When to shift your weight on a motorcycle and when not to... 

27 years of listening to untrained experienced riders. I learned more in 3 week after purchasing the Ride like a Pro bundle. Awesome program. Thanks a ton.

On this particular matter, as with other riding matters, Palladino said the most with the fewest words possible. Much appreciated!

“To lean or not to lean, that is the question.” Billy Shakespeare

Love him or hate him; Fortnine gets the community talking about a subject on a regular basis.

Jerry Palladino...........Simple Truth, Simple Answers, No Bull, YOU LEARN!! Thats the mark of a good teacher. Thanks!!

I enjoy watching various motorcycle channels and try to get benifits from them. Let's face it they all want a piece of the pie.

I always ride about 50% of my total riding potential . Someone told me that a long time ago and thanks 🙏 god i never got motorcycle accident or fell off . I ride to enjoy the road and the motorcycles not to be the best or win a race . The only race I want win is getting old riding motorcycle “ Live to Ride “ . Thanks good video !

"Don't speed on roads or you will get hurt" 4:48 "but if you do pick up speed you can lean a bit" and a car immediately turns in front of him. So true...

Absolutely beautiful explanation. As a cruiser rider myself, I did know about leaning with the bike at higher speeds. What I didn't know was keeping my head level with the horizon. Despite already knowing some of this stuff, I still learned something new. I did notice when I tried counterlean, it felt more natural, but I did feel a bit uneasy leaning the bike too much even though I was never going too fast where I run out of lean angle. Since I'm on a cruiser, my fear is always running out of lean angle. I'll try to spread your video. This deserves more views. You just gained a new subscriber! Hope you get many more! You deserve it!

What I like about Fortnine is that he goes into the physics and math, he also talks about off road. His last video was good and I would think it would be awesome if you reached out to him and invite him to your rider course. Think about that video.

Jerry, this video is a gamechanger for me! I've been leaning with the motorcycle thinking that's the right way, but staying upright on the twisty roads has improved my riding exponentially in just one weekend! First of all the view! I can see the entire corner and can see the exit much sooner, allowing me to better select my lines and even pick up my pace. It also allows me to counter-steer much more effectively! At first I thought the bike would lean a lot more by staying upright but it leaned the same amount, because again I'm not racing, just cruising in the twisties, and I feel way more in control! YOU DA MAN JERRY!!!

The fortnine video may be too technical (e.g. force vectors) for most folks but is really excellent.

I will have to say Motorman put it simply and professionally. If anyone could not understand what he said they don’t understand the English language. Just ride like a pro!

I watched the F9 vid, and the MotoJitsu, MC Rider, and RLAP replies... I think they're all basically on the same page, and I totally agree with the "don't ride like a f**king a**hole on public streets/roads" ✌️

Jerry, I've said this before but I really really appreciate what you do. I have been riding for just under a year now and have clocked several thousand miles in a fairly short time on different types of bikes. I favor cafe racer style bikes with "spirited" engines but I ride them like a spirited grandma - which is to say, their power is probably wasted on me 😂. But I roll back into the driveway after each ride happy and exhilarated and in one piece. You have taught me so much that has kept me safe and still having fun. Thank you (again!!!)

I don’t plan on becoming maggot food anytime soon, so I’ll continue to listen to motorman👍🏾

I began riding at age 50. I started with a basic rider’s course. I am an avid student, so to speak, of riding. I thoroughly enjoy these videos, Jerry. I will soon purchase your instructional DVDs. Thank you for sharing tour knowledge and experience with us.

Sage advice all around. Thank you for sharing your knowledge while we all enjoyed the seemingly perfect day (blue sky) you chose to roll out on.

Nobody has a monopoly on knowledge. This video was quick and concise. Appreciate clearing up a subject that so many have made confusing to us noobs.

Jerry ur videos are always informative sir. Anyone watching with COMMON SENSE & ur 100% correct, common sense isn’t that common. Very well done with care & common sense sir.

