43 year old Australian here, still on my learners (minimum 6 months before I can even go for my license even though I've been driving for 26 years) and MotoJitsu is fantastic. I have to break the law to go ride by myself in a local car park to practice my U-turns but these videos have been so helpful in my low speed control. And Gabor, you've got no idea.
These Videos helped me no end too they are literally life savers. I'm 58 and past my full licence test October 21' just one micro comment on the "slow drop" from my bitter experience, make sure you are in the right gear before you let out that clutch. Seems obvious and dumb I know but if you are going a certain speed and have to slow down suddenly and then have to U turn slowly you let the clutch out and you are in 3rd well .... Nothing stops the bike like a stall with bars turned tight. It was like being physically Pushed over.
Lessons that I learned in the 60's, yes I am old and that is the point. I have always had a motorcycle and clutch control has kept me alive and uninjured. You basically ride by your clutch and it's not that hard to master and it will save your life. Glad to see you are passing on this wisdom to a new generation of beautiful people who just love bikes.
The most profound insight I've heard from MotoJitsu, a tip that reflects mastery in the art of motorcycling and teaching, is that the secret of low speed riding is accepting fear of the bike falling. This helped me to see that riding the friction zone is also about riding the edge of my fear zone, and incrementally increasing my comfort with riding sideways. This is done by incrementally moving into the fear of the bike falling, while training muscle memory to release the clutch, so that the bike stands up. This is counter intuitive, thus the art of MotoJitsu.
Echoing what so many others have already written: Having been off the bike for seventeen years, and starting again this spring - God willing - I find these videos to be of incalculable value. Of course, there's all the difference in the world between watching it, having an intellectual understanding and then actually going out and fricking DOING it, but having this stuff as a reference point is a gift from above. MotoJitsu, thank you.
MotoJitsu is absolutely right, clutch in and clutch out is something we have to master here in Sweden. We have a low-speed test where you have to drive a course at walking speed, and it is precisely this technique that is required to pass the test. This was for me the most difficult part when I got my motorcycle license. But with a lot of practice, you can do it!
Perhaps similar to here in Germany m, where a great deal of the test is spent on slow speed maneuvers. I passed the test and the slow maneuvers quite well, but now I have an older bike with a carburetor engine (1998 Kawasaki GPZ 500S) and the power band is not that easy to control in slow speed below 20 km/h, and so I cannot do a lot of slow speed maneuvers easily. Can anyone else confirm this about carburetor engine bikes?
@@sarmadkinany4867 wtf? i got a honda vfr with carburator and i too just cant do anything on 1st gear because the bike jiggles like insane and most likely stalls if i dont give it power all the time
@@sarmadkinany4867 it had a friend watch the chain and he said it wobbles a lot unless i give it gas to straighten it. its the same when its center stand and i put in 1st gear without any gas. the chain jumps like insane. i tightened it and its the same. idk man... i guess i wont do any manueveres with this bike
This episode came in clutch! Got my 500x a week ago and as a new rider that drop is on my mind big time. Tried the clutch maneuver today and found myself a lot more stable at low speed ,start ,stops etc. 2 fingers was the sweet spot for me. Thank you, excellent channel. 🙏💪
For low speed manoeuvres it helps a lot to use the rear brake in conjunction with slipping the clutch. It helps to stabilise the bike and enhances your control and precision. Also many new riders have a reluctance to lock the steering when performing a 180, the rear brake will help greatly as it will give the rider the extra control for minor corrections while the bars are locked.
If you want to go really slow and still be doing good, safe turns. Try pushing the rear brake a little bit, whilst also using the clutch's friction zone and a lot of gas at first (when you get better you can use less and less gas). You can go 2 km/h using this trick and feel stable on the bike. Try it, then react. This is standard for getting your license in The Netherlands where I'm from. Drive safe y'all
That is a sure thing, but as a poor filipino,, i go to the 2nd part which full clutch release on 1st g. And no breaks cause it is risky on this technique. Reason for doing so is for the longivity of the lining. But dont get me wrong, for tight corner i really do half c. If rushing, but mostly i use my feet or turn the bike with the side stand b4 hopping
As a new rider that’s HUNGRY for research & eager to learn.. these videos are SUPER helpful Moto. Just bought my first bike 2 days ago. CFmoto450. Thanks for all your help man. Appreciate it. Wish you were my instructor for my course 😄
Thank you for your clear, concise, and confident explanation of something I've been struggling with for years, that none of the cowboys on UA-cam could help me with. You're the man!
Bro litteraly has some the best vids out ...taught me so much over years ...still watchin no matter how many years ,and or experience you think you have, can always have more .
Motojitsu... You're the G.O.A.T. I'm 55yrs old and recently resumed my riding after 20yrs...bought a Ducati Panigale v2 and within weeks after watching your videos, I had a few scares on freeway that were made safer by some techniques I saw in these vids.... INVALUABLE info. I took a safety course at a local Harley Davidson dealership last month and was able to kill it, based on what YOU taught me. I'm subscribed and here for the long haul, Sir.
❤ 2:38 Most clutch drivers learned in a car or truck where riding the clutch is bad for both throw-out bearing and friction disc, and were taught don't do it Motorcycles clutch discs and plates are designed for this 👍😎✊
By far and I mean this, in all seriousness, the best post you’ve ever done pertaining to keeping a bike stable at low speed. This says it all.! I purchased a new Triumph Rocket 3-R model, and after reviewing this, I said I’m going to go out and practice this technique without dropping. I did everything exactly as you have done including full lock brake drag turns. Actually, it was more simple/easy than I thought it would be on that long heavy bike!!!
