Anyone watch MCRider?

[Striker1423]

This is a great channel on YouTube teaching skills and road strategy on riding motorcycles.  It came in handy for me the other day.

I took the RD out for a day ride to Harsens Island for a DNR hosted event and consequently was too late to enjoy it. But that's not the fault of my near wreck.

I did not expect that the rear drum was even remotely capable of locking up the tire on the RD. Well folks it definitely can! The situation was simple. I was on a 2 lane road just cruising behind a classic car. Some sort of 50's Chrysler. To my right I passed a bar and in the parking lot was around 150 bikes or so. Mostly Harleys and guys standing around the lot. Seeing my opportunity I revved the motor a bit and got a few looks.

Dumb idea. As I immediately let out the clutch and turned my head to look forward. The classic car was maybe 10 feet in front of me and braking for a turn into a driveway just past the bar.
Oops.

Stood on the  rear brake but didn't grab too large a handful of the front. Then I heard a tire squeal and wondered who's it was. Oh its mine. I found out as the bike began to fishtail back and forth. Luckily the car was making his turn and I skimmed just to the left of the back bumper and let out the clutch and came off the brakes. The bike righted itself and I rolled on the throttle to avoid a high side. It worked and I kept going.

I got the biggest evil eye from the classic car driver and the most embarrassing feeling ever. The adrenaline didn't wear off for another 8 controlled and slow miles.

I thankfully practiced some avoidance maneuvers and hard braking after watching Kevin on MCRider. Need to practice as much as possible folks! I don't need to be in the hospital, nor does my poor RD.

[m in sc]

glad you made it out ok. i actually prefer a rear drum on a light bike. and yeah, they can lock up pretty easy if you step hard enough.   

[SoCal250]

Did you head home immediately after that to change your underwear? Glad you came out of it unscathed.

[Aloha808]

I am glad you made it through the situation physically unscathed. Thanks for bringing MCRider to my attention. I will definitely watch it.  Riding in Honolulu can be a challenge with the constant traffic congestion.

Thanks again,
Russ