How to Deal with Tar Snakes on your Motorcycle

What is the proper technique to deal with tar snakes on your motorcycle? This week we define Tar Snakes, set some standards on when they are dangerous and provide 3 techniques to deal with them.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@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

[@DELL8675309]

Thank you for the video Kevin. I’m a well seasoned veteran motorcycle rider with 42 years of safe riding under my belt, but I’m always looking to improve my skills. In May of 2018 while on a 1,000 mile long road trip that took our group to the north rim of the Grand Canyon from Tucson. That seasonal road at the north rim had only been open for a couple of weeks with fresh wide tar snakes everywhere! Never really gave them much thought until I encountered one on a 30 mph curve to the left. My speed was correct and while looking through the corner the back end of my bike slid at least 8” to the right. The front tire was holding while the rear tire slid. I kept my whits about the situation as my position as road captain was maintained. The following group of friends watched the event unfold and avoided the 6” wide snake extremely fresh snake. This was a first for me and a lesson for my buddies. I have felt wiggles before but this was a sideways instant JUMP! I felt my heart skip a beat but maintained full control, and made for some conversation later over dinner. A side note: Full gear, all the time! Helmet, Jacket, Boots and Gloves! Flip flops and shorts belong at the beach. Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!

[@IchibanMoto]

every new rider should subscribe to this channel

[@MCrider]

Thank you! 👍🏻👍🏻🏍

[@ss442es]

Good to see you here Moto, good to know a professional bike mechanic likes this channel too.

[@another6223]

And watch every single video.

[@gaknskk]

Absolutely !!!

[@MCrider]

I am a subscriber of yours, one of the funniest channels on KZbin! You have saved me hundreds of dollars with your common sense repair tips.

[@RWWRENTAL]

tar snakes, gravel, wet, and rocks on roads never bothered me when I started to off road. I think that is something to consider. when you get offroad experience it greatly improves your on road skills; esp once you start doing hard single track. I personally think every road rider should offroad so they know what its like to be traction-less. not to mention...you will get tons of experience at emergency braking ;) and have faster reflexes.

[@tealtazmanian966]

I totally agree. I started out in the Dirt and I think most of us did back in those days. You are exactly correct that the dirt teaches so may things on how to handle brakes and let the bike just slide on it's own. Best thing from dirt is to learn not to panic. I agree and thanks for bringing this up.

[@tbillyjoeroth]

you're never tractionless unless you're on ice

[@Albee213]

I agree, I have very little experience riding on the road, now for 6 months, but when I was a kid I used to ride dirt bikes and many of the things I have encountered I have been able to deal with knowing how to keep a dirt bike up in slick situations helps a lot on the road. Oh and SLOWING THE HECK DOWN when its wet. Bleeding off speed when things go wrong can be costly.

[@mohamedsaeid5255]

V. Rossi started with off-road riding since he was a child. Look where he's today 😎

[@chipblanc6037]

@@tbillyjoeroth sounds like the voice of inexperience, lol.

[@07roadking43]

I work for a highway dept ive brought this to the attention of the white hats what we do is when we put it down we throw black beauty sand ( used in sand blasting )in ours to give it grit .it definitely helps !!!

[@steveholman5978]

I would imagine that helps on the tar, but what about the "overspray" (the sand that would almost inevitably be present on the road surface outside of the tar strips).

[@crazyrebl]

Wish they would mix sand with the paint for the lines on the roads too.

[@debrakirkley4590]

I wish they would put the grit in it. I’m in ga

[@johncoe6304]

Wth

[@wadeblake3451]

Yes, I too have heard of this technique. Also have had road crews sand down the filled crack seal a week or two after initial application. Bottom line is there are good, better, and BEST ways to fill the cracks. An e-mail or two to elected officials couldn’t hurt either.

[@chickaddds]

I treat tar snakes here in Michigan like a grated bridge: relax and trust my tires and let the slips happen.

[@tornado4518]

Go Blue!!!! or Green!!! it don't matter to me. I jst LOVE Michigan!!!!

[@Retiredatlast65]

There ya go. Don't panic, panicking always ends bad.

