biting off more than I can chew, Honda Monkey edition 

Always look forward, never down. In a turn look in the direction you're going, never down. Take a motorcycle course run by professionals. I'm offering this advice as a motorcycle rider for over 50 years.

#1 rule for riding...Always wear your helmet...Always wear eye protection. Some will argue about the helmet...some states mandate it...but I believe most do require eye protection. At least a pair of clear wrap around glasses. I strongly advocate wearing riding gear too...but some climates are miserable for it I know. I've known tons of riders that went down. Some had their gear on, some didn't. I also recommend taking the rider training, there's usually 2 levels beginner and advanced. Both teach you excellent skills that can keep the rubber side down. I have around 30 yrs of riding and hundreds of thousands of miles.

Welcome new rider! Clutch control is EVERYTHING in the life of motorcyclist. Master the clutch and rides will get smoother, loading easier, and smiles get bigger.

Ah, the joy on your face! That my virtual little sister is where the magic of life. Enjoy! That’s really why we are here, learn the lessons, reap the Joy!❤

I strongly recommend looking up a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. I'm glad you're learning how to ride! It can be very fun but scary at times. Having the knowledge from the MSF course can greatly help and minimize some of those slow speed collisions (dropping the bike in parking lots,) as well as high speed ones. also its really a good idea to at least wear jeans it greatly lowers the chance of loosing skin if you go down, and as soon as you take one fly or bee to the neck at highway speed you'll never ride without safety glasses or a closed helmet again... ask me how I know... It hurts a lot. We have a bike in our build too and it's definitely a fun and efficient way to get around, but you have to take safety seriously- we want to see you and enjoy with you this sport/hobby for many years to come. Stay safe out there and keep the shiny side up

What's nice about having the little Monkey with you is, you're never stranded... If your rig breaks down for whatever reason you can just hop on your Monkey and go to the next town for whatever you need. It also allows you to park your rig and go explore for pretty cheap money in gas. Good selection, very reliable little bike. Good luck with it.

So awesome!! We are thinking about a GROM! Oh and please get some good protective gear, eye pro and gloves with the helmet. Slides on the concrete suck… Enjoy that cool little bike!

I rode dirt bikes and motorcycles as a kid and had a blast until I took a turn on gravel too fast, skid out of control, and the motorcycle fell down on top of me. A piece of metal from the bike went into my leg. My recommendation is to not ride a motorcycle on gravel roads if you can avoid it. It's different from a dirt bike and if you skid the bike itself can hurt you up a lot more when it falls on you. I hope you stay safe! You're literally living my dream. Bus and motorcycle has got to be the best combo to travel the country with.

So glad you joined the mini moto. I have a grom and just like you it put a smile on my face every time I ride it.

It was great to see the look on your face (big smile) without even going that fast on the motorcycle. Great fun

You should wear long pants and a jacket, preferably leather, and NO flip flops! Road rash is no fun! Gotta protect your skin. Even a little wipe out can suck! Be safe and have fun!!

Emma, my best advice for right now : ride, ride, ride, until you get real good at it. Then work on getting better at it. Take the attitude that you are invisible and nobody can see you, which is regretfully too damn close to the truth. My last summer of riding before I got off the bike (law of averages) I rode naked except for the glasses, cutoffs, and sandals (custom made for the shift lever). I carried around a shirt for restaurants and early evening coolness.

Welcome to the motorbike life! So fun! I have a Monkey also and I LOVE it!

My 2005 Honda Metropolitan has 62,565 miles. 110 mpg. So much fun.

