Don't Drop your Motorcycle: 5 Tips + 3 Riding Exercises

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@itsnotachip1209]

Hi MCrider. My first time here I think. Do you apply any throttle, and if so, any tips for keeping it at a constant rate? So, is the technique: "constant throttle and use the clutch in and out of the friction zone", or is the clutch always in the same place with these exercises? Thanks.

[@leroyjarvis5617]

Dropped mine at maybe 2 mph changing from pavement to gravel, to much front brake in 3in of gravel. Being a veteran rider of over 50 years it's good to know I can still learn better riding skills. Thank you for your great videos and gentle teaching method.

[@dangreg3683]

I did the same thing last year,Broke my thumb! Too much front front brake! Also been ring 50 years. Still learning!

[@Wildturkey10121]

Never use the front brake below 5-10mph, always use the rear brake, the clutch and throttle to control. It is easy once you practice it.

[@Wildturkey10121]

During my MSF class I dropped my Road King 6 or 7 times, it was a calamity of errors. By the end of the class I took my riding test and somehow passed. I learned a lot that weekend, like I needed some repairs on my bike and new bars that suited me better. I'm still not great at slow speeds but I am a lot better. I have been riding bikes on and off since I was 12 and am now 55. I was embarrassed at all the mistakes I made which made things worse than they should have been. I got into my own head a lot, and that was a mistake. Just remember that every ride is practice, use the parking lot as your practice field, when you can u turn a 800 pound bike in 2 parking spaces, you are well on your way. Always use speed and power to the rear wheel to make you comfortable. It is amazing when you pull up to a stop light and try to keep your feet up, the handle bars go all wabbly, add a little power, a little less clutch and a little rear brake and she stands right up. That works through all the slow speed maneuvers, and remember to lean and about 12-15mph, just do what feels right.

[@halnwheels]

This is a really good video. I like that it has a lot of well written dialogue. Friction zone: you just can't say enough about friction zone, especially in slow speed turns. I used to pickup my GF at the top of her driveway and we'd ride down to the bottom. When we got into the street, I'd stop with the clutch pulled in and stayed mounted on the bike (feet on the floorboards) and cause it to start to tip in the direction I was going to turn into the street. As the bike started to lean, I would control my lean angle with the clutch and throttle as I began to enter the street. She told me that my ability to do this with the her on the bike gave her a lot of confidence. She was also a great passenger.

[@marywilliams1229]

Thanks for the training refreshers! Priceless! Have ridden MCs for many years. Every new ridding season I take the time to reacquaint myself with my motorcycle. It is well worth the time.

[@theasteryx]

Amazing advices about how not to drop the bike! I learn a few in the hard way! Now I have a new bike and almost drop it because the side stand wasn't properly in the stand position. A miracle save the bike of an unsolicited baptism! Men! What a scary moment! Great tip about the friction zone and the exercises! Thanks friend! Have a safe ride. I have a lot of work to do watching all your videos!

[@josephmitchell6340]

Love that bike over the big cruiser I usually see you with. Nice Yamaha!

[@michaellomazzo7776]

You always give me the right technique especially for my stopping the large bike and your practice videos are very informative

[@Karis_Njeru]

Very helpful.

[@JBMotorrad]

First mistake was probably stopping at the first of 2-3 "Biker Bars" that led to the dropping of the bike. I mean, look at the way he just causally lets it fall down. He's clearly inebriated. What sober person grins as they drop a many $1,000s bike??? Have another bourbon, hop on two wheels...Harley Davidson will get you home safe, right?

[@Jimbo4575]

A few other tips. Watch oil at gas stations. Nothing like filling up your bike only to realize you have oil on the bottom of your boots. Watch for off camber roads. Nothing like not being able to touch the ground when you come to a stop. Especially with tall adventure motorcycles.

[@marthabell5856]

Thanks for your great work helping to keep riders safe! Thanks, especially today, for including the comparable technique for "slipping the clutch" for all us out there with our CVT scooters!

[@Gixxer_fan_boy]

i actually done this today LOL

[@lynnhoskins5286]

a lot of black marks in the parking lot ok tell us the truth you were doing burn outs off camera right lol informative videos thanks

[@christopherleecowan]

Even experienced riders need to take the time to brush up on their skills.

[@lynncarangelo968]

100% we get comfortable in our bad habits!

[@NoName-it4uu]

True, there is nothing embarassing in learning even if you are already a pro.