[@alanrasic2441]

Hey Kevin, i been riding over 40 years and work for a DOT. First I wish to say I'm sorry for the snakes. It's not an option and you are correct Its for stopping the moisture. It gives us another three to five years before we have to overlay the road. My wife and I are recovering from an accident on 22APR18. We were riding the first ride of the season and found some left over sand on the side of the road on a road we were unfamiliar with on a hidden corner. Panic forced me to overreact and I flipped my beloved '97 California.Perhaps the salt/sand isn't an issue in Texas, but where it snows watch out. I love your videos and want to remind your viewers not to depend only on experience, but use extra caution on unfamiliar roads. Snakes or sand, if that stretch of road isn't your familiar road be careful. Always were helmets. I use my helmet now to show others my "kill shots" on that helmet. GOD bless you and yours and keep them coming.

[@VonGeloriko]

It's my first season on a bike and I'm always feeling like I'm paying too much attention on possible threats on a surface of the road, than on what might be at the end of the corner. I feel like I'm almost being too cautios. Tar snakes and tram rails on turns are the things that make me thinking "it's gonna be fine, keep it calm", but I'm still a bit too stressed in those situations. I feel bad for your accident, stay safe and greetings from Poland ;)

[@bertsimpson4620]

Another thing to watch out for is the sign that says "MOWERS AHEAD" or the smell of fresh cut grass. Thrown on the edge of the road cut grass can be as slick as ice under some conditions.

[@wendywhitmore402]

I would also like to add that pine needles from pine trees can also be slick .....I lost traction in my bus because of an accumulation where I had to stop for a gate.

[@blackbird1491]

@@VonGeloriko r

[@tbillyjoeroth]

@@bertsimpson4620 it's a requirement, I think, in Kentucky to throw the grass onto the pavement since I see it every time I ride there

[@koehlerrk1]

"Complaining about a problem without offering a solution is called whining." - soemthing my grandpa said... Another good video! Thank you again.

[@vvurder]

Pro tip: Watch his videos at x1.25 speed

[@crappyatlife]

Walter Heap thank you

[@jayydude]

Wow, i just tried it. Works great for this guy!

[@lordsmokingmirror]

Nah, I'm good. Thanks anyways

[@TheMiojox]

1.25 is great and I'm not even a native speaker...

[@Panda-nk4ec]

Thank you! Oh my gosh, thank you so much!

[@exanimisrex3808]

I am so glad that I found this channel. Thank you Kevin for all you do and the many lives you save.

[@qhughes4555]

This is why I love your channel you talk An make us think about this most YT wouldn’t even think to mention.

[@gmcm21]

Brand New motorcycle rider, your videos are mature, instructional and candid. Nothing replaces proper training, gear and courses but your videos are really great. Thanks much!

[@katrinanordyke7359]

KZbin is probably the best medium for this information but I really wish you had a podcast too so I could listen to your advice and insight during my drive too! I just took the MSF course but there's so much we didn't cover that I'm learning through your videos, and what I did learn is being reinforced. Thank you for creating these videos.

[@flashesofblack4128]

Kevin, this is one of the most informative videos you have posted. I have been riding motorcycles for about 50 years and I have to admit that when I encounter those darn tar snakes while cornering I do tense up a little. Usually I will roll the throttle back a bit and let the bike do what it is designed to do. In Arkansas it gets very hot in the summer time and I took a ride a couple days ago and encountered a freshly paved asphalt road surface. When I got into a curve I could feel the bike getting a little loose. It sure raises my heart rate when this happens! Great video Kevin! Keep 'em coming!

[@budman1074]

Kevin. Thanks for another solid vid. We at the Bay Area Riders Forum here in CA are featuring your videos in our 1Rider section under the 1Rider Video Collection. This episode was timely for me personally as I rode Mt. Hamilton in near 100 degree temps last Sunday. The rode is a challenge and tar snakes are just part of that. Well done sir.!

[@urbantacticalcombativesnz2701]

My wife and I have just recently brought new bikes after a few years without being on two wheels, absolutely loving your videos and tips to refresh our riding skills, cheers from New Zealand.

