Don't Drop your Motorcycle: 5 Tips + 3 Riding Exercises 

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

Dropped mine at maybe 2 mph changing from pavement to gravel, to much front brake in 3in of gravel. Being a veteran rider of over 50 years it's good to know I can still learn better riding skills. Thank you for your great videos and gentle teaching method.

Been riding since '63 and have taken advanced training courses. Rarely do I watch a MCrider post without learning something new.

In my advanced trainning I learned how to turn my bike in a full 360 turn in the space of two parking stalls. My bike is a Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Very important info here. I have gotten pretty good at lowspeed handling. Riding for 50 years. My friend and I have a game we like to play. Who can go the slowest without putting your feet down. One more thing. Please invest in good riding boots. Sneakers arent really a good choice. Boots can save your feet plus you have better traction when moving around on your bike with your feet. Beware of fixation crashes. When going through turns, look where to where you want to be and thats where your bike will go. Keep your head up. Know your friction zone. Thanks for the great videos. I subscribed. You can teach an old dog new tricks!

Even experienced riders need to take the time to brush up on their skills.

Hey Kevin, good morning! Want you to know your doing an excellent job. I'm a returning rider, 50 years since I rode in my early twenties, so I bought a HD electra glide ultra classic before I started watching RU-vid videos. Mistake. I dropped it 9 times trying to get it out of my 400 foot gravel driveway before I realized that I didn't want it out of my driveway until I learned what I thought I still knew. So I've signed up for a MSF course and I joined MCrider as a patreon. Watched a lot of RU-vid videos and your the best, God be with you and your family and we'll see you on the road.

I used to worry about clutch life by using the zone method. I just turned 60k on my vstar without ever cracking the motor open for any repairs. Guys worry more about repair costs than their own safety. Learning how to use the friction zone several years ago has increased my fun and confidence. Great tips as always. Thanks mcRider.

I attended a MSC 30 year ago and they pounded that friction zone into us.I attended another 3 years ago when I got back into riding and the instructors didn’t mention the friction zone at all. I brought it up to one and he acted like he never heard of it. Made me question the entire course.

Tight parking spot? I unless I'd end up pointing downhill, I always push my bike in backwards. Makes getting out much easier, too.

Not really about the video.. but all of them. Took my MSF today and got 0 points (a perfect score). My instructors were amazing, but your videos and a few others were really helpful. Thank you

I also find that squeezing the bike with ur knees/legs while keeping my arms fairly relaxed helps a lot at those slower walking pace speeds as well.

Great tips. I actually dropped it a very months ago because handlebar was turned and used front brake

Thanks Kevin. When I did my Advanced training I was told not to wiggle my hips when turning at higher speeds. This led me never to wiggle - and consequently no counterweighting at lower speeds. Boy did I struggle with the low speed test! What was missing was “lean the bike into the turn, but at low speeds lean your body in the opposite direction to keep balance”. Now I have grasped countersteering vs counterweighting - it’s made a big difference.

I make a point of always shutting off engine by putting the kickstand down. Prevents me from forgetting to lower kickstand.

I took MSF course while in the military, which was mandatory to ride on base. That was back in 1982, when I bought my brand new Honda CB750 Nighthawk, straight out of the crate. It was also mandatory to bring the bike YOU were going to be riding. I went through the required class room course, passed the written test and proceeded to course work. All in all, a week of skill development. Fast forward to 2011, bought a brand new 2010 Honda VTX1300R in Phoenix, Arizona. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement on my license, I had to pass a written and riding test, using that bike. VTX1300R is a cruiser, longer than average street bike. Although the slow speed figure 8 turns were difficult, I did slightly cross the lines, the test instructor rated the turn as "acceptable" and passed me. After 19 years, I STILL remembered the skills that was thought through MSF course and I passed with very little issue, other than being very nervous. My wife's 25 Y/O son, he decided to get a bike, after visiting us in Arizona and saw my "new" Goldwing and we had a talk on the importance of the MSF course, which had kept me safe all those years and continue to keep me safer. I think I'm over due for refresher to recertify my skills as educated and responsive rider. Subscribed and looking for all the information that may have changed since my course back in 1982. BTW folks, my insurance STILL recognized the MSF course and got me a discount, even after all these years...it pays in more ways than one.

