Smoother riding with good throttle control: Motorcycle riding tips 2020

This upload is to help you become a smoother rider whilst impressing your passenger with your newly found throttle control. Motorcycle riding tips to help you become a better rider.
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#smootherriding #howtorideamotorcycle #motorcycleridingtips
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Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
I am a fully qualified professional motorcycle instructor of 39 years and offer motorcycle riding tips and tips on riding a motorcycle for the first time.
Please remember to like, comment and subscribe for more riding tips and help with any aspect of riding.
Here's a link to Filtering or lane splitting tips
• How to filter on a mot...
Here's a link to how to be smooth with throttle control
• Smoother riding with g...
Here's a link to how to assess bends or curves
• Limit points. How to j...
Here's a link to how to ride a motorcycle slowly or slow riding tips
• How to ride a motorcyc...
Here's a link to more motorcycle riding tips
• Motorcycle live commen...
A link to module 1 training tips
• LIVE LESSON: Full Modu...
A link to motorcycle gear shifting or gear changing
• Smoother gear Changing...

[@seaflyfisher]

I can see why you got an instant thumbs down Russ - who would want a nice smooth, steady comfortable ride especially with a pillion and that's better for your bike - that's just stupid - :D hope all is good with you DB

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

😂 😂 😂 I've about given up on dislikers. Spose it's flattering they feel anything about me at all. ☺

[@brittanycoatsworth5098]

@@RoadcraftNottingham They're still watching your video's aren't they ;)

[@bikedawg]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Excellent video--especially with the markings on the throttle! How tightly are you holding the grip? Like holding a marshmallow or a 10lb weight? are you covering the brakes at all when gripping the throttle?

[@Wayneebrum]

"it's not the bike that's smooth, it's me.." Great chat up line

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

😂 😂 Cool eh? ☺

[@orwellianyoutube8978]

@@RoadcraftNottinghamI will use this line whenever I have a hot chick riding with me

[@DJP946]

Been riding bikes 20 years and this is a big issue on my bike 2016 r1 just shows that your always learning, thanks bro top tip

[@Im____ltm]

The tape visual was so so helpful. Thank you!

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

I had my first bike lesson yesterday. My very first time on a motorbike! But I think throttle was the thing I had most difficulty with. Seemed like it was too much or none at all. Just trying to find that Goldilocks point where it's just right and then hold it there. But at least I managed to ride with both feet off the floor and didn't crash. This video will help a lot before I try again. Thanks 😀

[@MrSillypoptart]

I had a 50cc and 125cc growing up when I was around 9-15 years old. Now I'm 25 and jumped right onto a r6 and the throttle is soo sensitive. This really helped me out a lot! I'm able to ride fine but going slow and turns is where I'm needing practice and of course throttle control. Slowly working on it and having a blast!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Practising smoothing out your riding is part of the fun.

[@hotdoug1000]

And in a car too! Everyone should want to make it feel silky smooth and pleasurable to drive/ride.

[@joshuafreeman6720]

Problem with newer bikes are the ecu being totally restricted closing secondaries most the way and fuel cutoff.. U can't just easily do this all the time. Flash that ecu and have them disable all the nonsense and your bike gets tons smoother.

[@Davidg-wu5ur]

I noticed how smooth I wasn’t with the wife on the back the other day, going to practice this next time I’m out, thanks mate.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

It's great to get feedback from your passenger.

[@hamishsb]

Brilliant. Another 1st class video for those learner riders (like me) that are into riding and driving safely more than hooning and going fast. Cheers !

[@richardshilling2958]

Being smooth definitely keeps bike balanced at speed as well as in town. Top advice. Plus I think it's better for fuel economy. Keep up the great work 😀

[@Salletto]

Special on some bikes is big big difference in fuel consumption

[@HelenPrimoRoseanneInYourArea]

I'm def gonna try put this into practise tomorrow. I genuinely do feel honoured to have been trained by Roadcraft and am proud to represent the name. Nothing but respect for you and Leanna 👍

[@iallso1]

That seems like a good skill to have when riding solo as well, if we are planning ahead we are more likely to avoid incidents, so smooth and safe.