[@Marlin2263]

I’m a new subscriber to your channel and have been riding bikes since I was 6 years old. I’m 46 now and have learned more in one afternoon watching your videos than in a lifetime riding. Thank you Mate and Cheers from Australia 👍🍺

[@j40bundin]

brilliant, I have been riding for 44 years with an attitude that there is always room for improvement and always something to learn, crack sealing has always been an issue, thank you.

[@barryweaver8833]

Kevin I love your videos, you help make Fridays even sweeter. I gotta have that shirt, I will wear it with pride as motorcycle safety is such an important element in my life...

[@haroldbevins393]

Once again a very real example and a great teaching on the handling of a motorcycle in slightly less than perfect conditions. Kevin you are a very good teacher, Thank you for the videos that are probably saving lives of people who watch that learn how to not panic in adverse situations... Thank you again...

[@karenallen5208]

Thanks for this lesson. I've dealt with tar snakes as a challenge and made it through thus far. I've been worried about these in the future since I thought what I did was dumb luck. Thank you, Kevin.

The video insert on wheel inertia was sensational. Like the old saying goes "A single picture (or video) is worth a thousand words..." I will always respect the tar snakes, but you have taught me to overcome that little slice of fear. Thanks!!

[@Eli4Bill]

Living in N.C. this is a problem I have faced many times going up and down the mountain toward the BRP, especially on hot summer days. Thanks for the instruction. Think I will definitely feel more confident applying these strategies!

[@terrillwolf2552]

Great topic! I think tar snakes have been an issue in every state that I have ridden. 'Complaining is not a substitute for strategy'; so true; good motto.

[@tmcahren]

I was coming back from a West Virginia Ride/Get Together to Indiana and stopped at a light leading to a left turn on an interstate on ramp on the loop in Cincinnati. This particular on ramp is shorter than most and I could see traffic was moving quickly and heavily on the interstate so I knew I needed to get up to speed quickly to merge on the shorter ramp. As I made the left downhill turn slightly getting on it a little to get up to speed quickly I felt the rear slide to the right and instantly knew it was tar snakes on a hot day. The bike rear end veered off about 20 degrees from the front as it maintained traction as power had made the rear slide on the tar snakes. I did not panic but just continued to look through the turn and slightly reduced power until the rear end lock backed up and continued through the turn. It was definitely a pucker moment but realizing what it was and not panicking saved the moment. Videos like yours are a constant reminder to be aware and why I never tire of watching them. Constantly beating into your head different situations you might encounter will and does not only save your life but an accident in general. Thank you.

[@angelinaarias2419]

I live in NorCal where the temperature is warmer into the 80's and 90's which makes these tar snakes very slick. I've gone over a few of these recently, and Kevin you're so right - staying calm is the key because the tire definitely slips a bit. Thanks for the video and suggestions. See you on the road!

[@timfleischman1676]

You’re good at your job Kevin and have been a lot of help to me. Thanks for all the videos that you’ve made

[@No_one1776]

Another great Video. This was a good one for sure. The tar snakes do make me nervous, however since I started doing some more parking lot practice I can still remain calm and ride on. Practice is the key.

[@robwilder9662]

I’m returning to riding at 62. I very aware that I fall into an age and experience category for overrepresentation with accidents . Being careful ,this channel has made me a much more aware rider than I was at 28. I did notice the wiggle on the tar snakes last time I was out and was wondering if it was my suspension was reacting to the slight bump, it didn’t occur to me that it was a traction “give “ on the surface. Thank you for the excellent explanation!

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Once again , helping us keep the rubber to the road . Thank u sir 👍

[@ChristosBassCovers]

Love your lessons ... I'm a 30 year rider... so many things to still learn..

[@oldgeezerproductions]

I ride back roads about 12 miles each way out to where my horses live. The last part (about 3 miles) are "crawling" with tar snakes, but I never knew I was supposed to fear them because I've never experienced a severe handling problem going over them. Your other advice regarding having traction and room in reserve, plus looking ahead and anticipating the turns and staying calm while the bike does its little wiggles has served me very, very well (thank you very much). Of course, I'm not a hotshot rider and ride a 500 Enfield single with narrow Avon tires that is an adventure to ride without being at the limit of traction all the time.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

As most of they other commenters have already said Thank You for such important information and I love your saying on the shirt. Great work that you are doing to help keep us all safe.

