Do You Ride Your Motorcycle Hard?
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
- Over the years I have had a good number of motorcycle riders comment on my videos about how hard they ride their bikes. That is cool, but to tell you the truth, I really am not clear what they mean. Does riding a motorcycle hard, mean riding fast? Does riding hard mean that they push their bikes to the limit of traction? Personally, I do not try to ride hard. Rather, I strive to ride my motorcycles smoothly, effortlessly and effectively.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley
I want to clarify my comments about trail braking. I reached out to some riding coaches to watch the video and give me feedback on my description of trail braking. While they understood what I am doing and that I AM NOT APPLYING POWER AGAINST THE BRAKES, I did over emphasize the overlap of front brake and throttle, which might give some folks the wrong idea. I accept that criticism and want to clarify that I am only "feathering" the brake as I close or open the throttle to smooth the transition. There is a huge difference between using a light brake pressure and grabbing a handful of brake WHICH YOU SHOULD NEVER DO.
Riding smoother has become my goal... I don't need to ride harder. The older I get, the older I want to get.
You described it perfectly. Every year I go to the mountains it's the same thing. I get exited and rush it and feel sloppy. Then after 15 mins or so I'm relaxed and having a ball. On a sportbike, there's no need to scrape pegs. On a cruiser, there's no way to avoid it ;)
I will turn 61 in April & appreciate riding my GS 1250 smoothly taking the time to observe nature. No room for big balls! 😂Interestingly, this allows me to rediscover my own region where I always lived! Thanks, Marc Quebec Canada 🇨🇦😉🏍🥶❄️ ( our riding season begins in April )
Very clearly explained! I agree with everything. BTW, I've been riding over 50 years with no major crashes or injuries. On the other hand, I've lost riding buddies who could not keep their throttle hand under control or didn't pay attention to their own limits. Here's a topic for future "aging rider" videos: How do you handle the fact that some of your riding friends have perished on the road over the years?
I'm the slow poke, ask any group I have ridden with. Lol! I don't go for speed, just a smooth ride like you said. I'm don't want my bike to suffer.
I agree … practice every time. I also find that if some of those moments “dancing with my bike” come when I’ve stopped thinking/practicing and let what I have learned happen. Always try to learn!
Very good advice. I'd add that for those who want to push their limits, the track is the place to do that, not public roads.
I keep in mind - margin for error. As someone late to the game, started riding at 54, I want to allow for mistakes. In curves, I feel that outside, inside, outside doesn't give me enough margin for error. I do outside (max. visibility) middle, middle. If I'm off on either of my 'middles' I've got a margin for error. And I can still go faster than I'd ever want to go through a curve.
There’s always a lot to learn out there. That’s a fact. Your thoughts on the title matter are very wise and sharp. Practicing is very important and knowing well the fundamentals of our bikes is important too. Like all things in life riding a big bike well, takes time. And respect. Respect ourselves and the machine. Respect for the others is essential too.
Don’t skip the rituals, they’re are more important to keep you safe than what you might imagine. Until riding, watch your gear, check the bikes fluids level, test the brakes, the Tyres pressure and other security devices. In the first 10 minutes of the ride, do it gently, don’t rush it. Everything needs a little time to get in shape. After doing that you may start riding the bike in a more effective manner. Enjoy! When you’re not enjoying the ride, something is not going well. Know what it is and fix it immediately.
It’s not easy. It’s a day by day learning curve. Let your best side guide you, not the evil one. If we accomplish to do those things and handle them all as a whole the riding experience is a benign and a balance restorative activity.
Thanks for the valuable video content. It’s precious stuff!👌🏻
You could not have said it better. Absolutely spot on.
This looks like the Triple Nickel in southern Ohio, I live in northeast Ohio. I think I will head there this year. Thanks for your videos, I too am a little older than younger.
Yes, 555 from last year.