I failed my first riding test when I was 17 because I used the clutch going through the pileons.The instructor told me I wasn't allowed to use the clutch doing slow maneuvers. I told him it was impossible not to.
Love the rear break/clutch play around to bring the bike to a standstill. I could do that on a Honda but not a Harley. Actually, the only time I dropped my bikewass when it was in neutral and I thought the side stand was out. But it had flipped back under the frame. I was too tired and weak to hold the bike up after 4hrs of riding small country roads and highways. The loss of support from my legs and arms meant the lean angle and 600 pound bike had a conspiracy with gravity and I went down with the ship. Never dropped it due to clutch control, but almost did on two occasions.
In the Sheriff’s Office motor unit we called that sucking in the clutch. Like you said no power bike goes down. When I did rodeo competitions I wouldn’t touch the clutch except start and stop. Throttle control, turning your head and shoulders, and rear brake control is all that’s needed. Ohh and a lot of practice 😂
i have been riding for many years, and watching you tube a LOT since lockdown, but only discovered you recently in a comment on another channel. I always mention motojitsu when appropriate, but feel there should be more ways of sharing. Maybe organisations like bike owners clubs, MAG or Motorcycle news in uk, for example could add your channel to their newsletters. I will try this myself and see if I get a response. You are saving lives/injuries here (mine included just last week)
Dude! I've been off bikes for ten years. Just bought an old 70's BMW R bike, and an older Moto Guzzi california. Glad I found your channel. amazing what all I've forgotten. Thank You for your videos!!
Thankyou for all of your educational videos, I've been studying hard for the last month, I'm a car driver and looking to take my CBT in the UK (Compulsory Basic Training) which will allow me to to practice on the road and of course in safe places for low speed manoeuvres and breaking techniques. Everyone of your videos has me hooked on learning. I would consider myself an above average driver when it comes to safety, awareness and control but your videos have removed any delusions I had and have really helped with demonstrating experienced techniques vs. some of the other not so good techniques out there. Your breaking videos are stellar and I hope to put these in to practice soon. Breaking, Slow speed, Clutch control, Target fixation, cornering and city riding. Keeping aware and pre-empting situations and preventing 'dopes' poor decision making by expecting problematic situations caused by others by getting better, learning and keeping me and others safe. You are an A1 guy, thank you.
Wow. You made it look simple. I'm taking my first riding course next week and your videos are really informative and easy to understand. Thanks and subscribed!
You're definitely the naturally coolest Moto-Tuber out there. Thanks for your videos, especially the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer one that calmed my worries about my next bike. I know you've owned GSs, so I knew you weren't biased when you praised the Tiger 1200. I'll just add my own recently discovered mistake when making U-turns. Many riders neglect to counter-lean adequately on U-turns, using their handlebars too much. Until recently, I'd been doing the opposite - neglecting to use my handlebars because I was putting too much emphasis on counter-leaning. Such simple things that can be so invisible to the idiot doing them. I have to mention the worst drop I ever had - I was at touring weight (including my 35 lb dog in my pannier box) stopped at the side of a busy park road, when I kicked up my kickstand, sat there a few moments before riding off, then remembered one more thing I had to get off my bike to check, forgetting my kickstand was no longer down. It fell on my breather hose side, and it immediately began leaking fuel. But before I could lift the bike up again, I had to release my dog from his harness before he strangled to death, then secure him before he got run over (to death). Then I had to unstrap all my cargo held on by bungee cords while motorists slowed up to watch me. The self-rescue attempt took about 5 minutes and about a quart of fuel. OUCH. Thanks for all your videos my brother, from NE Florida.
Thank you so much for taking the time and showing more great riding tips. I save your vudeo links into my phone Calender reminders in order to pop up every fortnight or so - to keep the info/tips fresh and to remind me to practice, albeit waiting for better weather hete in the UK. Cheers buddy 🍻🍻
I can see exactly what you are talking about. There have been a few times when I am trying to make a U turn, and instead of adding more power and controlling the clutch, I instinctually squeeze the clutch and the bike falls. Great point. Practice Practice Practice. All your videos you make great points. The one big point is to always practice on one thing when your riding , so you become proficient on that one skills.
I'd love to see a video on low speed maneuvers on a DCT bike. I have an Africa Twin DCT and I use the rear brake since I have no clutch. However, id love to see some tips on riding a DCT. thanks !
My weakest thing is not understanding why the bike is falling over at very slow speeds and so far no one has been able to clearly answer that question!. So THANK YOU
Love the videos. Just subscribed. I'm 60. Been riding trials most my life. ...as a trials rider our brains are on and off the clutch continously in the sections trying not to dab and lose points. Haven't ridden street since early 80s...loved my 81 Honda 750F Supersport...soooo fast forward to now. Just bought an 89 Honda PC800..one owner 28k..so now training my brain for street riding ...gonna be interesting.
Yep. Adding power almost always makes a bike stand up. And 99% of drops happen when the power is too low for the lean angle. With the DCTs on some Honda bikes, there is no clutch lever. On these bikes, simply maintain low, but steady RPM on the throttle, while modulating the rear brake with your right foot--same effect.
Hi! Could you do a video on stoping on an incline road? Say you have a straight, but the road is slanted to one side and there is a stop sign. It would be greatly appreciated. Also, parking on a hill with limited space. Thank you, big fan.
