Hello friend. You made my day hearing you are 74 and still riding. I have not been on a bike since I sold my Street Glide 17 years ago. I turn 62 next month any buying a new Harley for my birthday as I have only had Harleys and love the vibe. I saw the new Low Rider ST which has fairing, saddlebags, M8 117 and is 100 lbs less than a Street Glide. My biggest concern is being able to lift bike should I drop her. Just curious what type of bike are you riding at your age and if you feel you would be able to lift her in the unfortunate event she drops? My thoughts are if you can't lift your bike than she is too heavy. I started my riding journey as a brand new rider on an 883 sportster thinking she was a monster ands would have that bike for years. 3 months later traded in for a street glide, then a Softail Deluxe as I felt safer with those fat meaty tires and finally a bagger. Love to hear your thoughts about a senior citizen getting back in the saddle with a 727 lb bike. My biggest concern is I will not be able to pick her up. I wish there was a way for a Harley dealer to lay a bike down on the grass with crash bars and let a customer try to pick it up knowing they made a sale if I am able to do so. I any event you have inspired me when I read you age. I am also going to retake the MSF course and any advanced course that Harley offers and of course buy Jerry's book. I am even considering flying to FL, renting a bike and taking private lessons with Jerry before I do any serious riding. Safe travels my friend🙏
@Mighty Mike That helps but I have seen all too many riders at what looks like moderate speeds simply NOT turning and plowing straight into something. You almost never see their heads turn away from the thing they are about to hit.
@@i4004 - Agree with almost all you said, but looking where you want to go helps - particularly for those with limited skill and/or experience. Turning your head helps not only focusing your mind, but turns your shoulders - making you counter steer and even contributes to rotating your hips which helps shift your body. Of course where you want your weight depends on speed and turning radius. Leaning the bike turns the front wheel, helping set turn radius. Weight has to balance against centrifugal force. Sharp curve at low speed - hang off on outside of curve, at high speed hand off the inside.
Thats primary dirt bike lesson...you will go where you will look...basic human nature but with practice you can learn the way around it...ridding bike is no fun if all you ever see is the line you rode.
Not age. It’s incompetence. It’s the old counter steering bugaboo. Going too fast, turn tightens up more than expected, adrenalin hits, and they forget about counter steering. They try to turn away from the danger as if riding a tricycle or driving a car. And, that simply doesn’t work.
I think the other half of it is the bike they first buy and ride. Often they get these behemoths (800-900 lbs bikes) which are expensive as all hell and utterly untouched beauties that a single mark will stand out. Under those conditions it takes a lot to be comfortable leaning the bike.
It's not just that, as much as the tendency of the motorcycle to "stand up" during a sudden adjustment. THATS what affects the line, and ends up resulting in someone in going off the road.
I started riding a motorcycle 9 years ago when I was 47. I found your channel very soon afterwards and have been a follower since. Using your CD and RU-vid videos, my skills have greatly improved. Countless hours have been spent practicing your drills, and your street smart tips have become second nature. I ride a dual sport bike and always alone, yet feel entirely confident doing so. I've never laid the bike down and had only one brief off-road excursion because of complacency - lesson learned. There have been a few high pucker factor events along the way, but the skills you've taught me have kept disaster at bay. You're a credit to your profession. Thank you, Jerry.
You seem to be a bit confused. This video is about rider skills/failures. Loud pipes are a thing so car drivers may not see but hear you (and run you over). Also for the vid: I dont get it why people are so amazed by the tips. Thats basic stuff you learn in driving school in germany.
@@mosuke5123 I don’t think you understand, there are (in some areas of the USA) American motorcycle licence holders who have never had to attend a single lesson/class, pass any test to ride a motorcycle. They apply for a licence and buy a 1000cc bike. They don’t have any skills, no training - nothing! The unskilled riders just blame other road users for not hearing their loud exhaust when in reality it’s the riders fault for not realising/knowing that a lot of accidents can be avoided by having the proper road craft skills to avoid the scenarios in the first place.
@@TGMowatt Let me guess: Republican areas because obligatory driving school would be communism, the end of american freedom and the work of the demonrats?
I was a cross country skier in my youth, and I was reading my Dirt Rider magazine one day at home, and they drew out how to not crash as often whilst riding off road (was my hobby when there wasn't snow). Look down the course, and where you are looking you will end up. I started practicing this on my skiing, and I didn't crash again till State two years later. Why'd I crash? I looked right over at these two beautiful girls that were cheering me on going up a hill, blam, wiped out right in front of them, but I remember how they looked at me! Like I was a dork. Awesome video as always.