[@jefferythomas4414]

Yup, hard to look like the Badass biker picking your scooter up at a traffic light. Or the gas station,,,,don’t ask how I know...

[@ENJ4321]

@@jefferythomas4414 hahahaha

[@340rps]

@@jefferythomas4414 Yep, I fell prey to failing to look properly making a simple turn. Right to the other side of the road where I had become transfixed and clipped a guard rail. Never ever thought that would happen.

[@matthiasweiss1144]

Tight parking spot? I unless I'd end up pointing downhill, I always push my bike in backwards. Makes getting out much easier, too.

[@homefront3162]

I back in as much as possible

[@ukbusman]

That's okay till a heavy bike falls away from you. I never get off until my side stand is down, as for parking down hill, I try to avoid that as worried about the bike moving forward and flicking the stand up as you walk away from it, seen it happen many times.

[@johnshields9110]

@@ukbusman I bought the Dyna Glide of my dreams; went to back into a parking space angle down hill; done that a 1000 times; this time, I must have laid a heavier hand on the left side handle bar, and my left toe was about to touch the ground while rolling backward; fell over like like a tipping barn; never been so embarrassed; thought about what I did a lot.

[@northeastadventuremotorcycleri]

@@johnshields9110 I agree with backing into a parking space, but when I'm on a downhill I'll go ahead and leave the bike in gear when I shut it off, this way it's not rolling away from you

[@iantahmasbi]

Yup I learned the hard to always think about how I'm gonna leave when I park my bike lol. Never looks cool to have to get off your bike and pull it backwards because you can't go in reverse lol

[@terrencegray3256]

In my advanced trainning I learned how to turn my bike in a full 360 turn in the space of two parking stalls. My bike is a Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Very important info here. I have gotten pretty good at lowspeed handling. Riding for 50 years. My friend and I have a game we like to play. Who can go the slowest without putting your feet down. One more thing. Please invest in good riding boots. Sneakers arent really a good choice. Boots can save your feet plus you have better traction when moving around on your bike with your feet. Beware of fixation crashes. When going through turns, look where to where you want to be and thats where your bike will go. Keep your head up. Know your friction zone. Thanks for the great videos. I subscribed. You can teach an old dog new tricks!

[@frankemcgillivray6695]

Been riding since '63 and have taken advanced training courses. Rarely do I watch a MCrider post without learning something new.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

Me too, I have been riding 52 years with over 200,000 miles under my belt.

[@byrek8975]

What’s your guys trick to avoid dying while riding a motorcycle?

[@frankemcgillivray6695]

@@byrek8975 I stay in my lane, figuratively and literally.

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

@@byrek8975 stay home...no,,actually making believe you are invisible to everyone else on the road, you avoid them!! they wont see you, you can see them! Dont ride too close or in blind spots and tight city streets watch out for opening car doors and sewer grates

[@KingD-kh1qj]

​@@Hoggdoc1946 Any accidents? I have diabetes and fear getting hurt. We dont heal as quickly or worse, dont heal at all.

[@tobyh3681]

I also find that squeezing the bike with ur knees/legs while keeping my arms fairly relaxed helps a lot at those slower walking pace speeds as well.

[@tobyh3681]

@Jon Williams Almost. I happen to have one of those too. 😉

[@MrBurtonious]

Makes high speed banks more comfortable too... And 'posting' on longer bridges was another horse riding skill i brought to riding.

[@carlhorn9494]

Excellent advice. I feel more comfortable and confident doing that.

[@davepotter9532]

Staying connected with the bike.

[@daybeau7819]

You never really appreciate the placement of a motorcycle's gas tank until you find yourself cornering on a scooter.

[@RollModel724]

Not really about the video.. but all of them. Took my MSF today and got 0 points (a perfect score). My instructors were amazing, but your videos and a few others were really helpful. Thank you

[@als5864]

Congratulations

[@cedricksamaniego9146]

I almost failed the class because I did an accidental rear wheelie.

[@AaronBlackmor]

@@cedricksamaniego9146 with one of their 250cc bikes? Wow, I'm impressed. I just took it myself and it rained half the day and was dry the other half. I actually appreciated having half of our practice on wet asphalt.

[@cedricksamaniego9146]

@@AaronBlackmor yes and I don't remember the combination I used accidentally. It was sheer dumb luck. It also took me a year to buy first bike. The weird thing is, I use everything that I was taught but I should of asked where I needed work on.