I had two junky dirt bikes in my teens, drove a few manual transmission vehicles and one thing that was drilled into my head is avoid riding the clutch when learning to drive a manual car. 15 years later I take a basic moto course to get the endorsement on my license and almost failed because I did not use the clutch to control power and speed going slow in maneuvers. The instructor did not emphasize slipping the clutch at low speeds, I thought it was a big no no. Thankfully, it clicked right before the final test where we had to do low speed and keep feet off the ground.
I had this same issue. Riding the clutch in a car will wear it out quickly - hence the “never ride the clutch “. But a bike doesn’t work that way - it’s a “wet” clutch and riding it doesn’t create more wear. Old habits are hard to break, but once I got over this, my riding became much more enjoyable.
Love your videos, but unfortunately for me, these kinds of drills are impossible for me. I have an issue with my balance that is medical in nature. Doesn't seem to affect me at "normal" speeds and maneuvers, but at slow speeds, it's exacerbated. My surgeon explained it to me like this: In a normal person, once developed from infancy, balance is essentially an autonomic system where it works without your being overly conscious of what is going on. Even just standing straight, you are losing your balance many times per second, but like when you burn your fingers and are pulling away before you consciously realize that you have burned yourself, your body is making minute corrections to keep you upright and stable. In my case, that mechanism doesn't work properly. The signals that trigger those responses are blocked in my spinal column from getting to my brain. This happened 8 years ago. I had a difficult couple of years even walking, but somehow, my brain has rewired itself to use my sense of vision to trigger responses. But it is nowhere near as efficient, so in the case of my riding, when I am at slow speeds, I am not detecting the lean of the bike until much later and as a result, I have to make bigger and coarser adjustments to my balance. So for example, imagine that you have a long, runway, perfectly level and flat. At the far end is a navigation beacon and you have a skateboard at the other end that is equipped with a navigation system that, if the bike goes 0.1 degree off course, it autocorrects back to the target, looking like it is essentially going in a straight line to the beacon. In my case, that navigation system doesn't correct until the board is 5.0 degrees offline, so the result is the board tracking down the runway like a sine wave. Believe me, before I found this out, I must have spent an hour on these maneuvers every single day at stupid o'clock in the morning in a local parking lot for two months. If a cop would have seen me, he'd have thought I was totally DUI. Apparently, this condition is very rare and my surgeon is going to conduct research on it using me as his subject. Bottom line right now is that when I have to do a tight u-turn, I just go slow and have to put a foot down once in a while to keep the bike from going down. Not much I can do about it except for a very risky surgery that has a 40 to 50 percent chance of me not waking up from it. Fortunately, in Ontario, those slow maneuvers while keeping feet on the pegs is not a requirement or I would not be able to enjoy this new thing in my life called a motorcycle that has made a huge difference in my outlook on life. On a different note, a good friend of mine, who goes by the moniker of "Slight Moto" speaks very highly of your learning material and promotes it at every opportunity. He is one hell of a good rider and credits your material with a lot of his success. Thought you would want to know that.
@@giladtselniker8420 Why? Because I cannot do the slow maneuvers? I'm totally fine everywhere else, as was clearly pointed out near the beginning of my comment. No harm in putting a foot down at 10 or 15 km/h, unless that's an ego thing to have to keep both feet on the pegs at all times.
A really good instructor. I am new as just got my M1 today and will get the M2 in about 4 weeks and then buy a bike and in the meanwhile I watch bike videos
Thank. I'm shopping around to jump from a 125 to a 650 as my first 'real' bike although I did my test years ago on a 750. In the back of my mind this question is always there :-)
Thanks for the Video. I am going to do a lot of Practicing on not pulling in the Clutch. It’s just habit to me and it’s a bad habit. I wish they had all these Videos back when I was younger. I’m 62 now and so I will have to practice everything Twice as hard as a New Rider would because of Habit. Anyway, Thanks for making these Videos for us to be better Riders. 👍👍❤️
I dropped my bike, I had some gyros in the top box, i was hungry, I forgot to put down my kickstand, I almost had a heart attack .... my bike and gyros were okay!! 😬😳😃👍
thank you Sir. Also, for those new riders make sure you downshift to a lower gear when taking slow turns. I once took a slow turn on 2nd gear and half way through the engine stalled because I did not want to press the clutch and I fell over along with the bike.
I’ve been riding for about 6 weeks and I dropped my Goldwing on my ankle in a slow speed class last weekend and right before I went down I had the clutch all the way in theses videos are next level to help us guys learning thank you @motojitsu for all you do and your content!
Would suggest parking the wing and practice a whole bunch on a smaller lighter bike. You will enjoy it more not so worried about the cost of dropping it.
Same principle for pedal cycles, keep pressure on pedals and ‘feather’ back brake, don’t freewheel. You can turn on a sixpence (or dime in USA 😃) cheaper practicing!
Just think of your throttle as being available power. But in low speed, you'll only be using your clutch to determine how much of that you deliver to your rear tire.
That is impressive, I have a 2013 Concours. It's winter here in Wisconsin, so about 60 to 70 days before I can get the bike back out. The slow speed maneuvers are what I want to work on first. The friction zone is where I struggle, it seems very narrow. Maybe I need to adjust the handle location.
