I thought I didn't learn a damn thing from this video. When i went to make a U Turn the other day, which i avoid like my mother in law, all i could hear was snap my head and eye... the further... It first U turn i didnt drop my foot down. Thank you very much.
Watch his posture and how he holds his head. Aint nobody gonna teach a person real world street riding like a motocop. Their skills are amazing. I live on the edge of the Boston mountains and I recently passed a guy on a big FL, one up, towing a trailer. Man he was hustling that pig down my favorite twisty back road. You could tell by his posture that he was a motocop. Smooth as silk and HAULING @rse.
I've neen riding 46 years on every kind of road atop every major brand of m/c in every weather condition in every size community from Emblem, Idaho to midtown Manhattan. I learn something almost every time i watch this guy.
For me, the key was the full head turn, looking all the way back where you want to go. Do that and every thing else falls into place. Slow speed maneuvers are hard to master, takes a lot of practice.
Making figure-8s is a requirement for a Hong Kong motorcycle license. Harder than MSF because the box is on a slope (about 20 deg) and you have to start on the incline. The edges are not cones but tire barriers. Putting a foot down means failing the entire test.
The school bikes are little 150cc. No need to ride the clutch at all. I'm now on a 1000cc sportbike. Your video and commentary really helped me refine my u-turns and gave me the confidence that it CAN be done.
@P1lotBoy It's a progression. Making a u-turn on a 400cc standard bike is relatively easy. On a 1000cc sportbike you have to be much more attentive due to higher center of gravity, smaller turn radius, higher weight. The same principles apply of course. When I got the 1000cc I had to go out and practice again, just like when I got my 400cc and then my 600cc. And it took me longer to get it just right.
@TheStarlionblue yea u-turn truly is hard to make it right. Most of the time i do it right and then there comes a time when i have to put my foot down so it makes me realise that i didnt learn it properly. Im going out again to practice. Its not a big deal but im not gonna feel any comfortable until i know how to do it right and smooth.
@P1lotBoy Exactly as you say. Not a big deal but you have to practice to get it just right. Also it is easy to practice in a "controlled environment" but in traffic you have other things to think about.
David Hough of "Proficient Motorcycling" suggests doing some figure-eights at the end of every ride. Great advice IMHO. On our street there's a dead end turnaround area which use for practice. Just like any other physical skill if you don't keep it current your body starts forgetting.
let me tell you if you want to learn to do u turns try it that way in the u turn box when I did it in first for the test like my instructor said i was doing my u turns with ease and I still had a 1/4 of the box left for room I can do such tight u turns now its not even funny best thing I ever did was take the msf at least my instructor was brilliant
man when I took my course the first day my instructor noticed that u-turns where my only down fall he had me doing figure 8's but instead of normal I would go to one side do three circles to the left then go to the other side and do three circles to the right he had me do that for 30 mins. and to top that off he made me do it in 3rd gear I kept stalling could barely keep the bike up being in 3rd like he said did not understand and the next day on test day he had me do it in first gear
I was hoping this video would have some secret my instructor hasn't told me, but no, and I've been messing these U-turns up all day with my test tomorrow morning :-(
I was doing them fine 3 days ago, but I think tomorrow Im failing whaaaa.
@BlackAureole If you think you're going to fail, you will. Instead, go into your test with the positive attitude, get on your bike and TELL it what to do instead of the other way around. Three techniques, head and eyes, friction zone and a little pressure on the rear brake.
motorman857, I want to thank you. I bought you video, along with group riding. Your video and training not only helped me with my techniques, but the others I ride with. continue doing what you do!
I race on a professional race track, but it took me sometime to learn the slow U turn. Race track you lean your bike, slow U-turn, you need to move the manuver... kind of hard at some point...
Its that hard to do U turn lol. Maybe on that big of a bike but my bike is pretty big and i just lean push the handlebars and ease on and off the throttle.
@motorman857 agreed with u bro..my friend try ride my other friend brand new ER6F and he try to do u-turn, he grab front brake n then slowly the bike fall down.. so i believe there is still people can benefit from this vid ;)
@motorman857-I am one of these idiots, I'm 57 years old and i'm learning to ride a motorbike. The biggest problem is that despite building a lower seat, I can barely touch the ground with my Hornet s, I always hope to have the smooth ground, you can imagine that I'm fall (3 times )...... . also because the first times i braked with the front brake. Thanks for the video and greetings from Italy.
