As a 2017 Connie owner, I appreciate you taking on this bike. I'm a shorter rider 5'4" 29" inseam. I've also learned getting 1 foot down on stop is ESSENTIAL with this bike . Especially during hard braking. This bike will punish you for duck walking it.
Drop down and do a press every time he says clutch ;) Great video as usual but you were doing other things counter balance with your body and turning your head continuously towards the final destination Great tip on the number of fingers for when i try someone else's bike
When i took the msf i was constantly stalling the bike. My intuition for using a car's clutch was messing me up, but the teaching staff was used to teaching people who never drove manual before. After talking with them a couple times about it, I finally asked 'Oh, am supposed to ride the clutch like crazy?' Stalled maybe a couple times after that
@@fergizzo It might be easier, or make more sense to you mentally, if you think of it as "feather the clutch" or "tickle the clutch". Usually folks that know how to drive sticks think of "ride the clutch" as keeping it all the way pushed in; where what we want here is almost an opposite of that. But you tell them "feather" or "tickle" the clutch, and their face lights up because in manual car parlay, that translates to "keep the clutch just on the edge of engagement". It's fall now, I hope you got your license and you're out enjoying the pretty foliage on two wheels!
Yes thank you for reiterating this. I come from a performance car background incl. using heavy duty / 3 puck / button clutches ; where riding the clutch is an absolute no no and to be minimised at all times. It’s a revelation now that I understand motorcycles are simply designed with the ability to ride the clutch as a primary use case by design.
I’m a 130 lb 75 year old guy on a 743 lb (wet) St1300, so thanks for your ongoing emphasis on friction zone use. The result? No drops after a year and 8,000 kms. It’s amazing how a little clutch stands you right up in slow speed turns. I kept my 110,000 km (in 8 years) 750 Shadow Spirit in case I couldn’t handle the St, but for now the Shadow is very occasional use and just waiting for my 90th b’day when I might need it again. Dave from Canada
Awesome, I’m 63 with two artificial knees, not telling you my weight, been riding 47 years and am loving my Concours C14. Have a trip planned to Canada this summer if they let us Americans in 🤞🤞
I think it's also important to consider muscle memory. When practicing. It's important to stop and take a break when you become tense. Otherwise you will have tense muscle memory along with the more relaxed muscle memory. I learned this from my drum instructor years ago, and it is important and can be applied to other physical activities where muscle memory is important. Anyway. My two cents
I'm a Parkour runner, and I agree. I was always the tryhard, wanted to practice something to the point of exhaustion, but wish I had known this sooner 😅💪🏼☀️...
When I was taught this technique, the instructor called it "feathering the clutch" as in lightness at the friction point. Nice demonstration. Practice makes perfect motor memory.
Was nervous as hell of dropping my Connie when I first got it. Watched some vids, practiced the balance of throttle/clutch/rear brake. Nothing but total confidence now. The key is PRACTICE. No matter the confidence level however , when it comes to a big bike never forget that gravity never sleeps.
I've been riding for 17 years now, since I was 17 and I do most things that you teach in these videos. But there is always something new i learn with each of your videos, making it more safe for me as a mc driver. Thank you for informative and you got a great way of explaining so I can understand it. Cheers from Sweden!
That's some amazing control when you get the bike to stay upright at a near standstill when manipulating the rear brake. Excellent tutorial and explanation, as always.
For me the key to slow speed maneuvers is staying away from the front brake. Whether I use the clutch to control my speed or the rear brake, or both, as long as I keep some power to the rear wheel the bike wants to stand up rather than fall. Killing power to the rear wheel is when the bike wants to lay down. Great tutorial! I’m wondering if I rely too much on the rear brake, as I try not to use the clutch as much and risk the tendency to pull it in when the bike feels heavy.
After not riding for decades, I just purchased a Yamaha MT-09. I find it difficult to not be over cautious. I'm always pulling in the clutch when I have any slow speed anxiety. The friction zone and momentum under a tiny bit of power will definitely help me to gain more confidence. Weather permitting, I will practice lock to lock and figure eights at low speed today. Thank you Sir, and you just gained a new subscriber!
Dropped a bike today, wasn't really sure what happened. Realized after watching this that it was because I completely disengaged the clutch in a low speed maneuver. Thanks man, very new to riding and you've been a great help, even through the MSF course.
@@MUSHIN_888 I was actually able to easily get out of the way. This happened about 6-8 months after I had ACL reconstruction surgery. It was a small bike and I was barely moving. I did not have any injury from the accident. I have been very careful and fortunate. In my opinion, you can be as careful as possible but accidents can still happen. I know for myself, I have decided that the risks are worth the reward. I wish you the best.
@@MUSHIN_888 my bike fell on my leg and foot, but I was in leather pants and had motorcycle boots on. Completely uninjured. It was my first drop and I didn’t see it coming so I didn’t react at all. On my second drop, I kind of saw it coming and I think I tried to hold the bike up and pulled a muscle but anyway full gear kept me injury free at low speeds.
The tricky part is when you want to stop, obviously you _have_ to disengage the clutch, maybe not as obvious: but when you do that always straighten the handle bars or down she goes. A lot of falls from 'I disengaged the clutch' are probably because people panicking and trying to stop mid-turn and don't realize the bars have to be straight first. It's easy to miss a detail like that if the MSF course is rushing or you just haven't taken it
@@MUSHIN_888I feel that first drop is important in getting over the fear of dropping the bike. Hopefully you have crash bars or sliders or a bike like some big Honda tourers that are designed to do no damage in stationary or near stationary fall. I think you have to be able to get over that fear of dropping it and then you can learn quickly. Maybe the answer is to buy an older cheaper big bike to get the practice.
Great advice. I had the misfortune of dropping my 09 Concours earlier this year while practicing this type of maneuver. Crash guards prevented any damage but standing a 700 pound bike back up when you are alone is another skill you should practice. Your emphasis on practice is critical, skills deteriorate!
lol dropped my C14 doing a right turn from a stop and full lock on the handlebars when a car jumped in front of me in a parking lot, but without crash guards. spent a lot of time practicing that maneuver so it wouldn't happen again. only paint and minor plastic scrapes.
I've been doing this since my first bike; I learned to drive a manual transmission car on my own and I did the same with my bike. Mussel memory is a life lasting tool. Double tapping in the army with Mussel memory works as well. I enjoy your teaching and thank you very much.