These videos are great and spot on, I have been riding all my life, at 65 I find these a great refresher, as I haven't ridden in quite a few years (Harley's) and am getting back into riding.......these are Graet...thanks Jerry!

Glad i have a trustworthy channel I can go to and get solid answers. Thank you sir!

You are the only utuber I watch.

His name is Ryan, and the company is Fort Nine. It's Canada's equivalent to RevZilla and Cycle Gear. He's an employee, and he has spearheaded their social media marketing efforts since the beginning of their brand.

I was the one that asked you for your perspective, and first of all thank you so much! I like twisty roads like the tail of the dragon, and ride a Harley very conservatively so really was curious what you thought, and this was very helpful! You da man!

As usual, another solid video by The Motorman, filled with useful information. Thank you, sir.

Exactly. I'm in Michigan and the roads here are generally much the same. I own a softail and I usually just let the bike move under me in most curves.

Thank you again Jerry for another to the point free lesson on motorcycle riding.

I love your video’s and you teach the real important stuff without the bs! 👍

Hey MotorMAN your videos and your RU-vid channel has help me be a better rider it’s awesome when you know what you’re doing riding is more fun thank you God bless you and wife

I'm 68 years old and I've been riding since I was 16. (at least on the road) I watch these videos because I'm often learning something new. I thought I knew it all. I was wrong. Thanks for the videos!!

Jerry...you'''re the man...I'm a fan...have a nice day !!!

Great common sense advise from Ride like a Pro. I’ve ridden hard into winding roads and sure like the Adrenalin but always feel lucky when it stands back up. I take it easy now & enjoy the ride a whole lot more.

Very very informative and much appreciated. I always wondered about that extreme racing style of putting your knee darn near on the ground going into a turn laying the bike almost completely on its side.

i fell down the rabbit hole watching all these videos after i got back on a bike here not too long ago. i took the MSF course along with my son even though i already had my endorsement. I wanted to set a good example for him and make sure he starts out on the right foot. funny thing is he passed the riding portion and i had to retake it. i guess having to break bad habits and actually THINKING about what and how i ride, through me off. but i find a lot of these videos very informative and I'm very thankful that these instructors take time out to make them. i do high voltage linework for a living and i tell all my apprentices that ill show you my technic and other journeyman will show you their way. but at the end i want you to be safe and comfortable with your skills. same struggles.

Thanks for the great video, answered a lot of my questions on this topic

Thanks for the good instructions and advice.

Man, I love that big, blue cloudy sky. You're state definitely has its strong points. Thanks again for the tips, pal.

Always a great video from the Motorman. I am a better, safer, more skilled rider because of the videos and Jerry’s class. Thank you!

Man fort nine must have the widest cross section of watchers? Good video here

You are exactly correct. After riding 55 years, it is totally instinct, slow and shallow curves, I stay straight. Some tighter curves, and above 35-45, I lean Some. Every now and then my boards touch, but not often. Great, great video.

Simple and to the Point Jerry ! Great Uncomplicated Advise !

Adding that clip of pro racers was a good idea!

" You could be killed or seriously killed" Man, I really don't want to be seriously killed. I love how motorman slips a few sly ones in every now and then...

Beautiful sky to accompany an excellent riding info

“Forty nine” 😂😂

Finally! Someone who is saying what you should do plain & simply! I have struggled with how to tackle a bend at speed and therefore straying wide at times! I shall continue now applying your advice, thank you

Your my riding coach and I ride a 2018 gsxr 1000R. I'm definitely lonely here. I choose experience over all. Take care and thanks for the help!

I'm subscribed to u both and u both give top advice

Great vid Jerry 👍 Really well explained. Ps Yeah I see lots of peeps who think they are MotoGP riders on the road and are hanging off the low side, and end up crashing big time on the other side of the road into the guardrail / barriers etc, as they got no experience at high speed cornering.

Always words of wisdom!

