The 3 BIGGEST Slow Speed Motorcycle Riding Mistakes 

I'm a motor officer, here's some tips from going through motor school: Try NOT using ANY brakes. My motor school was a no-brake school, meaning all test patterns (besides the higher speed ones where you need to come to a stop) need to be done with no brakes at all, clutch and throttle only. This forces you to have really good clutch and throttle control. What I would do is find my friction zone, set my throttle, and only regulate my speed with my clutch. If I needed a little more speed, let out the clutch a little, if I needed to slow down, suck it in a little. I'm talking millimeters. If I felt I needed a little more throttle, do it right as you begin a turn. Try full-lock turns from a stop. If you're making a left turn, keep left leg on the peg. If you're making a right, keep right leg on the peg. Don't want to keep the foot down in which direction you're turning. Do entire circles full-lock, never letting the bars get away from full-lock. This is also using absolutely no brakes. When you turn your head, look above the horizon. Also what seemed to help me, is consciously feel for your elbow to make contact with your side when you're making your turns. Hard to explain via text, but if you're making a left, I would think "head turn, elbow" and it would help me force my elbow to my side, which would make me do a full-lock turn. That's all I can think of for now. I'm sleepy lol.

I'm 71 years old, been riding since I was 14. Never to old to learn. Thanks for the great info. Thanks!😎

I rode for several years on a permit, just renewed it every year. Finally, the law was changed so you HAD to get a motorcycle license after one year on a permit. My first time, I failed the road test by missing or over shooting too many of the markers. Also, it was a HOT July afternoon and the instructor made it clear she was irritated to be out in the heat. That made me nervous. A contributing factor was I didn't practice on the course beforehand. The second time, I practiced on the course the day before and the really big difference was I used the friction zone on the clutch and the rear brakes to regulate my speed. I aced the course and the instructor (a different one) said it was a pleasure to finally see someone complete the test with no marks against them. I attribute my success in passing to the techniques you are promoting. Thank you Kevin, for making a difference!

Taking the new riders class a few years ago I didn't understand the friction zone because if you did that in a car you'd burn the clutch out in no time. It wasn't until the instructor told me the motorcycle has a "wet clutch" that I realized a bike clutch isn't like a car and that's when it started to click for me.

Absolutely agree with all of this. Once I figured out how to work the friction zone and drag the rear brake, slow speed maneuvers became easy. Find an empty parking lot and practice. Schools are great for this on weekends and over the summer. They usually don't mind, as long as you're not being a hooligan while you're there.

I never get tired of hearing these techniques! They’re important to me. Thank You MC!

I would add, to turn your head to the extreme, lift your chin to clear your shoulder… especially if you wear a full face helmet… I strongly agree with practicing head turns while driving your auto… this greatly assisted me in developing the habit…

Slow speed mastery is essential. Friction zone, head and eyes, feathering the rear brake.

Great post. Just to add my 2 cents - since I got my Tenere 700 and have begun riding off road, I have found it even more important to be confident with both the friction zone on the clutch (off road we always have 2 fingers on the clutch constantly feathering it to slide the rear wheel or gain traction) and maneuvering at slow speeds - especially standing up on the pegs in soft stuff like sand and mud (talk about dropping your bike fast - sand is more unforgiving than asphalt!) - Having good fundamentals will help you in any type of riding you end up choosing.

First off I want to say I love your channel. I've been riding from a real early age and I'm still learning and I've been trying to help my wife of 30yrs how to handle low speed handling and how to control her bike in lose dirt and gravel better. Now don't get me wrong she knows how to ride when I met her some 32yrs ago all she had was a motorcycle but me trying to teach and show her how to do it sometimes doesn't really pay off but now that I have found your page I think that she just might understand better on what I have been trying to teach her. And we just returned from a 1,460 mile round trip she did great but she still gets nervous around gravel and tight low speed turns so I shared your page with her and I think it's going to help out a lot. Keep up the good work

All obvious, but rarely practiced. I've been riding for 52 years (legally) and thank you for reaffirming these points, I often am guilty of diluting. If I may suggest one more please; get those feet up on the footrests asap, as a center of gravity at the ankles is far less "wobbly" than between the thighs! Great advice for all levels. Many thanks....I am now subscribed.