OSS! I am a new motorcycle owner and Rider as of last week! 1991 Nighthawk 750 w 20k miles. I think I've watched all of your TH-cam content so far and I swear it's half the reason I can even keep the bike up! It really is Jiu-Jitsu. Thank you brother
I really like how you determined the use of 2,3 or 4 fingers based on the friction zone. Also happy with how you eliminate the rear brake and most of the throttle use for this drill. Recently changed the stock brake clutch leavers on my RT to Wunderlich controls to gain more reach and control. Going to practice some straight line friction zone control to get more comfortable with the idle power limits on this bike. Really want to gain more low speed control of the RT. Don’t want to drop this bike😬
One of many things MotoJitsu Drills teach is smooth inputs (throttle, brake, clutch, steering) = stable chasis/smooth ride. When I’m practicing Slow speed I’m telling myself just millimeters of change on throttle/clutch.
Honda is working on a clutch by wire (so the best of both worlds will be present on the DCT bikes in the future): www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/honda-developing-clutch-by-wire-for-motorcycles/
I think part of the issue with people grabbing the clutch at slow speeds is a reaction to feeling the bike about to tip. Your hands clench at your handlebar to stabilize and and prevent a tip over, the clutch just happens to be within your grasp and gets pulled in.
Need to practice to beat that out of you lol Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
I was practicing on the MSF course the other day (it's right behind my house) and I almost had a drop on the squiggly route. Ours is on a hill so I often let out the clutch completely. This explained to me what went wrong and what I can work on next. Thank you!
I stopped dropping my ST after your videos. Good man this was an excellent video showing how easy it is (with lots of practice) on a big heavy machine.
Nice tutorial and excellent skills. My only drop in the last decade was when I tried a u turn on a slope and my gear shifted to neutral from 1 instead of 2 resulting in same results as a clutch completely pressed!!! I am surprised no one report this happened 2 them!
I have practiced this quite a bit on previous owned bikes, but not enough now on a new different bike, MY first cruiser...looking foward to practice days and more so riding days..really enjoy your riding tutorials ..thanks
Appreciate these videos. Been practicing on my SV650SA for the DMV riding test and it's been rough. I've learned it's so much easier to do tight turns like this when you look through the turn. Funny how such a small thing can make such a huge difference. Hoping I can hone my skills before Friday and be able to pass the test without struggling. Got some cones coming in today that I can set up and help me.
i suggest you practice at the DMV on the same course if you can. My DMV lets people practice when they are closed. The lines are painted on the ground and the tests are in the book.
OMG Thanks so much that is my beast. I took 12 years off riding back to it at 55 and went from crotch rockets and a FJR1300 to this beast. I feel like I am learning all over again. Love your videos.
thanks for the pointers. I have always been freeked out by top heavy tall bikes. Current bike is not too bad (2021 Honda CB500X). Previous bikes were 3 Honda NC750. *2015 NC750S. 2016 NC750X. 2018 NC750X. Loved them because of the while heavy, the weight was low. One thing about this video that had me cringing abit was you being leaned into the turns while riding through all those grease spots.
I dropped my Varadero twice yesterday due to clutch panic mode. Now I'm gonna shut up and practice with the friction zone. Thank you for the instructions!
Thanks Greg. I have the same bike and spend several hours going around cones in parking lots. I improved my slow speed manoeuvrings by about 30% in the last couple of months by insuring throttle is steady and using the clutch to pull me through the drills. Also, I have the same engine guards and I had to modify the right engine guard as it sits quite low and touches early before any other part of the bike. Great to see you demonstrating these techniques on various bikes as riders can more readily identify that it is the biological component of the motorcycle that is the limiting factor and not the bike.
Thank you, I will keep this in mind when getting a bigger bike! Currently I'm 19 and restricted to the A1 license, which means my bike only weighs dry: 254lbs/115kg and wet 313lbs/142kg
You're welcome!!! :) MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merchandise, affiliate links, etc. Thanks for watching & check out my other videos, over 300 to go through :)
The whole pulling in the clutch action might stem from trying to instinctively pull the bike upright. Can't pull it up if it's moving so they pull the clutch in (and even worse the brake)to try and put their legs down to stabilise it. This video has made me realise how poor my current levers are adapted to me, I can't do things this precise. Also legit impressed with that near -stop slow roll.
The only time I thought I was going to drop my bike was because I thought I had dropped to 1st gear but in fact I had fallen in neutral so, suddenly, no power ! Luckily my bike is light (200kg/440lbs) so I managed to recover. Since then I've been a bit scared of heavier bikes. You can't make any mistake with them !
@@MotoJitsu where did you place your weight in this video? On the tighter turns, were you shifting your weight to outside? THen center, then out again for turns?
I'm currently having lessons to move up to a bigger bike. I'm struggling with the slow control for the manouvers, this video is a great help thank you.
Noob question.... staying in that friction zone so much while doing slow speed turns... doesn't that burn out a clutch? Realistically, how long does a clutch that you "work" like that actually last? This is a serious question. I'm a new rider.
It could if you don't take any breaks or your technique is just horrible. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
So good!! And what a sweet bike! Ive had my Connie over a year now and I love it so much and as you just proved, its super maneuverable for a big bike.
65 years old, 238lbs, Triumph Trophy 1200, dropped it twice at no mph, enjoyed your video, will try to put your theory into practice. Many thanks Mark UK
Damn dude, some bummed out cars have been using that car park lol - another great video, im making time at the weekend to get to a big open car park to practice some drills!
I just got my 07 vtx 1300c first time rider and I went out to the college parking lot and did some low speed drills. It's going to be part of my weekend tradition.
MotoJitsu: Thank you so much for this video. I needed it. I'm an old-school rider from the 70s. Haven't ridden for over 38 years. Back in the saddle again. My last bike. A CB 360. My new bike. A 2004 Honda Shadow 750 is in excellent condition. Until I dropped it on my gravel driveway. Now I have an irrational fear of dropping it again, influencing how I ride. ( In a bad way.) I got to get over this fear. Ordering crash bars may help. IDK. I'm 5"4'. 150 Lbs and a bad back. Can't pick it up by myself. Am I over my head?
Stanley. Just practice, don't be afraid, order crash bars and whatever else will help you continue. You're not in over your head. It's good to be cautious.
Mate I'm 57 and I wear a weightlifters belt to help my back but also I lift my bike with my back against it and lift through my knees .....this is by far the best way I found it requires less muscle than lifting facing the bike , you can practice squats at home to strengthen your legs and back .....
