3 Mistakes New Riders Make On The Highway 

"Nobody ever says I didn't hear the bike, people always say I didn't see the bike" - such a good way to think, pretend you're invisible.

On the 3rd point, my goal is to stay away from cars whenever and however possible. Sometimes it means going slightly faster than other vehicles. Sometimes it's going slower and letting others pass me. Other times I will go the same speed as traffic as long as I have a clearing, or plenty of distance in front and behind me from other vehicles. Going faster than other vehicles isn't always the safest option. It all depends on traffic and road conditions, day or night, weather, etc.

Great video for beginners, thanks! I would add that the shoulder check you did is tough and dangerous for most beginners. Mastering, not swerving when you twist and turn your head, let go of bar, is a challenge for them. I recommend blindspot mirrors too. Practising a quick peak over the shoulder and back, without letting go of the bar, is good for beginners.

I’m a beginner and getting ready to take the safety course. I’ve been riding a slow speeds just around my local neighborhood, which is in the country, so I don’t “have to worry” as much about people. Every intersection is visible (I’m in the flat parts of Texas) so I can see them coming. Im trying to soak of as much advice as I can, watching instructional videos, and trying to low speed maneuvers to prepare for the motorcycle safety course. Your 3 main points, I already do while I’m in my car. I do use the mirrors to a certain degree (even my dmv instructor said to use the mirrors a little more), but I usually rely on turning to see if a lane is clear and where everyone is. I try to be active in watching traffic and watch the traffic ahead of the car in front of me. Saved me numerous times doing that.

You can also "slow out" of bunch traffic or speed up to stay ahead of clumps. Ride for placement in the gaps because all freeway traffic has a pulse.

I literally head check anytime I change lanes, merge, turn, I also try to stay in peoples mirrors. My bike is a DR650, going 75 miles an hour is the absolute limit for that bike while still handling well, so I generally avoid highways anyway.

My old driving instructor taught me to assess the traffic on the highway BEFORE entering, so while still in the curve entering the merge lane. Advantage being you only have to look slighty to the left (not all the way behind you) to get a feel for the situation and there's still time to adjust before even beginning to merge. The turning your head before actually switching lanes still applies of course.

One small hint on that topic, when changing lanes, open throttle a bit. Keeping throttle steady while switching lanes makes you actually slow down a bit, no bueno if there is a car close enough behind you.

For the exact reasons given in this video and several other recent videos, i've always instinctively driven about 3-5mph faster than flow. Car, truck, minivan, motorcycle, whatever; It solves so many potential problems.

You are so right! I used to have 100 mile daily commute on my Street Triple, all highway. In order to get out of a trucks blind spot and slipstream one day I passed him. The truck was going 90 mph, remaining highway traffic about 80. Open bed pickup lost a metal switch box out the back that went flying past my full face helmet about 6 inches to my left at eye level. Highway riding is just another wonderful challenge. Good to have you back!

The only thing loud pipes do is let people hear you AFTER you past them. The sound waves are going back behind you not forward away from you. So a person in a car with the radio on inside in a vehicle designed to minimize sound from outside will not hear those “loud pipes” until you are past them.

Great tips! I would add lane positioning, always ride 3/4 to the left or to the right of the lane, first off there’s usually dirt oil fluids and debris un the center of the lanes, second there could be an object cars are going over and you won’t notice until you hit it and third it will make you more visible for the vehicles riding y that lane and the ones on the closest lane you’re in. Ride safe!

