I Sit Down with Robert Simmons - Be the Boss of your Motorcycle
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- Robert has come up quickly in popularity in the Harley-Davidson CZcams world with his no B.S. way of teaching people how to ride their motorcycles confidently. Robert is retired from the New York Highway Patrol where he served as a motor officer. He is now a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and huge advocate for rider training and safety. He now resides in George and has a garage stuffed with motorcycles that he uses to create content and train riders. Matt sits down with Robert and talks all things Harley-Davidson.
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Robert's time as a Motor Officer on the NYPD
12:39 - What made you get into CZcams?
17:03 - Traveling around for Practice Sessions
23:49 - The Most Common Rider Deficiency
35:40 - Keep it Loaded! Meaning
42:09 - What Bikes has Robert Owned
50:27 - Road Glide Vs Street Glide Debate
53:28 - What made you go for the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST?
56:25 - Robert's Group Rides
59:11 - Technicalities of a Tight U-Turn & Practice Advice
1:06:23 - Cable Clutch Vs Hydraulic Clutch
1:08:08 - Future Plans for the New Road Glide ST
1:10:57 - Helmet Preference and Safety Gear
1:15:53 - Robert's Future Plans with Training and CZcams
1:20:47 - Closing Remarks
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Matt, thank you for having Robert on your podcast. I’m a huge fan of both of you guys. I discovered Robert’s channel a couple of years ago after buying my first motorcycle in 30 years, and my first Harley Davidson ever. Robert’s channel was instrumental in getting my interest up into being the best motorcycle rider I could be. At 67, I’m very happy to be a boomer on a bagger with skills most riders lack. Keep on riding.
I love it. Having those skills makes riding more enjoyable.
We need more people like Robert, I follow him, its a win win for the motorcycle community
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Matt, thank you for having Robert Simmons on. Great interview, you gave Rob lots of space to tell his stories. I've been taking my Road King down to the supermarket parking lot with some cones and Robert Simmons playing on my cell phone! Thank you both gents for helping the rest of us out, without any ego, sincerely wanting to help.
Thanks for the comment. Yea, Robert was great to have on. Good stories and great information!
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Excellent Excellent Video!! Two people I enjoy watching! Thank you Robbert and Matt for some great Conversations there!!
Thanks for checking it out 👍🏼
@@MattLaidlaw Thanks for always making my Day!!
Robert is a great resource and his videos are outstanding!
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
I am a 48 year old husband and father of 8 with a 7 and 5 year old. I am very grateful that I am Blessed to provide for my family and LOVE spoiling them, so I naturally keep at home what I earn, aside from giving in charity. I say that leading to this: There are a number of reasons that I have been a V.I.PRELOADER for a couple of years. Mainly is that the monthly payment is going towards a genuine person and highly beneficial resources that I have benefited from immensely since Before I ever threw a leg across my first bike. Applying the Wisdom shared has granted me the means of being safer on 'Saifa' so that I can continue to maintain this family that I love so much. Thank you Mr. Robert Simmons for clearly and simply sharing your knowledge. You provide an Amazing Service to the motorcycle community.
Two of my favorite CZcamsrs, thanks for this!
Thank you very much!
Great interview gentlemen thank you and as a bigger & taller rider 270 lbs 6'3 it always good to and hear from riders who have the riding skills that you guys have. So many times us larger riders get over looked because we have to make the motorcycle fit our body size just as shorter riders have to with bikes that are to tall. I've been watching both of you guy videos for a long time and want to say thank you for what you do for motorcycling. I learn so much and from Jerry The Motor Man also. hope you can do a interview with him soon Matt.
Wow - what a great interview. I have tripped over Robert's posts a few times and paid no attention. He has my attention now. Great job to both of you. Thanks.
Great video !! Amazing information thanks Robert and Matt !! Riding all my life the slow speed is definitely the hardest part of riding on a big bike no doubt . 💯👍🏻🇺🇸
100% Thanks for the comment
Great, wide-ranging interview. 100% agree that motorcycle police are the best riders on the planet because they train extensively and do it for a living. They are also elite cops in that they are always prepared. A traffic ticket lawyer told me a long time ago that if you get a ticket from a motorcycle cop, you will not beat it in court because their radar/laser detectors are always calibrated and their logs are perfect.
