The Field Guide is a motorcycle training tool for your phone, browser, or tablet. Become a member and get access: www.MCrider.com/Member Also check out the playlist I created of some must-have skills to learn and practice: th-cam.com/play/PLSB2io8al_2SEDxQRCVCrnfiyglACt3qd.html
One thing, as I get older, I started having trouble with. Cornering. Wide, unsure, wobbly, really started bothering me. Never ever had the problem before. I look through the corner, but it doesn’t matter. I watched one of your previous videos on cornering, and you stressed how important it is to turn your head, not just move your eyes. Well that’s what I do, I thought. Next time riding, come to one of the corners I have trouble with, I approach the corner, guess what, I move my eyes not my head. So I had to make a mental note to turn my head. Bike went right in the grove, steady and solid, no more wide turns, wobbly turns, unsure turns. It took about a week, but now it’s automatic. When I approach a curve, head turns, bike tracks smoothly around the corner. I guess over the years I quit doing that. I’ve been riding over 60 years. I don’t need anybody to tell me how to ride. I’m really glad you did. Old dog can learn new tricks. Bill
@John R Borges Another technique that is useful on a fast moving highway is to ride in one of the tire tracks of the car ahead of you. If the car driver ahead of you sees a hazard laying on the road they will most likely try to straddle it
I also have been riding 60 years. Not many of us around. Even in Vietnam and Thailand I had a small bike. Now I am rethinking everything that I used to just take for granted. Some things are very different. Like don't last your bike down ever and use friction zone instead of rear brake against the throttle. My back is fused on 8 levels so I have trouble turning my head but I do it as far as I can. All in all it seems to work.
I am a strong believer in the value of parking lot practice, but I also believe riders should be conscious of their technique every time they throw a leg over the bike to go for a ride. EVERY time you're riding, you should be aware of how you're controlling your motorcycle and you should be trying to improve your technique. This is especially true concerning situations that you are not comfortable with. If you don't like slow-speed maneuvering, you should go out of your way to MAKE yourself do it. Rather than avoid riding situations you don't like, MAKE yourself do them. Only through repetition and practice will you get better. For example, if there is a particular curve or corner that is bumpy and makes the bike difficult to control, choose to take that route often so you're forced to learn how to deal with it. Only by doing will you improve your riding skills. With time and practice, you will develop the habits of being a better and safer rider.
This is the best advice I have read for a while....make yourself do it....Tip, borrow you friend's bike in case of a drop, and always wear your gear....SHUMBA
I’m a 56 year old woman, first time rider. I took the safety course and am practicing in a school parking lot close to my home. I will do this until I feel confident to ride in traffic. Love your videos.
Emergency stop, emergency stop, emergency stop, emergency stop, target fixation. I put down a lot of miles commuting every year and these are the things I see new riders fail at all the time.
I started motorriding in 1973. No lessons were nescessary those days in the Netherlands. I had an accident 3 years ago because of a black-out in a bent ( burn out, stress on the job). After that I was very insecure when riding. Your video’s give me back my confidence. Thanks!
Great advice, however I live in Wisconsin and it’s a little snowy, icy, and cold to be practicing on our high school lot, especially for a guy who’s 75 years old. I’ve learned much and become a better ride because of your channel. Thanks so much for helping me to ride smarter and better.
I used to ride motorcycles in my younger days and have just started again in my 70"s I never heard of all the terms you use today but I must have used them without realizing I rode 1000's of miles so comes as a lot to re learn Thanks for your videos
Ill be 70 in a couple months and just bought a bike 29 years after my last one. Im a bit intimidated to start again but I feel I can do it. All these great videos that MC Rider and other teachers post online help a lot and are getting me geared up to go at it after I do some preliminary work on my "new" 2002 Concours. All the best to you and have safe and happy riding ahead!
Motojitsu drills in parallel parking spaces are very practical. The people who I've come across that practice motojitsu drills have been the best street riders next to police motorcyclist that I've encountered recently.