Always leave it in first gear when you park the motorcycle that acts like a parking brake. People taking selfies with your motorcycle are liable to make it roll. Also had the wind blow mine forward and down it went. I tuck in my bootlace like the drill instructor taught me. Thank you Kevin

I’ve always been taught to look 12-15 seconds ahead in my large truck training. I’ve found this to be useful in every vehicle I drive, including my motorcycle. However, I look even more intense because I’m also looking for road hazards(potholes, gravel, objects, etc). Thank you for all of your tips. I use them everyday. I suggest if you’re getting a motorcycle to be cool, to keep up with the Jones’s or to be a show off and aren’t mature or disciplined enough to triple or quadruple your attention span at all times, just don’t buy one! You’re already a danger to everyone else on the road in your car!

Pulled my FJR into a freshly topped parking lot, put my feet down to balance so I could put the kickstand down and I didn't notice someone had dumped a latte on the pavement and I had put my right foot down on the plastic cup lid which was in a pool of latte. On the slick new pavement lubed with a latte, I went down. The only up side, besides reminding my self to always be aware of my ground game, I got so mad I had enough adrenaline pump to pop the heavy FJR right back up straight without getting a hernia. Another great video!

I told my teenaged son that he needs some years in a cage, especially with a manual transmission, before he gets a street ride. If you've ever driven a stick on hilly streets (especially with traffic lights like the Seattle/Tacoma area where I learned), you understand friction zones or you've dented the front end of more than a few trailing cars. My step-dad called it 'freezing the clutch.'

I've got 20+ years of riding experience and never dropped a bike. I've always had smaller bikes. Three weeks ago I got a eletra glide. I've dropped it twice now. Lol! It feels like I'm starting over when it comes to stopping. Thanks for the tips!

Between You and Motorman Jerry, Everybody should become 100% in Every Maneuver. Thanks to Both of You, and Don't Stop.🥇😎

Great video I've been riding for 40yrs have seen riders out of school crash a big bike in corners due to inexperience on a big bike also loved your slow speed riding techniques I still to this day never dropped a bike

Thanks for addressing DCT skills, most RU-vidrs ignore it as they feel it's beneath them.

I've been watching some motorcycle officer training videos and rodeos quiet a bit lately, and it too has been an eye opener. One thing I noticed they will do is make a slight dip in the opposite direction of a u-turn they're about to make so I decided to go give it a try, turns out to be a very helpful technique. I also noticed in slow speed maneuvers they will very noticeably pump the rear brake while working the friction zone, and I mean extremely slow speed, maybe a foot or two per minute, very impressive! I really appreciate the work you do with your channel, and what a true service you provide to the motorcycle community, thank you and stay safe!

I ride everyday. Last week on way home from work like everyday I stop at gas station. I Stand up, and dismount. Forgot the kickstand. Real 😎

Thanks for the continued great instruction, Kevin. Been watching your channel for a while and have picked up some key strategies. 😎

Tips are right on. I learned most of them the hard way. I've been riding on and off (mostly on) for fifty years. For the last eight years I've had a Kawasaki Versys 650 that now has 20K miles. I dropped it numerous times at zero to very low speed before I dropped the suspension front and rear by two inches (and a custom lower seat) so I could put both feet flat on the ground when stopped. I've just purchased a 2019 Kawasaki Concours 14, which is much heavier. I'm not even going to try to ride it until it is lowered, both the suspension and seat and replaced the handlebar to bring the grips up and much closer. I'm sure the Concours will be my last bike (I'm 74) so I wanted a bike that has all the features I've always wanted, e.g., ABS, ESC, shaft drive and heated grips. The only feature it didn't have, which is a must, is electronic cruise control. I've ordered a McCruise Electronic Cruise Control aftermarket accessory to have installed.

This was really helpful. I've dropped a heavier bike 4 times now and I think front break and clutch being fully engaged has always been an issue.

it don,t hurt to brush up...I'm 76 and ride a pretty heavy motorcycle and I still ride a bicycle to hone my balance, seems to help me...good video thanks.

As always incredible tips Kevin. Thank you for your committment to assist all riders become more proficient at what we love to do.

Good video. A retired NYPD officer Robert Simmons has a sight called Paying It Forward. Goes in depth on slow speed operation helped me alot. I've been riding 52 years

This man is the real deal! Thank you for your videos, I've learned a lot!

Love what you do, been over 40 yrs since I have ridden and thinking about getting a motorcycle. I miss it but it's crazy on the road even in my truck!

Every rider should support Kevin in his work. He is the best. Love your videos and always learn from them.

Thanks for your useful tips.

Thanks for the training refreshers! Priceless! Have ridden MCs for many years. Every new ridding season I take the time to reacquaint myself with my motorcycle. It is well worth the time.

thanks Kevin ~ valuable stuff, and appreciate the love to the scooter riders out here who need to understand how the friction zone works for us!