[@carlhorn9494]

Well done!

[@billaustin650]

Hey Kevin, good morning! Want you to know your doing an excellent job. I'm a returning rider, 50 years since I rode in my early twenties, so I bought a HD electra glide ultra classic before I started watching KZbin videos. Mistake. I dropped it 9 times trying to get it out of my 400 foot gravel driveway before I realized that I didn't want it out of my driveway until I learned what I thought I still knew. So I've signed up for a MSF course and I joined MCrider as a patreon. Watched a lot of KZbin videos and your the best, God be with you and your family and we'll see you on the road.

[@FLATearthGARY]

I’ve always been taught to look 12-15 seconds ahead in my large truck training. I’ve found this to be useful in every vehicle I drive, including my motorcycle. However, I look even more intense because I’m also looking for road hazards(potholes, gravel, objects, etc). Thank you for all of your tips. I use them everyday. I suggest if you’re getting a motorcycle to be cool, to keep up with the Jones’s or to be a show off and aren’t mature or disciplined enough to triple or quadruple your attention span at all times, just don’t buy one! You’re already a danger to everyone else on the road in your car!

[@281sTravel]

They let FlatEarthers drive big rigs?

[@joetroutt7425]

I thought you were an intelligent guy until I saw your username.

[@FLATearthGARY]

Joe Troutt - Perhaps you should research it before you put your foot in your mouth again?

[@281sTravel]

@@FLATearthGARY ....You must be a Swift Truck Driver. Lmao. Let me guess you also believe we've never been to the moon and 9/11 was an inside job?

[@Nifilheimur]

@@281sTravel Flathead is a type of motor you muppet

[@loueback4556]

I make a point of always shutting off engine by putting the kickstand down. Prevents me from forgetting to lower kickstand.

[@codacreator6162]

I told my teenaged son that he needs some years in a cage, especially with a manual transmission, before he gets a street ride. If you've ever driven a stick on hilly streets (especially with traffic lights like the Seattle/Tacoma area where I learned), you understand friction zones or you've dented the front end of more than a few trailing cars. My step-dad called it 'freezing the clutch.'

[@craigbrown7707]

I almost always use my hand break on hills when in a car or truck with manual transmissions.

[@charleschidester6767]

I used to worry about clutch life by using the zone method. I just turned 60k on my vstar without ever cracking the motor open for any repairs. Guys worry more about repair costs than their own safety. Learning how to use the friction zone several years ago has increased my fun and confidence. Great tips as always. Thanks mcRider.

[@sirtnfol8476]

I ride everyday. Last week on way home from work like everyday I stop at gas station. I Stand up, and dismount. Forgot the kickstand. Real 😎

[@ianosborne188]

Me Too. #😉

[@jarretthinds5621]

When did the rider in the video make his mistake? Signing the papers at the Harley dealership. I kid, I kid :)

[@MCrider]

But he got it at only 26.5% interest rate. ;)

[@FLATearthGARY]

Jarrett Hinds - nope, you’re actually correct!

[@dwindew]

Riders safety courses are NOT mandatory but ARE highly recommended 😉

[@two_wheeled_guide]

Jarrett Hinds 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lazaruslong1971]

Whats the difference between a Harley Davidson and a vacuum cleaner?....................................................................The position of the dirtbag! on a serious note.. you are going to drop your bike at least once or twice..its just part of riding so have some touch up paint handy. Cheers.

[@Kendkend]

Great tips. I actually dropped it a very months ago because handlebar was turned and used front brake

[@gcdiver]

Thanks for the continued great instruction, Kevin. Been watching your channel for a while and have picked up some key strategies. 😎

[@jonrow1362]

I attended a MSC 30 year ago and they pounded that friction zone into us.I attended another 3 years ago when I got back into riding and the instructors didn’t mention the friction zone at all. I brought it up to one and he acted like he never heard of it. Made me question the entire course.

[@FLATearthGARY]

Just a reminder , everyone, please put your cell phone away when driving! I am talking about automobiles but I’ve seen people pulling phones out on their bikes. My wife and I were stunned when we watched a guy texting on his motorcycle as we were in motion at 40+ mph! He never put the phone away the whole time we witnessed this ridiculous behavior. He is a danger, not only to himself but, to everyone around him!