Thank you for discussing safety gear, especially helmets. When I started riding, Florida still required helmets. Shortly after I started riding, Florida repealed the helmet law. People went from wearing novelty helmets (mostly Frenchys down here), to riding without helmets. I followed the crowd briefly, but quickly realized that, for all the reasons you stated (safety, wind and debris in the face, wind noise in my ears even with ear plugs) that I was going to wear a full face helmet. I started wearing a full face helmet on my Harley when you almost never saw it, and my wife actually told me it looks strange, but I won't ride around the block unless I have full safety gear including the helmet, long sleeves and pants and boots. I love riding and I do everything I can to minimize the risk so I can keep riding.
I have never had a communication system in my helmet, but I am going to purchase one soon. My research indicates that Cardo is probably the best system. Do you have any thoughts on it?
Thanks for the great comment.
I always get the newest Harley branded headset mostly because it’s been tested with the HD infotainment systems and for compatibility reasons. This year HD switched to a Cardo instead of Sena.
Thanks to both for the podcast! Robert got some mad skills. Great to listen to our CZcams favorites tell their stories.
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Excellent interview, could listen to these 2 talk for hours , thanks for sharing 🍻
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the conversation
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great podcast. Mr Simmons is a true gem in the motorcycle community.
Robert hahah, you’re THE MAN nice to see you out there in California with Matt Laidlaw at HD.
I been there before and they’re very nice down to earth guys. Hope you enjoy your stay and as always God Blessings to you your family and all of your Be the Boss of your Motorcycle fans, peace out ✌🏾.
Thank you very much brother!👍🏾
Robert Simmons is the reason why I am the rider that I am today. He’s truly amazing and the love and care he throws into his training has impacted so many! I passed my M1 because of Rob. He teaches stuff that the MSF courses don’t even teach. I failed the MSF course and after stumbling onto Rob’s CZcams channel, I practiced slow speed riding for 5 months and passed the M1 on my first try. It’s true when Rob says he’s inside your head. I kept hearing preload and keep it loaded, trust and believe, be the boss of your motorcycle. DMV tester was in awe when I showed up on my Harley to do the test. No other motorcycle training can compare to Rob’s training. I’m so glad Rob made it out to Laidlaw. Thank you Matt for hosting this legend! Wish I could’ve been there to meet Rob and thank him in person for what he’s done for me and countless others 🤙
Thanks for the comment! I love the DMV story! It’s amazing the impact a good teacher can have on our lives.
I have an idea Mr. Robert Simmons, how about get all the harley davidson riders vlogger go to your class? In their vlogs it seem like they do a lot of highway riding. I want to see them do slow ride maneuvers. I think it would be interesting to watch.
It absolutely would and it’s a great idea. I’m actually working on that, but one rider at a time. I’ve done 3 so far.
Matt, I love your channel, and you navigated this interview like a champ. I did cringe a bit at the "coming back home to HD, what's a CVO?" comment though. (I love my '15 Project Rushmore Ultra, but he may not know that Indian used the first racing and street production motorcycle V-Twins in 1906-7. HD didn't until 1909-11. And if we're being honest, Indian has held the crown in suspension comfort this past decade). If every HD dealer was as literate, articulate, and professional as you are this would be a different ball game.
Thank,s Matt for the Awesome vid!.( I have been following you Matt and then Robert for quite a while) Mark from Melbourne Australia here, been riding for 12 years solo and with a church group that hang with 1%rs. had a few yamaha cruisers & two fatboys and had a major accident involving two cars (initiated by a learner driver) and a kangaroo and came very close to losing my left leg ect, I now have a 2016 CVO Street glide in black licorice and cobalt blue flames and have brought some practice markers and will use Roberts material to get proficient on my CVO.
Cheers.
Great video! Keep up the great work!
2 of my favorite people… Salute 🫡
Thank you very much!
