How to Ride like a Cop - Ryan Challenges Police Motor Course

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Ever wonder why perps in police chases can’t shake those pesky motorcycle cops? Ryan takes a real-deal police motorcycle course to find out.
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[@nomithinks]

"that was not a pass" Literally had my mouth on the floor, haha.

[@thompsonschwabbel6622]

yeah, holy moly

[@pembatamang8233]

what did he do wrong ?

[@thompsonschwabbel6622]

@@pembatamang8233 "too slow" probably.

[@hivewasp]

that was still pretty impressive control though.

[@oakwolf5161]

goes to show how good the cops must be to get their wheels...gees

[@thefalchion]

Ryan always struck me as a very capable rider, considering his experience both offroad and on road over years of time, yet to hear that he had two weeks of training made me really doubt i could ride anywhere close to how a cop rides

[@19Lotus67]

and he didnt pass... not fast enough i'd guess

[@TrueHelpTV]

oh yeah 10 out of 10 when I see a biker cop I get excited. They are the badass on the street

[@nemerkha]

they get bikes they dont pay for, and get unlimited training oppurtunity.

[@ancientaliensarecoming7201]

It's a completely diferente thing. Ryan didnt train in the same circuit for years

[@trooper6762]

@@nemerkhaunlimited is grotesquely false.

[@257796]

Man, it's good to see one continuous shot like that with no cut. In this modern world of edit and 1,000 tries you forget how good it is to watch one long cut

[@CodyCoyoteX]

Agreed. It did cross my mind that a helmet cam view in an inset would have been interesting, would have illustrated his point about looking an entirely different direction than the bike is pointing.

[@richardcranium9887]

Like the movie 1917 :)

[@ljprep6250]

I got tired just watching that last lap.

[@JatPhenshllem]

​@@ljprep6250Gotta work on that

[@yashaashayeri7055]

He just did a 6 minute video with no cuts, no riding but ranting about protective gear. It's goood.

[@MusicRider1973]

What an incredible video. If that run was “not a pass,” those that do pass have my utmost respect. Great job, Ryan

[@bella_testastretta]

Police riders are insanely skilled!

[@G1lgamesj]

You probably already now but that no pass was obvious for the scene 😂

[@althejazzman]

Where did he fail?

[@G1lgamesj]

@@althejazzman It's obvious for the video 😂

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

​@G1lgamesj That No Pass, Has a very deep affect on those like myself who see the value in this and similar ART Courses.

[@klakier19901]

After 10 years of some intense riding (and reading), I've attended a day long course with London Metropolitan Police. They demolished my riding, and gave me a lot of very good advices. Like: - dont look for reasons to overtake. Look for reasons not to. - stay far away from vans so that you see both mirrors - its ok to get on opposing lane to position yourself wide for corner entry - keep to the near side on upper narrow roads - stay the fuck out of the middle of the lane when dry - always late apex - look for the point where the edges of the roads are coming together in the distance - filtering is technically overtaking, so it's fine - when approaching an intersection - always gear down, and do something unpredictable like change side on the lane. And make sure the pads are touching the discs. - when taking your right of way, watch the front wheels Oh, they called the high vis yellow the 'new urban camo'. Wear orange.

[@aatee5840]

Underrated post!

[@dillaxcompany]

Good advices, thank you!

[@tempestandacomputer6951]

"filtering is technically overtaking" imma try that out with Texas cops, see how it goes

[@klakier19901]

@@tempestandacomputer6951 welcome to the United Kingdom. How's that for freedom?

[@nothingtoseehere7903]

@@klakier19901 pretty similar to living in a a large American city. Also police driving standards were pioneered here. (Along with the Magna Carta and common law, the basis of your constitution)

[@paulclifford5712]

As an ex-police officer and and ex rider, instructor (not at the same time) I can say with 100% confidence that this method is bang on accurate. These skills have made me a better rider and can be applied just about any motorcycle. To do it on a busted arse CX500 is simply awesome also.

[@jasons5596]

Can it be done on a Kawasaki ninja 400🤔

[@peterhansen1670]

I wonder how I would fair on my FJ-09 (now Tracer 900). I specifically bought it for one of the highest seat heights (36" inseam). Lower centre of gravity would definitely be a plus. Though that beamer the cop's on is definitely higher in balance than a Harley.

[@scowley86]

GL500 (Silverwing) but close..

[@johnmaerzluft7762]

Surprisingly that's why BMrs are used so often as police bikes... that flat opposed twin handles like a dream... it drops into a corner near effortlessly. When I first got 1200RT it took a few good rides to figure out just how much "sport" was under the hood of this sport tourer. They really are an engineering feat...

[@Rick-qf5de]

​@@jasons5596 extremely easy.... I can do it on a CR 250 2-stroke motocross race bike... Or on a 1,000 CC Kawasaki concours sport touring bike.... Low-speed maneuverability the shorter the bike is , the most ground clearance , high seat height is the easiest...

[@kyriakoslamp2306]

that clip at the end, absolute champion, 10/10 for most of us riders-viewers, speed control endurance, followed by "not a pass"... makes you realize how serious the standards are. loved it, i hope you have the chance to make another video soon with a pass

[@WuiteySr]

What was the reason for the 'not a pass'? Time? Dropped cones?

[@charlielilley8033]

@@WuiteySr wheelie at the end XD did you not notice the slitght lift

[@lemster101]

@@WuiteySr I suspect time as you could hear the instructors call that out several times and if it had been something like a foot on the ground or a cone I think he would've bailed on the run.

[@donewhiskey]

I think @lemster101 nailed it. You can hear the instructors telling him to pick up the pace several times. After watching this video, I am confident in my suckage as a rider.

[@aluisious]

@@donewhiskeyafter watching the video I'm just glad I can ride to any place I want to go and almost never crash on the way.

[@DamaniJones]

"4 fingers in, 4 fingers out, demonetize the video.." I don't know how you do it, but you never cease to make me laugh -- even while effortlessly doing difficult maneuvers

[@chrisg3162]

EPIC! I paused there to search the comments for anyone who got that!!