[@mikeroberts]

Mr Smooth :) Nice demonstration of Acceleration Sense. So many people treat the throttle as a switch. Either on or off. These are the same people who drive their cars with their right foot either on the accelerator or on the brake. I think this is often why a lot of people don't get on with DCT gear boxes (bike or car). With them you truly control the vehicle with the throttle, even down to gear selection. A smooth throttle hand is a fine art to refine. Makes my tyres go a long way.

[@jeffslade1892]

An automatic car is nothing like a bike. A car slush box is pretty much designed to creep, so when you release the brake à la clutch, the car moves off; you can control reversing on the brake alone. An auto bike 'clutch' may disengage when you need some drive, like when taking a mini-roundabout slowly. I've been driving auto cars since the 80s so I thought an auto bike might suit me; I haven't found one I like at all yet.

[@mikeroberts]

@@jeffslade1892 The latest incarnation of the DCT box on the Honda NC750 and Africa Twin are very good. I don't know of any auto style bike that has creep like a car. Many of the modern DCT cars do not have creep like a traditional torque converter slush box either. The very nature of a bike being unbalanced when almost stationary would preclude any manufacturer implementing creep as it would be potentially dangerous. The latest Honda DCT boxes do stay in gear at very slow speeds but they will drop out of gear as you have experienced if the revs drop too far. This can be countered by the same slow riding technique used with conventional boxes of dragging the back brake, and keeping the throttle cracked open. NB. The DCTs do have real clutches. Two of them using plates just like a conventional bike.

[@b0bther4md0m]

When I was taught to ride, I had a lot of problems with this, so my instructor taught me to squeeze the throttle instead of twisting it.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes. I mentioned tightening the wrist which is similar. Good example.

[@bob10tn]

Im not an expert or an instructor but allow me to give my humble opinion on this ,squeezing the throttle is not safe at all... squeezing the throttle gives you a harder grip on the handle bar and in the case where you run over a pothole or a bump, you could accidentally accelerate even more which can lead in losing control.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I totally understand where you're coming from. What we mean by this is ever so slightly progressive as opposed to full pressure if that makes sense?

[@bob10tn]

@@RoadcraftNottingham yup, when I took my safety course. The instructor stressed that the safest way to start learing how to control the throttle is by making sure that your fist and forearm bones make a 135° angle (90+45). That way it makes it hard to twist the throttle agressively and also gives you more range of motion to.throttle off when you need to slow down. When you get more confident and used to your bike, you can line up your fist and your forearm to an angle of 180° ( flat )

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That's a little too general for me to be honest as everyone is a different size and all bikes have different seat to bar dimensions. We sometimes say "loose flappy chicken wings" referring to the elbows

[@leexabyz]

In order to smooth out the lower gears, I tend to use half clutch when revving up (sometimes all the way to the second gear) and using full clutch+brake to slow down

[@seton3342]

Same as me

[@cariq7112]

Thanx mate! Great lesson. Snsible throttle hand is so much worth it. Ride safe!

[@Talkingaboutfeetpersecond]

Was scared yesterday, did my first ride on a parking lot on a 125cc ktm duke, was suprised how sensitive the throttle is. Thank you for this video. Gave me some confidence, gonna do my a2 license pretty soon and the thought of having to learn on a 700cc mt07 gave me some weird feelings

[@subhuman119]

Im learning to ride, the hardest thing for me is throttle control, the marks on the throttle is genius, definately going to try that out. Thank you so much!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome

[@DonGH297]

I learn so much from you! I just want to say thank you and let the good times roll😁👍🏻

[@patriciabramble6704]

This has taught me a lot. My husband and I would practice this when we attend our local training class.🇹🇹. Thank s for information

[@CrDoGli]

Just from audio alone i csn tell what my issue is. . This was such a big help with such a minor change thank you so much

[@leighsmithfluk]

Great video. I am a beginner rider and was looking for tips after just purchasing my first motorcycle (Indian Scout Bobber). I am a Nottingham lad who now lives in the United States so it was lovely to come across your channel. I'll look forward to going through your videos!