[@DFWKen]

First thing I saw was both feet on the ground while the motor was still rolling. Right hand presumably on the brake lever. Turn the bars a little in that situation and it's going to fall over. We coach, "both feet on the boards if rolling, left foot on the ground when stopped." Simple practice of this during sessions and daily riding will reduce drops tremendously. Also, how does the rider ensure that the motor leans to the left for the left foot on the ground stopping procedure? Easy! just before stopping, countersteer! Yes, countersteer. Push on the left handlebar to push the motor to the left. The front wheel will be forced to the right, causing the motorcycle's weight to be more to the left side. The motor will lean to the left where your 'one foot on the ground' can stabilize the balance.

[@14Marathons]

Excellent video and tips...and probably a lot of bikers have learned these tips the hard way. Thanks for your channel and videos.

[@DFWKen]

Most never learn. They just keep making the same mistakes over and over again.

[@williammorris818]

Two things that amaze me: 1/ that you can find a large empty car parking lot to practice in... 2/ that I see you left only two burnout skids in that lot....😊

[@2Timone7]

#1 is a lot easier now, bro. LOL

[@joshuaneal4125]

Step #1 kickstand down before you dismount

[@MCrider]

True

[@hmontoya41277]

🥺 guilty ✋

[@DFWKen]

It happens! I've had students forget, even though I called out, "Sidestands down!" in MSF beginner and advanced classes. It's easy to forget when one's mind is consumed with other stuff. This is one of the reasons motorcops dismount on the right side. If the sidestand isn't down or isn't completely in place, the motor falls away from the rider . . . avoiding injury and time off work.

[@jackandblaze5956]

Step #2 don't ride while asleep (like some cage drivers)

[@rogerpinnock6847]

Thanks Kevin. When I did my Advanced training I was told not to wiggle my hips when turning at higher speeds. This led me never to wiggle - and consequently no counterweighting at lower speeds. Boy did I struggle with the low speed test! What was missing was “lean the bike into the turn, but at low speeds lean your body in the opposite direction to keep balance”. Now I have grasped countersteering vs counterweighting - it’s made a big difference.

[@synopticdesigns7868]

Tips are right on. I learned most of them the hard way. I've been riding on and off (mostly on) for fifty years. For the last eight years I've had a Kawasaki Versys 650 that now has 20K miles. I dropped it numerous times at zero to very low speed before I dropped the suspension front and rear by two inches (and a custom lower seat) so I could put both feet flat on the ground when stopped. I've just purchased a 2019 Kawasaki Concours 14, which is much heavier. I'm not even going to try to ride it until it is lowered, both the suspension and seat and replaced the handlebar to bring the grips up and much closer. I'm sure the Concours will be my last bike (I'm 74) so I wanted a bike that has all the features I've always wanted, e.g., ABS, ESC, shaft drive and heated grips. The only feature it didn't have, which is a must, is electronic cruise control. I've ordered a McCruise Electronic Cruise Control aftermarket accessory to have installed.

[@tobyh3681]

Embarrassing? Nah...I meant to do that. 😏

[@MCrider]

Sometimes motorcycles just need to lay down for a rest. :)

[@wobblysauce]

Easy way to change a tyre... just not in the middle of the road.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

@@MCrider LOL!

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Thanks for your useful tips.

[@wildberj]

Always leave it in first gear when you park the motorcycle that acts like a parking brake. People taking selfies with your motorcycle are liable to make it roll. Also had the wind blow mine forward and down it went. I tuck in my bootlace like the drill instructor taught me. Thank you Kevin

[@TurgutKalfaoglu]

Tip #6: TELL new riders to ALWAYS stop with the breaks applied.. I have seen many new riders solely closing the throttle to stop.. That leads to last second instability when the bike is still rolling but very unbalanced. They cannot put their feet down because the bike is still going, so they crash.

[@nickmiracle2317]

It’s embarrassing for sure but most if not all riders have been there done that. Learn from it and try not to repeat it is all you can do.

[@timschjei3917]

Doing things the wrong way, is what we call, experience. lol

[@carlasharkey7416]

This was really helpful. I've dropped a heavier bike 4 times now and I think front break and clutch being fully engaged has always been an issue.

[@shaneelson]

I reckon the right foot is the most underutilized control for most motorcyclists. Mastering it ... as best you can ... makes 1000% difference in 99% of slow and emergency riding scenarios.

[@reachadi1029]

This man is the real deal! Thank you for your videos, I've learned a lot!