Suzuki Bandit 600 was backed into a week ago. Replacement bike XZ950 is a cruiser. Had fear of riding it this past week even tho it's perfect for my little legs (had bandit modified, inc seat sculpted out). Woke this morning and convinced myself to request a different bike (never had a cruiser b4) Thank you for posting this, am now willing to give it a try. Having previously done refresher training my confidence re slow control/speed manoeuvres had been increasing on the Bandit, but as i tend to be a visual learning actually watching you on the CRUISER whilst explaining so clearly what you was doing has given me the tools i need to get out on this beast. The timing couldn't have been better. Thank you so very much
You're welcome!! Many times you're trying to steer and work the throttle with the right hand...try steering with left for right hand turns so your right hand is free. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great video. Thanks. This type of vid is why I started watching your channel a few years ago. I know you’re into track riding now, so I really appreciate this back to basics stuff. Thanks!
This is one the most helpful @MotoJitsu videos I have seen. I was trained to use both throttle and clutch, but I think the clutch-only method is much more straightforward, at least for early training.
I saw something similar you did on throttle control on your bmw touring bike. Gave the confidence to practice on my Suzuki gxs s750 (465lb) in my parking lot. Really, appreciate it.
You're doing it right... One thing you're doing that helps a lot and you might be doing it without noticing it You are not leaning with the bike .. I practice tight turns and fell a few times... A friend of mine mentioned it to me and sure enough it made a lot of deference... Looking at you riding especially from the back you are always upright .. Lean the bike but don't lean with it
When going very slow like you did in the video is best to stay in first gear or second ? I'm asking because 2nd seems to forgive me when over revving and seems to keep me from lurching the bike forward. I'm not sure which is better with my new and touchy clutch. I'm riding a Harley Touring Limited.
Just goes to show your never to old to learn something! Thanks. Just wish I’d watched this before last week.....yep, just what you said, clutch in and over it went.
I bought a Concours 14 last year. Fairly soon after purchase I dropped it at zero mph in my driveway. In stock form the bike cannot be picked up unless you can dead lift about 350 lbs plus. I had to use my engine hoist to pick the bike back up. I then equipped it with exactly the same front and rear crash bars as on the bike in the video. When the bike is now down it can't go all the way over on it's side and I can pick it up using the proper technique (back to the bike and lifting with the legs). I'm still learning how to make low speed u-turns but I am getting more confident.
It's just like a clutch on a car. Anytime I get into a new car, I check the clutch to see where it lets out or engages, that way I'm not dropping the clutch or not pushing it in far enough, it just helped prevent grinding gears or staking the car. I then would normally only ever push the clutch in far enough to disengage it to change gears as their no sense in pushing the clutch all the way to the floor when you have all that dead space that does nothing.
Being a smaller person 5'6 and 122 lbs wringing wet I can agree the info here is 100% correct. I ride a ZZR600 vintage Kawasaki and if it falls over (like it has once when the side stand wasn't fully out) There is no possibility of me being able to pick it up alone. So using these techniques anyone can do it so long as you can ride a bike it's the same. Weather it has a motor or not the same principles apply.
clear as crystal! so well executed. picked this channel up from a comment on another bike video, lucky me. I will reference this channel in future with as much confidence as you had doing that on someone else`s huge and expensive bike ;)
Great explanation, I've been riding for years and still enjoy tutorials etc in case there's something I haven't learned yet. New riders, listen, try, listen, try...
Looks good, this is what we're taught on the motorbike license course hereabouts :) (Which meant that after I purchased my Zero SR/F I had to relearn slow speed maneuvers all over again because that thing is a direct belt drive with no clutch :D )
Great instruction. The most important confidence booster for me that I learned and have the ability to pick up my ultra classic by myself. I know women that weigh 120 lbs that can pick their bike up. I also know men that are over 6 feet tall and 200 lbs plus that have no clue how to pick up their bike. It is all about technique. When you practice this low speed training, you will drop your bike. With all the gear, you won't get a scratch. I push my low speed limits and I drop my bike a lot. Fortunately, ultra classics have all the crash bars, floor boards and highway pegs that keep the handlebars from hitting the ground. I always tell my friends that "When I drop my bike all by myself, I can pick it up all by myself" Low speed training RULES
Man, what?? This video is right on time! Been looking at getting a Connie or FJR as my next bike. Haven't been able to find many vids on their low speed handling. Much appreciated!
not going to lie I learned more in this video than I did in the MSF course I took this weekend that I failed. Coaches were not really coaching they were kind of just there. Asked for guidance on how to do the exercises, the response I got was practice.
Not all people who teach know what they're talking about or are good riders. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Good info after not riding for a while I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do a smooth U-turn then I realized it was because I wasn’t using the clutch like you mentioned. Thanks
Excellent, thanks! Also a light motorcycle such as the 350 pound S40 Suzuki 650 single is extremely confidence inspiring, especially negotiating rough,uneven driveways and such.
Of course it makes sense to me. Perfekt explanation. And Talking one adjustment out ( brakes ) and keeping throttle steady should make handling much easier than trying to synchronise three adjustments. Great skill! I will try tomorrow 😉
Good stuff, thanks. Will have to practice this a bit. Last time I tipped my ride over it cost me $500 and my time to fix it. Stepped into a pothole and lost my balance. Ug!
Where was this information 40 years ago? You would ask but no one would tell you a thing. I learned by dropping my bike a 100 times. Finally stumbling on the technique. Thanks for telling riders about this. Everyone needs to know about this.
Thank you for the video. I’ve seen a lot of these and only one other person, of all the videos I have seen, have explained it as thoroughly as you. This definitely answers the concern I’ve been having. As always, great video!
Now this is the type of (heavy sport touring) bike I ride ... My 20 year old Honda ST1100A ABS II (full tank) weights similar and I dropped it alright but learned from it. Clutch slave revision/cleaning, adjustable clutch lever installed and now I am no longer "scared" to drop it and the friction zone is perfect for slow speed maneuvering ..