Great podcast guys. I would highly recommend taking Rob’s course. Best in the game !! I became a better rider because of him
Thanks brother! Love you. 👍🏾
Thank you for introducing me to Robert and his channel, great podcast 👍
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great interview w Robert.. one of my favourite u tube motorcycle instructors
That’s why every riders license should entail riding skills and traffic riding skills lessons, at least 20hours each, just so you can be allowed to participate in modern traffic, still not having solid skills for more extreme stuff and higher confidence, that requires more road and track and parking lot trainings, 2days first time each and every year all three of it in 1days sessions each.
Every tiny, small, light person can ride the biggest bikes. It’s skills and sometimes a little tech preparation, i.e. footpegs, ergos. Tiny girls on big MX, Gaston Rahier the small rider on huge Dakar bikes, etc. Even lifting the bike, although requiring some work, is reduced by technique to easily 30% of what the normal person would throw at it to lift it up.
Agreed! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great talk Matt. I follow both you and Robert...
Thank you very much!
A great interview. I know I need to practice, practice, practice more. Thanks, Matt for having Robert on and listening to his experiences and tutorials.
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! © 😊
This is awesome, 2 of my favorite personalities in Harley world in the same video! Thanks for the great conversation, it was a pleasure listening to you, Matt and Rob. Next topic to discuss: how to preload and keep it loaded your wallet so you can afford 3-4 CVOs 😂
Thank you very much! 😂
Awesome interview! I'm a big fan of Matt and Robert! I really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Thanks for checking it out!
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great podcast today..
Robert is in my head on my tight upturns…”keep it loaded”….love his videos, been riding 55 years but you can always learn …
great video. digging these podcast style videos, really insightful and interesting conversation
Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
This was an interesting interview. I try and employ the techniques Robert teaches. I’m not a total efficient slow speed rider but I’d say I’m better than average since I’ve learned some basic things off of his channel. I’d like to take Roberts course , perhaps next time he is in Ca. I’ll get in there..I’m up in the Sierra Nevada foothills now…..it’s like a dimension that makes motorcycling new again..fun and challenging…
Glad you got a some good info. Yea, having sharp riding skills helps you enjoy riding more no question.
Great interview from both of you! It was fun to listen and learned a lot, as always! I am now looking forward to a tour from Las Vegas through the Rocky Mountains to Seattle in July... Best regards from Germany! A Harley-Laidlaw-RobertSimmons-Wilbers fan😎
Thank you very much!
Thank you for you service! 🫡 ride safe!
It’s my pleasure. 😊
Robert, thank you for saying "footboard" and NOT "floorboard." Matt, please take note.
😂
Man what great content, just a real conscious conversation.
Just by watching and listening to this man my rider skill level has improved tremendously.
Thankful for Rob!
Great interview Matt. 👏🏾👏🏾
Love from Louisville,Ky
A meeting of serious Harley Davidson icons right here.
🤜🏼🤛🏼
Thank you very much!
Oh my gatos!!!!! You got him here!!! Rad!!!
He happened to be out here training and he was willing to stop in for a chat. It was a rad conversation.
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
@@BeTheBossOfYourMotorcycle you changed my riding experience! Still lots to practice but thank you!!!
Great interview Robert and Matt, enjoyed it! I can’t believe Robert started riding with the NYPD, I assumed you “grew up” on motorcycles. Wow!
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Long awaited topic ... Best strong combo 💪🏻
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Excellent talk, Matt and Robert! Your motorcycling adventures and skill development are fun and very informative. Nicely done!😀🏍🏍
Thank you very much!
Amazing content from both of you. I’ve been watching Rob since I bought my FLHT in 22… but I learned things I never knew. Just awesome. Can’t wait to see what you put out next.
💯 worth watching. 🤙👍
Thanks for checking it out
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Good feature. Loved that you hosted Robert. He’s a national treasure for the safe riding community. 👍
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great interview! Robert is the man! He’s very passionate about what he preaches and teaches.
Thank you very much! Virginia Ambassador!
Another fantastic video with my fav motorcycle instructor. Thank you Matt Laidlaw and Robert Simmons you two are awesome !
Great video! Matt you should definitely join Rob on the practice session. Will be looking for his and your video of it. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Hey Matt im watching you and Bob right now. Great insight. Im ex myself. From NSW Australia.