I don't now why, but over the last twenty years, as my hair turned from blond into grey, my need for a adrenaline kick dissolved somehow. But luckily, I still get a huge serotonin shot every time I start my bike.
Over the years I picked up a few people lying spread eagle on the tarmac who claimed to be a hard rider. Learned a lot from them! Thank you for lessons guy's !
I began riding dirt as a child in the sixties progressing to my first road bike a Honda 50. Climbing the ladder to a Honda 160, 350 Honda Moto Sport to a 1969 Honda 750. Then a KZ 1000, Norton Commando 850 a VFR 800 to my last bike a 2009 R1 Yamaha. After a day of "railing" to which the "chicken" strips were removed; I met a lifted PU in a blind corner in my lane that ran me onto the shoulder looking at a 20-foot drop. On the pegs "dirt bike" style I regained control. Enraged I re-entered the road and quickly caught up; then it dawned on me. How would I get the truck to stop; and what if a neanderthal exited the truck with a weapon? I rode the R1 home and began removing the bodywork for a "showroom" cleaning to which my wife asked. Why are you disassembling the bike? I replied, "When it sells I will tell you." Occasionally on a nice summer day, I miss riding; then some clueless "cager" cuts off my Fiesta ST almost causing an accident. I am immediately reminded why I no longer ride...
When I need to tow or haul I climb into my 2016 F-350 Super Duty 4X4. Lifted 6" rolling on 37's with "Road Armor" bumpers front and rear no one tailgates and very rarely does a clueless motorest mess with the beast. The "Mall Crawler" is the only vehicle I feel comfortable driving however I cannot afford to run her into the ground nor afford the cost of diesel in a machine that only gets 12-13mpg on average; Hence the Fiesta ST.
PS I haven't driven my Z06 in 5 years and she is for sale...
Another brilliant philosophical essay with a dash of technical :)
I'm getting back to riding after a short break and started a CZcams channel to showcase exactly today's topic! Thank you for the affirmation that riding easy is good :D
I allow my ego to ride along, but only as pillion, it has no say in how I ride 😅
Once again, it‘s exactly what I try to practice on every ride and try to tell other, less experienced riders in my videos.
…and once again - although living in Austria in the heart of Europe - I realize, there is a spiritual twin in the eastern USA…😉
I can identify with everything you have said and you are absolutely correct. I recently sold my Victory Vision and went over to a BMW R1200 GSA. It has been like moving from a Ford F150 to a Corvette. Everything on the BMW is different from both seating and foot position to very light and sensitive controls. It is incredibly responsive and rash inputs can get you in trouble. I am working on developing smooth actions and it gets better every ride. The bike has balls out the wazoo, but I have the brain and the bike needs to do what I command. I am glad so far that I made the switch and the rest of my body thanks me when I dismount. I am even considering getting my iron butt patch this year. I would never have considered that with the Vic. I also need to thank you since I would not have done it without your input.
Yes, BMW makes bikes that are a pure pleasure to ride, and designed to handle better than any over-weight V-twin ever could. Congrats on coming over from the dark side...
I have a 2014 Victory Vision that I bought with 2100 miles on it in January 2020. When riding into a corner I just usually slow down to the recommended speed that is posted and usually have no problem. Sometimes there is unforeseen problems on the road, gravel, pothole and such. That is where going at the posted speed limit comes into play and the lack of being able to see further down the road. I agree with everything you said. Stay safe out there.
Great points on riding skills and abilities as we continue to learn even many years into riding. Thanks for sharing
It was 37 yrs between bike ownership for me so had to relearn smart riding...Thankfully it happened pretty quick
Outstanding delivery & succinct information, as always. As good as my police motorcycle training was, things have certainly changed for the better. 50 years of riding with no (knock-on-wood) issues so far.
You are wiser than your years. Thank you. Hope to meet you on the road some day.
OMG - flashback. This video’s thumbnail depicts my MSF test.