It is kind of scary to think about how many people seem so impressed that he can make a U-turn. I've been watching his vids and he is a great rider, no doubt, but if so many riders out there can't even make a u-turn, maybe they shouldn't be riding.
@kuhlraum what is so amazing, most riders do not know how to properly make a U-turn or any other slow maneuver. This is why I do what I do, to educate riders, to show them how to master their motorcycles. So many riders need help, I'd like to reach all of them.
@kuhlraum You have a very good point. I think a big part of the problem is that U-turns might be on the test, but most riders never practice them after that. So they "forget" how.
@Ewansud I just took the MSF class, they told us 2nd gear. First is too jerky. You just have to have confidence to keep the engine speed up enough not to kill it. If you kill the engine, the bike falls over.
@Ewansud I am in 1st gear on my Harley which is a Vtwin. On four and six cylinder motorcycles, you may find it easier to use 2nd gear for your low speed maneuvers as it will allow you to slip the clutch with a little more control.
@motorman857 I won't argue with motorman of course. ;) As he says it depends on the bike. On my 1000cc v-twin, it is deffo first gear as there is lots of torque down low so the engine pulls from really low revs. On my 600cc I-4 you have to keep the revs up as torque is low at low revs. Course using clutch and putting pressure on the back brake can help you keeps revs up. My test bikes was 150cc. No way it could do figure-8s in 2nd, especially as the test here is on a slope.;)
Great video! Practice is the key. I'm always amazed at how many long time riders still don't know exactly how much room they need for a U-turn. Go to the nearest empty parking lot and practice! Practice tight circles, figure eights, and most importantly practice slow riding. Learn to hold your bike upright without putting your feet down!
The comment at the end was the best, LMAO!!! I think I"m going to go to the website and REALLY learn how to ride. I ain't ashamed to say, "I can't ride like that!" Great videos!
I thought I didn't learn a damn thing from this video. When i went to make a U Turn the other day, which i avoid like my mother in law, all i could hear was snap my head and eye... the further... It first U turn i didnt drop my foot down. Thank you very much.
OEFarredondo 2 months ago
Watch his posture and how he holds his head. Aint nobody gonna teach a person real world street riding like a motocop. Their skills are amazing. I live on the edge of the Boston mountains and I recently passed a guy on a big FL, one up, towing a trailer. Man he was hustling that pig down my favorite twisty back road. You could tell by his posture that he was a motocop. Smooth as silk and HAULING @rse.
Tarten46 5 months ago
Do these chaps make my A** look fat.....haha
JohnEboy777 5 months ago
I've neen riding 46 years on every kind of road atop every major brand of m/c in every weather condition in every size community from Emblem, Idaho to midtown Manhattan. I learn something almost every time i watch this guy.
afishornada 6 months ago
For me, the key was the full head turn, looking all the way back where you want to go. Do that and every thing else falls into place. Slow speed maneuvers are hard to master, takes a lot of practice.
southpaw1969 7 months ago
Hi Motorman.
Making figure-8s is a requirement for a Hong Kong motorcycle license. Harder than MSF because the box is on a slope (about 20 deg) and you have to start on the incline. The edges are not cones but tire barriers. Putting a foot down means failing the entire test.
The school bikes are little 150cc. No need to ride the clutch at all. I'm now on a 1000cc sportbike. Your video and commentary really helped me refine my u-turns and gave me the confidence that it CAN be done.
Thank you!
TheStarlionblue 8 months ago
@TheStarlionblue Glad I could help.
motorman857 8 months ago
@TheStarlionblue You r on a 1000, and only learning to u-turn properly?
P1lotBoy 1 month ago
@P1lotBoy It's a progression. Making a u-turn on a 400cc standard bike is relatively easy. On a 1000cc sportbike you have to be much more attentive due to higher center of gravity, smaller turn radius, higher weight. The same principles apply of course. When I got the 1000cc I had to go out and practice again, just like when I got my 400cc and then my 600cc. And it took me longer to get it just right.
TheStarlionblue 1 month ago
@TheStarlionblue yea u-turn truly is hard to make it right. Most of the time i do it right and then there comes a time when i have to put my foot down so it makes me realise that i didnt learn it properly. Im going out again to practice. Its not a big deal but im not gonna feel any comfortable until i know how to do it right and smooth.
