Watching that bike crash makes me sad. In 4 years when I take that class just so I can get an autograph picture with ride like a pro guy I really hope I do better than that haha.
Lots of people at least in california you can get a permit to ride but then you can't be on the freeway, no passengers, and not after dark for about 6 months. Or you can do this class and be able to get your full license in a weekend or two. That is manly why people doit but these classes are so beneficial if you are a new ridder. Teaches you a lot and they are worth every penny in my opinion!
@@firstnamelastnameisallowed7943 "In this video, we have a rider who got his endorsement and then purchased a motorcycle too heavy for his skill level."
@@GoatyHerps this video is to showcase improper head movement but I agree. Dude knows he needs improvement so he took the class. Hopefully he can improve his riding abilities and be safer on the streets!
Now I know why I payed 1300€ for my motorcycle license. We got like 15 hours on-road training and about 15 on a training course + 16 hours on a safety course. It's realy weird to think that in the US you can just ride any cc motorcycle without real training.
I'm proud of that man for trying and actually going to a course. Something like 70% of all riders where I live don't even have a license. So respect for trying and not quitting.
That was one of the most surprising things when I got into riding. People would talk to me, and act surprised I also had a license, as if they didn't assume those things went hand in hand
@@kozatas You're an imbecile. You are referring to commentary on the video you imbecile! He actually rode the bike with the guy on the back and explained to him what he was doing. His commentary is to help imbecilic riders like you out!
@@aprilmayjoon let me guess... she struggled with finding the friction zone and managing the clutch generally? Had a girl in my MSF class years ago who struggled with the clutch really badly (she had never driven ANY manual vehicle before so it was a completely foreign concept to her). To her credit she didn't rage quit and she tried to get through all the exercises but she washed out a bit early and didn't do the exam because she couldnt do the 20 foot u-turn/figure-8 stuff which was a required part of the exam. I think some people sign up for the MSF course not realizing that they expect you to have some practical operation experience already and have the basic mechanics of it down already - the MSF course mainly exists as a lower-pressure alternative to DMV exams and skills testing (where the examiners are famously strict and unforgiving, compared to MSF instructors who have more freedom to "wiggle" your test scores a bit). I didn't do the MSF course until I had 3,000 miles on my 750cc bike (various routes and freeways, I always challenged myself, didn't do the same 1-mile commute 3,000 times). It's called the MSF Basic Riders Course, not The Beginner's Rider Course. Kind of an important difference. They assume a certain level of self-taught basic skills and comfortable familiarity with your bike or bikes generally.
Learning to ride a motorcycle is easy compared to learning the HUMILITY that rider has to be able to just pick his bike up and keep going again and again. Godspeed to that rider, I hope he is a pro on that thing now
Just bought a boosted car , haven’t had much drive time. But man anytime I drive the car scared I stall over and over . When I hop in confident man I can drive that car like I stole it.
Yep. Cars in a parking lot going 10mph are viscous. Let’s just hope when he gets on the road going the speed limit. With completely different dynamics. His mind doesn’t go back to the parking lot☠️
For sure. I've rode with 40 year old men who still thinks like a 16 year old when operating a motorcycle. They still can't go around a curve without having to apex it or slow way down, can't do a u turn, can't maneuver in a parkinglot with tight quarters and most immature of all is he will do 0-100mph pulls all day from every stopping point.
OMG! If you have Hulu on your TV, and it goes into screen saver mode, that logo only moves from lower left corner to upper right corner and it NEVER EVER his the corners right. Drivers me nuts watching it. It's total anarchy!
It never does year's of my life waisted watching that logo but I still have faith one day or with the right size tv or aspect ratio I will finally see it one day
@@lucasduarte4859 I don't think you understand what empathy is. Either that or English is your second language and what you mean is that Jerry doesn't suffer from "second-hand embarrassment syndrome," which can be socially crippling and make an instructor less effective.
16yrs ago, I rode a bike for 6mnths and quit! Your video is not only showing me all the mistakes I made. It gives me the confidence of tackling Motorcycles again and now I have a goal, of maneuvering, exercises, and safety. I’m buying your CD or downloading it, and gonna try as many as I can!. I really Appreciate your sincere heart of trying to help people be better riders. Thank you so much. !!!!
He’s focusing on what he shouldn’t hit instead of focusing on where he should go. It makes me wonder if he’s crashed hard once before already. Good on him for practicing!
Yes, but the point is that that is WAY too much bike for his skill level. Especially if he's been at it this long, and STILL doesn't get the message about turning your head.
I passed my big bike test 10 years ago here in the UK. The u turn is one manoeuvre I could not perfect until my instructor said 'point your eyes where you want the bike to go' and it was genuinely that simple. On test day I perfected the u turn with about 5 feet spare. Running a heritage softail now and don't even think about u turns now they just come naturally. Top video buddy 👍
My driver's Ed instructor said similar things to me when I was learning to drive a car. He said "Look where you want to go and aim the car that direction."
when i was doing my test last year I could not for the life of me do a u turn never made one when practcing and on the day od mod 1 it was perfect but i hit a cone on speed avoidance then next mod 1 i did a perfect u turn again and passed lol
@@Glotalaya Back when I turned 18, I bought my buddy's 125 Honda off of him (my mother NEVER wanted me to get a motorcycle). A couple of figure 8's and some u-turns, and you had your license (class L). A buddy had bought a Yamaha TT500 (street legal), so I told him I wanted to use it for the M class license. The DMV examiner told me to go to the end of the cones, then do a u-turn and come back "as fast as you can", then do a controlled power brake. I pulled the front wheel off the ground after the u-turn, then ran straight at him, then locked the brakes right before I'd hit him - I asked if I performed "exactly what he asked me to do" - I now had my M License. This video about buying a big bike - I had a 125 from 18 to 20; then a 650 from '81 until '85 or '86 (a VERY close call made me give it up- for a very long while). When my wife said I could get my "Dream Bike" after we remodeled the kitchen, I went straight to the Indian Dealer - "what's the biggest bike you got?" I'm on an Indian Roadmaster now - this thing is SWEET!
I guess I have been fortunate with my riding experience. I passed a beginners course and got my license 20 years ago. I started riding an 85 Tour Glide Classic that I bought from my cousin. There was definitely a learning curve involved. My second bike and my present ride is a 16 Tour Glide Classic. I have been on a couple of 1000 mile trips on it and have been on the Tail of the Dragon 6 times. That is where I really learned what that bike could really do with the help of some of my experienced buddies. 25000 miles and 20 years later, , I’m still going strong at the at the age of 69.
Sometimes, people get flustered and can’t recover their composure until they walk away for a few days and then come back and try again. Often times they will come back then immediately “get it” and all is well. Hopefully that will be the outcome for this rider.
You are correct. I see it sometimes in my class where a rider suddenly get's all together in the 4th exercise. Since this rider wasn't a quitter, eventually he will turn it around.
I went through a 2 week motor school when I worked as a LEO. At the time we were on HD Electra Glides. Most fun I can remember having, yet the hardest thing I've ever done. You need intimate knowledge of your bike to know how much throttle, brake, and clutch to make it through those tight turns and circles. One of the first things our instructors told us, "Everyone can ride fast. It takes skill to ride slow."
When I got my Dyna, I went to a huge empty lot and did this shit for hourrrrs. I always end up doing these riding exercises when springtime comes around. Helps me get reacquainted with the bike and gives me tons of confidence. Crazy how far you can really lean these Harley's. They are stable as hell too.
same when i went up from a 650 to a 1500 i went out and practiced for a few hours for a few days and learned my bike will go lower than ill ever need it to
@@bamfan4eva New rider here, learning on an 05 VRod I like to use the parking markings themselves, when 4 spots come together they make a + sign, and I treat them as cones, or markings. You can weave in and out of them. I also use the full line off the parking spot as a guide for a U turn. After a few practice sessions I’ve been able to get my bike within that area. I’m 5’5” and 140 lbs, learning on this heavy of a bike is definitely not for everyone. But it is doable!
