Motor Position Opening

[antarius]

This is the second time the motor position has opened up in my department, and again I'm the most likely candidate to receive the position (I ended up not applying last time). That said, I do not want to skimp in any way on my application process as I want to make sure there's no way I miss this opportunity. Plus, it's just good work ethic.

That said, I have spoken with people (from this forum) before, about 6 months ago, about help during the oral board portion of the test, but right now I'm stuck on the memorandum.

I received the memo from my Captain (who has personally contacted me numerous times asking if I was applying, so he knows it's coming) stating the spot is open. I'm stuck on how complete my response should be. Should be a simple I'm interested and I meet the qualifications, or should I touch on all of the requirements / job description items he lists and explain why I am qualified to complete those tasks, as well as why I am the best Officer to do so?

I'm definitely keeping it under one page, but just a general idea as far as the format I should put together would be helpful. Ideally I'd like to have it on the Captains desk by monday.

Thanks in advance.

[silversvs]

My take is always to be short and sweet.

This memo is to inform you that I would like to be considered for the upcoming motor officer position. I meet all the required qualifications. I meet all of the desireable qualifications as well. I am an avid motorcylist with over thirty years of riding experience. I have a passion for traffic enforcement and look forward to being able to combine my interests by becoming a motor officer at this agency.

Respectfully submitted,

You



All the other stuff comes out in the oal board or interview when you get grilled over why you want the spot, what you have done to prepsare for the position, and how well you will fit in with the current team.

[antarius]

Thank you, again, silversvs. For what it's worth, the "team," would be me. HAH! I understand though, and that's how the last two motor officers applied -- very simple note stating they wanted the spot. I kind of felt theirs was a little less formal than their making this opening though. Anyhow, I'll likely go that route....

[FrigginChi]

I can do first through third gear wheelies, stoppies on command, and check my valve clearances w/o spilling my coffee and donuts.

[mnb]

Good Luck! I hope you land the gig. Feel free to post up some of your experiences from the 2 week training. It's pretty tough stuff.

[Ironbutt]

I can do first through third gear wheelies, stoppies on command, and check my valve clearances w/o spilling my coffee and donuts.

:laughing

[MotoLiam]

Best of Luck. It could be a wonderful and rewarding experience :thumbup

[RRR70]

Good luck man.:thumbup

[antarius]

Thx everyone

[FrigginChi]

Hey JP, I thought I saw you somewhere...but I fergot you don't have a DRZ, you are responsible, you wear the correct gear, you obey the law and you have a Husky.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r220/mortiferf4i/10-21-07%20SM%20Techday/4.jpg

[Mortifer]

:rofl


Good luck and congrats JP, very cool!:applause

[antarius]

That was Mort, a professional, on a closed course. He was showing me how if he could power up a wheelie on his DRZ, I could do it (on a closed course) with my Husky which makes 25% more power.

Thanks for the advice Mort! It really helped!

[nubcakes]

I have a passion for traffic enforcement

does this shit really fly? :wtf:rofl

[hondagrl]

Good luck JP :thumbup

[silversvs]

Originally Posted by silversvs
I have a passion for traffic enforcement

does this shit really fly? :wtf:rofl

Well, if you don't you won't really be an effective motor officer. Its not about just riding a bike and looking cool (that's just the fringe benefit).

Education, engineering, and enforcement. Making the roadways safer for all motorists. Being aware of where collisions are occurring frequently and why. Figuring out ways to reduce/eliminate collisions at these locations. Networking/training with neighborhood agencies. Teaming up for local traffic enforcement/education campaigns. Listening to people call and complain about traffic issues. Being called out for, and having the expertise to handle, every major collision. Getting crap from co-workers for being a hardass ticket writing machine. Getting the same co-workers to take an interest in, and understanding of, the importance of traffic enforcement. Etc, etc.

Yeah, I'd say it takes passion for the job.

[antarius]

It's all in the works, I should hear back within' a week or two at the most. I'll keep everyone informed. Whomever gets the spot will be going to the Alameda school in January (I think January? Maybe Feb?), and I've gotta say.... I've never been nervous about a P.O.S.T training in my life -- but motor school is definitely in a different league....

Whoever gets it is going to be putting a lot of time in with the training-bike prior to the class to help prepare them...

[masameet]

I've heard that the biggest obstacle at the Alameda Co. SO's program is making U-turns on that steep incline. As folks tend to psych themselves out. I think your varied riding experience will put you in a good frame of mind for the course, JP.

GL! :thumbup

[Razel]

It's all in the works, I should hear back within' a week or two at the most. I'll keep everyone informed. Whomever gets the spot will be going to the Alameda school in January (I think January? Maybe Feb?), and I've gotta say.... I've never been nervous about a P.O.S.T training in my life -- but motor school is definitely in a different league....

Whoever gets it is going to be putting a lot of time in with the training-bike prior to the class to help prepare them...

You might want to consider this as a pre-preparation for the "official" class...1-DAY CIVILIAN MOTORCYCLE CLASS (http://sheriffacademy.com/classes/evoc/1day_adv_civ_motor/class.htm) in Alameda County. Just east of Dublin at the Camp Parks county facility

[masameet]

^^^ Or just up the street from the Santa Rita Jail. (Found that out when I made a left turn instead of a right turn off of Gleason.)

I think the ACSO also offers a dual-sport training class geared for moto cops.

[Rel]

This memo is to inform you that I would like to be considered for the upcoming motor officer position. I meet all the required qualifications. I meet all of the desireable qualifications as well. I am an avid motorcylist with over thirty years of riding experience. I have a passion for traffic enforcement and look forward to being able to combine my interests by becoming a motor officer at this agency.

Respectfully submitted,


Excellent example. Less is best.

[2HIPE4U]

You might want to consider this as a pre-preparation for the "official" class...1-DAY CIVILIAN MOTORCYCLE CLASS (http://sheriffacademy.com/classes/evoc/1day_adv_civ_motor/class.htm) in Alameda County. Just east of Dublin at the Camp Parks county facility


does anybody know if they have this kind of class here in Los Angeles.

