The CB1100 Community Forum

Has anybody been able to ride a slow eight on his CB with just one hand on the bar ? If not, why not ?

Or her CB?

My answer is no, but I’ve never tried.

Yes, and I don't know why. Eventually it is something I do with all the bikes I own.

Yes, condition: after 5-6 beer, I think I did, foggy pic in my memory

Like Cormanus I have never tried

(10-23-2022, 06:15 AM)The Gecko_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Has anybody been able to ride a slow eight on his CB with just one hand on the bar ? If not, why not ?

Well, I was practicing slow eights when my high-idle started, and I am still not convinced that it was not somehow related.
When I do them, my left hand is modulating the clutch to control my speed, and my right hand is regulating the throttle, both of which I find essential, so I am wondering which you would take off?

First of all, I can't do it .... properly and repeatedly ... yet
The CB can easily move on idle in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd (equal ~ 5, 10 or 15 mph). So the throttle isn't needed. Go in first, release the clutch, let the speed settle, start practicing your first turns. With the clutch you control speed, if you need to brake (I don't see why) that's with your foot brake - but that intrduces instability. That answers your question. one can do it with your left hand, the right hand off (hovering over the handle bar for safety). It ain't easy, but I think if teaches you a few lessons.
Nothing to boast about, just a lot of fun.

(10-23-2022, 07:20 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Yes, and I don't know why. Eventually it is something I do with all the bikes I own.

ending up flat on your nose ?

(10-23-2022, 07:30 PM)The Gecko_imp Wrote: [ -> ]First of all, I can't do it .... properly and repeatedly ... yet
The CB can easily move on idle in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd (equal ~ 5, 10 or 15 mph). So the throttle isn't needed. Go in first, release the clutch, let the speed settle, start practicing your first turns. With the clutch you control speed, if you need to brake (I don't see why) that's with your foot brake - but that intrduces instability. That answers your question. one can do it with your left hand, the right hand off (hovering over the handle bar for safety). It ain't easy, but I think if teaches you a few lessons.
Nothing to boast about, just a lot of fun.

(10-23-2022, 07:20 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Yes, and I don't know why. Eventually it is something I do with all the bikes I own.

ending up flat on your nose ?

ending up flat on your nose ?

I find the rear brake is key to modulating all low speed maneuvers. Depending on the bike, no change in clutch and feather the throttle, as required - or no throttle change and modulate the clutch carefully. In general, it is typical to have both hands ready for action as well as the foot brake ready to go. The hand brake sees almost no action unless it is a straight line brake. If the bike is powerful enough, engaged in second gear may smooth out the experience.

Never dropped a machine in slow speed maneuvers. My bikes have dropped in slow speed maneuvers being manually pushed, but not by me.

I do the same thing, stab the rear brake to control forward motion while modulating clutch/throttle

Most of the Ducati’s I’ve owned or ridden had very light rotating assemblies and minimal flywheel effect which would prohibit such maneuvers.

I don't do slow turn practice with one hand. I pretty much never ride one-handed, unless I'm going at a moderate speed with no traffic and I'll take my left hand off the grip to give it a rest.