@@bamfan4eva Go to Home Depot and get a can of yard/lawn paint. A cone could help take you down...and you must carry them. The yard paint will wash off with rain. Be sure it is dry before practicing. Also watch for gravel. (d'uh)
After never having ridden a motorcycle before, I took the MSF basic course so I could get my license, and promptly went out to buy a Triumph Street Triple 675 R. Freakin' blast of a bike, fast as shit in the mountain twisties, I learned to ride it on my hometown roads deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adding in a few track days and bike skills were never much of a problem. I think motorcycle riding is a teachable skill, but there is definitely an element of it that just comes naturally or it doesn't.
Yeah, I spent years wanting a bike, then when I decided to pull the trigger, I was stressing out so hard. Partially because I watched videos like this. It all came so naturally to me. Of course I wasn't an expert, but I've only had the bike for a couple days, and it all just makes sense to me intuitively. I'm still going to take a course when they start back up in the spring for any unknown unknowns, but of all the things I'm really bad at, I'm glad this is something I'm naturally pretty good at.
First of all congrats on selecting a decent motorcycle. I am not sure why people in these videos are always riding these while there are so many amazing motorcycles out there.
@@Cruz474 Lol funny you should mention that! Even as an adult I rode my bicycle a TON for a hobby. I never had the time to put in it to become a truly elite rider, but I lived right next to some of the best twisty mountain roads in the country and perfected the art of descending. I still hold a few dozen records on Strava for my downhill runs. Bicycle riding is very similar to the motorcycle, even easier in the twisties due to the lower weight!
@@Cruz474 With ya there. At 50, just got my first motorcycle. It's really a whole lot of "feel" with it, knowing when you're not leaning enough, or leaning too much, when you need a little more throttle, etc. When I watch a video like this, I always wonder if that person having trouble lived and breathed bicycles from 5 years old on...
Took a beginner class and got my license 4 years ago. Rode a sportster for about 8 months. Now on a road king. Thought I was getting it but I recessed. Hadn’t been on the bike for a while. When I took a ride with some friends I felt like it was my first time. I was scared in the corners and make a u turn forget it. I feel like giving up. My wonderful daughter knows how excited I was about riding my own. She bought me your CD for Christmas. Can’t wait to try these techniques on my own. I feel excited about riding again.
Easy to say don't be afraid, but you gotta respect the physics, you did it before, do it again. Practice and progression, put the time in. Like anything else you want to get good at. Good luck, enjoy 🍻👍...beers after though...
I feel for you.. good luck. Sorry to say; kings are beautiful but you're on the wrong bike. Friend went to a cruiser for her first bike and she STRUGGLED! Convinced her to get a non cruiser 650 bike and she's no longer white knuckling it and having the most fun of her riding career. She then realized what I meant when I told her how difficult she was making her life with her heavy cruiser. Pls consider it and be safe.
Evelyn I'm a rider with 40 years experience, well except for the three years from Nov 2017 till Nov 2020 while I was recovering from an accident with a left turning simi trailer combo on a 2009 road king classic. my experience was no help to me when I finally climbed on my 2014 road king, I had reverted back to instinct riding and I was so nervous that I didn't enjoy what I love so much. I bought Jerry's lessons on thumb drive (after about 20 youtube views ) and I'm gaining my confidence back, no tight u-turns yet but I'm sure I can do it so keep plugin away your not alone.
I started on a 50cc mini trail when I was about 5, stepped up to a 80cc yammy at about 10 up to a 125 honda to a cr250 honda then my first street bike a 650 shadow which was definitely a learning experience but then a got a 87 1100 sportster which I did fine on and was very confident and comfortable, then a 96 1200 sportster which I rode for many years, I thought ok I need a bigger bike for me and the ol lady, so I really stepped up to a '12 ultra limited with the 103, it was like I'd forgot everything and had to relearn how to ride. It's a big difference and I'm still getting the hang of it, but I keep on keeping on, these videos have helped me more than I thought they could. Just know that you're not the lone ranger, I've been riding motorcycles for a long time and learn something new each time I ride. You'll get it, just stick with it. Be safe out there
I have nothing but respect for both you and the man trying to learn. You seem like a great instructor and I appreciate that the guy doesn't just give up.
This man has swallowed his pried and is trying to improve, massive respect to him, you go man! We can't all get it on the first try, I had some things that wouldn't stick either. Gotta keep getting at it
As annoying as it is and how he isn't really listening and trusting himself, good job on him for not giving up! Must be so frustrating for the instructors too, good job!
What's REALLY sad is the number of "I been ridin' fer years" riders out here who don't know what they don't know. Thanks to Mr J and Miss D for trying to change that.
Guilty as charged. I got an Electra Glide after not riding for twenty years on sport bikes. Dumped it a mile down the road. Since then I watched plenty of Ride like a Pro videos and am riding much better now.
Credit where it's due, I can thank my mom for breaking me of that one. I bought a motorcycle, and she begged me to get rid of it, because I "won't know what I'm doing". I told her "I've ridden bicycles for years, and I can drive stick. It can't be that hard." Finally, she convinced me to take a safety course first. Just a general beginners course. I begrudgingly agreed, on the compromise that "If I do it, will you shut up about the bike?" It wasn't an hour into the class, and I really felt like I owed her a huge apology. I had already learned things I didn't know I didn't know, which has helped me avoid simple yet costly mistakes. Sometimes, mama really does know better.
Here the cops make you demonstrate you can ride feet on pegs in a three bike length diameter circle before letting you out on the road for a test. Basically feet on pegs at full lock, you learn balance and clutch control real quick. Biggest tip, find the centre of the circle and don't take your eyes off it.
Jerry! I was in stop and go traffic on the freeway today. I like to practice my slow straight in this situation (even though I do it several days each week). I’m not sure what happened but it finally made sense! Holding the rear brake for balance with a little extra throttle and I was going fairly straight and very slow and didn’t have to put down my feet! Thanks for the patient tips. 🔥🔥🔥
Am 66, just got back into bikes after a bit. Love this guy, great, wise advise. Big help for me.... But, too much of a Harley fan boy for me. But, in 66 years, been wrong before Thanks Jerry! D.
If I said it once, I've said it a thousand times. 95% of my students ride Harley baggers. They want to see the exercises demonstrated on a Harley bagger. If 95% of my students had Goldwings, I'd have a Goldwing. In addition, H.D. baggers are by far the most maneuverable heavyweight cruisers in the world. If you disagree, present your evidence here. I'll wait.
You have a lot of patience Jerry. You are a great instructor. I'm sure it is frustrating at times but it seems that if the student is willing you will always get them where they need to be. Good video.
Great video. I took the edge class like 10 years ago and owned a big road king ever since. Seeing this video, I really don’t think I can pass the exercises on my bike. Time to find an empty lot and start practicing again. Thanks for the upload and hope y’all have a safe ride!
My God you are one smooth opperator. That bike was simply massive, and you handled it like an extension of your own body. And to top it off it isn't even your bike!
Yep, I passed my initial class and went out and bought a nice big shiny Vulcan. Fortunately I live in Florida and after 5,000 miles I took the Ride Like a Pro class. That was about five years ago, I think I'll sign up and take it again. It is truly worth it.
Most of our riding environment here in east coastal Florida is stopping at intersections, turn right or left, or go straight, proceed at thirty miles an hour to next stoplight, repeat. Sometimes on A1A we can go straight for two or three minutes at a time, Whoopi! No wonder most of us here aren’t the best riders, me included. At least we have a dead Sears parking lot for practice. I didn’t know what rider training was when I started. My brother, freshly back from over a year of sporty helicopter flights over the Vietnam countryside, plopped my ten year old behind at the controls of a small Honda. I didn’t fall off or over. Training was complete. Fast forward a few decades (well, more than a few), and I finally discovered that maybe my rider education was a bit “sketchy” perhaps. Trying to resolve this while still coming to a stop, turning right or left, or going straight at thirty.......
I'm fairly certain another limiting factor is self-pressure and perceived shame from the other members of the class. Guaranteed if this guy goes for a solo class with Jerry he'll flourish.
Yeah, debilitating social anxiety can be a bitch. I am like that too, the thought of other peoples eyes on me when I am not sure what I am doing can lock me up completely and if that happens no knowledge will reach me in that state. Solo, no problems and I figure things out quickly.
