Any one that has participated or watched the Top Gun event at some of GWRRA’s functions such as Wing Ding, District Rallies, etc.knows that part of the contest includes slow riding. The idea is to stay within two marked lines and ride as slow as possible from start to finish without putting a foot down. One might ask what the purpose of this is.

Think of traffic in construction areas or during rush hour. Rather than stopping and going, stopping and going, slow riding may be a better option. So it does serve a purpose. The trick is learning how to do it. Back when the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) was using the Riding and Street Skills (RSS) curriculum, the slow ride was an actual exercise. It consisted of riding across the range as slow as possible. Even with today’s Basic Rider Course (BRC) there are some exercises that require slow riding. These are the “clutch control lanes”. The name gives away a bit of the secret.

What is the secret? Well there are several really and they’re not really “secrets”. It’s a matter of mastering the skills needed to perform the task. Three keys are needed – clutch, rear brake, and line of vision. Here’s a look at each of them.

Line of vision – The line of vision is a must. Remember that the motorcycle goes where you look. So the key here is to look straight and well ahead and nowhere else. Sound familiar? It should, it’s the same place you should be looking when braking. So what if there’s a vehicle ahead of you that’s blocking your sight.

The clutch – If you have taken either the RSS or BRC you should remember the words “friction zone”. This is the area at which, as the clutch is being let out, power is being transmitted back to the rear wheel and the motorcycle begins to move. The “friction zone” is the trick to using the clutch. It helps fine tune 1st gear for the rider. It will also help in keeping the motorcycle stabilized while riding slow. It simply a matter of finesse.

The rear brake – Using light pressure on the rear brake causing the motorcycle to act similarly to using the friction zone. It will help control speed while keeping the motorcycle stable. Sometimes it can be use in conjunction with the clutch or by itself just as the clutch can be used by itself or in conjunction with the rear brake. The critical thing to remember in using the rear brake is what type braking system your motorcycle has. Standard type braking systems allow use of the rear brake without any consequences. To some degree integrated systems can handle the use of rear brakes but the rider must remember that there is some application of the front brake as well. The same goes for link systems. It would probably not be advisable to use the rear brake on ABS systems.

There you have it. The three keys to successfully slow riding. But these keys are only as good as the door they open. And that door is “Practice”. Only by practicing can the rider become proficient in the art of slow riding as well as any other skill. So take the time, go to a parking lot and practice, practice, practice.

Until next time - Ride Safe and Stay Visible.

Collen Campbell
Chapter M-2 Rider Educator