How To EASILY Ride Heavy Motorcycles

[@MotoJitsu]

All about that clutch and throttle FIRST. Once you get pretty good (can do all my White Belt MotoJitsu drills without the rear brake) then, and only then start to add a little rear brake. If you add rear brake too early...first it's harder to do because now you're worried about 3 things to do at the same time vs only two with the clutch and throttle and secondly, it'll create a crutch where you'll depend on it too much. For some perspective, motorcops here in southern CA go through their training and are taught without the rear brake for a while...then later on when they add it, they'll be that much better since they have a good foundation of clutch and throttle. MotoJitsu.com/shop for my books, app, etc.

[@Stacy_Smith]

🥶

[@postersm7141]

That’s so true I actually just learned the rear brake technique a few years ago. Before KZbin no one taught me to use the rear brake to tighten the turn. So I’ve been riding for years with just friction zone and throttle but now with the addition of the rear brake it’s amazing what a difference it can make

[@colinwilliamson9114]

Could you do a video on how to do a quick stop with a heavy bike while in a low speed tight turn on a skinny road and something unexpected happens, e.g. deer jumps out of the forest and stops in front of you. I can’t see how adding power and straightening up is an option because you will go into the ditch and forest. And yes, this is a real scenario. Deer, and other wildlife, are a real issue here in the Pacific Northwest, coastal BC in my case.

[@paulcarter2663]

Just picked up my second bike cause a drunk driver took out my first one and the new one is a hundred pounds heavier than the other one and thanks to your videos and the information and how you presented that information has greatly improved this newbies ability to safely control and in joy riding a bike that 720 lbs. Keep the information coming and thank you.

[@ileftforvaca]

5 years ago, I've been watching your videos few months before I started taking my 125cc license, asked for a bike with clutch with the intention to get the unrestricted license later in the future. Every tip you gave out in your videos I learnt and applied even with small cc bikes. Fast forward to one week ago, I'm taking lessons for the unrestricted license on a 600cc street bike. Applying all those tips learnt, the bike felt so natural to control and drive, especially on low speeds feathering the clutch. Needless to say I got my unrestricted license yesterday and drove my 600cc adventure bike with ease and control. I can definitely confirm the bike doesn't matter as long as you practice! Thank you for your work and inspiration to stay safe!

[@edwardallan197]

Great points! I just moved to a Goldwing 1000 from a Rebel 450. The principles are identical. The consequences for ignoring them are not! You cannot cover errors with muscle.

[@L10N.]

Did you drop yoir goldwing?

[@edwardallan197]

No, but I struck a parking pole at about 4-5 mph last fall exiting my yard. I cracked rt. timing sprocket & broke cover. Belt stayed on. I am fixing it soon. Seals, belts, replace the cracked sprocket and housing. Got off Ebay. Should not be valve damage. I hope!

[@pjhaebe]

Just bought a bike twice as heavy as my last one, just shy of 900lbs and I’ll be the first to admit, I SUCK at doing anything but riding in a straight line

[@MotoJitsu]

go practice

[@vesparama]

I've just finished implementing this technique on my Vespa GTS 250. I was riding the friction zone with the back brake as my bike is auto. Works brilliantly! My scooter weighs 150kg and that's heavy for me. I was struggling a little when slowing right down. 'Speed = stability'. Absolutely true! And yeah keeping that steering straight when stopped! Thanks again. You're a great teacher.

[@ptsb5a]

Those sorts of drills were the first thing I did when I picked up my RoadGlide Limited. Right in the dealer parking lot. Practice a lot and often. Especially first thing in the spring after not riding for 5 months.

[@misschris325]

Love you ,Eddy! I started off with a 750 Honda Shadow. That was three years ago! I only got 5 months in, but it was a fast learning experience- got to 5k miles in those first 3 months. My husband gifted me an 86 Suzuki Cavalcade. I'm so nervous to ride it. The Shadow would be like seeing an old friend, surely. It's in another state, and I sorely miss it. But my desire to ride outweighs my patience!

[@Robbo337]

Fantastic! I've just bought a GL1800 Goldwing and this is so helpful! Entertaining, clear and informative, love this channel.

[@boomcity4942]

The best take away I got from this video is when you did a full lock on the handlebars. I bought my Road Glide second hand. It has tall and wide handlebars. It is a reach for me to lock the handle bars. I am 5”11 and 190 lbs, but if I put the bike into full lock I can barely reach the break lever on a left turn or the clutch lever making a right turn. I am going to change the handlebars and see if I improve my low speed maneuvers. Thank you.