P1lotBoy 1 month ago
@P1lotBoy Exactly as you say. Not a big deal but you have to practice to get it just right. Also it is easy to practice in a "controlled environment" but in traffic you have other things to think about.
David Hough of "Proficient Motorcycling" suggests doing some figure-eights at the end of every ride. Great advice IMHO. On our street there's a dead end turnaround area which use for practice. Just like any other physical skill if you don't keep it current your body starts forgetting.
TheStarlionblue 1 month ago
@TheStarlionblue Yea im practicing figure 8s in an empty carpark. Hoping to get better soon.
P1lotBoy 1 month ago
let me tell you if you want to learn to do u turns try it that way in the u turn box when I did it in first for the test like my instructor said i was doing my u turns with ease and I still had a 1/4 of the box left for room I can do such tight u turns now its not even funny best thing I ever did was take the msf at least my instructor was brilliant
jsleeper81 8 months ago
man when I took my course the first day my instructor noticed that u-turns where my only down fall he had me doing figure 8's but instead of normal I would go to one side do three circles to the left then go to the other side and do three circles to the right he had me do that for 30 mins. and to top that off he made me do it in 3rd gear I kept stalling could barely keep the bike up being in 3rd like he said did not understand and the next day on test day he had me do it in first gear
jsleeper81 8 months ago
Pretty cool, i used to mess my u-turns a lot =p
Bernardk 9 months ago
these videos have helped me so much. thanx!
chavisgrandpa 9 months ago
what a great video - thanks man
rawjhaw 10 months ago
I was hoping this video would have some secret my instructor hasn't told me, but no, and I've been messing these U-turns up all day with my test tomorrow morning :-(
I was doing them fine 3 days ago, but I think tomorrow Im failing whaaaa.
BlackAureole 10 months ago
@BlackAureole If you think you're going to fail, you will. Instead, go into your test with the positive attitude, get on your bike and TELL it what to do instead of the other way around. Three techniques, head and eyes, friction zone and a little pressure on the rear brake.
motorman857 10 months ago
Now thats how to do it. I want to move to america as your roads are alot wider but there again so are your bikes lol
dandilion2007 1 year ago
This guy is an excellent speaker and demonstrator!
alehax27 1 year ago
motorman857, I want to thank you. I bought you video, along with group riding. Your video and training not only helped me with my techniques, but the others I ride with. continue doing what you do!
baddog3537 1 year ago
@baddog3537 thanks, glad I could help.
motorman857 1 year ago
I race on a professional race track, but it took me sometime to learn the slow U turn. Race track you lean your bike, slow U-turn, you need to move the manuver... kind of hard at some point...
rommeldito 1 year ago
Its that hard to do U turn lol. Maybe on that big of a bike but my bike is pretty big and i just lean push the handlebars and ease on and off the throttle.
TechKnowlogee 1 year ago
@Ewansud NEVER HEARD OF A SIX CYLINDER MOTORCYCLE DUDE COME ON WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING I KNOW ITS NOT POT SIX CYLINDER ON THE STREET LOL
bonehead1603 1 year ago
@bonehead1603 you need to expand your horizons a bit... Google Honda Valkyries
hm3buzz 1 year ago
@bonehead1603 they make V8's too
automotiveDIY 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Can he show how to turn left and right? ... lol ... this is for idiots :)
sabbathian 1 year ago
@sabbathian well, some riders do have problems turning left and right, maybe they are idiots to you, not to me.
motorman857 1 year ago 22
@motorman857 agreed with u bro..my friend try ride my other friend brand new ER6F and he try to do u-turn, he grab front brake n then slowly the bike fall down.. so i believe there is still people can benefit from this vid ;)
metallica85 1 year ago
@motorman857-I am one of these idiots, I'm 57 years old and i'm learning to ride a motorbike. The biggest problem is that despite building a lower seat, I can barely touch the ground with my Hornet s, I always hope to have the smooth ground, you can imagine that I'm fall (3 times )...... . also because the first times i braked with the front brake. Thanks for the video and greetings from Italy.
hornets599 9 months ago
Good humor.. it keeps the crowd feeling entertained and not preached to.