No BS straight to the point and makes sense. Thanks

In the uk looking over your shoulder is called a lifesaver for a reason.....and if you don't do these during your test you aren't passing your test

Lol seems like you're really enjoying the new bike man. I feel like this bike rejuvenated you and your content :) I really liked your point about always being slightly faster than the flow of traffic. How it perfectly balances your goals of the ride + safety and visibility. I feel safest on an open highway, going however fast I please. It's when traffic backs up, and you're not taking new ground, everyone is going the speed limit on the dot and everyone is getting closer...closer...closer to each other and frustrated... and here you are in the mix of it. In Arizona we are finally legally allowed to filter/split (whichever one) at the red light, so long as the road is 45mph or less. So in town. HUGE help for safety. I don't have to deal with all that anymore, I just zoom up away from everyone from the get-go. I really hope motorcyclists in my state behave and this goes well overall and it gets opened up further to be like California. It's the only thing I wan't from CA lol (politically... you guys got some amazing roads around San Diego though!)... It would be amazing to not be paranoid to cut traffic on the highway.

A) it’s perfectly fine to stick to the speed limit, simply be aware of other drivers wanting to pass you faster and stay in the appropriate lane. Not all bikes are litre bikes…. Try taking a 250 on a highway uphill lol. B) Loud pipes are highly useful when filtering or lane splitting at lower speeds, it helps ‘announce’ your presence and drivers generally move to give you room (not talking decat loud, just baffle). C) I always always always check my blind spot. Even if I’ve watched the mirror the last 10 miles and nobody has been there. It’s building muscle memory more than anything else, and it only takes one time… The biggest risk? Other bikers flying up into your blind spot - it happens fast.

Checking behind you is called shoulder checking, that's the first thing i was taught when i started riding back in the seventies, i find it is the one most important thing to learn on a bike.

Glad you got the comments back. You and the channel called Be your own boss of your motorcycle have given me so much knowledge and I apply it. I use your teachings every day and practice. thank you for giving me this information.

One of the best vids yet for people that ride on the highway. I've heard these tips before and use them. They have saved my life.

You are absolutely right, but about loud pipes... in my opinion not so much. Of course, when everyone is driving fast, no one can hear you, but when you are standing at the intersection, they can. More than once I have seen people turn their heads and look for me because they suddenly realize that they hear my bike. And that's good.

Point 3 is really good, I'm not sure it's about speed necessarily, but I make it my business to be noticed by everyone. I ride where people can see me, I don't hide at the end of the road, I own my lane and my place on the road. I don't know if loud pipes save lives, but I just got a louder pipe fitted and my wife was following me in the car to and from the workshop, and after fitting she said she could suddenly hear that there was a motorcycle around. I'm happy to increase people's awareness of me even a little.

Biggest thing for me, if you are just going with the flow, sit in a position that you can see them in their own mirror. Works on group rides also

Eddie. Thanks for the great videos. I ride a Honda Shadow VTX on the highways. I think the last point you made about the muffler is absolutely true. Even on a Bike, I don't hear or see the sports bikes until they are already in front of me. The Doppler Effect is real. I'd rather be seen than heard when it comes to riding.

I do all three! Yay! I started riding a year and six months ago. I used to be scared to drive on the freeway, but now I prefer it way more than the streets. 😊

Totally agree with all the points here! Even in a car, I think one of the reasons I've never had a crash in my 20 years of driving is because I always try to remain visible by driving a bright car and going a bit faster than others so as not to be in their blind spots. I get speeding tickets sometimes because of it but it's worth it for safety. The claim that "speed kills" is the dumbest myth. Almost any speed can kill but speed alone is not the culprit and going slower than everyone else can be downright dangerous! It's drivers not paying attention, being stupid or reckless, and not having an escape route that causes accidents.

The point about “riding slightly faster than the general traffic” is a huge one. I shared it with the parliamentary road safety committee at a parliamentary inquiry in my state, and why that was beneficial, and stated that riders serve their safety first and the law second, and it blew minds. Non riders don’t have a clue.

Great advice for beginners; good reinforcement for veteran riders.

Good stuff! I figured out the "ride faster than the cars else" many years ago. It's really good advice! And yes, the loud pipes thing is absurd as far as any sort of safety is concerned. Probably the opposite - it annoys people...and road rage is quite the thing nowadays! ;)

Not even a rider yet but in about 6 months I will be, straight to the point, clear and upbeat personality AND doesn’t ask for a like. Got a like and a subscriber

Wow! Thank you. Under 6 minutes, very direct. Love it & give me more bite size safety stuff.

