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]