Back in the 1960's I was a British Police Traffic officer riding Triumph 650 motorcycles and the holder of a grade one Police advanced certificate. What you say in your video about riding around curves is exactly what I was taught. You bring it all back to me listening to your instructions. I am now 78 yrs of age having retired 30 yrs ago although I own a motorcycle my health doesn't allow me to ride it. Another thing I remember being taught is that if you fixate on a tree or piece of street furniture while riding around a curve your are guaranteed to hit it.
@@wendellthomas464 I hjad thought about a 3 wheel or a quad but instead I purchased myself a sports car Porsche 911 Cabriolet. I have kept the motorcycle.
When I first started riding mountain bicycles in the late 80's, a more experienced friend of mine gave me the following advice, "Look where you want to go, not where you don't want to go." Damn good advice and HUGELY helpful in navigating rocky and root filled sections of trail.
About 30 years ago I went through a high speed collision avoidance course in a car. The instructor gave the same advice on head and eyes slightly differently. He told us to look ahead/aim to where you will be in 12 secs. Obviously that doesn't apply in corners but there you look as far around the corner as possible. The other thing was if you look at the object you are trying to avoid, you will hit it. Has stood me in good stead since. Keep up the good work work and thoroughly recommend this sort of tuition.
I've been riding for many many years, until I watched your videos that I realized I wasn't all that good at it. But very lucky. I'm always willing to learn at 61 yrs old. Not only have I learned good proper technique from your videos, but how to stop using bad habits that without a doubt had been my technique.
THANK YOU!!! I used this technique the very next day, what a difference it made. Not only was it a feeling of more control but I could actually accelerate and really enjoy the bend. What a great riding tip.
@@motorman857 i understand the concept of using your head and eyes ive ridden sports bikes for many years and have leaned so far that practically the whole tire is used. Now i am on a cruiser bike m109r which is quite a bit different and find myself scraping the pegs a lot and at times still need to lean more but the bike in my mind wont. My question is, is there a technique to use if you find yourself are too fast in the corner and are scraping pegs? Id like to go through the corner without slowing right down and hitting the break which causes the bike to stand u.
@@sensfan07 Yes. The technique is go in slower, look thru the turn, and roll on the throttle thru the turn. If you are having to brake in the middle of the turn, you are going in too fast.
Brother, you are Awesome! I have been riding for 50 years and I still enjoy and learn from your videos. I will never act as I know it all and ...refresher every day is the key, thanks MaC
If u were my dad I would take your keys. WAAY BETTA than being killed. U is too old to be riding. Not saying anything about yo car just yo bike playa .
Love this Jerry. At 12 years old I realised this now 68 and still riding. Also pick your own line if following someone and look at it and you will hit it. Just like you teach. Keep up the awesome work mate. From an Aussie.
Jerry, I watch a lot of your videos, thank goodness! I've only been riding my own Harley for a couple of years. Not to long ago, I was making a left hand turned and for some reason I forgot to use my rear break! However, I remembered to look where I wanted to go. My turn was perfect! I ended up exactly where I wanted to go. After the turn, I realized I had forgotten about my rear brake (I am 55 years old so give me a break! LOL) I was immediately proud of myself for making the turn and said out loud "whoohoo! That is how it is supposed to work!" I have not forgotten that day and what a valuable lesson I learned about myself and my Harley! Thank you so very much for posting your videos. They literally saved my life that day! Be safe out there my friend!
One of the best things I learned in my state's motorcycle training course is to always look as far ahead into a curve as you can see. Your body will automatically make the proper adjustments. Never look down at the road in a curve.
A friend bought a Sporty and was never on a bike. He took a riding course and rode a 250cc bike the class provided, for his license. Another friend and I took him to a church parking lot and put out cones. We both demonstrated on our bikes, through the cones. We both impressed on him, the bike goes where you are looking. His girlfriend pulled into the lot while he was practicing. He crashed into her car! Not looking where he was supposed to be going cost him $700.
I don't even ride motorcycles. Yet I found this video quite informative and enjoyable to watch. The information in this video can be applied to nearly all vehicles and drivers, not just motorcycles and riders. Good stuff! Liked and subbed!