That was the moment when I first moved on highway (autobahn) and my bike was not fast enough to make easy take overs which is 200 cc.I realized, it was good decision to buy that bike for a beginner but not for long distances or else.I am still learning, practicing, will always keep your advices when I get a bigger bike and hit to the adventure rides.

Ok ... here's a couple more. When passing a car don't do so right up next to them as done here at 2:35! There is no margin for escape. Also, don't accelerate past a car while a car on your left is passing you as they won't see you when they change back to your lane as done here at 2:00.

Thanks for the advice! Very important! I need this one I am a beginner rider and thanks again!

Best bike tips on RU-vid...love MotoJitsu's videos.

Going faster than the other cars is also dangerous, specially if the right lane is slower and drivers start to get nervous. Most likely someone will suddenly invade your lane. Being next and just behind the car can leave you without any room to maneuver. Sometimes I think is better to go slower if possible and to the left of your lane, far enough so you are still visible. I guess every situation calls adaptation.

I agree with the go a little quicker than cars around us. Except in SoCal, I can usually find open spaces in between packs of cars on the highway, and I ride there.

Once again, good advice! I'm always a bit nervous when riding but that keeps me awake and aware.

Agree the shoulder check (a life saver in uk) is a must. However, don’t forget to scan ahead for traffic flow and any road debris. I only make a quick glance keeping both hands on bars as I am much more interested in what is happening ahead. Your joining lane might have slowed considerably or an item may be in the road. Have a look at a recent post (in America) of a GS rider looking over his shoulder only to then hit a car battery that sent him flying through the air. My point exactly.

The last tip was the most important, as a motorcyclist increasing your visibility is the best thing one can do. One thing I always do is check my mirrors before riding away. As a rule of thumb I adjust my right mirror to a location where I could see the border or my right arm at the left edge of mirror, that way I can see the traffic to my right better, similarly for the left side. However I am not a big fan of turning your head completely to look at traffic while merging. Instead I move a bit in my saddle tobthe opposite side to increase field of view of my motorcycle mirror without losing sight of what's in front. You must be aware of car drivers blind spots, and try to either avoid them or move past them quickly. This is more important for trucks and buses or large load carrying vehicles. Overall good suggestions.

Great video! Your advice is always spot on.

love these vids man , even though i’ve been riding for 3 years i almost always learn something new watching these

I actually happen to have the kind of mirrors on my current motorbike that when adjusted properly show cars that are next to me until they enter my peripheral vision, so my only blind spot is directly behind me. In my previous bikes I didn't have mirrors like that so I installed those little wide angle blind spot mirrors on their mirrors. I think it's better not having to turn your head when changing lanes because then you can simultaneously keep what's ahead of you within your vision, assuming you can see enough from your mirrors. I feel a bit paranoid whenever I'm not looking where I'm going.

Loving your recent uploads. Short, sharp and informative

Took a ride today on my Aprilia TUONO V4 1100 and I wanna THANK YOU for these tips. It was a whole new safe feeling today . THANK YOU. U REALLY MADE ME A BETTER RIDER

As an older rider taking up riding again (Honda CB919), I like to filter where it's safe and that puts you in clear space when you take off from lights etc. Cars and lorries tend to group up and getting out in front of that group gives you space to be seen as Craig says.

Its harder to see whats coming at you from behind than from in front. Going a little faster means that youre not backing through traffic. Strong advice.

Greg, all points you made are 100% correct. These are the principles I followed from beginning riding motorcycles way back 60 years ago. And my R1 makes it so easy to stay safe.

