Trials riders (or anyone, really) input please

[pscook]

I am working on balance on a motorbike. I don't own a trials machine, and my XC300 is a wee heavy and tall for this, so I am using an XR100. I am working on dead-engine balancing in my garage, but it's so difficult (at the moment) that I am wondering if I am going about it the wrong way.

Here's my question- Should I start with dead engine practice, or slow riding as my beginning? I have a small patio out back that is perfect for a figure eight set up, and the bike is dead silent. What provides the best rewards: dead engine or slow moving practice? Any good instructional videos available online?

If this is anything like an oil weight, oil mixture, oil brand, tire brand, tire type, tire pressure, or other charged debate, sorry. I couldn't find anything anywhere to steer me in any direction. Plus, my little girl is sick, it's raining, and mama doesn't get home until this evening. So I'm housebound and bored, too.