That's self-defeating. Most skills are easy to master alone on a closed course. You can't hesitate under pressure when your out on the road with cagers and unexpected road hazards.
@@soold55 Not the point. The point is about learning in peace, at least the basics. If you have bad social anxiety you have so much mental noise in your head when there are a lot of people around you and if/when you fail that just adds up to the flustered feeling and makes the situation worse. Your ability to learn is almost zero in that state.
@@MaaZeusSorry I missed the point. It's 3 other people in the class. Just 3, all riding the same ride, under the same pressure. At 50+ years old you shouldn't be learning to ride a motorcycle on a 900 pound bike. Plus you're assuming some kind of social anxiety. We don't know his state of mind. My point is that you can practice all you want in a closed, peaceful, environment but taking those skills onto the open rode is completely different. You're no longer swerving around a cone but other vehicles and pedestrians. 👍
Yep, I passed the beginner class, and bought an 850lb bike. Which I rode from Charleston SC to Ruby beach on the Olympic Peninsula Washington and back. But… before I did the ride, I bought Jerry’s dvd and practiced his techniques for 6 months, until I was completely comfortable on the bike. I highly recommend his dvd.
I am a MSF ridercoach, and like you said turn your head and friction zone. Wow that makes life so much easier. I try to practice myself as much as I can. It only makes you a better rider.
My respect for Your teachings Jerry has grown substantially by watching this video in How You are willing to go the extra mile & let Your students ride with You so they can correct their mistakes & advance their skill level.
I will say this. I took the beginner course, riding my 2003 HD Road King Police to the class. But I stayed in the neighborhood and practiced a lot. My riding buddy has 40 years in. He tutored me until I could ride without embarrassing myself. Then I stretched my legs. Fast forward, I'm on my 4th Harley and have over 40K miles on Harleys. Best times of my life. Dream can come true :-D
Also wanted thank Jerry for your videos. Critical during those formative years. GREAT stuff. I learned counter steering here and am eternally grateful.
I just want to say I appreciate your content. You have a straightforward, clear and calm demeanor to your explanations, which isn't something I see often.
I thought I was going to have trouble doing the U turn part like this guy did when I took the class so I found an empty parking lot before we started and literally just rode around in circles slowly going in tighter and tighter and would switch directions so I would not get used to just one way. After I did that I aced the U turn part. Everyone is different but thought I would share that because it helped me quit a bit!
why leave an out for the whiners , . everybody is not different in that they have to learn how to drive this vehicle before they can safely ride it on the roads we all travel on .if that takes some work and practice ,like u put in , so fricken be it . theres too many bad unexpeirenced bike riders on the roads these days.
Got that right brother, learn to crawl before you walk, and then walk before running! This guy came flying out of the tunnel wanting to race! That approach will not only get you killed but quite possibly someone else out there on the highways. There's nothing shameful about being smart and using your damn head.
we see this in people that have just gotten their private pilot's licenses as well. you're not a pilot now, you're just been given permission to keep learning and sometimes to do that in a plane by yourself.
Back in 2006 took a riders class, never even rode a cycle in my life. Had little Honda 250 in class, after a week got my license and bought a 2002 Harley Davidson Wide Glide. Yes was a bit intimidated with size but practiced and had no problems.
Best motivational video I have seen in a while. I'm rooting for him 100%. This was a painful to reminder to practice your skills in addition to riding for fun. It's like playing scales when you'd rather be jamming with your friends.
That's because most people in the UK do not buy a motorcycle until after they've passed they're test. And ALL companies offering courses have they're own bikes for people to learn on. You're not gonna buy a £23k bike for learners to keep dropping it. Also the law in the UK is different, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on the road unless you have a licence. Therefore you won't be seeing learners on harleys in the UK.
I bought your dvd’s years ago and it helped me big time. I am now 63 and want to come to FL and take your course in person someday. Take care, Joe Shirley 😊
I'm the poster child for this video. Back in the 80's I was an MSF instructor and rode an 1100 Gold Wing. Stopped riding for about 20 years. Took the MSF BRC and bought an HD FLSTC (about 790 pounds). Big mistake (I was almost as poor a rider as the guy in this video) and I figured it out soon enough. I got Jerry's materials, got myself a set of cones, and watched his videos and practiced - a lot. It took me something like 13 months to get to the point where I could reliably execute an 18-foot U-Turn with a passenger aboard. I got lucky! I don't recommend someone else do what I did.
I appreciate that you rode him to let em feel what the bike is supposed to be doing. I think that'd help me a lot personally so it's cool you gave the chance.
I did the opposite... I bought my first motorcycle, a 25 yr old Harley Softail. Then, I trailered it home and took the MSF course that weekend. The amount of confidence but also cautiousness I got from the course was great.
I started riding again in 2017 and bought a 1200. About a year later I bought a Heritage. About 5.5 years later I bought a really nice 2012 Street Glide on Aug 5th 2023, (a bike I never dreamed that I could own). Going to a touring bike is a whole new dimension to me, a true paradigm shift for sure. I'm still working on my slow speed maneuvers and can't seem to make tight u-turns yet like I should. But, at age 63, I'm trying. Last week while on vacation, I dropped my bike in a motel parking lot but no noticeable damage occurred. Am I humbled, frustrated, or otherwise upset? No, I understand that such things can happen to the best of us. I just stood up my bike, checked for damage, and went on my way analyzing what caused me to drop it. Thanks for posting this video. Over the years I've found many good instructional videos here on UA-cam and I've enjoyed yours. Stay safe out there. Much LR&H from Omaha.
wow this video makes a lot of sense now, thanks to that rider made it possible to demonstrate to 2M viewers how to watch your speed, head turn, clutch in and out. Interesting to see your bike travels in the direction of your head.
Good for him for taking the class. There are lots of places to easily ride 10k miles without needing much skill so obviously at some point he realized he needed some improvement. A lot of people get lots of miles in and think they're now an expert because they can go straight down the freeway all day. I'm glad he is taking the class, good luck to him.
My guy, all I can tell you is that test riding is typically harder than road riding. Now that being said I don't know what kind of test riding they're doing.
It was so funny when I was younger and going to these classes at least once a year. There was always someone who "was just there because someone gifted him a voucher" but according to him "has nothing to learn, has been motorcycling for decades/ages" and then fails a very wide figure-8 task. :D
i started with an yzf 1000cm3, got my goldwing honda and dear lord, haven't fall at all, but first 3 weeks i had a hard time taking corners, i got used to it now, i ve ended up here by accident but i watched it, really nice channel.
I once watched a guy drop his Road King, three times in a parking lot. When I bought my Road King, I must admit that I was intimidated by the weight, but with some time, I got the hang of it. I had this bike for 10 years. I think that because of how low the weight is, the tractable motor and the velvet clutch, big Harleys are very easy to ride. I think this is why you see so many seniors riding Harleys. I now ride an adventure bike. It has been a humbling transition. I feel like I am learning to ride all over again, but I am enjoying the challenge.
This is still one of my biggest fears. I have a HD iron 883 sportster and I find myself still taking turns wider than i would like. I have to give a lot of credit to both rider and instructor for not giving up. He will get better and great job.
Sportsters are not really a learner bike as much as people think they are. With 12 or 13” rear shocks they are extremely high center of gravity and are so top heavy most riders drop them. I ride a buell xb12xp ulysses police, and if you arent a very experienced rider you will literally throw it on the ground. Almost immediately. Weve all dropped bikes. If you havent you arent telling the truth. Lol.
@@davidmerullo551yeah I thought the same thing as most… got a sporty and dropped it on my second day because I was practicing turns, did the same thing as this rider. good thing it was in my back yard with dirt so very minor scratches, I’m greatful to have my own space like that or else learning this platform would be even more difficult, I’ll get there soon tho 🙏
I have zero riding experience but I just got a 1988 H-D fxr low rider from my grandfather. It needs work but I plan on taking a beginner course before it's done.
It surprises me how many riders just want to pass the “test”, I know I’m a newbie, but my riding friends have all hammered it into me, to spend the time in the parking lot, practising by yourself.