Thank you Kevin. I'm going to receive my first motorcycle after getting my license, a 2021 CB500X, this Monday and someone recommended you in a facebook group and from that moment, I'm on a watch spree of all your videos so far, to make sure that I'm well educated before getting out on the roads for real. I'm also a 1000cc member on your website and plan on using the Field Guide at least 2 times per week for practicing!!

Thankfully when I started my driving life all we had was standard transmissions. I knew how to use a clutch. The only thing was to transfer that clutch "feel" from my foot to my hand. It didn't take long (minutes) to get used to the motorbike. I think the biggest issue now is most people only learn to drive with automatics. I still think everybody must take their driving test on a standard. Or it was that my dad was a hell of a lot better teacher that going to any course. Probably. I did learn from a military man that was capable of driving anything.

Thanks Kevin. As a former MSF instructor as well, it's important for riders to remember these techniques and practice them often. I use the big parking lot at our local Community College nearby and try to spend 10 minutes practicing every time I ride. Keep the videos coming.

I had difficult time "allowing" myself to use the friction zone (aka, ride the clutch), because learning on a stick shift car years ago, we were warned not to ride the clutch for very long or you'll burn it out. I think many cyclists are somewhat fearful of that. When I learned that a cycle clutch is a wet clutch, cooled by oil, as apposed to a dry clutch in a car, that relieved my mind a lot. You still wouldn't want to ride the clutch for a very long time at high rpm, but to make a turn and being in and out of the friction zone, is how the bike is designed to work.

The first thing I did when I got back on a bike (after 50 years of not riding) was take it to a large parking lot and do slow figure-eights for hours. The breaking and the clutch were intuitive, probably from my early teen days on a small Honda and then in later years I drove cars with manual transmissions. The thing that gets me a little apprehensive is high speed on an interstate, though I can see that with practice Im getting more and more used to it,, when Im going faster for some reasons I still feel a bit of tension.

After riding for a while, applying the same practices while driving a car, significantly improved my driving skills.

Sorry Kevin but you misspoke while describing friction zone. You said pulling in the clutch lever “engage[s] the clutch” but that action actually DISengages the clutch (disengages the transmission from the engine). Could cause inadvertent confusion. Love the channel!

Coming from riding lighter dirt bikes and tight trail riding since I was 13 years old can give you good skills and bad habits at the same time. But this advice of slow speed riding from Kevin Morris on this channel is by far the best advice I try to use on the road especially helpful riding my 1300cc heavier bike at slower and quicker maneuvering speeds for a smoother execution. I love this channel cause it really gives advice on great riding techniques!

I am a relatively new rider, but am really happy with how much more confident I feel and am able to control my bike using some of this advice. I especially notice then when observing other ridings who appear to be much more experienced than me but do not have the fundamentals down as well as I do (duck walking, rough downshifting, improper front/rear braking, use of the friction zone, etc.). As always, great info! Keep up the good work! You are making a real difference for me and so many others!

Whilst teaching my wife basics years ago, she forgot the first thing I told her, "It's like riding a bicycle" When she got to the end of the driveway she remembered the brake & clutch, but forgot to put her foot down and tipped the bike over, breaking the mirror and clutch lever. It was like that clip on Laugh-in. The "friction zone" seemed very natural to me after driving/repairing multi-carbureted Porsches in the 70s; they'd stall under 1000 rpm

I am back to riding after a 62 year break [yes I am old] and enjoying every hour. I took my exam on my small 125CC bike with a semi auto clutch but because of your lessons I used the rear brake and had no problem. When my new 500 cc bike gets here I will have the clutch to add to my bag of techniques. Thanks for very informative lessons.

You are right! Watching someone handling a motorcycle at low speed or shunting it, you can tell who is the proper biker and who is the one who still has a lot to learn or will never be a good biker. About turning, you are right again! In my time I used to do trial riding on a Bultaco Sherpa. And as you sad it, the bike followed the path you found with your eyes or it went to the spot you looked at. You have won me as a subscriber.

