In this video I'll point out 5 of the most common mistakes I see riders making out on the road. www.ridelikeapro.com www.motorcycledropguards.com www.tabperformance.com / ride.like.a.pro.com
I'm 66, my first motorcycle was at 16 I've had at least 20 bikes, though I was a skilled rider. Three years ago bought a harley davidson it schooled me . Turns out at 63 I didn't know how to ride a heavy motorcycle . Know I watch every instructional video I can find it is humbling . Better humbled than dead. Thank you, Motor Man
The key statement being: " If you master the friction zone you can make that motorcycle do anything you want it do at low speeds." Many of Jerry's videos need to be watched more than once.
Your videos made such a difference, I take 15 minutes each week to practice the moves, when I see other riders duck walking or riding into the gas station with both feet out I have to laugh, thanks Jerry.
Hey there Jerry Learn another from your videos, with regards to this one as a 37 year long haul trucker the skills you refer to are called the Smith system in the trucking world 5 keys of safety 1 aim high in steering 2 get the big picture 3 keep your eyes moving 4 leave yourself an out 5 make sure they see you . Excellent advice for anyone
In addition to leaving a proper distance between the vehicle in front of you for an escape route when stopping in traffic, as a courtesy when in a four wheel vehicle, I also like to maintain a generous distance between me and a motorcycle rider in front of me, to assure her/him that I am effectively covering their six. We need to look out for each other at all times regardless of what we may be operating at the moment.
All excellent points and each one potentially avoids disaster. I am constantly amazed at how many people just jump on the bike and go. A quick pre ride walk around to look at your tires, any wires or parts hanging off, a puddle of fluid, or finding a too loose chain can quickly and easily avoid issues while you are riding. I have discovered screws in tires, leaky brake line, and a few others odds and sods. A simple habit to get into that can give you peace of mind.
I'm a 4 year of experience rider. Love watching these to refresh myself mentally on the rider course lessons. It's easy to get complacent when your having fun. Keep two down and stay safe everyone
Moorman, your videos have been a godsend. I have watched every video you have online. I consider myself an advanced rider. I'm 58. I've been riding street bikes since I was 16. Not only am I not an advanced rider, but it turns out I'm also delusional.😂 I am planning to fly to Florida and take your course this fall, I can't wait! Thanks for your sharing your experience with all of us!
This is one of the best common sense videos on basic motorcycle safety ever. Thanks Jerry for all you do for us bikers. God bless my friend, and keep the videos coming🤠
Great video as usual, motor man. I can proudly say Im in compliance with the 5 things you talked about on this video. The looking ahead is so very important. I've rode for around 20 years, and right now is the worst i can remember of drivers just blantonly pylling out in front of me. I've come to the conclusion that at least 95% of them know they're doing it, but don't care simply because their car is bigger than your bike!
Talking about “side threat “….good point. 2017 I was at a stoplight on my RK. Light changed I go thru the intersection on a 3 lane road. I’m in far left lane, car from parking lot on right side of road pulls out onto road, crossing 2 lanes, intending to turn left and takes me out. She told police she never saw me. And I did not see her, my mistake, if I had I might have been able to avoid the crash. 6 broken ribs, broken left humerus, subdural hematoma, metal in left arm, brain surgery, 3 months of physical, occupational, & speech 3:48 therapy later……lesson learned 😊
Thanks for the tips. Most of them I do. But I like the tip on stopping behind someone and giving the vehicle in front plenty of room for the escape if needed. 👍🏻
Here's a tip that is more for protecting your bike but has a residual benefit of increased awareness. When parking, I almost never pull all the way into the parking spot. Instead, I park so my rear tire is no more than a couple feet from the rear of the space. If you're parked all the way to the front of the space...your bike is nearly invisible to cars looking for a spot, especially in a crowded parking lot.
Rear wheel out? Either back the bike into a spot or better yet find two spots and do your 18 foot u turn and park facing out. That way when you pull out you can better see the doofus who doesn't see you because they are looking for the best spot to park. I NEVER pull in and park with tail out. But I do stay out near the end of the parking spot and always look for the two spots so I can do my u turn and impress those 50 year foot dragger riders.😂
Hi Mr. Palladino, thank you for making these videos, always have a smile when my notifications for your channel pop up❤have really helped me master my RoadGlide, love my big heavy bike. And yes most of time it does feel like a children’s toy, thanks to all your videos & knowledge, you unselfishly share, always a beautiful cinematic ride you take us, Be Blessed, Aloha, Kenneth 🤙🏽🙏🏽
Thank you very much! That was very informative for me personally as a new rider, ive only recently gotten a bike and started riding and i have never been a driver of any sort, ive gotten comfortable and confident but theres still so much to learn, these videos are a huge help!
Very good riding advice ,,, I check out Motormans stuff regularly. I flew hangliders for 15 years and the rituals are at parallels for learning curves and this guy is good !