I've got a 2017 Concours. Try practicing wider figure 8''s without using the friction zone 1st and gradually tightening them - just be careful you don't pull the throttle. The transmission is smooth enough and it gives you more confidence the bike won't fall. Most of the time I simply turn the handlebars quicky and drop the bike into the turn without using the friction zone, though I also keep 3 fingers on the clutch in case. Without the friction zone, I'm doing roughly 10ft u turns and can ALSMOST get figure 8's into 4 parking squares. Still wide though. For really slow speed I'll use the no lean techniques Greg is showing here, though I'm still too nervous about getting it to 0 mph like he does. For covering the brake, I use only 1 finger. The Connie's brakes are so good you can use 1 finger even in emergency braking. Keeping the others on the handlebars gives you a better feel for control.
I got a 250cc. 300 lbs . Sure it struggles break 50 mph on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway but it's so light and versatile riding in Manhattan is a breeze. I can drop the clutch and just glide!
I appreciate the tips! I've heard other people explaining this before, but it didn't really click until i watched this video. I'm going out to practice now!
The clutch is a second throttle especially on a 2 stroke which I grew up on. The clutch has saved me more than the primary throttle. Obviously they work in Harmony. People that have never ridden a 2 stroke will never understand. Lol
Your videos are the best instructional on the web. I have Been riding for 60 years and still learning. I enjoy all the safety aspects of new bikes like stability control just like cars.
Been riding GSAs for many years, but in the past year I've dropped my 2016 three times.....I think it may be this error with the clutch. When it stops raining I will practice your tips! Thanks so much
Could you please demonstrate by Honda DCT transmission bike and electric bike also! This bothers me because just ordered Honda NT1100 with DCT transmission.
Great video! I’m one of those guys that automatically pull in the clutch lever, LOL. Thanks for the tip! Also, what gloves are you wearing? I really like those.
Hi Greg: I think that the owner of this bike has a UA-cam video pertaining to the crash bars. He hasn’t responded to the longevity of his (t-Rex?) crash bars. Do you have an opinion of these, and how do you tell good ones from bad ones? I’m 69 years old and have been riding for 50 years. I’ve been practicing some of your drills on my 2012 BMW R1200RT. Thanks for making this old rider better!
I'm starting to get back on a bike after decades of being away. A bike was my daily driver as a kid, traded it in on a car, haven't ridden since. I've heard this "friction zone" talk many times now and I think the reason n00bs don't use it is because we were trained on manuals in cars and it was pounded into us not to ride the clutch because it drastically shortens the clutch lifespan. Is this different with motorcycles, or is it also true with them and short clutch lifespans are just the cost of doing business on a bike?
Now go PRACTICE! MotoJitsu.com
What model SHOEI helmet is that?
@motojitsu, why it is easier to do this low or high speed manuevering to the left. I always have some problem doing the right hand turn
Hi, great video, we could use some advice on how to do slow speed drills on a DCT.
As a 50 year old in England with a brand new bike licence and bike, these videos are invaluable. Thank you.
43 year old Australian here, still on my learners (minimum 6 months before I can even go for my license even though I've been driving for 26 years) and MotoJitsu is fantastic. I have to break the law to go ride by myself in a local car park to practice my U-turns but these videos have been so helpful in my low speed control. And Gabor, you've got no idea.
I'm 47 and I'm with you bro.
43, and I need to redo my CBT and theory test.
65 year old Brit in Mallorca, riding since 16, dont give up, it will be worth it...
These Videos helped me no end too they are literally life savers. I'm 58 and past my full licence test October 21' just one micro comment on the "slow drop" from my bitter experience, make sure you are in the right gear before you let out that clutch. Seems obvious and dumb I know but if you are going a certain speed and have to slow down suddenly and then have to U turn slowly you let the clutch out and you are in 3rd well .... Nothing stops the bike like a stall with bars turned tight. It was like being physically Pushed over.
Lessons that I learned in the 60's, yes I am old and that is the point. I have always had a motorcycle and clutch control has kept me alive and uninjured. You basically ride by your clutch and it's not that hard to master and it will save your life. Glad to see you are passing on this wisdom to a new generation of beautiful people who just love bikes.
The most profound insight I've heard from MotoJitsu, a tip that reflects mastery in the art of motorcycling and teaching, is that the secret of low speed riding is accepting fear of the bike falling. This helped me to see that riding the friction zone is also about riding the edge of my fear zone, and incrementally increasing my comfort with riding sideways. This is done by incrementally moving into the fear of the bike falling, while training muscle memory to release the clutch, so that the bike stands up. This is counter intuitive, thus the art of MotoJitsu.
Echoing what so many others have already written: Having been off the bike for seventeen years, and starting again this spring - God willing - I find these videos to be of incalculable value. Of course, there's all the difference in the world between watching it, having an intellectual understanding and then actually going out and fricking DOING it, but having this stuff as a reference point is a gift from above. MotoJitsu, thank you.
17 years away for me too bud! I was under a car’s front wheel… now facing my fears.
MotoJitsu is absolutely right, clutch in and clutch out is something we have to master here in Sweden. We have a low-speed test where you have to drive a course at walking speed, and it is precisely this technique that is required to pass the test. This was for me the most difficult part when I got my motorcycle license. But with a lot of practice, you can do it!
Perhaps similar to here in Germany m, where a great deal of the test is spent on slow speed maneuvers. I passed the test and the slow maneuvers quite well, but now I have an older bike with a carburetor engine (1998 Kawasaki GPZ 500S) and the power band is not that easy to control in slow speed below 20 km/h, and so I cannot do a lot of slow speed maneuvers easily. Can anyone else confirm this about carburetor engine bikes?
