Smooth stops on a heavy bike and, turns from a stop.

"If you let that clutch out all the way as soon as you take off, your turn will be wide" I wish some said this to me years ago. Using the clutch as a clutch has transformed my riding ability.

I'm 50 this year. Haven't owned motorcycles since I was a teen. I went right out and bought a heavyweight bagger. Found your channel right off. My fear level was a solid ten. Now, after a couple months, and over two thousand miles, my fear level is a four or five. We really appreciate you Sir.

I've been riding bikes for 50 yrs and I always learn something from him.

Very useful tips as always, thank you. One thing I would add about stopping (from experience): never look down into the gauges, or even worse the front wheel while slowing down and stopping; look up and out while applying the brakes.

Thanks Jerry, and I asked this not more than a couple of weeks ago- stopping. Thank you.
Key for me was make sure the bars aren’t turned- that can make your life horrible!! Haha. Additionally, I had to make a left turn, u-turn at a LE road closure with my 2016 FXSB- turned my head, and like magic that bike went just where I wanted it to go!!
You’re the best sir.

I'm 63 1/2yo. Traded my Softtail for a Street Glide 8/5/23. Whole new dynamic for me. Took a while to get used to and even took my vacation on it. But I never had any issues with coming to a smooth stop or making turns. Although I did take my turns slower in the beginning then i did on my Heritage. I loved my new bike so much I took it on vacation and put almost 1300 miles on it. But anyway, I liked this video and hopefully I'll get to see a few more. Keep doing what you're doing sir. Great job.

I'm a new owner of a Chieftain and was terrified of the bike. I've been watching these videos and practicing in big empty parking lots
Feeling a lot better now. Still have a lot of practice to do but I do greatly appreciate these videos!

The sooner folks learn and understand that the friction zone is your friend and you’re not going to burn up your clutch, the better off riders will be. Especially if you have a wet clutch.

Thank you for that clip Jerry. I found that very useful. Turning I am O.K. My stopping has always been a little raged to say the least. Must say I find your videos invaluable.

Great tip on my biggest problem. Slip the clutch on a right turn from a stop. I was fully engaging it too soon and it was sending me out too wide.
Thank You!

I’m a daily rider for 45 years, and have attended plenty of “high speed” courses. I bought your book and watch your channel, and have learned more about real world riding than any other book or program. When I retire next year I’m going to take an in-person class. Thank you!

I usually finish the stop on the rear break and only put left foot down.

Thank you very much for all your lessons! Greetings from Ukraine!

I keep my right foot on the brake when stopped.. Even with female on the back. I also keep clutch in and pay attention to my rearview for possible rear end crashes. It can be tiring riding with my strict disciplined habits but I can't change and I know I'm doing it correctly

Why in the world would anyone buy a bike their afraid of? Thank God for this channel.

Best advise out there without a doubt. Took a beginner MSF course to learn to ride at Henderson Harley-Davidson and this is some of the stuff you learn. Number 1 is the friction zone and then smooth and even progressive braking utilizing the front and rear brakes for maximum control of the motorcycle. Cool side note is one of the instructors , the most enthusiastic one in my opinion, is a retired moto officer and all of the MSF coaches know and admire Mr. Palladino. I hope one day Ride Like a Pro will have a presence in the Las Vegas valley. Definitely will make a point to be there should you visit Las Vegas.

Thanks. That smooth stop, like everything else I guess, needs practice. If the bike is a little too fast , it won’t be smooth. I am 66 woman of 165 cm riding BMW F750 (I had been riding scooter as the only means of transport when I was a teenager n completely abandoned motorcycle during working life) and I really appreciate your tip that I just came across today

I Was picking up my bike from my local dealership today after a rear tire change and three hole service. This weekend happens to be the weekend of the biggest rally in the state. I couldn’t believe the number of riders I saw come through that couldn’t make decent turns and low speed maneuvers.