Jerry Thank you. Those are five great points to keep in mind and mistakes not to make. It just seems so many drivers are either so distracted or just plain reckless with speed and the way they drive on all roads. Every day in my area of Central FL we hear about a motorcycle accident and very often someone died. We don't always get all the details, but wearing the gear, following your tips and taking additional training will help us on two wheels. Thanks again for your Vlogs and training tips.
Good tips, Jerry!! You should mention that it's a good idea to get a Custom Dynamics strobe and strobe your brakes if someone is not paying attention just as long as they have LEDs.
Thanks for the great info Jerry. A while ago I was talking with someone about how I use the friction zone for better low speed control. They told me I was going to burn the clutch up. Maybe some experienced riders don't use the friction zone more because they think they will damage their clutch. I'm sure it would take a lot of hard use to damage the clutch like that, not just a short distance to go through some slow curves. I wonder how many guys think like that
I use your videos for my wife who is currently learning and having some challenges. And of course I’m using them too at 51 years old! The one thing I will add here and you’ve stated this before is that these skills can go away even if you ride daily! You must actually USE them and make it a point to utilize your ride as a teaching tool. Use your corners and stops to practice and perfect cornering and stopping. Sometimes I get home from a ride and critique my own skills and that’s the mindset that makes me a better rider than I was even 5 years ago. Some folks have the mentality that once you “learn” to ride then you’ve arrived. It doesn’t work that way. The best riders in the world will tell you the same and it may one day save your life. Riding can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on wheels but it’s even better when you’re really good at it. Ride smart everybody 👍🏻
Whenever I see vehicles at intersections or on the side of the road, I don't think what IF that vehicle pulls out in front of me, I think WHEN that vehicle pulls out in front of me. That way I am always looking for an escape route or maneuver that I can use to avoid them.
Thank You Jerry, I used to be an OTR Over The Road truck driver. Now a days if you don't do your drive test in a standard transmission your license will restrict you to automatics. WHAT we're talking motorcycles here Pal! Truckers have to look far ahead because their braking distance is so much longer. Truckers look far ahead because they know they'll drive straighter down the road. But truckers (NOT ALL) still don't know clutching; a truck will travel faster with your foot half way into the clutch then if you just let it out going backwards. Human nature tells you that you have more control into the peddle. Here's where the difference is, my 780lb. Road King verses a 12,000lb rig with 44,000lbs in the trailer! A semi truck requires double clutching or synchronized shifting because it's HEAVY and does not have synchro's to aid shifting from one gear to the next like your average passenger vehicle. Your motorcycle has a very durable transmission and clutch that can withstand "riding the clutch". Just as your brake can handle being engaged at stop lights/signs (which many riders blow through-WHY?). Jerry, I have to laugh at most riders bringing me their bikes because of poor shift points. After going for a ride most riders rush through their gears leaving the engine to lug along. Bikes can handle higher RPM shifts especially when starting out but riders "pop" the clutch or ignorantly feel a rush from rap rap clutch, shift, pop rap rap! I am opinionated I know, but I've ridden bikes well into 100,000s of miles without major rebuild or repairs. Folks Jerry wants you to learn your clutch, I want you to actually know what that engine was designed for. Not brap n brap under bridges. Thank You again Jerry, more folks need to look forward and be aware of possibilities not just bikers. You are in my prayers Hoka Hey
I was surprised on looking back last 2 years how long it took for me to feel comfortable again on a motorcycle after a nearly 40 year stretch of not riding on a daily basis. Just to let other riders know that following tips like yours makes a world of difference. I have learned that a Honda CM400T which I put 50,000 miles on from 1981 to 1984 is a a lot different in weight to my “new” 2009 BMW R1200RT. Learning everyday how to improve my riding ….things that my youth took for granted. I Recently tried using only the rear brake in the last ten to 20 feet of a stop. (Front fork does not compress) which helps in giving a smoother stop and go. Really the point I want to make to New “older” riders that it can be daunting at first but give it a lot of time to ease into it….its worth the discomfort and time to get to that “confidence” zone. Thanks again for your advice😊
Pulling up to close to the car in front. Had this happened to me in high school and the car took off but rolled back first right over my front tire. I learned in a hurry.
I always leave 15 feet. The other part of that is leave the bike in gear and your right foot up. I always see guys put it in N with 2 feet down, you are screwed if you have to do something quick.
I teach for MSF in NJ. We call potential threats TRAPS. You protect yourself by always having one or more ESCAPE PATHS ready. Example - a car might turn left in front of you(TRAP) so you should be covering the brakes but also look for and be ready to use an alternate path of travel (ESCAPE PATH) to evade the danger.
Excellent tips jerry.... Here's another tip when you're riding in a car pulls up to an intersection that you're coming up to watch the wheels of the car don't. Look. At the driver don't look at the car? Look at the wheels you know when those wheels are turning they're gonna pull out. That's the best way. The spot a car moving look at the wheels... And also a lot of riders do not use their front brake... Because they're scared they're gonna go Down if they use it.