[@wave6413]

😜🤪

[@pookiewookie7679]

🤣🤣

[@nemlas85]

that was great. I was like "waaaait a minute....". hilarious stuff. also the sponsor ad was smooth and effortless.

[@jfk1150]

Hey Ryan your Irish police badge will get you sorted 👍🏻🇨🇮

[@mikehtiger]

I was a motor cop in California. I did two weeks of pre training then the two week training course. Riding like this is not easy but with training anyone can do it. Huge props to Ryan for taking the course. He didn’t pass at the end but he was damn close. He was also on a different bike which does make a difference. I passed the course on a road king while everyone else was on BMWs. The BMW riders have about 6-12” more room in the patterns (they did all pass on both a road king and a bmw at one point). If you are getting ready to take this course make sure you have ibuproferin and lots of bengay!

[@shaywelch]

i have looked for these kinds of courses for years and can't find any. the "advanced" classes i find are just basic MSF courses on your own bike. ugh. i want to be like you one day.

[@mikehtiger]

@@shaywelch if you are in California there is one located in Dublin that is put on by the alameda county sheriffs office that is really good

[@shaywelch]

Sigh. I wish. Atlanta.

[@frydemwingz]

did you use the road king just because you were used to riding it and thought you'd do worse on the BMW?

[@mikehtiger]

@@frydemwingz no we had to use our own departments bikes and that is what we had

[@RobTopala]

even though you didnt pass, that was still a crazy good attempt and super impressive. great job ryan!!

[@mmagdy]

I’m glad you didn’t pass Ryan, I need you to keep sharing the awesome content you and your team produce vs chasing bad guys on a highway 😊

[@downhillupside]

Why wasn't it a pass?!

[@peterruiz6117]

100 % !

[@NunyaBusiness...]

@@downhillupside We don't know for sure, but at the end of the video the instructor says "That is not a pass." Why is pure speculation.

[@deekamikaze]

@@downhillupside I wouldn't be surprised if it was for time. He's still above my riding level by a longshot but I'm going to go out and set up some tennis balls and get to practicing with my ex motor cop instructor friend and see if he can give me instruction too.

[@killorbytes]

I was tilting my head and body as he turned into the course. I felt myself getting anxious as he was coming into those tight U turns. I can not believe that wasn't a pass. Holy shit. Maximum Respect.

[@marxmanjj]

I'm not sure I could make those tight turns during a brisk walk, let a lone on my bike...

[@bjb7587]

Same.

[@lukewoodside9420]

Glad I was not the only one haha

[@phredrocks]

Me too!! LOL

[@ProbeGT2]

I think he did hit a cone.

[@midtennmoto7541]

Dude thats a brutal test at the end. Two of intense work to get there. Watching the test at the end had my heart rate up, hands sore and sweating. Props to you. No part of that was remotely easy. One of your best videos yet.

[@byever1]

YOU'VE GOT THE RIGHT TO BE A BETTER RIDER!

[@FortNine]

We all do! ~RF9

[@TheBstakz]

"That is not a pass" Really?!?! My heart was racing to be part of the course! Give Ryan F9 his patch already!

[@rvdboomgaard]

Yeah. Why was it not a pass? Too long?

[@Juror63]

Right! My heart sank when he said that. 😮‍💨

[@Yeldur]

I believe in the overhead shot you can see him hitting a cone in the top right hand side - Also likely time control. It's insane how quick and how perfect you need to be though, makes total sense of course, but god damn that's tough.

[@terrafound]

I wonder if a newer bike with a bit better acceleration would've made the difference.

[@dapras]

@@terrafound No its all about correct technique. You could finish that course with any bike even a dirt bike

[@galacticjuicedaddy1305]

"That is not a pass" are you kidding? I got anxiety just watching it 💀🤣

[@Dodey2257]

When I did my bike learners course literally all of the instructors were ex motorbike police easily some of the most skilled people I've ever seen

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

The main flaw of motor cop trainers I've interacted with was, they were too busy being macho-man hardasses to be very good educators. Best moto "professor" I ever had in a skills course was a nerdy 30-something who had 400k+ miles on a V-Strom 650

[@von1477]

@@gregorysteffensen3279 man they hurt you huh

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

@@von1477 the same police force that those motorcycle cops were from would later go on to unprovokedly bathe my neighborhood in tear gas in 2020 so, yeah they did and I have zero shame about that

[@Dodey2257]

@@gregorysteffensen3279 wasn't the case for me, my instructors were bloody awesome even did a couple of stunts for me and my mate after passing

[@vinnyc365]

@@gregorysteffensen3279 "unprovoked"

[@johnporterfield2279]

I've been riding for 15 years, both on and off road. I got the opportunity to try the Alberta Sheriff's motorcycle course and I was immediately humbled. After a full day of riding with them I had never been so sore and tired.

[@bluethundersomogyi]

"That is not a pass"... 🤣 This was one of your best videos, hands down (even including the cheese episode!). I just took an Advanced Rider Course in Poconos a month ago, and I was being taught to unlearn many of the techniques you went over which I self-taught myself over decades of riding. Fantastic public service announcement. Thrilling video conclusion. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@josiahchernoff508]

It's incredible how Ryan and Forrtnine demonstrate how refined and fun the most safest ridng can be. Riding safely at the apex of its refinement looks fun and thats inctedible. Dropping a knee often doesn't happen with civillian traffic nearby but revving at 4 grand and turning sharply with ultimate clutch control and leajng off your motorcycle is something practically usable and likely to pop up in town and most of all: it looks freaking awesome

[@Libadergiotis]

Doing this on a r1250rt while scraping those cylinder heads is a bigger flex then scraping your knee like an ape.

[@imbored667]

⁠@@Libadergiotismate, if your r1250rt cylinder heads are scraping, your luggage compartment is lifting your backtire. and if you took that off, you still, would lowside. Source; basic understanding of physics and lean angles. i‘ll stick to aping around and driving like a normal human being in city traffic. All that said, this has practical applications for slow speed maneuvers which i use this for

[@Libadergiotis]

@@imbored667 total bull mate. This was actually done without luggage. At around 42 degrees of lean the pins on the foot rests scrape. After their gone the next thing that comes are the cylinder heads at 50 degrees. You dont lowside at that lean angle if the right conditions are met. Its super crucial to keep the bike with enough supporting gas stable without load changes. You dont need to take the moral high ground. Its good if you keep driving normal no one told you to do otherwise.