I purchased a 2016 Indian Roadmaster. It weighs 900lbs. I am embarrassed to say so, but yesterday when I came to a stop the bike tipped over to the left. Actually, this was a fortunate incident because I now fully realize that the safety bars function so that the bike does not receive even a tiny scratch. The bike is 100% OK, and I am grateful. I was not injured in any way. Fortunately, a motorist got out of his truck and helped me to get the bike upright. So thankful for his assistance, as I could not budge the bike on my own. Today, I am removing the luggage box that sits on the back and am removing both lower fairings, in an attempt to reduce the weight of the bike. I am also replacing the large seat that comes standard on the Roadmaster with a lighter seat that also make the seat height 1 inch lower. Mainly, I am so grateful for your video on how to bring my bike to a SAFE stop. I was doing it all wrong and was leaving my foot on the break and only lowering my left leg for support once the bike stopped. I am saving this video and will be viewing it many times. Right now, I am at a stress level 10 when it comes to being confident that I can safely, confidently, and comfortably stop my bike, and I physically cringe when a light turns red as I approach the intersection or when I am stopped in freeway traffic. I do not split lanes on the freeway and will not do so until I am more confident as a rider. Yesterday, a dealer had me sit on a large Indian motorcycle in his showroom that has no back luggage box and has the smaller stream-lined seat that comes standard on that bike. He told me that by removing the box on the back and replacing the large seat on my Roadmaster will definitely help me, and I do believe he is correct. It is my choice to remove the lower fairings, as I don't mind the wind and weather on my legs... also, it is an air-cooled engine and removing those fairings will allow more wind to cool the engine. My next step will be to replace the ungodly heavy front fender with a more streamlined fender on the Roadmaster and that will not only reduce the weight a bit but will allow the front brakes to run cooler. There is so much to learn. Thank you, Jerry. Any comments are welcome. I love this bike out on the open road and am now doing all I can to also love it when I must come to a stop as well...

Thank you sir. One expert on line says to just put the left foot down at a stop so it gets confusing but I appreciate different styles perhaps. Thanks again.

Another fantastic video Jerry. Thank you. I am 55 years old and learn to ride a dirt bike when I was eight. I'm currently waiting for winter to be over so I can get on my recently-acquired Kawasaki Vulcan. Watching your videos has been tremendously helpful and has gotten me very excited to use all of your techniques. Thank you so much.

Hello Jerry. I really appreciate the tips. Just bought a 2009 Road King, and your instruction will help me get used to it before taking my wife for rides.

I'm sure Jerry's covered this point elsewhere, but perfect stops can quickly become a problem when you put your foot down to hold the weight of the bike, but you find out that there's even a small amount of unseen gravel or oil on the road, causing your foot to slip out. Quick reflexes are fading with my age, not sure what Jerry would advise. Awesome work sir.

You remind me of the Texas troopers I learned from. My father made me attend their class when I was 16. I was a very experienced dirt bike rider by then, but I had a lot to learn about street bikes. Best thing I ever did. Proper braking and clutch use were paramount to learn. I always use front and rear brakes when stopping and putting both feet down. I ride dressers 2 up. So safety is very important. Thanks for all the great tips. I've been riding for 50 years and still look to be a better rider.

Jerry your da man! You your videos are priceless and the humor, love it!!!
Thanks !!

The biggest problem I found with my stops is not holding the back brake long enough and using too much front to bring the bike to a stop. I’m 5’ 9”, 140lbs. So I was always intimidated with not having my feet down quick enough. But I found it a lot better to almost stop with one foot down and the other on the back brake, and like jerry said, right before I came to a stop bring the other foot down. Great video, a good camera angle I think would be looking down at your right foot to give a visual of how fast the bike is moving when you bring your right foot down.

Thank you Motor Man! Since I bought your video and began watching your RUclips videos, I'm a much more competent driver and have not dropped any of my bikes. Studying and practicing the techniques that you teach is the key!

Jerry, one thing to add to smooth stops and cornering issues. taking off on turns, etc...... Tire Condition/mileage makes a big difference too IMO. Tires with lots of miles on them start developing the "flattened" effect on them in the contact patch area, and a slight ridge off center. At least here in texas where there arent many curvy roads....LOL. . I noticed a huge difference when I had my new set of tires put on. I was having problems with slow moving turns, and smooth stops. After the new tires went on, i noticed a BIG difference. Just thought it might be helpful to add.

Is like an instrument, practice, practice, practice gets you where you wish to be.

thanks Jerry! I ride 2 up 100% of the time. your advice to keep your head up at stops is an invaluable piece of advice on a bike this heavy. I never had any problems on my lighter, 700lb bike, but the Ultra limited, with a passenger can be tricky if you aren't paying attention! my wife has commented before about rough stops which usually happen after a long day of riding and in heavy city traffic. I agree with her and need to concentrate on my stopping as well, I appreciate your videos

i had the same problem coming from a sport bike directly to a road glide. I do use both brakes but when I get down to 5mph I use the rear only as it creates better balance. i have now also mastered the front brake being very delicate a very low speeds but I find it easier just to use the rear brake whenever I'm below 5mph.

I do a lot of group rides where we ride staggered. Staying in your lane has a double meaning. Not only do you have to stay out of the oncoming lane, you must stay in your half of the lane you are in. Because a couple bike lengths behind, another rider is turning with you.