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great podcast Matt. I love Rob, his training videos and his explanations are so easy to understand. Thanks for having him on, wish he lived out here in Cali.
Thank you very much!
Great interview guys! Very interesting and informative. I think anyone who rides motorcycles should absolutely learn how to ride in low speed conditions. Robert is an amazing instructor. Aloha guys 🤙🏼
Excellent so great to get all this great information form Robert he is the King!!!
Awesome interview Matt! No get out there with Robert and nail them u-turns! Drag Mickey, Brandon and the the rest of them out there and have some fun. Makes for more content for your channel too!
Loved the pod cast what i got out of is practice practice if you don’t practice the bike will kill you know your bike.
Great interview Matt, with @bethebossofyourmotorcycle, Robert Simmons the GOAT of slow speed operations of a motorcycle.
Thank you very much brother!
Very enjoyable interview. Robert and Matt are awesome and provide much value to the Harley and CZcams communities. I really benefited from the "preload" advice (I'm a relatively new rider with about 4-years of riding). Thank you both! I admit I fall into the nearly never practice category, so I signed up for a local training class at the end of May. Hopefully one day I will be able attend a Robert Simmons class.
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great sit down interview with two great guys the entire video was very informative & interesting I would really like the opportunity to take Robert's class in future if possible. Thanks to you both!!!👍
Great interview with Robert, I prefer the cable clutch as it always works, had a 2010 CVO and found when the weather was hot (85 degrees+) and I got stuck in slow stop-n-go traffic, the break fluid in the hydraulic line would boil due to its proximity to the catalytic converter at the time and the clutch would not disengage. Had similar issues with the rear brake fluid boiling as well even when I would flush and replace those fluids once a year.
Awesome interview!
2 of my favorite follows on CZcams in 1 video!
I also happen to be a VIPreloader!
Robert is one of the best police motors out there!
I’m lucky to live very close by, to Robert. The Mrs. and I are Preloaders and have been in a few of his sessions starting in Session 88. Super Laid Back Dude and has the heart of a Teacher!
Great PodCast! Thank You for having him.
I posted my first comment before getting ALL THE WAY through the video, so I’m adding in an addendum….
I used to see Robert around town locally. I knew who he was from the CZcams videos. I have lots of friends who ride locally. But it wasn’t until my Wife (who also rides her own) and I took a private lesson from him, that we actually got 1on 1 training from him, than I got to meet him and I got to put to rest what I’ve heard some folks say/ask “is he a good dude or is he arrogant”
To which I say, he’s a COMPLETELY DOWN TO EARTH, Laid Back Guy and he TRULY, wants you to be the Boss Of Your Motorcycle.
We’ve had the pleasure of doing business with Robert outside of the practice sessions, and we’ve also met up with him during Bike Week in Daytona and got to ride a little with him (don’t get it twisted, if you are a preloader and get invited to do a ride with him, you will be putting into practice, what he teaches in the practice sessions) but The Mrs. and I are down for the challenge and we look forward to anytime we get to hang out with him OUTSIDE OF a practice session!
If you are reading this reply, you owe it to yourself, watch the videos, become a preloader. I was subscribed, but I WASNT a pre-loader until AFTER our private lesson.
Robert is THE REAL DEAL!
Heart of a teacher and TRULY wants to see you be a better rider!
PS. I’m Jay and My Wife is Frankie in the videos starting with session 88.
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
@@R3215T3RMiss you brother. Thanks for the kind words! Also, you’re a V.I.Preloader.👍🏾
Great show Matt.. love it
Fantastic information. Thank you both for the information
It’s my pleasure. 😊
Well done Matt, Rob Is always finomanal Preload! And split lanes
Thank you very much!
Great interview and video!! 💥 👍
Matt, I’m thinking of ordering a road glide soon! You’re my first and only stop!!😎 great podcast!! Rob! I missed you! Work got in the way. Hopefully we can connect soon! Keep up the good work y’all!
Hey brother! 👍🏾
Great podcast very interesting and informative thank you both!
Thank you very much! It’s my pleasure. 😊 Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great video gents. I think a lot of people underestimate what our bikes can do and are probably a bit hesitant to experiment on it.
