Riding one handed?

Perkussion · Post by **Perkussion** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:04 am

Lately I've noticed men riding MCs with one hand.
Their left hand is on their hip with their elbow sticking out.
I was surprised seeing it the first time because of how fast he was riding.
Since then I've seen two more riders doing it.
What's the deal with that?
Is this some new dumb-ass macho thing or have I just never noticed this before?

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:47 am

It isn't new.

In some cases, it may be someone briefly resting their arm during a long ride. But in others it's just "because I can" foolhardiness.

[email protected] · Post by **[email protected]** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:21 am

I call it the capt Morgan stance arrrrrhhh Im a pirate look at me.

CiaoItalia · Post by **CiaoItalia** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:39 am

I live in Wisconsin, just south of Milwaukee (the home of HD) and I swear there must be a law around here that says if you own a Harley you are:
A: Not allowed to wear a helmet (Flaming do-rag or backwards baseball hat is however encouraged)
B: You may only use two hands while shifting

Kurt · Post by **Kurt** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 1:52 pm

Please note that the MSF's Experienced Rider Course includes riding one-handed as part of the class. The instruction is to place the left hand on your left thigh while proceeding through a series of gentle turns.

Riding one-handed for brief periods allows the rider to rest at least that one hand. It's very helpful if you've been working the clutch through stop and go traffic. (I know, most scooters don't have clutches!)

I do this occasionally. As long as the road is visibly clear and the bike isn't vibrating it works fine. Of course it does increase your reaction time and reduce your control of the bike.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:11 pm

I do this ocasionally on long rides, so at least one arm gets a rest. I don't usually ride that way for long periods of time though...

Ray Knobs · Post by **Ray Knobs** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:28 pm

maybe this gesture is to smite you, instead of getting a wave, you get the intentional hand on the hip

djelliott · Post by **djelliott** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:34 pm

Just recently I saw a couple of sport bike guys go down the street no handed. The bikes were still cruising too. Must have some sort of throttle lock. Now that is pure stupid.

ScootStevie · Post by **ScootStevie** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:11 pm

When I was just in Naples, I saw a guy with no gear on. Nothing. No helmet even. Standing up....no hands.

adamshahan · Post by **adamshahan** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:24 pm

I have to take both my hands off the handlebars to text.

djelliott · Post by **djelliott** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:39 pm

adamshahan wrote:I have to take both my hands off the handlebars to text.

Duh, that's why you have feet.

Undeadendless · Post by **Undeadendless** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:39 pm

I couldn't help it....but this guy's got skills....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A

Ray Knobs · Post by **Ray Knobs** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:55 pm

Is that tractor freeway legal?

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:58 pm

Undeadendless wrote:I couldn't help it....but this guy's got skills....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A

naptime · Post by **naptime** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:59 pm

i do the captain morgan too while riding on long straight stretches of road.

i dont see what the problem is?

i also dont wear a helmet or any other gear aside from gloves and riding glasses.

i guess some people are just more comfortable than others are.

my 13 year old daughter doesnt hold on either. not to me or the scoot. she typically sits behind me and texts while were riding . (she however, does wear a helmet)

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:59 pm

i do it myself sometimes, just to rest my hands after gripping on for too long

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 4:22 pm

I ride one handed, also, while on longer rides to give my arm and shoulder a rest. You really don't keep the scooter going in a straight line from holding on to the bars (physics does that) so it is okay to do.

If I am in traffic, have a passenger, or the road is icky, no way, and I ALWAYS am ready to grab the grip if it is necessary.

-v

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 4:48 pm

Undeadendless wrote:I couldn't help it....but this guy's got skills....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A

OMG!!! Insane! But totally funny.

gr8dog · Post by **gr8dog** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 4:49 pm

I ride one handed when I scratch an itch. I also ride one handed when I need to communicate a special message to an inconsiderate driver.

In all seriousness, the gyroscopic effect of the spinning tire causes the tire to remain upright and travel in a straight line until acted upon by another force. The greater the speed of the spinning tire the more powerful the gyroscopic force. So logically, it follows that, if you are going to text safely you should ride as fast as possible.

Wheelz · Post by **Wheelz** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:33 pm

Undeadendless wrote:I couldn't help it....but this guy's got skills....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A

I didn't realize they made recumbent motrcycles

basmith42 · Post by **basmith42** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:40 pm

I rode both handed and white knuckled last night.. for three whole miles.. around my apartment's parking lot..

of course.. our Buddy's just got delivered last night.

We hope to ride on a road sometime this weekend...

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:48 pm

djelliott wrote:Just recently I saw a couple of sport bike guys go down the street no handed. The bikes were still cruising too. Must have some sort of throttle lock. Now that is pure stupid.

My '73 Honda has a throttle lock as part of the original equipment. Part of me will be longing to use on my big ride out to Unadilla next month, but the boring, safe, no-I-don't-want-my-mom-to-get-the-call part of me won't actually use it. That's what a crampbuster is for

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:50 pm

basmith42 wrote:I rode both handed and white knuckled last night.. for three whole miles.. around my apartment's parking lot..

of course.. our Buddy's just got delivered last night.