[@Avensur]

This tutorial was excellent mate. These days bikes , even a dirt one is over 200 pnds, challenging with all the stuff and parallel engines. Balance momentum clutch assistant slow motion will sharpen those skills in any terrain.

[@hrazek]

Amazing content as usual. It all looks incredibly easy when you do it, but like you said in several videos: practice is what counts at the end.

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Good stuff much of this was practiced dirt riding / mx/ hare scrambles but light bikes are easy. I'm 68 now and my largest ride is a DL 1000 V-Strom. Haven't rode that one since fall and will "shut up and practice". Thank you always appreciate your info!

[@rustypotatos]

Your balance practice trying not to move was awesome!

[@74aspi]

Completely agree with you, but what you explain about the clutch is what you are supposed to do all the time anyway. I find that, with my BMW RT1100, it helps to keep a dynamic movement at low speed, when stopping. By that I mean keeping pressure on the brakes until the bike is at standstill.

[@lyndseyhunter779]

I agree. That's what u r meant to do anyway x

[@izzojoseph2]

Great video as usual! That bike sounds like a beast!

[@leoburns9674]

Amazing... what a great overview... "speed = stability" (+10 mpg :)). Inspiring approach and commentary!

[@SomeRandoDudeOnline]

Thanks for your content Sir. Awesome 16 foot circles on a 900 pound bike! Not sure if this will help anyone but, as a Ultra Limited rider, I like to think of it in terms of leverage. I dont have enough strength to keep that 900 pound bike upright, but the engine does. By playing the leverage of engine power modulated with the clutch/throttle, against the leverage of the rear brake, I can use those forces to keep the bike upright at low speeds.

[@raghuyedatore6353]

I couldn't have said it better.

[@RC-NW]

I just went from a deluxe with 16 apes and 140 to the wheel, to a Road Glide. The hardest part is turning corners from a dead stop. Just takes practice and getting the muscles in your body trained for the feel of the weight. The fact the fairing doesn't move messes with your eyes a bit. Gotta train your body. You can KNOW all this stuff, ut if your body doesn't know it, you're screwed. Practice.

[@MotoJitsu]

more and more practice :) instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@kborutski]

Great video Love the screaming whoops doing 16foot circles Keepin it fun

[@chrisrutledge9330]

The "use the left foot only" when coming to a stop can be questioned. In this video, the right foot is put down a fraction of a second later, suggesting there is a fair imperative to have both feet supporting a heavy bike at a standstill. The bike is in first gear coming to a stop, the clutch is in, the braking is perfectly handled by the front brake lever - so put both feet smartly down. Also, a critical factor for bike stability is the rake of the front wheel - how much of an angle it slopes forward. A greater forward slope makes the bike significantly less stable at any minute degree that the wheel of off dead center. The forward rake is why my BMW 1150 is an unstable pig at a stop, compared to my sport bike, with far less front wheel rake. I will use my two feet without hesitation.

[@pipersall6761]

Wow, you made it look easy. I have a 2002 Kawasaki Concours ZG1000 with a 7.5 gal tank and the top heavy weight intimidates me some. But what you showed helps a lot. Thanks!

[@MotoJitsu]

it is with practice!! linktr.ee/GregWidmar

[@dasboat64]

Everytime I watch you on loaned, buddies bikes, you always drag the pegs, etc! Never on your own bikes.... 😅😂 Good job.

[@josephleister9198]

Great video...thanks

[@adam346]

my little cb300r is fun to play with when it comes to stopping.. you can let the clutch out ever so much and get a teensy bit of momentum while holding the rear brake which gives it just enough stability you can keep it upright over the course of a few feet... I play the game of "how long can I not put my feet down at a red light".

[@MotoJitsu]

it's fun to do that on any bike :) instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@annalopez840]

I just bought my first bike, a Harley softail slim just shy of 700lbs and i find it hard to learn on with the weight. I know i should’ve started smaller but at the time i wasn’t as knowledgeable and just knew i wanted a Harley.. i hit the road after i got it and did a wide uturn when i heard something scrape (ended up just being the foot rest) i panicked and straightened out the bike and went into a curb now i messed up the rim 😕 I’m going to continue to ride but i find myself a little nervous now. Not afraid to fall bc I’ve already dropped it twice coming to a stop but I’m more nervous of the weight. And also don’t wanna pay 400$ for another rim lol. Safe to say i should be practicing in a parking lot before hitting the road again. I hope to get it down. This has been a dream of mine

[@lawsheagaming3021]

Same thing happened to me when I got my harley davidson softail standard I tried doing a u turn and it was just down the street from my house scared the shiii out of me but I started practicing that next morning in near by empty parking lot

[@masterspin7796]

I been on my 2022 BMW 1250 R/T for over a year now @7,000 miles and it still gives me problems because of the weight...it is big and heavy, and I am not 5/8 @140lbs. so far it's been o.k but a few times I thought it was going to pull me down...mostly on stop-n-go traffic/stop signs when the road has dips on the surface the feet don't hit flat....

