first upgrade to a new motorcycle...always get steel-braided brake lines installed. Night and day difference and it just makes you more confident.
About 6:12 "Downshifting vs. Trailbraking" - some professional instructors I listened to seem to disagree with "MJ": They seem to use as much engine braking as possible and use it as a "replacement" for the rear brake.
Advantages of engine braking + front brake vs rear brake + front brake seem to be:
- The rear wheel doesn't stop turning (that's only if you have a slipper clutch/back-torque limiter!)
- Due to a shift of weight caused by engine braking the front wheel gets some relief and therefore has more reserve for (front) braking if necessary.
- Furthermore, if you use engine braking instead of your rear brake your right foot/leg is free to move while you position your body for cornering.
- All in all enging braking is softer and in contrary to what "MJ" says it actually is very controlled and predictable - if you know your motorcycle well!
Obviously nobody would ONLY use engine braking. The most important brake is the front brake. But the least important brake maybe is the rear brake.
Disclaimer: That's only what I learned about this, I would consider myself a beginner so maybe I am wrong. And everything I wrote about breaking is about breaking *before* reaching corners, not *in* corners.
I would love to hear more opinions on this! Sorry for my bad English, I hope my comment is understandable at all.
in the opening when he was driving and talking on camera it was so nice to see that not once did he take his eyes off the road.....bravo....
Great video! He's awesome! I've always wanted to ride a bike, but I never thought I could make my family happy by doing so. Finally, I decided to follow my dream and bought a bike. I practice 3-4 times a week in parking lots and have already put in 600 miles of driving time, mostly slow riding, in less than a month. Riding a bike is a craft that requires patience and practice. If more people understood this, we would see fewer accidents and more amazing riders on the road. That's just my opinion. Your videos are awesome!
Awesome to see you hook up with MotoJitsu. I call him Sensei (Master/teacher) for respect........and also hooking up with Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino (I'm also a retired Cop). I love all three of you teachers, awesome to see you together, sharing all of your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding about riding motorcycles. God Bless you all (Doodle, MotoJitsu, and Jerry) !!! Aloha from Hawaii !!!
Never stop learning. That's the best advice anyone can give, and anyone can do. Even the best at anything have room to grow, they are not the best at everything.
MJ is a vital part to the motorcycle population staying safe and alive!
Cheers from Australia 🦘
Greg has a real skill explaining technique. He, Dave from Canyon Chasers and Mike from Mike on Bikes have taught me a lot, but the common thread (although they all have their different perspectives, which is healthy) is their focus on putting yourself in a good position and when appropriate using trail braking, and above all continuing to practice and improve. Just as I do with other pursuits, I will spend part of most rides practising something, and sometimes go out with the express purpose of practising one skill (midget be trail braking, or rear braking, or hating without a quick shifter, or riding on a dirt road on a road bike, or wet weather riding). Thanks for your video - hope you are enjoying your ride focused life
Always learning, never be afraid to take (good) advice. It does seem to me that a lot of USA riders actively avoid using brakes especially the front. Pretty much all training in Britain emphasises the correct use of the brakes. One tip I learnt from our (UK) Police Instructors was to talk to yourself and comment on what you plan to do when, say, going into a blind corner.
Awesome video Doodle. It's so important to keep improving. I've been riding for over 11 years and the day I don't want to get better will never come.
Your dedication to moto-training is astounding.......🏍
Doodles introduced me to Motojitsu , She is the GOAT 🐐
Practice over and over and over…trust your front brake…excellent video and discussion with one of the best…Motojitsu!
I can’t wait for summer, I’m off for a track day or two, teach me a few new tricks! 😜♥️👍🏽
I love this guy direct is the best way when teaching in my humble opinion. Thanks for this doodle
A good instructor: solves problems you don't know you have in ways you don't understand,until the moment it clicks.
I had no idea MotoJitsu was so accomplished. Seems like a cool dude!
Riding a motorcycle is like a martial art, you never quite learning. Technique, finesse, and attention, and always strive to improve..🙂
I'm working on downshifting at high speeds. But I started on a 150 scooter, so I'm a pro at braking! I find that by practicing braking/emergency braking, leaning, lane filtering/splitting, and slow maneuvers on the scooter, I was much easier to engage in safe techniques once I got on a bike.
I've learned a whole lot from him just from his videos and practicing it. Sometimes he seems a bit arrogant, but he really knows what he's talking about.
A bit? You'd be hard pressed to find someone with a bigger ego.
Both old you guys are so GREAT for knowledge!! Keep it coming.
His logic and metaphors are pretty cool to listen to
He's right track riding and road riding are different when positioning. Give yourself the best chance to survive the unexpected. Same applies for blind corners and passing going up hills.
