The Basic Fundamentals of Slow Motorcycle Riding 

Honey , I am so proud that you have chosen to share your wealth of knowledge with the public. I so admire you for your generosity and giving spirit. This video will be helpful to many novice and experienced riders. Congratulations on your first video and your Robert Simmons RU-vid channel! 😘

Hands down this is the best channel for low speed motorcycle learning on RU-vid. Thank you, I've been watching your videos and love the preload technique!

I have watched several other videos attempting to teach this, and have even taken a class but did not do well. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t finish, and although I still ride I was discouraged. Your videos helped me tremendously. I’m going to try again with a new attitude thanks to this video. Thank you!

The way Robert breaks it all down is invaluable. This is the best channel out there.

Great info Robert. I’ve been riding for over 50 years and felt I was pretty good at slow speed until I watched this video. However, I just experienced a “lightning bolt” moment when you identified the pre-u-turn dip. Thinking back on the many u-turns I’ve done in my life, I now see why many felt perfect, while some I struggled with. That extra opposing direction dip was unconsciously present evry time a u-turn felt smooth as butter. Thanks for sparking that epiphany for me. I’m off to practice now to solidify that concept in my muscle memory!👍

“...All of your controls are here [in your hands], this is not the Flintstones.” This quote should be on t-shirts and other Paying it Forward merch. Thanks for the great videos Robert and your service to the citizens. You’re a blessing to many and may you be blessed. Keep it loaded.

I'm a 64 year old male who has been on a 35 year break from riding. Back in my youth there was nothing to really to learn from. It was like swimming. You just jumped in and quickly learned. Well that's how I learned to ride as well. Rode quite a bit in my early twenties. Anyway I have been having the ache to ride again for sometime. Being retired it seemed like it was time, If I was ever going to again. I am healthy, fit and capable. So why not. I recently purchased a 2013 FLSTC. I love it. Two things came to mind. One is I know idea of what I was doing. Two, I need some training. So I have religiously and repeatedly watch yours and ride like a pro videos. I try to practice something almost everyday. Which in reality is most likely four times a week. I have a class scheduled for the first part of November. Your teaching style and technics absolutely rock. It's you and people like you that make us better and enjoy it more? Thanks Robert

I’ve been playing around in parking lots for about 3 years now and I am always appreciative of learning something new. I too follow Jerry the motorman as well as MC Rider, and Motojitsu aka Fast Eddie. Every video from any of the above shows me some sort of insight into improving my skills. Today, your pointing out of when to pull in the clutch is one of those insights. Much appreciated. One more video provider to add to my list.

Hi Robert, I'm a novice motorcycle rider, and actually just took the motorcycle safety course for the state of Virginia to obtain my license. That course is basically designed, to give you enough information and writing experience to obtain your license. Honestly I want to thank you for your channel. I've learned more about the basic fundamentals of riding, especially slow riding, and watching four of your videos then I did in the entire 3-day motorcycle safety course. Have a great day.

Robert, I like your teaching style. Excellent tips in your video - I'm going to try working more with the clutch rather than concentrating on the throttle. I believe that was part of my problem I had today at RLAP. Nice meeting you and looking forward to your lessons. 👍

"keep your feet up. This isn't the Flintones!" Niiiiice!! lol

WOW! I joined your channel because I respect profichancy(probably spelt that wrong) CDN Vet inspired by your ability to teach the face your fears approach to life...and thank you for your service

I have been watching videos on tight turns for years, subscribe to RLAP and attended a couple of classes, doing lousy at them. This is the best video I have watched yet, enough that this is my first RU-vid comment. I loved the afterthought to release the clutch to initiate the lean and identified so much with the way you describe your training before you were hit by lightning. I hope that one day I will find the courage to accept the feeling of dropping my Goldwing and finally do a turn like I know I should. I need practice on many things, but what I really need is that lightning strike.