[@Candeekissez]

You might see if there's a way to lower it.

[@masterspin7796]

@@Candeekissez I can flat foot it's just huge for trying to move it around or when it starts to go over center...

[@maxwellkaan]

Great video, so well explained, thanks.

[@richardheyworth1246]

I'm still new to riding big bikes, and my main fear is having to come to a stop at junctions, which aren't level, and it's difficult or impossible to get the bike completely upright before you stop

[@enriquepena5008]

Great video. Thanks for the tips, awesome!

[@martin9756]

Just got a BMW R1250 GSA. First bike of this type, first bike in 4 years!!! Learning so much from you videos. Two questions please: in the above video, you do really tight turns, I'm already practicing slow speed turns in a parking lot and seeing improvements. is this the 'key', just keep practicing or is there another step I'm missing. Second question, again the above video. balance at slow speed. I can 'nearly' do it but I'm all over the road, it doesn't look good and certainly not 'controlled'. is this again down to practise? PS, I got the bike just over four weeks ago, I've 'logged' 14 hours riding time in one to one and a half hour sessions of which 20 to 30 minutes are slow manoeuvre practise. Yesterday, watched your video on picking up GSA, practised that for over an hour. The demon of 'dropping the bike laid to rest. My confidence went up no end when I went out later on the bike. Big Thank You. Martin

[@zstackgo]

Keep your revs elevated, control your speed with the clutch (manipulating the friction zone) AND dragging the rear brake lightly. While his comment about speed is true, it's not the whole story. You actually don't need SPEED, you need sufficient power to the rear wheel. Try this to drive this point home... slow down as if coming to a stop. But instead of pulling the clutch in all the way, keep it JUST into the friction zone AS you are braking (rear brake only). You'll quickly notice how even though you're going slow, the bike still wants to stay upright. When you're ready to stop (slow enough), THEN put your left foot down as you come to a stop. This works amazingly well when riding two-up as well.

[@virendradr]

thank you sir for your excellent essons and skills

[@snatkh100]

Great video. Thanks for the tips

[@locoocho2415]

Excellent info 👍 Got to respect the power. Ride Safe ✌️

[@micheleporcu2287]

amazing stability skills, THANKS for sharing man, trying to learn following your tips.

[@MotoJitsu]

welcome instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@ChadGrimes]

Love your content !

[@neilgill2269]

That's good advice son,I've been riding 60 years,.practice makes perfect..same with every sport,or hobby,...but every body f**ks up now and again,..usually when the whole world is watching,and it's mother!

[@MotoJitsu]

Practice makes permanent, perfect practice makes perfect. Keep at it until it all becomes muscle memory 👍🏼

[@vesparama]

Wow. That's very cool! Thank you.

[@smashy_smasherton]

Good lesson. What changes do you make on a tall, fully-loaded adventure or dual sport?

[@t.s.3669]

Love Motijitsu. But for your question I highly recommend Moto iKandy channel, or just search youtube for "short girl problems bike". Very impressive advice and exercises on tall adventure bikes.

[@NathanielStobbs]

Question do you think im stupid for starting off with my first bike being a Yamaha royal star delux tour? (Which are big bikes) I only weigh 149 lbs.

[@astramorikes224]

Very well said and demonstrated

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

I have a BMW r18 and twice I felt I was going to drop and it was when I stopped prior to a turn and handlebar was not straight and accidentally was holding my clutch in as I was going off balance. I can practice in the parking parking lot. But if the bike falls, it will be difficult to pick it up. Also, I have trouble reverse parking by duck walking in a tight parking space so turning the handlebars and slowly duck walking to park in the reverse is hard. I bought the bike because it looks so awesome and I do long rides and it is very comfortable like Rolls-Royce

[@MotoJitsu]

Like anything, takes practice to get good at slow speed turns and while practicing, dropping is part of the process

[@davidchalona6494]

You usually make me smile. Great job.

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼

[@danatara69]

your right on

[@rodneyoliver8448]

Respectfully can we use ( more speed more stability) for riding heavy street bikes ?

[@t.s.3669]

"Be the boss of your motorcycle" , really inspiring channel on heavy bikes.

