If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member
I am almost 70. Been riding since 16 without a fall or accident. I ride well within my limits. I have dropped out of group rides that I thought were beyond my skill set. Also, situation awareness in traffic. I know Im not the best rider and I enjoy my slow cruises on country roads. I am thankful for his channel.
I just saw your channel for the first time this morning. Good job. I rode for 44 years before hanging up my leathers at 70 years old. I had a crash in the very early years of riding and that was the last one. I had a ritual that I did before I went out for a ride, never missed it. I sat in the saddle, and before I started the engine I said to myself, "If you don't pay attention, this could be your last ride". All of those years behind the handlebars, I was never 100% comfortable, and I was always aware of the inherent danger of what I was doing. Motorcycling is the most exhilarating experience in the world. Stay alert, and stay alive to ride again.
He meant that any vehicle , but , specifically a racer vehicle ; simply for the reason that the driver may be speeding and unable to maintain control of the vehicle causing a --> ( very bad day )
Good call Scorp l've just found this great channel and l'll be recomending this. Especially to those whose think they are better riders than they actually are.
+Pokey Cottons, that's a really weird feeling as the tire goes around the outer edge of the cover. I usually do a good job of avoiding those, but occasionally, I'll not see it while turning and that's a rather startling thing to have happen.
It's only happened to me once or twice, but, it happened so quickly that I really didn't even have time to think about it before it was over. The tire grabbed traction just as quickly as it lost it. But, if that happened to someone who got onto the throttle really hard, that could cause a problem.
I look forward to these videos every week. I've come back to riding after an absense of several years and I'm a lot more nervous than I used to be (so really looking forward to next week's video) but your balanced tone and professional delivery always makes me feel better and since I discovered your channel I've started to enjoy riding again. So cheers Kevin!
Best Advice on here. I found that out riding while going through a divorce. Was angry and driving aggressively. Which resulted in an accident where I broke my ankle.
It never ceases to amaze me the number of drivers, not just motorcycle riders that don't understand that if you see something 50 feet in front of your vehicle at 70 mph, you've already hit it, it's just a matter of when (about 1/2 second). Once I figured out that at 70 mph you're traveling a little over 102 ft per second it really opened my eyes. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.
Hey Kevin! I am an MSF Certified RiderCoach here in Minneapolis Minnesota. Love watching your channel! I always pick up something new from you that I can pass on to my students. Thanks for doing what you do!! Keep up the good work!
"Traction and reserve" saved my ass as I came around a tight curve, but it all started with turning my head and eyes and looking ahead of the curve to see a herd of Michigan whitetails standing in the middle of the road. Subscribed!
Glancing or checking your mirrors frequently, will keep you you from being hit by idiot drivers next to or behind you . I find myself looking behind almost as much as forward.
Do not look into rear mirrors frequently look if you need to turn left or right or on the road suddenly you want to turn left and in u turns to see whether the back vehicle is coming or not
The advanced classes are a blast. That was the first time I ever hit maximum lean on my bike and could feel the tire losing traction. Didn't lay it down, but it gave me a real good understanding about how my bike rides.
1.Scan 2. Look beyond 3. Expect everyone is out to nail you. 4. Treat your machine with the same respect at low speed as you do at high speed. Great video. Peace to who have passed and to all who are passing :). The satisfaction begins before the key turns.
I love this channel. As a brand new rider of a month and a half I have watched every video at least twice. The information I have learned I have used daily. I have been stuck in two rain storms and felt completely comfortable because of this channel. I'd like to say thank you and keep the videos coming.
There is nothing more miserable than riding a motorcycle in the rain. I have rode through HAIL STORMS, Severe Thunderstorms, Snow storms and heat waves. I have been to Sturgis, SD - 3 times. 1) 101 degrees for 7 days, 2) 35 degrees And snow showers, 3) 110 degrees, it was so hot that I could only go 65 MPH, because it screwed up the compression, the oil got so thin, It wouldn't allow higher compression.