Thanks for the informative videos, And thank you for your service and making the country a safer place!! Back the Blue 💪💪💙💙👍👍

Just finished watching this vid and it’s very well made. You’re straight and to the point. I appreciate your style.

Hi. I'm a recent motorcycle rider, despite the fact that I'm on my way to the 50's, and let me tell you that your classes are excellent! The clear manner you use to explain the physics behind, and the pratice lessons you suggest (and execute), are absolutely great! Mant thanks!

Well done Robert! It's a pleasure to watch and learn from someone at your level. I love your comment of "Leave your Ego at home". I have subscribed and look forward to learning motorcycle skills from you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!

Hello. I am new in your channel. Do you have videos with very low speed? In Europe the exam demands 5km per hour. ...I just can not make the slalom

Hey Robert, just wanted to thank you for making these videos. I've been using them in recent weeks to get used to a bike that is new to me. I used to ride for a few years on a Yamaha R6 and then had a 3 or 4 year gap that I didn't ride. Last month I inherited an Indian Roadmaster that was my stepfathers after he passed last year. It's a drastically different bike than I've ever had and I was entirely overwhelmed by it at first. In the last couple weeks your videos have helped me tremendously! Really, I'm truly thankful to you.

Glad you decided to share your wealth of knowledge and experience. Thanks Robert!

Thank you on the dialog covering foot dragging and duck walking! I see a lot iof this in Georgia and all I see is (like you said) experience/lack of confidence and broken ankles

just found your channel today. Watched another of your and decided I need to start from the beginning. I have been following ride like a pro for a year or so. I like you teaching style. Keep up the great vids.

New sub, enjoying the content. Actually considered making a crack about how straight-laced you are, looked into the comments, saw the support and decided otherwise. Last thing I want is to be misunderstood and ganged up on by all these new fans, and at the end of the day I’m just jealous because I haven’t got the knack for content 😂😂😉

You don’t always have to preload I can do most all low speed with just using the gulch in and out. Don’t want to be a smart ass but I love your shows

Amazing video you need to go into training new highway officers

Brother U r 1 bad Motor Scooter. The knowledge You Share is Golden.

Bro, I want to say thank you for these videos! I watch you and a few others and do what you tell me. I ride a 2013 HD Electra and have gained so much confidence from you. I just took my license test and passed with flying colors. The instructor said in her 3 years I’m one of two that she tested that even know what they were doing. I feel that is because of your videos along with the others. So THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I am great at advertising. I respect you and your knowledge s9 much!!

I wish someone would have a low speed class to actually teach people basic skills like this. Here in Commie-fornia, there aren't a lot of options. Keep up the great work my friend. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Years.

21:32 what did that bug ever do to you? 🤣 Jk, great video. I''m going to try that cone set up.

Robert, I recently took the MSF course at a local Harley dealership here in GA. I passed, but I felt like I received just enough information to pass and nothing else. I'm so happy I stumbled upon your channel. I've learned more watching two of your videos than I did in the three days of the course. I did purchase a 2023 Road Glide after the course and your videos are already making me feel more confident. I know it's always going to be a learning experience and take constant practice. At least by watching your videos I feel I will continue to build my confidence and raise my skill level. Thank you, I am definitely signing up to be a V.I. Preloadeder!

Hello, can you provide link to where I can get those small crash sliders that go on the crash bars? Thanks

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I am really enjoying your content. Keep up the great work sir and thank you for your service. 👍

I subbed to Ride like a pro. It is not hard to see when some one knows what they are talking about or when they are creating content just for views....

I've been watching alot of your videos. Great content, and extremely useful. I started practicing today and I can definitely tell a difference in my ability. Thanks again for all the great techniques and lessons.