[@Glasshousebc]

Great demo Russ... loved the tippex idea... very clear.

[@funky-giraffe]

Tipex made so much sense for learning purposes. Thank you 😊

[@edgarcabatingan9883]

Thank you for your tutorial vlog on how to control the trotle smoothly.now I know much on controlling the trotle properly.thank you again.

[@den2ofoz]

Thanks for this. As new riders. I got that throttle control so bad it jerks all the time. Now I know what I'm doing wrong. I'm not holding it and closing it slowly.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Great feedback, so pleased it helped. Cheers.

[@Sangatsu13]

I'm learning how to ride and this video is so much helpful. Thank you very much. I'll put signs as shown. Thank you again

[@pcofranc]

Great video. Smooth throttle operation makes mc riding a zen like experience also, smooth transitions are critical to avoid panic braking and to achieve optimal stable cornering. I also practice it in the car.

[@Bluegumtiger]

We make comments about people who've replaced their throttle with a light switch because they're always "on" or "off" the throttle. Great vid. Thanks

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Exactly. 😂

[@stalos3094]

Great video for me, I've had 3 passengers and been headbutt about 5 times 😂

[@tissue869]

Yay a throttle cam! Thank you so much

[@sandraleefuller]

I’m in the US and there are tons of videos from here…. But I subscribed to your channel because of your ACCENT as well as the content, bwuaaahhh

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

"why thankyou young lady what what". ☺

[@groundhornbill]

This is great advice that I'm going to try tomorrow. I often stall at traffic lights and stops because I can't get a good feel of how far I'm twisted the throttle. Thanks a lot.

[@nickgee7291]

ive seen allot of videos , but this one has helped so much more!! its especially usefull for someone like me whos going from a cruiser to a sport bike!

[@nghiemnguyen9426]

Thank you a lot I been nervous with my new bike cause I can’t tell how much I should go but this video help me more understand

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Check out my other tips on here and also Leanna's channel at kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXSxfZRmfZaAj7c

[@motoventure_6938]

Great video Russ. Definitely going to be practicing this on my commutes!

[@im_an_oreo_mix3109]

Got my 2nd msf class today and this was very helpful. Thank you!

[@carlostomas3698]

On my 125cc, in first gear, it’s a nightmare! Even practicing without gloves (bike in neutral) I swear I hardly move my hand and the damn thing seems like a switch. At 2nd gear I can control it much better. I had already practice this (a lot) a while ago but it became frustrating. I have to restart this practice because it drives me nuts. Some weeks ago on an “advanced” course about braking I had to do some exercise with an old Yamaha 650 or 750, don’t remember, and the exercise had to be done in 1st gear. No jerkiness at all, everything went smooth. Anyway, I have to get better with what I have, but it’s a pain and very frustrating. Those white marks is a great idea. Thanks!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Sometimes the bike is the problem, slightly too much play in the cush drive can make it bad so dontworry about it, especially if you were ok on another bike.

[@carlostomas3698]

My bike is quite new (almost 4 months). In a little while I’ll have to take her to 4000 Km service and I will talk about it. But I still have a huge suspect that’s me! I will resume that practices. It’s never to much! Don’t know if you remember me about the trail braking “discussion”, ChampU course, blah blah…I’m currently taking the motorcycle Roadcraft online course. I’m truly enjoying it and learning a lot more things. Great program, great book (I already have read some chapters a while ago). In fact, the online course is the content of the book, with some videos about some of the matters and has quizzes. Im watching some of your videos. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@HepcatHarley]

Low constant revs whilst changing down gears towards a stop works well too. I must admit I'm not the best at throttle control, I love the shut down burble of the Akras too much lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, I sometimes have the throttle ever so slightly open when changing down, depends where I am at the time.

