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Professional Motorcycle Training With a Vic Police Bike.

5K views 33 replies 16 participants last post by  OneThumb 
#1 ·
This is not a plug for JP McArdle, and I'm not affiliated with him. I just want to share. JP is an Ex US Marine, Ex Motorcycle Officer and Former Lead Motor Officer for President Bill Clinton's Escort Team. I don't think you would find a more qualified person to teach you how to handle a bike. I met JP at the Kitchener Waterloo Motorcycle show back in March and made arrangements with him to teach his course to me and 7 other riders. Because the course was in St. Thomas Ontario, a 3 hr ride for us, we split the normally one day course into 2 four hour sessions between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Saturday morning leaving home was a bone chilling -2 Celsius, I was not popular for picking such an early date, but it turned into a blessing once we were there and performing the slow speed parking lot manoeuvres, we were all peeling off layers of clothing in no time, the sun was shining and we could ask for a better 2 days. The Big surprise for me was that JP had the use of a Victory Police Motorcycle bike, which on the 2nd day I tried out on the course. In the video, I was using the bike for the first time with no prior practice, if you listen carefully you will hear some floorboard scraping while I negotiated the course. The Vic handled well, and I had forgotten how smooth the 106 motor was. The added torque made it easy to maintain proper engine/clutch engagement to keep myself in the Friction zone. I should have taken some photos of the crash bar as JP had them worn down pretty good from his professional riding demonstrations. If you ever get the opportunity I would suggest you take a similar course, I definetly improved my game and had a great time. Our group comprised of 5 Hondas and 3 Harleys. Dale from Thomboys Powersports (Vic dealer) was there with his Honda, I guess he didn't want to scrape up one of Shane's demo bikes. JP giving us the morning briefing along side his Vic Police Bike
Jp teaching Kevin how to pick up a fallen bike
This Vic keep falling over, defective side stand?
It took Dale to put this Vic right once and for all.
Listening attentively, notice the filthy Harley? I haven't washed it in weeks in hopes that it would keep the sun shining for us this weekend
Even had the Pope Mobile there, (my nickname for Steve's Wing)
Kevin putting the Vic through it's paces
Little short on Facilities when you are in an industrial parking lot
You want us to do WHAT???
Day 2, my run through the course, you can hear the occasional board scrape on my HD, I was very happy with my progress and my improved riding ability. Trust me the turns look more intense from the driver's seat than watching the vids [video]2321[/video] Then cold turkey with no ride time on the Vic, I took it through the same run, also with some board scraping. This proved to me that being able to take an unfamiliar bike for such a ride and maintain control that this course was worth my time and money. Sorry for the slow start, I had some questions for JP and didn't realize Kevin was filming. I wanted to know how to turn on the sirens...LOL [video]2322[/video]
 
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#7 ·
Candubrain said:
Sorry for the slow start, I had some questions for JP and didn't realize Kevin was filming. I wanted to know how to turn on the sirens...LOL
Due to your Slow Start I think you did the couarse much faster on the XCountry.
davelau said:
You definitely look much more comfortable and in control with your Ultra.
He did? Candu :nuke:, Any Seat or Bar recommendations for the XCountry?
 
#10 ·
Victorious said:
If you were doing it with HD's, could you not just follow the oil?:gun_bandana::oops:
After three Vics,two HDs and two Hondas in my current location there are three spots on my garage floor. 1. Cross country gas tank let go. 2. 09 Ness rear shock leaked out. 3. 09 Ness clutch slave cylinder let go. The only mark the Ultra's have left is a carbon spot about 6 inches up the wall from the explosive combustion when you hit the starter.:laugh:
 
#11 ·
bobbyg said:
The only mark the Ultra's have left is a carbon spot about 6 inches up the wall from the explosive combustion when you hit the starter.:laugh:
I had explosive combustion after eating chili with OT at the church in Port Dover a few weeks ago.:10900::taz:
 
#15 ·
Candu: On your HOG you look a little cramped, nothing like having your knees at your chin. On the Vic you look a lot less like a pretzel. I need to take a course like that.
 
#17 ·
Very impressive. I really want to go through one of these classes. As good as my high speed control is, I know I could improve on my slow speed maneuvering.....sometimes I feel like I could turn a tighter u-turn at 30 MPH than at 5 MPH. Thanks Candu!
 
#20 ·
Brain, Thanks for the videos and pics. I was going to an empty parking lot and try slow maneuvers. It is just the fear of toppling over the machine. I know it is all clutch, throttle and rear brake practice. It is just to build up confidence.
 
#21 ·
davelau said:
You definitely look much more comfortable and in control with your Ultra.
Thanks Dave, the Ultra has it's 4th set of bars and 5th seat, trying to achieve a good fit. The old Vision definitely fit me better. I am happy with my present set up $$$$ The Vic Police bike was set up for JP who is about 1 foot shorter than me, the bars were rolled down low and the foot controls moved to the rear position. I'm sure this bike would fit like a glove once properly adjusted for me
 
#22 ·
Victorious said:
Very cool. Does JP offer regular programs or do you have contact info? Thanks Brian.
JP is a dual Citizen and runs courses in the US during winter months and Canada in the summer here is his website. [link='http://promotorcycletraining.com/']http://promotorcycletraining.com/[/link]
 
#23 ·
jackboss45 said:
Does JP use the same techniques as Palladino in the "Ride Like a Pro" vids. I bought the set and watched a bit but haven't had the chance to try anything. Nice pics, videos and write-up by the way. Thanks for posting.
Yes he does, I also have Palladino's video, plus written instructions from another retired police instructor by the name of Harris. I practice both relentlessly, but until now I've never gotten past the basics. It took someone with knowledge to critic me.
 
#24 ·
DaveE said:
Brain, Thanks for the videos and pics. I was going to an empty parking lot and try slow maneuvers. It is just the fear of toppling over the machine. I know it is all clutch, throttle and rear brake practice. It is just to build up confidence.
You are correct, but 2 things I picked up were, Keep your head up and look where you need to go, and the second is not to lean with the bike, keep yourself centered and slightly forward.
 
#26 ·
Candubrain said:
You are correct, but 2 things I picked up were, Keep your head up and look where you need to go, and the second is not to lean with the bike, keep yourself centered and slightly forward.
Brain, Thanks for the tip... Have a good one.
 
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