u see a million vids of guys on 1000cc sport bikes going insane speeds. But this is the stuff that makes me jealous. somebody just CARVING these low speed courses on a fully dressed behemoth like its a casual sunday ride lol. another great vid Motorman!
One year ago, I passed the license test here in Switzerland with my Road King (first and only bike ever), including low speed handling (3mls/h), emergency braking from 35mls to 0, and figure-8 in an 20' x 40' field. No problem at all. Thank also to you, Jerry!
Every time i sit on a Road King it feels like im made for this Bike, and im only 5'8" tall , with a 30" inseam. I have yet to take one on a test ride, to really get a feel for how it handles, but like Jerry says, if a girl only 4'10" tall can do it , and his wife can do it, i have no excuse in the world why i cant do it too.
@@squeegeeman123 yes sir, stock handle bars. I’m eventually going to get different handle bars, I need the hand grips to face more outward vs inwards .
Sorry for the late comment, but I agree completely about the handling of these HD heavyweights. I was looking for a new road bike in 1989 and was intent on buying a Goldwing. But, I test rode several other brands. I had been riding for 30 years and was an ABATE motorcycle trainer for beginners in Indiana. There was a HD dealer near my house and they were having an open house and bbq. I had never considered a HD because of all the preconceived notions of rattling, oil leaks, poor handling, etc. I test rode an FLHS which was the pre-cursor to the Road King. I was amazed and all my preconceived notions were eliminated after only a few minutes. So, I ordered one and rode it for 5 years and put over 60,000 trouble-free miles on it, riding to all but 8 states and across a large part of Canada. I converted 2 hardcore Goldwing riders by just letting them ride my HD for a few hours. Even if you can't immediately figure out why it's better to ride, you can tell it just makes riding easier and more pleasurable. Thanks for confirming my own observations.
I went to a training school in Michigan run by retired motor officers. They put me on a Road King. Till that time I never rode a HD other than at Bike Week in Daytona. I was there five days and it was the best training I ever had. I gained a lot of respect for the Road King. Really, I love that bike. We were doing very tight turns at slow speeds on the RKs and they were amazing. I plan to buy a HD one day and it will be a Road King. Thanks for the video, Jerry!
I just recently bought my first bike, I nearly bought a Road King and a Heritage. They were both stunners. I ended up buying a 2015 Street Glide with only 7,000. It belonged to a 74 year old woman and it looked brand new. I have no excuses if I can't handle it since she did.
You're absolutely right about the rake, wheelbase and lean angle being the keys. I got a FatBoy a few months ago, and I was absolutely stunned at how maneuverable and easy to ride it is. I've owned Sportsters (883's & 1200) and a Dyna Super Glide, and I thought the FB would be sluggish in turns and at low speeds, but it's not. Very balanced, and very confidence inspiring.
Mr. Palladino, I came across your channel back in March. I've been riding 35 years but still felt I needed some insight on technique to help me teach my 16 year old son how to be a safe rider. I convinced him that an '81 Yamaha XS650 would be a great starter bike. After about 20 hours of parking lot time using your training techniques, he's become quite agile on that bike. I've learned a few things too as well. I can now turn tighter and out maneuver a lot of guys on Road Kings, Street Glides what have you. Also purchased Surviving The Mean Streets, good stuff sir. He's not leaving my sight on that bike for at another season, but what I was able to teach him through you certainly gives me some peace of mind. Thank you for doing what you do sir.
Hi, from a 75 year old born and bred in England just after ww2 and who loves motorcycles and has ridden Triumph, B.S.A. Norton and Royal Enfield, and Honda bikes in my time. As regards the testing for a licence, in the 60,s, we had it easy, no helmet to helmet tester communication, no accompaniment, just a poor guy trying to run up the street to catch us emerging to carry out a manouver, etc, etc. In those days it was a piece of cake, but the downside, as i realised when i was legally allowed to do my own thing, was that no one had ever told me or showed me how to ride in the first place! I would have loved to have been able to spend a weekend or two with someone as clued up as yourself Mr. Palladino and although my riding days are now over as i could no longer run both a car and a motorcycle i really enjoy your concise instructional videos. You make throwing those big old Harleys around look real easy. Well done , your top of the tree sir.
You sir, have nailed it over and over again! Im a fan of BMW, because i had back in my riding days an R/51/3. But lately BMW has forgotten their first love and are pushing looks over functionality. Youve proven this over and over again. Your analysis is not , as you state, biased in any way. Those who read this comment need to take that into consideration. Youve been doing this too long, You can pick a good motorcycle out of the crowd just like youre able to pick a criminal out of a crowd of people. The public needs to understand this. This Ain't your first rodeo. Thank You for telling it like it is. Kudos for your honesty and integrity!
I never had to take a test for my motorcycle license since I started riding 50 years ago, so I was grandfathered in. Being an intructor you are right on. I have road everything from 550 kawasaki's to Goldwing 1800 to my current bike the Road Glide Limited. The Road Glide is by far my favorite and easiest bike to ride. But Nothing beats years of experience. I suggest geting a strobe taiil light, since I think it saves lives by alerting people not paying attention. I could usually avoid indiots while rolling but at a stop you are a sitting duck, so the strobe tail light has really stopped the near miss rear ending. Ride on.
Here in Quebec, Canada we have to pass our parking lot circuit exam too and depending on the teacher, they make it harder and harder if they see you're getting good. At the end what shocked me is when they made us do the same course but two up... Its so hard! But after everything, you easily pass the exam.
Mr Jerry, your first pick in this video is the bike that just made me a big bike believer. I rented a Road King WED evening through THRU evening. The 20 min ride back to the hotel was all it took to have complete confidence in the bike. I know I didn’t do a proper slow speed test. But that bike was so confidence building that the next day, I had no trouble putting my wife on the back and going on a 3.5 hour ride up and around sugarloaf mt outside of Orlando. For reference. I only started riding in feb 2020, and mostly have just ridden a 1200cc sportster (a 2000yrmodel I bought as my first bike), a one day rental of an RnineT, and an Indian scout test ride. I am VERY impressed with the RK. I was a little intimidated when I first got on it at the dealership, but that disappeared almost instantly. Awesome video!!!
@@RTJsims …. Understood! But don’t discount finding a used one in great shape. There are plenty available. And used pricing is reasonable. All my Harley’s (six) and my GoldWing (one) were bought used. None were \are a lemon
As an English man and an ex driving instructor I agree with you on the heavy bike issue taking a test most trainers use a light 500 cc bike because it's easier to control when you have passed your test there are courses run by the police free of charge and it is an eye opener as they will teach you things you would not even think about it safe driving to all Bikers every where
my first motorcycle was a brand new Harley Davidson 2005 road king custom . I took a motorcycle class for beginners on it, and have been riding road kings ever since. I actually feel safer on a motorcycle than driving a car. Better visibility,and manuverability and power makes it safer than a car to me. I passed the DOT test on my harley road king in 2005 . I strongly reccomend training like Jerry gives his students. A motorcycle is much more fun to ride when you aren't scared of leaning the bike, and you look more profesional as well . I like Jerry's content and like to see more bikers that are learning to feel comfortable on thier scooters .
Hi Jerry, I will add one thing that people often forget, which is VERY important to handling and can be a night and day difference, and Im sure you talked about it many times. Check and correct your bike tires air pressure!!! It has huge impact on speed riding and even bigger on slow handling. When your tires are underinflated the "weight" of your bike in slow turns goes rapidly up. So check it regularly.
Great video as always. I took a 10 year break from riding. I just got back in to riding and I purchased a 2016 Road King. She is a great bike and I'm getting better everyday but I spend a lot of time in an empty parking lot practicing slow speed maneuvers, emergency braking, swerving etc.. Once I get some more miles on her I plan on taking your Ride Like A Pro course down in the Norfolk, VA area as that's the closet one to where I live. I did redo the MSF Basic course before getting my road king and I have done a couple one on one private training sessions with an MSF Instructor to learn as much as I can and increase my comfort level on my bike.
Due to finances and a wife I did ride for 13 yrs I just got back into this yr I got a heritage soft tail. And I'm taking courses. It amazing how fast u loose it
@@danladd4764 Yes, it is but at least in my case it's coming back fast too. I had the same thing a divorce then remarrying and moving jobs it's taken me 10 plus years to be able to financially afford having a harley again and riding.
thank you jerry.. learn a lot from yr video as i’m only 5.2ft and just bought HD roadglide.. may god bless you.. i’m looking forward to learn more from you..