good tips here. My tips (I have the same bike) 1: do not roll through right turns where you have a stop sign or red light, if you start your lean and a car is coming you may have to stop with the bike leaned over and you may drop the bike. any time there is a red light or stop sign fully stop before going left or right and make sure no cars are coming. 2:have a key word ready and train your passenger to jump off the bike (safely) if you shout a certain word. having a passenger fighting to stay on the bike while you are trying to upright the bike makes it more difficult to keep the bike up right and it may injure you and the passenger when gravity wins as it may land on your legs. practice with your passenger a word such as "jump off!" if she or he hears that words they have to be ready to jump and roll off . yes it may hurt but it will save the bike and maybe prevent serious injuries.always tell them to jump off on the direction the bike is leaning to. 3:at low speeds try to keep the bike as upright as possible and only lean if you have a clear plan (such as a u turn) and you are ready to commit to a full turn after making usre everything checks out such as clearance and incoming traffic and terrain. if not sure if you can make that u-turn instead do a MSF type of turn where you keep the bike up right and turn really slowly as you look over your shoulder. 4:be mindful of what under your bike ! loose gravel, painted lines (specially when wet) tree leaves, oil , anti freeze can spell disaster if you put your feet on it . as you come to a stop look to see where you are putting your feet. using slip resistant boots(as well as water proof) can save you from a fall as you come to stop specially with a passenger. 5:be mindful of angles. unless you live in Florida a lot of streets are slanted right or left , always lean to the highest side. if really slanted do a little s turn before coming to a stop as to point the nose of the bike up hill on the slant. (down is fine too as long as you have room to move when its time to move.) 6: do not take off fast from a light unless you have traction control. if a car previously dropped oil or worse.. anti freeze under your path and you give it a lot of throttle your bike will lose traction and you may crash or at least crap your pants! 7:on streets that are really steep such as in san francisco or seattle try to make sure no cars are there before going up . I would pull over and let other cars go as nothing sucks more than having to burn your clutch after every car goes through the stop sign. If you dont feel safe then lane split through the cars and get to the top. . apologizing to a cop is always better than rolling down on a 70 degree street or hill. Anyhow that is all for now lol
Great info been riding 50 years mainly dirt and a few street bikes, well just bought a gold wing first real heavy bike I’ve ridin and it’s a lot different then throwing around a cr good tips I’ll be practicing this as soon as the weather lets up.
Now this is correct about the friction zone stuff but since my bike is a big ol one cylinder, when you barely move the clutch for low speed maneuvers it starts shaking and becomes hard to control, halfway dying and trying to lock up.
This is something I was very lucky to have my instructor tell me about (in the uk they tell you very little tbh) but the way he had me practice it was to bring the bike to a complete stop clutch in and everything both feet up and see how long it takes the bike to fall to its side at first putting a foot out before it goes too far (he called it flop) apparently this time and fall speed is proportional to the rake/length of the forks so once you know that the bike falling is very predictable it's pretty much the same every time (I have likely butchered this explanation it's been a long time). We then spent about an hour rolling forwards coming to a stop both feet up letting the bike fall then catching it with the clutch and doing a 90 or 180 turn and gradually making the bike stand itself upright barely even creeping forward for longer and longer until it was pretty much indefinite using just the clutch and maybe a touch of rear brake depending. It's something I use all the time at junctions and freaks people all the way out when you do it but it's a really simple useful skill funnily enough it's exactly the same principle as balancing a pedal bike while stationary.
Actually you gave me a good idea. To turn the wheel to full lock and then experiment with the clutch. To memorize where the power starts, with the left hand is in that position. I've already benefit a lot from Motorman Paladino's DVDs but I still drop the Goldwing from time to time. I'll try this next time. Tks
Keeping the revs up helps with low speed maneuvering as well. Your stopping at the end while braking and staying upright was possible because of those higher engine revs. Additionally, keeping the revs up helps to prevent the engine stalling if the clutch is let out too quickly.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching everyone! Check out this playlist I have all about low-speed techniques :) th-cam.com/play/PLC0dZgVosHtspgOTxQGUImNC-IIJ37Buq.html
As a 2017 Connie owner, I appreciate you taking on this bike. I'm a shorter rider 5'4" 29" inseam. I've also learned getting 1 foot down on stop is ESSENTIAL with this bike . Especially during hard braking. This bike will punish you for duck walking it.
doesn't it effect to clutch ? like worn out. thank you
Drop down and do a press every time he says clutch ;)
Great video as usual but you were doing other things counter balance with your body and turning your head continuously towards the final destination
Great tip on the number of fingers for when i try someone else's bike
@@tiger8460 No most motorcycles come with a wet clutch and can handle riding in the friction zone.
I need to practice this dropped my bike yesterday trying to do a u turn on hill wasn’t my best move. Great video 👍
The hardest thing for me as a driver was getting over the fact that on a bike, it’s okay to ride the clutch. Perfect tutorial though, thank you.
yeah i just heard him say "ride the clutch" and im like ummmmm.... (havent ridden a bike yet, getting license this summer)
When i took the msf i was constantly stalling the bike. My intuition for using a car's clutch was messing me up, but the teaching staff was used to teaching people who never drove manual before. After talking with them a couple times about it, I finally asked 'Oh, am supposed to ride the clutch like crazy?' Stalled maybe a couple times after that
@@fergizzo It might be easier, or make more sense to you mentally, if you think of it as "feather the clutch" or "tickle the clutch".
Usually folks that know how to drive sticks think of "ride the clutch" as keeping it all the way pushed in; where what we want here is almost an opposite of that. But you tell them "feather" or "tickle" the clutch, and their face lights up because in manual car parlay, that translates to "keep the clutch just on the edge of engagement".
It's fall now, I hope you got your license and you're out enjoying the pretty foliage on two wheels!
Yes thank you for reiterating this. I come from a performance car background incl. using heavy duty / 3 puck / button clutches ; where riding the clutch is an absolute no no and to be minimised at all times. It’s a revelation now that I understand motorcycles are simply designed with the ability to ride the clutch as a primary use case by design.
...and if I'm riding a Honda with DCT ? Is there something I could do or learn ?
I’m a 130 lb 75 year old guy on a 743 lb (wet) St1300, so thanks for your ongoing emphasis on friction zone use.
The result? No drops after a year and 8,000 kms. It’s amazing how a little clutch stands you right up in slow speed turns. I kept my 110,000 km (in 8 years) 750 Shadow Spirit in case I couldn’t handle the St, but for now the Shadow is very occasional use and just waiting for my 90th b’day when I might need it again. Dave from Canada
You're welcome! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Awesome.. I'm 51 135lb with a Concours 14. I hope to stay healthy enough to ride sport tourers like that when I'm 75.
Awesome, I’m 63 with two artificial knees, not telling you my weight, been riding 47 years and am loving my Concours C14. Have a trip planned to Canada this summer if they let us Americans in 🤞🤞
Man, nice I'm 68 and I had a colonoscopy 7 year's ago, and have to wear a bag, but I'm still riding and recently got me a new KLR650 !
@@SewGurl58 Oh stop being a woman about your weight, just tell it. Nobody's looking at you, come on ;)
I think it's also important to consider muscle memory. When practicing. It's important to stop and take a break when you become tense. Otherwise you will have tense muscle memory along with the more relaxed muscle memory. I learned this from my drum instructor years ago, and it is important and can be applied to other physical activities where muscle memory is important. Anyway. My two cents
Good comment. I noticed that some days I just don't feel in as much control of my bike than other days. A good nights sleep is so important.
as a long time working drummer I can Relate...kudos
Totally love this piece of insight. Thanks!