I am a retired Truck Driver, all of these tips relate to driving a truck also. You have to constantly think for the people around you and expect them to do the stupidest things. I have been riding for over twenty years and I have learned so much from your videos. I am ashamed to say that for all my years of riding, I never knew of the friction zone or Head and Eyes techniques. It has made handling my Ultra so much easier. Thank You and keep up the great videos. We will be down in Treasure Island at our timeshare the last three weeks of October, we would love to come up your way and watch one of your classes.
Some good tips all riders should do instinctively without a checklist. Thank you for sharing your experience. If I could be so bold to add one from the same category, it would be to lighten up on your grip on the bars. Quick reflexes come easier in an emergency with relaxed tendons and muscle. Costner said it best in Bull Durham to good but green pitcher.”a baseball is like an egg, hold it like an egg”. Bars are the same.
I recall taking a mandatory driver safety class while working for Ashland Chemical. Instructor taught the Smith Safe Training, 5 Rules of safe driving #1 was Aim High.
I think one of the five biggest mistakes riders make it to look through bug infested Plexiglas. If I'm going to have a plastic windshield, I always make sure it is just below my line of sight. If you are planning on looking through plastic, prepare to have your vision obscured by scratched plastic. Washing bugs off every day on a road trip will put scratches on that windscreen. i think you are better off to get a good pair of googles or pull your visor down. They are a lot easier to clean than all that messed up Plexiglas. Just my opinion. Ride safe guys!
I would add on change to tip #3 concerning being far enough behind the car in front of you when you're stopped. I always make it a point to have my bike pointed at a 30-45 degree angle so that if I do see and/or hear brakes locking up behind me, I just let out the clutch and ride straight out of the way. It saves having to turn the bars and then release the clutch. The other thing I do is watch as cars are coming up on me when I'm stopped. I will flicker my brake lights a few times to get their attention. It can NEVER hurt to make ourselves as visible as possible. My distance behind stopped cars run about 15 feet in most cases.
Riding in NY in congested area with a lot of twisties and blind corners, I am always on alert. I try and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.
I was trained in the Smith Safety System through the company that I work for. It is amazing how it tranfers into everyday life and even while riding my cycle.
I have been told to ride as if you are invisible. And assume NOBODY see’s you. It keeps my mind on what I am doing and having more attention to the details of the surroundings.
Every ride is a mental exercise, like a chess game. Identify as many threats as possible and plan your move for each potential “move” of the hazards around you. Will that car stop, turn right or left, or just run out into the intersection? Have a move planned for each eventuality. Never ignore any “opposing piece” on your “chess board”!
1: Looking Down I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round I really love to watch them roll 2: handlebars turned when stopping. I can ride my bike with no handlebars No handlebars No handlebars 3: Stopping to close behind vehicle. But I've been thinking about your tailgate Dually tires on both sides Fender flares, a whole lane wide 4: Blind to potential threat/danger. Revvin' up your engine Listen to her howlin' roar Metal under tension Beggin' you to touch and go Highway to the Danger Zone Ride into the Danger Zone 5: Poor clutch and Throttle Control. Slip the clutch and gimme full throttle ................... She scrapes those pegs and she winds up fast Hold on tight with your legs this ride could be your last I never seen her brake I ain't never seen her mend Ain't no mistake cos death is round the bend 😁😁😁😁
Rolling stops.. I see it pretty much constantly. Sooner or later whoever is doing it will pull out in front of another vehicle and regret not coming to a complete stop and actually checking for oncoming traffic. Only a few extra seconds can make everyone’s day a little safer.
I am guilty of number 2. Every day at work I do a full lock U turn up next to the building to park and come to a full lock stop. I stop while turned all the time when I go for lunch at the subway, parking at the grocery store and even at home when I pull in and around the front of my car in the grass. Both feet up till the bike comes to a complete stop and even some front brake pressure at times while turned. Kinda like trail braking in a stop 😁 Don't try this at home kids.😋
A car innocently sitting at a stop sign always worries me,I’ve had a couple jump out in my path,the same words are said,I didn’t see you,I think their brains are looking for a threat and a motorcycle doesn’t register.
Busy oncoming traffic. You know the line of cars trying to pass a slower vehicle. Don't be in their blindspot. You have one headlight-not 2.. that impatient driver is gonna gun it to get around the slow car. Get on the right side of road if there is a line of bumper to bumper oncoming traffic.... you don't have a passenger headlight.
How truly said to keep that handlebar straight when coming to a stop ! Especially with a heavy bike specially with a passenger I didn’t do that several years ago and I almost dropped it good I had really strong legs and in great shape then i’ve learned my lesson ! Thanks Great advice on all points !
I'm definitely not a master of the friction zone, even though I practice uturns more than anybody I know Never seen people stopped with front wheel turned Escape route absolutely The one you missed is riding where you can't be seen, utub videos show riding where you can't be seen and blaming the cager