My favorite phrase in relation to #1 is "Mirrors can only say NO" Once you get its meaning, especially as a rider, actually using your eyes to confirm it is safe becomes a habit. On #3, I totally agree and what I recommend and do is always be noticeable. Status Quo riding is bad for the rider. This is why I had the most number of close calls when I was riding in the middle of the road at the same speed as the traffic around me. Be noticeable, stand out, lane sharing actually helps too but going a little faster and even weaving in the same lane couple of feet to left and right every 5-8 seconds help a lot too. Irregular moves/motion does stand out, and that is a good thing for the mc rider which also directly helps with #2 on his list.

All excellent tips, great advice & love the 750!

The exhaust myth thing only works at low speed. Was on the highway in a convertible yesterday with the top down behind a truck with the muffler and cats cut off. Straight pipe was unbelievably loud. As soon as we were more than 2 car lengths in front of him, couldn't hear him at all. At speed, no one in front of you can hear your exhaust, no matter how loud it is. That truck was louder than any motorcycle I've ever heard. Illegal level of sound. Still couldn't hear it from the front

Thank you for your tutorials and tips riding for me is always a learning experience no matter how long or experienced rider you are. Please continue creating videos kudos to your channel I am not a Marine, but Semper Fidelis

Man the gixxer sounds great! Thanks for the video

Good video! I live in San Diego and have only been riding over a year, but still don't really feel comfortable on the freeways - maybe the 52 when it's empty. My bike is a naked so I get plenty of wind blast at 80-mph which I think doesn't help with being comfortable for long stretches.

excellent advice much thanks!👍

Thank you for the tips ❤

1:18 here in Europe pretty much every new car for the past few years has as base equipment the blindspot indicator in the mirrors. It's a little triangle icon displayed in the upper corner on the mirror itself. You can clearly see it from your bike, and has made me aware of how often i place myself there. It has really been an eye opener for me.

As an Australian, "policing" of speed limits (and penalties) is ridiculous. For example, 12 mph over the speed limit is a $998.00 fine and 5 'demerit' points (12 within 3 years = loss of licence). Oh, they DOUBLE penalties during public holidays - 12 mph over the speed limit during Easter would be a $1,996.00 fine and 10 demerit points. 20 mph over the speed limit is "speed dangerous" - immediate disqualification of licence (I don't know the fine offhand). I haven't ridden a motorbike - ever - I'm just "doing some research" in preparation, with the idea of buying a Honda XR150L ($4,898 AUD). Thank you for posting videos which are a GREAT help to the newbies :)

I’ve only been riding for seven years, but I tell you what even when I’m in my car I don’t hear a fire engine until it’s within range and I’m pretty sure that’s louder than a motorcycle. I agree with the visibility.

hi motojitsu, ur videos are really great, i enjoy watching it. is it possible that u can do a vid on ur camera placements? that would be so nice. appreciate ur content! keep it up man!

I actually did think a few times: I did not hear the bike. It was in a traffic jam, motorcycles were lanesplitting (which, good for them), but as one does in a traffic jam, I zoned out and got completely jumpscared by a motorcycle very close to my car. When lanesplitting in a traffic jam (with 20-50 km/h) it is actually useful I think to be able to hear the bike coming. I don't really think it saves life (if I wanted to change lanes, I always check my mirrors and blilndspot before changing), BUT, it does give car drivers the chance to move over a bit, make room, or not jumpscare them.

Even though i'm not a real biker ( riding a Yamaha Tricity with a car license ) i always look over the shoulder to make sure that it's safe for me to merge. Now there is also one thing because if you look over your shoulder and no car is there, i always check the mirror once again. It happend a couple of times that a car comes up with a lot of speed and suddenly was there in the spot i want to merge to. I also take the time to shift to another lane, using the blinkers every time. It sounds pretty lame and like "riding like an old man" but i don't want to crash. Just wanted to share this little thing. Thanks man for the great information and helpful tips.