Thank you so much for deciding to be a content provider. I appreciate your level of expertise and your dedication to the continue to sharpen your skills. Also, not only am I going to learn from you but also the gentlemen you speak highly of. Again thank you very much. This is just my second video of yours. I’m starting from the beginning. HERE WE GO!!! EDIT: I had to come back to say, I agree with you wholeheartedly when you said in the video that law-enforcement on motorcycle does a high-level of training. Ever since being a little kid, I was always mesmerized on the skills of not only 1, but if 2-3 or four moving in tandem. It’s bad ass.

Funerals and leading parades were the two biggest clutch and forearm killers :) You can always tell a LE trained motorcycle rider because they are in total control of their bike at all times whether its with a foot down at an intersection , riding in pairs, or over taking a violator. You got over dragging a foot real quick on the old KZ1000's. That crash bar design was an ankle eater. Love your style and generosity.

I wish I could find empty parking lots like that

“Anyone can ride fast in a straight line” is right. I spent my first three days of motor school breaking bad habits. It seemed like the guys who had never ridden before mastered the techniques more quickly. I’m curious to see what your opinion is of Jerry Palladino’s class. Ride safe!

I sure love watching your videos. The more I practice what you’re showing, the more confident I am. And thank you.

Hey, thanks for sharing your skills here...I've learned more from watching your videos and techniques in the last few months than all the years I've been riding. Practicing loading the throttle and covering the rear brake...Feeling more confident..!!! thank you.

Woah. I surely need this. I've seen Mr. Paladino's videos too. I'm back, on a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King after 40 years with no bike. I've had 3, but nothing this heavy and powerful. So... Thank You for this. I need this.

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been riding a sports bike for about 15 years and I’m about to get a cruiser, so I’m definitely going to use these techniques 👍🏾

So, new subscriber here. Love your videos I’ve watched several now. I’m 65 F. Just getting back into riding after a 35 year hiatus. I’ve got a 93 FatBoy. I have had several HD’s way back in the day. And have many OLD miles under my belt. So getting back into this after such a long time is whole new learning curve, also this is probably the heaviest bike I have ever ridden. I’m just taking it slow… and re-learning. Luckily I’m living in NC now and so I’ll be able to ride much more of the year.

I remember some of those instructors would walk in your path as if you'rere dealing with pedestrians.

great video just purchased my first HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE 2020. When are you having another class. Very interested in taking your course.

Robert, please do more teaching videos. You are an excellent teacher!

I have riden a HD FXR for 39yrs. However I recently bought a Street Glide. It's a much bigger bike. This video helped me a lot. Thank you

Man that was beautiful to watch! You inspired me to start working on my slow maneuvers again. Thanks!

Hello Sir, When someone has a HEAVY Harley Davidson or MONSTER bike but NO experience, Do you approve of the "Retractable Hydraulic Training Wheels" that give you a chance to gain confidence while going slow and weaving? Today I saw an old man with a new Harley-Davidson that was a tank. He could extend and retract his wheels until he was confident. I thing its BETTER THAN NOTHING'

Great Advice! Flintstones analogy is spot on.

Thank you!!!!! I am gonna go out and practice slow riding!!! I needed a few exercises to get comfortable with my newly purchased bike, 2006 Harley, at least new to me. Thank you Sir!!!!

Nice work Robert! We need to do some landscaping videos !

Hi Robert, I came across your videos yesterday and been watching them. I saw your class #20 where you had a preloader named Bill from Edison, NJ. I am also in NJ, Clark, NJ, right next to Edison, NJ. I have a 2002 Harley Sportster 1200. Had it since 2007 and hardly ride it. I took the rider safety class in 2008 after dropping the bike twice. I got better but want to get back to riding. I'm no spring chicken, I'm 62 and an EMT at Rahway, NJ EMS. Sure hope to be able to be able to make it to GA someday soon and be part of the Preloader Family.

Welcome to the broken ankle club, as an instructor, I actually demonstrated how to break my ankle during my 18 years as a Motor Officer/instructor

Hallelujah amen! From Mississauga, Ontario new rider, just got my M2 in August and got my Honda Shadow 750 so I can practice practice practice! Thank you million times for your valuable advises and encouragement, Robert! I have difficulties ordering the t-shirts but I’ll insist

Great job brother! And welcome to the retired life.