Watching this video 2yrs later, was like reading a encyclopaedia book, so much info
Something HUGE I've learned over a decade+ of riding is don't spend more than a second looking left/right/backwards. The closest calls I've had (other than deer and dogs of which you can't control) is when I looked at something too long on right/left. In two cases a car slammed on their brakes and I locked up brakes on one situation and the other I had to dodge it by riding off shoulder or into ditch..I didn't have enough room to brake. Both of those situations were in rain. The one thing that kept me from laying that bike down was not panicking. Two times I went off shoulder to dodge a car I knew that brakes were useless and I fully committed to making a straight line off shoulder.. once you hit grass (especially wet) you'd better keep it straight and go easy on controls. There are unavoidable situations (deer, dogs, road debris, muffin man, etc) but the ball is in your court most of the time.
I like the braking advice. When I took my safe riders course, that is what they taught us. They also told me if I do it right in times of need my mind will automaticly go to the basics. I have 250000 miles on cruiser style bikes. No expert but this all makes good clear sense. I do not profess to be at MotJitsu level. But if you do the basics it will make you safer. And ALWAYS watch the other guy.
I appreciate your willingness to try new things and better yourself as a rider. Great video!
Hey! I just wanted to say I really have enjoyed watching you progress and admire your focus on getting trained and practicing to gain confidence and skill! I point new riders in our area to your channel to see what is possible when you overcome your fear and anxiety about trying new things.
Fascinating - he exhibits a kind of mindfulness approach - an excellent video thanks to your being prepared to get lectured, which too many people would want to avoid
Instruction videos by MJ and others, combined with on-going practice and review is the reason people think I have been riding for decades. Looking forward to videos where you put newly acquired instruction to practice.
Great advice from MJ although I never take classes and I don't rely on that sort of learning personally.. Have met a couple of beginners that took 2 or 3 classes yet they had no confidence and Low skill, and I would never ride with them again.....
Cool I see that KTM Duke and love that machine I owned one when I was touring around in Cambodia under the Bajaj badge.. 6 speed low geared slipper clutch really snappy little bike Max out at about a 150 km per hour with bags and passenger I might add.. It was my temple adventure machine..
All great advice appreciate and even still want to want to improve and increase availabilities.. My 1st ride was on an old backfiring loud Harley 60 years ago when I was only 4 years old.. It's been a great love affair !
🙏🙏🙏
Makes perfect sense kind of observations imho. I also think riding should be a feel thing of what works for you.
What a cool insight into cornering. As always love your content and presentation, keep it coming because I'm sure there's a lot of us that appreciate it.
Twisty riding - Left hand bend, wheels to the right of lane body to the middle of lane. Right hand bend, wheels to the left of lane body to the middle. Lean opposing the bike direction of lean. Doing this for street/twisty riding is so you can see round the corners further and helps prepare for corners better. Cutting to the centre of the road is for the race track only where you would move to the extremes to smooth out corners. The last thing you want to be doing is going round a bend with your head in the other lane. If there are obstacles stopping you from doing this then you should slow to their speed and overtake after the corner.
Doodle, the quality of your channel just keeps getting better! Well done and very informative. You absolutely rock.
"like a roller coaster without the long line".....nailed it.
When you use downshifting to “brake”, you’re braking only with your rear wheel. Learn to control your bike with braking, then incorporate engine braking. That’s the smooth way, and smooth is fast.
Hi Doodle awesome video, very informative! Keep up the excellent job and ride safe ok!!! 👍
Hi Doodle, a very interesting video, and an important point! you can never know it all, we're always learning, even MJ, with his vast experience! Ride as if you're invisible to motorists, is a way to stay alive. I learnt that the hard way in my very early years! Keep these type of videos coming, as there is so much to learn from them.
It was terrifying...!!! (she said with a great big smile). You’re awesome Doodle...!!!
Yea MJ is actually direct which is super refreshing in this day in age. Like a knife he cuts through the crap.
I haven’t been on your channel for quite a while and your content has improved so much. Good stuff from Ireland
I liked this video, I try not to be leaning into a corner with my body in the opposite direction lane. Yes I will have to practice just braking into the corner too. When I learnt how to drive my brother taught me, and he made me look as far ahead as I could see, it made keeping the car on course much easier, so that was a good thing to learn while young because it is a natural thing to do automatically.
Same as with cars on curves....scrub off speed before the curve, then just manage the curve. I like the way you show your riding 'faults.' You are helping riders ride better.
Great video Doodle!! I totally learned something
I love this guy. He is a street riding guru. I wish he would also do a track riding video. but then again street riding is far more important.
He has!
The difficult bit, using this information, hope you learn and progress Carolyn 👏👏👏👏👏. Your in a fantastic position to get better all the time....practice makes perfect. 🥰
I know this filmstrip has a bit of age but you do some quality skills films. I started on dirt bikes in the early 70’s, you rock.
Good to see you learning from someone with such excellent knowledge.
Cornering on a bike, or bicycle, is just a little bit like playing soccer. Part of your attention needs to know where the ball is while running and looking ahead anyway, 'cos if you don't you're gonna collide with someone/thing/go off the road!!!!!!!! Heehee, 😀 I only just thought of it that way right this minute, and I've ridden motorcycles, on and off, for 47 years. It ain't easy!