[JPM]

You might want to consider this as a pre-preparation for the "official" class...1-DAY CIVILIAN MOTORCYCLE CLASS (http://sheriffacademy.com/classes/evoc/1day_adv_civ_motor/class.htm) in Alameda County. Just east of Dublin at the Camp Parks county facility

Actually since you are a LEO you should consider this class. Is a one-day crash course (no pun intended) on what you will be doing in the 2-week class. They sent our last guy through that training; I wish they had sent me.

http://sheriffacademy.com/classes/evoc/motor_orientation/motor_orient.htm

[FrigginChi]

If you get a bike JP, you'll need to find someway to mount a patrol carbine.

http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/m4.jpg

[JPM]

If you get a bike JP, you'll need to find someway to mount a patrol carbine.

http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/m4.jpg


What do you need one of those for on a motor?
You get a bad guy call and you just ride up on him, dodging any bullets if necessary, and slap him upside the head. Cuff 'em up, pull your coffee cup out of your saddlebag, and admire how bitching you look in the storefront plate glass window until SWAT arrives. The name Leather God is there for a reason! :twofinger

[FrigginChi]

The carbine is for dispatching injured deer.

What do you need one of those for on a motor?
You get a bad guy call and you just ride up on him, dodging any bullets if necessary, and slap him upside the head. Cuff 'em up, pull your coffee cup out of your saddlebag, and admire how bitching you look in the storefront plate glass window until SWAT arrives. The name Leather God is there for a reason! :twofinger

[antarius]

JPM,

Thanks for the link. As far as I know, they have the new motor train with a local motor unit from a neighboring city as much as they can, prior to going to the school. Not sure if it includes what that course does, but I know it's designed to prepare you for the school so you are more likely to suceed. And yes, it does involve patterns....

[RolnCode3]

The carbine is for dispatching injured deer.
I can vouch for handguns in this instance. I've put down 4 or 5 over the past 5 years. Start a new thread and I'll even give pointers.

[antarius]

After reading the story about the cop who dispatched an animal, only to have the round fragment, fly who knows how far, clear a row of trees and smack and kill a small child who was in the middle of a pond (not visible to the Officer) on a little aluminum boat with his pops.... I don't dispatch anything anymore.

I'll let humane take 3 hours to get out there and if the animal suffers during that time, so be it. It's simply not worth someones life, or my mortgage. We can thank lawyers for this....

[RolnCode3]

Yikes. Before we stray too far from the original thread - hope you get the assignment. Sounds like you're looking forward to it. Changing it up can keep the career interesting.

[Gonzo]

I just took ACSO's course a few months back. I've been riding street and dirt for 17+ years. I thought I would breeze throught the course. What an eye opener. The riding is total different from the riding I knew (all slow speed). I passed by the skin of my teeth LOL. One thing I didnt have was any pre-training (my dept is special lol).

You'll be alright.

[silversvs]

Practice, practice, practice.

Make it fun and make it challenging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq2WFvYVqn0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opsIgQ4fu10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmEBviK0ktE

[masameet]

Rad skillz! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmEBviK0ktE :laughing

[JPM]

So the BIG question, what kind of bike?

[antarius]

There's two options available. An HD '07 Electraglide full-dress and an '05 HD Road-King (I think).

If I get it, I'm not sure which I'd choose. The 07 is real nice, black and new and shiney and all that, but it's also HUGEEEEEEE compared to the Road King... (if it is a road king, that is).

[silversvs]

There's two options available. An HD '07 Electraglide full-dress and an '05 HD Road-King (I think).

If I get it, I'm not sure which I'd choose. The 07 is real nice, black and new and shiney and all that, but it's also HUGEEEEEEE compared to the Road King... (if it is a road king, that is).

The '07 has a 103 motor and a 6 speed. Even if you have to sport that ugly ass fairing, the bigger motor and extra gear are totally worth it.

[antarius]

Even if 75% of the roads in my city are less than 20 feet wide and the highest speed limit we have is 40?

I was thinking the smaller bike would be better just because of how tight our roads are.... you tell me though, as well, you know a hell of a lot better than I do.

[RRR70]

Even if 75% of the roads in my city are less than 20 feet wide and the highest speed limit we have is 40?

I was thinking the smaller bike would be better just because of how tight our roads are.... you tell me though, as well, you know a hell of a lot better than I do.

Just put a fancy lights on the Husky.

Serve and have fun at the same time.:teeth

[Rel]

Come to the 3 day CHP eval course. That will show you were your skillz are.

[gmcsid]

The ACSO's course is really fun and worth the $150. There was a detective in one of my classes just getting a refresher.

And go with the Electraglide, they can do anything those Roadkings can do plus you look better doing it.:cool:laughing




Practice, practice, practice.

Make it fun and make it challenging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq2WFvYVqn0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opsIgQ4fu10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmEBviK0ktE

That was some awesome riding! I recognize those areas. I wonder if the marks are still there for the cone spots.:ride:teeth

[MotoLiam]

The ACSO's course is really fun and worth the $150. There was a detective in one of my classes just getting a refresher.

And go with the Electraglide, they can do anything those Roadkings can do plus you look better doing it.:cool:laughing

Yeah, possibly, but do the Electraglides in Blue come with the adjustable airbag suspension solo seat that the 5-0 R-Ks do? That, as well as the different handlebars (stock HD 'glide touring bars mounted to the 5-0 RK's), really made swinging the 5-0 bikes around at low speed fun, especially because the solo seats would add funny sideways wiggle to the whole mess :laughing

[antarius]

Come to the 3 day CHP eval course. That will show you were your skillz are.

If I get the position, pass the training and get off motor probation I most definitely will! I intend on making our motor position more visible and more a part of the community. The last 3-5 years, the spot has really just gone out, done traffic enforcement and gone home. It really didn't work with other local agencies, compete in any events, or do anything else re: awareness or to show other agencies the skillset of said rider.

We got some time before then though. :)

[jb]

Hey, much luck JP. Guess I'll have to be a little less hooliganish up north.

[}Dragon{]

Hey, much luck JP. Guess I'll have to be a little less hooliganish up north.

He'll be too busy riding behind tanker trucks admiring his refelection on the new bike.:laughing

http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/z/zi/ziptrivia/395160_tanker_truck_reflection.jpg

[antarius]

Update:

I was awarded the position and will be pre-training this month. I will be attending the Alameda County Motor School in January and will be assigned to Motor Patrol come February 1st, 2008 through February 1st, 2011.