Also, "Look at where you DO want to go and not where you DON'T want to go." I learned this in snow skiing to avoid trees and it applies to single track mountain biking as well as to riding a motorcycle. Your body will automatically go where you focus your eyes. If there is a distraction, ignore it and FOCUS on where you DO want to do. It sounds simple, and it is, but for some reason the human being's tendency is to do the opposite. Practice it when you are in safe surroundings and pick imaginary targets in the road. It really is simple.
@@boomerguy9935 yeah, sometimes I can relate to the quote you said. During the moment of close calls, it is like adrenaline rush to your head, everything seems to slow down for second and you focus on the cause of disaster. It is a good built-in mechanic if you are on 2 feet, but on a vehicle, it is the opposite. I totally understand what you said there. Ride safe, friends.
Wow. I 'am glad I came across Your channel. I've been wanting to for a while now but I keep forgetting to get out to an empty Parking lot & Practice! I took a Riders safety coarse before I got my first Bike 12yrs ago. (I made a deal w/myself then), if I didn't pass the coarse I would not get a Bike. I still have the Handbook of practice exercises & even have the Tennis balls I cut in half to layout a coarse. I live & ride down here in Houston, & for myself I've always felt that, no one can see me so speed, distance & Keeping your Head Up are very important. Thank you for your channel. Keep the Shiny Side Up & The Rubber Side Down everyone!
In traffic (and this goes for any vehicle) drivers need to keep an eye on the vehicles around them & pedestrians, dogs, etc. not yet on the road & anticipate what they may or may not do.
Thanks for the useful info. I've only been riding for six months and I know I have a ton to learn. I found out about foot placement a couple weeks ago, luckily it was only a scuffed up boot, but it really made me think about how I ride and how to get better.
The one important safety feature he forgot to mention is how to dress your self for safety. #1 wear a full face Snell rated helmet with a face shield. Protect your head & eyes from bugs! # 2 wear long pants & long sleeves shirts with leather vest or leather jacket. #3 motorcycle riding boots are a must. I wear all of these even on hot summer days. Always remember Safety First. Ride Safe!
I have recently undertaken 2 training courses and upgraded my driving licence from learners to restricted (an intermediate step before getting my full license). After this I contacted my insurer who will give me a discount off my next premium for having undertaken the training. So not only can training safe your life but it could save you money too.
I've definitely noticed that a *lot* of riders (maybe most?) brag about how great they are at riding, but as you say in this video, going fast in a straight line on the highway doesn't mean you have any skills. How fast isn't much to brag about if you can't sweep through tight corners smoothly, and brake properly for unexpected obstacles.
Seems like a lot of those sport bikes are above traffic laws, and they get mad when they are riding the lane divider at high speed and a car changes lanes in front of them.
The absolute unpleasant, untrendy, unpopular truth coming out of this man's mouth is refreshing. My besty died in 1990 on August 30th because he was beyond his and MY ninja's (yes he was riding MY Ninja 500) limits when a douche bag car ended up in his lane and he had no viable escape route. This man speaks words EVERY cyclist needs to hear, IMHO.
I rode for 20 years. Offbike for 36 years. Reentered recently. Thoight I'd get a Hona 500 or an MT03. My son pushed me to a 2014 Honda 250 Rebel. Good move - I am now in The process of relearning on a bike made just for that. As I told the safty instructor, I am at least 3 years away fron a CX 700. I'll hone my skills on the Baby Rebel then maybe move up to a Rebel 500. Then again, I may stay small just because I'm an old duffer.
This guy gives awesome advice. I've been riding for many years but I still need to be careful not to forget safety and fundamental skills. These videos are good reminders to stay real and stay humble.
Thanks for the great videos, mate. I’ve started watching a few months ago. After 23 years and 97000mi, I am definitely still learning and trying to improve. Just the other day, I had another „ooops“ moment because my feet weren‘t positioned properly on the footpegs! Yeah... Keep up the good work on this channel!