Just rode a fairly long freeway run today. A road construction project at one point had the traffic single lane for 5 miles almost stopped. I remember for a long time getting uncomfortable and want to let go of that clutch. Had to ride that friction zone for like half an hour. It's situations like that that make me very glad I spent a few years on dirt bikes before trying the streets. Other then discomfort that develops in my right hand I'm able to be successful. I can remember back to my 1st day's learning and I realize that it woulda been stressful without the skills I've slowly learned over the years... but looking back on it all, Friction zone and safe braking and swerving are 1st things I'd wanna learn before jumping out in traffic

Great comments. I try to catch all of your weekly videos as well as former videos that help me. I'm 64 years young and a returning rider after 9 year hiatus but now with a BMW K1200RS which brought me out of my so called retirement. My former bike was a 1980 interstate Goldwing which believe it or not was an easier bike to ride. Before beginning to ride again, I first took the the MSF which in California is allowed to be used rather than the road test for a license. Admittedly I still had much to learn especially with slow speed skills and turns. Yes I dumped it a few times practicing but fortunately I learn quickly. Thank You Kevin for providing information that I could practice with and become a better ride. After a year a weekly practice, emergency braking, s turns, corning, serpentine and other drills and watching your videos as well as other programs, I now ride to work via a 10 lane highway and even split traffic in slow traffic conditions. My biggest fear was having my wife ride with me and so I will not allow her to rife with me till I master my low speed maneuvers. My continuing plan is to take a course every year to increase my skill level, knowledge in order to help me stay alive. PS.. As a younger, I rode dirt bikes as well owning a Honda Hawk in the 70's and 80's. Cheers buddy!

I think this is the most useful safety instructional motor riding video for slow riding for beginners I’ve ever seen on yt. Keep it Stupid Simple. Thnx!

Thanks Kevin, every so often, I like to practice slow speed turns. I can always tell whether someone has taken a riding course by how they make slow turns or stops walking their feet on the ground.

I used this technique when I took my motorcycle license driving test. Here in California they have a little circle and you have to go both directions clockwise and counterclockwise and then of course between the cones so forth and so on. Using this technique on The tight turning circle I was able to pass my test the very first time of course with some practice. Lucky for me our local DMV didn't lock the parking lot during the weekends so I was able to go over there and practice practice practice.

I did not believe that playing tennis would ever help in other ways other than physical fitness. The head turn and hand eye coordination works great for motorcycling. Great vid

100% Kevin. Practice is important. Correct practice is most important. It doesn’t have to take long either. But make time for it. Thank you. Ride safe and ride often.

Thanks Kevin, amazing how much better control you have when you drag the rear brake with the clutch in the friction zone. God bless and stay safe.

Friction zone is hard to get use to when I've been foot brake and throttle to turn around and look where your going and not where you are is excellent advise. Never to old to learn and practice a new technique. TY and Blessings

Unlike automobile clutches, motorcycle clutches are designed to operate in the friction zone without damaging the clutch. If you learned clutch operation on a car and were told "never ride the clutch" you need to quit worrying about damage to a motorcycle clutch when you do that. Most motorcycle clutchs are what is known as wet clutchs and are lubricated by oil from the primary.

Hay Man.. Cheers for another goood chat.. Its 0930 on Tuesday mourning here in the SouthWEst Uk, Very cloudy an a bit gale force winds, gotta go shopping now on my Fazer600 with a little trip, 14 miles to Glastonbury.... Have been practicing some of ypour techniques, Keeping my head turning every which way, watching for distracted drivers as well as keeping my bike as safe as possible.. Cheers from Greg with-the-Fazer600, featured in MCN couple weeks ago as an affordable "Classic" bike..