The next couple steps is setting up my pre-training (trying to get in as much as possible) with the nearby motor units, getting sized/fitted for my gear and getting used to the damn Kawi (for training/school).

I went out last night, during shift, and checked the bikes, made sure they were all in working order and ready for me to practice/ride. Man that got me excited. I'm looking forward to this!

[Razel]

Congratulations! Enjoy the ride :teeth

Just keep in mind Sarge will be pestering you to get into the competitions...:thumbup

[antarius]

Congratulations! Enjoy the ride :teeth

Just keep in mind Sarge will be pestering you to get into the competitions...:thumbup

I fully intend on making our motor unit far more visible and a larger part of the county-wide (and state) motor events. The last three motors have really done none of that, they just more or less went to work and went home. Nothing wrong with that, but it didn't really put what they were capable of out there for everyone to see.

First things first though. Pre-training.

[mnb]

Awesome! Gratz!

A note about the ElectraGlide and RoadKing. They're both built on the same frame, so they are essentially the same size bike. The only difference you might find in handling the bike is if there are different seats/bars on them.

The KZ1000 is easier to do the excercizes in, too.

[antarius]

Awesome! Gratz!

A note about the ElectraGlide and RoadKing. They're both built on the same frame, so they are essentially the same size bike. The only difference you might find in handling the bike is if there are different seats/bars on them.

The KZ1000 is easier to do the excercizes in, too.

The training bike is the Kawi (both pre and at the school), so I will be using that for the training, definitely.

I really tried to get myself to like the ElectraGlide because of the extra power, the fact that it looks great and it's brand new.... but I can't. I sat on it and the position of the bars / seat just felt akward to me and frankly, uncomfortable.

I hopped on the Road King (mind you, having never ridden a cruiser type bike in my life) and immediately felt 100% more comfortable than I did on the ElectraGlide. So, sadly (or not?), that's what I'll be riding until the electronics on the Road King detonate.

[mnb]

Sounds like the way the RK is setup is more suited to your size, etc. I love my RK, although I've had to tweak mine a bit to fit me better (and still need to some more). Should prove to be a fairly comfortable bike to ride all day.

We expect pictures and training reports! So don't let us down! :)

[antarius]

Sounds like the way the RK is setup is more suited to your size, etc. I love my RK, although I've had to tweak mine a bit to fit me better (and still need to some more). Should prove to be a fairly comfortable bike to ride all day.

We expect pictures and training reports! So don't let us down! :)

I won't let ya down! Pictures of me riding (and falling!) are soon to come!

[FrigginChi]

Your PD needs a DRZ

http://www.minimotosgo.com/img/police.jpg

[antarius]

Or a Husky!

[racercosmo]

Do I get pulled over for giving the salute? :twofinger

[}Dragon{]

Do I get pulled over for giving the salute? :twofinger


It's OK if you do it on one wheel. :teeth

[masameet]

Congrats!

[hondagrl]

Update:

I was awarded the position and will be pre-training this month.

:thumbup Good job JP!! Congrats

[5MARY4]

Alamda???!!! Come on down to Sac,, Marcus and I will teach you to ride... j/k congratulations,, now if you could just convince your dept. to get a BMW you'd be dialed...

John: You get your app in for Vegas yet???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[antarius]

Alamda???!!! Come on down to Sac,, Marcus and I will teach you to ride... j/k congratulations,, now if you could just convince your dept. to get a BMW you'd be dialed...

John: You get your app in for Vegas yet???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We looked at them this last go around. It was decided that although the BMW outperformed the HD in every way we required, the BMW was just "too aggressive looking" and thus, the HD it was.

And no, I'm not joking.

Hopefully sometime or another I will get to ride with you guys though, or at least watch you win some more competitions!!

[RolnCode3]

We looked at them this last go around. It was decided that although the BMW outperformed the HD in every way we required, the BMW was just "too aggressive looking" and thus, the HD it was.

And no, I'm not joking.
:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad

Ugh. I totally hear that. I have supervisors who do the same thing. Who gives a shit what works best? Cost effective? In extensive use by other agencies?

No. "It looks mean."

People should get fired for thinking like that.:jaded

[antarius]

:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad:mad

Ugh. I totally hear that. I have supervisors who do the same thing. Who gives a shit what works best? Cost effective? In extensive use by other agencies?

No. "It looks mean."

People should get fired for thinking like that.:jaded

Seriously. IMO, the Harley looks meaner anyway.

On a side note, I did some pre-training last night (during shift). Holy crap, it is so much harder than I expected! I was just doing simple u-turn's (don't know the radius, but it wasn't very big -- not super tight either) inside two cone patterns.

I fell two or three times, felt good to get that out of my system (and felt good to learn how to launch myself to avoid the bike). I just hope the department doesn't get pissed off at me because, well, I'm not afraid to crash that training bike and I ride it as such... the guy pre-training me was saying that's a good thing, but I'm sure the people paying the bills will have something else to say. Near the end of the 1.5 hour "pre-training" session I started to feel more comfortable, or at least started to understand what the inputs I was giving the bike were actually doing.

One thing I was doing that I guess not all people like -- but frankly, it helped me, was lightly rest on the rear brake through the corners. I just felt like I had more control than just using the clutch/engine.

Yes, I know, some schools make you do it without using the brake and that's awesome.... mine will let me use the rear brake, so I kind of feel like I'll go with what feels comfortable at first and keep making it more difficult for myself as time goes on.

Anyhow, sorry for the long winded post... but that was a freakin blast!

[}Dragon{]

"too aggressive looking"

:rofl Kinder and gentler policing at it's finest. Thank gawd the didn't look at the Honda ST1300P: They look beyond aggressive:thumbup

[5MARY4]

NO BRAKES !!!!!!!!!!!! Yes "some" schoos allow it, however you will only hurt yourself in the long run if you use them. You will become a MUCH better rider if you dont use the brakes as a "crutch". It is FAR better to progress slower than it is to progress incorrectly. You can do it. Don't take the short-cut.

PS: scraped crash bars and broken turn signals are cheap compared to injured Officers. If your Dept sees it differently shoot me a PM, I'd be glad to help educate the brass.

Now get on wif yo bad self and enjoy the training.

Brian

[berkeleycarlos]

The ACLU will now bring a lawsuit because the HD's sound is too aggressive for blind people.