Hi Kevin. I just signed up for a 2 day advanced riding class at H-D in April. I also became first responder/first aid and CPR certified. I’ve joined a group of medically trained riders who provide back up on rides. Thanks for all you do!
FedEx around the corner from my apartment has a lot that is not gated. I called the main number and asked for the facility managers name and when might be a good time to reach out. The secretary put me right through and after a brief conversation she sent me a signed PDF giving me permission to use that lot for motorcycle practice. I guess sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Fairgrounds are also a good place to practice as well, most of the time they are only used a few times a year. I have used our local Fairgrounds since I was 16 and was working for my drivers license... I'm 59 now. Great information as usual! Also to add the other nice thing about fairgrounds are the multiple little roads in the grounds allow you to practice turning stopping and so forth almost like a little town.
Thank you sir. Starting again after 29 years with the same size bike I was last on except this one has a fairing that is strange to me. (2002 Concours ZG 1000). Im somewhat intimidated after the years away from two wheels but all these great videos you and others put out really help a lot to regain memory of my skills and to teach me lots of new ones. Very grateful. All the best to you.
I practice U-turns from a stop around a raised divider in the road with the goal of staying in the lane I'm turning into. Also around my area seems to be inclines at stops. So there's another skill I work on , making a right turn on an incline from a stop.
It is important to practice U-turns. A ridding buddy with his wife on the back of his HD Ultra was unable to complete a U-turn behind me and my wife and ran off the pavement that was only 2 lanes wide. The front wheel slid out from under him in the mud and broke his wife's ankle. Because I had practiced U-turns I was able to complete the turn remaining on the pavement.
I use the JFK high school parking lot in the north-west part of the Bronx, NY on saturday and sunday mornings. I set up a course with mini cones and practice there with my '02 R1. I have been able to learn a tremendous amount in this venue. So much so that I was able to pass my Motorcycle Safety Foundation licensing course. I look forward to your new top-drawer vids all the time.
I struggle to find a good place to practice. Have tried schools but they always seem to be in use. We have a big mall that is all but closed but the parking lot is in terrible shape. Tried a church but they requested I leave as they did not want the liability. I'll need to keep looking as I need slow speed maneuvers practice. I think you still have a Goldwing DCT as do I, so you understand the need for lots of low speed practice. Would love to see more videos from you on how you do those maneuvers with a big heavy DCT.
Great advice. I have been doing this for years. Been riding just about 60 years and I always spend time, especially in spring, getting myself used to the bike again. Your are such a great resource for riders of all ages.
I practice at our local church parking lot, I went to the MFS course and I go through everything I learned in class, emergency breaking and you turns, and I bring some cones and ride through them,the church they don't mind if I see their busy I just go back another day 👍 Kevin be safe out there everyone.
Right now I’m perfecting my prayers for a early spring. Central New York is a frozen tundra with multiple feet of snow on the ground and salt covered roads. Think Spring!!!! 😂😂
I live in West Virginia. I practice on parking lots all the time but riding twisting mountain roads takes special skills, in my experience, that parking lots don't teach. For example, gravity is not a big factor in a parking lot. I have to "practice" on a variety of real roads. It's like skiing green beginner slopes versus black diamonds.
I'm fortunate enough to have access to a full blocked off MSF lot. Anytime there's not a class, my other is the roof of a 3 floor parking garage, nobody parks there.
So, I haven't big bike on 15 years. I am 76 years old and want to buy a HD Fatboy. It is a 700 pound beauty. My last was a BMW Rt, which was also heavy. I feel like I'm capable, but want some opinions. I'm all for the parking lot experience until ready to get out on the road. I'm in no hurry, but I do want to order one now.
silly question, if your front tire rides over the cone in a corner, would one not flatface immediately, as it slips the cone over the tarmac? I guess you would need soft cones, not hard cones....?