Another great video, thx Jerry. I thought I knew everything, lol. Never occurred to me to test myself at low speeds and practice your lessons. I have 5,000sq meters of asphalt at home, tons of room to set up and try all the exercises. It’s helped rejuvenate the confidence I had in my 20’s, with a big boost in knowledge. Thank you! FWIW, current ride is a ‘20 UL.
i know its old but its still a great video. nice you mentioned Yamaha and others in your segment. i had a 2006 Yamaha 1700 Road Star (couldn't afford a Heritage Classic) i rode for 36000 miles before i got my 2010 Electra Glide Classic. i rode that 14999 miles before i traded that in for my current, and probably last Harley Davidson Ultra Classic which now has 77000 miles on it. Most of those miles are 40-60 mile cone way commute to work in the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. The first thing i did when i got my Yami was buy RIDE LIKE A PRO DVD and practice. I'm convinced your videos have kept me alive on the interstate, back country roads and even through a collision with a doe a few years ago in the early morning hours. Sadly she didn't make it but my Harley kept upright, running and save me. Limped her home and went on to work with my jeep. Thanks for doing these. While i no longer buy the DVD's, i think i have at least 4, maybe 5, i really enjoy them as refreshers, pointers and new information. A few years ago i took a Franchise Ride Like a Pro course here in Southern Maryland and Harley offered a class to Veterans so i took that too. About time to take another. Dave retired and sold the franchise, i think. I reached out to them but got no response back in November
Your skill and knowledge is non questionable. Funny story, last week I listened to two guys in the sports car club argue over who made the best handling pickup truck. You do a great job teaching everyone to ride anything. Thanks .
Great video dude! It’s only smart to pick a bike that is light and easy to ride to pass the test. Once you have your license, then you can get whatever bike you want as you get better and more experienced riding. Thanks for all your advice and videos. Great stuff.
You're absolutely correct re. the important factor that wheelbase plays in slow speed maneuvering. The 67.6 inch wheelbase of a VTX 1800 can attest to that. But longer wheelbases often help taller riders feel a lot more comfortable on the bike. Guess everything in life has its pluses and minuses. Regards to the missus.
I second that, I have a Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and the wheelbase plus lock to lock radius of the bike is less than a road king. Also I believe it weighs slightly more. I've owned both and the Road King is easier to handle in cone exercises. Currently I own a 2007 Yamaha RSTD and I love that bike, great for road trips during the summer.
Good morning the reason for now we send you a video is that the motorcycle if it's over 125 CC you has to be restricted The horse power it's quite costly so it is unlikely for someone to pay that amount of money to restrict a very large bike just to do a test great programme I always watch it and I've learnt quite a bit from listening to your advice I've got a Honda ST1300 . Adrian from the UK 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸
I just bought the 2021 herritage 114 and it handles like a dream it's lighter but the heaviest bike I've rode and just got my m1 watching your videos I had no issues at low speed just sat in a parking lot for 8 hours and just practised things I watched on here and it helped so much I ride that back break good throttle and clutch control and it was so easy your crazy at teaching would love to take your course one day
You should now be able to eliminate the rear brake. Keep your foot poised over the brake in case you need it, but try just clutch and throttle. That will show you how little rear brake pressure you really need, and make you better at using the friction zone.
@@motorman857 thanks for the reply I will try that this week! Can't wait trying to practice every Sunday in a lot near my home. Gonna order some cones and a tape this week to set them up.
Fantastic video Jerry,your lady sure can handle a big machine,our motorcycle test in the UK,years ago,was a joke a couple of circuits around the town hall,and you passed,no we have a much more harder test thank Goodness, all the best ,regards Mike ,UK
I've spent 22 years on a 1200 sportster and just got an 05 Road King Police model. After all the time on the sportster it felt like an extension of my body and now I'm having to re-learn all my muscle memory etc on the new bike. I am very surprised how easily the Road King can transition in regards to leaning side to side. I'm working on getting confident enough to keep my speed up with the handlebars turned at low speeds to make the tight turns. The bars have way more travel than the sportster. Thanks for all you do and I hope you made it through the hurricane ok.
Just ordered your ride like a pro video. Going to gift it to my father who is a "new" / returning rider. I think this will help tremendously! Videos are great. Keep them up
idk but even though Victory is no longer in buisness I would put my 2011 cross roads in the mix. I've ridden lots of bikes and it is hands down the best I ever rode. If you get the chance to try one I think you would be impressed and then sad they gave up on these amazing bikes.
Good video Gerry I ride a Golding and a Shadow and I am not a fended at all you are just stating fax's and I appreciate that have been practicing things you have taught me
Thanks for the info on these models. Took the class with Eric down in Lynchburg VA just a couple weeks ago. Some of the best training I've had. I'll definitely be taking more of the Ride like a Pro classes on an annual basis.
Hi, just coming across your videos as I’ve just bought an Indian Chieftain. Most expensive bike I’ve ever bought and the thought of dropping it terrifies me. However my previous bike was a Valkyrie and I’m surprised you don’t mention it as it’s probably the easiest bike I’ve ever owned to ride. Love to hear your opinion. Thanks
I didn't mention the Valkyrie because it's been out of production for over 20 years. But here's an old clip of me on the Valk. The rider behind me on the Harley is a 16 year old girl who's 4'10'', that I trained th-cam.com/video/kOWNLL6ePao/w-d-xo.html
Dear friend , i'm from mexico and Lost My left leg 6 year algo on My vulcan 2053 cc Know been whachin your videos and almost doing the same as You do on the same bike! Thanks for your videos and god bless You!
My Motorcycle License Riding Test in California in 1969 was.. Where is the horn ? headlight on /off switch? [yes they used to have them]. Go and accelerate in first gear and hit the brakes. Now follow the circle clockwise .then counterclockwise . You just passed the riding test. The bike was a 1969 Yamaha 125 cc Two stroke Enduro. My only concern was gravel that was on the DMV asphalt parking lot which had spilled on to the course from the adjacent dirt/gravel alley. Motor man,I have been riding on the street for 52 yrs. My first heavy weight is my Victory Cross Country . Your videos have helped me a lot, with my 800+ pound bike!
Practice will make us better! Thanks ! Never a waste when it comes to riding a motorcycle sooner or later someone will put you to the test! The more you know the better your chances are in that situation! Safe motoring!
Enjoy your handling videos, Jerry. Just watched this one. I rode a borrowed Softail 9,000 miles over a 3 month period last summer. Enjoyed it a lot, but just not a Harley guy. Bought a 2020 FJR1300 in August. Just a couple corrections to your comments about the Yamaha. From the owner's manual - wheelbase is 60.8 inches not 66, wt. 644lbs, not 600 (sorry, minor detail). From web sources, rake is 26 degrees, couldn't find lean angle anywhere. Also from owner's manual - min turning radius 10.5 ft. I'll let you know when I've done a 180 in 10 ft....
I have a 2017 Street Glide and I corner easier on that than I did on my previous bike which was a ZX14R. Not taking anything away from the ZX, it was a great bike, cornered very well with loads of power on tap, but I ride and corner with my current bike with more ease and comfort, feeling more grounded on the road. Turning at low speed is also easier on my current bike than my previous one, but that could also just be me. Sometimes, I think the bike picks you and when you find your bike match, learning and applying great techniques like the ones in this video will come a lot easier.
A few years ago my second bike was (bad choice?) an 83 Yamaha Venture at around 750 lb. Then I took a short ride on my brothers 2002 Road King & immediately fell in love with it! Heavier than my Venture (by 10 lbs!) but SO much easier to ride! Last year he moved and I rode both his Yamaha V Max and then the Road King about 20 miles to his new place. That's when I Knew, "I Must Have' a road King" at some point! Just last month I bought a 1992 Sporty 883 (1st Harley) w/ 14,900+ miles n the clock, runs pretty good & runs down the road just fine, definitely needs some attention but I'm looking forward to that! And looking forward to taking one your classes up here in far frozen north of Metro Detroit Mi! I enjoy all your videos Jerry!
I put thousands of miles on my 86 Venture and loved the way it handled. I enrolled in a low speed class and finished ahead of all the other HD’s on the course. The only bike to finish quicker was a Gold Wing. Not doubting the Harley’s, just saying that experience counts for something, regardless of bike.
Thanks a lot for that comparison boss. Until now I have very limited experience on HD Low Rider only to compare her with my Yamaha xvs1300 and could confirm that combination of shorter wheelbase, rake and huge torque moment at low speed really change a game. But from other hand heavy weight increases fear level especially at low speed maneuvers. So IMHO equation should takes into all those factors : weight, wheelbase, rake, engine torque at low RPM and lean angle.