Friction zone didn't really click for me until I started riding on the street, with the 125cc bike I took for my MSF I was able to do most of the low speed maneuvering with just rear brake and throttle control. Once I got out on the road (and highways) with my 500cc bike I really started to rely heavily on the friction zone of the clutch along with throttle input, especially in slow and stop/go traffic on the highways, if you're smooth and watch the friction zone you almost never have to stop or put a foot down. Even the simple thing they teach you in the course of a 90 degree turn from a stop (right turn at a stop sign or red light) requires friction zone control to make it smooth and gentle or else you'll be out into the opposite traffic lane with a big wide turn. Also do NOT be afraid to use throttle. The first few days I was on the road I was trying to take off from a stop like you would in a car, with just enough throttle to get it moving, then the engine would buck and it was not a smooth take off. Once I realized again, you use the friction zone with a good application of throttle, and control HOW much of that throttle is going back to the rear wheel with the clutch friction zone you get much better starts off the line, and almost NEVER stall unless you really are trying to jump the gun. Don't be shy with the throttle is what I am trying to say, the clutch is what controls the delivery of that power.

i remember my training with Gordon Kemp from Taunton, Somerset in the UK .. he always said "keep your head up" and "look where you want to go and the bike will follow", it was bizarre at the time, but also a moment when you finally click and get it. Trail braking and clutch control was another important learning curve. I miss those days when you just went out to learn and practise new skills. For me Gordon was the champ, a former police motorcycling trainer, he had the scary kind of do as your told about him! Gordon, you're still my legend, even if you can't remember training me 10 years ago 🤣🤣🤣

all great advice the way you twist your head to the side and back could give the wrong impression you dont just look to the side then look ahead, you turn your head and eyes and KEEP THEM looking where the bike is going to make a U turn you have to twist your head and shoulders and look behind you where the bike is going to end up - because you cannot get halfway thru the turn and realize something is blocking your way, and then try to stop half way thru if you were showing this on your motorcycle it would be more obvious - make sure the cross traffic is clear and then look where you are turning and commit - keeping your head turned all the way thru.... the best way to fall in the middle of a turn is to twist your head the other way to see if anything is coming

Three excellent points. Every rider and I mean ‘every’ rider should watch this video. Thank you.

Excellent video Keven. These techniques you covered are the foundation for properly handling a motorcycle and must be learned. Having to duck walk a motorcycle into a normal parking space is a sign to the rider he is unlearned and needs to practice and learn these techniques.

Great video! I find myself doing this in my truck in turns, head and eyes all the time.

Other than the clutch, a lot of these same principles are the same as riding a bicycle. Counter steering, rear brake, leaning etc. etc.

Good stuff as always. I had to take a motorcycle safety course so I could get a Base pass to bring my motorcycle on base when I was still in the Navy in the 1970s. Even though I had been riding many years prior, I was surprised at how much I did not know.

Appreciate your editing skills bump! You have evolved in this episode! Keep up the great updated look.

Circa 1980 I worked as a dispatch rider in a big congested city and learned all 3 techniques subconsciously whilst weaving through sometimes miles of traffic at a virtual standstill, no training even existed back then, fast forward 40 year and these techniques still serve me well regardless of whether I'm on my 150cc scooter or 1050 Speed Triple. Not sure if it's best practice but using engine braking when approaching junctions or stop signs is a great way to precisely dial in the start, stop and progression of your friction zone for new riders (just don't dump the clutch).

Since Triumph came back re-energized they really knocked it out the park. It is a brand that doesn’t require a roadside assistance because they simply don’t break down. I bought a brand new 2017 Triumph Trophy SE and since then I only spent money with gas, oil changes and tires plus it has enough power and torque pull my motorcycle pop up camper. Great decision Kevin and good luck. 🍻

Spot on advice as usual Kevin. You've prevented a few accidents with this. Thanks.

A very significant method to stabilize your motorcycle at low speed is to clutch low friction, lightly drag the brake but most importantly, add a few thousand rpm with your throttle. The gyroscopic effect from the rotating engine parts keeps you upright and stable at slow speeds.

One of my big takeaways from the MSF was keeping the RPM’s up while staying in the friction zone, which helps balance the bike too. Also I took my MSF last year in the rain the first day, which was also a great learning experience.

Guilty on all charges! I can do all of the elements with ease but putting them together at the right moment, every time, is the bit that I need to work on!