I got a question. I got a brand new 2022 indian chief. 2 miles on it in July. 2 days ago the check engine light came on. I went to get gas, and I started the bike, the ce light shut off. I was out today, training and come home pulled into the drive way, it came on. With the old signal. So I shut it off, got a drink. Checked the dipstick. 1.5 quarts low in oil. Wth..... so in the manual at a oil change, you fill the engine up until 1.5q left. Start it for 30 seconds, shut off and put the remaining 1.5q in the engine. The sold me a bike truck some employees didn't do their job. I'm calling tomorrow at 9 am and complaing..... I think I should ask for a new bike.
I find that when an emergency stop situation arises, instinct takes over (even before consciously thinking of how to respond) and I've applied the front break fast and hard. Invariably, the wheel immediately locks and I go straight down - hard. This even though I've practiced proper "emergency" breaking (gradually increased pressure) many times. Obviously I don't have ABS. In real emergency situations your body automatically reacts before you can consciously react. This, in fact, is well documented in scientific studies. I've read that it would take literally thousands of hours (10,000 is typically specified) of practice of that particular response (gradual, measured application of pressure) to have it become more or less an automatic response in truly emergency situations.
I drove straight into a wall on my first riding lesson (private/no insurance). Disappointed I had no instinctual response. Practising to build that automatic response is so important. I'm a believer. Multiple injuries now...worse being a double break of my pelvis. Working on my fear level and riding confidence (by watching MC videos) so I'm ready for my registered safety course in June. Safety comes from skill level. You HAVE to be good on a MC if you're going to ride one.
In addition to the assistance turning your head wide gives in the corner, it's also great in traffic, to make more noticeable lane changes. I've learned turning my head saves my @ss rding an e-bike in downtown Detroit. People's eyes wander all over motorcycles and their riders, and they may not notice your turn signal very well. I wear high vis and exaggerate my intentions bc I'm in a sometimes wild place to ride. It's part of my "riding herd" approach. Car and truck drivers are in cages, they've got 50 things on their minds, they have a herd mentality bc everyone is invincible in their steel boxes, tailgating the next steel box. It's like riding a horse in a herd of cattle. They see vehicles, not drivers, so a rider that's really looking and scanning is the odd thing in the crowd they might notice.
Thanks for the video! Still snowy and cold here in Illinois, but it is starting to warm up a bit. Will be practicing my skills (I already have two sets of those cones) as soon as it's a little warmer.
Thank you for your wise comments 🙏. Winter has been and is continuing for a bit. Some....may not be able to ride for months!! What are your techniques for brushing off the rust sorta speek. Thank you Sir and God bless.
/exactly MY issue. I just started riding last year before winter, only rode for about 1.5 months, then moved south, where i thought pace of life would be slower….well i was a very naive person, traffic in every town is busy!. So i have been afraid to get out of my apartment complex because they go 70 in a 40 mph zone. And how do you find someone to ride with ?
Motorcycling is dangerous, especially if you have little experience. For an inexperienced rider I recommend riding in residential subdivisions where the speed limits are low and the traffic is light. As you gain experience your confidence should improve. Keep to the backroads and only ride on roads that you feel comfortable with.
No such thing as pefection, only excellence. I always have to practice on the bikes , and Enjoying my time , learning how to slow down myself is a good thing. I find my bagger is ez er to maneuver than the taller r1150rt, my 5,9. But identify as 6 ft . Hehe
I got a flat rear tire last year after practicing on a lot that was attached to a closed business. I am sure that it was due to spikes or tacks on the abandoned lot. IMO, stay the hell away from abandoned lots. They are not safe, also they attract criminals. Not to mention that unless the business has closed recently, the pavement will be holey and uneven.