Just went from a 2010 Fatboy Lo to a 2019 RK standard OMG it handles sooooo well at low speed. It dips in so easy it suprised me a few times thst it wants to turn in like that. I had the Fatboy dragging boards before and I’m yet to take the techniques as far on the RK (tiny bit of apprehension of course bc of all that chrome.. I practiced some basic u turns (under 3 spots) . Those drop guards are on back order. Don’t want to go for deep lean just yet (I have had the bike for all of 4 days now).. But I did try the cone weave and it does transfer left/right very well. It’s heavier than the Fatboy BUT it’s so much more nimble. Anyway.. I want to thank you for all you do for us Motorman! Guys like u and Robert Simmons have shared the techniques that the best riders in the world learn .. and all of us appreciate it.. IF we take the time to actually spend some time and drill a few things into our brains (HEAD AND EYES!!! Friction zone .. little bit of rear brake as a helper). The bike goes where u look…. Such a simple concept BUT it works. And I am willing to be many don’t even know this stuff
@@motorman857 It’s high time I stop riding dirty and go take the test. Shouldn’t be an issue even on a heavyweight. It’s not the iron cross or snowman for the test. Then I’d love to take an advanced class on low speed operation. I see you’re looking to start a franchise in IL. I’ll be looking out for it !!! I’m no pro BUT now I see ppl duck walking and stuff and I just shake my head
I liked how easy you made it look when you were turning the bike around the empty parking spaces. That looks like a good exercise that anyone with a bike can do where there are empty parking spaces.
Great video, I'm surprised no other bikes made the list. I ride a 2001 Roadstar Silverado about 765lbs. My first bike with boards. The first time I scraped the boards it freaked me out. Knowing there was plenty of healthy lean past that point, I set out to scrape the bottom of them away until I simply expected it. I measured our street and what do you know, it's 24 ft! I now enjoy figure eights easily within. Boards don't hit at that speed. Thank you for a wealth of info. I tell my kids, A bike will drive fast in a straight line, by itself but it takes skill to ride slow. . Learn first to drive slow. Thanks again.
i passed the test in cally on my Valkyrie Interstate but yeah the long wheelbase and especially having floorboards def makes it more difficult than a full dress harley ... that said , i can turn tighter than most folks i have ridden with who own one (harley) and that thing you call the duck walk , yeah i call that the "harley shuffle" pick up your damn feet ! ... thanks for all the help
U r spot on jerry! My bmw rt is 200lb lighter but way taller n feels lik she has to fall into a turn then powers out. No other bike seems to hav that totally controlled slow speed tight turn ability lik the electraglides.
Thank you for another excellent comparison video. I fully agree with your conclusions about the easiest and toughest heavyweight motors to handle at low speeds. All I have to do is look in my own garage. I have a '06 RoadKing that I learned your Ride Like a Pro techniques on (from one of your DVDs) and a '18 Goldwing Tour with DCT. You rated these machines, respectively, as the easiest and most difficult heavyweight motorcycles to handle the motor officer course, and they definitely are. With practice I am able to routinely do 18' figure 8's on the Harley. Doing a 24' Uturn on the Wing is very challenging (but possible). It's all about the practice.
Yo Jerry, surprised you didn’t put the Street Glide in the top 5. Having had a 18 Heritage, which I loved for low speed handling and maneuvers, I feel my 21 Street Glide Special handles & maneuvers better at low speeds. Maybe it’s me? Anywho, even at 69, watching your videos and techniques keeps this old man learning. Thank you!
Went from a 2003 Honda VTX to a 2018 Road King. Can confirm that the Road King is easier to ride slow and tight. The lean angle on the VTX sucked. I was always running my floorboard on asphalt. I’ve yet to touch ground with the floorboards on my Road King even though I’ve pushed it into some of the same corners a lot harder than my old VTX. Love my Road King.
In relation to your request for a video from the UK, you are not allowed to ride the bigger bikes until after you pass the required test. Therefore, there isn't going to be a video, new riders are encouraged to ride smaller bikes when first out on the road, moving up to the larger bikes when they feel more confident. You are also encouraged to ride with a instructor, such as yourself when getting a larger bike to correct any problems before they arise. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding.
I get that. But to get the license that allows you to ride bikes over 650 cc's, you must take a test. Correct? I'd bet people take that test on bikes that are 655 cc's or even 1200 CC's like a Bonneville which weighs around 500 LB's. My point is if anyone is taking that test and passing it on a 8 or 900LB motorcycle, I'd like to see a video of that.
I have a 2019 heritage 114 in rawhide and vivid black. Just did a stage 2 on it. Amazing bike. I also just bought a barely ridden 04 ultra classic. I tried to do a u-turn in the yard and realized how different it was. But according to the specs the ultra should be more capable at low speeds. I gotta practice though
What do you think about the 2002 honda vtx 1800c. I would consider it to be a heavier cruiser. Every time I go out to ride I pull into a parking lot to do uturns and figure 8s.
When I took my test it was on a 1200 Sportster, I left my Ultra in the Garage for that deal. Although having been watching your Vlogs and picking up on a lot a your handling tips,I am more than able to maneuver my Bagger at slow speeds now. Thanks for the tips.
So you must have some evidence that there are easier, better handling heavyweight cruiser/touring type motorcycles that would be easier/more maneuverable than H.D. cruiser/touring type heavyweight motorcycles? This would be the place to present that evidence. The stats to beat are 64'' wheelbase, 26 degree rake and 32 degree lean angle. I'll wait here.
the fork tubes on my bike are forward of the steering stem where some of the bigger harleys have fork tubes behind the neck , i would think that would make some difference in handling, maybe it would only be steering effort but there would be a difference
I only last summer got into Harleys. So I bought a road king to get back into it after 20 years not riding. Once confident I traded for a street glide Traded again in 2 months and now I have a road glide 3 bikes in 3 months But that’s what it took
I guess you liked the fairing on the RG enough to trade in the street glide… literally the fixed fairing and the shark nose are only diff between those 2 bikes.
UK rider here. I think the heavyweight cruisers just aren't as common over here. Think there's just more appeal in getting a sport bike or adv bike for most riders. I certainly couldn't have taken my test on one, but mainly because of my budget! Rented their well-loved CBF 600 to pass the test on, and bought an old ZZR 600 because it was cheap. Why aren't they so popular? Maybe it's the lack of spaces in garages, the upkeep of chrome if you're riding in the wet more, or just the cost. That being said, Africa Twins aren't cheap and you see plenty of those. I would like a cruiser, but would be happy with something smaller engine-wise, so long as it fits my 6'2" frame. Anyway, thanks for the videos Jerry, it's been 10 years since I passed my test and this has definitely given me a nudge to get back out to a car park to practice.
I bought my first motorcyce in 1972. I've owned a variety of them since. Never owned a Harley. But I lived in Daytona Beach for 20 years with a motorcycle as my wife and my second car. Since '72 I've put more miles on two wheels than four. But every year when Harley brought several tractor-trailer fulls of bikes for non-owners to 'test' ride, I've ridden everything Harley makes from Sportster to bagger. I like the brand. I recommend learning to ride on a bagger. The added weight means everything happens more slowly on a big Harley than on a 150 cc Honda. It's not safe to ride two wheels in traffic. Period. But it is SAFER to ride a bagger than a trail bike because it is so much more stable. Basic gyroscopic physics. It's harder to lose control of a big, low center of gravity bike than it is to let a pedal-driven Schwin get out of control! Do your own testing!
I live in a university town. The entire campus and it's surroundings are very pedestrian friendly. The whole thing is connected by a maze of sidewalks, alleyways and such. What I've found is that if a pedestrian will fit then a 900 pound Harley will fit too. My only piece of advice is to do this late at night when nobody is about.
My father gave me his '08 Suzuki C50t. I'm a new rider. I have only operated a motorcycle a couple of times 20yrs ago. And it was only a 250. I passed my MSF on the new Harley X350. The Suzuki is a 550lb bike. I have taken it out in the neighborhood with no drops. But I still have such a fear of dropping it. And clutch use is taking time. Any tips? Love your channel. Thanks.
Tips? Of course. Head and eyes, friction zone, and light steady pressure on the rear brake when making low speed turns. For the exact order to practice proper technique and exercises, go to ridelikeapro.com and get a copy of ''The Ride Like a Pro Experience'' video. The best 20 bucks you'll ever spend on that bike.
Helo from México! I love your vídeo I am your fan! Thanks for Sher this técnics. Sorry for my englis? I want to buy your vídeo can You send it to México? I am José Luis Vargas glad to meet You I like your helmet
I saw that video and I agree with your picks for hard to handle bikes at low speed.. I had a 01 road King FLHRCI and it handled very well. My 72 FLH handles better for me than my 02 FLSTC but I been riding it since 1989. . I really like my 98 Fatboy it handles easy. it is my lightest bike.
HI Jerry, Thanks so much for this video and all your videos and advice etc. I am wanting to move up from a Kawasaki W800 into a Harley Softail and so appreciated those bikes being mentioned here. The W800 is really fun and easy to ride for me - i love riding it, but also of course want the experience of a larger, more robust machine. I have my heart set on owning a Harley and from this video/lesson/advice i'm feeling very confident going the Softail route - currently Softail Standard is my first choice, but i also like the low rider S that your wife was riding.. thanks for all the great videos and help!! Best!
