[Helkat]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?

I have had and ridden several gw's '80's up to late 2000's. These are sports handling bikes in plaid pants and not given credit for how well they handle, are balanced, and flat out haul ass. Low speed is very smooth and predictable. on a twisty road years ago i was following a duc and he finally pulled over to let me by, effortless machine. Like them a lot, but love my '17 chieftain limited.

 

[IMARIDER]

My very first bike was a 2006 Road King Classic. No problem at all with it. I dropped it once because I slid in some sand which I blame no one but mysel.

 

[Dmechanic34]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?

I’ll add my two cents, Jerry is an excellent instructor and is obviously an HD fan, he also has decades of riding experience, REAL riding experience, following motor officer protocol and proper techniques. I respect his advice on his videos. It is fact that HD has the tightest turning circle of the touring machines so in essence makes it the best at low speed maneuvers. It’s also true that height and weight or center of gravity has nothing to do with maneuverability. If your fighting and muscling your bike in parking lots and around the fuel pump or what not, that’s where the problem lies. I’m not a pro or a motor officer but it hasn’t mattered if it’s on a wing, venture, voyager, Roadmaster, or Ultra or Glide. You utilize the techniques, and parking lot maneuvers, everyday riding etc goes 200% easier, the weight or size or height of the bike is the last thing on your mind.

 

[bburdick]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?

I know the cvo streetglide I owned was very top heavy compared to my ‘19 Chieftain.I think he’s a little biased myself..

 

[The Kiwi Baron]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?

I have two 1941 Indian Scouts. One has the factory girder front end and is tricky to execute feet up U-turns on.
The other has a Japanese telescopic front end and slow speed handling is a breeze-(different rake and trail )
This one also retains the Jap disc brake and has the throttle on the right side... Guess which one I prefer riding in city traffic?

 

[The Kiwi Baron]

I have ridden a sportster and street glide and neither handled as well as my Vic XC or Chieftain. The handlebar position on the stock 2017 SG was horrible. If that was my bike, handlebars would be the first to go. Everyone I know who rides an Indian loves the balance of the weight of the bike. Doesn't feel top heavy at all.

Did a practice day with a couple other guys from our riding group and it went well. Definitely don't agree with the idea that all Indians keep going when they're on their side (see end of the video -though it is a Challenger).

Do you know the brand of the fairing and panniers on the Scout in the video?. I love the look and I think I might need a modern Scout

 

[Randol3]

Okay gang, I understand the defensiveness, but I just finished up the advanced police motorcycle training course. I did 60% of it or so on my roadmaster. The rest I finished on a loaner road king. Yes, I’m sure there are riders that could have completed the trials on my roadmaster. For me, it wasn’t an option. I grabbed a road king and completed the trials easily. That’s not even a slight on the Indian bikes. They have an extra long wheelbase. That offers comfort and handling benefits, but it doesn’t do you any favors when it comes to slow speed agility maneuvers.

Truth it took me a little while to get used to the switch over.

 

[ofuster]

a little biased isn't the word... he posted a video of a guy dropping his Chieftain and the throttle stuck and it kept spinning in circles... he made a comment that all Indian motorcycles did this... I commented on his video and said that mine never has but of course I never dropped it... he basically said you're a liar they all do... I unsubscribed at that point and lost total respect for him..

I agree. He is biased. I own several Indians and Harleys. All late model bikes. Indian touring bikes are far easier to maneuver and far more comfortable than Harleys. Single shock makes the turn geometry superior.

 

[WillaAD]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?

I assume he was talking about the full dresser touring bikes. I have a 2019 Chieftain limited that is very good in the slow turns and handles great. there is an adjustment I had to make from my Road glide, the clutch as well as the throttle response on the 111 is quite a bit different, but even then my Chieftain is WAY better at low speeds than my Road glide.

 

[edward2237]

From a Road Captain..If you look at ride like a pro. It is no such thing as a motorcycle being difficult to control at low speed.

It is based on your skill level and how much you willing to practice and improve. It shows a lady that's barely 4 ft 10 being able to handle a motorcycle fully dress Harley and she cannot even touch the ground and it shows her going less than 5 mph. I tell all people it is no such thing as top heavy it is skills and skill level practicing.


Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[Roamalot]

From a Road Captain..If you look at ride like a pro. It is no such thing as a motorcycle being difficult to control at low speed.

It is based on your skill level and how much you willing to practice and improve. It shows a lady that's barely 4 ft 10 being able to handle a motorcycle fully dress Harley and she cannot even touch the ground and it shows her going less than 5 mph. I tell all people it is no such thing as top heavy it is skills and skill level practicing.


Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

Exactly!

Jerry continually says that it is practice, practice, practice that will allow you to comfortably handle ANY motorcycle at slow speeds. He only says in this video that it will just take more practice to handle these 5 bikes than it does to handle his Harley. He never says "Don't buy this motorcycle, buy a Harley".

Jerry probably has thousands of hours of practice on HDs and only a fraction of that time on the bikes in this video. Naturally he is going to feel more confident on his HD. I think anyone with any bike should watch his videos and practice the techniques he teaches before getting out in traffic. Seeing all the comments on this forum about slow speed drops, and seeing videos of people dropping their big bikes at stoplights probably means a lot of riders don't practice slow speed riding enough.

There are so many factors that go into the manuverability of a bike, from rake to steering lock to wheelbase to center of gravity to throttle and clutch response, etc. Rear brake sensitivity is huge. Every bike will be different. Your specific height, weight and body type will also have an effect on COG. I personally think throttle-by-wire has a big negative effect on slow speed handling. I find the throttle on my 21 Vintage is much too sensitive to small movements. (Touring mode does make it easier to control in slow turns.) Give me a throttle cable any day. I do find that my Vintage has less top-heavy feel than any HD I've ridden. But bottom line is, the more I ride my particular bike the better I get and the more confident I feel. Going past your "comfort zone" in a parking lot and learning how to recover from a near fall will make you a better rider.

 

[VICH71]

The 5 most difficult motorcycles to handle at low speeds

Over the years I have watched and enjoyed quite a few of Jerry Pallidino's "Ride Like A Pro" video's, and typically agree with most of what he has to say. However, I do believe that he is slightly biased towards HD, and feel that this video perhaps is biased in that direction as well. I believe that my current Chieftain, and my previous Springfield both handle as well, and actually a little better than the Harleys that I have ridden, and the two that I have previously owned.

I have ridden, but do not have enough experience with a GW to make a comment about that comparison.

What are your thoughts?
Think he is biased to HD. But it's because he's ridden them for so long.

 

[VICH71]

Jerry is all about his ego, nothing he teaches is new, proprietary or forward thinking. He is simply a retired motorcycle cop teaching the standard motorcycle maneuvers that can be learned at any quality motorcycle course.

All bikes are different and you don’t have to ride like a motorcycle cop to be safe. Low speed handing is good, and U turns are essential things to learn. But how many motorcycle deaths are cause by failing to execute a 18 foot turn or slow speed maneuvering In fact the number one cause of motorcycle acccidents is failure to negotiate a turn at speed.


He should spend more time doing training on defensive motorcycling techniques, operating safe in traffic, weather and how to be seen and avoid potential trouble.

I am sure that is discussed, but he likes to show you how good he is, but if he is not good, it is because of the poor handling non Harleys.

Took the words right out of my head. He does seem to have an ego.

 

[VICH71]

He does seem to be a bit biased towards HD. Perhaps it's because he's ridden them for so long. I am 6' with long legs and feel like I am riding a child's tricycle when on a HD. Indian fits me better and is comfortable for me to ride. So I feel not being cramped up on a bike, I will have better control of it.

 

[IMARIDER]

I agree. He is biased. I own several Indians and Harleys. All late model bikes. Indian touring bikes are far easier to maneuver and far more comfortable than Harleys. Single shock makes the turn geometry superior.

How does s single shock affect steering geometry ?