Those darn parking spaces used to be 9’, you’re right, but now that I own a new dually, I know for a fact the builders aren’t accommodating us truck and motorcycle trainers anymore. Newly painted lots seem to be making stalls for smart cars now because my dual wheels straddle white lines on both sides. I think the figure 8 is the best slow speed maneuver anyone can practice, although I don’t think most do based on the two feet down and dragging boots I see riders displaying while approaching stops and at red lights. Dirty foot down is the other pet peeve of mine. Try to keep your outside foot down at stops based on your lane position to keep your foot away from the middle track of the lane where all the oil and diesel fuel seems to build up.
Why learn to U turn? I recrntly bought an 05 Electra Glide Classic and was riding around my neighborhood to get fanilure with it. I took a turn onto a side street and found a tree had fallen across the road from a recent storm. Not knowing how to U turn I duck walked the U turn. In my head I was hearing the various TH-cam videos of how to make a U turn. Since I had not practiced it yet, I dared not try.
The rider course needs to be done on grown man bikes, softails would be my choice, I took the course and could not finish the first day, It was like a 330 lb clown on a mini bike at the circus, humiliating and useless other than the verbal education...I got my endorsment w/o a rode test in AL and got a Honda VTX 1800, watched and trained by many great TH-cam videos by guys like yourself and ex motor cops and have not looked back...Its about respect, respect the bike, the weight and most of all accept that its all changed from when you grew up on them, If you accept that and be humble its come back fairly fast, the learning curve is the power to the rear wheel slow speed stuff, Church parking lots and boat landing lots make great training grounds... I rode from 13 to 23 and left riding for too long, I have been itching to ride again for too many years...we are heavier, slower, not as stong or agile as when we rode growing up and the big bikes are beasts, heavy and crazy powerful, Accept those things and its worth the effort to get back on 2 wheels! Rock On Guys!!!
I’ll answer you… stupid comment with no value. Kevin’s channel continues to grow and he has less time available, But in my experience he tends to answer more promptly between Saturdays and Wednesdays since Fridays are when he releases new videos.
The Field Guide is a motorcycle training tool for your phone, browser, or tablet. Become a member and get access: www.MCrider.com/Member
Also check out the playlist I created of some must-have skills to learn and practice:
th-cam.com/play/PLSB2io8al_2SEDxQRCVCrnfiyglACt3qd.html
More importantly - Where is your video about the LA Rams WINNING THE SUPER BOWL!!!?!?!?!?!?!?????
One thing, as I get older, I started having trouble with. Cornering. Wide, unsure, wobbly, really started bothering me. Never ever had the problem before. I look through the corner, but it doesn’t matter. I watched one of your previous videos on cornering, and you stressed how important it is to turn your head, not just move your eyes. Well that’s what I do, I thought. Next time riding, come to one of the corners I have trouble with, I approach the corner, guess what, I move my eyes not my head.
So I had to make a mental note to turn my head. Bike went right in the grove, steady and solid, no more wide turns, wobbly turns, unsure turns. It took about a week, but now it’s automatic. When I approach a curve, head turns, bike tracks smoothly around the corner.
I guess over the years I quit doing that. I’ve been riding over 60 years. I don’t need anybody to tell me how to ride. I’m really glad you did. Old dog can learn new tricks.
Bill
@John R Borges Another technique that is useful on a fast moving highway is to ride in one of the tire tracks of the car ahead of you. If the car driver ahead of you sees a hazard laying on the road they will most likely try to straddle it
I also have been riding 60 years. Not many of us around. Even in Vietnam and Thailand I had a small bike. Now I am rethinking everything that I used to just take for granted. Some things are very different. Like don't last your bike down ever and use friction zone instead of rear brake against the throttle. My back is fused on 8 levels so I have trouble turning my head but I do it as far as I can. All in all it seems to work.