[@MonstaFreak13]

great info. and ive seen many ppl fall off their bikes but the bikes is still going, its a real eye opener when it comes to how wheels, weight and speed work. we as riders probably take our bikes down more than they take us down

[@kaboom362]

Right glad am I to see this video! I experienced tar snakes just yesterday! They caused the wobble as I was leaning into the turn. I kept her moving around the bend at the same controlled lean and made it through unscaved

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Thanks Kevin have a blessed weekend with your family.

[@dilligaf7677]

I really enjoy your videos. You address real world issues. I'm from across the pond, Croatia to be exact and most, if not all the issues you address apply to us as well as they do for the US. Keep up the good work, god speed and safe travels!

[@rogercohn]

I couldn't for the life of me imagine what a tar snake was. Now I know. We are just in the process of re sealing our street. Normally we fill the cracks first in the cooler months when the cracks are at their maximum. Then seal over it when the weather gets warmer. We fill all cracks 1/4 inch and larger. If there is a pothole we dig it out and re pave that area. Then the sealant goes on smooth and lasts. We are fortunate in Southern Arizona that we don't get freezes and big potholes like Michigan or cold weather states. My challenge is riding on the rain grooves in California on the freeways. I know what to do (relax) but it's always a little scary at first. Thanks Kevin for clear easy to understand speech.

[@tedmcted2823]

Thanks so much for the work you put into keeping new (and old) riders safe

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Tar snakes no Problem Deer jumping out in front of me a big problem ..

[@yusefalmutawakil3325]

Hell yeah buddy!! Not only deer the wild hogs are lethal, in Macon ga ,riding in a group hog runs across rode broadsides my buddy on a Honda goldwing, him and his wife went down hard an slide ,bike wrecked ,ppl hurt bad ,and the pig run off in the bushes!

[@HDHD-tn7bs]

@@yusefalmutawakil3325 I like how the state collects revenue from the harvesting of deer, but if one causes an accident it's your problem.

[@tedwarden1608]

yusef almutawakil try a water buffalo.

[@nigelwright5172]

Down here in Oz we have all manner of wildife jumping out at us from crocs up north to kangaroos every were else wombats are like mobile speed humps and dogs and cats so you grin and bear it as best you can stay upright and live well harley electra glide and honda fireblade are my rides x2 yz dirt bikes,we also have Tar Snakes.

[@debrakirkley4590]

Mike Skidmore No doubt

[@stephensmith1034]

Yes - this is a major issue. How ironic that you come out with this video now. I’ve been battling these “Tar Snakes” quite a bit this year. During any turn, narrow or wide, these things can ruin your day. Thanks for the video.

[@francesco2802]

Same here in Quebec our roads are awful...Take care!

[@johnrichardgwinn]

My favorite road is now covered in them. They scared the bejesus out of me. Last time I panicked and got focused on the side of the road. I almost went in the ditch but focused on where I needed to be and got through. Close call for sure. I am so happy to see this video. Plan to go back there soon and try to relax going through.

[@ZEUS-xt3dt]

Thank you K, and yes I’m a better rider thanks to your videos.

[@wendellcook1764]

Wow, never seen a gyroscope demonstration like that. Having seen that actually does help me to be more calm knowing that the wheels are self correcting like that. Thanks for the knowledge. Great video.

[@michaelmelugin7225]

I've of course felt the little slide you sometimes get with tar snakes but wondered at some of warnings given by fellow riders about them. They seemed to be so sure they were a bigger threat than I perceived that it caused me to doubt my own assessment. Thanks for an excellent presentation.

[@scotttemple6306]

Hi Kevin. I was navigating a sweeping 35 mph curve many years ago with 25+ years of experience. The road was heavily covered with tar snakes. Half way through I lost my nerve, stood the bike up and rode off the corner, through a culvert coming off my seat and struck the bridge off my nose on the top edge of my windshield as I fell back onto the motorcycle. The bike stayed upright but the damage to my nose and my front rim was done. Great article. Thank you.