I'm a Parkour runner, and I agree. I was always the tryhard, wanted to practice something to the point of exhaustion, but wish I had known this sooner 😅💪🏼☀️...
Im a drummer and just bought my first bike, so you just gave me confidence in two of my passions with one comment. Thank you 🙏🏽
One of the best tutorials on the friction zone I have seen, thank you!
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Nice
I agree with you.
When I was taught this technique, the instructor called it "feathering the clutch" as in lightness at the friction point. Nice demonstration. Practice makes perfect motor memory.
Was nervous as hell of dropping my Connie when I first got it. Watched some vids, practiced the balance of throttle/clutch/rear brake. Nothing but total confidence now. The key is PRACTICE.
No matter the confidence level however , when it comes to a big bike never forget that gravity never sleeps.
I've been riding for 17 years now, since I was 17 and I do most things that you teach in these videos. But there is always something new i learn with each of your videos, making it more safe for me as a mc driver.
Thank you for informative and you got a great way of explaining so I can understand it. Cheers from Sweden!
You're welcome!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
That's some amazing control when you get the bike to stay upright at a near standstill when manipulating the rear brake. Excellent tutorial and explanation, as always.
For me the key to slow speed maneuvers is staying away from the front brake. Whether I use the clutch to control my speed or the rear brake, or both, as long as I keep some power to the rear wheel the bike wants to stand up rather than fall. Killing power to the rear wheel is when the bike wants to lay down. Great tutorial! I’m wondering if I rely too much on the rear brake, as I try not to use the clutch as much and risk the tendency to pull it in when the bike feels heavy.
You can use the front brake, all depends on how
After not riding for decades, I just purchased a Yamaha MT-09. I find it difficult to not be over cautious. I'm always pulling in the clutch when I have any slow speed anxiety. The friction zone and momentum under a tiny bit of power will definitely help me to gain more confidence. Weather permitting, I will practice lock to lock and figure eights at low speed today. Thank you Sir, and you just gained a new subscriber!
Get into more training after a few thousand miles MotoJitsu.com/courses
Dropped a bike today, wasn't really sure what happened. Realized after watching this that it was because I completely disengaged the clutch in a low speed maneuver. Thanks man, very new to riding and you've been a great help, even through the MSF course.
Did it hurt? I’m scared of dropping on my legs and damaging my legs coz I need them for sports.
@@MUSHIN_888 I was actually able to easily get out of the way. This happened about 6-8 months after I had ACL reconstruction surgery. It was a small bike and I was barely moving. I did not have any injury from the accident. I have been very careful and fortunate. In my opinion, you can be as careful as possible but accidents can still happen. I know for myself, I have decided that the risks are worth the reward. I wish you the best.
@@MUSHIN_888 my bike fell on my leg and foot, but I was in leather pants and had motorcycle boots on. Completely uninjured. It was my first drop and I didn’t see it coming so I didn’t react at all. On my second drop, I kind of saw it coming and I think I tried to hold the bike up and pulled a muscle but anyway full gear kept me injury free at low speeds.
The tricky part is when you want to stop, obviously you _have_ to disengage the clutch, maybe not as obvious: but when you do that always straighten the handle bars or down she goes. A lot of falls from 'I disengaged the clutch' are probably because people panicking and trying to stop mid-turn and don't realize the bars have to be straight first. It's easy to miss a detail like that if the MSF course is rushing or you just haven't taken it
@@MUSHIN_888I feel that first drop is important in getting over the fear of dropping the bike. Hopefully you have crash bars or sliders or a bike like some big Honda tourers that are designed to do no damage in stationary or near stationary fall. I think you have to be able to get over that fear of dropping it and then you can learn quickly. Maybe the answer is to buy an older cheaper big bike to get the practice.
Oil spots make me more nervous than the size of the motorcycle XD
And loose gravel
lol! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
@@CaffeineFreak13 you should get on loose gravel more often, off road riding really boosts your confidence
Glad I’m not the only one. 😅 all of the parking lots by me are full of oil. Too many old trucks. Lol
Shoutout to MotoJitsu. Learned so much from your videos already. What a tremendous value!
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great advice. I had the misfortune of dropping my 09 Concours earlier this year while practicing this type of maneuver. Crash guards prevented any damage but standing a 700 pound bike back up when you are alone is another skill you should practice. Your emphasis on practice is critical, skills deteriorate!
lol dropped my C14 doing a right turn from a stop and full lock on the handlebars when a car jumped in front of me in a parking lot, but without crash guards. spent a lot of time practicing that maneuver so it wouldn't happen again. only paint and minor plastic scrapes.
Practice is key! Share the video with others & check out MotoJitsu.com :)
I've been doing this since my first bike; I learned to drive a manual transmission car on my own and I did the same with my bike. Mussel memory is a life lasting tool. Double tapping in the army with Mussel memory works as well. I enjoy your teaching and thank you very much.
OSS! I am a new motorcycle owner and Rider as of last week! 1991 Nighthawk 750 w 20k miles. I think I've watched all of your TH-cam content so far and I swear it's half the reason I can even keep the bike up! It really is Jiu-Jitsu. Thank you brother
:) thank you!!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
I really like how you determined the use of 2,3 or 4 fingers based on the friction zone. Also happy with how you eliminate the rear brake and most of the throttle use for this drill. Recently changed the stock brake clutch leavers on my RT to Wunderlich controls to gain more reach and control. Going to practice some straight line friction zone control to get more comfortable with the idle power limits on this bike. Really want to gain more low speed control of the RT. Don’t want to drop this bike😬
:) Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
One of many things MotoJitsu Drills teach is smooth inputs
(throttle, brake, clutch, steering)
= stable chasis/smooth ride.
When I’m practicing Slow speed
I’m telling myself just
millimeters of change on throttle/clutch.
:) yes! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
I have a crippled right leg, so even my little R3 feels like a heavy bike sometimes. Gotta practice more to compensate.
yes, do what you gotta do! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Take a look at my new video as we remade the Husqvarna SM610 motorcycle
With Honda DCT (no hand/automatic clutch), practice creating tension between the rear brake and the throttle.
That's one way :) Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Honda is working on a clutch by wire (so the best of both worlds will be present on the DCT bikes in the future): www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/honda-developing-clutch-by-wire-for-motorcycles/
I think part of the issue with people grabbing the clutch at slow speeds is a reaction to feeling the bike about to tip. Your hands clench at your handlebar to stabilize and and prevent a tip over, the clutch just happens to be within your grasp and gets pulled in.