@@sarmadkinany4867 wtf? i got a honda vfr with carburator and i too just cant do anything on 1st gear because the bike jiggles like insane and most likely stalls if i dont give it power all the time
@@martinivanov1319 seems like I am not the only one then :D
@@sarmadkinany4867 it had a friend watch the chain and he said it wobbles a lot unless i give it gas to straighten it. its the same when its center stand and i put in 1st gear without any gas. the chain jumps like insane. i tightened it and its the same. idk man... i guess i wont do any manueveres with this bike
@@martinivanov1319 let’s get ourselves some fuel-injected bikes 😄
This episode came in clutch! Got my 500x a week ago and as a new rider that drop is on my mind big time. Tried the clutch maneuver today and found myself a lot more stable at low speed ,start ,stops etc. 2 fingers was the sweet spot for me. Thank you, excellent channel. 🙏💪
For low speed manoeuvres it helps a lot to use the rear brake in conjunction with slipping the clutch. It helps to stabilise the bike and enhances your control and precision.
Also many new riders have a reluctance to lock the steering when performing a 180, the rear brake will help greatly as it will give the rider the extra control for minor corrections while the bars are locked.
If you want to go really slow and still be doing good, safe turns. Try pushing the rear brake a little bit, whilst also using the clutch's friction zone and a lot of gas at first (when you get better you can use less and less gas). You can go 2 km/h using this trick and feel stable on the bike. Try it, then react. This is standard for getting your license in The Netherlands where I'm from.
Drive safe y'all
That is a sure thing, but as a poor filipino,, i go to the 2nd part which full clutch release on 1st g. And no breaks cause it is risky on this technique. Reason for doing so is for the longivity of the lining. But dont get me wrong, for tight corner i really do half c. If rushing, but mostly i use my feet or turn the bike with the side stand b4 hopping
@rigorfiangrayan I don't understand what you're saying my man. Please elaborate a bit 😅.
As a new rider that’s HUNGRY for research & eager to learn.. these videos are SUPER helpful Moto. Just bought my first bike 2 days ago. CFmoto450. Thanks for all your help man. Appreciate it. Wish you were my instructor for my course 😄
Looking into getting this exact bike! How are you liking it so far?!?
I just bought a Hyosung Aquila.. and I've tipped it 3x already.. you make turning look so easy!
Clutch and Rear Brake. The magic of handling a bike and everyone should know it. Great details on explaining it.
Thank you for your clear, concise, and confident explanation of something I've been struggling with for years, that none of the cowboys on UA-cam could help me with. You're the man!
Bro litteraly has some the best vids out ...taught me so much over years ...still watchin no matter how many years ,and or experience you think you have, can always have more .
Motojitsu... You're the G.O.A.T.
I'm 55yrs old and recently resumed my riding after 20yrs...bought a Ducati Panigale v2 and within weeks after watching your videos, I had a few scares on freeway that were made safer by some techniques I saw in these vids.... INVALUABLE info. I took a safety course at a local Harley Davidson dealership last month and was able to kill it, based on what YOU taught me. I'm subscribed and here for the long haul, Sir.
Resumed riding after 20 years and got a Panigale - death wish ?
Hav you been riding out with ur local Ducati club ?
❤ 2:38
Most clutch drivers learned in a car or truck where riding the clutch is bad for both throw-out bearing and friction disc, and were taught don't do it
Motorcycles clutch discs and plates are designed for this 👍😎✊
By far and I mean this, in all seriousness, the best post you’ve ever done pertaining to keeping a bike stable at low speed. This says it all.! I purchased a new Triumph Rocket 3-R model, and after reviewing this, I said I’m going to go out and practice this technique without dropping. I did everything exactly as you have done including full lock brake drag turns. Actually, it was more simple/easy than I thought it would be on that long heavy bike!!!
I failed my first riding test when I was 17 because I used the clutch going through the pileons.The instructor told me I wasn't allowed to use the clutch doing slow maneuvers. I told him it was impossible not to.
Love the rear break/clutch play around to bring the bike to a standstill. I could do that on a Honda but not a Harley. Actually, the only time I dropped my bikewass when it was in neutral and I thought the side stand was out. But it had flipped back under the frame. I was too tired and weak to hold the bike up after 4hrs of riding small country roads and highways. The loss of support from my legs and arms meant the lean angle and 600 pound bike had a conspiracy with gravity and I went down with the ship. Never dropped it due to clutch control, but almost did on two occasions.
In the Sheriff’s Office motor unit we called that sucking in the clutch. Like you said no power bike goes down. When I did rodeo competitions I wouldn’t touch the clutch except start and stop. Throttle control, turning your head and shoulders, and rear brake control is all that’s needed. Ohh and a lot of practice 😂
i have been riding for many years, and watching you tube a LOT since lockdown, but only discovered you recently in a comment on another channel. I always mention motojitsu when appropriate, but feel there should be more ways of sharing. Maybe organisations like bike owners clubs, MAG or Motorcycle news in uk, for example could add your channel to their newsletters. I will try this myself and see if I get a response. You are saving lives/injuries here (mine included just last week)
Thank you, Greg! 🙏 I have practised slow speed at school today - and prepared by watching your video before that. ✨️ It went so well! ❤
Dude! I've been off bikes for ten years. Just bought an old 70's BMW R bike, and an older Moto Guzzi california.
Glad I found your channel. amazing what all I've forgotten.
Thank You for your videos!!