Thank you very much for this article again as usual try to see as many of your videos as I can they've been very helpful and informative hope to meet you at Leesburg sometime

That was a great simple explaination of an overly confused topic. Anyone who needs to know more should be attending one of the track schools, your school or one of the fantastic flat track programs where leaning is taught in depth. MOST street riders that I have spoken to do not understand why the GP guys go so low...they just want to look cool. I have been hanging on to two wheels for over fifty years now and have noticed something that occurs in even very experienced riders. Myopia Very few riders look past their own experience and while they might have a decent handle on their style of riding, real comprehension stops there. If you talk to a pro flat tracker, a pro motocrosser, a pro GP rider and a really seasoned street rider such as a cop, you will find four completely different dissertations on leaning the body and the bike, all completely valid. Any of those first three pro's will shave seconds or minutes off your lap time when you are pushing body and machine HARD. The fourth pro will keep you alive and healthy on public streets. I love to go fast. This is what track days are for. Actually they are a bargain. So is training outside your main area of interest. No matter how you slice it, unless you are earning money for riding it is a hobby. Invest in your hobby and you will have more fun, stay heathier and live longer. I have not ridden offroad in forty years. As I age and have more time, the adventure bikes become more attractive so I am attending an offroad class this Winter. I am certain to experience a few paradigm shifts. Again, great summary of what 99% of riders need to know. Fantastic content in general. Cheers!

"the street is not a racetrack" ENGRAVE THAT. I've seen plenty of old timers on bikes, and they all have one thing in common, they lived to ride that long because they didn't take stupid chances like that. Follow them, otherwise you'll end up as the fastest biker on a mortician table. Is that the way you wanna go? A side note, the internet is a wonderful tool for knowledge, but you first need to learn how to seek out knowledge. A clear example is this scenario. Albeit the info might be correct, I'll more readily trust a source such as him, with real world experience, certified experience, as a moto officer and instructor, over some guy with a go pro and X weeks on the bike (and I'm not pointing at anybody in particular here, it was just an example)

I know probably no one will read this comment since the video has been up a year, but I have to tell it anyway with your “ride like a maniac comment.” So agree! I was watching a young kid. I’m 54 and have been riding decades, and he was 20ish, so kid to me. So this kid is on a brand new sport bike and it was obvious he was new to riding and WAAAYYYY too excited about being on a sport bike. He was pushing it and barely had control. He’s riding through the main boulevard in town which is divided with bushes and trees down the center. He stops at a stop light and when it turns green, he hit that accelerator and likely also must have popped that clutch way too fast. He instantly goes into to an uncontrolled and seemingly unplanned wheelie. He was up in for just a second, the bike turned like a unicycle and he and shiny new bike landed smack in the bushes. I stopped to make sure he was ok and he immediately jumped up with, “I’m fine! I’m fine!” in that ‘I meant to do that’ sorta way. I was a kid once, so I waited til I drove off to start busting up laughing. Lucky kid that he had an experience in humility that was only embarrassing and not deadly. I hope he learned from it.

good video and very good advice thanks

Kerry, there is so much wisdom in what you are saying. Cruiser and Touring bikes are designed to cruise along and enjoy the ride. They are not for racing and no motorcycle should be raced and taken to the absolute limits on the public streets. I own a Victory Vision Premium Tour which has phenomenal lean angle capability, but while that is nice to have, I have never had to or want to push it to the limit. Always keep your riding within your skill level and enjoy the view. Always allow the reserve for the emergency or surprise.

Thats one beautiful sky and a beautiful day to ride! Im a beginner been riding for a week lol. Thanks for the videos

FortNine has been a fantastic resource for me ever since I started riding. Just completed the RLAP course in Maryland on Sunday on a big cruiser after living on sportbikes it was worth every last penny spent. Will be picking up the videos and some cones to practice solo before taking the course again in the spring, maybe this time in Florida

I’m not an expert but very much agree with what you are saying here. Thanks for the great videos.