A girl with her own bus and own motorcycle?? You’re the coolest person ever

I still consider myself a newish rider at 3 years now, but I always enjoy watching people getting into riding and seeing their enthusiasm and excitement light up as it brings back all the fond memories, and harsh realities, that I’ve experienced. Happy to see how much fun you’ve been having with your new Monkey. When you mentioned taking a detour on your bike to your brother’s place just so you can ride more I started to chuckle. You’ll catch yourself doing that far more often as you ride more. Finding any and every excuse to take your bike out for a ride like needing to buy some milk, or taking the long way home. Such a fun and exhilarating way to travel and explore new places and I always encourage everyone just to give it a try just once. One of my few regrets in life is only discovering this seemingly innate part of me at the age of 32. I feel like I need to make up for lost time! Enjoy the ride 😎✌️

Definitely sign up for an MSF course. One word of wisdom I can give you is always make sure your wheel is pointed straight ahead when you stop this will keep you upright all of the time. If you have your bars pointed in the direction of where you are turning you'll lose balance on the bike. This is very critical on heavier bikes. You'll eventually want something bigger like a TW200 or XT250 Yamaha to give you more presence on the road.

Emma - congrats on getting into motorcycling! I can tell you from experience that the joy you experience while riding will never go away! I started riding dirt bikes when I was 12, and 50+ years later, whether it's street or dirt, I still love it. I taught my daughter to ride when she was 4 - and she is my favorite dirt riding buddy 30 years later! Now here comes the Dad in me - please wear good protection when you ride. Even if it is hot outside, you should always have at least one layer between you and the pavement - road rash is an awful thing. I agree with Jared below to also wear proper eye protection. If regular sunglasses are struck by something, shards can actually end up in your eye. Amazon has a 3 pack of polycarbonate lens goggles (smoke, clear, and yellow lenses) for less than $20 if that helps. Ok, now that I'm off my soap box - have fun! You will love it!

I would have to say this has been one of the most interesting journeys with you yet. You are a natural to the motorcycle. I will say taking the MSF course was very helpful for defensive driving, and has probably saved me several times. I will give you two very important bits of info that maybe someone has told you already. On a motorcycle, where you are looking, that is where you are going. Don't look at the ground while moving, especially under your bike. I thought that statement was garbage till I nearly wrecked my Katana. It is absolutely true, look ahead to your future as much as possible works with motorcycles and you life, who knew? Glad you are digging it. I had almost forgot about those little motorcycles.

I suggest buying some trials bike gloves with a knuckle protector (from a store to make sure they are a snug fit), cool in the heat and warm enough when it is turning cold. Also super grippy if it rains or if you have sweaty hands.

Your bother is one brave soul !!! Congratulations Emma I wasn’t nervous because I knew you could do it. You rock!

Congrats on the bike. I grew up riding dirt bikes. I took a motorcycle safety course you should take one too. You will learn a lot! Remember every car on the road can kill you!!! Other drivers don’t see you. Rubber down

Hi Emma, I must say I’m impressed !! Listen you have gotten some good advice in the comments, please stick to what others who ride tell you on how or what to do. It will keep you safe. I’ve been riding since I was a 16, now I’m 50. Only rode Harley’s but have had a Honda or two. Now I ride a 2019 and 2005 Harley Fatboy. Those are my babies!! There’s nothing like the open road! Try to stay visible, buy a yellow or green vest like construction guys wear. It’s only for when your on your bike. So enjoy your ride…Biker. Bye for now. Let’s Ride !🙏🏽👍🏽💛🇨🇱.

It's great to hear you brought a bike. I've race and ridden since I was six. My new bus, ill be bring all mine in a trailer. I can't live with out one, I'm 77. Have fun and ill keep watching your site. Ron

Should get a wider deck for the bike to set on. That would increase the ramp width. And you could ride or walk up it.So you aren't reaching over your head. I am amazed at how supportive your family is in this adventure. You have a tremendous support group in them.

You cannot go wrong with a Honda ! The best bike around !

For your readers, I recommend taking the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. You learn some basic skills on the school's motorcycle that you should continue to practice after the single weekend course is over. However, the biggest plus is that in most states if you pass the skills test at the end of the MSF course you're issued a waiver that you take to your local DMV to skip having to take their skills test for the motorcycle endorsement on your license. Insurance companies will also give you a discount if you've taken it. The Honda Monkey was a good choice for starting out. Easy to handle and excellent Honda reliability.