The most important thing in stopping straight is "target fixation". Focus on something far down the road and don't move your head and eyes until the bike is stopped.

Thanks Jerry. I've been riding for many and have had the same problem. Great advice.

Thanks Motorman. Every day, every ride, things you can practice to make you a better rider.

The beauty of the friction zone is enormous when driving a cvt transmission

Thank you very much for this video! My bike only weighs about 650, but it took me a few weeks to get the hand of turning from a stop without going into the other lane. My dad and taught me almost everything I know and they helped me a ton, along with your amazing videos.

I have an issue at the bottom of my road.. It goes from straight to a left hand curve up hill to a stop sign. When I stop I'm on a hill. I haven't ridden in 6 years and I'm rusty. I get nervous but believe I need to keep left foot down and right foot on the break and follow thru as you have taught in this video..
Oh yeah I forgot the road I drive and come up to a stop sign and my right turn is on a 45 degree angle up hill. Right now I avoid that one and take a left and go home the long way.
Thank you for all your videos
I'm 60 years old out and riding in the hills of Western New York near the PA boarder

"If you're a real Duffas!!!"... you always make my day Jerry. :-)

Another good trick as you're going through the corner hit your rear brake it will help you control your bike and it helps you stay steady

Looks like MotorMan got a new bike! Love that blue and white! Hope you're well Jerry. Great video as always.

Even for a lighter-weight bike, you might be okay with using just your left foot at a stop. With a passenger, though, put down both feet. Even if she's tiny and lightweight, the extra stability of two legs will keep her safer.

Jerry, several years ago in my MSF course they taught this technique, I've been watching you teach this technique over these years and have enjoyed your videos and instructions. I use this when coming to a stop. There is another individual that teaches REAR brake only under 15 or 20 mph, and zero front brakes, I've tried this numerous times, my stops SUCK utilizing rear break only. my current bike is a '18 RoadGlide. idk, I guess I was confused or misunderstood the differences in these two stopping techniques..Personally I'm sticking with MSF and your techniques...Thank you..

Hands down; you are the absolute best.

Thanks for taking the time to make these safety vlogs Jerry, appreciated

Great video ,its good advice. I'm riding a rocket 3 and a vmax ,I know the pain of turning a heavy bike.

Thank's for great video. Dropping the bike is one of my main fears when coming to a stop or even having to make a slow speed maneuver.

Thanks!

I highly suggest to sign up for one of Jerry's courses. There are many places to take a course, just go to his website to find one near you.
Also, it's worth the investment to buy his videos courses until you can make it to taking a live course.

You're getting better with your information as you get older.( Thanks) ps love your work.

Jerry, I've just watched another video on YT, they recommend coming to a stop using only the rear brake (to prevent the front suspension from compressing), while slightly revving the motor and keeping the clutch in the 'sweet spot". I would think this would add unnecessary wear to the brakes, and particularly the clutch.

Sir! Been an avid rider since 14 and now 74 and with new knees. Rarely a day goes by that I am not out and about on my R-K workhorse. Rain or shine here in B..C. paved or unpaved. You and the other folks are doing a great service for us riders.
Question trying to transpose your teachings to my 1930 and 1937 foot clutch but I find no info out there. Any willing folks such as Seattle Cossacks willing to do videos. I have had the 1937 since the winterof 69/70.

Which size (height) windshield do recommend for Harley’s with the fiberglass bat wing front cowling as on an Electra Glide? Great job on your videos, they are appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Thanks Moto Man! Great tips, they make a big difference in controlling the bike

I do just the opposite. I use both brakes and release the front brake at the last second while putting my left foot down.

1:40 -- here is the most important part -- the TURN HULA. If you try to lean with the bike, coming up out of the hole, you will go wider because your inner ear is telling you that you're about to fall and need to straighten up. By rocking your hips and letting the bike bank under you, while keeping your torso upright, you don't get that instinctive drive to avoid leaning.

Thanks Jerry I watch your videos all the time and they have helped me a lot over the years. I'm 72 years old and ride 2 up 90 percent of the time. I've been riding over 50 years. I ride a road glide ultra. The thing is where I live in Pennsylvania there are many stop signs and traffic lights on roads that slant to the right or left almost like your stopping on a slanted roof. I've noticed and know for a fact Florida roads are nice and flat. I learned to counter balance at these slanted roads but especially since I'm older sometimes it's a challenge. I have no issues with slow riding mostly because of your videos. I don't even know if there's anything I can do to feel more comfortable stopping on uneven roads. I live in Amash country so there's also a lot of grooves at intersections from horse and buggies. Any tips or maybe it's time to get a convertible because I just don't think I could get into a trike.