We hope to ride on a road sometime this weekend...

Excellent! Take your time and have fun. Practice gentle braking going straight (squeezing the lever, never grabbing), gentle turns left and right and figure 8's, graduating to harder braking (still going straight) at slightly faster speeds, and inceasingly tighter turns (always staying in control) as you get more comfortable. Then (IMO) move on to the MSF course!

Welcome aboard! Have fun riding!

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:23 pm

we've got this one wildcard on our North County Meet Up. He likes to drive with NO HANDS. Just like a kid who just learned how do it on a bike. He goes until he almost tips (swerving all over the formation) then "saves" it just before he falls.

I pretty much don't ride if he's going since he's simply dangerous. Last ride, he pulled up between me and a vintage Pseries to tell both us ladies our pipes sounded sexy. C-R-E-E-P-Y as well as dangerous!

So yeah, I'll take one hand to no hands any day

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:06 pm

Undeadendless wrote:I couldn't help it....but this guy's got skills....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A

i've seen this video before, he's GOT MAD SKILLS!!

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:07 pm

A number of advanced-rider schools perform one handed riding exercises. It's mainly to force riders to use all the steering tools at their disposal, including body position, foot pressure and thigh pressure. A highly skilled rider can do amazing things simply by shifting his/her weight. Still, steering quickly and accurately is best accomplished using all the tools, including both grips.

Under normal conditions, riding one-handed is safe. If you have a bike that vibrates a lot, you'll need to remove your hands from the grips from time to time to avoid numbness. If your bars start to oscillate (the dreaded "tank slapper" scenario) you will have a true pucker moment if you only have one hand on the bars but it's probably no more dangerous than a too-tight grip on the bars, which only increases oscillation.

And, of course, there are a number of riders who ride one handed as part of their fashion statement.

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:11 pm

Gotta have one hand free to smoke

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 9:03 pm

djelliott wrote:
adamshahan wrote:I have to take both my hands off the handlebars to text.
Duh, that's why you have feet.

...with opposeable thumbs on them!

ohiotj · Post by **ohiotj** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 9:09 pm

I usually see it with sportbikers. Figured they were resting their hand/arms, since the bike's configuration makes them put more weight on them than a cruiser or standard.

enzomatic · Post by **enzomatic** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:32 am

on longer rides bent over a crotch rocket you need to do that to both rest your hand and straighten your back. It's the closest you get to sitting up w/o letting go with both hands. You'll also see it in traffic so they can get their head up and see what's coming.

Leeroy Jenkins · Post by **Leeroy Jenkins** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 3:13 pm

I do it alot.

I ride no handed occasionally with my cruise control on.

gearhead · Post by **gearhead** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:19 pm

What im going to tell you, make sure you dont miss,
just think about a motorcycle and think about this,
their left hand is always maneuvering the clutch,
but to scooter riders it doesn't seem like much,
during traffic, a mc rider must shift through gears,
to keep up with the erratic pace without hitting someones rear,
the resistance on the clutch lever is pretty strong,
so the rider cant hold it down for long,
as they put their left hand/arm to the test,
they think in their head "when can i rest?",
most mc have bigger wheels and more power,
so with both combined, they ride straighter than ours,
but if we with scoots decide to let go of one handle with speed,
its easier to lose control and crash indeed.

-gearhead poet

skotot · Post by **skotot** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:01 pm

There's a lot of frat boys on campus who ride around with their left hand in their hoodie pocket. Riding with your hand on your leg is one thing, but I doubt you could get your hand out of your pocket fast enough if you need the extra stability... Bet that would equal a broken arm/wrist if you fall.

myras_girls · Post by **myras_girls** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:37 pm

I've always been perplexed when I see someone riding one handed with the left hand on their hip. I always thought they were being somewhat reckless.

But it's true that assumptions about people aren't necessarily true. I had no idea one handed riding techniques were taught in advanced riding classes. And I also always thought riding hunched over on a sport bike looked uncomfortable.

I learn something new every day!

Francois Donadet · Post by **Francois Donadet** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:48 am

Sometimes I forget to snap my messenger bag closed. Around 35 the flap flies open and starts slapping my back so I reach around and I can get the clip on the left side which is enough. I've gotten pretty good at this maneuver.

Major Redneck · Post by **Major Redneck** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:08 am

I'll ride onehanded sometimes to get the bug's out my teeth...

n2tattoos · Post by **n2tattoos** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:46 am

Skootz Kabootz wrote: Excellent! Take your time and have fun. Practice gentle braking going straight (squeezing the lever, never grabbing), gentle turns left and right and figure 8's, graduating to harder braking (still going straight) at slightly faster speeds, and inceasingly tighter turns (always staying in control) as you get more comfortable. Then (IMO) move on to the MSF course!

