Ride Like a Pro Video?

[davidtn]

Over the years I've seen their ads in various bike magazines and I'm curious how helpful it would be. How anyone ever watched the video and if so, what is your opinion?

Here's their website http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

Thankya, thankyaverymuch.

[Nazzdak]

Originally Posted by davidtn

Over the years I've seen their ads in various bike magazines and I'm curious how helpful it would be. How anyone ever watched the video and if so, what is your opinion?

Here's their website http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

Thankya, thankyaverymuch.

Hello-

I have the video. At the time of purchase, it was well worth the money. For I was just getting back in the saddle, and wanted to learn as much as I could. Today, I'm not as big of a fan, but that's only because I found this place, and soon after Harris, who is a certified Harley Davidison Motor Officer Instructor.

The RLAP video and Harris' self taught training manual compliment each other very well.

If you're leaning on the fence, my opinion is to buy the video. If you honestly apply the techniques the instructor teaches, you will certainly be a better rider.

David

[dmax]

I'd agree. The video shows the basic skills. However, Harris's lessons are mroe detailed and make use of actual police course dimensions and are therefore more valuable.

However, if you can not currently lean your bike until the boards drag at 3 or 4 MPH, then you WILL learn alot from the video. The video is well worth the asking price. I have Ride Like a Pro IV, in which Jerry Palladino does demonstrate several of the actual police course cone patterns. You also get to see some beginners making common mistakes, as he points out what they are doing wrong. You'll also see a cute small figured blonde girl pick up an electraglide by herself.

You're probably wondering if the video's claims that "even experienced riders can improve their skill a 100%"? I can tell you yes, it will. BUT, only if you are willing to get out there and practice!

[shaman]

Originally Posted by Nazzdak

Hello-

I have the video. At the time of purchase, it was well worth the money. For I was just getting back in the saddle, and wanted to learn as much as I could. Today, I'm not as big of a fan, but that's only because I found this place, and soon after Harris, who is a certified Harley Davidison Motor Officer Instructor.

The RLAP video and Harris' self taught training manual compliment each other very well.

If you're leaning on the fence, my opinion is to buy the video. If you honestly apply the techniques the instructor teaches, you will certainly be a better rider.

David

I have III and IV and yes they're worth the asking price. I bought IV in hope he would spend a bit more time talking about the mechanics of doing it in addition to just filming people demonstrating. No luck there. I'm not sorry I spent the money, but, I have questions about lean verses fork turn at various speeds etc. that he doesn't get into. I think you probably just have to try it yourself to get the right 'feel'. Seeing it done is nice because it let's you see what's possible but in the end, you have to put your butt (and paint) on the line if you're going to learn.

What self taught training manual

[dmax]

Originally Posted by shaman

What self taught training manual

Check out the thread at the top of this section. If you email Harris, he'll provide you with copies of his lessons. In them, he tells you how to go about learning and practicing by yourself, using the techniques he teaches as a motor officer instructor. Just like the video, his instructions won't do much for you if all you do is read them. You must get out and practice on the bike.

I believe Harris is currently out of the reach, but he'll get back to you when he can.

[Ride]

I bought it and thought it was money well spent. My bike sits in the shop or garage from about mid November until mid or late March. The first thing I do each spring after servicing out of storage is to head to the college and practice all my low speed skills in the big empty parking lot. Looking where you want the bike to go, making really tight u-turns..emergency turns etc is all about the fun of it to me. Who wouldn't want to be a better rider?

[Harleypingman]

Ditto the comments that the FREE to VTF members course available from Harris (BIG THANK YOU) and RLAP video are great together. But like a membership in a health club or diet, they are pretty much useless without practice.

Also, one big (?) difference is Harris teaches not to use rear brake at slow speed turning the bike, while RLAP does.

[BluegrassBoy]

As noted above, improved skill comes with practice.
But only if you learn and practice the right things the right way!

I bought the RLAP videos and have no regrets whatsoever.