On the last test of the last day, there’s a long sweeper to navigate after doing a hard start and hard slow down in a very limited space.
And you have to stay in the lane of course, which is not easy to do when you mistakenly pegged the throttle and mistakenly did not let go.
Assuming the throttle was defective, to reduce speed I rode the clutch all the way around, engine screaming, exhaust or pegs scraping. I was determined not to launch off the end of the parking lot and into the steep ravine and fail the test.
When I approached the stop I could already hear the rider coach screaming, arms waving. I looked over at him and calmly joined the rest of my classmates, who cheered me as if I had planned it.
I passed, probably because I did well up to that point and probably because I did not toss the bike and successfully completed the test (even if twice as fast as any of us intended.)
555 is a great road to go with your toppic of this video. I love your videos. Keep it going and stay safe and healthy
Once again, great video. Pointing your chin into the bar end gives you that inch u were talking about. Most of my mishaps have been due to crack or hole in the pavement when in a turn. Scares the crap out of ya.
There are old riders and bold riders but no old bold riders.
Nicely done.
Great video, could not have said it better
At the dragon a guy gave me a hard time because apparently I held him up but I told him I like to ride my bike home. The next day he was hauled into camp on a truck, he was fine but the bike not so much.
Thank you for another fine video.
Great video! Explaind perfect.
I have been what you would call a "conservative rider" after a rather serious tumble some 40 years ago. That is not to say I am a slow rider, however I rarely scrape pegs. I was at the time, as you say, trying to go faster. Granted, I had not attended any training classes. I have found that slow and steady wins the race. I will speed up when I can see most of the corner. Practising various techniques to become a faster rider, I feel will not make me a "better" rider. I also realize that every rider is different. 😎 Cheers
Great video! In short, absolutely not. Can I ride fast= Yes...Can I ride aggressively = Yes, if needed...Do I feel the need to draw undue attention to myself to stroke my nonexistent ego = No. At my age I don't bounce anymore...I break.
After 45+ years of accident free riding, I guess I'm doing it right. I have a few younger friends that like to ride on the edge, corner a little too fast and ride 30+ mph over the speed limit. I just tell them, catch up to you later. I ride my own ride and enjoy the ride, the scenery and the solitude and comfort of the ride itself. Why be in a hurry? getting to the destination refreshed, content and safe is my goal!
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
Ride hard, get hard!
😐... I ride hard. That said, whether I'm hammering through an enduro trail or hustling a twisty road... I put smart ahead of hard, after a lifetime of riding I have the experience to know what I can do where and at what speed.
👍
Hello. I only discovered your channel a few months ago but have become an avid fan of yours for several reasons. Your topics are important ones and you deliver advice and information in a very clear manner. This latest video had me smiling as I'd just come back from a very enjoyable ride during which I had employed all of your suggestions which, of course, made the ride all the smoother. A part of my pre-ride mantra is to tell myself to 'relearn' during the ride, among 'focus' and other things. I like your word better and will switch to 'practice' as it fits better. However, I find your description of trail braking while using your throttle, at any regard, somewhat startling. I learned the technique when attending the Champ Street course where it was stressed loudly and clearly to never power the rear wheel when applying the front brake for many reasons. This is explained and demonstrated quite well in Nick's video at: czcams.com/video/m8QWG1RYJrc/video.html as an fyi.
I'm a 75 y/o rider who has become a solid fan of yours. Keep making your wonderful videos and enjoy your rides!