Great video! The tips I get from you have helped me be a much better rider. Thank you!

Jerry, first of all....I NEVER comment on YT videos, so take this as a compliment.
Secondly, is that The Ms.??,,,,"camera Girl"??....better known as Doc Donna standing on the corner at the 40 second mark??
If so, glad that her recovery is going well.😁
If not,,,then I still hope that her recovery is going well. Miss her in the videos. Hope she can come back soon. 😁😁
Thanks for all of the videos that you have done.

Jerry, if you're looking for some new subject matter, how about a video on the best ways to mount, demount your motorcycle. Same with a passenger. It's gotten really hard for me to balance the bike while my wife climbs on and off. Some say leave the bike on the side stand and let the passenger climb on, then righten the bike. Many different ideas on how to approach a passenger getting on and off a heavy bike. What's your approach?

I have watched a few MCrider videos about this and he keeps preaching putting the left foot down, releasing the front brake, and finishing with the rear brake and keeping your right foot up in the peg.
I’m 4’11” and 104 lbs and I ride Rebel 600 now, looking at an 1100 which is a tad higher, but just enough to make me feel nervous about a rear brake, one footed stop… considering the height of the bike and a bigger, heavier gas tank. Plus, when I had my Sportster 1200 you bet I had to stop with both feet hitting the ground at the same time!
I thought I was doing something wrong and I have been afraid to attempt the rear brake only stop. Thanks for reassuring me that I’m breaking properly! And safely! There’s nothing more embarrassing than dropping my bike at an intersection! 😂
PS Got my endorsement at age 50 before I even owned a bike. Been riding for six years now and it’s the best thing I ever did for my mental health! Take care of your bike, cuz when you need it, it takes care of you! 🏍️🌷💜🇺🇸.

One video I really would like to see is how to control an emergency stop in wet conditions, twice I've had to do it, both times the front suspension bottomed out, then the front wheel locked then it juddered to a halt

Good stuff Sir. You mention briefly a rider at a 'svelt 250' with a larger spouse. Would you be interested in covering this topic in more detail. My wife is very concerned that she may not fit, and could cause me to drop the bike or wreck. Sage is so concerned she is very reluctant to even consider riding with me. Thank you Sir.

Agreed you have to get used to using the rear break, amazing difference on stopping. You don't get that front end dive.

Another great video Jerry. You are one funny man! Thanks

Oh thank you for addressing this again.

Thanks buddy very good video great instructions have a great night

For the last few meters, using only the rear brake will make the stop smooth.

Very good video. Any time I finalize my stop with just the front brake, I really look at the pavement where the front wheel is to stop, looking for car fluids like coolant, oils, AC drippings, as well as loose sand or gravel.

Good vid, Jerry. Maybe for your next one, discuss threshold braking...

Appreciated my man , was about to sell my new bike LOL ..truly

When I come to a stop on a heavy bike, I practice a few things:
1. Make sure the bike is pointed absolutely straight. Handlebars should not turn at all.
2. Make sure the bike is absolutely vertical. No lean at all.
3. Ease into a smooth stop and use the front brake at the end, as suggested in the video, and _feel_ the bike sink into the front shocks. Let the shock absorbers in the front damp that little end stopping force and you won't need to use your own strength for that little bit.
Let the bike stop itself, rather than you struggling with the handlebars, brakes, your hands and legs etc.
Let. The. Bike. Stop. Itself.

Don't care what anyone says,to stop a heavy bike use TWO fingers on the brake lever and then its real easy to feather front brakes to a smooth stop. I only use back brake to hold the bike there while I'm stopped cause I only put left foot down. If you have two big people I'd use two feet. My bikes a 2020 Vmax(only about 700 lbs) but it will work no matter how heavy. You'll be surprised how easy it is to stop smoothly with your index and middle fingers. Try it,you won't be uneasy anymore.

I'm teaching my wife to ride (not sure if I'm being brave or just asking for trouble) and just last night we were talking about this very thing.

Very informative Mr. Palladino.

Thank you my friend! Always good sound advice.

Nice colorscheme on the motorcycle and good education👍

I have never heard the term 'friction zone' until today, when I started watching your videos. Can you please tell me what the term means. Thank you.