We are all just passionate . Age doesn't matter and not all qualified instructors are actually good ( for some it is just a paycheck job). Ytbers just share tips , knowledge and experience. In the end every rider is responsible for their own riding . Practice practice practice in a way one cannot harm other road users is the way to go. Thanks for all your vids , the globe around they are appreciated.

I want to be like you when I grow up. Thank you for the great content.

Yes, and I have a Super Cub and wouldn’t think of putting my knee down so I’ll never be a black belt and that’s ok.

I use to lean with the motorcycle until I almost crash in to the guardrail now I just counterbalance on a turn it makes it super easy

Hi Jerry, I take my skills test tomorrow the 17th. I ride a 89’ Yamaha virago 750. Depending on the turn, I can very easily scrape pegs. Watching your videos has helped myself, and my roommate who’s learning to ride and very scared to lean. Thank you for all your wisdom.

Thank you I was wondering about that, cause I do that getting on I-4 ramp when it got tight turn.

I have the same jacket, protection and mesh, i put pads in as well, i wear it all the time but needing a fall,winter jacket.

keep you head level... I was using this advice today riding my dirt bike on the trails. Lots of sandy corners and I kept dropping towards the inside until I remembered to keep my head level. when I ride sand or loose dirt, I let the bike lean under me to put my weight on the inside knobs for traction.

I surmise that motorcycle crashes would be cut by 70% or better were there no reckless speeding. If you have a need for speed, take it to the track, Jack.

Thanks great advice

Thanks so much. Every one of your videos are filled with great advice. And humor. :-)

Nice easy to understand explanation, well done 👍

Great points as usual. Sadly, many video creators are more about their sensational value than content of skill development. And it's not just Biker videos that have limited usefulness.

Great Video,s

That’s Keyboard Colonel to you sir! I have been promoted!!

Come to west Milford NJ the roads r like “Dead man” curves 😂 love ur videos Mr Pro Jerry❤️‍🔥

Jerry, love your videos and info. But, hey man you live in the "flat straight" land. I too live in mostly straight runs; I can find some mild twisties around Lake Mead. Which at my age is fine by me. My days of pushing thru the twisties like Topanga canyon in California and trying to drag my raised exhaust pipes are over. Although, here in the Las Vegas area we have raised areas at the inside of the turn next to the curb. So when you are trying to cut sharp into the turn you have to know that your inside may scrape bottom. Keep up the good work. Learned a lot from your videos. Thanks.

A couple of things: 1. Don’t play chicken with the oncoming traffic on those lonely two way streets (get off the center line). A car needs more room than a motorcycle. 2. The speed limit sign is posted there because that’s the safest speed at which you can control your vehicle on that particular piece of the highway, section of the road as determined by the highway department of motor vehicles or highway safety. So how can my riding buddy lean his Harley Davidson Road Glide so far over on these curvy roads we (he likes) take? Because he’s a real tall guy. He’s looking down at it. That’s my guess. Nice talk!

I'm glad you brought up that fact about the lean angle on the bike being about 32 degrees. I've heard riders talk about going through a corner at 45 degrees or more. It always feels like more than it is. Cruisers, tour bikes, and I'm guessing most sport-tour bikes aren't going to see 45 degrees of lean.

MotoMan ur the best n I say ty sir

Best advice ever

Great video, sir. Completely agree with you. Didn't like all the controversy created around fortnine's video

I'm wanting to get a bike may have to get a trike with my bad knees maybe after surgery I will be fine to do a two wheel you and the motorcycle cop from California do very good video his is called paying it forward I do like the time you to take to explain things I would love to take lessons from either of you to . Keep the good video coming

Wow funny I was just talking about this very subject the other day. When making a tight low speed u-turn I was asked why did my butt shift over far in the seat? I laughed and said I don't know, its instinctive, I always done it that way and it works for me. I just thought it was part of put your eyes where you want your bike to go, you know the look through. I'm not a trained rider I'm just lifetime rider experienced. I always end it with go watch some ride like a pro videos Jerry will explain it better!