Need to practice to beat that out of you lol Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
I was practicing on the MSF course the other day (it's right behind my house) and I almost had a drop on the squiggly route. Ours is on a hill so I often let out the clutch completely. This explained to me what went wrong and what I can work on next. Thank you!
I stopped dropping my ST after your videos. Good man this was an excellent video showing how easy it is (with lots of practice) on a big heavy machine.
Nice tutorial and excellent skills. My only drop in the last decade was when I tried a u turn on a slope and my gear shifted to neutral from 1 instead of 2 resulting in same results as a clutch completely pressed!!! I am surprised no one report this happened 2 them!
thanks!!! :)
Check out MotoJitsu.com if you have a min :)
I have practiced this quite a bit on previous owned bikes, but not enough now on a new different bike, MY first cruiser...looking foward to practice days and more so riding days..really enjoy your riding tutorials ..thanks
Appreciate these videos. Been practicing on my SV650SA for the DMV riding test and it's been rough. I've learned it's so much easier to do tight turns like this when you look through the turn. Funny how such a small thing can make such a huge difference.
Hoping I can hone my skills before Friday and be able to pass the test without struggling. Got some cones coming in today that I can set up and help me.
You're welcome! :) Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
i suggest you practice at the DMV on the same course if you can. My DMV lets people practice when they are closed. The lines are painted on the ground and the tests are in the book.
OMG Thanks so much that is my beast. I took 12 years off riding back to it at 55 and went from crotch rockets and a FJR1300 to this beast. I feel like I am learning all over again. Love your videos.
Such a great tip for ALL riders. Practice practice practice!
yes! MotoJitsu.com for my app, books, etc. Share the video with others!
Thank you. I'll keep it in mind when it comes to my first driving lessons. Start in Spring, perfect time. I'm already excited in a positive way.
Thank you for another great lesson. The skill will definitely come through in the clutch. The art & science of exceptional riding.
👍🏼👍🏼
thanks for the pointers. I have always been freeked out by top heavy tall bikes. Current bike is not too bad (2021 Honda CB500X). Previous bikes were 3 Honda NC750. *2015 NC750S. 2016 NC750X. 2018 NC750X. Loved them because of the while heavy, the weight was low.
One thing about this video that had me cringing abit was you being leaned into the turns while riding through all those grease spots.
Awesome tutorial! Thanks!
welcome!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
I dropped my Varadero twice yesterday due to clutch panic mode. Now I'm gonna shut up and practice with the friction zone. Thank you for the instructions!
Thanks Greg. I have the same bike and spend several hours going around cones in parking lots. I improved my slow speed manoeuvrings by about 30% in the last couple of months by insuring throttle is steady and using the clutch to pull me through the drills. Also, I have the same engine guards and I had to modify the right engine guard as it sits quite low and touches early before any other part of the bike. Great to see you demonstrating these techniques on various bikes as riders can more readily identify that it is the biological component of the motorcycle that is the limiting factor and not the bike.
You're welcome!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Thank you, I will keep this in mind when getting a bigger bike!
Currently I'm 19 and restricted to the A1 license, which means my bike only weighs dry: 254lbs/115kg and wet 313lbs/142kg
Glad you’ve posted this video! Overcoming the fear of dropping has happened since I’m now riding the 750GS with the three panniers. Thank you!
You're welcome!!! :) MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merchandise, affiliate links, etc. Thanks for watching & check out my other videos, over 300 to go through :)
Got the same bike, with three panniers and have found this technique to be super helpful too :)
@@MotoJitsu THX a lot! Going to get a trk502 and Im used to an 125cc so this will indeed help. Will start practice day one!
The whole pulling in the clutch action might stem from trying to instinctively pull the bike upright. Can't pull it up if it's moving so they pull the clutch in (and even worse the brake)to try and put their legs down to stabilise it.
This video has made me realise how poor my current levers are adapted to me, I can't do things this precise.
Also legit impressed with that near -stop slow roll.
thanks...and get those things adjusted!
The only time I thought I was going to drop my bike was because I thought I had dropped to 1st gear but in fact I had fallen in neutral so, suddenly, no power ! Luckily my bike is light (200kg/440lbs) so I managed to recover.
Since then I've been a bit scared of heavier bikes. You can't make any mistake with them !
that'll do it! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
@@MotoJitsu where did you place your weight in this video? On the tighter turns, were you shifting your weight to outside? THen center, then out again for turns?
I'm currently having lessons to move up to a bigger bike. I'm struggling with the slow control for the manouvers, this video is a great help thank you.
Noob question.... staying in that friction zone so much while doing slow speed turns... doesn't that burn out a clutch? Realistically, how long does a clutch that you "work" like that actually last? This is a serious question. I'm a new rider.
It could if you don't take any breaks or your technique is just horrible. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
1st class instructor. We are lucky to have such great tutorials brought to us by such a brilliant teacher. Many thanks to you sir.
You are very welcome
These sorts of videos are brilliant 👍
So good!! And what a sweet bike! Ive had my Connie over a year now and I love it so much and as you just proved, its super maneuverable for a big bike.
I ride a 700 plus pound bike every day and try to practice my slow speed skills every day.
:)
65 years old, 238lbs, Triumph Trophy 1200, dropped it twice at no mph, enjoyed your video, will try to put your theory into practice. Many thanks Mark UK
Damn dude, some bummed out cars have been using that car park lol - another great video, im making time at the weekend to get to a big open car park to practice some drills!
nice!
I just got my 07 vtx 1300c first time rider and I went out to the college parking lot and did some low speed drills. It's going to be part of my weekend tradition.
MotoJitsu: Thank you so much for this video. I needed it. I'm an old-school rider from the 70s. Haven't ridden for over 38 years. Back in the saddle again. My last bike. A CB 360. My new bike. A 2004 Honda Shadow 750 is in excellent condition. Until I dropped it on my gravel driveway. Now I have an irrational fear of dropping it again, influencing how I ride. ( In a bad way.) I got to get over this fear. Ordering crash bars may help. IDK. I'm 5"4'. 150 Lbs and a bad back. Can't pick it up by myself. Am I over my head?
Stanley. Just practice, don't be afraid, order crash bars and whatever else will help you continue. You're not in over your head. It's good to be cautious.
Mate I'm 57 and I wear a weightlifters belt to help my back but also I lift my bike with my back against it and lift through my knees .....this is by far the best way I found it requires less muscle than lifting facing the bike , you can practice squats at home to strengthen your legs and back .....
Awesome man! great work :D
thanks
MotoJitsu.com for my App, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
awesome advice been riding for 30 plus yrs, always been bit nervous around bends & right turns
Very educational video, well done.
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
in Tennessee it is a bit harder to find a large flat level area. watch, learn, practice, practice, practice.