I don't have a license, and I never took a course, but the best thing I ever did was master the basics in an empty lot. I would just spend hours doing u-turns, figure eights, playing with the clutch, playing with gearing, playing with the bike. I started on a Ninja 250 because I knew it would be a good beginner bike that wouldn't end with me dead or in jail. That practice and knowledge has saved my life on countless occasions. After 3 years, I'm eager to upgrade, but I'll never stop practicing.
I've had 7 hours on a bike working towards my license in Japan. I'm just getting to grips with this technique. Turning the head, using the clutch, enough throttle and using the rear brake to keep the bike going. It's certainly not easy for a beginner because there are so many things to concentrate on at once.
I have a training location in Japan....if you go to my website, www.ridelikeapro.com, click on OTHER TRAINING LOCATIONS on the home page. Scroll down the page that brings up all my locations and find JAPAN. Hope this helps!
Perfect demonstration of VERY common mistakes. So many of us drive like that for a lifetime thinking it's OK just because we were lucky enough to not have an accident yet. "Careful where you look at cause that's where you'll go".
When I took the class about 30 years ago, I barely passed, and my instructors were seriously concerned for me. If it was offered close to me, I’d take it again.
I hate to say it but that’s almost every Harley Rider where I live in Alberta Canada. I sit and watch them pull into the coffee shop and either duck foot the bike around the parking lot or they drop it. Every spring I spend countless hours at the mall parking lot practicing slow speed manoeuvring with a sport tourer, which in my opinion is way harder to ride in slow speeds than a cruiser.
Colin sir you are so correct. I don't know why, but the Harley crowd is far less skilled overall than cyclists who ride ALL brands of bikes, they don't discriminate.Different makes or brands have various strengths or advantages to them. I have ridden for years, have a bike made in Japan, my friends bike is made in Italy, and another ones is a German bike, but he also has an older Harley that he loves for laid back cruising. This year I might take the plunge and buy a different used bike, I'm looking at various brands, not just what I now own. So many of these riders have had multiple bikes , but only Harley's. Could you imagine eating the same food for dinner all your life? Anyway ride safe and enjoy! Cheers!!!!!
Sorry bro, but I disagree. I've had owned every kind of bike and the hardest to ride by far are cruisers. The geometry and the weight are brutal at low speeds! Dual Sports, sport tourers, Sport, ADV... all much easier than a 900# porker. As for HD riders... huge props and respect for the ones who can truly handle their bikes. Unfortunately, the skilled HD riders are not the majority for sure.
@@steveapel2961 he should have started out on a scooter when he was young. I'm 73 and I started on a Cushman scooter when I was 12 yrs old and it wasn't a problem to ride a large bike.
Great video and great course. I really give this guy credit, he would have been getting so frustrated and he stayed with it, I hope he keeps at it. In my line of work, I usually see what happens when they don't do the course, get a bike they don't have the skill for, or both.
When I took the MSF course at Ft Benning I was on sport bike and our instructors were doing the course we did on their bikes it was amazing to see them drag floor boards
I am learning to ride this year and I can't thank you enough for all of the videos. I am trying to get your tips ingrained in my head before even dropping into 1st gear on lesson one. My dad is passing down his beast of an Ultra Classic (a 900lb bike). I am definitely going to be doing everything I can to get used to riding before I take it out on the road.
When I went through my intermediate course we had a guy there who “claimed” to have been riding for 30 years. He barely had control of his little rebel 250 and made the statement that he is used to larger bikes and since larger bikes can’t make this course why should he have to. The instructor just told us to kill the engines on our bikes. Then mounted his Goldwing that was towing a trailer and did the course flawlessly. Turned to the guy and asked how big was his bike that couldn’t make it around this course?
He hasn't ridden 10,000 miles, he's ridden 1 mile 10,000 times.
haha I like that. There's wisdom in that quote.
He's definitely not a motorcop from Reno.
Watching that bike crash makes me sad.
In 4 years when I take that class just so I can get an autograph picture with ride like a pro guy I really hope I do better than that haha.
@@ericsuperhawk didn't crash, just tipped over.
@@MrDaddydid still looks like something I want to avoid. I've got too much money in my bike to tip over.
At least he has the awareness to realize he needs the class. 🤷
😂 ain't that the truth
Lots of people at least in california you can get a permit to ride but then you can't be on the freeway, no passengers, and not after dark for about 6 months. Or you can do this class and be able to get your full license in a weekend or two. That is manly why people doit but these classes are so beneficial if you are a new ridder. Teaches you a lot and they are worth every penny in my opinion!
@@firstnamelastnameisallowed7943 "In this video, we have a rider who got his endorsement and then purchased a motorcycle too heavy for his skill level."
@@GoatyHerps this video is to showcase improper head movement but I agree. Dude knows he needs improvement so he took the class. Hopefully he can improve his riding abilities and be safer on the streets!
Now I know why I payed 1300€ for my motorcycle license. We got like 15 hours on-road training and about 15 on a training course + 16 hours on a safety course. It's realy weird to think that in the US you can just ride any cc motorcycle without real training.
I'm proud of that man for trying and actually going to a course. Something like 70% of all riders where I live don't even have a license. So respect for trying and not quitting.
Really dumb to get a super heavy Harley if you don’t have the skill. Or a crotch rocket too for that matter.
That was one of the most surprising things when I got into riding. People would talk to me, and act surprised I also had a license, as if they didn't assume those things went hand in hand
Where do you live?
@@ramadanslim9470 the broken USA
@@mordinsolus9414 He probably just didn't know better.
"There's no quit in this guy" I commend that. I'd be so embarrassed, I couldn't handle what this guy is doing. Huge props to him.
@@kozatas You're an imbecile.
You are referring to commentary on the video you imbecile!
He actually rode the bike with the guy on the back and explained to him what he was doing.
His commentary is to help imbecilic riders like you out!
@@kozatas You're clueless. This instructor taught MC cops for decades. You bitter not getting that participation trophy in MC classes?
@@kozatas congratulations on showing us how ignorant you are
Had a lady in my MSF course with a 125CC rage quit on the last day.
@@aprilmayjoon let me guess... she struggled with finding the friction zone and managing the clutch generally? Had a girl in my MSF class years ago who struggled with the clutch really badly (she had never driven ANY manual vehicle before so it was a completely foreign concept to her). To her credit she didn't rage quit and she tried to get through all the exercises but she washed out a bit early and didn't do the exam because she couldnt do the 20 foot u-turn/figure-8 stuff which was a required part of the exam. I think some people sign up for the MSF course not realizing that they expect you to have some practical operation experience already and have the basic mechanics of it down already - the MSF course mainly exists as a lower-pressure alternative to DMV exams and skills testing (where the examiners are famously strict and unforgiving, compared to MSF instructors who have more freedom to "wiggle" your test scores a bit). I didn't do the MSF course until I had 3,000 miles on my 750cc bike (various routes and freeways, I always challenged myself, didn't do the same 1-mile commute 3,000 times). It's called the MSF Basic Riders Course, not The Beginner's Rider Course. Kind of an important difference. They assume a certain level of self-taught basic skills and comfortable familiarity with your bike or bikes generally.
Learning to ride a motorcycle is easy compared to learning the HUMILITY that rider has to be able to just pick his bike up and keep going again and again. Godspeed to that rider, I hope he is a pro on that thing now
Not if he DOSEN'T TURN HIS HEAD - He'll NEVER "get it"
ya his lack of skill when hes out on the road , i HOPE doesnt cause a situation or accident that injures any of my family .
@@peterbetts858 100% chance you live nowhere near this guy…
@@peterbetts858 this guy would be the last on the list of people that would injure your “family”. Bring your selfish azz somewhere
Everyone drops their bike at least once and keeps going. He's not the green lantern of motorcyclist. He's just a bad rider.
Fear causes hesitation...and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true.
Point Break line. Love that movie
Fear leads to hate, hate leads to suffering 😂
@@RichardMarkleWOW .....suffering leads.................TO THE DARK SIDE!!!
Just bought a boosted car , haven’t had much drive time. But man anytime I drive the car scared I stall over and over . When I hop in confident man I can drive that car like I stole it.
Exactly my problem right now. 🤦🏽♀️ granted I’ve been on my/a bike less than ten times.
