Slow control skills (CBT)

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Slow control is essential to road safety

Slow control skills are essential to road safety and come into play in a wide variety of riding scenarios. Whilst in slow moving or queued traffic – slow control through mastery of the clutch, throttle, gears and rear brake is essential. Likewise, approaching and navigating busy road junctions demands slow control proficiency. Other situations where slow control is required include – filtering, riding in congestion, riding/pulling away on an incline, riding in car parks and generally any situation where safety dictates it.

Fine clutch control is required

This skill requires the novice rider to become confident in controlling the speed and forward movement of the motorcycle by feathering the clutch to maintain biting point – this requires fine clutch control, where the clutch is ‘held’ midway between being engaged and disengaged. The throttle is maintained with more revs than are required, to give sufficient power to the engine to stop it from stalling. The rear brake can be used to slow the speed of the bike as required.

Slow control is usually walking speed

Slow control riding is usually at walking speed and generally around 3-4 mph. Any slower than this and novice riders will experience balance issues. Any faster and the rider will be relying on the throttle to control the speed of the bike versus using the correct balance of clutch, throttle and rear brake. Use the following to aid slow control:

Clutch – on the clutch bite to control the speed
Throttle – to stop the engine from stalling
Rear brake – to slow the machine if travelling too fast
Left foot – only needed to engage first gear to pull away
Head position – looking up for balance & stability
Front brake – do not use when undergoing slow control