drsta84 1 year ago
It is kind of scary to think about how many people seem so impressed that he can make a U-turn. I've been watching his vids and he is a great rider, no doubt, but if so many riders out there can't even make a u-turn, maybe they shouldn't be riding.
kuhlraum 1 year ago
@kuhlraum what is so amazing, most riders do not know how to properly make a U-turn or any other slow maneuver. This is why I do what I do, to educate riders, to show them how to master their motorcycles. So many riders need help, I'd like to reach all of them.
motorman857 1 year ago 18
@motorman857 Spoken like a true professional
DeffyDude 11 months ago
@kuhlraum You have a very good point. I think a big part of the problem is that U-turns might be on the test, but most riders never practice them after that. So they "forget" how.
Keep practicing! :)
TheStarlionblue 1 month ago
lol sweet turns
larrythelookout 1 year ago
I have learn how to make a u turn watch you thankyou for your video.
MyEdwinm 1 year ago
Be nice if they were this friendly when they stop you! But...
shoegooguru 1 year ago
@Ewansud I just took the MSF class, they told us 2nd gear. First is too jerky. You just have to have confidence to keep the engine speed up enough not to kill it. If you kill the engine, the bike falls over.
greg5566 1 year ago
@Ewansud I am in 1st gear on my Harley which is a Vtwin. On four and six cylinder motorcycles, you may find it easier to use 2nd gear for your low speed maneuvers as it will allow you to slip the clutch with a little more control.
motorman857 1 year ago 2
@motorman857 I won't argue with motorman of course. ;) As he says it depends on the bike. On my 1000cc v-twin, it is deffo first gear as there is lots of torque down low so the engine pulls from really low revs. On my 600cc I-4 you have to keep the revs up as torque is low at low revs. Course using clutch and putting pressure on the back brake can help you keeps revs up. My test bikes was 150cc. No way it could do figure-8s in 2nd, especially as the test here is on a slope.;)
TheStarlionblue 1 month ago
Im too busy hanging on for grim death to check myself out in the windows lol
gopherbar 1 year ago 5
excellent, love watching you and your team ride. See you in Leesburg again in April.
TheLadyrider1957 2 years ago 2
Always a thrill to watch you Jerry! Taking a safety course in 2010!!! Can't wait! Thanks.
SF67guy 2 years ago 4
hi jerry .
tbonetbone5 2 years ago
i do that haha! check my reflection when im riding :P
XxSexiiMariaxX 2 years ago 22
Yeah, same here. Always
renton1664 2 years ago 10
Haha It's hilarious when you do that. Its like, Holy shit! I actually look good riding this thing! :D
rollandkirby 2 years ago 3
me too
bobbyandbrooke 2 years ago
hell yeah u b like i look dam good!
sonic2005018 2 years ago 2
@XxSexiiMariaxX We ALL check our reflection in the store window! I am a motorcop and still check my reflection! haha How easily we ammuse ourselves
motorcop555 1 year ago
We did a bike blessing for Motor officers, and they did a demo for us...4 Harleys inside a 16ft dia. circle... talk about nose to tail!!
dcneironworkers 2 years ago 3
Still is a cop.
motorman857 2 years ago 6
He was a cop right ??
dasherdudester 2 years ago
What a cool dude.
EcrossH 2 years ago
This guy's hilarious!
TheReapersSon 2 years ago
He sounded like my motorcycle safety program teacher. You just have to look where you want to go; not where you don't
skcrams 2 years ago
that guy is quality :P
Kurgon7335 3 years ago
Great video! Practice is the key. I'm always amazed at how many long time riders still don't know exactly how much room they need for a U-turn. Go to the nearest empty parking lot and practice! Practice tight circles, figure eights, and most importantly practice slow riding. Learn to hold your bike upright without putting your feet down!
Bullettube 3 years ago
ROFL, "i'd like to see that guy fall on his ass just once"
zx6rtt 3 years ago 3
Excellent, real horsemanship and a great teacher.
motorbikehorseman 3 years ago
"horsemanship"? He's on a Harley
lisatopp 3 years ago 2
The comment at the end was the best, LMAO!!! I think I"m going to go to the website and REALLY learn how to ride. I ain't ashamed to say, "I can't ride like that!" Great videos!
popocpd 3 years ago
That was pretty funny.
militiaman250 4 years ago