I've been riding a long time and this is the absolute best advice I've ever heard. I've been using it ever since I found your videos and it's amazing how much control it give me.
Good one ! I remember "looking down" from a nervous horse in my younger years. That hard Georgia clay felt like concrete when I hit it. I never repeated that lesson on a motorcycle.
I used to be a rider back in the 1970s, but, not since. Motorcycle riders and school buses always get more than the usual distances, out of respect. Great vlog thanks for posting and sharing this with us.
I am 57, had my MC endorsement since I was 18. About a month ago I went off the road at about 50mph. Been racking my brain trying to figure out what happened. It was a bit breezy, rear tire turned out to be in need of replacement, felt like I got into some loose gravel, etc... But I am thinking I may have stopped looking ahead and that combined with the other factors is what caused the accident. On the road is no place to loose focus. Whenever you can take advice from an experienced driver... DO IT! Nobody is beyond learning.
yes, do not ride if you cannot maintain total focus. you can "daydream" in a car and get away with it, but not on a motorcycle. check how you feel, physically and mentally, before you gear up and start up the bike. if you do not feel 100% physically or mentally, wait for another day to ride.
I’ve ridden some very twisty mountain roads in Vermont with a buddy. One time I had a back tire that was due for replacement. Started to break free on the curve, death turn it slid a little more. It wouldn’t allow me to use any rear brake. Got to the bottom of the mountain ok, but had to stop and catch my breath. What a ride.
I grew up on a dirt bike and would like to think I know what I'm doing, naturally moved into street bikes. I'm 49 yrs young and still learning. This is one of the best channels for learning and I've put alot of your lessons to use. Thanks for making me a better rider!
Absolutely love these videos. I've been finding for 44 years and now I realize I'm not as good as I thought. Spot on teaching. Thank you for these tips. Looking forward to taking your class in N.C. asap.
I hadn't ridden in over 32 years. I found your videos the evening before I brought my Harley 883 home. I'm glad I did. Just using this in my parking lot practice really helped. Thank you.
Glad I looked at the comments before I posted exactly the same thing. I've had professional MTB coaching (much cheaper than a hospital stay) and "trail vision" is emphasized A LOT. It is also a skill that (for me) decays quickly if I don't ride frequently.
@@ironhorsetelevision2094 Don’t think it’s medical term. The way target fixation was explained to me, we keep staring at what scares us while going around the corner e.g. car coming in opposite lane, fence or tree outside the bend and that’s exactly where we end up going as bike is going where we look, so we hit the target we want to avoid...
When I was a kid learning to drive a car back in the 60's, I was told to "never overdrive your headlights". In my opinion, this applies to everything while riding or driving or snow skiing: "never overdrive your skills". Focus on where you DO want to go, not where you don't. I live in the mountains and 90% of my riding is in the twisties with blind curves and road hazards ranging from fallen branches, walnuts, roadkill and wet spots. Every time I ride, I pretend it is my first time and I assume that everything and everyone wants to surprise me and kill me. I constantly practice counter-steering at low speeds and regular steering at higher speeds along with braking skills with my brakes and engine. This constant practicing actually keeps me more relaxed while driving because it reinforces my "muscle memory" and reflexes. I want my bike to be an extension of myself, not just something I'm sitting on. Believer it or not, pretending that I am slalom skiing on the slopes keeps everything smoother and flowing. Snow skiers will understand what I mean. While on the slopes I wanted to practice form because the speed came on its own. This kept me from over-extending my skills. The end was more control while staying more relaxed with quicker responses. Focus. Look where you DO want to go. Practice, practice, practice. Also, if I"m riding with someone who goes through the curves faster than I do, I let them go on; I'll catch up eventually. I have nothing to prove. I ride to enjoy myself. I'm 71 years old and I still try to learn something every single day, in everything I do. Keep up the great videos.