[@Lauren_C]

Definitely don’t need to be Speedy Gonzalez to be properly skilled in riding (or driving). It takes exacting control over your ride, and applying it for the purpose of safely navigating the highly unpredictable roadways.

[@paulledet5911]

I did this exact course a few years ago on a bandit 1250. There was a GS1250 adventure, a K1600 GTL, an old school police Harley with the heaviest clutch I have ever felt, a Honda bagger (F6B?) a full on ultra glide, an older Mil Police type GL1500, and some other bikes I am forgetting. It was an incredible experience and one that has had a significant impact on the quality of my riding experience. That said, I have also done some off road training (Enduro Park Canada), cornering courses (TractionWerks, California Superbike) and I can’t wait to do more. No matter my riding experience or skill level, I continue to have room to learn and improve.

[@TjBruce817]

Most of us riders wouldn't even be able to determine were the course is let alone complete it at that speed. Not sure what you did or didn't do to not pass but that run looked insanely fast and tight. I'm sure that you could do it with a couple more shots at a cleaner run. Well done man!!

[@kingkrimson8771]

If I had to guess I'd say he probably failed due to taking too long to complete the course. Still an awesome performance though.

[@davidsanders9426]

@@kingkrimson8771 That's my guess. Near the end I think you can hear the instructor saying "pick up the pace"

[@marvinslomp3564]

At the very end of the video the instructor says "that is not a pass"

[@tryptaminer]

@@marvinslomp3564 Mhmm, but he did not say WHY it wasn't a pass, which was the point of the comment you're replying to.

[@christhut8140]

@@marvinslomp3564 everybody heard that. thanks sherlock 🤦‍♂

[@paulroberts3639]

A friend of mine - a fellow long term rider - was a traffic cop. He drove highway pursuit cars. He tried out for a role as a bike cop. This is in Australia. He didn’t pass even though he was lightening on a road bike. The course was just too challenging. I understand that this is the same in many countries. Respect to anyone who passes these courses. In 35 years of riding I have never heard of anyone outriding a bike cop. They may end the pursuit due to public safety, but they never get outridden. But regardless, I couldn’t do was well as Ryan did.

[@AndyViant]

Plenty of people can and do. The thing is how many of them don't end up getting caught by the cop, but instead the coroner, eventually. The odds don't work in your favour long term. Don't get me wrong, the cops can ride and ride well, they have all the training and litre + class gear all paid for by someone else, with lights and sirens to keep idiots out of their way. On your favourite road, on the ragged edge, if there's no surprises you may get away if you're a talented rider on a good bike, so long as they haven't already got your numberplate on camera (unlikely) and they haven't got a chopper up. If you're on a litre class race rep on the latest and greatest tyres or illegal shaved or cut to road pattern racing slicks the odds increase a bit. But one mistake and either they've got you or you're dead. How much is that speeding ticket REALLY worth to you?

[@lukewoodside9420]

If they stop, its not cause they can't keep up. Its cause you are going to kill yourself, and a traffic ticket isn't worth cleaning you up off the road to them.

[@lukewoodside9420]

@@AndyViant Thats the thing, you have to be lucky every time, they only have to be lucky once.

[@drmz6506]

Got chased by bike cop from Paramatta to Petersham on the old Great Western Highway before the new motorways. He got me at the traffic lights near the TAFE because I thought I'd long ago lost him, and I got held up sitting there waiting for a right turn arrow that never came because the road coil wouldn't pick up the bike. 1985, GSX1100EFF. He screamed at me. He got off his bike and threw his helmet. He seemed just a teeny bit emotional. Something about trying to follow me between two semis who closed the door on him. He swore, a lot. Very unprofessional I thought. I tried to explain he had the wrong guy...I was innocent...and what about the guy on the Katana that got caught up in it all because he thought I was trying to race him (and was flogging shit out of him, by the way)...I mean it was like half his fault at least. I know him, I can give you his address (he actually lived about 6 houses down from me and I just happened to pass him and he thought I was doing a flyby, so he gave chase, and then noticed the cop lagging behind, he picked his time and bugged out while the cop was focused on me)...never liked him anyway. Noooo. I had already accumulated enough points to sit out the next 3 months, and the extra points meant I had 2 licenses worth of lost points by the time the suspension notice came in the mail, but I only did one suspension. Winning.

[@stacyhamilton2619]

​@@drmz6506 When did this become about your narcissism? Losing!

[@AVweb]

Just remembering the course is a major achievement. Kudos. I took a civilian dumbed down course an agree it's a great confidence builder.

[@rrutel]

Great riding, Ryan. As someone who taught police riding schools for a very long time, I can tell you that you have a remarkable skill set. Every motor officer I have ever taught says that nothing they had ever done in their career was as physically and mentally stressful as trying to pass the basic motor officer course. Now get yourself signed up for the advanced motor school. You'll be amazed! Well done!

[@NoFrictionZone]

"basic"? That's amazing to us mortals. Thanks for the service boss.

[@Wolfpak765]

I’ve seen the Indy Motorcycle Drill Team several times. They can do stuff on a 900lb bike I didn’t even think was possible.

[@philhawley1219]

@@NoFrictionZone Amazing riding. The last words spoken," That is not a pass". I went giddy watching it, that would be hard for most of us on a 125 trial bike and Ryan did it on a 40 year old Plastic Maggot. Now let even a police rider try that on an old Ducati with a long wheel base, a clutch that weighs a ton and limited steering lock. Add into the equation an extreme head down and arse in the air riding position . I bet the police riders would still cope with it. The training these blokes go through is unbelievable.

[@artadvancedridertrainingin1584]

It was great having on the course this season Ryan !! Awesome improvement and riding. As always another amazing video. Keep it up and see you out on the road.