[@cavitebulls6921]

I also have this issue especially in slow speeds where the car in front of you breaks. What I would do to offset the jerkiness is when I let go od the throttle, I would hold on my clutch and brake.

[@mrdidley666]

I plan on getting my 1st bike this year, this helps alot. Thank you for posting.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome.

[@kgba17580]

Hi Russ, great video and something i am going to practice. i don't carry passengers but need this control in my life 😂 safe ride and stay healthy Kev

[@erthwermmusic]

Bought my first motorcycle today (ninja z400) and this video is what I have been searching for. I never realized how small the increments needed to barely speed up were until I hopped on the bike in a parking lot.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Well done. I'm always practising, it's very rewarding.

[@cyclegear1403]

Helpful video. It would've been a bit more reassuring if, instead of on the new tiger with the buttery smooth electronic throttle, you'd done it on a bike with a notoriously snatchy cable type throttle, something like a Ducati monster or a speed triple. (Other snatchy throttle bikes available)

[@KAI..._]

thanks i just bought my first bike and the throttle is super touchy! im gonna use your advice next time i ride.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Good luck. There's never any harm practising and taking pride in your riding.

[@G0DofRock]

Rode my first motorcycle today, boy was it not as smooth as I thought... Totally different than MTB/eBikes with a throttle. I kept letting go of the throttle thinking it would cruise smoothly.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Takes a lot of practice to be smooth.

[@toopidtortuga23]

Huge help especially with the throttle marker. Very clear instructions 👌

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks Tyrell. ☺

[@HuffleMusket]

Helped me out a ton! Thanks bro

[@scorpiongetoverhere1025]

Hey man! Really enjoyed this video. Just getting into the journey of my bike license and I can’t wait to watch the rest of your content. Thank- You

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome. All the best. ☺

[@Smartsparky]

Leave the pillion in the house. Sorted.

[@samoolred1245]

Wow never seen a better explanation!!! Thanks

[@paulpartridge2674]

Nice one Russ , Pearl's of wisdom keep em coming.👍

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Hi Russ. There is a book called "Twist of the Throttle" by an American author and rider Keith Code. I recall him saying that throttle control is measured in MIllimetres of movement. Throttle input should be the smoothest of all controls ... great idea showing the TipEX !

[@PetreRodan]

yess, I bought a 120hp katoom exactly for this kind of exercise! :D

[@roythearcher]

Triumphs are high geared to begin with so you would learn this quickly or think theres something wrong with the grearing! This is why most riders swap front sprockets one tooth down to supposedly make it easier to controll in town but it really isn't nessecary if you know what throttle controll is...

[@SimplyElectronicsOfficial]

I can never seem to get smooth below 10 mph in 1st on my bandit with clutch fully out. I always need to be clutching it to keep it smooth, otherwise it doesn't like the low revs and engine is juddery. Is this normal?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

There's also a possibility there's a transmission / mapping issue too. Get someone else to try it for a second opinion, it may not be you

[@SimplyElectronicsOfficial]

@@RoadcraftNottingham its a bandit 600 carburettored. I know fuel injection is smoother, is it just something I should expect from a carbed bike?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@@SimplyElectronicsOfficial actually carbs should be smoother. Maybe look at getting yours balanced.?

[@moonshinepz]

@@SimplyElectronicsOfficial carbs are way smoother, my bmw 800 St has awful fuelling like a lot of modern bikes, for emissions. I've had it 7 years and still have to rely on the clutch to smooth it out at low speeds. Ive been riding 40 years and tour two up all the time.

[@cameronhicks5225]

My Bandit 1200 has the same issue, but clutch control has to be learned below 10 mph. The 1200 is just so ready to rip your 600 is possibly the same

[@arkabairagya4815]

Excellent demonstration! Thanks a lot.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome.