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[TerryJ]

I've watched a fair number of Jerry's videos, and have gained a good bit of valuable information / confirmation on good techniques and the value of practicing low speed techniques. The guy knows his stuff about riding. I appreciate him posting them for everyone to benefit from.
Anything aside from his videos on skills should be taken with a (large) grain of salt. He "may" be endorsed by HD or have some type of agreement with them (that wouldn't be made public for any of a myriad of reasons). I don't know - either way. But when you put out as many videos as he does with that many views, it would make sense that deals / favors come your way by using or endorsing a specific product, if for no other reason than viewership visibility.
You "can't" tell me that "subliminal endorsement" of specific products isn't as apparent as overt endorsement when you start one of his videos that has this as the opening screen:
View attachment 636601

With that said, I think it would be unrealistic for a viewer NOT to be at least somewhat influenced to purchase an HD after "seeing what the expert is riding / using / endorsing" openly in all of his many videos. Likewise, you won't see him using a competitor's products in most, if any videos or positive reviews / evaluations, nor will you see any criticism of HD in any of his videos.
I think it's pretty obvious where his loyalty lies. "Why" it's so prominently featured is anyone's guess.

I still think that he is Cap'n Stabbin

 

[Chieftess]

Okay gang, I understand the defensiveness, but I just finished up the advanced police motorcycle training course. I did 60% of it or so on my roadmaster. The rest I finished on a loaner road king. Yes, I’m sure there are riders that could have completed the trials on my roadmaster. For me, it wasn’t an option. I grabbed a road king and completed the trials easily. That’s not even a slight on the Indian bikes. They have an extra long wheelbase. That offers comfort and handling benefits, but it doesn’t do you any favors when it comes to slow speed agility maneuvers.

Totally agree with what you said about the longer wheelbase. I took the police motorcycle training course in NH and while I progressed with my Chieftain it was difficult to perform some of the tight slow speed maneuvers. It was frustrating at best.

 

[Cameroni79]

Totally agree with what you said about the longer wheelbase. I took the police motorcycle training course in NH and while I progressed with my Chieftain it was difficult to perform some of the tight slow speed maneuvers. It was frustrating at best.

Sure, but would you give up that wheelbase for all the benefits it entails for a little more slow speed maneuverability? In all my years of riding I’ve never done the crazy crap that was required in the advanced training course. I passed the intermediate using my roadmaster.

 

[Chieftess]

Sure, but would you give up that wheelbase for all the benefits it entails for a little more slow speed maneuverability? In all my years of riding I’ve never done the crazy crap that was required in the advanced training course. I passed the intermediate using my roadmaster.

I most likely would not. My Chieftain is definitely my go to for long distance riding. My BMW is for those short trips and to and from the motorcycle range. I took the course because as an instructor I figured why not it might be helpful. It was very helpful in some aspects but I didn't notice a difference in the turning radiance of the slow speeds. I explained this to the retired police instructor who seemed skeptical and actually looked up the wheel base differences. He said he thought it was too minimal to matter so I offered him an opportunity to try it himself but he chose not to. I was pretty exhausted by day's end. No I would not give up my chieftain for that reason - I have way too much fun riding it in the corners!

 

[kersny]

I've watched a fair number of Jerry's videos, and have gained a good bit of valuable information / confirmation on good techniques and the value of practicing low speed techniques. The guy knows his stuff about riding. I appreciate him posting them for everyone to benefit from.
Anything aside from his videos on skills should be taken with a (large) grain of salt. He "may" be endorsed by HD or have some type of agreement with them (that wouldn't be made public for any of a myriad of reasons). I don't know - either way. But when you put out as many videos as he does with that many views, it would make sense that deals / favors come your way by using or endorsing a specific product, if for no other reason than viewership visibility.
You "can't" tell me that "subliminal endorsement" of specific products isn't as apparent as overt endorsement when you start one of his videos that has this as the opening screen:
View attachment 636601

With that said, I think it would be unrealistic for a viewer NOT to be at least somewhat influenced to purchase an HD after "seeing what the expert is riding / using / endorsing" openly in all of his many videos. Likewise, you won't see him using a competitor's products in most, if any videos or positive reviews / evaluations, nor will you see any criticism of HD in any of his videos.
I think it's pretty obvious where his loyalty lies. "Why" it's so prominently featured is anyone's guess.

Check out his videos specifically for Indian.