[@1OTDM]

Did you run the course featured in the video?

[@PeterLerkaram]

How did he not pass? :) time?

[@artadvancedridertrainingin1584]

@@PeterLerkaram - In the Emergency Operators Course qualification runs all penalties are time penalties, riders need to learn to be fast but also highly proficient so Time penalties don't knock them out.

[@kj1h5kj]

As always, absolutely premium content. I couldn't believe that ride wasn't a pass. I couldn't have pulled that off on my best day. Lots of respect to those officers out there.

[@ringsoffire5947]

WOW! I knew that course was extremely difficult, and I thought you killed it Ryan! Only to get to the end, with a non pass. Incredibly impressive riding sir!

[@luckygunner8089]

Wonder if he just was too slow? That was some good riding!

[@ShamelessRambler]

@@luckygunner8089 i think so. they kept telling him "power power power, let's go"

[@zawzawaung6789]

In 2010 Washington State made a new law aimed at all of the old guys who had never ridden a bike before, but were still going out and buying huge Harleys. We had a spate of fatalities that were the largest since numbers started being kept back in the 1960s. The new law stipulated that the cops could take your bike if you were caught riding without an MC endorsement. As it happens, the Washington state MC riding test for an endorsement is pretty tough to pass...unless you go through the MC safety course and pass it there. After riding a bike for more than 45 years without an MC endorsement I signed up for the safety course. As it happens, I learned a lot of stuff I Just Did Not Know about the physics and practice of riding. If a rider has time and money, -and is serious about riding well, then I highly recommend attendance at these courses.

[@ElementofKindness]

In Pennsylvania, the courses are free. (one of the VERY few things DMV related that is offered for free)

[@mweingar]

@@ElementofKindness Great to hear this as most new riders are young and just starting out in life. Money is an issue and it shouldn't get in the way of making them better riders and our streets safer. Well done Pennsylvania.

[@EUC-lid]

Meanwhile, I moved from NC to WA in 2017 and when I went to the DOL they asked me if I wanted to keep my endorsement. "Yes" "Okay. That'll be $30 for the 6 year license." It was a rubber stamp. 😅 I need some good training again, now though. I'm very rusty.

[@FortNine]

Fun fact - that figure 8 pattern called "WSP" is named for the Washington State Police, who claim to have invented it. Whether or not anyone can legitimately claim to have invented the number "8" is another question... ~RF9

[@colinmartin9797]

This law bit me in the ass when I moved here. There was a technical glitch in transferring my endorsement from Arizona to WA and when I pulled over one day to let my old shitbox cool off in traffic outside UW, a cop pulled over behind me, insisted I was riding on the shoulder, and demanded to see my license. Turns out (my fault) I had just gotten my WA license the day before and I presumed my endorsement was on the back. It was not. The cop refused to look me up in the system to see that I truly did have my license, didn't write me a ticket, but had my bike impounded. So I had to pay for the tow and to get it out with no recourse. If he wrote me a ticket, I could have fought the whole thing. I'm not a cop hater for the most part, but Mary's law was used that day absolutely inappropriately. WA even had my endorsement on file. They just had computer problems that day and printed a wrong card (my temporary license had my endorsement)

[@LamontJohnson23]

I was fortunate to take have this training as my introduction to motorcycling in 1994. I was stationed on Camp Pendleton and had purchased a new ZX6R. The base required MSF Beginners course to ride on base, but also offered the advanced at the same time with time off of your duties to attend. It was a great couple of days, and I recommend this training to everyone. Incredible memories of battling these damn cones lol.

[@shadow-r3852]

Honestly, with my rather poor riding skills I was quite surprised to see how much quicker I could go on my puny little CB500F when counter leaning. I was also surprised that Ryan (after making the video on why you should counter lean) kept leaning in - happy to see it addressed again. I think besides the vision advantage, the other thing that improved a lot for me, is that I can now go over a bump without the whole motorbike squirming around as my bodyweight is pulling it to one then the other side. So, so much more comfortable to ride! Also that run was mighty impressive! Sayonara and such things...

[@FortNine]

Oh I still lean in sometimes because it's fun. I just do it knowing that at street speeds, it's a silly choice. ~RF9

[@MrD-moto]

@@FortNine 1986 on a police run advance course. Trainee hanging off his GPZ600R through the corners, officer on his CX500 sat bolt upright in pursuit. GPZ wasn't making any ground on the CX, the GPZ just looked like it was going faster . I was 17 and inspried by the Police roadcraft skills, and since spend years being shouted at by off-road instructirs to stop using my 4 fingers on the clutch!!!

[@corey6393]

@@MrD-moto When I took my first STAR course in Idaho back in the mid 90's, the instructor kept yelling at me to get my two fingers OFF the clutch. I came from riding dirt to getting my endorsement, and was accustomed to gentle clutch work at low speeds. They wanted none of it, at that time.

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

I've always found that your natural balance is also much better when counter leaning, and that, when combined with greater vision and visibility, it also inspires confidence.

[@waitwat1142]

@@FortNine I know I'm late but as a relatively new rider I really hope to get a definite answer on this : Should I ignore my riding school guidelines and counter-lean as a general rule? I ride a tall trail bike, and counter leaning is what I immediately felt like the natural way to turn, but I keep struggling to meet the expectations of my instructors, who insist that sticking my face out next to my mirror is the way to be safe, since _lean equals risk, and leaning my body in reduces bike lean_ .

[@Dontasticats]

The "that is not a pass" just took the wind out of me, how in the hell

[@JeremyCulbreath]

Honestly, the ending was a surprise. Absolutely flawless, or so it looked from a non-pro perspective. Hope you had a passing run later. Sooo much information packed in this video. I'll probably watch it several times and hope to learn a fraction of what you tried to convey.

[@patricktracy7940]

RESPECT!!! Ryan you rock my friend. Retired police officer here. Thank you for your service my friend ..... to the motorcycle community!!!

[@moosecat]

Thank you for your service.