Counter-steering is when you push the handlebar down to go the opposite direction which is counter-intuitive. (Pushing on the left handlebar to go left and vice-versa.) There are many videos on this. Try it with your fingertips at slow speeds while going in a straight line on smooth pavement. This is extremely helpful when dodging potholes and road kill. As you go faster, this does not work as well and you should use REGULAR steering which means as you lean, you keep the handlebar in a neutral position with the bike instead of a counter position without pushing the handlebar down at all. Self-explanatory. @@marcmondragone8649
@@boomerguy9935 I have to try that . I thought countersteering would work at any speed. When I was a kid I used to ride bicycles the whole day and never paid attention to it.
search on RU-vid videos for demonstrations. It's actually very easy. While riding below 30 mph in a straight line on pavement, GENTLY push forward or down slightly with your fingers and see/feel what happens. Once you get used to it, you will find it to be an excellent way to make a quick move around an obstacle. Keep your body upright and shoulders level. Someone told me a neat trick that works: imagine sitting on a beach ball and let your body move from the waist down at this speed. Practice, practice, practice. It will come naturally. Stay relaxed and focus on where you DO want to go.
Learned how to ride 40 years ago in the twisties of the Black Forrest, near the town of Oppenau in Germany. My instructor was notorious for chasing his pupils up an down the mountain roads and stubbornly and permanently insisting on looking all the way into the turns. To make it second nature. I don't know how many time this habit has saved me during the last decades. Was the most valuable instruction, that I ever got.
Absolutely true advice. got my licence here in the UK 6 months ago (at 68yrs old). during the riding through the cones exercise I was focusing on the cones so as not to hit them. Failed every time. Started to look at the spaces in between =100% success.
This video brilliantly illustrates what I believe is the number one problem, and it isn't failure to negotiate a curve. It's the second motorcycle plowing into the first guy. I've taught similar courses like the one you teach. I taught my students that their lane is from the yellow line to the white line and where you ride depends on the conditions. This ability to move throughout the lane is one of a motorcyclists greatest advantages. We've thrown that away with staggered formation riding. I see it every day. Riders in staggered formation ride two seconds behind the second rider in front of them. They essentially tailgate the next rider in front of themselves. The result is, riders riding next to each other or becoming slaves to their position. Each rider should imagine a line extending from each tire all the way across the road. If a rider has to swerve around an object, they suddenly find themselves tire to tire with another rider. Or worse. That said, I don't have a problem with the concept of staggered formation, just maintain a safe distance regardless of the other riders position. I personally never group ride. That doesn't mean I don't ride with other bikes. I just ride my bike with no one near me, ever. 5 seconds isn't long, we'll catch up.
SuperChief5 : In Australia we had great drivers until this last generation - most of them should not even touch the keys of a car let alone drive it. Every person should have to learn to ride a bicycle pre-license, then they should all ride a motor cycle before they are permitted to drive a motor car.
I'm 68 enjoy riding my bicycle about 20 miles every day weather and time permitting. I find it helps me riding my Goldwing with handling and holding it up at stops.
Correct in that , know it since before I found your videos I have done those mistakes, lucky no damage or completely off road. In fact your advice and such saved my bacon more than once.
Well done, I agree 100%. Been riding for 52 years in 7 countries. My rule has always been essentially the same as Jerry's "Head & Eyes" rule: "Look where you want to go." Saved my life when an oncoming motorcyclist missed his turn in a right (for him) curve and headed straight for me. I stubbornly looked at the remaining free space and steered the bike through that. I hope he learned something from it.
The head & eyes rule, combined with counter-steering also saved me a few times. That same time I found out that my motorcycles limit is way beyond my personal limit (drive a Honda CBR1100XX, Ducati M750).
I ride bikes and I fly paragliders. The best lesson I got as a beginner flyer is “if you look at the tree you will hit the tree”. We’re not, as a species, any smarter than that. Glad you were ok.
Target fixation…if you only focus on the pot hole , you will end up in the pot hole…I have learned to focus on the available space around the pot hole and navigate my motorcycle around the stationary or moving obstacles
@Mick Mack thanks Mick Mack... @stopglpbalswarming's would have been my answer if HD speed loving, well riding and well cornering riders would ever buy a HD motorcycle... or if they've followed each other ten minutes later.... just to be sure
I'm 65. I used to drive motorcycle aged 16 to 25. Now, after 40 years, I purchased a Suzuki Burgman 650. I never realised, I had no clue then, how to drive motocycle properly. For me your videos are very usefull. If I'm driving empty road, I chceck back in my memory your advices and excercise, what I have seen in your videos. Thanks for everything you're doing for drivers, who are not able to attend your courses
I had my first day of rider training last Friday, day 2 tomorrow. I'm from the UK but the principles are the same! It was all low speed stuff, making U-Turns, slipping the clutch while engaging read break but still giving it some revs. Eventually I was able to ride around without issues (albeit slowly) and things started to improve!