[@Pastorjrfolk]

I had a minor accident last year where I broke my shoulder. I was a little fearful getting back on the bike and I happened upon Kevin‘s videos. They really helped me get back up with confidence and pleasure again. Thank you Kevin you’re a great teacher.

[@trukngal]

Ouch, Evel Knievel got back on alot too

[@kristyncooper3619]

That little video clip was extremely cool! Thanks for that!

[@zosxavius]

New rider here. Thank you so much for putting these videos up. And thanks for calling out Yammie Noob. ;)

[@patrickdumont8670]

Each time i got out to ride, i watch a learning clip of yours. Then i got i try to integrate what i have learned. Thanks you are a great teacher. Where' the dog at ? I miss him, loved his peekkaboos.

[@dv7397]

I only discovered this channel recently, but it's already my favourite channel for riding tips. Great, great work! Also, bonus points for the MotoGP reference! I absolutely love to watch racing.

[@DalyVideo]

We have these everywhere here in PA. Right around the corner from my house is a curve with a boatload of them. I'm still somewhat of a new rider and got a little nervous (ok, freaked out) when this happened but just stayed the course and it was fine. But lately, I've been trying to avoid this street just because of that. Now I'm thinking I should go out and practice going around that curve to better handle myself (mentally) when the bike shifts. Great stuff, Kevin. This will definitely help me out on that curve next time.

[@chefmike8888]

Excellent video. I have always been a little leery of tar snakes. As always I’ll still be aware but now I know to relax and not try to fix an issue that might not even exist.

[@dlsimes]

So far the most valuable channel on you tube. thank you!

[@BradDaeda]

I'm a new rider of less than a year. My first tar snake experience was doing 45mph around a turn that was filled with them, many fairly wide. It totally surprised me as I had no idea they would make me slip like that. I used to look at tar snakes as rubber that would actually be better grip for my tires. It was a hot Nevada day though so it caused me to loose traction. The slip was sudden but quick. My reaction fortunately was only to ease off the throttle a bit which ultimately only caused me to widen my turn radius slightly. I was in the left lane of two so I had a whole other lane to use if necessary. I was very happy with myself that I didn't grab a fist full of front break. That experience had a lasting effect on me and I get nervous around tar snakes all the time now. Your video will be helpful for me to get over that and feel more confident in knowing how to handle tar snake situations. Months later I was driving that same road and there was a bad motorcycle crash just past that corner. I wonder if it was due to those tar snakes and he took the turn too fast. Anyway, thanks for this video and your other one where you talked about tar snakes and gravel.

[@scottvallie4495]

I've been riding for 49 years and just recently took an MSF class, boy did I have a lot of bad habits... It's amazing what pointed out to you during one of these classes..

[@bishplis7226]

aint that funny?

[@bishplis7226]

ive been a trackrider since 16 years old, and then some oldtimers (on cruisers!) go and tell me how theyre experience riders pff

[@dnlgrhm]

Great video. The clip of the spinning wheel was amazing. I knew there would be a gyroscopic effect but had no idea it would be that great.

[@TheRPhelps24]

Daniel Graham , sounds nerdy but I've discovered the same stability with YoYos and what are called hub stacks and you can grab the yoyo by the axle. You get to feel the resistance. Same thing with fidget spinners lol

[@dennislunt]

This was good info for new riders and reminders for experienced riders. There is a road in south central Indiana, State Road 45, that we pretend is a mini dragon. About 5 or 6 years ago they tar snaked it. They apparently either mixed it wrong or applied way too thick. They were terribly slick no matter the temperature or conditions. It was so bad that an article was published in the Indy newspaper. I quit riding on the road until they repaved it a few years later. If you haven't been down a road before that has a lot of tar snakes, your advice to keep a reserve is great advice!

[@robertbyrd6703]

Good guidance given in the Tar Snake video. A similar concern that we have in Virginia is the tar and gravel patch when it is first put down. One must be vigilant of road surface texture and be ready to quickly engage gravel road riding skills.