Wow I love it when you both drift in the sharp turns it look so hard to pull off without falling off. Still no luck riding on a motercycle yet so far
Oh yeah! MotoJitsu is The Man!
Sometimes your content is just so much _fun_ to watch. 🤟🏽👊🏽
Been riding for more than 17 years now! Still Great informative videos to watch, its always fun watching your videos! You should consider travelling overseas, you have a great potential and energy to subdue any kind a terrain! Challenge yourself to limits.
Awesome video. I am glad to hear Doodle’s reactions and learnings too. I have been riding almost 8 years and am still struggling on some of the curvy roads; I tend to slow down more than a bit. Looking for practice techniques to improve my skills…
Great information Doodle...Thanks for shading.
Downshifting without first utilizing brakes seems much harder to me. I utilize both brakes first and foremost then immediately after do the downshifting to match the speed but also make sure to be in gear at all times while moving.
I owe my skills to dirt track, leaning to slide, hit rocks, and quick response saved my life on the street many times.
Dirt track courses should be a requirement to get a license.
Good vid, doodle! I'm getting a lot of advice fr u. Thanks 👍
Man, this was a great collab. I’m following both of your channels. MJ is a great instructor and Doodle was a great student! 🙌🏼
Greg is a great teacher.
Wow!! It looks like you and me both learn something. You had fun doing it!! Enjoyed the ride!!
As a new rider, i have learnt so much on your channel 👍
Straight up my favorite guy and gal on bikes!! Thanks for the video Doodle.... IMHO if you (those who talk smack about him) can't handle how direct MJ is, you shouldn't be on a bike, cause you need heart and thick skin for that... the guy knows his stuff!! 😎😎
That one thing I can not do because I started riding my Piaggio after I stopped for years from a bad fall and got injuries to my knees! I had left knee replaced and right knee I wear a brace and to seeing the doctor for it 18 years till now! Mrs Doolie
Oh man!!!
Downshifting - the purpose is to be in the gear you want to use to exit the turn (paraphrasing Keith Code)
Filmed in my back yard. Otay Lakes is a good warmup for 94
Interesting video, love your enthusiasm; keep it up 👍
So awesome I've been following MJ since long hair days 😆
Thank you for the valuable information ℹ️
It is much appreciated ♥️🇺🇸♥️
Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
So question for him but if not downshift to slow down how am I to get into power band after turn appex I know that as you lean the RPMs increase based on physics but on my 300 I can't be in 3rd gear at 70 I have to be in 5th so if I come into a turn at 70 I'm gonna end up slowing to 50 and if I don't downshift to 3rd it'll bog the bike down when accelerating out of the turn. Pointers?
Thank you for this video, my two favorite UA-camrs!!
I second that comment!
I guess every bicyclist learns to use the front brake. Well, maybe not the fixie guys. :) Nick Ienatsch stresses trail-braking so much in his Cycle World columns that I have it as safety skill #1. ABS taught me how much braking I had that I never used, and didn't know how to use, because it gave me the confidence to work the front brake a lot harder.
ya know, your always out there trying to get better, nice work!
So I found this video interesting for maybe a different reason than most. Probably a year and a half ago my thread was showing MotoJitsu video after MotoJitsu video which were taking techniques effective for one style bike and generalizing them for all bikes. Even saying you were riding wrong if you weren't using those techniques. As a rider of almost every style bike over the last 20 years, I knew almost all those techniques were not right across the board. For example, as similar as the 2 bikes may look, I use very different cornering techniques on my R7 vs my ZX6R. Not related to the difference in HP, but instead the weight distribution. The ZX6R is top heavy with the inline 4 and the R7 is the complete opposite. So when you add in a HD or naked or retro bike, a single technique is not going to apply to all bikes.
So what was interesting to me was he seemed to almost contradict the idea of one size fits all techniques at one point in the video. When I first saw your introduction of him, and you mentioned the military history, I thought I had figured out his mind frame. The military doesn't care if you have a more effective or efficient way. You do it the military way. I'm not knocking the military. Just talking about how it works in the military. Everybody has to be on the same page. And changing the military way can quite literally take an act of Congress.
So I still may not suggest a new rider watch a MotoJitsu instructional video, I will try to keep a more open mind if one of his videos pops up in my feed.
BTW I'm not trying to be overly critical. I see him get a lot of praise in the comment sections of his videos. Although I do attribute that to the hive mind set of those only riding the bikes that those techniques apply, he is providing techniques for those people that are absolutely correct.
Awesome stuff guys. Never ending info. MJ is the real deal.
I was hoping that the subject of
turning is where the most pressure is place on the contact patch,
Acceleration or deceleration compounded with the lean and turn increases the inevitability of breaking traction,
which in turn shortens or lessens the safety buffer aka your safe operating zone.
The faster, the smaller of a safety buffer you have.
Gotta love The President. Fast Eddie.
I have always liked MotoJitsu's channel, I have been subscribed for years. Seems like a nice guy to me. I like no BS people though.