That rider will get better, because he clearly wants to. 👍🏼 keep practicing brotha
Maybe, maybe not. Some people are just not meant to be on two wheels.
@@johnjacob688 true and that’s depending on the rider’s mentality. You either give up on it, or commit to practice. In this case, it’s the latter.
how I learned how to drive an airboat I had the sink one first .lol I got real good after that......
@@richardbarry220 lots of practice in anything you do in order to master.
no he won't, he's not listening or following the instructions
Respect to the man, he knows he needs to develop the skills and is taking action to do so. Dropped it but kept on going.
Yep. Cars in a parking lot going 10mph are viscous. Let’s just hope when he gets on the road going the speed limit. With completely different dynamics. His mind doesn’t go back to the parking lot☠️
Much respect. I was thinking of buying a goldwing and it’s definitely a must to get used to that weight as a first bike.
99% of the people watching this video: “I’m totally the guy in the white shirt”…heart rate elevated by the end of the video.
I sympathize with him. It can be very frustrating, so kudos for his persistence as a student, and yours as an instructor.
I give him credit for trying to improve his skills. Many out there who don’t.
Can't knock a guy for trying
For sure. I've rode with 40 year old men who still thinks like a 16 year old when operating a motorcycle. They still can't go around a curve without having to apex it or slow way down, can't do a u turn, can't maneuver in a parkinglot with tight quarters and most immature of all is he will do 0-100mph pulls all day from every stopping point.
god i kept watching him like I watch a dvd logo hoping it'll finally just get that corner perfectly
Haha, the perfect metaphore
I fucking love this lol
I knew I wasn't the only one that does this lol
OMG! If you have Hulu on your TV, and it goes into screen saver mode, that logo only moves from lower left corner to upper right corner and it NEVER EVER his the corners right. Drivers me nuts watching it. It's total anarchy!
It never does year's of my life waisted watching that logo but I still have faith one day or with the right size tv or aspect ratio I will finally see it one day
I could never be an instructor. You have the patience of a saint.
@@lucasduarte4859 I doubt that.
He gets paid for it.
Same with being a parent. But the rewards of parenting are greater. But Jerry is getting paid.
I bet it helps the instructors to know that the guy keeps trying, meaning he at least wants to learn
@@lucasduarte4859 I don't think you understand what empathy is. Either that or English is your second language and what you mean is that Jerry doesn't suffer from "second-hand embarrassment syndrome," which can be socially crippling and make an instructor less effective.
16yrs ago, I rode a bike for 6mnths and quit! Your video is not only showing me all the mistakes I made. It gives me the confidence of tackling Motorcycles again and now I have a goal, of maneuvering, exercises, and safety. I’m buying your CD or downloading it, and gonna try as many as I can!. I really Appreciate your sincere heart of trying to help people be better riders. Thank you so much. !!!!
He’s focusing on what he shouldn’t hit instead of focusing on where he should go. It makes me wonder if he’s crashed hard once before already. Good on him for practicing!
This is so true, as a new rider I can see this is something I really need to work on, focus on where I am going rather than avoiding something.
Clearly wants to advance his skills or he wouldn't be there.
he bit off more than he can chew. Needs a smaller bike.
Exactly. Everyone starts somewhere at least he recognized he needed help and is going for it 👍🏻
@@2wheelobsessed I agree he should do better on the sportster. These courses are so good and fun.
Yes, but the point is that that is WAY too much bike for his skill level. Especially if he's been at it this long, and STILL doesn't get the message about turning your head.
@@rothgartheviking858 He'd be better still on a 400. Master the 400 and his big Harley will be much easier to handle.
I passed my big bike test 10 years ago here in the UK. The u turn is one manoeuvre I could not perfect until my instructor said 'point your eyes where you want the bike to go' and it was genuinely that simple. On test day I perfected the u turn with about 5 feet spare. Running a heritage softail now and don't even think about u turns now they just come naturally. Top video buddy 👍
My driver's Ed instructor said similar things to me when I was learning to drive a car. He said "Look where you want to go and aim the car that direction."
when i was doing my test last year I could not for the life of me do a u turn never made one when practcing and on the day od mod 1 it was perfect but i hit a cone on speed avoidance then next mod 1 i did a perfect u turn again and passed lol
@@Glotalaya Back when I turned 18, I bought my buddy's 125 Honda off of him (my mother NEVER wanted me to get a motorcycle). A couple of figure 8's and some u-turns, and you had your license (class L). A buddy had bought a Yamaha TT500 (street legal), so I told him I wanted to use it for the M class license. The DMV examiner told me to go to the end of the cones, then do a u-turn and come back "as fast as you can", then do a controlled power brake. I pulled the front wheel off the ground after the u-turn, then ran straight at him, then locked the brakes right before I'd hit him - I asked if I performed "exactly what he asked me to do" - I now had my M License. This video about buying a big bike - I had a 125 from 18 to 20; then a 650 from '81 until '85 or '86 (a VERY close call made me give it up- for a very long while). When my wife said I could get my "Dream Bike" after we remodeled the kitchen, I went straight to the Indian Dealer - "what's the biggest bike you got?" I'm on an Indian Roadmaster now - this thing is SWEET!
@@gregabell4799 yeah had a few close calls and am on a gsx1100g 92
I guess I have been fortunate with my riding experience. I passed a beginners course and got my license 20 years ago. I started riding an 85 Tour Glide Classic that I bought from my cousin. There was definitely a learning curve involved. My second bike and my present ride is a 16 Tour Glide Classic. I have been on a couple of 1000 mile trips on it and have been on the Tail of the Dragon 6 times. That is where I really learned what that bike could really do with the help of some of my experienced buddies. 25000 miles and 20 years later, , I’m still going strong at the at the age of 69.
Sometimes, people get flustered and can’t recover their composure until they walk away for a few days and then come back and try again. Often times they will come back then immediately “get it” and all is well. Hopefully that will be the outcome for this rider.
You are correct. I see it sometimes in my class where a rider suddenly get's all together in the 4th exercise. Since this rider wasn't a quitter, eventually he will turn it around.
L N yes. Jerry offer those riders a private lesson a few days later?
That’s how it is with skateboarding as well
@@pacopetepnw3434 Yes. So far, he hasn't taken me up on the offer.
@@motorman857 Any news?
I went through a 2 week motor school when I worked as a LEO. At the time we were on HD Electra Glides. Most fun I can remember having, yet the hardest thing I've ever done. You need intimate knowledge of your bike to know how much throttle, brake, and clutch to make it through those tight turns and circles. One of the first things our instructors told us, "Everyone can ride fast. It takes skill to ride slow."
Thanks for sharing that. It's a classic comment and truism!
When I got my Dyna, I went to a huge empty lot and did this shit for hourrrrs. I always end up doing these riding exercises when springtime comes around. Helps me get reacquainted with the bike and gives me tons of confidence. Crazy how far you can really lean these Harley's. They are stable as hell too.
same when i went up from a 650 to a 1500 i went out and practiced for a few hours for a few days and learned my bike will go lower than ill ever need it to
All about counter weight
When you guys go out and practice on a parking lot, do you also use the training cones? Or what kind of practice technique’s do you do?
@@bamfan4eva New rider here, learning on an 05 VRod I like to use the parking markings themselves, when 4 spots come together they make a + sign, and I treat them as cones, or markings. You can weave in and out of them.
I also use the full line off the parking spot as a guide for a U turn. After a few practice sessions I’ve been able to get my bike within that area.
I’m 5’5” and 140 lbs, learning on this heavy of a bike is definitely not for everyone. But it is doable!
@@bamfan4eva Go to Home Depot and get a can of yard/lawn paint. A cone could help take you down...and you must carry them. The yard paint will wash off with rain. Be sure it is dry before practicing. Also watch for gravel. (d'uh)
After never having ridden a motorcycle before, I took the MSF basic course so I could get my license, and promptly went out to buy a Triumph Street Triple 675 R. Freakin' blast of a bike, fast as shit in the mountain twisties, I learned to ride it on my hometown roads deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adding in a few track days and bike skills were never much of a problem. I think motorcycle riding is a teachable skill, but there is definitely an element of it that just comes naturally or it doesn't.