Welcome aboard! Have fun riding!

how about starting your own msf class?

skeeter · Post by **skeeter** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:15 am

I love this place!!! I own a Harley Ultra Classic; biggest they make and have been riding dirt and road since I was eight years old. It's in my blood and I just love the machines that ask so little but deliver memories of a lifetime. Now let's get real, riding the bikes on the road is dangerous, make no bones about it. I often explain to newbies that they should be scanning the intersections continuously and always expect something to go wrong. Riders schould scan the road and their bike like an aircraft pilot scans his instruments during flight.

It's funny how a previous member described how Harley riders roll down the street with one hand. I admit that I do the same; in fact, I ride with no hands and scoot back near the back seat for longer leg room. That is after setting the cruise controls. The big cruisers are like Cadilacs or riding down the road on your Lazy Boy. Harleys have incredible center balance and it does not take much to stear the bike in and out of lines with the cheeks of your butt! I'm not sure I would try this on my Buddy; but who knows; I will report back later.

But what the members witnessed would described a big bike rider who is getting a little tired and maybe getting sloppy. I good old stretch and breath of fresh air can do a rider good.

It looks cool toooooooooo.

n2tattoos · Post by **n2tattoos** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:28 am

skeeter wrote:I love this place!!! I own a Harley Ultra Classic; biggest they make and have been riding dirt and road since I was eight years old. It's in my blood and I just love the machines that ask so little but deliver memories of a lifetime. Now let's get real, riding the bikes on the road is dangerous, make no bones about it. I often explain to newbies that they should be scanning the intersections continuously and always expect something to go wrong. Riders schould scan the road and their bike like an aircraft pilot scans his instruments during flight.

It's funny how a previous member described how Harley riders roll down the street with one hand. I admit that I do the same; in fact, I ride with no hands and scoot back near the back seat for longer leg room. That is after setting the cruise controls. The big cruisers are like Cadilacs or riding down the road on your Lazy Boy. Harleys have incredible center balance and it does not take much to stear the bike in and out of lines with the cheeks of your butt! I'm not sure I would try this on my Buddy; but who knows; I will report back later.

But what the members witnessed would described a big bike rider who is getting a little tired and maybe getting sloppy. I good old stretch and breath of fresh air can do a rider good.

It looks cool toooooooooo.

um...no.

nevermore · Post by **nevermore** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:28 am

Um...no, what? I thought the post was fine. He said you should ride with two hands, but he has rode one handed.

Yea, he said it looked cool....well it was his opinion...maybe even a sarcastic one..I don't know.

My friend Dave is a great rider, and the best (most dangerous for all you conservative folks) was standing up on his Stella, with no hands. I wish I could have got a picture of it.

That being said. Yea, I will ride one handed sometimes. Gotta realize that vintage and classic scooters, don't have the brake on the left, its the clutch.

Marty

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:50 am

Are we really wasting riding time on this subject still? If a bike is centered and balanced well, it'll track straight for a long time down the road without a grip on the handlebars.

Some riders think this is showing off, others just trust their ride.

As far as waving is concerned... get over it. Some will wave, some will not. If someone's resting their hand and chooses not to wave, it's not a slight towards you. They're just resting their hands. Not everyone is your friend. Sure there's a certain camaraderie among riders, but once I start seeing 15+ bikes on my ride to work, I'll resort to the head nod or nothing. Focus on the road is more important to me. In the winter-time, I'll throw out the peace sign cause those folks are hard-core. I averaged 1-3 a week.

But if you're taking offense because a complete stranger is not acknowledging your greatness just because you're on two wheels, you need to re-evaluate your self worth.

I'm not saying you're not awesome, but I am saying that you're wasting your attention on matters that are distracting you from enjoying the ride.

Animaetrix00 · Post by **Animaetrix00** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:49 pm

Hahahaha, I was wondering what the one handed thing was all about. I just noticed it recently, too.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:25 am

I thought I've seen it all on bikes, until this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY4HNXklUbw

super-mans, extended wheelies, and riding backwards on the E-way

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:55 pm

Lostmycage wrote:Are we really wasting riding time on this subject still? If a bike is centered and balanced well, it'll track straight for a long time down the road without a grip on the handlebars.

Some riders think this is showing off, others just trust their ride.

As far as waving is concerned... get over it. Some will wave, some will not. If someone's resting their hand and chooses not to wave, it's not a slight towards you. They're just resting their hands. Not everyone is your friend. Sure there's a certain camaraderie among riders, but once I start seeing 15+ bikes on my ride to work, I'll resort to the head nod or nothing. Focus on the road is more important to me. In the winter-time, I'll throw out the peace sign cause those folks are hard-core. I averaged 1-3 a week.

But if you're taking offense because a complete stranger is not acknowledging your greatness just because you're on two wheels, you need to re-evaluate your self worth.

I'm not saying you're not awesome, but I am saying that you're wasting your attention on matters that are distracting you from enjoying the ride.

+2

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:34 pm

Lostmycage wrote:...But if you're taking offense because a complete stranger is not acknowledging your greatness...

You need to remember that not all people can see through your Bubble of Awesome®!