Thankyou for all of your educational videos, I've been studying hard for the last month, I'm a car driver and looking to take my CBT in the UK (Compulsory Basic Training) which will allow me to to practice on the road and of course in safe places for low speed manoeuvres and breaking techniques. Everyone of your videos has me hooked on learning. I would consider myself an above average driver when it comes to safety, awareness and control but your videos have removed any delusions I had and have really helped with demonstrating experienced techniques vs. some of the other not so good techniques out there. Your breaking videos are stellar and I hope to put these in to practice soon. Breaking, Slow speed, Clutch control, Target fixation, cornering and city riding. Keeping aware and pre-empting situations and preventing 'dopes' poor decision making by expecting problematic situations caused by others by getting better, learning and keeping me and others safe. You are an A1 guy, thank you.
Referring to the use of the rear brake as being like a boat anchor is an excellent way to describe it!
Wow. You made it look simple. I'm taking my first riding course next week and your videos are really informative and easy to understand. Thanks and subscribed!
Well said and just having your intelligence behind it to save people's lives make it invaluable. Thank you!
if you fill the hard cases with beer it makes it more stable.
In England, when you learn to drive a manual car, it is all about clutch control, exactly the same as clutch control on a Motorcycle
You're definitely the naturally coolest Moto-Tuber out there. Thanks for your videos, especially the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer one that calmed my worries about my next bike. I know you've owned GSs, so I knew you weren't biased when you praised the Tiger 1200.
I'll just add my own recently discovered mistake when making U-turns. Many riders neglect to counter-lean adequately on U-turns, using their handlebars too much. Until recently, I'd been doing the opposite - neglecting to use my handlebars because I was putting too much emphasis on counter-leaning. Such simple things that can be so invisible to the idiot doing them.
I have to mention the worst drop I ever had - I was at touring weight (including my 35 lb dog in my pannier box) stopped at the side of a busy park road, when I kicked up my kickstand, sat there a few moments before riding off, then remembered one more thing I had to get off my bike to check, forgetting my kickstand was no longer down.
It fell on my breather hose side, and it immediately began leaking fuel. But before I could lift the bike up again, I had to release my dog from his harness before he strangled to death, then secure him before he got run over (to death). Then I had to unstrap all my cargo held on by bungee cords while motorists slowed up to watch me. The self-rescue attempt took about 5 minutes and about a quart of fuel.
OUCH.
Thanks for all your videos my brother, from NE Florida.
Thank you so much for taking the time and showing more great riding tips. I save your vudeo links into my phone Calender reminders in order to pop up every fortnight or so - to keep the info/tips fresh and to remind me to practice, albeit waiting for better weather hete in the UK. Cheers buddy 🍻🍻
I can see exactly what you are talking about. There have been a few times when I am trying to make a U turn, and instead of adding more power and controlling the clutch, I instinctually squeeze the clutch and the bike falls. Great point. Practice Practice Practice. All your videos you make great points. The one big point is to always practice on one thing when your riding , so you become proficient on that one skills.
I'd love to see a video on low speed maneuvers on a DCT bike. I have an Africa Twin DCT and I use the rear brake since I have no clutch. However, id love to see some tips on riding a DCT. thanks !
Just 2 more years before I am 50. Just sold my Subaru Impreza, i am about to go for my license, but first...some MotoJitsu vids
I’m laughing, as I’m 48, have an Impreza that I want to ditch for a CBR600RR, and am watching MotoJitsu clips. 😂
I always learn something when I watch you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!♥️🏁
My weakest thing is not understanding why the bike is falling over at very slow speeds and so far no one has been able to clearly answer that question!. So THANK YOU
Having moved to the Honda DCT system those days are behind me, you just use the rear brake as there is always drive so long as the bike is in gear!
no need for fiddling with the clutch ever again! Best move I've ever made in biking.
Me too, 2017 Africa Twin DCT, id like to see him do a video on riding tips for DCT
Love the videos. Just subscribed. I'm 60. Been riding trials most my life. ...as a trials rider our brains are on and off the clutch continously in the sections trying not to dab and lose points. Haven't ridden street since early 80s...loved my 81 Honda 750F Supersport...soooo fast forward to now. Just bought an 89 Honda PC800..one owner 28k..so now training my brain for street riding ...gonna be interesting.
That's why I ride a Honda pcx 150 scooter around the city. I can make turns and maneuvers at 2 mph and never worry about dropping it .
Yep. Adding power almost always makes a bike stand up. And 99% of drops happen when the power is too low for the lean angle. With the DCTs on some Honda bikes, there is no clutch lever. On these bikes, simply maintain low, but steady RPM on the throttle, while modulating the rear brake with your right foot--same effect.
Hi! Could you do a video on stoping on an incline road? Say you have a straight, but the road is slanted to one side and there is a stop sign. It would be greatly appreciated. Also, parking on a hill with limited space. Thank you, big fan.
I had two junky dirt bikes in my teens, drove a few manual transmission vehicles and one thing that was drilled into my head is avoid riding the clutch when learning to drive a manual car.
15 years later I take a basic moto course to get the endorsement on my license and almost failed because I did not use the clutch to control power and speed going slow in maneuvers. The instructor did not emphasize slipping the clutch at low speeds, I thought it was a big no no.
Thankfully, it clicked right before the final test where we had to do low speed and keep feet off the ground.
I had this same issue. Riding the clutch in a car will wear it out quickly - hence the “never ride the clutch “.
But a bike doesn’t work that way - it’s a “wet” clutch and riding it doesn’t create more wear.
Old habits are hard to break, but once I got over this, my riding became much more enjoyable.
I'm still grateful that I learned to ride a manual(big bike) motorcycle coz of this guy! Awesome tips as always MotoJitsu!