I own a 2004 Honda VTX 1300, I have been riding sense age of 13 and now I am 56, I have been watching your excellent videos and I have become much better with my low speed handling, so thank You very much for sharing. The question is my bike does not perform near as well as say a road king is that mostly because of the rake or do you think that the old tech is just not a good as the modern bikes? Thank You for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Jerry, whoever in the UK said you need to drive with your skill just to pass the UK bike test is quite frankly talking out of their backside. Over here they frown on the rear brake technique and say it will wear out your brakes and clutch so they don’t teach it. I wish we had someone over here with your quality of riding skill teaching and transferring skills as you do 👍😎. Keep doin what you do, it’s much appreciated.
Hi and thanks for the vid! The reason why anybody has sent you a vid of the drivers license test on a bagger or at least a cruiser is, that there exist none 😂. In Europe you do your license test and training on bikes from the driving school. And they usually don't have anything bigger than a BMW R800. So yes, to get a license is much more difficult (and expensive 😉) than in the US but to handle big bikes, you also do trainings like yours to get the skill. I got my license in September 2020 on the biggest BMW they had, than jumped on my Dyna Fat Bob and I was like "holy shit" and nearly dropped it at the first ride out of my yard 🙈. And that was a decent handling cruiser! I practiced on ny own and took a special training early 2021 to master my bike. With a bagger, clearly it is another level.
@@motorman857 I disagree. It takes no more effort on a Goldwing than it does on a hd. The weight is down low., I’ve been in bumper to bumper traffic at 1-2 mph and never felt unstable on the bike, unlike the Indian Roadmaster I previously had. I’m not knocking the Roadmaster, part of the issue was the forward controls, I’m a short rider at 5’3” so mid controls makes it easier to handle.
@@Ndiver81 You can disagree if you want to. But I've put 100's of Wing riders thru my course and my experience is it takes at least twice as long for a Wing rider to get a handle on the techniques as the average H.D. riders. Granted, your students thru the years may be different than mine.
@@motorman857 I’ve spoken with motor officers from several departments from the local town, county and state. They all agree, if you practice enough then you won’t have issues. Using the weight of the bike or control location is a cop out. If you go in with preconceived ideas and already have it made up in your mind that you will have problems then that’s what will happen. It’s just like if you look down into a turn instead of looking where you want to go you will drop the bike, weight not withstanding. It takes practice to get it right. The skill is perishable so you need to practice practice practice focusing on what you want to accomplish not what you think you can’t do. I’ve been fortunate enough to be out in the bike and meet several motor officers and gain valuable information from them.
@@Ndiver81 ''If you practice enough you won't have issues'' That's true with all motorcycles. My point is, as far as heavy weight motorcyces, some are easier than others. And the listed heavy weight motorcycles are the easiest to handle due to the rake, wheelbase, and easy to master throttle control.
I ride a 2017 Ultra Limited. Bought my wife a Vstar 650 to learn on and after being use to the big heavy bike, it took more space for me to turn the Vstar than the Ultra. Long story short the little bike was harder for me to control.
Super as always Jerry. Guess the reason you've never received that video cos here in the UK the bike has to be restricted down so most "big bikes" when restricted would still be too powerful. Stay safe and ride well. 🤓 🏍️ 💙
The post 2018 softail harley-davidsons are fantastic motorcycles. I have mine striped with the bags sissy bar and bitch pad off for a daily driver. If I go on a trip I put the bags on and a sissy bar with a rack on. The most versatile easy to ride bike Harley Davison have made to date.
Hi Jerry, hey I ride the new GoldWing in the manual version and take no offense to what you say about it because it is true, it's been a challenge at low speeds but I have your video's and practice regularly, workin hard on getting my u-turns tighter. I know it won't be easy to master but you have to have low speed skills to be a complete rider, keep up the great work and ride safe out there.
I have a 96 Goldwing that handles far better than the new ones. Dct or standard. I don't know what Honda was thinking, honestly. Problems with proximity keys, the tie rods on the front suspension wearing out in 8K miles and foot peg covers wear out in as little as 3K miles! I hope you have better luck than others who put up videos about the new Wings!
@@jasoncheshire6153 Harley probably makes the best bike that they ever have and sales are down, most likely due to the economy. I have wanted one for years but, at my age, I am just not trading anymore.
I own a 2019 Hertage Classic and 2021 Electra Glide Standard. The 2019 is a hydraulic clutch. The 2021 is a cable clutch. I find the hydraulic clutch more forgiving on the friction zone, but I am learning the zone on the cable as well.
@@motorman857 I am still new to motorcycles and their inner workings. When I bought the motorcycle, I had never ridden one, let alone owned one. I was told by the sales person the 2019 Heritage had a hydraulic clutch. Who am I to question that? So, when I bought my 2021 Electra Glide, I knew that it had the cable clutch. I was learning a bit about the mechanics of things....but still never questioned the clutch on my Heritage....until now. I called our Harley shop and spoke to a reputable person that I trust. He did in fact say that my Heritage is a cable clutch which took me back for a second. Hmmmm....so, I had to look at what my issue was with the friction zone on my 2021 Electra Glide. I have it down pat on my Heritage. The difference is, I can hear my Heritage with the exhaust I had done on it. (V&H Straight shots; , headers,, fuel pack and tuner). I can't hear my Electra Glide as well, even with the exhaust I had done on it. (V&H Torquer 450s, Pro Street tuner, no header redone). I need to unwrap the baffles. Until then, I just need to go out and practice more and get that slow speed down pat.
Check out the C-90 Boulevard. Just had to set the bars a bit higher to clear my knees since I'm a big guy...great bike...low center of gravity...very forgiving. As always...thanks for making such great and informative videos
I've ridden a bunch of C-90's. They are not near as nimble as the H.D.'s mentioned in this video. In addition, the clutch heats up quickly and stops working in just a few minutes of low speed maneuvers. Sometimes they come back after a half hour of cool down and sometimes they need to be replaced.
I've was riding an Electra Glide for 12 years, before switching to an HD Tri-Glide Ultra - Custom...can't get any easier then the Tri-Glide for slow speed handling..haha 👊respect👊
Do you believe that the Ultra is a better handling bike than the Cross Country by Victory? I know you're one of the few people out there that have had the experience of riding both and have the skill to know the difference in handling between the two.
It was about 12 years since I've ridden the victory. At that time I would have rated the victory better at high speeds than the Harley but not as nimble at low speeds. HD has come a long way since then and of course, victory is out of business.
u see a million vids of guys on 1000cc sport bikes going insane speeds. But this is the stuff that makes me jealous. somebody just CARVING these low speed courses on a fully dressed behemoth like its a casual sunday ride lol. another great vid Motorman!
One year ago, I passed the license test here in Switzerland with my Road King (first and only bike ever), including low speed handling (3mls/h), emergency braking from 35mls to 0, and figure-8 in an 20' x 40' field. No problem at all. Thank also to you, Jerry!
I miss my Roadking,Great Bike
Every time i sit on a Road King it feels like im made for this Bike, and im only 5'8" tall , with a 30" inseam. I have yet to take one on a test ride, to really get a feel for how it handles, but like Jerry says, if a girl only 4'10" tall can do it , and his wife can do it, i have no excuse in the world why i cant do it too.
I bought my first ever and it was a 2016 Road King & took my test (experienced test) and passed with flying colors,, I love it!
@@babybugspaw7085 Do you have the stock handle bars on your Road King?
@@squeegeeman123 yes sir, stock handle bars. I’m eventually going to get different handle bars, I need the hand grips to face more outward vs inwards .
Just bought my first bike this week, a road king. Excited to learn!
Sorry for the late comment, but I agree completely about the handling of these HD heavyweights. I was looking for a new road bike in 1989 and was intent on buying a Goldwing. But, I test rode several other brands. I had been riding for 30 years and was an ABATE motorcycle trainer for beginners in Indiana. There was a HD dealer near my house and they were having an open house and bbq. I had never considered a HD because of all the preconceived notions of rattling, oil leaks, poor handling, etc. I test rode an FLHS which was the pre-cursor to the Road King. I was amazed and all my preconceived notions were eliminated after only a few minutes. So, I ordered one and rode it for 5 years and put over 60,000 trouble-free miles on it, riding to all but 8 states and across a large part of Canada. I converted 2 hardcore Goldwing riders by just letting them ride my HD for a few hours. Even if you can't immediately figure out why it's better to ride, you can tell it just makes riding easier and more pleasurable. Thanks for confirming my own observations.
Pro’s Corner speaks! Like EF Hutton. When Jerry speaks, people listen. Smooth as butter.