Thanks Kevin for explaining so well the three key things. I heard of the friction zone but didn't understand until now. I will definitely be more conscious and practicing these tips now. Great help. 👍

All good advice... I'd also include the need to practice counter steering, making the bike go down underneath you rather than leaning out will also give you more control in tight low speed manoeuvres.

I failed my MSF riding test taken many years ago. The instructor never mentioned the words friction zone. Did not learn this until years later. That little 125cc bike was jerking all over and I could barely control it. The words teacher or instructor need to be taken with a grain of salt. Thanks Kevin for your continuing instruction.

Good advice I never realized that I was doing. But I'm 63 and never stopped riding bicycles.

There is one other thing that should be mentioned and that is to be sure to use the ENGINE'S THROTTLE in conjunction with the clutch's "friction zone." Two weeks ago I was practicing slow speed tight turns and was doing very well (if I say so myself) when I failed to keep the engine revved up to at least its idle speed. On my electronically controlled engine (ECU fuel injection), if you drop much below 1000 RPM, the engine simply shuts off (to keep it from lugging). I needed a little more rear wheel power to keep the bike up, so I let out the clutch a bit and went below that 1K RPM. The engine suddenly quit and just as suddenly the bike flopped over. I was going 10+ MPH and was slammed HARD to the pavement; the fall broke my left collarbone and turned my entire left side the most amazing color of dark purple. I have partially healed quite quickly (although it's still painful) and am back riding. I am presently working on coordinating an increase in throttle to an increase of clutch in the friction zone so I can always count on my engine to keep running and hold me up when I need it to. I am trying to never allow the engine to simply idle while using the friction zone. By the way, everybody on RU-vid shows a drop while practicing slow speed maneuvers as nothing serious and EVERYBODY simply picks up their bike and continues. Practicing is essential, but it is NOT without its risks and it's best to not do it alone or where help is not available, if at all possible.

Your videos are very informative and I enjoy them. I use the captions or subtitles when I watch them and the word “rider” often comes up as “writer”. I don’t know who does the captions for your videos but if you could bring that up with them, it would be good. Thanks and keep making those videos!

That was a great video. Dont care how long you been riding, you can always continue to learn. Keep up the great work!

Pulling the front brake at slow speed with the handlebar turned was the reason I dropped my bike for the first and hopefully last time! Wish I had this advice before 👍

76 years old still riding. However, turns now terrify me. Not turns into a street left is fine, right is harder. Turning around freaks me out when I turn around in a side street. Pull up to where I want to turn and go left to edge of road. Then back bike up so I can continue turn releasing clutch slowly and increasing speed as I turn leaning body opposite of turn to contract the "fall fear". Finally almost turned increase speed and increase to pull away. Finally turned and moving forward. Whew

I've watched your videos for quite some time even though I did not have a motorcycle. I enjoy listening to experts, so I view several channels that I don't have a vested interest in. For example, I subscribe to a couple aviation channels even though I don't own a plane or fly. However, I used to ride motorcycles many years ago and recently just purchased one and began riding again. Now I'm watching with a purpose. You do an outstanding job and I thank you for the really good advice and instruction. You also seem like a man who has been influenced by a higher power on a personal level. Am I right about the reason for your soft spoken demeanor? Anyway, I finally subscribed and hit the like button.

Best advice I have ever received!

Your point comes home in real life riding and I chuckle at myself when I am changing lanes and want to avoid running over the little reflector markers between the lanes. When I look at the markers I always run over them despite my intent to avoid them. My eyes are on the markers and guess where the bike goes?!

New rider here and dropped my Honda Rebel doing a turn. Counter weight balance is also very crucial.

Thank you Kevin! You've explained it simply. Your explanation does make a big difference. Let me go out and practice.

For some, reluctance to use the friction zone probably comes from their experience driving a manual transmission car (which typically have dry clutches) and being told not to "ride the clutch or you'll burn it out".

G'day Kevin absolutely great advice regards Anthony from down under

Good advice to use as a reference.

Thank you Kevin, you put all the pieces together very clearly.

