Ride like a Pro
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 697
Likes: 2
RE: Ride like a Pro (First Impressions)
I got my copy of the DVD this week. (excellect service btw) I'm very pleased with both the quality and the content. There is a ton of good information that I will have to sift throught and digest. The weather was good today and I managed to get the bike out for a couple of hours. I took a cruise for the first hour to dust off some of the 'cabin fever' and also to do a little 'self eval' of my current habits/skills compared to what I learned from the DVD. I may not be the worst rider on the road but I definitely have room for skill improvement.
***I DID have to keep reminding myself that the road is NOT the place to practice new techniques. ***
I spent the 2nd hour at an empty parking lot to start practicing. My first impressions are that these skills are 'easy to learn' but, for me, will require a lot more practice to 'master'. Even though I have a lot to work on, I already feel more confident with my riding.
***I DID have to keep reminding myself that the road is NOT the place to practice new techniques. ***
I spent the 2nd hour at an empty parking lot to start practicing. My first impressions are that these skills are 'easy to learn' but, for me, will require a lot more practice to 'master'. Even though I have a lot to work on, I already feel more confident with my riding.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, Washington
RE: Ride like a Pro
Just got the newest DVD and watched it yesterday with the bride (she's never ridden.) I thought it was well done and can't wait to get out and try some of the drills when the weather clears a bit. It was a good reminder that constant practice of the fundamentals is good. Least we get too damn smug with our own skills, even Tiger Woods still practices--a point it would do us all good to remember.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
RE: Ride like a Pro
Ordered mine and got it day and a half later. Talk about quick turnaround !!! Took it home and popped it into the player. Buddy and I just sat there amazed as we watch that small girl pick up the dresser and during the slow cone weave, the dip......holy moly....I realized I haven't been riding my bike, I've just been sitting on it while it was moving ! Now it is going to go where I want it to go and that's exactly where I'm looking. Such a simple 3 principles and should be common sense things, well they are after you hear Jerry tell you what they are. I can't wait to go practice this weekend. If I can ride as good as the girls in his video, I'll be happy. Hard for me to say but they can handle a dresser. Rallys, parades, toy runs, and the like will never be an issue again.
Thanks Motorman
I'll have to agree with the other poster...best accessory for my bike under $100 hell probably just the best accessory at any price.
Ride safe and "Like a Pro"
Bubba
Thanks Motorman
I'll have to agree with the other poster...best accessory for my bike under $100 hell probably just the best accessory at any price.
Ride safe and "Like a Pro"
Bubba
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 697
Likes: 2
RE: Ride like a Pro
since I can't go out and practice right now, I'm sitting here watching the DVD for the 4th time. Every time I watch it I pick up something that I missed earlier. I hear you about breaking old habits. I focused for years on making sure I used the front brake. Training myself to stay away from it at slow speeds is not going to be easy. It's supposed to be unusually warm for the next couple of days. I hope I can get out of work early to practice a little.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
RE: Ride like a Pro
That's the way to go!
That full lock u-turn with a leanreally is a learned technique that MUST be practiced regularly along with braking.
Too many riders get into that tight turn and do all the incorrect things like:
Pull in the clutch - removes power to the rear wheel and you fall over
Roll off the throttle - removes power to the rear wheeland you fall over
Pop out the clutch - uprights the bike and you go straight
Take foot off the brake - lose slow speed control and the bike wobbles
Grab front brake - 'nuff said here
Look down - 'nuff said here
Look out for a second - wander off course
I tell them that when they feel the bike going over, they ARE NOT falling, but it is the start of the tight turn. Keepyour chin ON your shoulder, raise the rpms slightly, e-a-s-e the clutch out just a tad, and keep dragging the rear brake, lean the bike and ride it.
Mark
[/quote]
The part I've GOT to work on most is the brake-work. Talk about feeling un-natural. I am so used to slipping the clutch for 'slow work'...
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
RE: Ride like a Pro
So taker her to a parking lot, explain what she needs to do, put her on the back and practice until she ges used to it and builds up confidence. Start from the basics of getting on, and getting off.
[/quote]
That is exactly what I did when my 'better-half' started riding with me. Explained the basics including asking if I'm ready!! She forgot about that one once![:@] (She knew it before I said anything, too. I got over it...)
[8D]
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
RE: Ride like a Pro
ORIGINAL: HogBoy
Just got the newest DVD and watched it yesterday with the bride (she's never ridden.) I thought it was well done and can't wait to get out and try some of the drills when the weather clears a bit. It was a good reminder that constant practice of the fundamentals is good. Least we get too damn smug with our own skills, even Tiger Woods still practices--a point it would do us all good to remember.
Just got the newest DVD and watched it yesterday with the bride (she's never ridden.) I thought it was well done and can't wait to get out and try some of the drills when the weather clears a bit. It was a good reminder that constant practice of the fundamentals is good. Least we get too damn smug with our own skills, even Tiger Woods still practices--a point it would do us all good to remember.
[8D]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
RE: Ride like a Pro
ORIGINAL: Calling Fox
My dad always said, "If you think you have it all learned, better go back and start all over 'cuz you're gonna drop it!" I learned a lot just from listening to him...
[8D]
ORIGINAL: HogBoy
Just got the newest DVD and watched it yesterday with the bride (she's never ridden.) I thought it was well done and can't wait to get out and try some of the drills when the weather clears a bit. It was a good reminder that constant practice of the fundamentals is good. Least we get too damn smug with our own skills, even Tiger Woods still practices--a point it would do us all good to remember.
Just got the newest DVD and watched it yesterday with the bride (she's never ridden.) I thought it was well done and can't wait to get out and try some of the drills when the weather clears a bit. It was a good reminder that constant practice of the fundamentals is good. Least we get too damn smug with our own skills, even Tiger Woods still practices--a point it would do us all good to remember.
[8D]