[}Dragon{]

The ACLU will now bring a lawsuit because the HD's sound is too aggressive for blind people.

OSHA is looking into injuries to the central nervous system caused by heavy vibrations of the HDs. :ride

[antarius]

NO BRAKES !!!!!!!!!!!! Yes "some" schoos allow it, however you will only hurt yourself in the long run if you use them. You will become a MUCH better rider if you dont use the brakes as a "crutch". It is FAR better to progress slower than it is to progress incorrectly. You can do it. Don't take the short-cut.

PS: scraped crash bars and broken turn signals are cheap compared to injured Officers. If your Dept sees it differently shoot me a PM, I'd be glad to help educate the brass.

Now get on wif yo bad self and enjoy the training.

Brian

Brian,

Having watched your videos, I'll take your advice. I'll be going out next week and I will try to do the simple turns without brakes. No promises, but I'll definitely try to learn that way. It is my understanding that some schools do train using the brake though, right?

On the injury stuff -- that's how I felt. I decided screw it, I'll train the best I can with the tools I have at my disposal. If I break the bike(s) in the process, I break the bike(s) in the process. If I break some of my gear, I break some of my gear, but I feel like I need to learn the limits of the bike (and myself) to properly learn how to NOT get to those points :).

[antarius]

:rofl Kinder and gentler policing at it's finest. Thank gawd the didn't look at the Honda ST1300P: They look beyond aggressive:thumbup

"Community oriented policing" at its best. I do have to say, the Harley sure is purdy though.

[NorCalBusa]

One slick trick I saw for training bikes- cut an old garden hose lengthwise, then slip it over your crash bars as a protector. A few zip ties- and voila!

[NorCalBusa]

:rofl Kinder and gentler policing at it's finest. Thank gawd the didn't look at the Honda ST1300P: They look beyond aggressive:thumbup

Front end problems for me::shocker

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/NorCalBusa/TopazRun095.jpg
See the little heat plume coming off the back (rider's right)? Heh, heh...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/NorCalBusa/LostCoastst1300bridgewheelie.jpg

[NorCalBusa]

Money shot:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/NorCalBusa/LostCoastst1300rockwheelie.jpg

[antarius]

Get that thing higher!!!

[NorCalBusa]

That's the Lost Coast up in Humboldt County. Go to Fortuna, then go some more!

[antarius]

Awesome!!

I'll post some pics / vids of me crashing it up in the next couple weeks.

[mnb]

That's the Lost Coast up in Humboldt County. Go to Fortuna, then go some more!

I thought I recognized that bridge. I don't think I've ever popped so many fillings loose or compacted as many vertebrae on any other road in California in all my years of riding as I did riding the 40 miles or so on Mattole Rd. to get to that coast. Next time I'll have to bring a sammich or somethin. And a dual-sport.

[antarius]

I want to ride that road!!!

<---- heads over to pashnit to find the route.

[Baptistro]

Congrats on the position brah :thumbup

[SpeedyCorky]

So you are going to be the new (and only) moto officer in Alameda, eh?


well well well, i work in Alameda, drive a silver VW GTI


so if you ever pull me over, lets just have a unwritten rule that if i give you the :twofinger then you dont write me a ticket, OK ?


:teeth


oh yeah, and congrats on the position and all that :blah

[NorCalBusa]

I want to ride that road!!!

<---- heads over to pashnit to find the route.

Ya think?

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/NorCalBusa/TopazRun022.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/NorCalBusa/LostCoastHigh.jpg

[mnb]

I want to ride that road!!!

<---- heads over to pashnit to find the route.

Off 101, take Mattole Rd. west near Weott. Stay on it forever. You'll pass by Petrolia, but there's nothing worthwhile there, not even a coffee shop.

Here's the route in Google maps. (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=12435178368954509880,40.229660,-124.148180%3B17707304180626422952,40.355453,-124.361340&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=weott,+ca&daddr=Mattole+Rd+%4040.229660,+-124.148180+to:Mattole+Rd+%4040.355453,+-124.361340+to:Ferndale,+ca&mra=pi&mrcr=1&via=1&sll=40.46889,-124.16126&sspn=0.774147,1.2854&ie=UTF8&z=11&om=1)

[antarius]

Definitely.

I might be setting up a 2-day ride/camp trip for sometime in Feb/March, depending on weather. 700-1000 miles, in 2-3 days on a Husky SuperMoto.

Should be interesting.

[5MARY4]

Brian,

Having watched your videos, I'll take your advice. I'll be going out next week and I will try to do the simple turns without brakes. No promises, but I'll definitely try to learn that way. It is my understanding that some schools do train using the brake though, right?

On the injury stuff -- that's how I felt. I decided screw it, I'll train the best I can with the tools I have at my disposal. If I break the bike(s) in the process, I break the bike(s) in the process. If I break some of my gear, I break some of my gear, but I feel like I need to learn the limits of the bike (and myself) to properly learn how to NOT get to those points :).

I don't know if anyone "teaches" that way. However some are more forgiving than others. Our school will DQ a run if brakes are used.

Start with the largest circle/fig 8 you can do w/o using the brakes. Then slowly move the cones in. Don't try to start too small and have poor technique for the sake of making the pattern. It is better to blow out of the pattern while using proper technique than it is to make it using improper technique. TRUST me... Making the pattern is not the goal, establishing good technique is. Don't forget to smile,, you're on motors!!!!

Brian

[antarius]

I don't know if anyone "teaches" that way. However some are more forgiving than others. Our school will DQ a run if brakes are used.

Start with the largest circle/fig 8 you can do w/o using the brakes. Then slowly move the cones in. Don't try to start too small and have poor technique for the sake of making the pattern. It is better to blow out of the pattern while using proper technique than it is to make it using improper technique. TRUST me... Making the pattern is not the goal, establishing good technique is. Don't forget to smile,, you're on motors!!!!

Brian

I'll be out on the thing next thursday for 3-5 hours. I'll give it a shot!

[antarius]

Just an update:

I've done about 12 hours of pre-training at this point and at about hour 6 it "clicked." My trainer tells me I'm well ahead of the curve and I have successfully completed all the POST required cone patterns.