[@MrClean417]

They "fixed"the road going to my old house several years ago. It wasn't fun for several summers till they finally resurfaced, they pretty much covered the road and made it look like a cracked egg. But what really shook my confidence was I couldn't see they had done anything until I hit the first corner the day they did it. They started at the corner and worked away from it AND the final step was to top coat the tar with dried sand, sand that had been super heated and broken down to more of a dry powder. They never cleaned that off and it was pretty much like riding in snow. I turned the corner and the bike slid sideways 2 feet. Don't really know how I stayed up, more lucky then good.

[@ss442es]

Planning to get back into biking and didn't even know about that problem. Thanks for the tip.

[@jlewis7356]

Ed Sunderland Read David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling

[@ss442es]

I will do that J. Thanks

[@truckingbiker7354]

Don't let anyone put you off riding, it's the best thing you could ever do.

[@tonypybus8003]

GREAT LESSON AGAIN!! Thankfully I am not bothered by tar snakes over here in the UK and so cannot comment on them. Over here they just let the road deteriorate to a point where they are dangerous then the local council might consider resurfacing it. What I have to be aware of are pot holes!! Especially on the apex of the corner of country roads not to mention the gravel and mud left by farm vehicles. It is typically where large vehicles cut the corner and break the road away at the edge. Your advice of truly looking "through" the corner is well taken and I cannot back you enough on it. See you on the road!!

[@crankypipo]

Former colony here never seen tar snakes, never been implemented. they look hideous AF

[@doxasnob8137]

Thanks Kevin, we have a lot of these in Illinois and Wisconsin as well. I a also a bicyclist and zowiee! They can throw you into a "Pucker factor 10" real quick, that bicycle tire will track one of these snakes like no tomorrow, you thought it was bad on a motorcycle. Gotta just relax on both modes of transportation. Blessings brother!

[@sujitpadival7257]

Hi Kevin, I'm from India and I ride a Harley Davidson super glide custom. You're a genius. I follow your postings and absolutely love the huge amount of information that you're passing on. Keep it up.

[@MCrider]

Thank you! 👍🏻

[@williamfaith8855]

Thank you I've hit oil slicks in the rain but never a tar snake thank you for your enlightenment I shall watch and take your advice very carefully

[@MrScottyg123]

I consider myself to be a pretty good rider . I started out 5 years old on a dirt bikes . Wish everyone could start out on a dirt bike . Never to good to keep on learning . Thank you Keven !

[@MikeKemp]

That experiment was eye opening! Plenty of tar snakes in Arkansas, so this lesson was great.

[@max_955]

In Italy we don’t have those patches: they are simply not filled 😅

[@derricklafure7671]

Wow

[@mikewynne6549]

Great advice for old and new riders. In the uk we don't see hardly any tar snakes as you call them, we have loads of pot holes. I hit a small one on a bend, wasn't going that fast, but the corner was full of them. I picked my line and hit a small one. The front slid out but remembered my instructors words. If you think you're going to fall you will. Worse case is that you will compound the issue. Let the bike do its thing. It was a bit of a squeaky bum moment but I just let the bike drift and she came back. Like the gyro effect vid.. We all fall into bad habits, and watching channels like yours helps us all to re-evaluate our riding and stay safe. Keep up the good work 👍

[@finley614]

My previous tires (Dunlops 402) on my Ultra were the worst when it came to cracks in the road and tar snakes. It felt like i had a flat constantly which made riding a non enjoyable thing and down right scary at times( some tires are worse than others when dealing with these obstacles). I removed those tires and put on some Avon Cobras and tar snakes and cracks are no longer an issue when i ride and much more enjoyable . 👍🏻 on this video as it addresses technics to combat this road hazards.. Also Ohio roads are riddled with tar snakes and pot holes

[@GreenMtnHunter]

!5 years ago, I was in eastern PA, north of Watsontown, and I saw where one of the crew had nicely scripted his name in the road! You are absolutely correct: when you can't avoid one, staying calm and allowing the motorcycle to do its job, WORKS! It may be unsettling at first, but when you've hit enough of them, you can, almost, enjoy the feeling....almost... I have noted that the same is true for patches of leftover sand, found in low corners, in the spring. Stay calm; keep your eyes where you want to go. I was also at a motel in NH. The tar crew was staying at the same place that night; I thanked them for thinking about us and keeping the snakes as narrow as possible. Then I paid for a round of their beers. Can't say it helped, but I'm sure it didn't hurt - they are sympathetic, but they get paid to do a "good" job, darn it.

