Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Could anyone give me a few tips on how to handle a motorcycle at very slow speeds? I've been riding for only about three weeks. I'm signed up for the training class in three weeks. But in the meantime...
Which foot should come down when the bike comes to a stop? I've always read the left foot should come down, but that really feels unnatural for some reason. I'm left handed and apparently right footed. I've ridden a bicycle for years, and have always used my right foot. Also, I had a situation this evening where traffic was backed up at a four way stop, so I'd inch up, stop, inch up again, stop... it wasn't pretty. Left foot one time, right foot the next, a little weaving inbetween, I was never in any trouble, but I looked like, well, a rookie. What's the best way to handle the bike at those kinds of speeds?

Personally, I come to a complete stop and then flatfoot with both feet. There's no reason to come down on just one, especially if you're having trouble with it.

As far as riding at slow speeds, you simply need to feather the throttle and clutch so they're working smoothly and not hurky-jerky, and just balance. If you have a short wheel-base and/or your bike is top heavy, it can be more difficult.

Under normal circumstances, generally the left foot comes down because the right foot goes on the brake.

If you are having problems, practice some slow speed riding in a parking lot.

Slow speed riding is all about the back brake. Practice in some open space in first gear, back foot on the brake and using the clutch so the engine is working a little against the brake. This helps your momentum which gives you better balance.
I do a ton of slow speed riding at work and am able to bring the bike to a complete standstill with both feet up as I put the mail into letter boxes. I really shouldn't do that, but I enjoy the challenge.

Another quick question... should you use your heel or toe to engage the rear brake?

Use the ball of your foot. You have a lot more control and if your foot slips forward or back it will still stay on the brake lever.

It's about balance and since your a relatively new rider, it may take you a bit to get used to stopping correctly. If your bike has a slight lean to it one way or another when your going that slow and stopping, the leg that is on the lean side is the one that comes down. you may not even be able to stop straight each and everytime due to some road hazard or garbage in your path. In normal situations i tend to drop my left foot first keeping my right foot on the brake. especially if i'm stopped on a grade. i prefer to use the back brake over the front in these situations.

Practice, practice, practice, I find if I go against my instincts I get it wrong, sometimes the road cambers this way or that way and you end up using different feet. Both feet is good as long as you have stopped first.

Listen to everyone who's commented already.

However, the nature of your questions thus far make it seem like you haven't taken a motorcycle safety course. Might I recommend that if you haven't done so, that you certainly do so. It is worth the money -- it is amazing what becomes instinct after just one weekend of proper instruction. It will make you better at all kinds of maneuvers, including slow speed handling, will lower your insurance premiums, and it will save your life.