[@elizabethwonders]

Thank you!! 🤟🏼😊

[@danaesposito7854]

Around 1:32 in this video you said to pull in the clutch. Motorman says “no power to the rear wheel, down goes the motorcycle” which is it?

[@carlosloza2447]

You have to pull in the clutch when coming to a full stop, otherwise you'll stall. That's the context.

[@jasonjohnson8704]

Do you have any videos on how to turn onto gravel rd or gravel parking lot, from a paved rd?

[@zstackgo]

You have to learn to handle the bike at slow speeds and keep it upright. Stay in the friction zone, use the rear brake only (absolutely stay off the front brake), do not lean on gravel.

[@izzojoseph2]

You used your rear brake and throttle to balance while not moving?

[@Me4ok]

Thank you. But what about a beginner rider, just having heavier bike 430-450 pounds ( ~200kg ). Is it still considered practice, OR lighter bike will give you "more" skills faster for the same amount of practice, compared to the heavier one ?

[@MotoJitsu]

more practice is what makes a rider better or not...not what bike they're on...but if you're new on a big bike, it'll be more challenging. instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@Me4ok]

@@MotoJitsu Much appreciated valuable advice - quality practice is the key. Thank you very much for that and for the rapid response. Great respect for you Greg.

[@MotoJitsu]

practice practice practice!!!!!!!

[@xanderkprince]

Thank you Captain Falcon I love you

[@michaelroy925]

Some other motorcycle instructors recommend stopping while staying in the friction zone. Looks like you are coasting to a stop. I have tried both ways, friction zone does seem to keep you upright while stopping. Thank You 😎👍

[@MotoJitsu]

Who says that?

[@michaelroy925]

Robert Simmons

[@zstackgo]

I absolutely stay in the friction zone when coming to a stop, especially when riding two-up. It works wonders to keep the bike upright at slow speeds.

[@michaeltipton1919]

Thanks for the video, really helpful.

[@MotoJitsu]

welcome instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@mikeike3549]

And now to the dealership for a new clutch... Seriously though... I am totally going to go do that this week. I understand practice practice... But damn my venture is heavy to pick up.

[@MotoJitsu]

:) linktr.ee/GregWidmar

[@zstackgo]

I've been friction zone slow-speed riding my Yamaha Stratoliner over three years now. NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with my clutch. Motorcycle clutches are designed to be ridden in the friction zone. Those bikes with dry clutches, could be a different story though.

[@tremorflow3614]

Very well said and demonstrated bro. I ride a mild heavy k1600GT and people tell me all the time that it's way too heavy for them. I just say nothing.

[@garmrdmr]

me too.. K1600GTL :)

[@knowledgeplusbd_chemist]

If you add subtitle with your voice it will be easy to understand us. I am from Bangladesh. Hope you will reply me.

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

I click LIKE on ALL your videos BEFORE watching them.... ;-)

[@neilgill2269]

@ptsb5a,..5months without riding,you must have been at your wits end...in the middle of winter I go into my garage fire the bike up,..and pretend I'm cruising down the highway 👍😂

[@shallow2479]

What an expert jeez

[@MotoJitsu]

instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@joshuafelty2837]

The scrapping of the exhaust hurt me 😭😂

[@joshevans8042]

Scrapped the absolute shit out of those bags on the turn. His buddy is gonna be mad

[@robertgreenesr.7459]

Your good Amaizing

[@KenWeiG]

So if you stop while turning … I mean some car move out … you’ll surely going to fall and there is no way to save it right?

[@MotoJitsu]

no, go practice emergency braking frequently instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@paulpugh2480]

Good info.

[@MotoJitsu]

Glad it was helpful! instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@TheDarshmiso]