Thank you very much! I agree.
Bought my first motorcycle in 1988 in germany which was a 883 Sportster.
Wear cheap stuff like helmet,sunglasses ..... and tought i never come back to Harley because of some reason at that time.
Ride allmost all brand since that and at the moment we had a KTM 790 Adventure which is awesome
But looks like i am pretty soon back to a Harley ❤
Thank you Matt for interscope of Mr. Simmons.
‘Motorcycles are the only vehicle where your heart rate goes up when you slow down.” Robert Simmons
😁👍🏾 Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Great job love it
Great interview awesome job both you guys
Thanks Tiffany!
Thank you very much!
Hey Matt, this was awesome and I've been following Robert for a couple of years. Seems like a super nice guy. Big fan of Robert Simmons and I'm a big Matt Laidlaw fan too. Oh, and the full face helmet seemed to start in the Harley world with the Dyno Bro guys wearing Full Face Helmets.
Thank you very much!
Kinda true about the helmet thing. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching 🤙🏼
Blown away by the 2% number. I guess that includes guys that can no longer ride? Probably based on the number of endorsements, still seems crazy low. Maybe I should get a 2% patch
Haha, Us 2%'ers keepin' it real
It’s scary!
@@MattLaidlaw😂
I too hear RS in my head every time I am out on my bike.
I have an 02 Heritage Classic and have over 1/4 mile of gravel driveway with 90’s and washouts and everything comes into play. And every time I am doing under 10mph his voice clicks in and asks me what my plan is and what are my options.
I watch everything Matt puts out, so glad to see this.
Is Tall next?
Great podcast/ video!
Big Rob is the best. Matt great video thanks for this video.
Rob was fun to have on. Thanks for watching
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Bet him and Ryan would be fun to watch he's no slacker either both competitive!
Robert Simmons rocks!
Agreed!!
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
This was very informative. Quick question - what are you thoughts on the Bar/Riser set up on Cruisers?
Matt: love your videos and Robert's videos too. I'm a relatively new rider (3 years now). Question for both of you: how do I find some advanced training in my area? I'm in the Seattle area, I don't plan to get down to Georgia or California any time soon. Thanks in advance.
Awesome….!!!
Boss got rear ended by a Suzuki? Did not know that Robert. Same thing happened to me in Sturgis in 2012 while I was sitting at one of the stop and go intersections. And yeah, that skidding sound......
I had just had a custom paint job done the previous winter/spring. Bag, rear fender were smoked.
Bring back the hydraulic. It's adjustable and consistent in addition to being a lighter clutch pull.
yes!
As far as helmets and helmet types: If you fall on your bike, there's a very good chance you'll hit your head. When motorcyclists crash and hit their heads, roughly 50% of those hits involve the face area. Most crashes occur in town or near town at speeds
That guy is awesome 😎
Great podcast, Matt…. Robert is an excellent instructor. I would recommend anyone interested in motorcycles to subscribe to be the boss of your motorcycle.
Thank you very much brother!
Wear your air-bag vests, full-face helmets, neck protectors and full leathers, or stop talking about safety. You wear what you are or like. I wear the best full face race and the second worst helmet on the market, it’s my choice when I wear what on the same cruiser… fine that you wear a full helmet for comfort. That’s good and very true. And main reason why I wear my full race on travel.
Load it and KEEP IT LOADED 😅
Haha Keep it Loaded!
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
I can hear Roberts voice saying'' keep it loaded'' when I come to a stop .
Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Robert’s channel is 🔥
🤘⚡️🤘✨✨✨✨✨
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Dave!! 🤙🏼
Great show gentlemen. Thank you.
Thanks for checking it out. 👍🏼
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
Seems like a good dude, I just subscribed to his channel.
Big fan of you both, great show 👊
Thank you very much! Preload!!! And Keep It Loaded!!!! ©
❤
1 Matt take his class 😅😅
Nice job sir Robert is the man.
Thanks brother!👍🏾
Their very athletic people, I’m not surprised.
Thank you.
Keep it Loaded!
Yes sir!!👍🏾
Pre load it. 👍🏼👍🏼