[@christopherperisho4819]

The training I did to become a police motor was the hardest I have ever worked and one of the most fun things I have ever done on a bike. Most don’t pass their first attempt. Over half my class failed on day 3 at the first set of benchmarks (there were many more to tests over the remaining week and a half. Only me and two other guys passed in our group. Without a doubt I am a way better rider for the training. Ryan does an excellent job accurately portraying the course, skills, and riding style!

[@martij30]

Doing this on a top-heavy Silverwing is even more impressive! Keep up the content.

[@jothain]

Since when something like silverwing has been rated as a heavy bike? It's still very nimble bike compared many others that are longer and heavier. That "top heavy" is marketing term imo.

[@tpilot_error404]

Honestly I like it when they are top-heavy. You feel the cornering better and it helps balance . You control the bike , the bike doesn't control you

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

Having ridden a Silverwing as one of my first bikes, can confirm that thing felt a million miles tall

[@jimstenlund6017]

Compared to my ‘02 FZ1 my ‘82 SilverWing is much harder to ride in situations like lane filtering, because it is so top-heavy. Tire choice may add in some lack of stability at low speeds too. GL500i overall is a fun and very practical bike, great in cold weather.

[@martij30]

@@jothain I'm not saying it's necessarily heavy (it's definitely not light though) but it's TOP-heavy. Due to the cylinder arrangement and the way the crankcase is set up, along with a 19L tank and the Silverwing addons (the fairing etc) it's a motorcycle that has a relatively high centre of gravity. It's definitely not unrideable though, as you can see. Some people even prefer it like this. It does take more skill to master, however.

[@mukers]

The smoothest sponsor ad I've ever seen, exceptionally done as always.

[@DigiSlug]

I didn't even know what was going on until the code popped up.

[@jimc793]

Major kudos, Ryan. I wouldn’t have attempted this on anything less than my Honda XR650R Supermoto and I wouldn’t have expected to pass but more importantly, I found that this cop-style riding approach was what I instinctively gravitated toward before I was trained in how to ride “properly”. 😂

[@RazgrizAlphaONE]

If you do a follow up, I'd love to see maybe a competition between a few police motorcycle officers and a few different riders. Put everyone on the same bike, give them time to get familiar with it, and then send them on a mixed course of pavement and offroad (slow, fast, technical sections). Time each section individually and see how they do. From the civilian side, get a motorcycle racer from both pavement and dirt, and then maybe get someone who's a specialist in trials riding. I am curious to see who's techniques get them through the fastest. Ryan can be the control as a very experienced rider.

[@thelasttimeitried]

If you search up videos of police running the agility courses, it's mind-blowing. Respect to Ryan, but he was really slow comparatively. Still four times faster than I would be, but the speed and smoothness of the cops is spectacular.

[@hamishclayton347]

Yeah that would be cool to see but I think if you’re going to put a trials rider into the mix then they will likely be the overall victor 😊

[@Flawtistic]

This type of balancing on your bike made me completely change how I ride a few years ago after I saw a Japanese cop do this course in the rain. So more secure and no worry of slipping on gravel/oil puddles/grass/etc.

[@TherealLD]

As an Mx and enduro instructor, I end up spending the most time teaching people exactly this. I was surprised, when I first started teaching others, how many street bike riders have no idea how to properly apply this

[@Simbarrr]

certified ryanf9 moment 👍

[@captnsking9079]

My motorcycle training instructor was an ex British motorcycle cop and it always amazed me how stable and in control he was on a bike. Was a great teacher too and am glad i was able to be taught from the very start from him

[@ElegantHope]

I have never felt more entranced watching a video than I have watching Ryan ride at the end. I kept leaning whenever Ryan and the bike did.

[@hennapod]

"That is not a pass." Incredible. Clearly we all have A LOT to learn. Great video as always.

[@Nick-Who]

Counter-sitting is really common when riding tight dirt-bike trails as well. Rise up off the seat on your pegs and push those handlebars down for the sharpest turns. Admittedly it feels a bit more natural on a light dirt bike than I imagine it does on a Silverwing.

[@VVDCS]

I watched a few cop course runs while psyching myself up for the basic rider course. Ryan you did admirably, and honestly seeing you *not pass* is extremely valuable. You were very good, and never allowed the bike to be out of your control, but from what I've seen, the pros treat it like dancing. They already counted the steps in their hearts, they're just letting the machine be their legs. That moment of cybernetic connection is what i strive for every time i throw a leg over. I honestly think you just weren't fast enough, with all the shouts from the instructors

[@martymcfly6098]

Great video. Former motor here and another huge benefit of training like this is for riders to get comfortable threshold braking their front brake. I worked a ton of motorcycle accidents with 100 feet plus of rear tire skid. Most of those could have been avoided with proper braking. Average riders are usually hesitant to mash the front brake.

[@alexanderhetzel8271]

ABS really helps there. Doesn't make you a better rider and you still need to do a few practice runs, but if it removes that fear of grabbing the front brake in an emergency you are in a much better position already.

[@haldorasgirson9463]

The high side crash we are all worried about is not caused by over braking, it is caused by releasing the brake with the rear wheel slid out of line with the front wheel. Once you start a skid, keep braking until the rear wheel is back under you before releasing the brake. Most of the time this is when you are stopped.

[@martuuk8964]

Just ride a bike with ABS, problem solved. No matter how good you are at threshold braking, a computer can do it better, many times per second. For people on bikes without ABS (which I grant is probably the majority, as most bikes with ABS have a premium price tag), standard progressive braking as quickly as possible is most likely their safest option and will save them 9/10 times if they are riding legally and safely in every other respect. Most brake errors are a result of panic braking due to unsafe riding in other respects, so oftentimes not even progressive-braking practice will do them any good. Expert threshold braking takes a lot of practice that not many people are going to set aside the time for. For people where riding is a job requirement they obviously are forced to set aside the time.

[@jimbarino2]

@@haldorasgirson9463 I remember my MSF course from way back that drilled into me that if the rear locks up, keep your foot on it until you come to a stop.

[@kingkrimson8771]

2 X 320mm rotors at the front of my bike vs. 1 X 280mm rotor at the rear. Simple math tells me which one I should favour.