Thank You MCrider for the tips ! Much Appreciated ! Greetings from Down Under - Sydney Australia

Great Video! Iv been riding motorcycle and dirtbike's for 35 year's and I still wanted to watch this whole video with great information!

Another great seminar. Thanks Kevin.

I'm a newer rider just shy of 3 years into it. These slow speed things have been a thorn in my side. I seem to be getting worse rather than better. Appreciate the video.

Love these videos. Thanks. Been riding 20 plus years and still learning.

I reckon the right foot is the most underutilized control for most motorcyclists. Mastering it ... as best you can ... makes 1000% difference in 99% of slow and emergency riding scenarios.

Super video and wisdom Kevin, thank you. Developing the skills and making them habitual is vital.

Great tips. I always find my way back to your videos before the start of every riding season. Thank you for all that you do!

Thank you for this. I've just realized that I've got to practice more and apply the proper technique in slow driving. Good job Sir!

Thanks again, Kevin. I ALWAYS learn something new or I reestablish a technique that I learned from you earlier or I reaffirm something that I have been practicing. Your videos are so great, and each one makes me a better rider. I am heading out today after breakfast to practice the weave and offset weave at slow speeds.

I've been riding motorcycles since I was six. I learned a lot watching these videos. It's made me a better Rider I have more control over my motorcycle I thought I knew more than what I do. Thank you for your help and support.

Great video! A good reminder for me to practice these skills AND a great video for my son who will be taking the course as soon as he turns 16!

Learning how to ride, and this answered a lot of questions. Thank you, your content is life-saving.

Love the exercises you demonstrated...thanks Kevin

Thank you Kevin for all the helpful knowledge you impart on this channel! I’ve been watching you since before I ever rode a bike. My friends from our riding club also watch your videos! I always use what I learnt from you as I’m riding on the highways and country roads! Using your road strategies are paramount to stay safe and avoid dangerous situations! Thank you again and keep up the good work!

Excellent video and tips...and probably a lot of bikers have learned these tips the hard way. Thanks for your channel and videos.

Long time rider. Still a good watch to remember the basics. Thanks for posting

Thanks for this video. Always good stuff every Friday.

I just finished the motorcycle training course and I am most definitely gonna do the slow riding techniques with my own motorcycle. I learned a whole bunch there and can’t wait to apply it with my z650

Absolute fantastic ! Thanks, Everyone needs to REFRESH UP ON THESE TIPS !

As usual Kevin a great video, I upgraded to a heavier bike and these tips you gave is sorting out my problems keeping the bike upright especially when entering my driveway. Saving me money and preventing those embarrassing moments.

Hello Kevin, mostly youtube recommends things I don't really need, but I found your channel somehow and glad that I did. I am also starting back to riding after a long break of 8 years, even though I over 200K Km experience in the past, I think even though my mind thinks I can ride, my motor controls are rusty. Watching these videos are putting so much sense into practices I learnt through experience as a young rider however are lost as they are not consciously remembered. You are adding a why to every how and I think this series is great and should be used by many training schools on regular basis. As during this break of 8 years I have been driving, I realise that most car drivers who don't know how to ride need some training as well to learn how to share the road. They don;t have any incentive but it has to be learnt beyond 2 MCQ questions in the theory test on how much safe distance to keep- they don't understand why a rider moves position in the lane or would change lane or would lane split. Hopefully in the future. For now, I will try to find the field guide and polish the lost skill. A big thank you from Singapore!

You always give me the right technique especially for my stopping the large bike and your practice videos are very informative

Absolutely first class tuition! Incredibly helpful and just what I need right now. Thank you! 👍

Great tips Kevin, I have been doing that since I was first training to ride back in the 70's. I always used my church parking lot which is striped for parking such as where you were, except these were not diagonal, they were strait in. I got so I could go through each space back and forth across the center line on smaller bikes. It is harder to do the same on a large touring bike, but I sometimes spread out to every other just to keep in practice. Thanks for the great videos on safety.

Again, thank you for sharing Kevin

Thank you for sharing the information

Great tips as always. THANK YOU!

Very important video! I used to ride long distances...but always struggling in the turns and dropping sometimes in the levelled turns... until I completely dropped riding....but still interested watching your useful videos ... if and only if will ride again.