[@Swoop180]

I've been watching some motorcycle officer training videos and rodeos quiet a bit lately, and it too has been an eye opener. One thing I noticed they will do is make a slight dip in the opposite direction of a u-turn they're about to make so I decided to go give it a try, turns out to be a very helpful technique. I also noticed in slow speed maneuvers they will very noticeably pump the rear brake while working the friction zone, and I mean extremely slow speed, maybe a foot or two per minute, very impressive! I really appreciate the work you do with your channel, and what a true service you provide to the motorcycle community, thank you and stay safe!

[@rdw3171]

Do you have a link for those training videos? Thanks

[@Swoop180]

@@rdw3171I'm not very "Computer literate when It comes to posting links but they showed up in my "Recommended for you" after watching some of Jerry Palladino's videos.

[@frankbrown4300]

Between You and Motorman Jerry, Everybody should become 100% in Every Maneuver. Thanks to Both of You, and Don't Stop.🥇😎

[@joshmatthew4125]

I've got 20+ years of riding experience and never dropped a bike. I've always had smaller bikes. Three weeks ago I got a eletra glide. I've dropped it twice now. Lol! It feels like I'm starting over when it comes to stopping. Thanks for the tips!

[@michaele1201]

2 MORE TIPS: 1. Turn off the TV 2: Get off the couch. Ya think? lol

[@lisar3006]

From 1969 to 1989 all the bikes I had had drum brakes and the front drum was only good to hold at light so I am not in the habit of using the front brake at all. My 72 FLH still has the same front brake pads i put in it in 89. I got a 2002 FLSTC with front and rear disc brakes and almost dumped it the first time I grabbed that front brake. I was waiting for the slow drag on the front brake but that disc garbed so hard I very nearly went down.

[@walterjohnson2031]

What is so funny about everything you said here is old hands at riding know all these things. However every now and then you will see an old hand have a brain fart and plop goes the motorcycle. This tells us that anytime your are on a motorcycle don’t let the good times distract you from job one. Everything takes back seat to keeping the shiny side up.

[@dominictwist657]

Finding a nice big empty parking lot like that here in the UK is almost impossible. If you do, you’ll get some jerk in a yellow jacket chase you off.

[@RTD553]

Dropping your bike isn't just embarrassing - I broke my bloody shoulder!

[@animatem]

I think you may have missed what I witness most in dropping motorcycles. I witness that the hand-brake is squeezed extra tightly at the *end of the stop*. This "extra squeeze force" compresses the front shocks, and snowballs if the bars are not straight... Indirectly, you address this problem with the back brake, but I think beginners need to understand the danger of that "extra squeeze force" at the end of any stop. Just my 2 cents and really just my opinion.

[@seesaw7289]

Exactly! Squeezing that front wheel brake at low speed can lock the bike to a full dead, stop_in_ its_ tracks, and pitch the whole bike over so it falls to where the front wheel has turned.

[@animatem]

@@seesaw7289 Agree. Actually, came to my mind, because I remember doing this in my youth.

[@kingfisherphil]

Super video and wisdom Kevin, thank you. Developing the skills and making them habitual is vital.

[@charlesvlcek2550]

Great video I've been riding for 40yrs have seen riders out of school crash a big bike in corners due to inexperience on a big bike also loved your slow speed riding techniques I still to this day never dropped a bike

[@charleswtuggle]

The only time I ever drop my motorcycle is while backing up and turning at the same time.

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

I took MSF course while in the military, which was mandatory to ride on base. That was back in 1982, when I bought my brand new Honda CB750 Nighthawk, straight out of the crate. It was also mandatory to bring the bike YOU were going to be riding. I went through the required class room course, passed the written test and proceeded to course work. All in all, a week of skill development. Fast forward to 2011, bought a brand new 2010 Honda VTX1300R in Phoenix, Arizona. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement on my license, I had to pass a written and riding test, using that bike. VTX1300R is a cruiser, longer than average street bike. Although the slow speed figure 8 turns were difficult, I did slightly cross the lines, the test instructor rated the turn as "acceptable" and passed me. After 19 years, I STILL remembered the skills that was thought through MSF course and I passed with very little issue, other than being very nervous. My wife's 25 Y/O son, he decided to get a bike, after visiting us in Arizona and saw my "new" Goldwing and we had a talk on the importance of the MSF course, which had kept me safe all those years and continue to keep me safer. I think I'm over due for refresher to recertify my skills as educated and responsive rider. Subscribed and looking for all the information that may have changed since my course back in 1982. BTW folks, my insurance STILL recognized the MSF course and got me a discount, even after all these years...it pays in more ways than one.