I’ve turned both of my daughters into viewers you are the perfect role model for my young ladies. I want them to know there is nothing they can’t do! Bless you!

I live in a home made truck camper. I tow a little trailer with a dual-sport motorcycle. I think the bike is a great way to get around esp when your house gets very poor gas economy. Im also a big fan of the monkey bikes, very fun to ride.

Emma I'm glad you learned to ride and enjoy it. I have extensive riding experience in So Cal where there is a lot of traffic. Please allow me to offer you some advice. Always wear a helmet. Be super defensive when riding, people can't see motorcycles, try to anticipate their next move, don't ride beside them. Don't kick anything or put your feet down unless you're about to stop. I know a guy who stuck his foot out to kick a stop sign, now he only has one foot. Have fun, be safe, and you'll live to ride for a long time.

Bus builder, biker chick. Is there anything you can’t/won’t do? You go girl…

I've been an avid follower since more or less the beginning. But now there is a motorbike? Woooo Hoooo, excellent!!!! More! more! more!

You should be very proud of yourself. You decided to do one thing (Your bus) for yourself, probably not realizing the actual scope of the project, and you have kept going. There are many people that would have thrown in the towel. I tell my family members that even the most daunting project is actually just a series of little projects. So you should keep at it. Your are equipping yourself for a very adventurous life. Have fun along the way!

Your smile while you're riding is amazing. You look so free. Seeing how happy you were after you passed the test made me smile. You're really gorgeous when you smile. I love that your videos aren't necessarily chronological. It's better to tell a coherent story, than to have every tidbit in the right order. You point out the drawers you built in a previous video, and I'm like "I understood that reference!" What a happy, gorgeous, positive and fun video. You'll be a pro at loading and unloading the bike in no time. Your adventure is only beginning, and I envy you more and more each week.

If you can handle that machine on the off road terrain, you can handle anything. Awesome

Emma, lots of good comments here for you, your efforts, your accomplishments. This comment is different. You have something special, stage presence, and you can sing, i heard you. Start making it to casting calls, they are all around you. Performing arts.. keep trying there is a perfect place for you in that community. You can park your bus out back behind the theater… Wishing all the best for you. Rich&Brenda

Really great to see how your confidence and ability has grown over the past year , for a girl that travelled Europe alone but put all sorts of obstacles when it came to this project finally shows her tru characture , keep it up , love the show , from western Australia thanks from michael

Lovely to see you fall in love with a Monkey and learn to ride... thanks for sharing. That ramp is way more difficult than it needs to be. It might be an idea to park next to a curb to raise the ramp up a bit more level. It might help to have a rail welded to the front of the mount... that would help you stay on course and also give you a great place to put your straps, padlock and chain. I think (from watching) your main issue is learning to fully control the clutch (like you own it). Easy to practice with hill starts and controlling at very low speeds. Using the engine to drive up the ramp is not easy for anyone... it is a real skill and you will almost certainly drop it before you master it. Experienced Bikers say until you have come off at least once you really are not a proper biker. To that end, please think about wearing something with leather or padded sleeves, gravel and tarmac will mess your flesh in an instant.

Before ya know it, you’ll be tooling around on a Harley singing ‘Born to be Wild.’ Great video!!!

You are just to Cool, your editing is getting much better! & YES you need to thank your brothers Very Much! GREAT VIDEO!

Way to go Emma! You have now been bit by the bike bug and it is such a blast isn’t it. So proud of you. Oh! And the Monkey🐒 is adorable.😍

Just stumbled on this video looking at van build stuff. It was so cool to see you fall in love with the Monkey. I'm 59 and just got back into motorcycles since the early 90's. I have a 2019 Monkey too. Really got in to the Honda Mini-motos and now have 7 of them. Take a look at the Trail 125. I think it might be a little better for what you are doing. If you had both to choose from at the time, I bet you'd have chosen it. They are hard to find. A big back rack for hauling things, and more off-road capable for exploring trails. Works great on the road too. I love them both.