I am a strong believer in the value of parking lot practice, but I also believe riders should be conscious of their technique every time they throw a leg over the bike to go for a ride. EVERY time you're riding, you should be aware of how you're controlling your motorcycle and you should be trying to improve your technique. This is especially true concerning situations that you are not comfortable with. If you don't like slow-speed maneuvering, you should go out of your way to MAKE yourself do it. Rather than avoid riding situations you don't like, MAKE yourself do them. Only through repetition and practice will you get better. For example, if there is a particular curve or corner that is bumpy and makes the bike difficult to control, choose to take that route often so you're forced to learn how to deal with it. Only by doing will you improve your riding skills. With time and practice, you will develop the habits of being a better and safer rider.
Well said.
This is the best advice I have read for a while....make yourself do it....Tip, borrow you friend's bike in case of a drop, and always wear your gear....SHUMBA
I’m a 56 year old woman, first time rider. I took the safety course and am practicing in a school parking lot close to my home. I will do this until I feel confident to ride in traffic. Love your videos.
Emergency stop, emergency stop, emergency stop, emergency stop, target fixation. I put down a lot of miles commuting every year and these are the things I see new riders fail at all the time.
Kevin has never given bad advice, so much respect for this guy, if he says it you better believe it
Agreed, his calm almost fatherly approach is very thrust-worthy 🙏🏻🙏🏾
I started motorriding in 1973. No lessons were nescessary those days in the Netherlands. I had an accident 3 years ago because of a black-out in a bent ( burn out, stress on the job). After that I was very insecure when riding. Your video’s give me back my confidence. Thanks!
My MSF instructor here in Albuquerque told us we could use the MSF lot
Great advice, however I live in Wisconsin and it’s a little snowy, icy, and cold to be practicing on our high school lot, especially for a guy who’s 75 years old. I’ve learned much and become a better ride because of your channel. Thanks so much for helping me to ride smarter and better.
I used to ride motorcycles in my younger days and have just started again in my 70"s
I never heard of all the terms you use today but I must have used them without realizing
I rode 1000's of miles so comes as a lot to re learn
Thanks for your videos
Ill be 70 in a couple months and just bought a bike 29 years after my last one. Im a bit intimidated to start again but I feel I can do it. All these great videos that MC Rider and other teachers post online help a lot and are getting me geared up to go at it after I do some preliminary work on my "new" 2002 Concours. All the best to you and have safe and happy riding ahead!
Motojitsu drills in parallel parking spaces are very practical. The people who I've come across that practice motojitsu drills have been the best street riders next to police motorcyclist that I've encountered recently.
Hi Kevin. I just signed up for a 2 day advanced riding class at H-D in April. I also became first responder/first aid and CPR certified. I’ve joined a group of medically trained riders who provide back up on rides. Thanks for all you do!
That is awesome! Who is the group of medically trained riders? Is that an online group?
@@MCrider EMS ROAD DOCS of N. IL. A great group. We have a website
Thats awesome there is a group like that. Thank you for your service.
There's a warmth and sincerity to your presentations that makes listening to every word you say so so easy.
FedEx around the corner from my apartment has a lot that is not gated. I called the main number and asked for the facility managers name and when might be a good time to reach out. The secretary put me right through and after a brief conversation she sent me a signed PDF giving me permission to use that lot for motorcycle practice. I guess sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Nice! That's awesome.
Fairgrounds are also a good place to practice as well, most of the time they are only used a few times a year. I have used our local Fairgrounds since I was 16 and was working for my drivers license... I'm 59 now. Great information as usual! Also to add the other nice thing about fairgrounds are the multiple little roads in the grounds allow you to practice turning stopping and so forth almost like a little town.
I'm at probably the most dangerous point of my riding ability, getting comfortable/ cocky at 3 months in winter. Thanks for all that you do.
I use a pre measured string to setup things with a wire tie to mark distances and old tennis balls I cut in half for my path.
College and community college campus parking lots are great places to practice as well
Thank you sir. Starting again after 29 years with the same size bike I was last on except this one has a fairing that is strange to me. (2002 Concours ZG 1000). Im somewhat intimidated after the years away from two wheels but all these great videos you and others put out really help a lot to regain memory of my skills and to teach me lots of new ones. Very grateful. All the best to you.