Excellent advise as always : )
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
As a new rider I really appreciate the way you explain and demonstrate the technique. Great video Sir.
Suzuki Bandit 600 was backed into a week ago. Replacement bike XZ950 is a cruiser. Had fear of riding it this past week even tho it's perfect for my little legs (had bandit modified, inc seat sculpted out).
Woke this morning and convinced myself to request a different bike (never had a cruiser b4)
Thank you for posting this, am now willing to give it a try. Having previously done refresher training my confidence re slow control/speed manoeuvres had been increasing on the Bandit, but as i tend to be a visual learning actually watching you on the CRUISER whilst explaining so clearly what you was doing has given me the tools i need to get out on this beast.
The timing couldn't have been better. Thank you so very much
Wait til Wednesday's video, you're going to love it!
Consider supporting the channel if you enjoy my content www.patreon.com/motojitsu
Excellent video! Thank you! I find turning left easier then turning right.Dont know why but its noticeable.I need to practice turning right more
You're welcome!! Many times you're trying to steer and work the throttle with the right hand...try steering with left for right hand turns so your right hand is free. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great video. Thanks. This type of vid is why I started watching your channel a few years ago. I know you’re into track riding now, so I really appreciate this back to basics stuff. Thanks!
you're welcome! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great refresher Greg. Chopping the clutch is a disaster, it takes fine motor control to adjust that friction zone, and it's a fun one.
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
This is one the most helpful @MotoJitsu videos I have seen. I was trained to use both throttle and clutch, but I think the clutch-only method is much more straightforward, at least for early training.
👍🏼👍🏼
Clutch only is greater if your bike has high cc
I saw something similar you did on throttle control on your bmw touring bike. Gave the confidence to practice on my Suzuki gxs s750 (465lb) in my parking lot. Really, appreciate it.
Awesome!!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
You're doing it right... One thing you're doing that helps a lot and you might be doing it without noticing it You are not leaning with the bike .. I practice tight turns and fell a few times... A friend of mine mentioned it to me and sure enough it made a lot of deference... Looking at you riding especially from the back you are always upright .. Lean the bike but don't lean with it
Thanks for watching & commenting! ❤️Check out MotoJitsu.com for the links to my app, books, merch, discounts, etc. 👍🏼
When going very slow like you did in the video is best to stay in first gear or second ? I'm asking because 2nd seems to forgive me when over revving and seems to keep me from lurching the bike forward. I'm not sure which is better with my new and touchy clutch. I'm riding a Harley Touring Limited.
Just goes to show your never to old to learn something! Thanks. Just wish I’d watched this before last week.....yep, just what you said, clutch in and over it went.
I bought a Concours 14 last year. Fairly soon after purchase I dropped it at zero mph in my driveway. In stock form the bike cannot be picked up unless you can dead lift about 350 lbs plus. I had to use my engine hoist to pick the bike back up. I then equipped it with exactly the same front and rear crash bars as on the bike in the video. When the bike is now down it can't go all the way over on it's side and I can pick it up using the proper technique (back to the bike and lifting with the legs). I'm still learning how to make low speed u-turns but I am getting more confident.
:) keep at it
This is the same video I just commented on. But, only for bigger (heavier) bikes. Thanks! This is what I needed!
It's just like a clutch on a car. Anytime I get into a new car, I check the clutch to see where it lets out or engages, that way I'm not dropping the clutch or not pushing it in far enough, it just helped prevent grinding gears or staking the car. I then would normally only ever push the clutch in far enough to disengage it to change gears as their no sense in pushing the clutch all the way to the floor when you have all that dead space that does nothing.
Greetings from Mexico, i am new at the motorcycle world, and this easy/hard tip help me a lot understanding the mecanics on the tight turns
Being a smaller person 5'6 and 122 lbs wringing wet I can agree the info here is 100% correct. I ride a ZZR600 vintage Kawasaki and if it falls over (like it has once when the side stand wasn't fully out) There is no possibility of me being able to pick it up alone. So using these techniques anyone can do it so long as you can ride a bike it's the same. Weather it has a motor or not the same principles apply.
any bike, any rider :)
instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
clear as crystal! so well executed. picked this channel up from a comment on another bike video, lucky me. I will reference this channel in future with as much confidence as you had doing that on someone else`s huge and expensive bike ;)
Great explanation, I've been riding for years and still enjoy tutorials etc in case there's something I haven't learned yet. New riders, listen, try, listen, try...
Looks good, this is what we're taught on the motorbike license course hereabouts :) (Which meant that after I purchased my Zero SR/F I had to relearn slow speed maneuvers all over again because that thing is a direct belt drive with no clutch :D )
Just bought a BMW R1200RT. A heavy bike. Your video will help me a lot,to keep her under controle. Thnx
Great instruction. The most important confidence booster for me that I learned and have the ability to pick up my ultra classic by myself. I know women that weigh 120 lbs that can pick their bike up. I also know men that are over 6 feet tall and 200 lbs plus that have no clue how to pick up their bike. It is all about technique.
When you practice this low speed training, you will drop your bike. With all the gear, you won't get a scratch. I push my low speed limits and I drop my bike a lot. Fortunately, ultra classics have all the crash bars, floor boards and highway pegs that keep the handlebars from hitting the ground.
I always tell my friends that "When I drop my bike all by myself, I can pick it up all by myself" Low speed training RULES
Man, what?? This video is right on time! Been looking at getting a Connie or FJR as my next bike. Haven't been able to find many vids on their low speed handling. Much appreciated!
Thanks :) Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
not going to lie I learned more in this video than I did in the MSF course I took this weekend that I failed. Coaches were not really coaching they were kind of just there. Asked for guidance on how to do the exercises, the response I got was practice.
Not all people who teach know what they're talking about or are good riders. Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Good info after not riding for a while I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do a smooth U-turn then I realized it was because I wasn’t using the clutch like you mentioned. Thanks
you're welcome!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Excellent, thanks! Also a light motorcycle such as the 350 pound S40 Suzuki 650 single is extremely confidence inspiring, especially negotiating rough,uneven driveways and such.
Of course it makes sense to me. Perfekt explanation. And Talking one adjustment out ( brakes ) and keeping throttle steady should make handling much easier than trying to synchronise three adjustments. Great skill!
I will try tomorrow 😉
Good stuff, thanks. Will have to practice this a bit. Last time I tipped my ride over it cost me $500 and my time to fix it. Stepped into a pothole and lost my balance. Ug!