[@LionelRIDE]

I have experienced this « tar snakes » effect today in a tight corner in France (gorges du Verdon): the temperature was around 30 Celsius, and I had no other choice than enlarging my line… fortunately no one was coming in front of me. Your advises sound very interesting: I will bear them in mind when it will happen again, temperature is getting higher and higher ! Many thanks for all your constructive KZbin videos 👍. Lionel, French and happy driver of a Road King.

[@lewontwo5883]

Your videos are so insightful. Great topics and you present information in a logical, professional manner. Thank you for your service to the motorcycle community.

[@ddekeno1]

@11:18 through 11:49...This is the tidbit of information that no one said early on when I started riding, but I have learned and come to appreciate from watching and practicing what MCRider, Jerry "Motorman" Palladino, and Robert Simmons teach. The reason why slow speed and parking lot practice is important is because you're training your mind and body to be comfortable with doing something that is naturally uncomfortable.

[@daveb2702]

Thank you I asked the same question on another channel and some buffoon told me to park my bike. again, thank you for a very educational and informational channel

[@bikerworld2471]

Hello. Kevin. I've being riding every day for 5 years now. That includes weekly club rides, charity events and day to day daily commute, as my bike is my main mean of transportation. And for the first time I fell of the bike two days ago. I learned the hard way that there's one danger out there some what difficult to spot. And that is garbage truck juice. Yes. Some times the garbage trucks will spill generous amounts of that slimy super slippery juice specially in the corners that can be confused for water. That morning when i was integrating into the street that leads me to work i saw the traces of what i thought was water in the road, well. It turns out that instead of water there it was this garbage juice which made me spin out of control making expensive damage to my bike not counting a long downtime while the bike is been repaired. Thxs for your contribution to the motorcycle community. I like your videos.

[@sebrofseven]

Absolutely amazing discussion and demonstration. Wowow, thank you Kevin. Well done

[@johnhoffman3598]

Great topic Kevin, Another surface that can be hazardous is medal grading on bridges or steel plates. Temperature has a lot to do with how the tires react to the tar snakes. The winter or colder temp seem to affect traction less than when it’s hot.

[@user-oo6ty1yq2l]

These were a particular problem for Indiana Jones. “Stay calm” is great advice for any situation on or off the bike. Good vid 👍

[@iveywin]

I recall one of the best pieces of advice which you provided about tar snakes (I nickname them black wigglers because they seem to come alive) was to not fight the bikes gyroscopic tendency as it constantly adjusts itself over a tar snake. After your excellent explanation I am able to completely relax on the bike, especially during heavily sectioned applications of crack sealant. Interestingly, I don't ever recall seeing a road sign cautioning motorcyclists (and perhaps drivers alike) of heavy applications for long stretches and wonder if such a sign exists? Thanks for all you do to keep us safe Kevin! Much appreciated!

[@cannotgitrite]

"5 inches is pretty significant" -That's what she said

[@Quinn37]

That should be the T-Shirt

[@MontrealMusiciansExchange]

Wimp! You forgot the other half of the joke « crack sealant » Yeah Baby !

[@JSpool1]

😂😂😂

[@georgehays4900]

I knew some nit wit would have to react to that.

[@metzonnx]

As usual, a great video and topic. I like your new motto too. The scariest accident I had wasn't from tar snakes but hitting a patch of sand on a mountain road after the snow melted. In the California mountains, they put sand on the snowy roads to increase traction for cars. In the spring, the snow is gone but sections of sand remain that haven't yet blown away. Hitting that on a curve is a perfect recipe for going down. Maybe a video on how to avoid that in the future?