I'm planning on spending another 10-15 hours over the next 1.5 weeks to tighten everything up (I can do u-turns in 1 stall, but not every single time and I don't have confidence in it yet) and work on steep hills a bit more, for confidence if nothing else. I don't want to merely pass motor school, I want to dominate it. Yes, I'm the cock who wants to be the best in the class. :) Not to mention, if I can get over the "school" portion of it (by being able to pass the school prior to beginning), then I can go out there and have fun and learn without being stressed to no end!!!

It feels *great* when it "CLICKED" and I was able to feel what inputs did and what I needed to do to complete a task. I love this stuff!!

[silversvs]

Just an update:

I've done about 12 hours of pre-training at this point and at about hour 6 it "clicked." My trainer tells me I'm well ahead of the curve and I have successfully completed all the POST required cone patterns.

I'm planning on spending another 10-15 hours over the next 1.5 weeks to tighten everything up (I can do u-turns in 1 stall, but not every single time and I don't have confidence in it yet) and work on steep hills a bit more, for confidence if nothing else. I don't want to merely pass motor school, I want to dominate it. Yes, I'm the cock who wants to be the best in the class. :) Not to mention, if I can get over the "school" portion of it (by being able to pass the school prior to beginning), then I can go out there and have fun and learn without being stressed to no end!!!

It feels *great* when it "CLICKED" and I was able to feel what inputs did and what I needed to do to complete a task. I love this stuff!!

The instructors at ACSO motor school appreciate a little cockiness (emphasis "a little"). If you can ride, they leave you alone and let you have a little more fun. You will be riding the beat to hell Kawi 1000s with an incredibly tight turning radius. By the end of the second day I was riding all the patterns with my feet up on the crash bars. The instructors laughed and pretty much let me and another student have the run of the place. Having fun is the key. But, keep in mind that the first week of the school goes at the pace of the slowest rider and its numbingly boring waiting for everyone to repeat the same patterns over and over and over again. Keep smiling as th esecond week is more fun.

[antarius]

The instructors at ACSO motor school appreciate a little cockiness (emphasis "a little"). If you can ride, they leave you alone and let you have a little more fun. You will be riding the beat to hell Kawi 1000s with an incredibly tight turning radius. By the end of the second day I was riding all the patterns with my feet up on the crash bars. The instructors laughed and pretty much let me and another student have the run of the place. Having fun is the key. But, keep in mind that the first week of the school goes at the pace of the slowest rider and its numbingly boring waiting for everyone to repeat the same patterns over and over and over again. Keep smiling as th esecond week is more fun.

Definitely looking forward to it. I re-read that post and yeah, it came across as a little cocky. Not my intention. I'm definitely feeling confident, I'm falling less because I'm able to make the decision on which input to give the bike -- knowing what it will do. Not because I think "Oh this is easy." Lord knows, it's not; The instant I stop paying attention, my wheel placement gets sloppy, head position goes to hell and I screw up.

My intention is more or less to be able to "pass" the required stuff for motor school prior to getting there, and then use motor school and the training its instructors provide to make myself that much better -- in the process being in the top of the class. Do I think I'll be first in the class? Who the heck knows, but I'm sure as heck shooting for it -- simply "passing" is not my only goal for the course, you know?

I actually felt bad putting in an overtime slip for the pre-training. I was having such a good time that it felt like I shouldn't be getting paid!! Of course I got over that and filled out the damn form. :)

On the slow pace of the first week -- that's good. I have weak points and strong points, and as I continue to train those will probably become more and more pronounced. I'll use the first week to work on those weak points and make sure I'm using sound technique for my strong points. The last thing I want to do is waste a week of training merely because they're going at a slower pace than I think I need....

Thanks for the info again Silver. As usual, you've be very helpful in this entire process.

[5MARY4]

Antarius:

It sounds like you're off and running,, good job!! Remember: FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION !!!!! Once you have that,, everything else will come much faster and easier. If you are able to complete the post patterns and are still "held back" in the first week due to those who progress slower, use that opportunity to be "picture perfect" everytime. Think to yourself that you are being photographed everytime you go in,, you want every picture to be blown up and used as an instructional aid to others.

Remember,, the post patterns are a first step to a very long staircase. Even at my skill level, I go back to the basics often to re-enforce the fundamentals. Completing a pattern is not that hard,, doing it properly is....

Once we get riders up to good skill levels, we do all sorts of fun stuff to them,, place cones on their heads,, walk in front of them,, thow 2x4s into the patterns,, have them ride us thru the patterns on the back of their bikes,, and on and on.... It's all about having COMPLETE control of the bike at ALL TIMES.

Rock on brother,, you're on yer way!!!!

[FrigginChi]

When do you get to practice throttle control :wheelies and brake control :stoppies?

[5MARY4]

When you go to instrutor school.:teeth

[FrigginChi]

When you go to instrutor school.:teeth

http://www.hd.chalmers.se/~bi2jafr/fina/worthless_thread_wo_pics.gif

[5MARY4]

Ummmm,,, I misplaced my pics,, sorry :teeth

[FrigginChi]

Oh Area 51 type shit huh? lol

Ummmm,,, I misplaced my pics,, sorry :teeth

[silversvs]

Police motors never have the front wheel off the ground, dont scrape pegs, rarely exceed the posted speed limit, and are babied by those who ride them to ensure their reliability and reduced service costs.

[FrigginChi]

That looks like the technique for riding over dead bodies in the road.

Police motors never have the front wheel off the ground, dont scrape pegs, rarely exceed the posted speed limit, and are babied by those who ride them to ensure their reliability and reduced service costs.

[silversvs]

Hard to launch the front when you're smoking the rear tire. Damn thing weighs 850 pounds.

[FrigginChi]

Helium in the front tires. Let the motor pool guys know :teeth

Hard to launch the front when you're smoking the rear tire. Damn thing weighs 850 pounds.

[antarius]

Antarius:

It sounds like you're off and running,, good job!! Remember: FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION !!!!! Once you have that,, everything else will come much faster and easier. If you are able to complete the post patterns and are still "held back" in the first week due to those who progress slower, use that opportunity to be "picture perfect" everytime. Think to yourself that you are being photographed everytime you go in,, you want every picture to be blown up and used as an instructional aid to others.

Remember,, the post patterns are a first step to a very long staircase. Even at my skill level, I go back to the basics often to re-enforce the fundamentals. Completing a pattern is not that hard,, doing it properly is....