Yeah, I spent years wanting a bike, then when I decided to pull the trigger, I was stressing out so hard. Partially because I watched videos like this.
It all came so naturally to me. Of course I wasn't an expert, but I've only had the bike for a couple days, and it all just makes sense to me intuitively.
I'm still going to take a course when they start back up in the spring for any unknown unknowns, but of all the things I'm really bad at, I'm glad this is something I'm naturally pretty good at.
First of all congrats on selecting a decent motorcycle. I am not sure why people in these videos are always riding these while there are so many amazing motorcycles out there.
As a kid I always pushed my bicycle to the limit, I went so fast that I learned countersteering lol.
@@Cruz474 Lol funny you should mention that! Even as an adult I rode my bicycle a TON for a hobby. I never had the time to put in it to become a truly elite rider, but I lived right next to some of the best twisty mountain roads in the country and perfected the art of descending. I still hold a few dozen records on Strava for my downhill runs. Bicycle riding is very similar to the motorcycle, even easier in the twisties due to the lower weight!
@@Cruz474 With ya there. At 50, just got my first motorcycle. It's really a whole lot of "feel" with it, knowing when you're not leaning enough, or leaning too much, when you need a little more throttle, etc. When I watch a video like this, I always wonder if that person having trouble lived and breathed bicycles from 5 years old on...
Took a beginner class and got my license 4 years ago. Rode a sportster for about 8 months. Now on a road king. Thought I was getting it but I recessed. Hadn’t been on the bike for a while. When I took a ride with some friends I felt like it was my first time. I was scared in the corners and make a u turn forget it. I feel like giving up. My wonderful daughter knows how excited I was about riding my own. She bought me your CD for Christmas. Can’t wait to try these techniques on my own. I feel excited about riding again.
Easy to say don't be afraid, but you gotta respect the physics, you did it before, do it again. Practice and progression, put the time in. Like anything else you want to get good at. Good luck, enjoy 🍻👍...beers after though...
I feel for you.. good luck. Sorry to say; kings are beautiful but you're on the wrong bike. Friend went to a cruiser for her first bike and she STRUGGLED! Convinced her to get a non cruiser 650 bike and she's no longer white knuckling it and having the most fun of her riding career. She then realized what I meant when I told her how difficult she was making her life with her heavy cruiser. Pls consider it and be safe.
Evelyn I'm a rider with 40 years experience, well except for the three years from Nov 2017 till Nov 2020 while I was recovering from an accident with a left turning simi trailer combo on a 2009 road king classic. my experience was no help to me when I finally climbed on my 2014 road king, I had reverted back to instinct riding and I was so nervous that I didn't enjoy what I love so much. I bought Jerry's lessons on thumb drive (after about 20 youtube views ) and I'm gaining my confidence back, no tight u-turns yet but I'm sure I can do it so keep plugin away your not alone.
Thanks all for the reply’s and words of advice. I really appreciate it.
I started on a 50cc mini trail when I was about 5, stepped up to a 80cc yammy at about 10 up to a 125 honda to a cr250 honda then my first street bike a 650 shadow which was definitely a learning experience but then a got a 87 1100 sportster which I did fine on and was very confident and comfortable, then a 96 1200 sportster which I rode for many years, I thought ok I need a bigger bike for me and the ol lady, so I really stepped up to a '12 ultra limited with the 103, it was like I'd forgot everything and had to relearn how to ride. It's a big difference and I'm still getting the hang of it, but I keep on keeping on, these videos have helped me more than I thought they could. Just know that you're not the lone ranger, I've been riding motorcycles for a long time and learn something new each time I ride. You'll get it, just stick with it. Be safe out there
I have nothing but respect for both you and the man trying to learn. You seem like a great instructor and I appreciate that the guy doesn't just give up.
This man has swallowed his pried and is trying to improve, massive respect to him, you go man! We can't all get it on the first try, I had some things that wouldn't stick either. Gotta keep getting at it
He has learned how to pick up the bike after it has tipped over though.
likely had a lot of practice
It's like how I'm really good at catching falling objects because my clumsy ass is always dropping things.
@@derp195 facts 🤣 its gotten to the point where my friends throw things at me and I'll catch them without even looking
As annoying as it is and how he isn't really listening and trusting himself, good job on him for not giving up! Must be so frustrating for the instructors too, good job!
What's REALLY sad is the number of "I been ridin' fer years" riders out here who don't know what they don't know. Thanks to Mr J and Miss D for trying to change that.
Guilty as charged. I got an Electra Glide after not riding for twenty years on sport bikes. Dumped it a mile down the road. Since then I watched plenty of Ride like a Pro videos and am riding much better now.
thank you.
Credit where it's due, I can thank my mom for breaking me of that one. I bought a motorcycle, and she begged me to get rid of it, because I "won't know what I'm doing". I told her "I've ridden bicycles for years, and I can drive stick. It can't be that hard."
Finally, she convinced me to take a safety course first. Just a general beginners course. I begrudgingly agreed, on the compromise that "If I do it, will you shut up about the bike?"
It wasn't an hour into the class, and I really felt like I owed her a huge apology. I had already learned things I didn't know I didn't know, which has helped me avoid simple yet costly mistakes.
Sometimes, mama really does know better.
I am a new rider. No experience. Getting my license in 2 months. This video may have just saved my life. Thank you.
Great video. I've been riding on and off for 15+ years and I am still learning. I wouldn't hesitate to take a course like this, even now.
I got distracted. The guy on the road king was smooth.
The smooth guy was on a Heritage.
@@motorman857 he seemed to pull pretty tight turns pretty easy...
Here the cops make you demonstrate you can ride feet on pegs in a three bike length diameter circle before letting you out on the road for a test. Basically feet on pegs at full lock, you learn balance and clutch control real quick. Biggest tip, find the centre of the circle and don't take your eyes off it.
"I'm willing to try anything". Sign of a good teacher. It's why I watch this channel.
Took my skills test with a '14 Road King. Thought I was nuts but told them this is the bike I know. Passed the first time out!
Jerry!
I was in stop and go traffic on the freeway today. I like to practice my slow straight in this situation (even though I do it several days each week). I’m not sure what happened but it finally made sense! Holding the rear brake for balance with a little extra throttle and I was going fairly straight and very slow and didn’t have to put down my feet!
Thanks for the patient tips.
🔥🔥🔥
Am 66, just got back into bikes after a bit. Love this guy, great, wise advise. Big help for me.... But, too much of a Harley fan boy for me. But, in 66 years, been wrong before
Thanks Jerry!
D.
If I said it once, I've said it a thousand times. 95% of my students ride Harley baggers. They want to see the exercises demonstrated on a Harley bagger. If 95% of my students had Goldwings, I'd have a Goldwing. In addition, H.D. baggers are by far the most maneuverable heavyweight cruisers in the world. If you disagree, present your evidence here. I'll wait.
@@motorman857Vulcans are up there also. Mine 2002 nomad.
Hope the best for him. Seen many on the road like this.
Sadly he will target fix and crash at some point.
Scary to know many rider on the road don't have the skills.
You have a lot of patience Jerry. You are a great instructor. I'm sure it is frustrating at times but it seems that if the student is willing you will always get them where they need to be. Good video.
Great video. I took the edge class like 10 years ago and owned a big road king ever since. Seeing this video, I really don’t think I can pass the exercises on my bike. Time to find an empty lot and start practicing again. Thanks for the upload and hope y’all have a safe ride!
My God you are one smooth opperator. That bike was simply massive, and you handled it like an extension of your own body. And to top it off it isn't even your bike!
Hi handsome , instructor. Your wisdom rings loud and clear. Keep it up.
Yep, I passed my initial class and went out and bought a nice big shiny Vulcan. Fortunately I live in Florida and after 5,000 miles I took the Ride Like a Pro class. That was about five years ago, I think I'll sign up and take it again. It is truly worth it.