Great tips. Thank you

In for two and a half out of three. I’m a flow of the pack rider. So if I’m in a pack of nutters, then I’ll either change lanes to slow down or speed up to join another pack. And if I don’t like that pack, or I’m getting lazy, then I’ll speed up for the next group. What I don’t like is constantly passing drivers -seems like another roll of the dice each time that I’ll miss a detail (this driver just entered the road way and they want the fast lane) or a nutter who hates to be passed. But I’m also not a racer. I’m a cruzer. Peace!

Great tips. As an older rider I can add to your first tip about checking your blind spot - stretch before riding. Do those neck and back stretches so you’re limbered up. That second tip is really important with 18 Wheelers. Hold back until the car in front of you is past it, then accelerate past the Semi as fast as you can. Stay safe everyone !

Succinct, helpful video. Excellent as always. Thanks.

I also frequently move around in the lane just so people behind me know that I'm not a car with one broken taillight. As for the blindspot, I'm on the inside then move away to the other edge of the lane as I'm overtaking; just in case the driver wants to merge. Most importantly, I always shift down and rev bomb the heck out of the bike as a goodwill gesture to the cop hiding under the bridge. 😅

With thanks all the way from UK, all make sense 👍

Hello from Devon, in the old country. I'm 90 years old an got an old AJS 16ms. Father bought him new in 1956. He's a very loud bike. Often people tells me to quiet him down. I don't because most people who live near me is almost blind and drive old land rovers. Fathers philosophy in life was it's important to be seen and heard. Otherwise people forget you're there. Many Thanks, Bertie

some great tips in the video, awesome job! for who ever reads this, its been said prob 1000 times i will say it again, treat every situation like its your responsibility, dont let others dictate your reaction but act before hand while anticipating that others will not adhere to the road signs or right of way or even common sense, cover your brakes, keep distance be aware of crossings esp if you are thinking of overtaking etc etc and repeat .. be safe & enjoy

great advices !!!

Thank you about the loud pipes part. As a trucker with 2 million miles all it does is spook me. Because all the guys with loud pipes think they can drive however and everyone will notice them. So they pop out from behind my trailer on the right and stay there.

Excellent as always.

I hear people tell me so many myths about riding. They say and that speed kills etc… someone said a guy was pressed against the guardrail by a semi. Don’t ride in the blind spot of a semi and use vision and lines escape paths practice fast braking counter steering. So thank you motojitsu for the reminders because you are helping save lives and us riders enjoy the ride. Nice Suzuki by the way I love mine. Can you do a video about driving different engine sizes for new riders because I started out on a 650 and would have probably killed myself on one bigger.

Great video as always. All good and valid points. However, in Nigeria, traffic can be lawless and very intense; having a loud bike amplifies your presence. So, here, (I don't know about your place), here in Nigeria, loud pipes saves you. We take the course, we wear the gear, we ride defensively and we also have the loud pipes. As you go through traffic, you create a path for your bike using your loud exhaust almost like a horn. Even while in blind spots, the sound of your bike places you in the subconscious of other commuters. So, even if they don't see you, they become more weary that you are around.

I actually added blind spot mini mirrors on my aprilia rs660 and it works great, my airbag and helmet don't let me turn around that much, plus in case of emergency lane changes it helps a lot. Ive had people laugh at it but I don't care.

One thing to note about loud pipes: it keeps tailgaters away. I've noticed cars stay far back behind me probably because it's annoyingly loud for them.

Great advice!

Thanks for the video.

I have an electric bike, and random people say "it's less safe because drivers can not hear you". I always reply that if you use a legal exhaust (i live in Europe) they can't hear you anyways since they are pretty quite and cars are built to be quite inside (plus drivers have radio on or something else); and also, even with a lout exhaust, drivers only hear you when you pass them, not before. The exhaust noise just blends with the rest of the traffic noise and probably gives the bike rider a false sense of security that will increase the chances of a crash. With my quiet electric bike, I ride more carefully since I feel super stealthy, like Batman.

I went one step further, high viz FTW! I sometimes see people point and smile but hey, they see me haha! I've even seen some Harley guys wear high viz around here. Kudos!