Once we get riders up to good skill levels, we do all sorts of fun stuff to them,, place cones on their heads,, walk in front of them,, thow 2x4s into the patterns,, have them ride us thru the patterns on the back of their bikes,, and on and on.... It's all about having COMPLETE control of the bike at ALL TIMES.

Rock on brother,, you're on yer way!!!!

Thanks for the info! I'll try to look at it like that when I'm in school... just like anything else, proper form over speed first. "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

[silversvs]

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

Already got you drinking the Kool-Aid. Welcome to the cult. :cool

[antarius]

No "welcome" yet! Not until the day I graduate motor school! Trying not to jinx myself!

[5MARY4]

Police motors never have the front wheel off the ground, dont scrape pegs, rarely exceed the posted speed limit, and are babied by those who ride them to ensure their reliability and reduced service costs.

I thought the white smoke comming out the back was burnt oil?????????:teeth

[JPM]

I thought the white smoke comming out the back was burnt oil?????????:teeth

But the real question is, because it's an HD, is it oil blowing past the rings out the exhaust or oil that had leaked out onto the exhaust pipes! :rofl

I’m sorry Silver, I owe you a round. :hail

[Stoner]

I can do first through third gear wheelies, stoppies on command, and check my valve clearances w/o spilling my coffee and donuts.

Dude you kill me!!!!:twofinger You come up with some of the best one liners.:thumbup

[Stoner]

If you get a bike JP, you'll need to find someway to mount a patrol carbine.

http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/m4.jpg

No way... the MP5 fits right in the saddle bag with no mods!!:teeth

[silversvs]

But the real question is, because it's an HD, is it oil blowing past the rings out the exhaust or oil that had leaked out onto the exhaust pipes! :rofl

I’m sorry Silver, I owe you a round. :hail

Actually that was a brand new training bike the Harley rep let us torture. So it wasn't smoking oil that day, but probably was when we were done with it :teeth

[antarius]

Update (for anyone who cares!):

Did another 4 hour block of pre-training today, and will get one more full day in prior to the start of motor school.

Today I did "the box" with a 14 foot width (instead of the 18feet the alameda school apparently gives) and did figure 8's, u-turns and circles within. Went well, getting more and more comfortable every hour.

Also worked on hills today.... W O W. We went to a hill with a serious SF-style grade hill, lined with curbs on both sides. The roadway was 16 feet wide. Did uphill and downhill u-turns and figure 8's. Fell twice, once super-manning through the windshield! HAHAAH!

The uphill was really getting to me as I was doing the "fast" method, where you more or less carry a good amount of speed, pick your spot and go for it... at a lot faster of a speed than you would on flat or downhill. I'm sure my overall net-speed, due to the incline, was the same as flat ground... but it was messing with my head. We figure another 4-5 hours of hill work and I should be as comfortable on that as I am on flat ground, or close to it.

I'm down to 12 feet on flat ground, consistently. Still not where I want to be, but it feels good to do it each and everytime and feel in control of it rather than letting the bike take me for a ride.

All in all, I cant believe I get paid to do this crap!

[JPM]

Did someone say AR?

[antarius]

That's so awesome!!

[jb]

Which PD is that, JPM?

[JPM]

Which PD is that, JPM?

I can't remember, I saw it at the Deputy's funeral in Sacramento. It was a central valley city if I remember correctly.

[paroxysm]

Wow, where the hell did this thread come from? I always thought it was pretty much a sure thing :P

I guess my advice isn't needed, but I'll post up my thoughts on the application anyway.
Short and simple. You're not along winded person (usually...), so why would your application be? To the point - I want the job, I'm qualified for the job, I have a passion for the job - thats it, though maybe more formal than the last two applicants.

So, hows that for too late? Feel better, you are gonna be a busy busy man for the next few weeks.

[mnb]

Today I did "the box" with a 14 foot width (instead of the 18feet the alameda school apparently gives)

I'm down to 12 feet on flat ground, consistently. Still not where I want to be, but it feels good to do it each and everytime and feel in control of it rather than letting the bike take me for a ride.


:hail

You're not on a Harley, I guess. 14' is pretty much the tightest for an HD unless you learn to master sliding the rear wheel. IMO, consistently doing 12' on any bike is damned impressive. Now you can concentrate on form and style.

Aren't hills fun, Kal El? :laughing

[antarius]

mnb,

They're a blast!

[silversvs]

Antarius, you start Tuesday? I'll come by and check you guys out sometime during the week. I like saying hi to the instructors.

[Razel]

Antarius...prepare for "extra-special" attention...

:D

[antarius]

Well... all finished!

It was fun, and wet. I must have swallowed more rain-water last week than I have in my entire life.

Had a good time though... final pic:

http://www.antarius.net/junk/motorschool.jpg

and a pic of one of the "steep" hills, though it wasn't as bad as some of the others we encountered. Steep, but plenty wide. No, that's not me... that's a guy we called Farva, for obvious reasons.... Very good rider though.

http://www.antarius.net/junk/motorhill.jpeg

[mnb]

You wrapped the 80hr class? Gratz! :thumbup

[gmcsid]

Congratulations!

You didn't mention Al Bundy was in your class though. :laughing

[5MARY4]

Congratulations.

Let's hear the debrief

[Rel]

Atta Boy!

[silversvs]

Nice job JP! :thumbup

Now the real work begins. Who is going to train you on doing actual police work on the bike?

Its up to you now to continue your training and making a daily ritual of practicing your new found skills.

[antarius]

The debrief:

It was awesome. I had some problems on hill-work which were ironed out through repetition and trusting the techniques, but other than that it was more or less smoothing out what I had learned in pre-training. By the end a buddy and myself started mixing it up and doing weird-crap in the eliminator (two in at once w/ mixed patterns inside the regular eliminator) and more or less just had fun with it.

The second week was, well, just flat out fun. We did a lot of off-campus riding (I'd say 3 days out of the 5), some in the pouring rain / wind, all in formation. It was interesting to see us progress as a group, rather than just individually.

I'm excited to get back to work Wednesday, hop on the Road King, and go tear up some cone patterns to get used to that bike instead of the Kawi's. I figure I'll spend a solid hour or more doing that on Wednesday, then it's off with our previous motor to San Francisco to get fitted for boots and the jacket.