[@mightyakkylex]

I counterbalanced my way through figure 8s in the riding school to get my A license and it worked out great and felt way more in control and passed first try :D

[@tpilot_error404]

In Europe ( license motorcycle is A) uturns are standard. 9 m wide at 50kmph , 7 m at 12kmph etc. But you gotta practice. Look at Doodle.

[@ElementofKindness]

Makes sense as geometry of a motorcycle is that the more a bike is leaned, the smaller of a radius it's capable of achieving, while also allowing lower speed to do so, with center of gravity moved further out over the contact patch of the tires, and relying less on centrifugal force to keep the bike from falling in on the turn.

[@mightyakkylex]

@@tpilot_error404 i mean, I'm pretty sure i never went over 15kph since we were instructed to let the clutch out and ride it at idle

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

​@@tpilot_error404 To be fair the UK A license test wasn't half as tough as this police course looks. I passed with no minors after two days training. I think this would take me weeks to get it down to a decent time. 😭

[@mightyakkylex]

@@tpilot_error404 actually I just now realized you said uturns, I was talking about figure 8s and got them confused, mb

[@georgeerhard1949]

MAJOR props to the motor officers, after seeing this run (which I'd have dumped the bike, no question.) When I lived in California, I got to talking to a motor officer with the Berkeley PD. He says their test not only includes tight quick turns like this, but also U-turns on an extreme grade... because they have to ride the Berkeley Hills, and Marin Avenue (the steepest incline in the Bay Area) has a 25% grade, 25 feet of elevation change for every hundred feet of street. I've ridden that street, and there is NO WAY I would attempt a U-turn on any of the sloped bit, only at the intersections where it is (mostly) level. But a cop might have to pull a U anywhere... so they test on Marin Avenue.

[@Xachremos]

God damn that was intense. And that fact that he, in my eyes, shredded that course, yet still didn’t pass is mind boggling.

[@ashnmatt1]

Dude you can truly rip! I had been riding for ten years before I was fortunate enough to try a course like this (after a fair amount of motojitsu parking lot practice thankfully), and I got absolutely obsessed...More importantly though, I was humbled. In ten years I dropped 1 bike 1 time. After 45 minutes on a course like this, I dropped my bike about 7 or 8 times. I can totally appreciate the effort this run took, well done👌

[@alleyoop1234]

Motojitsu is very informative! But I unfollowed him as he became full of himself recently

[@gerrycout7845]

I could not agree more. It’s been a while.

[@Teleolution]

Follow Moto Control. He is the man.

[@ashnmatt1]

I do! That guy is great👌

[@russelljimenez4715]

And this is why I will never take one of these courses. I don't have the money to repair my bike from 7 or 8 drops. I am sure the skills they give you are great, but I'd rather be riding my bike in good condition, than sitting with a bunch more skills and a busted bike.

[@errezeta55]

Thank you, Ryan. This video is gold. It's not an esoteric motorcycle review or a product test, but a fantastic experience-based set of lessons that will help so many of us. I feel I should have paid for the summary notes. Thanks, man! I just wish I had a bike that I could afford to drop the way the police service can. That way I'd really understand the limits and it would do wonders for confidence. But when you have to pay for your own damage, you tend to risk less and learn less.

[@letmejustsay]

Ryan did bloody well on that course. Amazing skills.

[@playerguy2]

Yet still finishes it off with the comment "That was not a pass!" What a humbling experience that must be.

[@mrfoomutt]

First went through it 20 years ago. Practice, practice, practice. I'm not surprised that you did so well, as experienced as you are. The bonus as always is your making us laugh constantly. Great job

[@PaulGinAZ68]

Great video, I loved the different perspective of riding like a policeman vs. what we are trained elsewhere. PS-- Ryan, now I want a Silverwing.

[@FortNine]

Excellent - mine is for sale ;) ~RF9

[@DaHitch]

As a gymkhana rider, when police say that's the fastest way to get around in the city they're absolutely correct. But most cops also aren't nearly as good a rider as they think they are.

[@tpilot_error404]

Riding techniques are top. But you gotta understand traffic too. And do police drive semi ?

[@cyjanek7818]

Most cops, most riders and most drivers, there is something so dumb yet so natural in thinking that you have more control than you actually have. Cops have advantage of not being scared by... cops

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

The one I know is.

[@amritpanda7947]

Kiwis use the word gym khana?

[@haldorasgirson9463]

The vast majority of riders are not as good as they think they are. At least cops are trained how to properly do this.

[@hummuslord6521]

as a Toronto rider, I can attest - I learned my clutch application from a Quebecois instructor, and he taught me what he called "elegant" clutch control; like this. Relax the arms - rev less, clutch less - the clutch determines the speed, the noise, and the dexterity of the ride. A delicate touch on the clutch is the best kind - learn the friction zone and use it, but don't live in it!

[@letmejustsay]

One of the best channels on KZbin for sure. Educational, entertaining, funny, great production. It has it all.

[@pauldlubaciv2867]

This is one of the most polished channels on KZbin. These guys are top level clever with how they film and edit. Hats off gentlemen

[@andrewandlm]

"demonetise the video". 😂😂😂😂 Don't think many people got that one.

[@mullins6429]

Outstanding riding skills demonstrated by Ryan in that video. So much to takeaway from that presentation. Thanks guys.

[@christianbrown7711]

Feeling absolutely humbled, awesome effort Ryan! Maximum respect to those that pass

[@SJMG]

You're a great amateur, Ryan, better than most of us. This test is clearly no joke and sets the bar for professionals. Thanks for sharing

[@demophys4883]

Loved it. Full of really useful information, and the way you threw that CX-500 around was breathtaking. It made me a little dizzy . . . and I especially loved the end.

[@scottcates]

That course looks super lonnng

[@BatuuBounder]

GL650

[@chasebarber6154]

​@@BatuuBounderThat's definitely a 500. The 650 has different valve covers. I've owned both.

[@BatuuBounder]

@chasebarber6154 you're right, that is a 500. Should know better, there's one in my garage right now. More to the point though, it's definitely a GL, and not the CX. as the other guy mentioned.