Bob
Thanks Bob. If I am wrong, I am happy to be corrected, but I think there is a difference in what to they were doing on the Champ school video and trail braking. To me it looked like they were applying a lot of brake against a lot of throttle. Of course that is bad. When trail braking you are rolling off the throttle while applying a small amount of brake, keeping the bike in balance. Watch Bret Tkacs' video all the way through where he talks about brake throttle overlap. This is how I was taught.
czcams.com/video/mnUckCA-krM/video.htmlsi=3aLCgUio4TAtoip7
@@LivingOffTheSlab Thank you. Definitely a good instructional video that I did watch all the way through and will watch many times more. For me, after riding for 50+ years and being 'good' at it, receiving hands-on instruction on how to trail brake brought me a feeling of total control I'd not even known I was missing but realized I was. Keep up your great videos and keep enjoying your rides. Bob
Wait, you overlap throttle + front brake? Yamaha Champ school has a video about that, this is pretty much their only never-do-that.
As I answered another viewer with the same question I was taught. Watch the Bret Tkacs video I included with that answer. However, I will check with my teacher and if I am wrong I will correct in another video.
@@LivingOffTheSlab I'm pretty sure he would only overlap rear-brake and throttle, and not front-brake and throttle.
(Some people overlap rear-brake + a little bit of throttle; the reason some people do that is to smoothen on-off throttle transitions.)
But if you apply the front-brake when the throttle is still open, then the two tires are pushing in opposite directions, which reduces traction in both tires. From a safety standpoint, this is basically throwing away traction. It's definitely safer to close the throttle and then apply the front brake, so that both tires are working in the same direction (to slow down the bike).
It's basically one motion, whenever one closes the throttle, it's good to combine this motion with the braking motion, so that the front brake can be applied as soon as the throttle closes.
Closing the throttle starts the weight-transfer, so that, if something unexpected happens and we have to brake hard quickly, then we're already prepared to brake quickly and safely.
@@mhoeij Sorry I did not attach this to the other comment.
czcams.com/video/mnUckCA-krM/video.htmlsi=3aLCgUio4TAtoip7
@@LivingOffTheSlab He mentions the reason "to keep tension in the driveline".
If the throttle is fully closed and then re-opens, the driveline is not smooth. But "keeping tension in the driveline" is best done with a little bit of rear brake, so that the front and rear tires aren't fighting each other.
Yamaha Champschool had a video about this issue, they recommend to not use throttle versus front brake. But if we add rear brake, then it's OK because then we don't have two tires pushing in opposite direction.
Personally I don't use the rear brake mid-turn, I just use engine braking + front brake.
The on-off-on-throttle jumpiness, this can be solved in other ways too, it's not really necessary to prevent slack in the driveline by overlapping (rear) brake and throttle.
Riding on the street should never be about riding at, or even close to, 'the limit'. Riding 'hard' isn't just riding fast, nor is riding smooth. Far too many M/C sites are all about high speed riding, and techniques needed for optimal cornering and braking. Similarly, the net is full of videos of riders over-doing it into corners, or t-boning a vehicle pulling in front of him at an intersection. The high rates of single vehicle M/C accidents demonstrates we are often our own worse enemy.
Beyond basic riding skills, more effort should be spent on teaching, and learning, defensive driving techniques.
Also, far too many riders think the biggest full-boat cruiser or touring bike is the best possible bike to own. They finally get one and instead of it being a competent ride for high speed twisting roads, it's one they feel intimidated by the 800++ lbs of weight that corners like a boat. It's hard to practice optimal riding techniques on a bike that is both intimidating and typically incapable of 'sporty riding' on back roads. A far better choice is a bike that's more of a sports-tourer, as they typically aren't nearly as heavy, and certainly more lighter and maneuverable on the back roads.
If you want to ride safe stop riding on the wrong side of the road 😊 from Australia
🤣
We all think, YOU should do that😂🤨
I ride aggressively. Doing dangerous things as safety as possible.
Charles Darwin awaits…
Maybe a little stupid…
There are aggressive riders and there are old riders - but there are no old & aggressive riders - guess why?
I think my philosophy lines up with Mr Mcrider. I'm riding as safely as possible. Road strategies.
@@moppedbuaontourn im 57 and still ride aggressive (according to my buddies) BUT.. I ride within my ability. Each person has different comfort levels. 🤷♂️