I practice U-turns from a stop around a raised divider in the road with the goal of staying in the lane I'm turning into. Also around my area seems to be inclines at stops. So there's another skill I work on , making a right turn on an incline from a stop.
Making a right hand turn on an steep incline is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do on a motorcycle. Might be a good topic for a video
Agreed. That particular skill is tricky
It is important to practice U-turns. A ridding buddy with his wife on the back of his HD Ultra was unable to complete a U-turn behind me and my wife and ran off the pavement that was only 2 lanes wide. The front wheel slid out from under him in the mud and broke his wife's ankle. Because I had practiced U-turns I was able to complete the turn remaining on the pavement.
Thank you. You Mcrider …., you explain things in detail . 👍
Movie theater parking lots on Saturday and Sunday early morning are some of the most vacant largest lots you can find.
also the the DMV is closed on sundays. you can practice their test course.
Good timing. I just bought a bunch of cones from chinazon and tentatively set up some practice with some friends
Papa Kevin getting us big brained! Love the channel and info!
Good advice Kevin. Probably the biggest thing I need to work on are U-turns. Keep the goods stuff coming,
I use the JFK high school parking lot in the north-west part of the Bronx, NY on saturday and sunday mornings. I set up a course with mini cones and practice there with my '02 R1. I have been able to learn a tremendous amount in this venue. So much so that I was able to pass my Motorcycle Safety Foundation licensing course. I look forward to your new top-drawer vids all the time.
Always great advice. Thanks coach!
I struggle to find a good place to practice. Have tried schools but they always seem to be in use. We have a big mall that is all but closed but the parking lot is in terrible shape. Tried a church but they requested I leave as they did not want the liability. I'll need to keep looking as I need slow speed maneuvers practice. I think you still have a Goldwing DCT as do I, so you understand the need for lots of low speed practice. Would love to see more videos from you on how you do those maneuvers with a big heavy DCT.
Great advice. I have been doing this for years. Been riding just about 60 years and I always spend time, especially in spring, getting myself used to the bike again. Your are such a great resource for riders of all ages.
Thanks good sir. You're in my right ear all the time while i work, as i prep for my first spring riding season on a motorcycle
I am a beginner rider and you are full of good info for new riders
I practice at our local church parking lot, I went to the MFS course and I go through everything I learned in class, emergency breaking and you turns, and I bring some cones and ride through them,the church they don't mind if I see their busy I just go back another day 👍 Kevin be safe out there everyone.
Good points I need to do this more often
Once again, very good information. Practice - Practice - Practice
Thanks Kevin, great recap and practice advice. God bless.
For those of us in cold weather winter territory, we have to be extra diligent in regreshing our skils on those first warm spring days.
Right now I’m perfecting my prayers for a early spring. Central New York is a frozen tundra with multiple feet of snow on the ground and salt covered roads. Think Spring!!!! 😂😂
I live in West Virginia. I practice on parking lots all the time but riding twisting mountain roads takes special skills, in my experience, that parking lots don't teach. For example, gravity is not a big factor in a parking lot. I have to "practice" on a variety of real roads. It's like skiing green beginner slopes versus black diamonds.
I'm fortunate enough to have access to a full blocked off MSF lot. Anytime there's not a class, my other is the roof of a 3 floor parking garage, nobody parks there.
Some motorcycle shops already have their parking lots marked off for practice.
Local parks are good too
Another great video!
Just waiting for winter to leave 🇨🇦 so to start the new riding season, after a weekend or two of practice!
So, I haven't big bike on 15 years. I am 76 years old and want to buy a HD Fatboy. It is a 700 pound beauty. My last was a BMW Rt, which was also heavy. I feel like I'm capable, but want some opinions. I'm all for the parking lot experience until ready to get out on the road. I'm in no hurry, but I do want to order one now.
silly question, if your front tire rides over the cone in a corner, would one not flatface immediately, as it slips the cone over the tarmac? I guess you would need soft cones, not hard cones....?