[@chasebarber6154]

@@BatuuBounder That part of your comment was correct, so I didn't feel the need to specify that.

[@BillPedler_wrp9]

"That is not a pass." I felt devastated. My heart was beating. I was out of breath. My shoulders ached from tensing through every turn. .. .. Only to hear "That was not a pass." Thank you for your non-standard videos. Thank you for this moment of honesty.

[@JDGage]

It is crazy watching them ride how they do. Either way out riding, stopping at a gas station and chatting with a biker cop is awesome. They’re generally really cool guys.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Interesting stuff. I was a motorcycle courier in London in the 80s and sometimes used a big trailie (in vogue at the time). I was no expert, but weaving in and put of traffic in the West End and the heart of the Square Mile, these shapes and positions made sense, even for one with my Cro-Magnon abilities. The full hand on the clutch definitely makes sense. Excellent and amusing video. We can ask no more.

[@robertmaitland09]

I too despatched in London in the eighties, this video reminded me of the swerves and on bike contortions I deployed on a daily basis doing that job especially in the pouring rain!

[@medler2110]

It was you guys who used to scare the bejesus out of me when I was trying to get through London in a truck, you'd appear from nowhere through a gap that wasn't big enough to get a Rizla through and and disappear just as quick.

[@pixelspy5791]

watching him ride better than like 90% of people on the road and still not passing is nuts. Wish he went over what he did wrong on it.

[@Jeff_Klein]

You did pretty good mate. Better than 99% of riders would do. Very nice.

[@EelcoPeterzen]

This is amazing. Good job, Ryan! Even though it was not a pass. That 2 finger clutch always surprises me. In the Netherlands we always learn to work the clutch with four fingers. I don't know why you wouldn't. By the way, we have to follow several classes and pass 3 different exams, before we get our license. I've been watching the final, unedited run and we learn most of these exercises on the parking lot as well. Not at these break-neck speeds, mind you (we also learn to ride at a walking pace). But we have to do an exam for these exercises before we're allowed to continue lessons on the road.

[@FortNine]

Two finger clutching has its place! In racing, especially off-road, you want to keep as many fingers on the handlebars as possible. Otherwise enduro courses will throw you off. ~RF9

[@EelcoPeterzen]

@@FortNine o.i.c. Thank you! That does make sense. However, if I can compare that to your point about counterbalancing, it has it's use in off-road, but is that also necessary on the road? E.g. wouldn't a road trip that ends with a city crawl benefit from the added clutch control of four fingers on an already tired hand? Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, since you made this video to tell us the benefits of these habits. Still, amazing job on this course. I have an incredible amount of respect for riders who can do this.

[@bnolsen]

I always work the clutch with 4 but the breaks with 2. Of course there's no way in hell i could do that course today.

[@Icedragon481]

@@FortNine I believe in an older video you said something to the tune of "ill cover this in a future video" and I don't believe you have! I'm glad to finally see your opinion!

[@SwainixFPV]

Yup, everything he said on that video we get in the NL, at the exception of the faster corners where I was taught to stay neutral. Usually in the city I'll counter lean, outside on a funner road I'll lean in if I have visibility and I want to feel like I'm fast getting low to the ground lmao. (Tbf I did switch to 4 fingers because I rock climb and I never need the clutch so much that it gets tiring ahah)

[@thenamen935]

In Switzerland everyone riding a bike has to do 3 tests. 1) Theoretical Knowledge of driving and traffic 2) Driving test on the street with an examiner on the back of your bike 3) parcour test, similiar to this one. This is where most fail, here are what you have to do (without knocking over cones or crossing the boundary lines): -small rounds in both directions (in a 4m circle) -driving a figure 8 around the same cones (4m circle) -driving as slowly is possible in a straight line (you have to take more than 15seconds for 15m of distance) -narrow slalom (cones on a straight line) -a bit larger slalom (cones shifted) -stopping and starting uphill and downhill -emergency brake maneuver

[@N0tTh3Pr0]

even though you did not pass you learned a lot and teachimg us what you have learnt... mad respect to you Ryan. Cannot thank you enough.

[@coolhandchunk]

Anyone else impressed by how well that old Silverwing handled that course????

[@somejerk1520]

Riders in the 80s didn't have it as bad as we think

[@graememorrison333]

@@somejerk1520 My memory of them, having owned a CX500 Custom, and despatch ridden for years in London on a veritable shedload of hired, regular CXs, is that they handle like a blancmange.

[@somejerk1520]

@graememorrison333 My first bike was a '78 CX500 and I'd agree, but Ryan's is based on the GL500 and, with some suspension work, can ride pretty nimble.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

@6:54 great to have this confirmed. I counterweight, especially on curvy, tight mountain roads with a lot of obsctructed visibility (trees, bushes, mountain side and so on). I wish when people advise to lean more than the bike they would add the "when you have a clear line of sight" part because this is actually a safety issue.

[@Lauren_C]

My only motorcycle experience has been on dirt bikes, and navigating tight trails, so leaning into a turn actually looks pretty counterintuitive to me, vs counter sitting.

[@PeterDB90]

There's a freeway ramp I take during my commute that goes up high and therefore has concrete barriers on the sides - if I lean in, in order to look "past the turn" like you're supposed to, I'd have to stare at the concrete wall - that doesn't help me turn better, it just turns my anxiety up. I started riding neutral or even counterleaning on that turn and now it's no problem.

[@mairenared]

Great video Ryan. I had a girlfriend who was taught to drive a car by the police (her father was a police officer) and even though I'm no slouch, I always struggled to keep up with her. When I later learned to ride a motorbike, I was taught to keep the revs high and use the clutch and the rear brake in tight manoeuvres. I was also taught to use all four fingers on the clutch and the front brake levers. Mind you, that was 30 years ago and brake technology has improved a bit since then 😉

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

I still use 4 on the clutch. 4 on the front brake is perhaps a little redundant on modern motorcycles but you get alot better feel when you are nearing electronical limitations like ABS.