I was speaking to an old timer. Former CHP. You mirror his advice.

Hello Jerry i have been practicing with the drop guards i Think i am ready for your class

I agree with all points here. The one instance I would say dropping a knee on the street is applicable is if you find yourself in a situation where you've accidentally come into a corner too hot. Obviously this shouldn't be the case, but it happens. A rider should be proficient with that technique, and keep it in their back pocket to pull out as a last resort if taking the turn is their last option. Similar to how pilots train for a go around as a last resort, if the landing doesn't go right at the last minute. This is especially the case on cruisers, as they have less lean angle available. In an emergency situation; it could be the difference between levering the back tire and low siding, or successfully negotiating the curve.

You explained it better than all the others!! Better than FortNine, better than MotoJitsu, better than MCRider! As usual your content is top notch and in my opinion your videos should be the standard norm!!

This is where you need that Insta360 camera so you can mount it behind you so we can SEE what you are talking about. 😉 Been practicing more over that last month and continually refer to the training I received from you. ☀️👍🏼⚙️👇🏽🐄🤙🏼🌞

Once upon a time there was an interesting video put out by FortNine about different types of leaning techniques. Greg brought out a friendly suggestion that counter lean is only good for slow speeds. It was a useful point to make and we all listened. But what did we hear? In the distance, MC Rider came riding along and yelled that one should not use the road for racing and knee down cornering. Greg's head almost exploded: it became bigger and bigger. He yelled: "I'm the OG and the rest is phony and fake" and threw shit all over the others. But be quite, now I hear sirens. Yes, is that ... Dan Dan the fireman? Dan suddenly appeared with blood red eyes saying something nasty ... and a bit funny too. Some said that Greg deserved the nasty comment, others argued that Greg deserved it. And so here the tale continues. Jerry appeared with that big old beast to remind everybody who the real OG is ;-)

Looks like FortNine ‘hit a nerve’!! 😂😂. You’re all very good teachers, just different!

Riders who ride really fast like racers may lean in, but NOT me. I don't ride fast. I look at Motojitsu's speedometer going through corners and he often is 10 to 30 mph above speed limit. OK, I may be an old geezer, but I rarely am above speed limit, so I either counter lean like motorcycle cops or I am neutral. Just my style.

I feel when i do a normal turn with lean on a 300 pound bike it helps a lot more rather than stay upright .With a bit of back brakes plus a little acceleration. Thats what im used to and it works for me. Nice tight turn not coming into the turn wide.

If no one has thanked u for these videos I for one would like to I've finally recently acquired a motorcycle which was a life long dream I've put 200 miles on my bike and half of that I've been pretty much scared shitless I definitely have been binge watching ur videos I know you are a busy person but I'm trying to complete the most important part of this dream license if u could maybe give me a few on one tips I would be so grateful and happy

I've been riding on and off for the last 35 yeas and solid the last 4. I am by no means an expert. However, what I know to be true is this ... Each ride or situation during a ride requires different techniques because of the style of bike you're riding, the speed, and road conditions. As I have learned many tricks/tips by watching videos about riding motorcycles. I have found this to be another truth ... Without practicing those tips/tricks it does me no good and makes me a potentially unsafe rider. BTW, I am owner of Ride like a pro. And it is making a better rider the more I practice the tricks/tips. Thanks, Jerry. Ride smart. Ride often. Cheers!

There are “Old” Motorcyclists and there are “Bold” Motorcyclists.But! there are No! “old bold” Motorcyclists. 😁😁 You can’t beat the “Old” sayings.

"Seriously killed", I love that!

Well said Jerry. Hey, when are you getting a franchise going out here in Cali? I'm not saying I could coach it but I'd come take it every year just to stay sharp 👊😉

Perhaps most of your viewers ride cruisers…but some of us ride ADV bikes who just want to be better riders.

Great clarity on these techniques Jerry. Thank you. Tell Donna hello.