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Safety Tips
"You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips" booklet
"Motorcycle Operator Manual" booklet
"T-CLOCS" Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
"You and Your Scooter: Riding Tips" booklet
"You and Your 3-Wheel Motorcycle: Riding Tips" booklet

Feel free to copy the following Quick Tips sheets for your own projects:
"Should You Ride A Motorcycle?" Quick Tips
"If You Ride A Motorcycle" Quick Tips
"T-CLOCS" Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
"Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles" Quick Tips
"Riding With A Passenger" Quick Tips
"Group Riding" Quick Tips
"Alcohol Awareness" Quick Tips
"Preventing Motorcycle Theft" Quick Tips

Cycle Safety Information (CSI) Documents
Personal Protective Gear
How Helmets Work
2009 Equipment Requirements
2009 Rider Education
2008 Licensing Information
2001 Crash Statistics


Curriculum Materials
Basic RiderCourse Handbook (Non-printable)
Basic RiderCourse Handbook - First Two Chapters (Printable)
Basic RiderCourse Handbook - Spanish (Non-printable)
ERC Rider Classroom Cards

 

Yes, of course, we can agree to disagree. I mean no disrespect to you either. I have taken a safety course, as a matter of fact ... On a 125 honda ... dry pavement ... no wind ... perfectly sunny warm day .. in a parking lot. I don't remember being required to have both the front and back brake on when stopped on a level surface, just had to have the foot resting on one peg, thus only using the front brake. Did I miss something? Nonetheless, keeping one foot up at a stop was not much of a challenge. After actually riding on the road with a much bigger bike, I have learned a few things. First and foremost, conditions are very often NOT the same as when I took that course. Another thing was keeping one foot up was much more challenging than having both feet down and planted firmly on the ground at a stop. Sometimes, to make matters worse, I even drive with one hand. THAT is also, very different from what was required during the course. Doesn't mean I can't or shouldn't .. does it? Even though they teach the one foot on the ground principal, should we still practice that even if we are in a state or province who's traffic laws require that both feet touch the ground at a stop? Can we use that as an excuse if we want to fight the ticket in court?

I also took a drivers course when I was a kid, just learning to drive a car. The instruction and even the drivers test to get my licence involved having both hands on the wheel (@ 10 and 2). I have to admit, nowadays, there are times where I don't actually do that. I find the most comfortable position, especially when I'm driving long distances. Sometimes, I even drive with one hand. But that's me ... I'm a rebel!

I don't know about you, but for me ... pulling up and stopping always feels most secure with both feet planted firmly on the ground. I have to admit sometimes I do only put one down ... especially when my engine is so hot that it burns the inside of my leg. I do that out of necessity, not because that is what I am 'supposed' to do. I much prefer to put both feet down, and for the reasons I have already shared (even though my course teacher taught me to do it a different way).

THat's the beauty about driving a bike. We all find our levels of comfort. It's all about choice ...To each his/her own.

 

I usually don't put any feet on the ground. I hover using the brake and clutch. But I understand not everyone can do this. I'm a Ninja so it comes natural.

lp

 

Ninja.. This is a Harley Forum.. Not a Kawasaki Forum... Please refrain from Mentioning Off Brand Bikes like your Ninja, I am Sure those Sneaky little Japanese Guys have put something on their Bikes so you Don't need Feet to Stop... Please Keep it ALL ABOUT The Insane Crazy Topic like Should We Listen and Take the Advice of A Guy at BLackBuster Video Renting "Wild Hogs" Movie...
Thank you.. I Hope One Day to Be a Moderator, So I'm Practicing.

"Country Fried and The Mule"

 

Only put one foot on the ground, huh? Maybe this guy is riding a Rebel 250. I don't think I'll try that with my 860 pound road king classic with the old lady on the back. These days, trying to look cool will probably get you killed out there, with people talking on their cell phones and the other B.S.
IMO, go take a rider course either through HD or some other reputable source. I' been riding on and off for the past 22 years or so and I just took the course last year, I never had my motorcycle license! I knew a lot more than most people there but I also learned a thing or two that I didn't.
Its better to learn the right way and not develop bad habits. Everyone who has posted on this is has great advice from what I've read. I guess I'm half way to being an old timer though!! LOL I'm still young at heart and always will be. Be safe out there!

 

ok, well i've been practicing my falls and you know what... that hurts. plus my bike's scratched up.

 

I've been doing a little digging here and found that apparently some of the dogma around one foot/two feet comes from here:

Extracts from Harris Neil's Motor Lessons document (based on the Harley-Davidson Police Motor Course?):

"...when stopped, you never have two feet on the ground. Usually you will keep your right foot up on the board/peg and rear brake, and put your left down, but this can vary if the surface is oily (like in the center of a lane), or slippery (because of sand or something).

Having your feet off the foot boards/pegs, while the machine is in motion serves no purpose, and exposes you to serious leg injury.

...placing either foot on the ground, when the motor is in motion, or both feet down while it is stopped, is proof the rider has lost control of the machine. This includes dangling your legs when starting or stopping. (Motion, means any movement at all.)"

While I respect many views of Neil Harris when it comes to riding this is one I simply cannot for reasons stated earier. His approach worked ok for me and my Suzukis, Yamahas etc. Of course back then it was one foot (right) on the ground and the other ready to put the bike in gear to take off that was taught - and that completely undermines the arguement that you're supposed to use both brakes . . .

Now please don't get all religious on me. I've been around for quite a while and figured out what works for me (which is sometimes 1 foot, sometimes 2). It's not hurting you so no need to bible bash me with your set of rules (or anyone elses).

 

Wow ... Having both feet on the ground 'proves' the rider has lost control ... Now that one took me by surprise. All this time, I thought I was doing that to 'prevent' losing control. Well, I guess ya learn something new everyday. I think I'll stick to my own level of comfort too. His 'theory' just doesn't work for me.

 

I generally have to keep one foot on the brake when I'm at a stop because I have no front brake. It would be nice to go poser and put both feet down sometimes.

 

My 2 cents............Are you still alive?? Then you are riding properly.