I went to a training school in Michigan run by retired motor officers. They put me on a Road King. Till that time I never rode a HD other than at Bike Week in Daytona. I was there five days and it was the best training I ever had. I gained a lot of respect for the Road King. Really, I love that bike. We were doing very tight turns at slow speeds on the RKs and they were amazing. I plan to buy a HD one day and it will be a Road King. Thanks for the video, Jerry!
I'm in Michigan, Detroit area, where is that school?
I just recently bought my first bike, I nearly bought a Road King and a Heritage. They were both stunners. I ended up buying a 2015 Street Glide with only 7,000. It belonged to a 74 year old woman and it looked brand new. I have no excuses if I can't handle it since she did.
You're absolutely right about the rake, wheelbase and lean angle being the keys. I got a FatBoy a few months ago, and I was absolutely stunned at how maneuverable and easy to ride it is. I've owned Sportsters (883's & 1200) and a Dyna Super Glide, and I thought the FB would be sluggish in turns and at low speeds, but it's not. Very balanced, and very confidence inspiring.
Mr. Palladino,
I came across your channel back in March. I've been riding 35 years but still felt I needed some insight on technique to help me teach my 16 year old son how to be a safe rider. I convinced him that an '81 Yamaha XS650 would be a great starter bike. After about 20 hours of parking lot time using your training techniques, he's become quite agile on that bike. I've learned a few things too as well. I can now turn tighter and out maneuver a lot of guys on Road Kings, Street Glides what have you. Also purchased Surviving The Mean Streets, good stuff sir. He's not leaving my sight on that bike for at another season, but what I was able to teach him through you certainly gives me some peace of mind. Thank you for doing what you do sir.
You are very welcome.
Hi, from a 75 year old born and bred in England just after ww2 and who loves motorcycles and has ridden Triumph, B.S.A. Norton and Royal Enfield, and Honda bikes in my time. As regards the testing for a licence, in the 60,s, we had it easy, no helmet to helmet tester communication, no accompaniment, just a poor guy trying to run up the street to catch us emerging to carry out a manouver, etc, etc. In those days it was a piece of cake, but the downside, as i realised when i was legally allowed to do my own thing, was that no one had ever told me or showed me how to ride in the first place! I would have loved to have been able to spend a weekend or two with someone as clued up as yourself Mr. Palladino and although my riding days are now over as i could no longer run both a car and a motorcycle i really enjoy your concise instructional videos. You make throwing those big old Harleys around look real easy. Well done , your top of the tree sir.
You sir, have nailed it over and over again! Im a fan of BMW, because i had back in my riding days an R/51/3. But lately BMW has forgotten their first love and are pushing looks over functionality. Youve proven this over and over again. Your analysis is not , as you state, biased in any way. Those who read this comment need to take that into consideration. Youve been doing this too long, You can pick a good motorcycle out of the crowd just like youre able to pick a criminal out of a crowd of people. The public needs to understand this. This Ain't your first rodeo. Thank You for telling it like it is. Kudos for your honesty and integrity!
I never had to take a test for my motorcycle license since I started riding 50 years ago, so I was grandfathered in. Being an intructor you are right on. I have road everything from 550 kawasaki's to Goldwing 1800 to my current bike the Road Glide Limited. The Road Glide is by far my favorite and easiest bike to ride. But Nothing beats years of experience. I suggest geting a strobe taiil light, since I think it saves lives by alerting people not paying attention. I could usually avoid indiots while rolling but at a stop you are a sitting duck, so the strobe tail light has really stopped the near miss rear ending. Ride on.
Here in Quebec, Canada we have to pass our parking lot circuit exam too and depending on the teacher, they make it harder and harder if they see you're getting good. At the end what shocked me is when they made us do the same course but two up... Its so hard! But after everything, you easily pass the exam.
Mr Jerry, your first pick in this video is the bike that just made me a big bike believer. I rented a Road King WED evening through THRU evening. The 20 min ride back to the hotel was all it took to have complete confidence in the bike. I know I didn’t do a proper slow speed test. But that bike was so confidence building that the next day, I had no trouble putting my wife on the back and going on a 3.5 hour ride up and around sugarloaf mt outside of Orlando. For reference. I only started riding in feb 2020, and mostly have just ridden a 1200cc sportster (a 2000yrmodel I bought as my first bike), a one day rental of an RnineT, and an Indian scout test ride. I am VERY impressed with the RK. I was a little intimidated when I first got on it at the dealership, but that disappeared almost instantly. Awesome video!!!
The Road King is an awesome bike. I have owned two of them over the years.
@@wingandhog the heart sink is now I have to save up to grab one!!! One day🥺
@@RTJsims …. Understood! But don’t discount finding a used one in great shape. There are plenty available. And used pricing is reasonable. All my Harley’s (six) and my GoldWing (one) were bought used. None were \are a lemon
@@wingandhog definitely going to do that. the used market is wild right now with garage queens from people aging out of motorcycles
Nice
As an English man and an ex driving instructor I agree with you on the heavy bike issue taking a test most trainers use a light 500 cc bike because it's easier to control when you have passed your test there are courses run by the police free of charge and it is an eye opener as they will teach you things you would not even think about it safe driving to all Bikers every where
my first motorcycle was a brand new Harley Davidson 2005 road king custom . I took a motorcycle class for beginners on it, and have been riding road kings ever since. I actually feel safer on a motorcycle than driving a car. Better visibility,and manuverability and power makes it safer than a car to me. I passed the DOT test on my harley road king in 2005 . I strongly reccomend training like Jerry gives his students. A motorcycle is much more fun to ride when you aren't scared of leaning the bike, and you look more profesional as well . I like Jerry's content and like to see more bikers that are learning to feel comfortable on thier scooters .
Hi Jerry, I will add one thing that people often forget, which is VERY important to handling and can be a night and day difference, and Im sure you talked about it many times.
Check and correct your bike tires air pressure!!!
It has huge impact on speed riding and even bigger on slow handling. When your tires are underinflated the "weight" of your bike in slow turns goes rapidly up.
So check it regularly.
Great video as always. I took a 10 year break from riding. I just got back in to riding and I purchased a 2016 Road King. She is a great bike and I'm getting better everyday but I spend a lot of time in an empty parking lot practicing slow speed maneuvers, emergency braking, swerving etc.. Once I get some more miles on her I plan on taking your Ride Like A Pro course down in the Norfolk, VA area as that's the closet one to where I live. I did redo the MSF Basic course before getting my road king and I have done a couple one on one private training sessions with an MSF Instructor to learn as much as I can and increase my comfort level on my bike.
Due to finances and a wife I did ride for 13 yrs I just got back into this yr I got a heritage soft tail. And I'm taking courses. It amazing how fast u loose it
@@danladd4764 Yes, it is but at least in my case it's coming back fast too. I had the same thing a divorce then remarrying and moving jobs it's taken me 10 plus years to be able to financially afford having a harley again and riding.
@@ryanriegel7678 amen brother keep the rubber side down.
@@danladd4764 you too brother.
thank you jerry.. learn a lot from yr video as i’m only 5.2ft and just bought HD roadglide.. may god bless you.. i’m looking forward to learn more from you..
Another great video, thx Jerry. I thought I knew everything, lol. Never occurred to me to test myself at low speeds and practice your lessons. I have 5,000sq meters of asphalt at home, tons of room to set up and try all the exercises. It’s helped rejuvenate the confidence I had in my 20’s, with a big boost in knowledge. Thank you! FWIW, current ride is a ‘20 UL.
i know its old but its still a great video. nice you mentioned Yamaha and others in your segment. i had a 2006 Yamaha 1700 Road Star (couldn't afford a Heritage Classic) i rode for 36000 miles before i got my 2010 Electra Glide Classic. i rode that 14999 miles before i traded that in for my current, and probably last Harley Davidson Ultra Classic which now has 77000 miles on it. Most of those miles are 40-60 mile cone way commute to work in the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. The first thing i did when i got my Yami was buy RIDE LIKE A PRO DVD and practice. I'm convinced your videos have kept me alive on the interstate, back country roads and even through a collision with a doe a few years ago in the early morning hours. Sadly she didn't make it but my Harley kept upright, running and save me. Limped her home and went on to work with my jeep. Thanks for doing these. While i no longer buy the DVD's, i think i have at least 4, maybe 5, i really enjoy them as refreshers, pointers and new information. A few years ago i took a Franchise Ride Like a Pro course here in Southern Maryland and Harley offered a class to Veterans so i took that too. About time to take another. Dave retired and sold the franchise, i think. I reached out to them but got no response back in November
I just bought my first bike. A 2002 Road King!
Man! You’re a excellent rider! Congratulations!
Thank you kindly!
Your skill and knowledge is non questionable. Funny story, last week I listened to two guys in the sports car club argue over who made the best handling pickup truck. You do a great job teaching everyone to ride anything. Thanks .