Kevin, thanks for your training videos. You do a good job and I learn alot from them. I just finished watching 5 Bad Riding Habits and a bad habit I see frequently is riders not picking up their feet on take off. EIther doing the Flinstone paddle walk or just barely lifting them above the ground until they are at the end of 1st gear. Likewise, I see riders putting their feet down way to soon. Just an observation. Thanks again.
Heh brother, I just went for my first ride on my Suzuki boulevard 1500, and just want to say your vids have been invaluable in giving me confidence and inspiration as I practised the techniques. I haven't ridden since my teens, apart from an e'bicycle, which helped, but Your advice and steady teaching method continues to be really helpful. Thank you and God bless you and your family always.
EVERYONE! out there listen to this man,what he says took me years to figure out,now you have it in seconds! amazing...But im still learning and get many new tips from this site
I’m new to riding but I keep my right foot kind of over my rear break and the peg in the middle of my foot, I heard somewhere that I should keep my foot hovered over it, should I stop?
Interesting tip about the feet on the foot pegs. I'm guilty, my reasoning being the feet are closer to the gears/brake if the middle of the foot is on the peg.
yellow porsche...in my case it was a flat bed truck comming to a complete stop in the apex of a turn so the driver could say hello to another driver in the oncomming lane!...knock on wood, that never happens (to any of us) again.
MC Rider, I rode for 51 years before I crashed my Harley. I don't know how many bikes I've had. I CRASHED my XR500 in the desert, in '83. I was in a Coma for 21 days. I'm 65. I've been riding since I was 14. I CRASHED my Dyna Streetbob a couple months ago. HD is sold. It's going to Germany. I particularly like that, because I was in Germany, IN THE ARMY in 74-75.
I have a bad habit of looking down at the road sometimes in turns, making me run wide. I know I have it, I know I need to fix it, but it's hard to shake it. Perhaps I'll do some turning drills in an empty parking lot to fix it in my spare time
@Kyd, that's good advice, additionally, I'd look for manhole covers and catch basins as well. There's a few corners around here where the road people put those in right at the corner.
I rode for one year at age 51, never having ridden before. I studied youtube videos, read books and am cautious and thoughtful already, knowing you only have one life to live. In my one year, I rode over ten thousand miles. I dropped the bike twice, burned a hole in the side of my leg two weeks in, and had numerous cars try and kill or maim me. I survived by working at it, listening to others, and practicing. I always looked well ahead, down the road. I always rode with caution through intersections, and didn't speed around like a fool. I still came a foot away from hitting a car doing uturn right in front of me as I was passing it on the left. Yes, four women thought it was a good idea to do a u turn from the right lane as I passed it on the left. You can do all you can to enjoy riding and be safe, but Sometimes it's still up to God.
I always appreciate your videos. Have bevome a better rider with your lessons no matter how long I've been riding. Advice to others, don't let pride stop you. Keep learning. It wasn't a yellow Porche, but was a small blue car that caught me off guard and I over corrected. Takes only 1 time to learn in my case. Or relearn rather. Thanks again and keep posting. I'll watch.
Great video! Never ride directly anyone at speed. My moto, "Ride to the side!" Look around vehicles always to spot obstacles/situations ahead of time and it also gives you an escape route. The trunk of a car does not make for a good escape route, lol!
Very helpful post; as a new rider I am greatful for any reminders to help keep me safe once I start riding. (Eyes up and forward-- a big one for me during my training class...) Thanks again--looking forward to your next post..