[@joemgarcia3095]

Thank you Sir....your videos are not only saving US trips to claims dept....but more importantly, saving the lives of us riders and others on the road.....after viewing many other rider educational videos and persons....you are my go to on a daily basis....your theory/practicum format are second to none....thank you once again....you are a blessing Sir....FREE INDEED....JOE

[@stephensmith1034]

The first guy turned his head right to look at his buddy; therefore his handlebar went right. Down he went!

[@alanball2807]

Good video. A retired NYPD officer Robert Simmons has a sight called Paying It Forward. Goes in depth on slow speed operation helped me alot. I've been riding 52 years

[@Rob-py8pl]

I agree that loose boot laces can cause trouble. My boot laces kept coming undone on my bike and off of my bike. It gets annoying after putting so much effort to tie them tightly and it still happens. Yesterday I went to Walmart to get some replacement laces and discovered waxed boot laces. They hold very tight and they haven't loosened up yet. I would recommend some on a motorcycle. Or get some zip up boots. I might try that too.

[@Rob-py8pl]

@gemini232003 hahaha

[@oklahomahank2378]

gemini232003 As long as they have a no skid sole.

[@jackmcdaniel1548]

"make sure the kickstand is down before you get off" ☠️😂🤣🤣

[@KhaledKKleib]

I have seen it happen to experienced riders. Must agree, it is funny though when it happens to someone else ;)

[@gaknskk]

It happened to me the first week of having my brand new 2016 HD SGS ... not my first bike either...never again... lesson learned

[@johns3716]

I caught myself before leaning my Vaquero over last week... I got back from a ride and was parking it before putting it back in my trailer. I looked down and realized I didn't have the side stand down :D Point is, it happens.

[@JanTchi]

Happens to me yesterday, after setting up my clutch :( luckily no damage.

[@CP-sh5bv]

I put the kickstand down with too much force not realizing it came back up and down went my bike. Engine guards saved it from getting damaged. Now I always look down at the kickstand before leaning the bike.

[@Guanacos4ever]

Thank You MCrider for the tips ! Much Appreciated ! Greetings from Down Under - Sydney Australia

[@ken613834]

As always incredible tips Kevin. Thank you for your committment to assist all riders become more proficient at what we love to do.

[@akquicksilver]

Pulled my FJR into a freshly topped parking lot, put my feet down to balance so I could put the kickstand down and I didn't notice someone had dumped a latte on the pavement and I had put my right foot down on the plastic cup lid which was in a pool of latte. On the slick new pavement lubed with a latte, I went down. The only up side, besides reminding my self to always be aware of my ground game, I got so mad I had enough adrenaline pump to pop the heavy FJR right back up straight without getting a hernia. Another great video!

[@luzonmoto]

Thank you for this. I've just realized that I've got to practice more and apply the proper technique in slow driving. Good job Sir!

[@als5864]

Great topic, Kevin. I recently bought a second heavier bike (780 lb) with a seat height about one inch taller than my inseam length and had to re-learn some balance lessons. Especially the one about keeping my head straight and looking ahead, most importantly when I am 2-up. This can be deceiving as I normally start looking into an upcoming turn and then if the light changes - I had to learn (and almost did the hard way) to shift my eyes to look straight ahead. Something I've been getting away with on a lighter bike without any issues as you mentioned. One comment on something you did not mention. Since the bike is a tad tall for me and I only can flat foot on one side, when I stop I tend to slow it straight ahead, but then I slightly turn the front wheel to the right (light push on left bar) just a half-second before the complete stop so the bike falls slowly to the left (where my foot it ready). I do not do the opposite. This find this makes it drop real slow to my left foot and makes a seamless stop that lets me keep my right foot on the brake. Many folks put two feet down and may never notice this.

[@bobbycole3968]

it don,t hurt to brush up...I'm 76 and ride a pretty heavy motorcycle and I still ride a bicycle to hone my balance, seems to help me...good video thanks.

[@CxldStxr]

I damaged my bike like this smh shifters broken now

[@khatdubell]

The u-turn on the training course was a PITA for me, but i've gotten much better at it since. had to do a rather tight one to get away from a gas pump just today.