Learned the hard way (broke my foot in 3 places) use the clutch more and the front brake less. Thanks for the videos

Thanks a lot for the classes, it's incredible...I am always using friends bike I hope to have mine but no money as long as I am in Africa

Thank you for these important reminders Kevin! Good stuff! 😊

My R100RT was a breeze to ride at slow speed...the sort of motorcycle that drove itself. I spent two years on a trials bike age 15-17 before I went on the road. I have seen UK motorcycle cops having trouble and had their feet down!!!

very good advice - thank you!

Thanks for this confirming video, I use to think if I was using the friction zone I would burn out the clutch however I know this is now not the case.

one month away from taking my MSF and learning to ride. But, I understand the head turn due to years of driving a fork lift in a warehouse. You for sure want to have head and eyes directed where you want to go safely.

Excellent advise

I am falling off a lot lately thought it was my age at 64 I have turned my idle speed up 1400 intruder.ill try your techniques thank you

Thanks

Great stuff. I went down at slow speed when a car suddenly stopped in front of me. I had turned to avoid their bumper and probably gripped both brakes. Boom!

Thank you!

On my ZX-10R(Marry Jane) full face helmet head turns is easy but on my Road King (Big Shirley) half helmet I had to practice alot to get comfortable but it makes a huge difference

Looking where you want to turn to will make you a 100% better motorcycle rider. It makes an amazing difference and will allow you to control the bike in much tighter, much slower turns and you will find that it starts to feel very comfortable and you'll be in more control.

No clickbait just the points, thanks alot sir!

Great video. Thank you.

Hadn't really considered the looking not being common practice, I picked it up playing video games, then applied it to my car and riding my bicycle at higher speeds. Still picking out a motorcycle.

Totally agree these are the top 3. But I've found that once those three are mastered, you learn that slow speed isn't as slow as you'd think. I see a lot of people struggle because they aren't going fast enough 8-12 mph and/or they want to try to make tight turns with direct steering only. Want tighter turns? You gotta lean that bike over.

Really well explained and easy to listen to. Passing this one around Thanks!

I've been practicing slow figure eights at full lock. I've been using the clutch's friction zone, but I would love a little more clarity on using that rear brake properly. I have been using the rear brake for making my stops smoother, but I didn't realize that I could use it to smooth out my slow maneuvers. I'm pretty good, so far, with the slow figure eights; however, after a few of them, I lose the balance and ride out. I can not seem to do more than three 8's at a time. I'm assuming that proper rear brake control would help.

Thank you for sharing these useful knowledge. I use exactly same techniques for slow riding.

I must be the odd man out, when walking I’m turning my head all of the time to not only see where I’m going but to be aware of my surroundings but am having trouble transferring it to riding. I thank my problem is trying to find the middle ground between not turning my head when riding and turning it to much.

Thanks!

Good advice, I already do the stuff that you've mention, but I try to stay in the "friction" zone as little as possible. don't want to wear out my clutch prematurely. I kept being distracted by your bikes in the background. otherwise, good video foe newbies.

very very informative videos thanks a lot

The head turning before the body turns is the way RoboCop walks!

grab a push peddle bicycle, practice balancing while stationary, as a novice aim for 5 to 10 minutes, then practice a slow tight turn aim to complete the turn in 2 to 3 minutes, you are working on sense balance and fear. doing it on bicycle like this will rapidly improve your motorbike skills

Thanks Kevin. Great job. Good info.

Turning head in the car is addition to my driving skill I learnt from learning to ride.aThanks

Great information Kevin the way you explain it spot on mate keep safe

Always good stuff!

TY Kev

2 1/2 years ago I gave my bike away and moved to the Philippines. I recently bought a manual shift motorcycle here. On my first ride I dumped it while turning into the alley leading to my house because as I turned there was a car right there coming out. There is no line of sight into the alley due to the houses being flush with the road and alley. I stopped while still leaning and my bum leg wouldn't come off the foot peg to prevent me from falling over. I don't think it would have been possible to straighten up before stopping since the alley is only as wide as a truck, with big rocks and plants on both sides. Now when I pull into the alley, I stop beforehand and look up the alley first. Here in the Philippines, most intersections have this problem. My alley is a very bad road with a big lump of concrete at the road end and at my driveway and large stones and mud for the rest of it.