My department does not have a motor program as of now (our last motor just left) and thus, no FTO program. We more or less learn as we go. When I accepted the position I did it with the intention of making a true motor program, not just to ride the bike and patrol. (We're patrol not just traffic).

What I'm trying to get to is I'll get back and see what is reasonable in the terms of how much training to do each day, or week, or month -- more or less just by doing it myself and seeing how it works with our work-load and schedule. I'll write that up and while it won't be mandatory, it will be laid out by the time we get another motor unit signed up so when he gets out of school, he has a more scheduled "FTO" (or FTO type) program rather than just being thrown out there.

I'll be partnering up with a couple guys from the school who have good training programs in regards to firearms and "tactical" things along those lines, and will be doing that at least three times a year to start before I'll look at making that happen in my own county with the equipment and space we have.

All in all, I'll more or less be developing *my departments* training program, both by my own experience and through using the training of other departments. I'll write that up, create a program, and then train the next motor within those guidelines when he comes through.

Somehow I think the 80 hour class was the easy part....

The worst part is I injured my knee while loading my personal bike today. Nothing major that I can tell, but it's definitely going to be sore for a week or two. Could have been a lot worse.

[mnb]

Just be forewarned that the Harley's a fat sow compared to the much more nimble Kawi when it comes to those tight turns...

[5MARY4]

Our unit trains monthly. I personally train in some sort of fashion daily. I try to find something within the city which pushes my abilities. A park, school playground, pedestrian overcrossing, the inward swinging back gate at the PD, greenbelt, American River bike trail, anything... The best was when we worked an OT gig at Sac State. I found this really cool atrium looking building with automatic glass doors. 5M6 and I rode around inside around planters, benches, etc... It was a blast,,,, until Sarge pointed out that it was the entrance to the library,,oooops--later..........

Minimum,, circles, fig 8's, a GOOD 40 decel and a 30 cone weave before I leave for work.. EVERYDAY !!!!!

[antarius]

Our unit trains monthly. I personally train in some sort of fashion daily. I try to find something within the city which pushes my abilities. A park, school playground, pedestrian overcrossing, the inward swinging back gate at the PD, greenbelt, American River bike trail, anything... The best was when we worked an OT gig at Sac State. I found this really cool atrium looking building with automatic glass doors. 5M6 and I rode around inside around planters, benches, etc... It was a blast,,,, until Sarge pointed out that it was the entrance to the library,,oooops--later..........

Minimum,, circles, fig 8's, a GOOD 40 decel and a 30 cone weave before I leave for work.. EVERYDAY !!!!!

I'm definitely planning on doing something everyday, if nothing else as a "warm-up," but I'd like to try to develop a training protocol for our new motor units as they come through.

We'll have another motor in about 3-6 months that I'd like to be able to prepare better than, well, I was.

[NorCalBusa]

Congratulations!

[RolnCode3]

Congratulations.

[JPM]

Congrats. I saw you guys in formation S/B 680 from 80 Saturday afternoon and just had to smile because I remember my graduation ride. And if you thought you had it rainy, mine was just before the big January 2006 flood. When we hit the Benicia Bridge it started hailing on us. :thumbup

[5MARY4]

Definately try to set up some training with an allied agency. It's much more helpful to train while someone else watches with a critical eye. We train quite a bit with other Depts. It's always good to have your riding critiqued by an outsider. (I get tired of hearing 5M6 bitch at me,, it's nice to have a fresh voice bitch at me from time to time).

How long is the roatation in motors for your Dept.? If it's a few years, get into instructor school ASAP. Our instructor school requires you have at leat one year on a bike before you can attend. There needs to be a CMTO for the "new guy" coming into the unit. Our FNG's are requuires to ride with a CMTO for a minimum of one week once they graduate motor school. Two weeks if they are a soup sandwich. You are correct, motor school was the easy part. By no means am I selling you short. It is a hell of an accomplishment and you should be very proud of attaining your goal. Again, congratulations,, you earned it.

Take the first few weeks VERY slow. Get very comfortable with the new bike, it's handling, stopping, and CONTROLS. Lotsa stuff going on when you ride enforcement. Radio, lights, siren, PA, etc. These should all be second nature before you get out into the busy areas of the city. Dont forget surface appraisal while making your stops. Grade, blind curves, wet gutters, etc. A while back, one of our FNG's made a VS in a guys driveway and didn't do correct surface appraisal. His bike fell over when he got off. Violator got out and asked if he could help. Motorcop had already flung bike back up (Adrenaline is sooo fun). Gave motorist his cite and was on his way.

I can't stress enough to take things slow. The most dangerous time in a motor's career is the first year. You seem to have the perfect attitude regarding training. Shine like a star... It helps sell the Dept. on training.

[antarius]

Thanks for the advice... will take it all into account.

[antarius]

Congrats. I saw you guys in formation S/B 680 from 80 Saturday afternoon and just had to smile because I remember my graduation ride. And if you thought you had it rainy, mine was just before the big January 2006 flood. When we hit the Benicia Bridge it started hailing on us. :thumbup

Saturday's ride was gorgeous. We had very little (if any) rain and it was a comfy 55F or so.

Friday was the ride from hell... We more or less went around the Martinez and Oakland area and it was POURING and WINDY. No hail though!

[Sidesaddle]

I'm definitely planning on doing something everyday, if nothing else as a "warm-up," but I'd like to try to develop a training protocol for our new motor units as they come through.

We'll have another motor in about 3-6 months that I'd like to be able to prepare better than, well, I was.

Just a thought. The CHP Academy puts on 2 day Allied agency inservice class every so often. Give them a call. I hear there are unfilled positions in every class. They also do a CMTO (Certified Motor Training Officer) class.

[antarius]

Okay hopefully you motor guys can help me out a bit.

I got on the bike a couple days last week -- it rained so I didn't get much time in -- but it felt like I was starting over. I had no confidence in it what so ever as it was completely different than the Kawi's I trained on.

I obviously spent my days doing mostly u-turns and circles and figure 8's just to help get comfortable. I got the bike fitted to me as best as I can (though I will have the bars brought back a little more to help my locking-right turns), so now I'd like some input as to what cone patterns I can easily practice in an empty parking lot.

I can have a partner bring some cones and have it -- but what, in your experience, has been good at getting your new riders up to speed with the current bike? I don't have the confidence on it that I did on the Kawi and it shows, so I'd like to spend next week (all week basically) ironing that out.