[@grominwithrob1339]

My favorite stretch of twisties is covered with patch snakes. The last turn is more patch than pavement. The large blobs get very squirrelly. That section is on a turn with a washboard texture. I adjust my entrance coming into the turn to minimize the angle but still get a lot of wiggle. I greatly reduced lean and speed. After my adjustments, I just float through it as light and smooth as possible.

[@tedosmundson7326]

Great perspective and full of common sense! I hit a tar snake one time on a hot day in a curve when going at a good clip. it spooked me! However, the drama was over as quickly as i had noticed it happening. I did slide a little bit and regained traction all in a millisecond. Since i was dropping in elevation and it was getting hotter outside of Palm Desert California I decided to turn around and go back to where the temperature was cooler and the tar snakes were not as slimy. .

[@vernhanna4399]

This is a great video, thanks. I hit a place once where there were lots of these in a curve felt the bike shift, scared the crap out of me but didn’t wreck , anyway that is some great information

[@rickdff62]

Yeah, tar snakes and big cracks can be scary. Great advice about being calm. It is disconcerting once you start "riding" the snake, lol, but keeping calm and just riding it out will most likely work due to the factors you mention. Cheers.

[@jlewis7356]

Nooby Vapor Being calm and riding it out solves most problems.

[@motexan129]

great video. I've been riding for about 40 years. I am not an expert by any means, but I consider myself fairly adept. I've never had a concern about tar snakes until just a few years ago. That's what intrigued me about this video when I recently saw it. I've felt a little slip here or there because of snakes. I've driven on metal bridges (I actually kind of enjoy that wobble feeling you get) and all kinds of different surface conditions. Even dirt, sand and gravel on my Harley!! But the most concerned that I've ever been was just a few years ago when driving up to a buddies work place. All of a sudden my bike felt like the back end was dancing all over the place. I pulled into his parking lot and was convinced that I had a flat or that the rear tire had even come off the bead. Nothing. Tire fine, pressure fine, all mechanicals fine. Only thing I could figure is that it was all of the tar snakes in the road that was there. But I had never experienced them to that degree before. Just goes to show, there's ALWAYS something new to learn. Thanks for this video.

[@mike86pa]

As a new rider, my father in law told me about this and it was.probably the best piece of information I could have received. While out on one of my first rides I felt like the front end was a little squirrelly. After we got to our lunch spot he told me that the tar can feel slick and it's best to avoid em.

[@mexiatexas1]

You have helped me tremendously…thank you for the channel.

[@zr9115]

This has quickly become the most valuable motorcycle content for me, thank you!

[@scottlawrence9469]

The law of physics....amazing how the gyroscopic effect works. Great video and thank you!!!!

[@lowgascostsorangeman2688]

I always wondered about those and then you come and answer my question.

[@motomookie8032]

Yes it happened to me but not a big deal. Just a slight wobble but nothing to panic about. Thanks!!

[@creigmacc]

Hard right hand uphill turn at about 30 mph, 2006 Stratoliner, rear Avon Cobra slides about half a foot while under a fair bit of throttle. Catches smoothly enough just as I start to back off the throttle. No harm done other than admitting I'm often more lucky than skilled. Always good to be reminded of the simpler things.

[@Charlesleeharrison]

👍👍👍 glad i came a cross your vlog. I hit a tar snake yesterday and tensed up. I going to have to reteach myself to dealing with them. Yes i said reteach. I'm just getting back on a bike after 12 years of not riding.

[@OneEye.]

Used to hit those out here in the Mojave desert. Some days they would soften up and either get greasy or sticky. Learned how to use them to my advantage.

[@israeltzadok9175]

I was really wondering how much effect tar snakes have on motorcycles and how much of a danger they pose. Thanks for putting this video together.

[@XTRABIG]

Thanks Kevin. Your videos give me confidence.

[@gaknskk]

I live in Ohio (Go Buckeyes !) And yes our roads are littered with tar snakes .thanks for another great video. I have learned alot from your video's and your expert knowledge. Keep them coming and keep the rubber side down my friend. Peace out.

[@RhondaRidleyScott]

Thanks Kevin for all these videos:) I might actually get my bike license and stay safe because of you . I was terrified of road snakes:| this really helped .