Good information as you have seen far more big bikes doing low speed work than most
Great video dude! It’s only smart to pick a bike that is light and easy to ride to pass the test. Once you have your license, then you can get whatever bike you want as you get better and more experienced riding. Thanks for all your advice and videos. Great stuff.
You're absolutely correct re. the important factor that wheelbase plays in slow speed maneuvering. The 67.6 inch wheelbase of a VTX 1800 can attest to that. But longer wheelbases often help taller riders feel a lot more comfortable on the bike. Guess everything in life has its pluses and minuses. Regards to the missus.
I second that, I have a Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and the wheelbase plus lock to lock radius of the bike is less than a road king. Also I believe it weighs slightly more. I've owned both and the Road King is easier to handle in cone exercises. Currently I own a 2007 Yamaha RSTD and I love that bike, great for road trips during the summer.
Good morning the reason for now we send you a video is that the motorcycle if it's over 125 CC you has to be restricted The horse power it's quite costly so it is unlikely for someone to pay that amount of money to restrict a very large bike just to do a test great programme I always watch it and I've learnt quite a bit from listening to your advice I've got a Honda ST1300 . Adrian from the UK 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸
I just bought the 2021 herritage 114 and it handles like a dream it's lighter but the heaviest bike I've rode and just got my m1 watching your videos I had no issues at low speed just sat in a parking lot for 8 hours and just practised things I watched on here and it helped so much I ride that back break good throttle and clutch control and it was so easy your crazy at teaching would love to take your course one day
You should now be able to eliminate the rear brake. Keep your foot poised over the brake in case you need it, but try just clutch and throttle. That will show you how little rear brake pressure you really need, and make you better at using the friction zone.
@@motorman857 thanks for the reply I will try that this week! Can't wait trying to practice every Sunday in a lot near my home. Gonna order some cones and a tape this week to set them up.
Fantastic video Jerry,your lady sure can handle a big machine,our motorcycle test in the UK,years ago,was a joke a couple of circuits around the town hall,and you passed,no we have a much more harder test thank Goodness, all the best ,regards Mike ,UK
Thanks 👍
I've spent 22 years on a 1200 sportster and just got an 05 Road King Police model. After all the time on the sportster it felt like an extension of my body and now I'm having to re-learn all my muscle memory etc on the new bike. I am very surprised how easily the Road King can transition in regards to leaning side to side. I'm working on getting confident enough to keep my speed up with the handlebars turned at low speeds to make the tight turns. The bars have way more travel than the sportster. Thanks for all you do and I hope you made it through the hurricane ok.
Just ordered your ride like a pro video. Going to gift it to my father who is a "new" / returning rider. I think this will help tremendously! Videos are great. Keep them up
idk but even though Victory is no longer in buisness I would put my 2011 cross roads in the mix. I've ridden lots of bikes and it is hands down the best I ever rode. If you get the chance to try one I think you would be impressed and then sad they gave up on these amazing bikes.
Good video Gerry I ride a Golding and a Shadow and I am not a fended at all you are just stating fax's and I appreciate that have been practicing things you have taught me
and I think I am a little better rider because of your advice thanks very much and have a great day
Thanks for the info on these models. Took the class with Eric down in Lynchburg VA just a couple weeks ago. Some of the best training I've had. I'll definitely be taking more of the Ride like a Pro classes on an annual basis.
Hi, just coming across your videos as I’ve just bought an Indian Chieftain. Most expensive bike I’ve ever bought and the thought of dropping it terrifies me. However my previous bike was a Valkyrie and I’m surprised you don’t mention it as it’s probably the easiest bike I’ve ever owned to ride. Love to hear your opinion. Thanks
I didn't mention the Valkyrie because it's been out of production for over 20 years. But here's an old clip of me on the Valk. The rider behind me on the Harley is a 16 year old girl who's 4'10'', that I trained th-cam.com/video/kOWNLL6ePao/w-d-xo.html
Dear friend , i'm from mexico and Lost My left leg 6 year algo on My vulcan 2053 cc
Know been whachin your videos and almost doing the same as You do on the same bike!
Thanks for your videos and god bless You!
My Motorcycle License Riding Test in California in 1969 was.. Where is the horn ? headlight on /off switch? [yes they used to have them]. Go and accelerate in first gear and hit the brakes. Now follow the circle clockwise .then counterclockwise . You just passed the riding test. The bike was a 1969 Yamaha 125 cc Two stroke Enduro. My only concern was gravel that was on the DMV asphalt parking lot which had spilled on to the course from the adjacent dirt/gravel alley. Motor man,I have been riding on the street for 52 yrs. My first heavy weight is my Victory Cross Country . Your videos have helped me a lot, with my 800+ pound bike!
New RK owner here and love it.
Enjoy! I love the Road King!!
I love my RK it's an amazing machine.
Practice will make us better! Thanks ! Never a waste when it comes to riding a motorcycle sooner or later someone will put you to the test! The more you know the better your chances are in that situation! Safe motoring!
Enjoy your handling videos, Jerry. Just watched this one. I rode a borrowed Softail 9,000 miles over a 3 month period last summer. Enjoyed it a lot, but just not a Harley guy. Bought a 2020 FJR1300 in August. Just a couple corrections to your comments about the Yamaha. From the owner's manual - wheelbase is 60.8 inches not 66, wt. 644lbs, not 600 (sorry, minor detail). From web sources, rake is 26 degrees, couldn't find lean angle anywhere. Also from owner's manual - min turning radius 10.5 ft. I'll let you know when I've done a 180 in 10 ft....
I have a 2017 Street Glide and I corner easier on that than I did on my previous bike which was a ZX14R. Not taking anything away from the ZX, it was a great bike, cornered very well with loads of power on tap, but I ride and corner with my current bike with more ease and comfort, feeling more grounded on the road. Turning at low speed is also easier on my current bike than my previous one, but that could also just be me. Sometimes, I think the bike picks you and when you find your bike match, learning and applying great techniques like the ones in this video will come a lot easier.
A few years ago my second bike was (bad choice?) an 83 Yamaha Venture at around 750 lb. Then I took a short ride on my brothers 2002 Road King & immediately fell in love with it! Heavier than my Venture (by 10 lbs!) but SO much easier to ride! Last year he moved and I rode both his Yamaha V Max and then the Road King about 20 miles to his new place. That's when I Knew, "I Must Have' a road King" at some point! Just last month I bought a 1992 Sporty 883 (1st Harley) w/ 14,900+ miles n the clock, runs pretty good & runs down the road just fine, definitely needs some attention but I'm looking forward to that! And looking forward to taking one your classes up here in far frozen north of Metro Detroit Mi! I enjoy all your videos Jerry!
I put thousands of miles on my 86 Venture and loved the way it handled. I enrolled in a low speed class and finished ahead of all the other HD’s on the course. The only bike to finish quicker was a Gold Wing. Not doubting the Harley’s, just saying that experience counts for something, regardless of bike.
Thanks a lot for that comparison boss. Until now I have very limited experience on HD Low Rider only to compare her with my Yamaha xvs1300 and could confirm that combination of shorter wheelbase, rake and huge torque moment at low speed really change a game. But from other hand heavy weight increases fear level especially at low speed maneuvers. So IMHO equation should takes into all those factors : weight, wheelbase, rake, engine torque at low RPM and lean angle.
Just went from a 2010 Fatboy Lo to a 2019 RK standard
OMG it handles sooooo well at low speed.
It dips in so easy it suprised me a few times thst it wants to turn in like that.
I had the Fatboy dragging boards before and I’m yet to take the techniques as far on the RK (tiny bit of apprehension of course bc of all that chrome.. I practiced some basic u turns (under 3 spots) . Those drop guards are on back order. Don’t want to go for deep lean just yet (I have had the bike for all of 4 days now)..
But I did try the cone weave and it does transfer left/right very well. It’s heavier than the Fatboy BUT it’s so much more nimble.
Anyway.. I want to thank you for all you do for us Motorman! Guys like u and Robert Simmons have shared the techniques that the best riders in the world learn .. and all of us appreciate it.. IF we take the time to actually spend some time and drill a few things into our brains (HEAD AND EYES!!! Friction zone .. little bit of rear brake as a helper).
The bike goes where u look…. Such a simple concept BUT it works. And I am willing to be many don’t even know this stuff
Glad to be of hep. I've been teaching these techniques for 23 years and on youtube since youtube began.
@@motorman857
It’s high time I stop riding dirty and go take the test. Shouldn’t be an issue even on a heavyweight. It’s not the iron cross or snowman for the test.
Then I’d love to take an advanced class on low speed operation. I see you’re looking to start a franchise in IL. I’ll be looking out for it !!!
I’m no pro BUT now I see ppl duck walking and stuff and I just shake my head
I liked how easy you made it look when you were turning the bike around the empty parking spaces. That looks like a good exercise that anyone with a bike can do where there are empty parking spaces.
