Can you come to a complete stop without putting a foot down?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 987
From: San Diego, CA
Can you come to a complete stop without putting a foot down?
Every time I ride, I'm practicing something.
When I'm in bumper-to-bumper traffic or waiting in line at a stop sign, I try going as slow as I can, and usually never have to put my foot down, even though I see other riders doing so.
But coming to a complete stop seems tough, maybe impossible. Obviously the bike will fall over if you stop for too long, but I'd like to think I can do it.
Now if there's a cop there, I'm putting my foot down regardless, because I know that's one of the things they look for.
I've seen guys on bicycles sit there for 5-10 seconds and balance the bike while stopped.
When I'm in bumper-to-bumper traffic or waiting in line at a stop sign, I try going as slow as I can, and usually never have to put my foot down, even though I see other riders doing so.
But coming to a complete stop seems tough, maybe impossible. Obviously the bike will fall over if you stop for too long, but I'd like to think I can do it.
Now if there's a cop there, I'm putting my foot down regardless, because I know that's one of the things they look for.
I've seen guys on bicycles sit there for 5-10 seconds and balance the bike while stopped.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 818
From: Thornwood, NY
I can usually stop without touching for a few seconds... but once I feel it going one way or the other feet down as fast as possible... nothing would make you look more stupid than dropping that bike in traffic and possibly asking someone for help to get it back up!!!
J.
J.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 358
stop quick, use the forward backward rocking motion to keep you from going side to side. i can hit a stop sign and sit there long enough to please a cop with out putting a foot down.
when you try to come to a gradual slow stop you are more likely to go over sideways cuz its hard to keep the bike steady up at ultra low speeds. especially on something that doesnt have much front tire side to side movement.
also when your new to doing it stand up while your doing it. it helps.
when you try to come to a gradual slow stop you are more likely to go over sideways cuz its hard to keep the bike steady up at ultra low speeds. especially on something that doesnt have much front tire side to side movement.
also when your new to doing it stand up while your doing it. it helps.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
I have the same interests in keeping attention down the road not about the stop. There was (is) a competition at the Sturgis event where the longest rider at a dead stop that keeps his feet off the ground wins the trophy. Don't quote me but I think the last winner was in the 5 minute mark. I wiggle around in the lane a little at low speeds but it's only looking for a way to get out front once the light goes green. I hate cagers. And it keeps my tires warm. 
On a Jonda, or a Hondo...
Squid
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 62
From: Fort Bragg/Fayetteville... for now
Lol, I can't wait to get my bike back from the Army shippers now that I'm finally moved down to San Antonio and done with the military thing. About balancing at a stop I don't have enough experience on my bike to do it for very long yet, but given enough practice I'll bet I can do it for quite a while, long enough for a complete stop definitely.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 714
From: Fredericksburg, VA
I'm good for a few (couple) seconds. If I can ever so slowly move with a little clutch/rear brake action I'm good. Something I learned from a motor cop. For those who can do it for a long time, how the hell do you? What's the secret?
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
A friend of mine got a ticket about 25 years ago on his 750 Interceptor for not coming to a full stop at a stop sign. He went to court on it, and the cop said "you didn't put your feet down, therefore you didn't stop". He told the judge "I can come to a complete stop without putting my feet down". He won.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 287
From: Brooklyn, CT
Just good balance. I used to practice on a mountain bike. Could hold it up for 5-10 minutes.
Senior Member
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 809
From: North Wales, PA
I can do it for a while. I practice cause I like to freak people out when they are behind me and see me stop but...what's holding him up?? especially other bikers. once you are stopped, if you feel like you're gonna lose it, just let yourself creep forway just a tiny bit. the tiny forward motion while reset your center of balance and will help you stay up.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 507
From: Arizona
I think it has to do with your tire condition as well. With The flat spots I had on my old tires i could hold it longer. My new tires are so rounded it's pretty difficult. The guy at sturgis probably had a 300 series tire, in fact he could have had the air out of it as well, he may have been able to get off the bike and go get a beer and come back to his bike still standing, lol
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,864
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Good point. Over here in Indiana if you don't put your foot down then you technically haven't stopped yet. Even if you balance motionless for 10-15 seconds, if you don't touch your foot to the ground you could be written up for failure to yield.
I can balance for an instant but not much longer. I like to slightly bump the clutch when at a traffic light. You get some weird stares because it looks like you are stopped without touching.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 758
absolutely. for lengths of time is when it gets tough. clearly you havent seen unbeatable banzuke, or you would have seen the super rider challenge. the guys on there bicycles on that show can stay still as long as they want standing on the pegs. crazy asians.
Member
Squid
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 97
From: San Diego
i do it all the time on my road bicycle. its easy after practice and super easy on an incline where you can rock forward and backward. i have to have the front wheel cocked over about 30 degrees to do it. its even easier on a fixed gear (track) bicycle as you can move forward and backward using the pedals (no incline required). do you guys maintain the front wheel straight ahead when doing it on a motorcycle?
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,864
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Turning the front wheel a bit seems to help. Just be careful not to 'over-do' it because it can be difficult to recover. I try not to be a hero, when it starts to go I just put my foot down.