Love all of your videos Greg! Thank you for takin the time to continue to educate. Cheers, Vin
I’m using close engage friction zone. It’s more easy for me and my lenght of fingers. Also using small revs when i do that.
Love your videos, but unfortunately for me, these kinds of drills are impossible for me. I have an issue with my balance that is medical in nature. Doesn't seem to affect me at "normal" speeds and maneuvers, but at slow speeds, it's exacerbated. My surgeon explained it to me like this: In a normal person, once developed from infancy, balance is essentially an autonomic system where it works without your being overly conscious of what is going on. Even just standing straight, you are losing your balance many times per second, but like when you burn your fingers and are pulling away before you consciously realize that you have burned yourself, your body is making minute corrections to keep you upright and stable. In my case, that mechanism doesn't work properly. The signals that trigger those responses are blocked in my spinal column from getting to my brain. This happened 8 years ago. I had a difficult couple of years even walking, but somehow, my brain has rewired itself to use my sense of vision to trigger responses. But it is nowhere near as efficient, so in the case of my riding, when I am at slow speeds, I am not detecting the lean of the bike until much later and as a result, I have to make bigger and coarser adjustments to my balance.
So for example, imagine that you have a long, runway, perfectly level and flat. At the far end is a navigation beacon and you have a skateboard at the other end that is equipped with a navigation system that, if the bike goes 0.1 degree off course, it autocorrects back to the target, looking like it is essentially going in a straight line to the beacon. In my case, that navigation system doesn't correct until the board is 5.0 degrees offline, so the result is the board tracking down the runway like a sine wave.
Believe me, before I found this out, I must have spent an hour on these maneuvers every single day at stupid o'clock in the morning in a local parking lot for two months. If a cop would have seen me, he'd have thought I was totally DUI.
Apparently, this condition is very rare and my surgeon is going to conduct research on it using me as his subject. Bottom line right now is that when I have to do a tight u-turn, I just go slow and have to put a foot down once in a while to keep the bike from going down. Not much I can do about it except for a very risky surgery that has a 40 to 50 percent chance of me not waking up from it. Fortunately, in Ontario, those slow maneuvers while keeping feet on the pegs is not a requirement or I would not be able to enjoy this new thing in my life called a motorcycle that has made a huge difference in my outlook on life.
On a different note, a good friend of mine, who goes by the moniker of "Slight Moto" speaks very highly of your learning material and promotes it at every opportunity. He is one hell of a good rider and credits your material with a lot of his success. Thought you would want to know that.
Don’t drive a bike.
@@giladtselniker8420 Why? Because I cannot do the slow maneuvers? I'm totally fine everywhere else, as was clearly pointed out near the beginning of my comment. No harm in putting a foot down at 10 or 15 km/h, unless that's an ego thing to have to keep both feet on the pegs at all times.
Glad you can still ride brother. Hope all goes well with the research and treatment
@@rickhillier7626 He’s right you know…you always “ride” a bike and “drive” cars
A really good instructor. I am new as just got my M1 today and will get the M2 in about 4 weeks and then buy a bike and in the meanwhile I watch bike videos
This excellent tutorial makes me get a motorbike and a license as well.
You are doing a good job in getting people on motorbikes...
Great advice! Thank you.
I have the 2017 Concours14. This is one of the best demos for slow speed I've seen for this bike.
This makes so much sense, thank you for putting this out there. The clutch isn’t just for shifting gears. Excellent video.
Thank. I'm shopping around to jump from a 125 to a 650 as my first 'real' bike although I did my test years ago on a 750. In the back of my mind this question is always there :-)
Those no foot stops are no joke! But it feels so good when you do one. Very skilled riding and tips on here.
impressive! Thank you for the tips from this soon to be first time buyer that hasn't ridden in years!
Thanks for the Video. I am going to do a lot of Practicing on not pulling in the Clutch. It’s just habit to me and it’s a bad habit. I wish they had all these Videos back when I was younger. I’m 62 now and so I will have to practice everything Twice as hard as a New Rider would because of Habit. Anyway, Thanks for making these Videos for us to be better Riders. 👍👍❤️
I dropped my bike, I had some gyros in the top box, i was hungry, I forgot to put down my kickstand, I almost had a heart attack
.... my bike and gyros were okay!! 😬😳😃👍
Mr. Hands ... Wouldn't the Gyros help keep your bike upright ?
😀
@@riderinsanjose337
🤣🤣🤣 you'd think so!! ... Sometimes, I'm a meathead 🤣🤣🤣
thank you Sir. Also, for those new riders make sure you downshift to a lower gear when taking slow turns. I once took a slow turn on 2nd gear and half way through the engine stalled because I did not want to press the clutch and I fell over along with the bike.
I’ve been riding for about 6 weeks and I dropped my Goldwing on my ankle in a slow speed class last weekend and right before I went down I had the clutch all the way in theses videos are next level to help us guys learning thank you @motojitsu for all you do and your content!
Would suggest parking the wing and practice a whole bunch on a smaller lighter bike. You will enjoy it more not so worried about the cost of dropping it.
Brilliant well spoken, I’ve had to stamp my foot on ground many times, learning the hard way!
I cant believe that this came up. This afternoon I did a classic low speed drop total brain fade and not enough throttle and too much clutch DOH!
I find raising your idle RPM helps a ton it takes the fear of stalling away, not much 100 rpm more
Same principle for pedal cycles, keep pressure on pedals and ‘feather’ back brake, don’t freewheel. You can turn on a sixpence (or dime in USA 😃) cheaper practicing!