Your channel helped me out alot. I'm learning more & more.

Man when he jumped on that other guys bike with the apes, the way he rode that thing was wild. I'd love to get to that point

You’re awesome man 💪🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼🚛💨 Really informative video thanks for sharing I am a beginner and I have a heavy bike and a weights 872 pounds . I did dropped it two times on the crash bars no big deal I was able to pick it up. So far so good.

Great job with clear and concise explanations on how to do basic “advanced” slow speed maneuvers.

Hey Robert.... So glad I found you man. Just turned 50 this year. And having been afraid to motorcycles all my life. I finally said fuck it, what's the point of living if I'm living in fear. And so I bought my first motorcycle a Yamaha R3 this year. I've been shit scared of getting on her as of dropped the bike a couple of times now. I was really hoping to keep her pristine but I ended up dropping her a couple of times ouch!!! :-( my heart still aches, but I guess it's a learning curve. Problem was always me not stopping smoothly. When I found you videos, what you teach actually put all the pieces' together for me. I'm actually not so afraid of her anymore and looking to get back on her to practice again..... Kudo's to what you do man. keep up the good work! and keep you posted on my progress.

Love the way your explaining walking around with the camera.

Sir, you are so awsome. You really are a great person showing your videos. I'm 55 and an Ohio State Trooper. I'm nervous about motorcycles due to what I seen. Im took a course 4 weeks ago and passed But I just bought a 23 fatboy and crashed it pulling out of parking lot. Lucky only two dents in gas tank. I wasn't use to the power and havnt been on a bike since training and they were Training bikes. I forgot to turn my head when turning also and went straight. What should I be doing. Go to a big parking lot and practice . I don't feel I'm ready for the road yet And should I get crash bars for it? Thank you sir!

Never thought I would wish to be "HIT BY LIGHTNING " 😊

been watching serveral of your videos over the last few days. Great to see another motorcop (the other being Jerry P) sharing their knowledge. Not learning much yet.. but thats because I knew the concepts you've addressed so far in your videos already, (I already follow Jerry, Motojitsu, and several others that talk the concepts as well... but another great source is always welcome!) BUT I'm seeing what it looks like in practice and seeing ways to improve none the less. I'm not knocking out 15 ft u-turns... but I've gotten down to 18 ft's on my k1200rs. I greatly appreciate what you are doing.. Subbed.

Your videos smoke Jerry’s. Your presentation is unique. I’ve seen his, get bored and I’m glad you decided to share.

I like your videos. I just bought a2003 BMW k1200. Like the look and styling of the bike, but definitely not used to the weight. I love your techniques and I never new the importance of slow movement motorcycles handling. Chad Avery West Philadelphia .. any courses in my area please let me know.

Your skills at riding are amazing,I could see you outlining just about anyone.i used to really enjoy seeing those photos of the police motorcycle guys,10 or 15 guys 1 bike and all hanging off the side like a pyramid or something else.thankyou very much for your tuition and sharing your knowledge.best wishes to all,from,Auckland,New Zealand.⭐👍❤🙂🙂😉😉

Great work, and thanks for your service in NYC. I have moved from a 500 pounder to a 770 on a BMW K1600. Have 11,000 miles but not enough slow speed work. Have dropped too many times--the lightening bolt has not hit me yet. Took a cone course that did more damage to my confidence than good. Need to get back on the horse. My crash bars do not prevent it from rolling, sometimes, all the way to the fairing. Will not fix that until i fix my riding. Anyway, I know it's all about practice and restoring confidence. Your are a good instructor, and I watch Paladino's also. Thank you.

Hey Robert after passing my motorbike license, I knew I wasn't comfortable or skillful enough to ride! Your wealth of knowledge of slow riding will help me improve my skill level so much. I have subscribed, Perth, Australia.