[@geoffclements269]

Throttles are like ferries: roll on, roll off.

[@bgks1492]

I don't have my dad to teach me, thanks for this..

[@gorylizor]

That puts things into perspective! Cheers!

[@carrieyorkshirelass5427]

Another great and very practical video for a beginner like me. Thank you!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome. ☺

[@JackVincent]

What about when chainging gear? Do you slowly close the throttle, change up a gear and slowly open the throttle again?

[@kazpearson7358]

Nothing wrong with holding on tight 😝 Love the vid hun 😘

[@bleedthesecolours]

Would have loved it if the video just ended on that little pause after the "It's me" @ 0:14 🤣

[@dirtydan9032]

"It's not the bike, its me" 😎

[@DevinJuularValentine]

I'm always glad to see when I've been doing it right. I'm very self critical, but I'm a very smooth rider I guess.

[@liuhao2878]

Exactly what I like to watch to figure out throttle control as a beginner. My question is how to AVOID the effect of shaking and turning of the bike onto the throttle bar? My right hand is kind of "floating" on the throttle.

[@sirraident]

The best type of homework :)

[@GapWim]

YAY, a lesson which I’ve been doing all along! 🤗

[@roythearcher]

me too!

[@lizbelli8287]

I just rode for the first time on a friends z650 today and it was a blast. But the throttle is much more sensitive than I thought. I did fine. But there were a couple times I gave too much gas so I quickly closed the throttle. The engine braking was a tad jolting. I need to practice closing the throttle smoothly. The bike does not like it when you do it too fast.

[@markstrickland3012]

Fully endorse the sentiments and instructions in the video, but having a pig of a time in getting the 2002 R1100S to react to the feathering of the throttle. More practice will be carried out, but the inherent low rev hunting of the BMW engine is a challenge. On an unrelated topic, what are your thoughts on 'trail braking?'

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Some bikes are easier to practise with than others. I'm looking at doing a trail braking upload but the bottom line is 3 times you'll need trail braking 1/when you want to better your lap times at the track, 2/when taking tighter bends downhill and 3/when you've not read a bend correctly.

[@markstrickland3012]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Thanks for the reply, as always, I enjoy the videos and use them as an aide memoire, to refresh the skills that might not be used very often, or to ensure that bad habits are identified before they get ingrained. As for the trail braking thing, I doubt if I ever will take the old girl on a track day, and I doubt I have the ability to feather the front brake when during an 'Oh s**t' moment because I've gone into a bend to hot, but the downhill twisties, that would be interesting. Keep up the excellent work Regards Strickers

[@kevinmobile]

In a world of instant gratification (and the perceived need for speed?), thank you for calming things down a little. A sort of Zen Buddhist teaching without the motorcycle maintenance (philosophy) bit!

[@spoogle621]

Yeah this is my current problem being a beginner.

[@Jewdel]

Best video ever. Awesome!

[@brianluck84]

Solid advice

[@taol3944]

a must known tip for tracer 900 riders!

[@agathor86]

I was out riding today and I am now hyper aware of my throttle hand after watching this. I can't say my riding has improved yet as I was only out for 2 hours but throttle control is helping with the "bunny hoping" my bike does when I open up the throttle. However, I have noticed there is a large gap between when I start to roll on the throttle and when power comes from the engine. I guess I need to adjust something? There is A LOT of free play.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, you should only have a few mm free play. You'll see my adjustment in this upload

[@battletoads22]

I'm taking my motorcycle skill test tomorrow, and I just found out that the reason why my emergency braking sucks, and why I keep jerking the throttle when accelerating and can't control my speed in a turn is because my wrist is too high and I don't have proper throttle control. It's a weird feeling to have the bike rev so high.

[@alanspence1716]

Exactly my problem when I did CBT this week. Pity is that the instructors never tried to help me with the reason, just told me to control the throttle better. Reading comments like yours is helping me believe I might be more successful with my wrist lower. Still got my certificate.