Thanks in advance.

[silversvs]

JP,

Parking lot stalls are typically 9' wide, so a pair of stalls are usually 18'. You should be ableto do a u-turn inside of 18' all day long. Find a parking area with decent pavement and measure some stalls to see what the dimensions are. Then use the stalls to practice u-turns and figure 8s. No cones necessary. See quick and sloppy paint sketch below.

The eliminator gives you a lot of good turning and throttle control exercises. I fyou have a parking lot where nobody would mind layinga itle paint for the key cones you can lay out the eliminator and paint the pivot cones for easy setup and take down. Once you have practiced it enough you can run the pattern just based on the paint marks on the ground.

Same goes for the keyhole. Set it up, paint the main cones, then practice it. Once you have put it up and taken it down a few times you will be able to ride the pattern without even setting it up.

Shoot me an email if ya need the pattern dimensions.

These look familiar?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCSpj6cqE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSKpL8hf-SQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q0OoyueIDg&feature=user

[antarius]

Thank you.

I have the motor school pattern packet, so no need on the measurements. I know where I can lay paint down and get a good 2 hours in, every day, before cars come and park. The best part? It's a city owned lot, so no one can bitch about the mark.

I'm doing u-turns and circles/figure 8's in that distance no problem. Just not confidently. I have to say, it was kind of a shock to be knocked back to such an early skill-level compared to where I felt like I was by the end of motor school. I did adjust my clutch lever to release closer to the bar, and that helped my right-turns a ton better. I could control the friction zone a lot better.

Depending on the weather, I will get out there Wednesday and lay down the eliminator pattern. Obviously not the whole thing, but the top of each turn, the edges of each turn and the overall width.

Thanks again....

Any idea how long it should take me to start feeling comfortable, or more importantly, confident? I really felt like I was *starting over* when I got on this Harley. At one point I was getting frustrated... I sure do look good though!

[mnb]

Any idea how long it should take me to start feeling comfortable, or more importantly, confident? I really felt like I was *starting over* when I got on this Harley. At one point I was getting frustrated... I sure do look good though!

I warned ya! :laughing

I think you'll warm up to it in a week or two. When I got my Harley, I was lanesharing like a pro in 3 days. But to be honest, I didn't feel one with the bike for quite a while longer. I'm sure you'll get to that point soon enough given that you ride for a living. :drool

[masameet]

Was Raleigh one of your instructors?

Last June when I took the civilian 1-day course, he said when he retired from his PD, he was allowed to buy his HD, he loved that bike so much.

You gotta learn to love your bike, to find and accept her good and bad points. Right now she's like a new partner and she's giving you "bad" vibes. :laughing

You have the moto skills. It's just a matter of her becoming "your" bike. "Own" her and she'll do pretty much whatever you ask her to do.

Except maybe jump high dirt fences.

[gmcsid]

I rode the kawi at ASCO for couple excersizes and noticed they turn easier and are more nimble than the Harley. The Harley , for me, takes a little more rear brake/friction zone to bring it back up.
Also I don't know if you fear dropping it like I did, if so, you can put pieces of heater hose ziptied to the engine guard and side bag supports for practice to gain confidence without fear of damaging the bike.

I also know a good spot in Livermore with patterns already painted. I try to get out there with my cones on dry weekends. :ride:teeth


And Raleigh was a cool instructor. He flew through those cones without even spilling his coffee!

[Happy Hornet]

Please don't let the HD know about the nimble little Husky mistress in your garage at home! In my young girl days we used to chase the cows with those things! (No not the Harleys!)
Congrats on the position and be careful, the girls dig thems motocops

[5MARY4]

As SLVR stated,,I use paking stalls to practice ALOT. Quick and easy. Yes it's pretty wide, BUT it's a good opportunity for you to practice your form. Early head turn, counterbalance, eyes up, smooooothness, etc.

Also find yourself an incline, I have seen the most improvement in both my skills and those of my students after an extended amount of time on the incline.

Another good practice tip is to balance the bike at stop signs, signals, etc..

[antarius]

I'll go out there wednesday and do exactly that, 5MARY4.

Thanks!

[Happy Hornet]

That looks like the technique for riding over dead bodies in the road.

Hey I did that on 880S a few months back. I didn't lift the front wheel enough got a little slippy.
No, I'm NOT kidding! :green Still get the heebie jeebies thinking about it!

[Happy Hornet]

As SLVR stated,,I use paking stalls to practice ALOT. Quick and easy. Yes it's pretty wide, BUT it's a good opportunity for you to practice your form. Early head turn, counterbalance, eyes up, smooooothness, etc.

Also find yourself an incline, I have seen the most improvement in both my skills and those of my students after an extended amount of time on the incline.

Another good practice tip is to balance the bike at stop signs, signals, etc..

Hey I do that all the time. But my little bike is such a sweetheart any ding dong would look skilled rider on the thing.
+1 on the inclines. U turns on Marin in Berkeley-Argggg!

[antarius]

Did a lot of work on the bike today. It's coming back -- more importantly, my confidence is there. I toss it in and trust that the techniques I trained with for two weeks will work, and they do.

I'll keep at it tomorrow. :)

I cannot believe I get paid to do this shit. Unreal.

[gmcsid]

I cannot believe I get paid to do this shit. Unreal.


:mad:cry:laughing

[silversvs]

Did a lot of work on the bike today. It's coming back -- more importantly, my confidence is there. I toss it in and trust that the techniques I trained with for two weeks will work, and they do.

I'll keep at it tomorrow. :)

I cannot believe I get paid to do this shit. Unreal.

Are ya wearing motor boots and britches? Just getting used to how restricitve they are can change the way you ride for a bit.

Getting paid to ride.........................it doesn't get any better.:thumbup

[antarius]

Silver,

Yes I have all my gear and it is definetly more restrictive. Just forces me off the rear brake. :)

[Rel]

Wow... I thought just practicing for motor school was exhausting... but doing 50 left and 50 right inside a parking stall is brutal.

As SLVR stated,,I use paking stalls to practice ALOT. Quick and easy. Yes it's pretty wide, BUT it's a good opportunity for you to practice your form. Early head turn, counterbalance, eyes up, smooooothness, etc.

Another good practice tip is to balance the bike at stop signs, signals, etc..