I enjoy your videos. Great info with no extra filler. I’ve learned a lot from your instructions. Thanks. Kawi ZRX. 1200R
Thanks for watching ❤️ Share it with others 😁 MotoJitsu.com for my App, Books, Merch, Discounts, etc. 👍🏼
These videos reinforce the need to practice consistently. Cheers and thanks for sharing
thanks! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Excellent video!. I've been riding for years and your slow riding smoothness - top notch!
Brilliant, thanks mate. Just bought a Bigger Honda Transalp and this technique will help heaps.
thanks
Where was this information 40 years ago? You would ask but no one would tell you a thing. I learned by dropping my bike a 100 times. Finally stumbling on the technique. Thanks for telling riders about this. Everyone needs to know about this.
You're welcome!
Share this video and check out MotoJitus.com for my app, books, merch, etc. :)
Thank you for the video. I’ve seen a lot of these and only one other person, of all the videos I have seen, have explained it as thoroughly as you. This definitely answers the concern I’ve been having. As always, great video!
you're welcome!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Now this is the type of (heavy sport touring) bike I ride ...
My 20 year old Honda ST1100A ABS II (full tank) weights similar and I dropped it alright but learned from it.
Clutch slave revision/cleaning, adjustable clutch lever installed and now I am no longer "scared" to drop it and the friction zone is perfect for slow speed maneuvering ..
keep at it!
2:39 It's cute how you mimic the bike rolling forward and back when playing with the clutch at the limit of the dead zone. :)
good tips here.
My tips (I have the same bike)
1: do not roll through right turns where you have a stop sign or red light, if you start your lean and a car is coming you may have to stop with the bike leaned over and you may drop the bike. any time there is a red light or stop sign fully stop before going left or right and make sure no cars are coming.
2:have a key word ready and train your passenger to jump off the bike (safely) if you shout a certain word. having a passenger fighting to stay on the bike while you are trying to upright the bike makes it more difficult to keep the bike up right and it may injure you and the passenger when gravity wins as it may land on your legs. practice with your passenger a word such as "jump off!" if she or he hears that words they have to be ready to jump and roll off . yes it may hurt but it will save the bike and maybe prevent serious injuries.always tell them to jump off on the direction the bike is leaning to.
3:at low speeds try to keep the bike as upright as possible and only lean if you have a clear plan (such as a u turn) and you are ready to commit to a full turn after making usre everything checks out such as clearance and incoming traffic and terrain. if not sure if you can make that u-turn instead do a MSF type of turn where you keep the bike up right and turn really slowly as you look over your shoulder.
4:be mindful of what under your bike ! loose gravel, painted lines (specially when wet) tree leaves, oil , anti freeze can spell disaster if you put your feet on it . as you come to a stop look to see where you are putting your feet. using slip resistant boots(as well as water proof) can save you from a fall as you come to stop specially with a passenger.
5:be mindful of angles. unless you live in Florida a lot of streets are slanted right or left , always lean to the highest side. if really slanted do a little s turn before coming to a stop as to point the nose of the bike up hill on the slant. (down is fine too as long as you have room to move when its time to move.)
6: do not take off fast from a light unless you have traction control. if a car previously dropped oil or worse.. anti freeze under your path and you give it a lot of throttle your bike will lose traction and you may crash or at least crap your pants!
7:on streets that are really steep such as in san francisco or seattle try to make sure no cars are there before going up . I would pull over and let other cars go as nothing sucks more than having to burn your clutch after every car goes through the stop sign. If you dont feel safe then lane split through the cars and get to the top. . apologizing to a cop is always better than rolling down on a 70 degree street or hill.
Anyhow that is all for now lol
Thanks for watching ❤️ Share it with others 😁 MotoJitsu.com for my App, Books, Merch, Discounts, etc. 👍🏼
What if you have a Honda nc750x with dct and controlling it without it dropping.
Great video, that should be tought more in driving school. This technique saved my bum a lot of times from tipping over in the Alps.
Amazing technique,
I’m on the bike today so will practice before going home. 👍
thanks :) Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great info been riding 50 years mainly dirt and a few street bikes, well just bought a gold wing first real heavy bike I’ve ridin and it’s a lot different then throwing around a cr good tips I’ll be practicing this as soon as the weather lets up.
👍🏼
I really like your clutch lever drill for locating the power / no-power zone. Great tip!
:) thanks
Share this video and check out MotoJitus.com for my app, books, merch, etc. :)
@
MotoJitsu i've been riding for 3months and your vids are the best on youtube. Triumph street tripple 660CC 2017!!
Thanks :) Share the video with others & check out MotoJitsu.com :)
Now this is correct about the friction zone stuff but since my bike is a big ol one cylinder, when you barely move the clutch for low speed maneuvers it starts shaking and becomes hard to control, halfway dying and trying to lock up.
I practice all the time before a cruise or meet up lol the guys look at me like I’m crazy doing figure 8s at the gas station parking lot
So much fun!! Consider sharing the video with others!! Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.
Great video. I’m practicing this skill now and using counter balancing as well. Thanks!
Great video and explanations. Just got my new 23 Road glide. I am practicing these drills , making good progress.
This is something I was very lucky to have my instructor tell me about (in the uk they tell you very little tbh) but the way he had me practice it was to bring the bike to a complete stop clutch in and everything both feet up and see how long it takes the bike to fall to its side at first putting a foot out before it goes too far (he called it flop) apparently this time and fall speed is proportional to the rake/length of the forks so once you know that the bike falling is very predictable it's pretty much the same every time (I have likely butchered this explanation it's been a long time). We then spent about an hour rolling forwards coming to a stop both feet up letting the bike fall then catching it with the clutch and doing a 90 or 180 turn and gradually making the bike stand itself upright barely even creeping forward for longer and longer until it was pretty much indefinite using just the clutch and maybe a touch of rear brake depending.
It's something I use all the time at junctions and freaks people all the way out when you do it but it's a really simple useful skill funnily enough it's exactly the same principle as balancing a pedal bike while stationary.
Practice is key, keep at it! Share the video with others & check out MotoJitsu.com :)
That's interesting was he saying that more rake equals quicker fall or the opposite?
@@amycollins6007 I do not recall it was a while ago and I sadly never really followed it up I believe the idea was a shorter rake will fall quicker
Actually you gave me a good idea. To turn the wheel to full lock and then experiment with the clutch. To memorize where the power starts, with the left hand is in that position. I've already benefit a lot from Motorman Paladino's DVDs but I still drop the Goldwing from time to time. I'll try this next time. Tks
Keeping the revs up helps with low speed maneuvering as well. Your stopping at the end while braking and staying upright was possible because of those higher engine revs. Additionally, keeping the revs up helps to prevent the engine stalling if the clutch is let out too quickly.
It could...not always necessary. MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.