[@eroshtik6997]

Great video

[@Shawnnesseytv]

This was perfect!

[@AnalogueInTheUK]

Bingo! Another upload.

[@toecutter6968]

I’ve been struggling to be smooth with the throttle on my bike. I was told it needs remapping so hopefully the issue will be resolved. Time will tell.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Remember there's a difference between smooth throttle control and smooth ignition mapping. There's a point where you just gotta pull the clutch in

[@jaygolds46]

thank you.

[@Chopbreaka]

Good video but would have been even better if you could demonstrate while covering front brake and rolling pads of fingers on throttle especially while riding on street. I find that to be a bit trickier. Regards

[@buddy_weiser]

And here's me thinking something is wrong with my bike 😅😅 its all my fault hahaha thanks for this video 👍👍

[@buddy_weiser]

My bike has been jolting when im changing gears especially when i move from 1st to 2nd will that be an error im doing or problem with the bike you know?

[@matthewoneill5353]

Great lesson, how do you keep the pillion awake on the back? Has anyone else had pillions falling asleep?

[@johnsimmons6963]

Yep, had to elbow one in the ribs once to wake him upon reaching our destinstion! And that was after 5 miles of B road bends ridden swiftly on a Suzuki katana - those were the days!!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Me. That's a compliment to your smooth riding. ☺

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Graet video! thank you.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome

[@jonquis07]

My throttle is so light i barely can even feel anything so I'm always rough. Its a struggle

[@taz473]

Also,I find with rucksacks even expensive harness ones,I'm constantly worrying about weight and how it effects my riding in general. Maybe it's just me ,it seems like adding stress to your body when riding 🤷‍♂️

[@spocidz932]

Just failed my cbt to how sensitive a monkey bike is, kept on stalling and kept on getting too stressed as they didnt do any prep just straight after pushing a bike to on it and going, never thought the throttle would be that sensitive, combining that with the clutch and rear brake kind of overloaded me and i had to tap myself out

[@antonjoubert6980]

I'll start practicing, just got my cagiva navigator and it's a bit sensitive on the throttle,😬

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Keep practising and all the best.

[@bigr3d863]

brilliant cheers.

[@julied915]

I had trouble in my class today with the control.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Practise makes.... better as no one's perfect. ☺

[@davidmikic3011]

I have a yamaha yzf r125 2012 and no matter how carefull and smooth i try to be i simply can not escape the jerks. In higher gears not much jerking but in first so much... And thats on moving the throttle one milimeter.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Checked your chain tension? A loose or dry chain won't help

[@motovlogwithjasonrama6620]

I am a big fan of yours, can I share this video?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Feel free. ☺

[@patrickm9366]

Thanks 🙏

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You're welcome. ☺

[@danielb1563]

Great video, am going to start "retraining" on my Tiger 1050 and gety snatchy throttle sorted - it's mainly me not the bike! Can I ask, do you tipex the marks at "throttle at zero" or at the pint the slack is taken up?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Good question. At zero.

[@dry509]

What year is your Tiger and would you say it has a smooth throttle response at slow speeds? I am struggling to find a bike that is not jerky or surging or jerky on off throttle response? Could you provide a short list of bikes with model years I could look at with smooth throttle response? Thanks in advance.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Best test ride the ones you like, see if you can live with them

[@bikedawg]

Good video! How do you suggest controlling the throttle on rough roads? My hand bounces around which, in turn, affects the throttle.

[@braininavatnow9197]

Don't ride on rough roads.

[@ItsBeenDanBefore]

Not sure if you have learnt already, but it's going to be part of improving all aspects of bike control: loosening the grip on the bars. Realistically speaking, you're more resting your palm and fingertips on the grip. What this will mean is that unintentional inputs (like road surface, observations and moving the head around) will be less likely to affect the throttle input. Obviously it will take a bit of time, but it will end up helping

[@SeanieVoiceOver]

I thought this was a British bike but at 01:41 it's saying "Butter Butter" in French !