[@robsadler5605]

Hey Kevin, another outstanding video! Quick recommendation.. when doing friction zone videos, please allow a pass during the exercises without the commentary so we can hear the throttle. When I was a new(er) rider, I found it helpful to see the slow speed and hear the rpm's raise all while seeing your rear break is applied. Thanks as always for the great content! -Rob

[@patermitsioss3462]

What bike is that at the end of the video?

[@adrianhubbard1526]

Thank you for sharing the information

[@dudleydogbrown1]

EXCELLENT VIDEO-----THANK YOU

[@alkoenig85]

Every rider should support Kevin in his work. He is the best. Love your videos and always learn from them.

[@MCrider]

Thank you Al. 👍🏼👍🏼🏍

[@neptune3doz]

Thank you Kevin for all the helpful knowledge you impart on this channel! I’ve been watching you since before I ever rode a bike. My friends from our riding club also watch your videos! I always use what I learnt from you as I’m riding on the highways and country roads! Using your road strategies are paramount to stay safe and avoid dangerous situations! Thank you again and keep up the good work!

[@MCrider]

Thanks for the kind words! I am happy MCrider has been beneficial to you.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Buy a set of engine guards.

[@davehysom2636]

Tip number 42: put the kickstand down. 2nd day I backed my new Zero out of the garage I was apparently overly excited. I dismounted the bike to close the garage door and ... well, oops.

[@john3532947]

Allow me to also add...if I may... Recently I made the mistake of being in a hurry and thinking I could just get off a 460 lb motorcycle without lowering the kickstand. You know, kinda like you would a bicycle! As soon as I swung my right leg over the tail of the bike, it leaned over to far to the left and down we went. Scratched engine cover and severely pulled hamstring that took two weeks to completely recover from. Lesson of the day: never make any attempt to get off the motorcycle without lowering the kickstand. This happened in the driveway about 3 feet from the garage door. Luckily my knee wasn't injured.

[@krzysztofzacharski5314]

I found this video one day too late, yesterday I dropped the moto twice exactly as given in the example !

[@G0DofRock]

My first bike is gonna be a Yamaha v-star 250, only weighs 325 lbs wet! Seems pretty light when I sat on it. Would leaning and overall maneuverability be something to worry less about compared to heavy bikes? If so, any solid advice for an experienced bmx/mtb/eBike rider?

[@CTohdbld]

Question about the GW DCT. The manual states that they are linked when either front or rear are used. Is there less front brake applied if you only use the rear?

[@tedwitus]

thanks Kevin ~ valuable stuff, and appreciate the love to the scooter riders out here who need to understand how the friction zone works for us!

[@esa062]

Then again, if a bike gets significant damage on a zero speed drop, it's badly designed and equipped. Drops happen and bikes must handle them without crushing the bikers foot and with only light scratching. Side cases are a good foot saver, and if they are black plastic, light scrathing doesn't matter. If the bike has painted plastic fairings, it should have drop bars in the right places. The last time I dropped my bike it was because I didn't kick the side stand down all the way and by the time I noticed, it was too late. Things like that happen even though putting the bike on side stand is something I have done thousands of times. Well, I got just some scratches in hande bar end and side case corner, nothing to get even annoyed about.

[@SeanAlcorn]

Hey Kevin, great video as always! The very best tip I was ever given when getting my license and passing that dreaded U-Turn was to ride slow, but with higher revs and to ride the rear brake and clutch. The higher revs provides a gyroscopic effect from the engine - aiding in balancing the motorcycle and it worked a treat. I was making turns in half the required width in no time at all.

[@DFWKen]

The higher revs gyroscopic effect aren't what stabilized the motorcycle. The slightly higher revs will help straighten the motor when the clutch engagement is increased. Motor skills competitors are on the edge of dropping a hundred times per run through a course. But we practice so much that we know how to take it to the edge and recover if we over-rotate.