Great video, I'm surprised no other bikes made the list. I ride a 2001 Roadstar Silverado about 765lbs. My first bike with boards. The first time I scraped the boards it freaked me out. Knowing there was plenty of healthy lean past that point, I set out to scrape the bottom of them away until I simply expected it. I measured our street and what do you know, it's 24 ft! I now enjoy figure eights easily within. Boards don't hit at that speed. Thank you for a wealth of info. I tell my kids, A bike will drive fast in a straight line, by itself but it takes skill to ride slow. . Learn first to drive slow. Thanks again.
Another fun and educational video. I am going to get your number 2 easiest to ride motor.
i passed the test in cally on my Valkyrie Interstate but yeah the long wheelbase and especially having floorboards def makes it more difficult than a full dress harley ...
that said , i can turn tighter than most folks i have ridden with who own one (harley) and that thing you call the duck walk , yeah i call that the "harley shuffle"
pick up your damn feet ! ... thanks for all the help
U r spot on jerry! My bmw rt is 200lb lighter but way taller n feels lik she has to fall into a turn then powers out. No other bike seems to hav that totally controlled slow speed tight turn ability lik the electraglides.
Thank you for another excellent comparison video. I fully agree with your conclusions about the easiest and toughest heavyweight motors to handle at low speeds. All I have to do is look in my own garage. I have a '06 RoadKing that I learned your Ride Like a Pro techniques on (from one of your DVDs) and a '18 Goldwing Tour with DCT. You rated these machines, respectively, as the easiest and most difficult heavyweight motorcycles to handle the motor officer course, and they definitely are. With practice I am able to routinely do 18' figure 8's on the Harley. Doing a 24' Uturn on the Wing is very challenging (but possible). It's all about the practice.
Yo Jerry, surprised you didn’t put the Street Glide in the top 5. Having had a 18 Heritage, which I loved for low speed handling and maneuvers, I feel my 21 Street Glide Special handles & maneuvers better at low speeds. Maybe it’s me? Anywho, even at 69, watching your videos and techniques keeps this old man learning. Thank you!
The Street Glide is the same as the Revival except for the handlebars and seat. I include it in the E/Glide family.
@@motorman857 Jerry, the Street Glide Special 19' front wheel is not a problem in low speed maneuvers?
@@rossifatboy No it's not.
@@motorman857 so I don't need to trade it for a Road King to achieve good ranking on a motorcycle skills competition?
@@rossifatboy No you won't.
Went from a 2003 Honda VTX to a 2018 Road King. Can confirm that the Road King is easier to ride slow and tight. The lean angle on the VTX sucked. I was always running my floorboard on asphalt. I’ve yet to touch ground with the floorboards on my Road King even though I’ve pushed it into some of the same corners a lot harder than my old VTX. Love my Road King.
16' Breakout. Love that bike, always remembering me not to be so self confident on corners... LOL
In relation to your request for a video from the UK, you are not allowed to ride the bigger bikes until after you pass the required test. Therefore, there isn't going to be a video, new riders are encouraged to ride smaller bikes when first out on the road, moving up to the larger bikes when they feel more confident. You are also encouraged to ride with a instructor, such as yourself when getting a larger bike to correct any problems before they arise. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding.
I get that. But to get the license that allows you to ride bikes over 650 cc's, you must take a test. Correct? I'd bet people take that test on bikes that are 655 cc's or even 1200 CC's like a Bonneville which weighs around 500 LB's. My point is if anyone is taking that test and passing it on a 8 or 900LB motorcycle, I'd like to see a video of that.
Agree, love my heritage 114, so stable! Next bike will be a Road King for the increased range and hard bags. Still like the windshield vs a fairing.
I have a 2019 heritage 114 in rawhide and vivid black. Just did a stage 2 on it. Amazing bike. I also just bought a barely ridden 04 ultra classic. I tried to do a u-turn in the yard and realized how different it was. But according to the specs the ultra should be more capable at low speeds. I gotta practice though
What do you think about the 2002 honda vtx 1800c. I would consider it to be a heavier cruiser. Every time I go out to ride I pull into a parking lot to do uturns and figure 8s.
When I took my test it was on a 1200 Sportster, I left my Ultra in the Garage for that deal. Although having been watching your Vlogs and picking up on a lot a your handling tips,I am more than able to maneuver my Bagger at slow speeds now. Thanks for the tips.
Your videos are great. This one was a Harley Commercial.
So you must have some evidence that there are easier, better handling heavyweight cruiser/touring type motorcycles that would be easier/more maneuverable than H.D. cruiser/touring type heavyweight motorcycles? This would be the place to present that evidence. The stats to beat are 64'' wheelbase, 26 degree rake and 32 degree lean angle. I'll wait here.
the fork tubes on my bike are forward of the steering stem where some of the bigger harleys have fork tubes behind the neck , i would think that would make some difference in handling, maybe it would only be steering effort but there would be a difference
Every bike is a little different. But the techniques always stay the same and they work on every 2 wheeled vehicle.
What you have to say about triumph america? Cheers iam subscribed 👍
I only last summer got into Harleys. So I bought a road king to get back into it after 20 years not riding. Once confident I traded for a street glide Traded again in 2 months and now I have a road glide 3 bikes in 3 months But that’s what it took
I guess you liked the fairing on the RG enough to trade in the street glide… literally the fixed fairing and the shark nose are only diff between those 2 bikes.
Great video. Just bought a 2021 Street Glide special. I'll use all of your techniques. Hoping to pick it up next week.
Get the rear bag guards. Without them and one drop will cost you, with scratched bags and fairing.
@@motorman857 Thanks to one of your videos I saw last week. I have them ordered. I appreciate the comment!
UK rider here. I think the heavyweight cruisers just aren't as common over here. Think there's just more appeal in getting a sport bike or adv bike for most riders. I certainly couldn't have taken my test on one, but mainly because of my budget! Rented their well-loved CBF 600 to pass the test on, and bought an old ZZR 600 because it was cheap.
Why aren't they so popular? Maybe it's the lack of spaces in garages, the upkeep of chrome if you're riding in the wet more, or just the cost. That being said, Africa Twins aren't cheap and you see plenty of those. I would like a cruiser, but would be happy with something smaller engine-wise, so long as it fits my 6'2" frame.
Anyway, thanks for the videos Jerry, it's been 10 years since I passed my test and this has definitely given me a nudge to get back out to a car park to practice.
Thanks Jerry. Always glad to learn something new
I bought my first motorcyce in 1972. I've owned a variety of them since. Never owned a Harley. But I lived in Daytona Beach for 20 years with a motorcycle as my wife and my second car. Since '72 I've put more miles on two wheels than four. But every year when Harley brought several tractor-trailer fulls of bikes for non-owners to 'test' ride, I've ridden everything Harley makes from Sportster to bagger. I like the brand. I recommend learning to ride on a bagger. The added weight means everything happens more slowly on a big Harley than on a 150 cc Honda. It's not safe to ride two wheels in traffic. Period. But it is SAFER to ride a bagger than a trail bike because it is so much more stable. Basic gyroscopic physics. It's harder to lose control of a big, low center of gravity bike than it is to let a pedal-driven Schwin get out of control! Do your own testing!
I had a 1999 Honda Shadow VT1100T aka ACE Tourer. That was a Honda Road King clone. That was so easy to ride at low speed than I ever rode.
I live in a university town. The entire campus and it's surroundings are very pedestrian friendly. The whole thing is connected by a maze of sidewalks, alleyways and such. What I've found is that if a pedestrian will fit then a 900 pound Harley will fit too. My only piece of advice is to do this late at night when nobody is about.
You are to motorcycles as Hickok45 is to firearms. Love your videos.
My father gave me his '08 Suzuki C50t. I'm a new rider. I have only operated a motorcycle a couple of times 20yrs ago. And it was only a 250. I passed my MSF on the new Harley X350. The Suzuki is a 550lb bike. I have taken it out in the neighborhood with no drops. But I still have such a fear of dropping it. And clutch use is taking time. Any tips? Love your channel. Thanks.
Tips? Of course. Head and eyes, friction zone, and light steady pressure on the rear brake when making low speed turns. For the exact order to practice proper technique and exercises, go to ridelikeapro.com and get a copy of ''The Ride Like a Pro Experience'' video. The best 20 bucks you'll ever spend on that bike.
@motorman857 I appreciate the feedback. Thank you.
Awesome brother thank you very much for your episode on explaining these crucial safety tips testing your abilities at slow speed.
Helo from México! I love your vídeo I am your fan! Thanks for Sher this técnics. Sorry for my englis? I want to buy your vídeo can You send it to México? I am José Luis Vargas glad to meet You I like your helmet
We can't mail to Mexico but you can download my video from ridelikeapro.com
Just the video I was waiting for!👍
I saw that video and I agree with your picks for hard to handle bikes at low speed.. I had a 01 road King FLHRCI and it handled very well. My 72 FLH handles better for me than my 02 FLSTC but I been riding it since 1989. . I really like my 98 Fatboy it handles easy. it is my lightest bike.