I'm still having trouble turning my handlebars doing my slow riding practice. Just can't get past the phobia of falling through the turn, but I'll keep at it. BTW, I saw Wood Jr's bike "Equal" in one of the scenes, how did you manage to keep him still during the video?

Bro, you saved me. Your videos are priceless for anyone riding. Just now converting all my bad habits and lack of knowledge to good smart riding. Thank you!

What holster are you wearing? I use a safari land ALS for my Glock and a leather pancake holster I made for my 1911. Glad you carry. Need more responsible law abiding people to do so as well also need more people to practice what you are teaching. As I drive around all day for work, I notice the small (and major) errors people are making on they’re bikes, and I’m like man, they’ve never watched Robert’s videos. Keep up the good work!!

One year later and you have a nation behind you. "The Preloader Nation". Of which, I became a VIP today, finally! Can't wait til you come back to New Jersey cause I want to be there. Sign me up today or, however we have to do it. Hope I can be among "the 12". PS, now that you formed a nation, does that make you a Founding Father ? 😉 ✌

AWESOME Instructions! Man, can't wait to start my training next week! I'm gonna set up my GoPro and record all of my mistakes, I know they're coming but I'll get it down!

Hey, slip of the tongue. It's happened to all of us. :) @15:18 Rice Rocket @20:44 mind focken yourself @21:32 bug smasher For the record, I do enjoy and appreciate the training videos.

Hello Robert, I ride a 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour. Do you think I can accomplish the same result you speak of by just using the rear brake?

I'm really glad your sharing your experience with others. I got something to say about a very stupid thing that I did earlier in my married life. When I was about 35 years old I decided I wanted to buy a motorcycle. I always wanted a motorcycle ever since I was about 8 years old. In my neighborhood several friends of mine had them and it just made me so envious but my dad wouldn't have it because he sold memorials and he told me he'd never let me have one because he sold to many tomb stones to families that had a son or father killed on a motorcycle and he didn't want to have to get one for me. So I've got no experience on a street bike. Me and my wife went out looking to buy a motorcycle and I used the excuse that it would give us a chance to go out and do this together. So I bought a Honda VTX-1800 witch is really heavy. One day my wife and I went out riding and went to one of my friends house and I tried to make a U-turn on a narrow back street going very slow and walking my feet on the road and my foot got caught by the muffler and we fell over. Luckily we didn't get hurt but not long after that I put it up for sale ! It wasn't worth the life of my wife, kids, myself or anybody else's life because I was trying to live the life I wished I'd had with motorcycles but I didn't know what I was doing ! I was the guy that couldn't rollerskate, skateboard or jump rope looking like a funky chicken having convulsions ! People, don't be like me and buy a motorcycle that's way to big and heavy and you don't have any experience ! Get training and experience before you risk any body's life !

Damn LT! This vid just popped up and shows as 9 months old.. You’ve only been making these vids for 9 months? Man.. feels like I’ve been watching these for longer than that. I really like what you said about every ride being an opportunity to practice. That’s how I do it. Every time I stop I try to stop PROPERLY. Every so often I don’t get it perfect but I’d rather look like an idiot having to put my right foot down if I lost some balance than throw out some landing gear on each stop Every time I’m at a gas station it’s an opportunity for a u turn.

Sir, I love your videos for being so open and informative, but did you actually say "rice rocket?"... That doesn't sound like the best term in this day and age. Unless Harley's are also called "fat buckets".