Keep it up Luke. 30 years ago I was one of the first generation of British bikers to have to do CBT - compulsory basic training, just to get on the road. It taught me a lot, and helped me avoid common mistakes. I started in the middle of winter in rain and diesel drenched Manchester. Thank God I stuck it out. In 2 weeks I passed my test first time round and went back to the same riding school to do advanced training a couple of years later. You can never get enough training. It's saved my skin on countless occasions. And it's a lot better to drop a bike school's machine than your own tackle!
I live in WV. All we have are curves. I have been riding since I was 16 and so far I have never run off the road. I am now 70 and still riding. Your video is right on track!!!!
I would always recommend a technique called ‘counter-steering’ it makes you consciously tighten a curve when needed. IMHO Ride safe and within your speed🤙👍
A very important technique, but it must be practiced over and over again, more or less hardwired, if not when the shit hits the fan that goes out the window, and you steer like your driving a car, that causes a hole lot of accidents.
@@gerrywhelan5761 Yes, practice. No matter what you ride, it is so important to know what your bike and you can do and not do and stay within those limitations. Practice helps you expand your limitations
In Ontario we look through the curve to make sure there isn't any deer, racoons, or other wildlife waltzing across the road completely oblivious as to how sparkling clean our pride and joy is coming right at them:)
Just bought my first bike yamaha v star 1100 taking my course in a week. Learning alot from u thank you I will trust my head and eyes. Caint wait to get my permit to start learning
Recently, I almost ran off a corner as I was riding downhill. I wasn't running fast, just enjoying the wind, but my eyes got fixated on one spot of the corner. As I am panicking from fixation, I heard a voice saying 'Aim, Push' from the back of my head and that saved me from having an intimate moment with bushes. Thanked my guardian angel and figured I gotta get out to parking lot and practise again. Thank you for all your wonderful contents. Ride safe everyone.
I was pleased to hear the mention of decreasing radius curves, as brief as it was. Decreasing and Increasing radius curves feature in a lot of running off the road incidents, but they are not the causes. The major contributor is the prevalence of rich old men, who never even sat on a motorcycle in their young days, deciding, in their dotage, to buy and try to ride the heaviest, most expensive bike they can find in an effort to show off their affluence and a vain effort to be young again. Then, their foolishness and inexperience show, resulting in run-off-the-road incidents. Notice that in the video only those grossly overweight bikes feature. If you need to learn to ride on those bikes, you bought the wrong bike. Those bikes are not for learners. Neither are they for old Johnnies-come-lately who think that those bikes are fountains of youth.
I call it Outriding Your Ability. I always slow down and pick a lane, so to speak. Again, look where you want to go is very good advice. You are 100% correct.
Right now I'm 56. I do plan on getting a motorcycle soon but do not have one now. I do the same thing driving my car when it comes to looking through the curve it tells you everything about the Curve and then your body negotiates it naturally just like you said in the video. Great video. Thanks for the information.
I LOVED THE VIDEO. I AM GOING ON 89 YEARS OLD AND I WOULD STILL LOVE TO RIDE AN ULTRA CLASSIC HARLEY AGAIN . I RODE ONE FOR ABOUT 50 YEARS WITH OUT HAVING A WRECK, HOWEVER PEOPLE NOW ARE CRAZY, THEY TALK ON THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING, THEY TAKE DRUGS AND DRIVE, TRY PUTTING ON MAKEUP AND LOOKING IN THE MIRROR WHILE DRIVING.. I love the motorcycles but to live a little longer I don't want to be on the road with all those nuts . IN MY OPINION IF A PERSON IS CAUGHT DRIVING WHILE DRUNK OR ON DRUGS THEY SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE FOR A YEAR. IF CAUGHT THE SECOND TIME THEY SHOULD LOSE THEIR DRIVERS LICENSE. THEY ARE JUST AS DANGEROUS AS A MAN WITH A GUN OR WORST.