Motorbikes are harder than flying a private / commercial aircraft. For real, i never get people who use motorcycles as their primary commute. Wearing the gear alone takes 20 minutes. So the 20 minutes you save by splitting lanes is spent on wearing the gear, and taking off the gear. You gotta be vigilant all the time from tiny pebbles to any weather condition. The bike itself weighs alot and requires effort to park on middle stand. You prone to accidents , attacks by anyone as young as a kid who can through an ice cream over you and you end up dead, Just a never ending hastle, classes, gear, weather, safety, bad rideres, bike weight, Had a motorbike and was worst decision of my life, The time it takes to gear up , get the bike, navigation, checking the weather, classes, not being able to ride in any icey condition, inability to carry heavy loads, You dont Really save any money / time by having a motorbike. The money you save on petrol / gas is always spent on upgrading gear. You dont save time by riding a motorcycle, because the safety gear, accessories etc takes 15 minutes to take on and another 15 minutes to take off, and if you dont wear it you in trouble, Riding a motorcycle isnt relaxing or a great sight seeing trip. You always tense assessing risk with every corner every curve every car , praying that you may not get a bad rider on your trip, Most motorcyclists explain bad riders / other party's faults are cause of accidents, Well , we can never stop bad driving, because people will always be careless at some time while driving, definitely we cannot put traffic police to every car / audit each car driver, You think you cool while riding a motorcycle but in fact, most vulnerable person on the road / highway even from and angry / drunk pedestrians, Motorcycles are for motorcycle race tracks only, not for commuting, It is very unpractical, very unsafe, very nerve wrecking, stressful, the list goes on and on, And yes bike communities/ clubs full of dulded riders who just adore anything about motorcycles and try to defend anything negative about motorcycles dangers, And yes, they always remmenice the loss of dear friend, Even the friendships you make in biking clubs comes to sudden stop and you become outcast once you stop riding for crusis, And yes most biking clubs are predominantly males, Finally, many large cities now ban motorcycles from parking your bike on pavements, And forgot to mention, police can always stop and fine you for any reason such as dangerous overtake/ wreckless driving, In fact you cannot argue much with traffic police if you on a motorcycle, because they can easily ruin your day with a fine, Getting a fine disputed is biggest pain the back,and there are no set laws on what is considered a safe overtake/ lane split unless you constantly recording, How about just waking up, wearing whatever you like for work / activity with a cup of coffe next to you? and whatever you want to take with you ?

[@justbeingmybestbob]

With the bottom of your helmet up, and the visor down, you look like Judge Dread.

[@DFPFTW]

Hay are you at the San Diego ZOO parking LOT !??????

[@MotoJitsu]

No

[@DFPFTW]

@@MotoJitsu is a 2007 hd duece softail a bad bike ?

[@albie567]

Just letting the floorboards just kiss the pavement in those turns. Just remember, it goes from kiss to scrape to gouge to fall down :)

[@johnherian781]

Put crash gaurd pads on.$350 worth of insurance.

[@Candeekissez]

I was thinking the same exact same thing.

[@Candeekissez]

You had me believing until the end when you were just about standing still and the wheel was turned. WTF?!!! I haven't ridden for 9 years, got a 750 and I'm thinking it's too heavy for me. I'm now 70, 5'5" 155lb female with some back problems. I only rode for two summers on a Virago 535 9 years ago. Ack! I don't trust myself to ride it to a parking lot to practice. Now what?

[@alexandrucosmin90]

how you can take cornes at decent speed with this big motorcycle without scratch your pegs?

[@MotoJitsu]

body position instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@famebox]

Why you ain't falling when the hard part of bike is in contact with the surface when you turning

[@MotoJitsu]

Why would I be?

[@famebox]

@@MotoJitsu cause some hard part of the bike is touching the surface of the road when you are turning

[@MotoJitsu]

So?

[@famebox]

@@MotoJitsu i always thought that while leaning one should make sure that no hard part of the bike is in contact with the road

[@MotoJitsu]

this is slow speed turns dude...that's going to happen on a low ground clearance bike if you're leaning it far over

[@louieavi]

Funny. If there are riders that find this video useful should not be on a bike of this size. But still useful on any bike for sure. CHeers

[@garmrdmr]

according to cali rules parking spaces are a minimum of 9ft wide.. not 8.. so two spaces is 18 ft,.. not 16.. did you measure them?

[@scottg4669]

Watch the video again he was a foot, each side, from the lines but either way 16 or 18 is impressive

[@BlekSheep_1]

👍🎯👏

[@that_one_guy6243]

Bro you scratched the silencers

[@sab_1055]

I hope its okay of I just take my hand off the brake. I'm not ready to throw my hands in the air and wave 'em like I just don't care.

[@MotoJitsu]

what? instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@mr.solitude3352]

👍😎👍

[@CANADAFIRST-4-TRUMP]

i put another checkmark on my know something card

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼

[@Stacy_Smith]

🥶

[@encinoman903]

Take off all those creature comforts and you'll lose a couple hundred pounds 🤣

[@jake9613]

Jerry Palladino?

[@t.s.3669]

"Be the boss of your motorcycle" , really inspiring channel on heavy bikes.

[@andyhorn2509]

Motorman says he's looking the wrong way! Head and eyes, head and eyes! Clutch, throttle, and a little bit of rear brake!

[@markstevenson5498]

Take your glasses off so we can know you are talking to us!

[@michaelmaier7262]

@4:44 kind of sounds like Daffy Duck