Dear Kevin, I am not a Motorcycle rider but I enjoy all your Videos and what and how you explain the things make so much sense. Keep em coming. I will most probably never ride a Motorcycle. I am in my 70's But still! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Kevin i was hit by an illegal turning,"dirty urine" having mobility bus in Baltimore City in 2004 & im still recovering do to the fact for safety i still use a cain & believe it or not i can wait to get the new 650 ninja by Kawasaki, ive learned my lesson on speeding the helmet i had on shows me to allways watchout people can,do & will make mistakes. Im coming back to riding w/ 50 ×'s more awareness & causation, see u on da road BIG bro. Huggiebear BTMC vroom,vroom peeeace & luv
Jurg you're never too old, I started riding at 53 and my first thought was I should have done this 30 years ago! Get out there and get a machine my man!
practice practice practice, I had let me Drivers licence lapse a few years back and did not catch the MC endorsement mistake. They forgot to add it back on. I did not have a bike at the time and a few years went by. I ended up taking the basic riders course (in Central Ohio you can take this course (on a small 250cc) and at the end they give you the riding test, they teach you how to take the test) it was great I learned so many thing I had for got and new stuff and the instructor pointed out bad habits (keep my eyes on the road, not the bike looking down nor the girls walking around or sale at auto parts place...) The best tip was the looking down the road, looking into the curve it helps you balance the bike through the turn. We noticed how many new riders were afraid to lean the bike over. I still hit the seems in the road and potholes that seem to come from no where. I will always be learning and relearning. Yet no amount of learning will prepare you for the kid or dog that runs out in front of you. Be aware of your surrounding and keep alert! great video!
Hi Kevin I am a new subscriber and just love your videos. I am learning a ton of new things. I have been riding for about 4 years, starting on dual sports and now on a Vstar 1100. I ride mostly on the surface streets as I have a fear of highways and freeways. I look forward to your next episode on fear and hope you include a segment on fear of freeway riding. Thanks for the good work Daryl
Bob Hanna rode on his heals!!! Professional rider. I like riding on my toes... Professional rider. I struggle watching this guy!!! There are all types of stiles of riding so don’t listen to SOME of his nonsense...
#2 This is not a bad habit and completely up to the discretion of the rider. I ride instep and never had a toe touch down, so if a toe touching down is the only reason to ride the balls of the feet on the foot-peg it's not a good one. Also if your toe touches down you're probably leaning over to far and sticking your toes out sideways, they should be straight in line with the bike. Riding a cruiser on balls of the feet is even less practical as your heels will likely touch down as the heels will be lower than the pegs in most cases and cruisers have a lower ground clearance already. Ball of your foot on the pegs all the time is very tiring on the ankles and shortens the distance to the seat cramping up the legs. Also you have to keep moving the feet forward and back all the time to change gears and brake which slows down the action and means you are constantly lifting your feet off the pegs, to re-position them for the gear change then back again. If you ride with your instep on the peg and keep your toes tucked in you'll be fine and the gear/brake will be at easy reach all the time, and the heels of your boots will lock your feet nicely onto the foot-peg. IMHO
I feel like this guy is staring directly to my soul but as a person who eager to take motorcycle classes real soon, this was very informative and I believe this will help me in the long run!
I enjoy your videos as they have great information about what we need to know as you and a couple of other vloggers have great info an content thank you and keep it up
I felt my traction control trigger for the fist time today (less than 150 miles on the bike). Going around a 2 lane country-ish corner, some sand on pavement maybe. 30 mph but accelerating. It was odd but not anything scary, just didn't know what to expect.
Just found your site today. Enjoy your expertise in a no nonsense approach. Hope your words reach those who need it. As an MSF Ridercoach myself, I echo your every word. Thank you for your service to the motorcycling community.
Turning your head and looking deep is a rule I try to ride with. Here in Sicily I can't tell you how many cars I see parked in a curve...and many of those are blind curves..
Kevin you have made my day. You present your content like an adult and you treat your viewers like adults. I am 58 years young so I appreciate no flashing pics and annoying music playing over your presentation. I have just ripped up many bike videos and told them how I feel. Thanks, you and Chrisfix (car fix videos) are my favourite presenters.