All true, especially visibility with the helmet, bike and lights. If the freeway especially is pushing 85 +, I tend to get out of the way if possible.

I agree with everything except that if there is no traffic I sometimes will stick to speed limit and just chill, if traffic catches up behind me then I speed up to keep good distance between me and the cars. About 4 years ago I didn't check my blind spot and almost collided into a car that was in the lane next to me, luckily I saw it last second and swerved back into my lane, ever since that incident I'm super vigilant on my blind spots, head on a swivel lol.

Loud pipes do save lives. I drive both cars and bikes. While I drive, I hear the bike before I even see the bike thus giving me a chance to move over for them. On the flip side, I don’t notice bikes with stock pipes until they pass me most of the time. And keep in mind I check mirrors OFTEN. While I ride, cars do not move over to let me pass as often when I have high beams on as compared to when I have my DB killers removed. Saying loud pipes do not help is simply false. Sound is one of our senses just as is sight. It is another factor that plays into whether or not we are noticed. In any case, ride safe yall. 🤙🏼

Awesome tips that I've been living by for years...rode back from Phillip Island Superbikes weekend just gone and practiced all these techniques, great advice to add to our skillsets, cheers👍🇦🇺🏍

Point number 4: Don’t have discussions on your go- pro and use hands to talk. Pay attention and stay focused. Also use those turn signals

My two cents; on fast two lane roads with passing zones, it’s not a bad idea to check behind you before passing someone in case there’s someone coming up fast from behind who also intends to pass.

Glad to see comments again. Great points. One major problem I see with learning and using safety techniques is the increasing frustration in watching other riders not even attempt to use them. I made it a game to see if any cruiser rider in my area wears a helmet. Its a low number. You know if they are not even willing to wear a helmet, they certainly aren't thinking about the best way to navigate traffic or avoid obstacles.

Hey Moto, I had a question about upgrade path for a sport bike after 1 year or 2 after progressing my msf courses and so on. I started on a 84 Honda Shadow vt500c despite wanting a sport bike like a r3 or cbr300 i chose to go used route vs buying new since i knew i would drop it whilst learning. What would you recommend i switch too ive been looking into the r7, cbr 650r, and zx6r.

Nice MotoJitsu, Got some Ideas, on Riding on a Highway.👍

Any reccs for riding classes in CO? Thanks man, you're crushing it.

I've been riding motorcycles since 1980, and I agree with everything you said!!! Loud pipes are sure to see you labeled as annoyance.

One thing though. As a scooter rider who was forced to drive hi wife to work 2 up over mountains while her car car was in the shop. When you're slower than everything on the road people just pass you and you're left as the only thing on the road. No need to speed. People tend to travel in packs, if you're left behind no one will care.

Good tips that I lived on for years of riding. Also, along that I ride with my High Beams on in day light. I want them to see me being I have a small profile on the interstate and normal roads as well.

Another great video my brother 💯 love the bike BTW 👍👍👍

You need to adjust lane position and speed to find clear road....like flying vfr.

I turn my head for lane changes in my car, too. It's amazing how people will stay in your blind spot regardless of your speed. Trying to avoid the radar, I guess. If a Psych student wants to use that for a thesis: it's on me.

if you go faster (I don't mean like an idiot), when things get ugly you're already not there, that's my moto and it has served me well on nearly 30 years of riding. On the blindspots, the more cars have the blindspot detection system the better. I don't even care if drivers use it or even know what that is, but for me, if that light on their mirror is on, I know they're not seeing me for sure which helps or even reminding me, that I have to get out of there.

Great Tips for beginners.👍🏍

Great video as always dude 👍

Here in the Netherlands we take lessons on the highway and have to do a exam after to get your license. But if i could give 1 more tip that we learn here is and is sort of extra for tip 3: always look for space, make sure you give yourself space and a escapepath when shit hits the fan. By that i mean if a car suddenly breaks in front of you, make sure you either brake or swerve to the left or right if you dont have enough time to brake.