Greetings from the PPRC GOOD video. Have a couple of parking lots that I use both church lots off the main road.
our local diver license place is closed on weekends and holidays and they leave the cones out
Great video, covered it well.
Thanks Kevin
DMV (When they are closed, of course) Great space to practice, and no one will give you a second thought.
I got a question.
I got a brand new 2022 indian chief.
2 miles on it in July.
2 days ago the check engine light came on. I went to get gas, and I started the bike, the ce light shut off.
I was out today, training and come home pulled into the drive way, it came on. With the old signal. So I shut it off, got a drink. Checked the dipstick. 1.5 quarts low in oil. Wth..... so in the manual at a oil change, you fill the engine up until 1.5q left. Start it for 30 seconds, shut off and put the remaining 1.5q in the engine.
The sold me a bike truck some employees didn't do their job.
I'm calling tomorrow at 9 am and complaing..... I think I should ask for a new bike.
Great Video, can Never have enough practice 👍
I find that when an emergency stop situation arises, instinct takes over (even before consciously thinking of how to respond) and I've applied the front break fast and hard. Invariably, the wheel immediately locks and I go straight down - hard. This even though I've practiced proper "emergency" breaking (gradually increased pressure) many times. Obviously I don't have ABS. In real emergency situations your body automatically reacts before you can consciously react. This, in fact, is well documented in scientific studies. I've read that it would take literally thousands of hours (10,000 is typically specified) of practice of that particular response (gradual, measured application of pressure) to have it become more or less an automatic response in truly emergency situations.
I drove straight into a wall on my first riding lesson (private/no insurance). Disappointed I had no instinctual response. Practising to build that automatic response is so important. I'm a believer. Multiple injuries now...worse being a double break of my pelvis. Working on my fear level and riding confidence (by watching MC videos) so I'm ready for my registered safety course in June. Safety comes from skill level. You HAVE to be good on a MC if you're going to ride one.
In addition to the assistance turning your head wide gives in the corner, it's also great in traffic, to make more noticeable lane changes. I've learned turning my head saves my @ss rding an e-bike in downtown Detroit. People's eyes wander all over motorcycles and their riders, and they may not notice your turn signal very well. I wear high vis and exaggerate my intentions bc I'm in a sometimes wild place to ride. It's part of my "riding herd" approach. Car and truck drivers are in cages, they've got 50 things on their minds, they have a herd mentality bc everyone is invincible in their steel boxes, tailgating the next steel box. It's like riding a horse in a herd of cattle. They see vehicles, not drivers, so a rider that's really looking and scanning is the odd thing in the crowd they might notice.
Do you have a training class for adventure bikes. Or do any private training
Thanks for the video! Still snowy and cold here in Illinois, but it is starting to warm up a bit. Will be practicing my skills (I already have two sets of those cones) as soon as it's a little warmer.
Thank you for your wise comments 🙏.
Winter has been and is continuing for a bit. Some....may not be able to ride for months!! What are your techniques for brushing off the rust sorta speek.
Thank you Sir and God bless.
Thanks for the information, I think my bike is too big for my skills.
/exactly MY issue. I just started riding last year before winter, only rode for about 1.5 months, then moved south, where i thought pace of life would be slower….well i was a very naive person, traffic in every town is busy!. So i have been afraid to get out of my apartment complex because they go 70 in a 40 mph zone. And how do you find someone to ride with ?
Motorcycling is dangerous, especially if you have little experience. For an inexperienced rider I recommend riding in residential subdivisions where the speed limits are low and the traffic is light. As you gain experience your confidence should improve. Keep to the backroads and only ride on roads that you feel comfortable with.