Most of our riding environment here in east coastal Florida is stopping at intersections, turn right or left, or go straight, proceed at thirty miles an hour to next stoplight, repeat. Sometimes on A1A we can go straight for two or three minutes at a time, Whoopi! No wonder most of us here aren’t the best riders, me included. At least we have a dead Sears parking lot for practice. I didn’t know what rider training was when I started. My brother, freshly back from over a year of sporty helicopter flights over the Vietnam countryside, plopped my ten year old behind at the controls of a small Honda. I didn’t fall off or over. Training was complete. Fast forward a few decades (well, more than a few), and I finally discovered that maybe my rider education was a bit “sketchy” perhaps. Trying to resolve this while still coming to a stop, turning right or left, or going straight at thirty.......
Good points. It’s so much easier to start small. Get a sportster or street 500 or similar.
I don’t believe in “ growing in to it “
Yup, master the basics, master the bike, then upgrade.
I'm fairly certain another limiting factor is self-pressure and perceived shame from the other members of the class. Guaranteed if this guy goes for a solo class with Jerry he'll flourish.
Yeah, debilitating social anxiety can be a bitch. I am like that too, the thought of other peoples eyes on me when I am not sure what I am doing can lock me up completely and if that happens no knowledge will reach me in that state. Solo, no problems and I figure things out quickly.
Totally agree
That's self-defeating. Most skills are easy to master alone on a closed course. You can't hesitate under pressure when your out on the road with cagers and unexpected road hazards.
@@soold55 Not the point. The point is about learning in peace, at least the basics. If you have bad social anxiety you have so much mental noise in your head when there are a lot of people around you and if/when you fail that just adds up to the flustered feeling and makes the situation worse. Your ability to learn is almost zero in that state.
@@MaaZeusSorry I missed the point. It's 3 other people in the class. Just 3, all riding the same ride, under the same pressure. At 50+ years old you shouldn't be learning to ride a motorcycle on a 900 pound bike. Plus you're assuming some kind of social anxiety. We don't know his state of mind. My point is that you can practice all you want in a closed, peaceful, environment but taking those skills onto the open rode is completely different. You're no longer swerving around a cone but other vehicles and pedestrians. 👍
This is actually an eye opener as to why so many people out there just shouldn't be on a bike .
Yep, I passed the beginner class, and bought an 850lb bike. Which I rode from Charleston SC to Ruby beach on the Olympic Peninsula Washington and back.
But… before I did the ride, I bought Jerry’s dvd and practiced his techniques for 6 months, until I was completely comfortable on the bike. I highly recommend his dvd.
The OP is beautiful isn’t it?!!
@@FXLRS Yes it is. This country is beautiful, we are very fortunate.
@@Chance-ry1hq Truly! Did you drive up or down the 101 at all?
@@FXLRS I took the ferry from Everett and rode the 101 all the way around to Olympia.
I am a MSF ridercoach, and like you said turn your head and friction zone. Wow that makes life so much easier. I try to practice myself as much as I can. It only makes you a better rider.
My respect for Your teachings Jerry has grown substantially by watching this video in How You are willing to go the extra mile & let Your students ride with You so they can correct their mistakes & advance their skill level.
“Here comes our favorite rider” cried laughing 🤣
SAME!!!!
A winner never quits, a quitter never wins!!!! 🏅 go for gold man/ Thanks for the pro tip Man!!!!
I love these videos that you do. A lot of useful information that i had to learn the hard way as a kid.
Bless his heart! Keep on practicing! You can do it! 😊
Dear God, when I take the class, don't let me be Jerry's worse student! Thanks for not giving up on that guy. That encourages me not to give up!
I will say this. I took the beginner course, riding my 2003 HD Road King Police to the class. But I stayed in the neighborhood and practiced a lot. My riding buddy has 40 years in. He tutored me until I could ride without embarrassing myself. Then I stretched my legs. Fast forward, I'm on my 4th Harley and have over 40K miles on Harleys. Best times of my life. Dream can come true :-D
Also wanted thank Jerry for your videos. Critical during those formative years. GREAT stuff. I learned counter steering here and am eternally grateful.
40k? I've done 10k in 4 months on a 1200 sportster.
@@louiewatson9389 ok. Um. You win?
10k? I've done 25k in 5 months on my Titan
I just want to say I appreciate your content. You have a straightforward, clear and calm demeanor to your explanations, which isn't something I see often.
I just started on two wheels with a 150cc scooter, shit is not as easy as it looks lol
Good video, very informative
I thought I was going to have trouble doing the U turn part like this guy did when I took the class so I found an empty parking lot before we started and literally just rode around in circles slowly going in tighter and tighter and would switch directions so I would not get used to just one way. After I did that I aced the U turn part. Everyone is different but thought I would share that because it helped me quit a bit!
why leave an out for the whiners , . everybody is not different in that they have to learn how to drive this vehicle before they can safely ride it on the roads we all travel on .if that takes some work and practice ,like u put in , so fricken be it . theres too many bad unexpeirenced bike riders on the roads these days.
It doesn't seem difficult now, but these skills take a while to master. Going right to a big bike makes it even more difficult.
The msf is easy for the most part the only thing I failed was the brake test the poor 150cc was tired
Got that right brother, learn to crawl before you walk, and then walk before running! This guy came flying out of the tunnel wanting to race! That approach will not only get you killed but quite possibly someone else out there on the highways. There's nothing shameful about being smart and using your damn head.
I respect that he didn't give up and kept trying.
we see this in people that have just gotten their private pilot's licenses as well. you're not a pilot now, you're just been given permission to keep learning and sometimes to do that in a plane by yourself.
Back in 2006 took a riders class, never even rode a cycle in my life. Had little Honda 250 in class, after a week got my license and bought a 2002 Harley Davidson Wide Glide. Yes was a bit intimidated with size but practiced and had no problems.
I give the guy props for coming to a class to get better. Some of us are much better at doing certain things and he just needs to focus and practice.
Best motivational video I have seen in a while. I'm rooting for him 100%. This was a painful to reminder to practice your skills in addition to riding for fun. It's like playing scales when you'd rather be jamming with your friends.
It's so cool to see a motorcycle course in which all riders ride a Harley Davidson. Not something you would see here in the UK...
Not something you really see anywhere.
1 is a Victory. Its the biggest, most powerful bike there.
As an American Triumph rider, not sure how to feel about that :P
Added benefit, lot owner no longer has to pay a contractor to oil the asphalt every summer.
That's because most people in the UK do not buy a motorcycle until after they've passed they're test. And ALL companies offering courses have they're own bikes for people to learn on. You're not gonna buy a £23k bike for learners to keep dropping it. Also the law in the UK is different, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on the road unless you have a licence. Therefore you won't be seeing learners on harleys in the UK.
You sound like a good instructor , calm and knowledgeable
I bought your dvd’s years ago and it helped me big time. I am now 63 and want to come to FL and take your course in person someday. Take care, Joe Shirley 😊
I'm the poster child for this video. Back in the 80's I was an MSF instructor and rode an 1100 Gold Wing. Stopped riding for about 20 years. Took the MSF BRC and bought an HD FLSTC (about 790 pounds). Big mistake (I was almost as poor a rider as the guy in this video) and I figured it out soon enough. I got Jerry's materials, got myself a set of cones, and watched his videos and practiced - a lot. It took me something like 13 months to get to the point where I could reliably execute an 18-foot U-Turn with a passenger aboard. I got lucky! I don't recommend someone else do what I did.
Yeah, that stuff takes practice. Not as easy as a little bike.
I appreciate that you rode him to let em feel what the bike is supposed to be doing. I think that'd help me a lot personally so it's cool you gave the chance.
Fair play to the guy for allowing us watch him hope he gets it
I did the opposite... I bought my first motorcycle, a 25 yr old Harley Softail. Then, I trailered it home and took the MSF course that weekend. The amount of confidence but also cautiousness I got from the course was great.
I started riding again in 2017 and bought a 1200. About a year later I bought a Heritage. About 5.5 years later I bought a really nice 2012 Street Glide on Aug 5th 2023, (a bike I never dreamed that I could own). Going to a touring bike is a whole new dimension to me, a true paradigm shift for sure. I'm still working on my slow speed maneuvers and can't seem to make tight u-turns yet like I should. But, at age 63, I'm trying. Last week while on vacation, I dropped my bike in a motel parking lot but no noticeable damage occurred. Am I humbled, frustrated, or otherwise upset? No, I understand that such things can happen to the best of us. I just stood up my bike, checked for damage, and went on my way analyzing what caused me to drop it. Thanks for posting this video. Over the years I've found many good instructional videos here on UA-cam and I've enjoyed yours. Stay safe out there. Much LR&H from Omaha.
wow this video makes a lot of sense now, thanks to that rider made it possible to demonstrate to 2M viewers how to watch your speed, head turn, clutch in and out. Interesting to see your bike travels in the direction of your head.