You've got an amazing ability to clarify this moto topics.
Thank You!
Glad it was helpful!
Best practical teaching videos!
Thanks.
Just think of your throttle as being available power. But in low speed, you'll only be using your clutch to determine how much of that you deliver to your rear tire.
That is impressive, I have a 2013 Concours. It's winter here in Wisconsin, so about 60 to 70 days before I can get the bike back out. The slow speed maneuvers are what I want to work on first. The friction zone is where I struggle, it seems very narrow. Maybe I need to adjust the handle location.
I've got a 2017 Concours. Try practicing wider figure 8''s without using the friction zone 1st and gradually tightening them - just be careful you don't pull the throttle. The transmission is smooth enough and it gives you more confidence the bike won't fall. Most of the time I simply turn the handlebars quicky and drop the bike into the turn without using the friction zone, though I also keep 3 fingers on the clutch in case. Without the friction zone, I'm doing roughly 10ft u turns and can ALSMOST get figure 8's into 4 parking squares. Still wide though.
For really slow speed I'll use the no lean techniques Greg is showing here, though I'm still too nervous about getting it to 0 mph like he does.
For covering the brake, I use only 1 finger. The Connie's brakes are so good you can use 1 finger even in emergency braking. Keeping the others on the handlebars gives you a better feel for control.
I got a 250cc. 300 lbs . Sure it struggles break 50 mph on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway but it's so light and versatile riding in Manhattan is a breeze. I can drop the clutch and just glide!
My 250cc can go 80mph easiily... Even more but then it vibrates...only 50???
@S7edge kat ya I wanna upgrade to a Honda Rebel or better brand. I got a Chinese knockoff bike. First bike and got it for cheap
It's also impressive that you are doing these maneuvers with a bike you're not used to
Note if stall the bike, clutch out too much, it can also cause a drop. Throttle and rear brake also.
Great technique tho .
Many ways to stall a bike
A heavier bike will need more throttle in the friction zone.
Thank you for your videos! I appreciate it so much
I appreciate the tips! I've heard other people explaining this before, but it didn't really click until i watched this video. I'm going out to practice now!
get after it!
instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
Can you add a camera angle on your clutch to see a side by side?
Thanks for this very helpful tip. Will definitely keep this in mind!
Absolute terms are avoidable to maintain an open mind [: there are always exceptions.
On behalf of the moto community: we appreciate you.
thank you - great videos. Do you give lessons if ever out in San Diego?
The clutch is a second throttle especially on a 2 stroke which I grew up on. The clutch has saved me more than the primary throttle. Obviously they work in Harmony. People that have never ridden a 2 stroke will never understand. Lol
Your videos are the best instructional on the web. I have Been riding for 60 years and still learning. I enjoy all the safety aspects of new bikes like stability control just like cars.
An excellent tutorial clip, very well explained and demonstrated
How would you do the same drills with a DCT transmission?
Been riding GSAs for many years, but in the past year I've dropped my 2016 three times.....I think it may be this error with the clutch. When it stops raining I will practice your tips! Thanks so much
I have been riding motorcycles for many years, but just recently started practicing these things. Very helpful!
Doesn't all the oil spots bother you when you are turning so sharp ? Great info helps me thanks
Could you please demonstrate by Honda DCT transmission bike and electric bike also! This bothers me because just ordered Honda NT1100 with DCT transmission.
Id like a Video too, I ride a Africa Twin DCT, use the rear brake. but id like a video form him
Excellent video just subscribed.Nice to hear the comments from older riders and beginners.
Thank you. The point about disengaged clutch making me a 400 lb floating weight on wheels made it make sense
Underrated advice. Brilliant
Great video! I’m one of those guys that automatically pull in the clutch lever, LOL. Thanks for the tip! Also, what gloves are you wearing? I really like those.
Hi Greg: I think that the owner of this bike has a UA-cam video pertaining to the crash bars. He hasn’t responded to the longevity of his (t-Rex?) crash bars. Do you have an opinion of these, and how do you tell good ones from bad ones? I’m 69 years old and have been riding for 50 years. I’ve been practicing some of your drills on my 2012 BMW R1200RT. Thanks for making this old rider better!
Great info, MJ ! Also I would think idle Rpm might have something to do in aiding low speed power.
Excellent advice! Well done.
Good Content ..I practice everytime I go out.
I got that from YOU.
THANKS!!
That Kaw has a really nice sound, too!
I like your gloves... where can I purchase a pair... also, thanks so much for the insight... am practicing every time I get on my bike...
MotoJitsu.com/gear it's all in the description
Hi There, Great video. I am curious, what gloves do you use?
I'm starting to get back on a bike after decades of being away. A bike was my daily driver as a kid, traded it in on a car, haven't ridden since. I've heard this "friction zone" talk many times now and I think the reason n00bs don't use it is because we were trained on manuals in cars and it was pounded into us not to ride the clutch because it drastically shortens the clutch lifespan. Is this different with motorcycles, or is it also true with them and short clutch lifespans are just the cost of doing business on a bike?
any tips for hand pain when pulling in the clutch? i’m a new rider and it just started hurting recently when i pull in the clutch.
Will letting the clutch out to fast make the bike stall if the bike is already moving? Or do you do the same steps like when taking off?
Great tips thank you!! 🙌🏼
Can you tell us what brand if gloves you are wearing?
Good. Just difficult with an old Moto Guzzi or Ducati as the clutch was designed for mr Hulk….