[@karlbishop7481]

​@@ThiefOfNavarreSo do I. It comes for me from the early days when you could squeeze the front brake with all you had just to get a decent braking distance. Even the 2017 Harley I had with a hydraulic clutch took a lot of strength. In stop and go it got hard to hold it in.

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

@@karlbishop7481 Absolutely ! I wouldn't deadlift at 50% efficiency. Why would I ride with half of my peak

[@matthewpeterson3329]

I own a few TW200s. Low power and fairly nimble, yet I doubt I could get through this course any cleaner than Ryan did on his considerably bigger and heavier bike. I am definitely going to show my sons this video and we will set up a similar course in the nearby school parking lot to practice these techniques together. Thanks for the great video!

[@simonp675]

Took the course led by Sgt. Ryan back in 2018. Great course and learnt so much from it.

[@sync232]

This reminds me to watch again the Japanese bike police trials.

[@general_GAS]

"that is not a pass!". I was not ready for that

[@GerardHagarty]

Ryan and Fort Nine's content never fails to deliver something new and extremely relevant in the motorcycle world. Congratulations on the best KZbin channel for riders bar none, all the way from Qld, Australia!

[@terryboyle]

I heartily applaud any videos that encourage skill development. Thanks Ryan for your work.

[@TimGray]

I loved it when all the tools blasted you about counterbalance. it reinforced what I knew, most riders dont know how to ride. The Ride like a Pro course classes which are the civilian version of the police training are worth every penny.

[@aluisious]

Most people don't know how to take in information that contradicts something they already thought they knew. It's not a rider thing, it's just that people are stupid.

[@MrKlemensify]

Correct. Most people don't know how to ride properly. Just enough to ride. I don't consider myself a good rider and im objectively better than most. Oddly enough the worst riders are driving the loudest and fanciest bikes. Good riders don't really care on average and ride most of everything.

[@Samwell314]

I taught a provincial motorcycle safety course back in the 90s. Not as intense wrt speed as the police motor course, but it's nice to see we used the same principles for balance, braking and yes, all four fingers. As always, excellent work on the video!

[@wtfgebeurdmij2991]

I like this new upload frequency!

[@philm1559]

I bought my first motorcycle just two days ago. Stumbled across your video here. You know how to handle a motorcycle. I hope to be able to drive like that one day as well. Great videos and educational as well. Keep up the good work.

[@GOICOBA]

Law enforcement and military have insanely good vehicle operators and trainers. I remember the day the Red Cross took us out to a training area operated by the military and the instructors there had a field day with us, but we remembered everything we were taught there and I still use it today in daily driving.

[@motorman857]

I've been teaching the police motor officer techniques to anyone who wants to know how it's done, for the past 25 years. I do this via my Ride Like a Pro instructional videos as well as my in person classes. To anyone who says they don't need to know how to ride around cones, you are either afraid to find out how little you know about riding a motorcycle, or you're afraid that everyone in the class will see how bad a rider you actually are.. If you think riding is fun now, imagine how much more fun it will be if you actually knew what the hell you're doing. Not to mention how much safer you'll be out on the mean streets.

[@jamesratcliffe7082]

Saw his talk on this at the ABR fest. Was super interesting. Glad there is a video. So much to think on

[@maryknightsriders6554]

Ryan, thank you for showing this. It clarified a few things I had often wondered about and now I shall go and practice some more to get 1/10th as efficient as these guys.

[@aloncr1796]

Man, what an absolute masterpiece of a video. Considering Ryan's riding skills and watching the course video, how on Earth was that not a pass??? Jesus Christ, that's actually crazy.

[@dudeonbike800]

Read an article in one of the popular moto mags about 15 years ago. The writer and rider was an editor, MSF instructor and someone with TONS of motorcycle experience. He attended the CHP moto training and was blown away at the level of difficulty. Don't think he intended to take or pass a test, just to experience what was required to be a moto cop. He was duly impressed with the skillset they're required to master.

[@sus8e462]

Wow. Very impressed by your concise explanation Ryan & sharing the skills motorcycle cops need! I've been enjoying videos from the "rodeos" where different depts/states compete against each other--what you showed us helps explain how they get that good! Would love a follow up of what made your run "not a pass"!

[@richstone2627]

I never had any idea motorcycle cops had to do this type of training. I have a new found respect for their riding skills.

[@MrTimVeal]

Wow! Now that is impressive! I have tremendous respect for anyone who can handle a bike like that… a good goal to work towards! It’s almost worth buying a crashable bike to practice on!

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

Great video! I’ve been riding over 40 years and consider myself a pretty decent rider, but I would love to take an advanced rider course! I don’t think I’d get a pass either, but I’m sure I’d have an absolute blast and become a better rider. Always room for improvement!

[@saddlepiggy]

The editing and scripting and camerawork on these videos is amazing

[@matthewjurak7445]

Absolutely in awe of this riding skill. How cool of an experience! Hats off to the masters of their two wheel machines. 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️🚔🚨

[@scottfischer7747]

Also impressive is how the 40-year-old Honda held up to that constant flogging.

[@spurgear4]

It's a Honda.

[@martuuk8964]

I understand what you mean, but I wouldn't call it impressive. I'd call it expected. It's a Honda. Maintain them properly and you will most likely die before the bike does.

[@ayviondenar3461]

That ad transition was SO SMOOTH that I didn’t even know it was an ad until the text appeared at the bottom. And the ad didn’t feel too intrusive. Whoever writes the scripts for these videos should be applauded.

[@byDanimal]

This is fantastic, thanks for putting yourself through this Ryan. I wonder if Ryan had a helmet mounted cam, I'd love to see the exam from his point of view and what he was looking at since they really were focusing on that in the intro course he ran.

[@anselpedersen3892]

I know, the view the camera had didn't do justice to what he was doing. But then there could have been a rule about having nothing on helmets

[@19Lotus67]

looks like he felt he was lucky for the opportunity... not so much "putting yourself through this"...

[@byDanimal]

@@anselpedersen3892 That is what I was thinking too. I guess I'll just have to take the course to find out :)