Good for him for taking the class. There are lots of places to easily ride 10k miles without needing much skill so obviously at some point he realized he needed some improvement. A lot of people get lots of miles in and think they're now an expert because they can go straight down the freeway all day. I'm glad he is taking the class, good luck to him.
Man Jerry, You and your wife are phenomenal riders. I am very impressed on how you teach.
How that dude hasn’t been in a wreck during his alleged 10k miles is beyond me...
10k miles on the highway
Some people don't need to be on the road...lol ...maybe he should start on a 50cc Honda...
My guy, all I can tell you is that test riding is typically harder than road riding. Now that being said I don't know what kind of test riding they're doing.
those 850lb bikes are easier to ride on highways than 450lb bikes. he must not ride in cities or parking lots.
@@charleshall9755 I did lol
It was so funny when I was younger and going to these classes at least once a year. There was always someone who "was just there because someone gifted him a voucher" but according to him "has nothing to learn, has been motorcycling for decades/ages" and then fails a very wide figure-8 task. :D
i started with an yzf 1000cm3, got my goldwing honda and dear lord, haven't fall at all, but first 3 weeks i had a hard time taking corners, i got used to it now, i ve ended up here by accident but i watched it, really nice channel.
I once watched a guy drop his Road King, three times in a parking lot. When I bought my Road King, I must admit that I was intimidated by the weight, but with some time, I got the hang of it. I had this bike for 10 years. I think that because of how low the weight is, the tractable motor and the velvet clutch, big Harleys are very easy to ride. I think this is why you see so many seniors riding Harleys. I now ride an adventure bike. It has been a humbling transition. I feel like I am learning to ride all over again, but I am enjoying the challenge.
This is still one of my biggest fears. I have a HD iron 883 sportster and I find myself still taking turns wider than i would like. I have to give a lot of credit to both rider and instructor for not giving up. He will get better and great job.
Sportsters are not really a learner bike as much as people think they are. With 12 or 13” rear shocks they are extremely high center of gravity and are so top heavy most riders drop them. I ride a buell xb12xp ulysses police, and if you arent a very experienced rider you will literally throw it on the ground. Almost immediately. Weve all dropped bikes. If you havent you arent telling the truth. Lol.
@@davidmerullo551yeah I thought the same thing as most… got a sporty and dropped it on my second day because I was practicing turns, did the same thing as this rider. good thing it was in my back yard with dirt so very minor scratches, I’m greatful to have my own space like that or else learning this platform would be even more difficult, I’ll get there soon tho 🙏
Finished my intro course and straight into a Road King. I had several of the same issues, but the head turn fixed most of that.
Man did I get bamboozled in to a bike waaay too big for me! I could benefit from your one-on-one lessons!!!
I have zero riding experience but I just got a 1988 H-D fxr low rider from my grandfather. It needs work but I plan on taking a beginner course before it's done.
It surprises me how many riders just want to pass the “test”, I know I’m a newbie, but my riding friends have all hammered it into me, to spend the time in the parking lot, practising by yourself.
I don't have a license, and I never took a course, but the best thing I ever did was master the basics in an empty lot. I would just spend hours doing u-turns, figure eights, playing with the clutch, playing with gearing, playing with the bike. I started on a Ninja 250 because I knew it would be a good beginner bike that wouldn't end with me dead or in jail. That practice and knowledge has saved my life on countless occasions. After 3 years, I'm eager to upgrade, but I'll never stop practicing.
After three years you still don't have a f*cking license? Get off the f*cking road.
I've had 7 hours on a bike working towards my license in Japan. I'm just getting to grips with this technique. Turning the head, using the clutch, enough throttle and using the rear brake to keep the bike going. It's certainly not easy for a beginner because there are so many things to concentrate on at once.
I have a training location in Japan....if you go to my website, www.ridelikeapro.com, click on OTHER TRAINING LOCATIONS on the home page. Scroll down the page that brings up all my locations and find JAPAN. Hope this helps!
I always come back to this video cuz I tend to make wide turns. Always helps me
Perfect demonstration of VERY common mistakes. So many of us drive like that for a lifetime thinking it's OK just because we were lucky enough to not have an accident yet. "Careful where you look at cause that's where you'll go".
This was my most valuable skill I learned. My favorite thing to do when I first started riding was to try and drag the floorboard with this tactic.
When I took the class about 30 years ago, I barely passed, and my instructors were seriously concerned for me. If it was offered close to me, I’d take it again.
Thanks Motorman. You just can't over emphasize the importance of the essential basics.
The importance of turning my head has been mightily impressed upon me.
Thanks for the lesson, enjoy another sub!
I passed my beginner course on a Harley then bought a 650 pound softail. In spring I’ll take the intermediate course on it.
A belated MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours ❤️ GOD BLESS
Same to you!
I hate to say it but that’s almost every Harley Rider where I live in Alberta Canada. I sit and watch them pull into the coffee shop and either duck foot the bike around the parking lot or they drop it. Every spring I spend countless hours at the mall parking lot practicing slow speed manoeuvring with a sport tourer, which in my opinion is way harder to ride in slow speeds than a cruiser.
Colin sir you are so correct. I don't know why, but the Harley crowd is far less skilled overall than cyclists who ride ALL brands of bikes, they don't discriminate.Different makes or brands have various strengths or advantages to them. I have ridden for years, have a bike made in Japan, my friends bike is made in Italy, and another ones is a German bike, but he also has an older Harley that he loves for laid back cruising. This year I might take the plunge and buy a different used bike, I'm looking at various brands, not just what I now own. So many of these riders have had multiple bikes , but only Harley's. Could you imagine eating the same food for dinner all your life? Anyway ride safe and enjoy! Cheers!!!!!
I’m in Alberta too! I also practice a lot... maybe I’ll see you in a parking lot someday! Haha
Sorry bro, but I disagree. I've had owned every kind of bike and the hardest to ride by far are cruisers. The geometry and the weight are brutal at low speeds! Dual Sports, sport tourers, Sport, ADV... all much easier than a 900# porker. As for HD riders... huge props and respect for the ones who can truly handle their bikes. Unfortunately, the skilled HD riders are not the majority for sure.
@@steveapel2961 he should have started out on a scooter when he was young. I'm 73 and I started on a Cushman scooter when I was 12 yrs old and it wasn't a problem to ride a large bike.
Great video and great course. I really give this guy credit, he would have been getting so frustrated and he stayed with it, I hope he keeps at it. In my line of work, I usually see what happens when they don't do the course, get a bike they don't have the skill for, or both.
You really have patience of saint, i couldn’t even make commentaries on that video , let alone to be here and giving him instructions all the time
When I took the MSF course at Ft Benning I was on sport bike and our instructors were doing the course we did on their bikes it was amazing to see them drag floor boards
I just done my beginner course on a street glide, but I've been riding dirtbikes for 20 years, I found it was a breeze. They are heavy beasts
I am learning to ride this year and I can't thank you enough for all of the videos. I am trying to get your tips ingrained in my head before even dropping into 1st gear on lesson one.
My dad is passing down his beast of an Ultra Classic (a 900lb bike). I am definitely going to be doing everything I can to get used to riding before I take it out on the road.
When I went through my intermediate course we had a guy there who “claimed” to have been riding for 30 years. He barely had control of his little rebel 250 and made the statement that he is used to larger bikes and since larger bikes can’t make this course why should he have to. The instructor just told us to kill the engines on our bikes. Then mounted his Goldwing that was towing a trailer and did the course flawlessly. Turned to the guy and asked how big was his bike that couldn’t make it around this course?
Wow....guy really needed a lot of help. He's learning from the Motorcycle Jedi Master! Hopefully he gets it!
Drag that rear brake, feather that clutch, really helps 😎