When in stop/go traffic, traffic jams, whatever.....just creeping forward at speeds not fast enough to lift both feet off ground, for the life of me I can't keep the bike in a straight line. I end up doing a zig zag side to side. I don't know what its called and am having no luck finding any info.

I've done this on my '94 Wide Glide, '13 Ultra Classic, and now my '15 SGS over the last 20 yrs, so I'm discounting the bike as the culprit and blaming my riding skill, or lack of.
I watched tons of Daytona and Sturges videos and don't see anyone else doing this. What gives?

Thanks

 

Give it a little rear brake, with a little more throttle, keep it in the friction zone, it will keep your bike upright.

 

Thats what I do, made me think of this video, and it does take a little practice but you'll get better.

 

Put down the bottle...

JK, seems like you're "fighting" the bike vs. maintaining slow-speed balance. It's all a matter of feel, practice and more practice to get it down. Have a motor-cop watch you ride @ slow speed and they'll be able to point-out your issue(s). Good luck!

 

Take the bike to an open parking lot and practice what Bestrafen is telling you.

 

I use the friction zone technique when doing slow turns no problem, never considered it for straight lines. I have the Ride Like A Pro Video, but that appeared more geared to turns. I'll try what you guys are suggesting.

You are right Iceman24, fighting the bike is exactly what it feels like I'm doing. Can only imagine what the drivers behind me think, drunk biker!

Thanks

 

...and keep your head up, looking straight ahead! I remember doing that way back when I first started riding and was made to practice slow riding. It takes practice!

 

and look further down the road. if you are focusing on that spot that is 2 feet in front of your front wheel, then you're gonna wobble.

 

I've never had that problem but this is what I do:

Wait for the car in front of you to get about 2-3 car lengths ahead. More throttle, let the clutch out faster. I'm done with the clutch from a stop in about a second or two.

I'm assuming your bike is level and you don't have to lean it to touch.

 

I am reading this thread and responding on my phone in
bumper to bumper traffic so keep it short would ya? Thx!