The self-confidence gain that comes with improved handling ability & skill is to me, well worth the $35 the videos cost.

And yes, the self-taught lessons from Harris are also very good.
Why make it an either/or, though? Absorb all you can!

[Ken R]

Just got my RLAP-4 recently. Want to use it for our Wednesday night practice sessions for those that are just beginning to learn how to handle their bikes. Also bought it cause I want to watch motorcycle handling action.

Harris' instruction guide can is also very valuable. We use it in our practice sessions, word for word. Harris is also a proponent of skills riding using the throttle and clutch, but no brake. After first thinking it was impossible, I now do almost all exercises that way and consider myself to have improved to that level.

I do recommend the RLAP DVD to anyone that wants to increase their riding skills. But also get, read, and follow Harris' instruction guide for in-depth motorcycle handling and safety.

Ken

[Ken R]

Originally Posted by Harleypingman

Ditto the comments that the FREE to VTF members course available from Harris (BIG THANK YOU) and RLAP video are great together. But like a membership in a health club or diet, they are pretty much useless without practice.

Also, one big (?) difference is Harris teaches not to use rear brake at slow speed turning the bike, while RLAP does.

The maneuvers are easier for a beginner to accomplish with higher RPMs, more clutch engagement, and dragging the rear brake. (from my own experience). Doing tight figure 8's, U-turns, circles, etc. to the limits of the motorcycle without touching the brake requires more practice and ability to ride in the clutch's friction zone with more skill. (not a bad thing, by the way)

I've noticed that in police rodeos (I've been to two and have seen several videos), they all use their rear brake. I think that's because they race between obstacles and brake heavily when they enter each one to get to the slower maneuvering speed. Once on the brake, they seem to drag it through the maneuvers most of the time.

Sticking with it and learning how to accomplish the "no brakes" skill is well worth the effort. It's nice to practice for an hour or two, and be able to hold onto your cold rear brake rotor as soon as you're finished. I didn't used to be able to do that. Brakeless is much easier on one's equipment, but it takes practice to get there.

Ken

[Ken R]

If you really want to improve your riding skills more quickly and have a lot of fun doing it, get a group of like-minded motorcycle riders to practice together.

Here in Dallas, we have at least one group that practices every Wednesday evening during the Spring, Summer, and most of the Fall season. We'll have anywhere from 5 to 15 motorcyclists in attendance and typically several more that just want to watch.
We work hard to get the "I just wanna watch'ers" to at least try the 18' cone weaving; our easiest exercise. Most can't do it first time. After they've mowed down a few cones, they begin to get the hang of it and begin to lose their fear of leaning the bike. Some get hooked on the accomplishment and return week after week.

We use Harris' Instruction Guide as our bible; set up the same exercises each week with cones and a few two-by-fours, and help those that are just beginning. We've also set up some of the exercises from the Rider's edge course. Everyone lines up and rotates through the exercises as many times as they like. It's pretty easy to find an abandoned suitable parking lot in the big cities. (flat, level, and concrete are the best).

We use each other as a support group and critique each other's exercises. With all skill levels in attendance, it's easier to see what can be done wrong or done right by watching successes or failures.

I'll be starting my 3rd year at our practice sessions, having progressed from "new Guy" to one of the session helpers. We've only had one slightly damaged motorcycle in all the time I've been doing this. One guy panicked and hit his front brake while leaning, breaking his clutch lever and a mirror. Most that don't have crash bars are less apt to push their personal envelope than those that have 'em.

This can be done anywhere; the hard part is to get people to stop riding in straight lines long enough to learn how to handle the bike under all situations. Everyone is afraid to lean at first; and they don't want to ride in such a way as to increase the possibility of a fall. But after two to three weeks, everyone that tries is able to to an 18' coneweave and are progressing through the 12' cone weave and 24' circles.

Someone has to start the group sessions, though . . . and reliably be there every session while they catch on in the area.

Ken

[txhawg]

Hey Ken,

Let me know when you start them this year, I want to be the new guy.