Thanks so much for the comment you left. Just out of curiosity what age did you stop riding the Ultra? And did you go down to lower weight bike or stop riding altogether. Reason I ask is I sold my Street Glide 17 years ago and have not been on a bike since. When I saw the Low Rider ST with fairing, saddlebags that sweet M8 117 engine plus bike weighs 100 lbs less than Street Glide I was sold. I turn 62 next month and want to het back in the saddle and fell in love witht eh Low Rider ST. My two concerns are can I even lift a 727 lb bike should I drop her ? And more importantly I am humble enough to realize I am a beginner again and need to relearn all the skills needed to safely handle a heavy bike. Going to take the MSF course again, any advanced courses Harley offers and even considering flying tyo FL to take two days of private lessons with Jerry. Just curious as an older seasoned rider what you would recommend to this senior citizen who wants to get back on two wheels and prefers heavier touring bikes for the fairing, saddlebags and fatter meaty tires. I would hate to go back to a Sportster which is first bike I ever owned but I would have to think if you can not pick up your bike you need to downsize to a lower weight. Were you still able to pickup your Ultra in your later years of riding even if you never dropped her? Did you ever purposely lay her down on the grass with friends nearby and try to lift her in case you didn't have the strength? Did you ever consider a Trike which many older folks do. Your post was two years ago which means God willing you are in your 90's now and I pray your are healthy & happy. God bless my friend as you have inspired me. I hope you are healthy & happy. 🙏
@@director2bob Bob, I can hardly remember emailing you but thanks for the reply. I am now going on 92 years old now and still think about buying another full dresser Harley Davidson. You want find a better balanced motor cycle on the road. I've had a Honda Goldwing .and I wouldn't trade my Harley for 10 Goldwings. I know they are pretty but they are way to quite and cars can't hear them , if the charging coil goes bad you have to pull the whole engine to replace it. Even now with all my medical problems I would still buy a Harley full dresser which is about 900 lbs. It is the safest motorcycle on the road today. You can lean it over until he foot pads are scraping the road at a very low speed and it still want fall over it is so balanced. I still love the Harley but there are so many people now driving cars drugged up or putting on makeup etc. I don 't care how good you can ride a motorcycle some nut will run over you. When it comes to driving safe I think the motorcycle drivers are much saver than car drivers ,BUT IT's BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE USING DRUGS AND DRINKING. I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO STAY OFF OF A MOTORCYCLE AND STAY HEALTHY GOD BLESS YOU BOB.
@@jamesmcqueen6038 Hey James....God Bless you my friend . So happy to hear you are not only alive and kicking at the young age of 92 but still thinking about buying another dresser. Makes me feel a tad better about buying a 727 lb Harley. A lot of people think Harleys are not well made motorcycles and because of the low seat height you lose lean angle versus other types of bikes. Personally I felt the happiest & safest when I finally got on a Street Glide. Those fat meaty tires and air suspension gave me confidence riding and I never was an aggressive rider so never cared about lean angle. The thing is James I suffer with terrible depression and riding ALWAYS took away any problems whenever I jumped on my bike. I was in a horrific accident in 2012 ( fell off a stage) and was pronounced dead for 5 minutes. Next day in hospital I find out I had 17 broken bones. 15 were ribs from a NAVY medic in audience who performed CPR and saved my life. Plus a broken collarbone & fractured skull. Throw in a traumatic brain injury to top things off. I was 50 years old when that happened and was declared fully disabled. Took years to recover and still not 100% right. I only say this because I agree there are a lot of crazy drivers on the road especially here in Austin TX where everyone smokes weed and does psychedelics. But the rub is I am not afraid of dying. I would rather die young doing something I enjoy rather than sit home being miserable everyday just waiting for the day to die instead of going after life. As a 92 year old masn you have so much wisdom to offer the world so thanks for taking the time to respond to my comment. But knowing I lost a full decade of life due to injuries (my 50's were nothing but pain & suffering) and that fact I turn 62 next month makes me feel the calling to get back on two wheels which I 100% plan on doing but as I mentioned concerned about the weight of the bike. I know you mentioned you were thinking about buying an Ultra although I don't think a 92 year old man could lift a 900 lb bike but who am I to suggest anything to an older wiser person. My question to you is even though you most likely would not have the strength to lift the bike up, would you still want such a heavy bike and take the chance she could drop knowing you would need to wait for assistance to pick her up. That's what confuses me. Let's say I am unable to lift bike on my own, and would need someone else to help lift bike off ground, would you still recommend the heavier bike knowing I may be putting myself in a precarious situation? I have a month to decide what I plan on buying and may go for a smaller lighter bike. Thanks again for your reply. Means a lot to me. Stay healthy my friend and safe travels regardless of mode of transportation. Even walking can be dangerous if you don't pay attention to the ground. Forgot to ask if you ever considered a Trike? Maybe not as fun as two wheels but way more fun than being inside a car. To your next 10 years of health and happiness. 🙏