No such thing as pefection, only excellence. I always have to practice on the bikes , and Enjoying my time , learning how to slow down myself is a good thing. I find my bagger is ez er to maneuver than the taller r1150rt, my 5,9. But identify as 6 ft . Hehe
How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Uber?
@@MCrider - Practice, Practice, Practice. Sheesh, you young whippersnappers. lol
Always a thumbs up.
just what practice? should you
I’ve practiced in a cemetery
I got a flat rear tire last year after practicing on a lot that was attached to a closed business. I am sure that it was due to spikes or tacks on the abandoned lot. IMO, stay the hell away from abandoned lots. They are not safe, also they attract criminals. Not to mention that unless the business has closed recently, the pavement will be holey and uneven.
Thank you Kevin for all the great ideas have a blessed weekend
Those darn parking spaces used to be 9’, you’re right, but now that I own a new dually, I know for a fact the builders aren’t accommodating us truck and motorcycle trainers anymore. Newly painted lots seem to be making stalls for smart cars now because my dual wheels straddle white lines on both sides.
I think the figure 8 is the best slow speed maneuver anyone can practice, although I don’t think most do based on the two feet down and dragging boots I see riders displaying while approaching stops and at red lights. Dirty foot down is the other pet peeve of mine. Try to keep your outside foot down at stops based on your lane position to keep your foot away from the middle track of the lane where all the oil and diesel fuel seems to build up.
Practice,practice,practice… and then?? Yep! Practice again until it feels like second nature 😇
Why learn to U turn? I recrntly bought an 05 Electra Glide Classic and was riding around my neighborhood to get fanilure with it. I took a turn onto a side street and found a tree had fallen across the road from a recent storm. Not knowing how to U turn I duck walked the U turn. In my head I was hearing the various TH-cam videos of how to make a U turn. Since I had not practiced it yet, I dared not try.
Tks for Your Faithfulness
As someone who traded my touring HD for a Can Am Spyder, I still find your info and videos helpful and valuable.
I went to a Spyder RT. Can no longer trust my leg to hold me up. No regrets.
Just don't practice on a 3rd level structure, a girl in SoCal recently was learning there, and she made a mistake and went over 3 stories down. :(
I saw that story. Sad outcome.
@@MCrider yes, sir. Something to think about.
That story was horrifying
I typically use the DDS (DMV) motorcycle exam course on weekends. It is already marked specifically for the task, and ours is not gated off.
Yes, great source if you have access to a painted lot for training.
Rumble !
Working on being a neutral rider who can ride all types of bikes
I have over 42,000 miles on my 2020 Rocket so far, none of it commuting. Hard to find time to practice.
churches have parking lots there?
Farting , may different styles , than learn to break in a Don’t Panic situation
The rider course needs to be done on grown man bikes, softails would be my choice, I took the course and could not finish the first day, It was like a 330 lb clown on a mini bike at the circus, humiliating and useless other than the verbal education...I got my endorsment w/o a rode test in AL and got a Honda VTX 1800, watched and trained by many great TH-cam videos by guys like yourself and ex motor cops and have not looked back...Its about respect, respect the bike, the weight and most of all accept that its all changed from when you grew up on them, If you accept that and be humble its come back fairly fast, the learning curve is the power to the rear wheel slow speed stuff, Church parking lots and boat landing lots make great training grounds... I rode from 13 to 23 and left riding for too long, I have been itching to ride again for too many years...we are heavier, slower, not as stong or agile as when we rode growing up and the big bikes are beasts, heavy and crazy powerful, Accept those things and its worth the effort to get back on 2 wheels! Rock On Guys!!!
Good info but Kevin is too lazy to answer anyone.
I’ll answer you… stupid comment with no value.
Kevin’s channel continues to grow and he has less time available, But in my experience he tends to answer more promptly between Saturdays and Wednesdays since Fridays are when he releases new videos.
@@BradS1958 Smart comment. He leaves everyone hanging.