HI Jerry,
Thanks so much for this video and all your videos and advice etc. I am wanting to move up from a Kawasaki W800 into a Harley Softail and so appreciated those bikes being mentioned here.
The W800 is really fun and easy to ride for me - i love riding it, but also of course want the experience of a larger, more robust machine. I have my heart set on owning a Harley and from this video/lesson/advice i'm feeling very confident going the Softail route - currently Softail Standard is my first choice, but i also like the low rider S that your wife was riding..
thanks for all the great videos and help!! Best!
lol - this was 2 weeks ago - ended up going with the Indian Scout instead -
Morning Mr. Jerry howdy from Texas!
I own a 2004 Honda VTX 1300, I have been riding sense age of 13 and now I am 56, I have been watching your excellent videos and I have become much better with my low speed handling, so thank You very much for sharing.
The question is my bike does not perform near as well as say a road king is that mostly because of the rake or do you think that the old tech is just not a good as the modern bikes?
Thank You for sharing your knowledge.
The VTX has a longer wheelbase and a 32 degree rake and about a 26 degree lean angle so no, it's not as nimble as the RK.
Hi Jerry, whoever in the UK said you need to drive with your skill just to pass the UK bike test is quite frankly talking out of their backside. Over here they frown on the rear brake technique and say it will wear out your brakes and clutch so they don’t teach it.
I wish we had someone over here with your quality of riding skill teaching and transferring skills as you do 👍😎. Keep doin what you do, it’s much appreciated.
Great video. I would love to see a video on the top 5 easiest non Harley Davidsons heavy weight bikes.
Hi and thanks for the vid!
The reason why anybody has sent you a vid of the drivers license test on a bagger or at least a cruiser is, that there exist none 😂. In Europe you do your license test and training on bikes from the driving school. And they usually don't have anything bigger than a BMW R800. So yes, to get a license is much more difficult (and expensive 😉) than in the US but to handle big bikes, you also do trainings like yours to get the skill.
I got my license in September 2020 on the biggest BMW they had, than jumped on my Dyna Fat Bob and I was like "holy shit" and nearly dropped it at the first ride out of my yard 🙈. And that was a decent handling cruiser! I practiced on ny own and took a special training early 2021 to master my bike. With a bagger, clearly it is another level.
Jerry is the very best-great video!!!!
Excellent video, Motorman!
Very nice personality,positive spirit 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I have a 2021 Honda Goldwing tour. No problems with low speed maneuvering. If you practice and have the confidence, you can use any bike.
Exactly my point. But a Goldwing will take more practice than a H.D. due to it's mass, and sensitive throttle.
@@motorman857 I disagree. It takes no more effort on a Goldwing than it does on a hd. The weight is down low., I’ve been in bumper to bumper traffic at 1-2 mph and never felt unstable on the bike, unlike the Indian Roadmaster I previously had. I’m not knocking the Roadmaster, part of the issue was the forward controls, I’m a short rider at 5’3” so mid controls makes it easier to handle.
@@Ndiver81 You can disagree if you want to. But I've put 100's of Wing riders thru my course and my experience is it takes at least twice as long for a Wing rider to get a handle on the techniques as the average H.D. riders. Granted, your students thru the years may be different than mine.
@@motorman857 I’ve spoken with motor officers from several departments from the local town, county and state. They all agree, if you practice enough then you won’t have issues. Using the weight of the bike or control location is a cop out. If you go in with preconceived ideas and already have it made up in your mind that you will have problems then that’s what will happen. It’s just like if you look down into a turn instead of looking where you want to go you will drop the bike, weight not withstanding. It takes practice to get it right. The skill is perishable so you need to practice practice practice focusing on what you want to accomplish not what you think you can’t do. I’ve been fortunate enough to be out in the bike and meet several motor officers and gain valuable information from them.
@@Ndiver81 ''If you practice enough you won't have issues'' That's true with all motorcycles. My point is, as far as heavy weight motorcyces, some are easier than others. And the listed heavy weight motorcycles are the easiest to handle due to the rake, wheelbase, and easy to master throttle control.
I ride a 2017 Ultra Limited. Bought my wife a Vstar 650 to learn on and after being use to the big heavy bike, it took more space for me to turn the Vstar than the Ultra. Long story short the little bike was harder for me to control.
Super as always Jerry. Guess the reason you've never received that video cos here in the UK the bike has to be restricted down so most "big bikes" when restricted would still be too powerful. Stay safe and ride well. 🤓 🏍️ 💙
Thanks Motorman. The things you can do with practice.
Excellent demo.
Thanks.
The post 2018 softail harley-davidsons are fantastic motorcycles. I have mine striped with the bags sissy bar and bitch pad off for a daily driver. If I go on a trip I put the bags on and a sissy bar with a rack on. The most versatile easy to ride bike Harley Davison have made to date.
Hi Jerry, hey I ride the new GoldWing in the manual version and take no offense to what you say about it because it is true, it's been a challenge at low speeds but I have your video's and practice regularly, workin hard on getting my u-turns tighter. I know it won't be easy to master but you have to have low speed skills to be a complete rider, keep up the great work and ride safe out there.
I have a 96 Goldwing that handles far better than the new ones. Dct or standard. I don't know what Honda was thinking, honestly. Problems with proximity keys, the tie rods on the front suspension wearing out in 8K miles and foot peg covers wear out in as little as 3K miles! I hope you have better luck than others who put up videos about the new Wings!
@@jasoncheshire6153 there are many videos about the complaints with the GW. I only listed a few of them .
@@jasoncheshire6153 Harley probably makes the best bike that they ever have and sales are down, most likely due to the economy. I have wanted one for years but, at my age, I am just not trading anymore.
I own a 2019 Hertage Classic and 2021 Electra Glide Standard. The 2019 is a hydraulic clutch. The 2021 is a cable clutch. I find the hydraulic clutch more forgiving on the friction zone, but I am learning the zone on the cable as well.
The 2019 Heritage has a cable clutch just like the 2021 E/Glide standard.
@@motorman857 I am still new to motorcycles and their inner workings. When I bought the motorcycle, I had never ridden one, let alone owned one. I was told by the sales person the 2019 Heritage had a hydraulic clutch. Who am I to question that? So, when I bought my 2021 Electra Glide, I knew that it had the cable clutch. I was learning a bit about the mechanics of things....but still never questioned the clutch on my Heritage....until now. I called our Harley shop and spoke to a reputable person that I trust. He did in fact say that my Heritage is a cable clutch which took me back for a second. Hmmmm....so, I had to look at what my issue was with the friction zone on my 2021 Electra Glide. I have it down pat on my Heritage. The difference is, I can hear my Heritage with the exhaust I had done on it. (V&H Straight shots; , headers,, fuel pack and tuner). I can't hear my Electra Glide as well, even with the exhaust I had done on it. (V&H Torquer 450s, Pro Street tuner, no header redone). I need to unwrap the baffles. Until then, I just need to go out and practice more and get that slow speed down pat.
Great video Jerry!
Jerry, yet ANOTHER fabulous video!
Check out the C-90 Boulevard. Just had to set the bars a bit higher to clear my knees since I'm a big guy...great bike...low center of gravity...very forgiving.
As always...thanks for making such great and informative videos
I've ridden a bunch of C-90's. They are not near as nimble as the H.D.'s mentioned in this video. In addition, the clutch heats up quickly and stops working in just a few minutes of low speed maneuvers. Sometimes they come back after a half hour of cool down and sometimes they need to be replaced.
i have 1988 1500 gold wing and slow speed maneuvering is very hard u are right im trading gw in on road king this week
You are so right. I own a 1500 Gold Wing that I feel handles better than my Yamaha Road Star, or my Kawasaki Nomad
I have a Triumph Thunderbird 1700cc and the turning circle lock to lock is terrible. Very glad i don't have to do the license test on that bike.
I've was riding an Electra Glide for 12 years, before switching to an HD Tri-Glide Ultra - Custom...can't get any easier then the Tri-Glide for slow speed handling..haha 👊respect👊
Love the video's hopping to make it from New Hampshire to take a course with you. Yo should do it on a road glide
I have a New England location www.ridelikeapro.com/pages/training-location-new-england/
Do you believe that the Ultra is a better handling bike than the Cross Country by Victory? I know you're one of the few people out there that have had the experience of riding both and have the skill to know the difference in handling between the two.
It was about 12 years since I've ridden the victory. At that time I would have rated the victory better at high speeds than the Harley but not as nimble at low speeds. HD has come a long way since then and of course, victory is out of business.
@@motorman857 Thank you very much for the response Jerry. I do appreciate it.