@@director2bob Sorry to hear about your fall and health, When I was 4 years old I rolled out of a second story window and landed on a concrete walk. After that I couldn't spell or read good and kids laughed at me all time because I Couldn't read or spell. I still can't spell or read good but God has always taken care of me. I have had more things that a lot of 6 degree Collage people. No, I still wish I felt like riding again Harley but I realize I a little to old now. As far as picking a big heavy Harley up there are video's now where police officer shows you how to pick a heavy Harley up. Even a small lady can pick one up. There is a trick that makes it easy.. I hope you have a long life and enjoy riding as much as I did. God Bless you and yours incase your you have a family. I wrote a song in memory of Elvis called Merry Christmas Elvis and now it is on You tube Sing by Brandon McPhee that lives in Scotland. (Merry Christmas Elvis by Brandon McPhee) He called me one day from Scotland and wanted to sing my song, he wanted to make a couple of changes and be my Co-writer. I agree and I think he did a good job on the song. It is on RU-vid. God Bless (Mac)
@@jamesmcqueen6038 Hey James.... I am a musician so looking forward to checking out your song later tonight. One of my best friends is Scott Obland who lives in Vegas and is an Elvis impersonator and singer/guitarist who started a band with a drummer called Elvis was a Punk Rocker. May not be your cup of tea but Kudus for Scott because he is living his dream which is what I am NOT doing. I am dying my dream. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cXKOoMTAT4Q.html. And so sorry to hear about your accident at such a young age and having a traumatic brain injury. What sucks about TBIs is we look normal because people can't see our damaged brains and people don't understand why we act the way we do. We are the lucky ones because many people with TBIs can not walk, talk, feed themselves etc and you can physically see their brain damage. Anyway it's been a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you all good things in life. Peace my friend.
I took MSF course when I bought my first bike. Took advanced class when I bought second bike. Instructor made me repeat a turning exercise at increasing speeds until foot peg hit the ground. Automatic response - go upright and right out of the turn due to shocking, unfamiliar sensation. No problem at slow speed in a wide open parking lot. Important experience that saved my life when a bump caused me to touch down on a sweeper at 70mph - a total non-event, no shock or response, just lean a little further :).
@@xHawgRyderx - Smooth easy turn. Was actually waving at biker headed the other way at the time. Was more of a sport-cruiser, with paneers and camping gear loaded up as well. Was never a fast rider. Friend on a gold wing towing a pop up camper-trailer has to stop frequently so I could catch up. Which brings up a different risk. We were happy enough each going at our own pace, but sometimes rookies get over their heads trying to keep up with someone more experienced. At some point fear of getting hit by a car over-road the joy of riding. Sold the bike and rarely look back.
@@xHawgRyderx : You might want to watch some of Jerry's videos, you will see plenty of cruisers and baggers leaned over far enough to scrape floorboard skids. Somewhere, I have a pic of a Japanese couple on a KZP (there is a copcycle collectors' group there) making a turn and leaving a trail of sparks behind from the skid.
@Mick Mack - Yellow sign on a curve is suggested speed. Been on roads where it is appropriate for a bike, but usually it is calibrated more for 18 wheelers.
Why do motorcycle riders keep running off the road? It could have something to do with the rekindled interest in Harley Davidsons over the last 10 years or so. Too many new and inexperienced riders have jumped on the band wagon and purchased HD's without so much as an introductory riding class. I can't count how many times over the last 10 years I've seen HD riders making a turn at an intersection while dragging their foot on the ground for stabilization. No matter what you ride, please be careful.
All of this, is 1000 percent true. Nice job, Jerry. I choose to attend advanced skills riding classes, regularly. Been riding for 55 years. I never fail to learn, or be reminded of something that is essential, for safe and precise riding skills. And I practice a lot. Enjoy every minute of improving my techniques, and learning. I find, when out riding with the masses, that the skill, and competance of the general community, is lacking. Many times, have had some dude pass me...only to ride up on a crash scene, soon after.