Robert I found your 1st video and I will begin practicing those 4 m Maneuvers you performed to built confidence in our ability to ride our motorcycles, thank you and I'll check back in when I've mastered those fundamentals for the next lessons and 2nd video. Doc Graves The Road King

This was super helpful and informative. I never rode a motorcycle in my life or any kind of motorized bike until my first safety course about a month and a half ago. I was already picking up on some things and doing things you mentioned on here and I just kept self reflecting. Balancing was easy but as my instructors said and you alike constant throttle and the friction zone will stabilize you so the weight of the bike will not matter as long as you ease in and out the clutch while preloaded. I probably shouldn't have but I bought a indian springfield but this helps my confidence even more. I've also been sitting on it in the garage and rocking it and getting used to the weight which eases my nerves. This video helps me out even more. Takeaway is friction zone, friction zone, friction zone. As long as you manage the clutch you'll be fine with slow maneuvers. Thank you for this video.

Thanks for Sharing your Motorcycling Skills. Much Appreciated.

Greetings from Costa Rica, don't you know Mr. Simmons, your class is awesome, exactly what I need to learn and practice. I need to shed what I learned and practice your tips to learn these new skills. Thank you sincerely. And, Pura vida!

Thank you for sharing your experience with us You Tubers Robert; your channel is by far the best one out there! I have to ask about your head and tail lamps; they definitely allow for you be make a larger footprint and be seen. Could you share who the manufacturer /vendor is, I'm looking to make an upgrade.

I'm so grateful finding this very first video😊 I would like to share a link with you on how we're required to do it in Sweden in order to acquire a riding licence. It's actually not different from what you're explaining ...only it's in Swedish! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iCMS1i8lDoQ.html Your videos have given me many more core basic tips helping me on my way mastering the whole concept. I am still working for that licence and I know for sure, with the help of your videos I'll be there soon. Thank you Rob👊

I'm really liking your content. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Can I ask, in those early days when you just couldn't get it, did you drop your bike a lot? I mean, was that (and is that) an OK part of the learning process? Thanks.

Great stuff Robert! I subscribed and watched a couple of your video's - now I'm going back to the beginning. Spring is around the corner up here in Pennsylvania! Thanks!

Very good video my friend. Thanks for sharing. I watch a ton of Jerry’s videos as well....Very clear instructions. I’ve recently started a #motovlog. Have a look if you get a minute @viewson2’s

thank you, I watched your other videos first, but I like this one. been 30 years since I rode my wife just passed and I bought a 1200 triumph trophy. I need to learn the girl . ha ha. thanks. most came back to me, but i never realized i never learned how to drive slower. We didn't have RU-vid back in the 80's

LMAO ! " This is not the Flintstones " You should make a T Shirt. " Pick your feet up. ! This is not the Flintstones " !

watching this and a few other vids. Not ready for lesson 5...lol. you ask from 1 to 10.... ah getting better and I'll leave it to that. I do catch myself looking down at my speed when stopping making sure Not to use the front break. Wish the rain would give me more time but... Just checking in and Again saying thanks for the vids.

Thanks for a great video. I can’t wait till I am the boss of my motorcycle…You have a new subscriber to your channel from Long Island New York…..

Hey, thanks. I'm thinking about getting my license but I'm in NYC and will need a starter bike what's your recommended bike.

Evening Robert, as you can see I've started at the beginning...man this is an impressive catalog for 10 months worth of work....and congrats on the subscriber base as well. Now let me get into the weeds LOL.

Hi Robert, I'm Pierre from Canada,yes it's winter here now but I really enjoy watching your videos,it's giving me the itch to go riding to try all the new techniques,I bought a yamaha royal star venture in the fall and I wished I would of seen your videos sooner,thankyou for the help and thankyou for your service

I have,t ridin for about 5 years but want to again(sometime)occasionally.i was self taught about 40 years ago.after watching and listening to you(and motorman also)I realize that just about every thing I do while riding is wrong,mostly because of natural instinct. But I am going to learn the right way this time,and be a far better rider,I,m keen.

Thanks again for your service and your willingness to help us 🇺🇸 👍, just bought a new street glide special

Hey Robert, I've watched a lot of your videos over the past few months. I'm starting from the beginning and watching them again. Thanks for your help!