[@omnivore2220]

I might add another one- Don’t be afraid to lean the bike! Remember that your handlebars are your lean control, and thus a little kid, so long as he has enough reach, can toss around a thousand pound bike like it’s a toy. Also, dealing with sloped surfaces should be addressed. Maybe you live in Kansas, but other areas have a lot of hills and slopes, and some areas consist almost entirely of slopes. It’s one of the things that intimidated the hell out of me when I was first getting back into riding. It can be a lot farther down to the ground on one side of the bike when the bike is balanced, coming to a stop. Then there’s the issue of planning your approach, and your parking space and orientation, when coming into a sloped parking area, or a steeply crowned street with slanted parking spaces. If it’s a graveled parking lot you have to plan even more carefully! Several issues to deal with there, not the least of which is that you don’t want to have to back a heavy bike backwards uphill (without a powered reverse feature) to get it out of the parking space. Ask me how I know. Coming off of the pavement, up a hill, into a sloped, gravel parking area, you’re faced with a bunch of decisions to make, very quickly, possibly while dealing with traffic at the same time! How much slope, one way or the other, can the bike tolerate when leaning it over onto the kickstand without it tipping over? Will it stay on the stand or roll forward, downhill, off of the stand? How can I avoid having to back the bike uphill, on gravel, to get out of a parking slot? What is my best exit path out of that slot, and out of that lot? How can I best stop the bike on sloped gravel, before entering the paved street? Stuff like that. I’ve had to make what many would consider a pretty tight u-turn, on gravel, on a sloped surface, in order to position the bike in such a way as to a) be able to park and get off the bike and have it stay put, and b) to be able to get the bike out and open the road again afterwards, and without much experience that can be extremely problematic. I don’t know, but it seems to me that some of these issues are rarely, if ever, addressed in riding classes. Palladino just says, in essence, “Stay on the pavement or you’ll crash” but for much of the country that is simply not an option, and that doesn’t even address the issue of slopes, pavement or no pavement.

[@phi-net2437]

Thanks for addressing DCT skills, most KZbinrs ignore it as they feel it's beneath them.

[@richardcollins586]

Guilty of looking down on trying to turn into tight parking space, dropped bike. ☹️🙈

[@shoomapadoo1141]

Great video! I'm scheduled to take the drive test Monday at 3 in sunny San Diego. I'm going to watch the parts about eyes forward again. My eyes always go to the ground or bike when I stumble. I'm thinking maybe that's just normal.

[@Jaeahn16]

I couldn't focus on anything other than looking at his asymmetrical pupils the entire video

[@siddhartharoychowdhury2489]

My bike is heavy (around 200kg), and I have faced such embarrassing situations of dropping the bike over silly mistakes. Somehow, I am surrounded by bystanders whenever my bike tends to tip over lol. The main mistakes I had been making was turning the handles too much on slow maneuvers and using front bake. I tend to panic and look down, further losing my balance. And once my bike leans over too much, I get into a strength tug of war with my bike because there is no saving it at that point.

[@nonaubiz8939]

I always love your videos, but I must say, that was an awful fast walking pace. I know very few people that walk that fast when taking a casual stroll. My age might have something to do with that now, though. LOL

[@Hoggdoc1946]

All good information. But when watching you run the cones and making your turn arounds I saw sometimes you turned right and other times left. I brought to mind that I always feel more comfortable turning left especially at low speeds. Over the years taking to other riders, most fee the same way. Do you have an option of why that is?

[@Buster-motorbike]

I've just found this post. I've been away from biking for some years. This is pure gold for me. Thank you so much.

[@seairis616]

Dropped my bike today in a sloped dirt and gravel parking lot right after I stopped. My foot actually slipped and there was no saving it. Got out of the way and let it down in the crash bars. No biggie thankfully the bars did their job. Picked it back up and backed into my spot. Time for some better traction boots.

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, FOR THIS HELPFUL DEMO!!!

[@alexquevedo831]

I just got my first bagger and the first thing I did was install the HD crash bars on the front and rear. I’ve dropped twice and all is well.

[@nicetomeetme5150]

I dropped my sportster the first day i bought it. ..... ... at the foot of my driveway. I am ok with that. Now i trail brake through the hilly dirt part and up into my concrete way. It sucked. I was embarrased and i did not go down with it. I walked off when it went down.😂🎉

[@gaknskk]

I want you to show us how to properly do a burnout like the mark on the parking lot .

[@SummerEaze]

Clutch in the friction zone + rear brakes during the slow weaving exercises around straight cones was essential for balance & control.(Cone placement was wayyy closer together than your set up here). I failed & ran over some cones initially by increasing throttle to push through the turns & front brakes which threw my bike a bit off balance-not smooth overall. Also, tucking both knees inward toward the tank helps with balance & control as well. Anyway, I appreciate your hard work & helpful tips for riders out there. Your channel is probably the most organized & well thought out. Love your energy & calm vibes. Have a healthy & happy 2024! 🎉TY!