Some instructors say to only be on the rear brake as you come to the full stop and only put the left foot down…

I've seen the tip over a few times. Usually, the rider comes to a stop sign and does a "California roll and go" stop, but just as he is about turn, he sees a car coming and jams on the front brake with the front tire turned. Boom, down he goes. If there are a few guys riding and they come to a stop sign, they do that roll and go stop, but one of the guys loses his courage, then cognitive dissonance sets in and he does the stop instead of the roll and go. The guy behind him was expecting a roll and go, so he has to jam on his brakes and he turns his front tire to miss his buddy in front of him and boom down he goes. A lot of riders make the mistake of not coming to a complete stop, and follow the Tips you give...

thank you for this video Jerry..i have asked a couple times to make a video on how to stop Smooth.. thank you

Was that Camera Girl to your left? Great to see her back in action.

When I practice when no one's around I purposefully look in different spots and this technique is definitely helpful and true. Just bought my 2020 heritage after practicing hard on my vulcan for 3 months. The harley stops smooth as silk with 1 foot. It feels weird and awkward with both. The vulcan seems to want to lean to the left when slightly stopping. I've rechecked all techniques again. It's not dramatic but I can tell. Not sure if a left single rotor has anything to do with it but when I make the final 5 feet or so I use only rear brake and it seems better. I look staight and the handle bars are staight

I can stop with no feet down for 5 solid seconds before I finally place feet on the ground

Hallo Jerry, I am seventy nine and I am still riding. Thank you for all the information..

Officer, I tried mounting from the right using the footboard and me and the bike went right over on the right side. My feet were off of the ground and I couldn't stop the fall. I'm 6'3" tall and weigh 280 so I am certain the weight is an issue. The police mount looked smooth and there was no way to drag my foot across the saddlebags on my HDFXS. I can easily mount flat footed from the ground. What was I thinking?

I'm not sure about the advice of applying the front brake slightly just before the stop. I think letting off the front brake while still applying the rear brake is better. That way the momentum of the bike stays more even as the bike comes to a complete halt. You want to avoid that momentum being transferred to the front because that can lead to imbalance.

There's no big secret; just practice, practice, and practice some more.✌🏽

2 feet hit the ground? Most instructors say to use the left foot. Front brake 'til the end? Most instructors say to use the rear brake for the last few yards or so - which also means that it'll be the left foot which reaches the ground at the stop.
SO - why the difference?
Thank you!

Got it thank you my Motorman 😎
Your Videos Good 👍🏼

Something to also consider for baggers. I ride a '23 Challenger DH and have generally used the rear brake/left foot down technique. But what never seems to be mentioned is the rider's current cargo. Are your bags full? If so, is the load more or less equally distributed?; if not, I have found that the one foot down technique can be sub-optimal, particularly if right bag is heavier, lol! State of road surface obviously a consideration as well-- gravel, of course, but also incline/decline, and crown of road...

Great advice. Thanks for posting this.

Love your videos! Just Curious, You’re in Florida where the palm trees?

Hmmm i heard from someone that you should end your stopping with a rear brake only... Just before you stop you should release your front brake. It will make your bike more stable ... what are your thoughts about it? tnx and love your channel

Jerry, I have a question for you please. Just was out on my '06 Electra glide and was practicing slow speed maneuvers in a vacant parking lot. Probably did 20 or 30 figure 8's, tight turns, all using your teachings. On the last turn, I headed for the exit and pulled up to the road,....NO REAR BRAKE! Pedal went right to infinity an beyond! Quick moment of panic, stopped using front brake. The rear brake function returned, I headed for home ever so cautiously. Didn't happen again. Checked reservoir and fluid level was right up there. What happened?

Your tips have been very helpful, as a fairly new returning rider, (solo) I find day rides and short trips very enjoyable, more so with a few riders, sometimes adding a rider to the group can be stressful, sometimes I see the police out on training, I would like to know what you teach them about riding in a group, to keep them safe from each other while keeping the group together, thanks for what you do.

I heard from others.. don't use front brake when stopping under 10 to 8 mph..very confused now

How do I back up a 2019 road king, and not dropping the motorcycle; any tip will help greatly, I am 5 7 , 172 lbs, thanks

850lb bike...I think my first car weighed less. I kind of enjoyed my FXRS and Superglide, but just...no! Been riding for 40yrs and just never understood huge motorcycles. Maybe I'll find a used OCC clown bike and give it another shot....lol. Awsome informational video though.

I agree 100% but you may be overlooking something! I'll bet he has a bike that really doesn't fit him and he's leaning slightly to one side to be able to put his foot down causing an unbalanced load at stop!! I have short legs 28" inseam and short arms but long body! I always had this problem when stopping until I finally realized I was just going to have to bite the bullet and get a bike that had a ride height I could safely handle not necessarily the bike I wanted but one that met my needs! Plus I have to have handlebars that have more pullback and not as wide as most riders want!! I am 5'10" but my legs and arms are more like someone 5'6"!