Bloody brilliant!! I'm going to practice that for sure. I'm petrified of dropping my bike. So don't want to do that. Thanks MC Rider! Superb tuition and unbelievably helpful. 😀👍

Awesome thanks learned something new. Long time rider, still able and willing to learn

First thing I saw was both feet on the ground while the motor was still rolling. Right hand presumably on the brake lever. Turn the bars a little in that situation and it's going to fall over. We coach, "both feet on the boards if rolling, left foot on the ground when stopped." Simple practice of this during sessions and daily riding will reduce drops tremendously. Also, how does the rider ensure that the motor leans to the left for the left foot on the ground stopping procedure? Easy! just before stopping, countersteer! Yes, countersteer. Push on the left handlebar to push the motor to the left. The front wheel will be forced to the right, causing the motorcycle's weight to be more to the left side. The motor will lean to the left where your 'one foot on the ground' can stabilize the balance.

it's really quite simple. I wish all riders would watch your videos. These techniques are essential in mastering your large motorcycle, any motorcycle !!! Thank you.

I’m 61 and have a 540 pound bike with a high sitting height...while I’m trying to get stronger legs in the gym, this video is priceless information!!! Eventually I may have to downsize as I don’t plan on ever giving up riding, but I would like to stay on this one as long as I can.

I literally love this guy. he's gift to humanity... all tips shared is true riders mindset and number of lives saved... thanks from the heart

Great tips and great channel! Just got my first big ol street glide and your tips are a HUGE help great content.

Great video. As an instructor myself we teach exactly what Ken is showing in this video. It’s all about technique, technique and technique. Thanks Ken.

Just picked up my new 2023 Z900 Kawasaki ABS. Been riding over 35 years. Love your tips! Never too old to learn safe techniques.

Been riding bikes of all sizes for over 42 years and this was very helpful.

Thank you for all the motorcycle riding tips! I haven’t been on a bike in about 25 years and I just got an adventure bike and I have been relearning a lot! Also, Cabelas rocks!

I find your training videos very useful. I first learned to ride a bike in 1976, have risen many times since then, but never took a riding class. I have been real lucky avoiding trouble. The bike I have now is very heavy, slow speed really gives me trouble. I think with what you have been saying and showing will help a lot.

I can't thank you enough for all of your help Kevin!

THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, FOR THIS HELPFUL DEMO!!!

As usual Kevin your videos are always helpful. Been riding a Long time but your videos make one more aware of what and how one is doing on the bike Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Very helpful video, thanks for sharing Mr.

Excellent tips, I'll put them on practice. Thank you so much.

Thanks for the videos Kevin!!!!

Thanks this lesson keeps me sharp in this area

Massive thanks to you, Kevin: 4 weeks ago I passed my 'A' licence (in the UK that means "big bike" or any cc/bhp). Although I had great instruction from my riding school, still in large part your videos were a straight-edge. I look forward to more. Thank you again and may God bless you always.

I am an older rider that just got back on a bike and have learned alot on these videos, thank you, no extra money for forum, can barely keep an gas in my bike(my only transpo), but thanks

Excellent video. Thanks

New subscriber and new rider here! This video brought me here. Thank you for the practical tips!!!

These tips are gold.

Hi and thank you so much for this Informative video. I really got allot out of it I have not ridden in years and your video has really helped my confidence I'm looking forward to being out there again.

Very helpful tips !!!! Definitely need this info when learning the weight on heavy bikes

Great tips as always. Coming to a stop at a stop sign, road on an slight incline side to side. Went to put my foot down, and there was gravel, my foot slid out and down I went. Then given the gravel I couldn't get traction to lift the bike back up. Needed help. That was 30+ years ago. Lesson learned

Thank you Sir....your videos are not only saving US trips to claims dept....but more importantly, saving the lives of us riders and others on the road.....after viewing many other rider educational videos and persons....you are my go to on a daily basis....your theory/practicum format are second to none....thank you once again....you are a blessing Sir....FREE INDEED....JOE

The point of no return is such a rotten feeling and it can happen so fast if you get careless...priceless techniques Kevin...keep up the goid work!

Just got my first motorcycle this weekend, been riding around the neighborhood, its been a while since I have ridden a dirtbike in my youth. These are so much heavier, almost pulled a muscle stopping and holding it up earlier. Came right in to look for this video, thanks.

Excellent traing video on slow speed motorcycle handling while significantly eliminating risk of dropping bike!

Very helpful! Most riders usually dump at slow speeds on the street. This is excellent information!!

Thanks for sharing this! Keep posting you great content. Lot’s to learn for ALL! 🙌🏽👍🏽🙏🏽

Great knowledge MC, my respect.