A note here about counter-steering; when I took my oldest son's training wheels off his bicycle, he was 4 years old; and I was letting him ride down our sloped driveway toward our street... the first 2 or 3 times down as he approached the mailbox, WHAM! He'd turn right into it LOL! I finally convinced him to TRY to hit the mailbox; after the bike turned away and he missed it, I'll never forget that light bulb on smile as he turned around in the street and headed back!😂
I've been riding for 30 plus years and after watching a couple of these videos, I realized there are many areas that I can improve my skills. I ordered the dvd and can't wait for the weather to improve so I can master this.
I'm 70 and don't ride anymore. First bike was a Goldwing.. an old man told me about counter steering and the lean . I practiced and fell in love with long sweeping corners and leaning that Wing.. believe i could still do it. But traffic today is different... Nive video though
I’m 58 and just purchased a road star. It’s alittle intemadating. Thanks you for your videos.Im going to take a riding class. Thank you again for what you do.
I love finding a parking lot and practicing on the bike. I’m teaching my 16 year old to drive a car and teaching him a lot of motorcycle principles. Mainly, the vehicle will follow the front wheels, but the wheels will follow your head and eyes so look where you want to go. My dad was a police officer and first thing they teach is look where you want to go. Great video!
I just got my endorsement and my bike, absolutely 100% fact that if you put your head and eyes on a target, and you'll end up there, huge help with sharp U-turns, it's still tricky though because at such low speed you pivot the bike with your hips and don't lean with it. Still practicing low speed stuff around the block before I get into major traffic, but I picked everything up quickly, especially because I'm on my own bike and I'd hate to drop a new Nightster. Muscle memory is also super important on setting up a turn, I'm used to driving stick, so it's almost natural, but still different.
I was also, taught to push down on handle bar and not be afraid to, to make a needed at the time, tight turn, because of too much speed going in to the turn…..it worked too ! Thanks.
Well, my first street bike at 55:HONDA GOLDWING 1500 GL. It was a heck of a challenge, but I watched a lot of your videos on RU-vid and it worked. Got my M1, M2’s now and appreciate all the information! Thanks
When I took my MSC, my only riding experience was on dirtbikes as a kid. Our practice bikes were Honda Nighthawks. My figure 8's were so tight the instructor told me to widen my turns to fill the parking spaces. My Softail Standard was s different story (riding position). My latest bike is a Road King. It's been ten years and I feel like I need to brush up on my skills. Great videos!
I got some tuition of a UK police rider. They say don't use the cutting the apex or the racing line, that is for race tracks where there is nothing coming the opposite way. The UK police say position the bike so as to take the longest line around the curve/bend as you can. So if negotiating a left hander, position the bike as far to the right as you can as you approach the curve/bend, then follow the edge of the highway around the bend. This track give the best visibility around the curve/bend, so it gives the rider more time to react if there's a problem. Similarly when negotiating a right hander, position the bike as far to the left (as near to the centre-line, allowances for oncoming traffic) as you can as you approach the right hand curve/bend, then follow that centre-line around the bend. It also important to be in the correct gear, so that the bike can be accelerated out of the bend or alternatively the throttle used to decrease speed without the need to resort to using the brakes.
I always thought I was a great rider until I went to motor school and learned how to ride. If anyone is fortunate to take a course like this then DO IT! It may save your life one day. Thank you for all the videos and for sharing your knowledge.
I learned to look where I wanted to go when I was about 8 yo on a bicycle. Served me well driving both cars and motorcycles. Stopped riding due to very heavy local traffic and increasing age made riding seem too dangerous.
My all time favourite bikes were Kawasaki 2 stroke triples. I pushed my bikes to about 95% of my and the bikes ability .Where I lived was 3 miles to travel a mile as the crow flies I always stuck to centre of my lane and I really pushed the limits, but was careful about road conditions. 61 year's old not a motorcyclist anymore, but the love is still there.
I learned to ride on a Kawasaki 650. Then I recently purchased a BMW 1200RT. I thought I screwed up because it is so much bigger and heavier and harder to control at slow speeds. Then I saw a video of a police competition on the same bike and they had amazing control of their bikes and turned them in very tight circles. I thought well maybe the problem is me, not the size of the bike. Then I came across your videos and got very excited knowing that with technique and practice I'll be able to handle this BMW with skill. So I just ordered your video Ride Like a Pro Experience, and ordered a set of small cones from Amazon. I'll start practicing everyday on technique. I'll let you know in a month how I'm doing.