Great choice on the bike. Remember about crashing...there are those who have and there are those who will. Xavier's post below mine is Solid Gold advice. Ride like you are invisible. Never trust a cage driver sees you coming. Aside from crashing out of a corner you over-cooked the entry to, a car turning left across your path is the most common way they try to kill you. I'd add get some eye protection because a bug in the eye at even 20 mph hurts. Have fun!

I came here because of the Monkey. I had a very similar experience. Gas prices forced me to buy a Honda Monkey as well. I have the same year and color as you. I just drove 8 hours to pick mine up. I agree, these Monkeys are super cute. I want to look like a Monkey driving them. This is the first brand new vehicle I’ve ever purchased. I had the same exact experience calling all the dealers. I used CycleTrader though. There’s the life before riding a motorcycle, and there’s the life after. You’re right, it is so much fun. I still need to get my license. I’ll have to practice in an empty lot as well. At the moment, I’m working on my counter steering. I never cry, but I would cry if I dropped my Monkey. I love your content. Please have more Monkey videos!

Hell yeah, I just got my monkey too this year Never rode before, best decision I’ve ever made, cute and practical little bike!

You go girl with your bad self!!!! I’m so proud of you for learning to ride! You never miss amazing me. Strong work. Xoxo

Please wear protective gear while riding. I lost two friends that didn’t have gear on and wrecked. One was very young was riding a small bike like yours got hit by a car and died a few days later. I road off road and wore my protection when i was younger. It’s a blast for sure but like anything else it has it’s dangers. But congtats on the bike. You rock, And cute on it , so dang talented and a go getter. Love the videos and look forward to watching in the future been following since you started. When you bought the bus, you came along way since. Congrats on getting your license, I knew you would ace the test. By the way I love Utah I lived there for 6 yrs. In Salt Lake City, Lake Point and Tooele.

Super impressive control right from the beginning! Be careful out there hun and remember vehicles are never to be trusted!

Congratulations Emma!! You sent your mind on accomplishing a huge thing and you did it! So happy for you!

Lots of good advice posted so far, gloves, eye protection and sturdy jacket are very important and not too uncomfortable. I think I read once that road rash on your hips is one of the most common injuries. Look up counter-steering. Something that is not intuitive.

Congrats on the Monkey! just always remember to have some form of glasses on to protect your eyes while riding, clear safety glasses or yellow lenses (helps reduce glares) at night

Wow!! That's great a bike 🏍 👍 Now on to great adventures 😀 👏

Your joy is deliciously infectious; I smile when you’re smiling. Thank you. And well done on the bike licence 👍

Congratulations on the Monkey, I Love My Little Chimp ❤️ 🐒😁

Now you need to start watching Itchy Boots channel on RU-vid. Your trail ride is just the beginning of your adventures. I used to ride. I highly recommend protective gear. Helmet with shield or goggles, leathers, and boots. You’ll be warmer, dryer and safer. When I rode if I didn’t have protection for my eyes particularly when it was cold my eyes would water. It ultimately made them very sensitive to cold, now they water when it’s cold, riding or not. Save yourself future problems.

I love this episode! Long time rider here, and daily motorcycle commuter. I have two adventure bikes in the garage now, and a Monkey will be my next bike. It’s cool seeing you enjoying the Monkey so much! Supply runs and errands will be SO much easier on the Monkey than using the bus. Your negative issues with the Monkey will probably all be weather related. Cold and wet can be a challenge on a motorcycle, but they can be overcome. A good, all-weather riding suit will help a lot, or even just an inexpensive rain suit. I finally got ski mittens to keep my hands warm in winter. It was a vast improvement. Happy Trails!

Your personnel growth in so many ways is commendable, there is nothing you can not accomplish. I love your videos they are the highlight of my week, please keep them coming.

Motorcycle!? Sweet!

Great video. As you ride more you will get better on your motorcycle. They do sell a crash bar that encases the engine so when you drop the bike it will protect the engine. I have seen riders crack the case on an engine when they drop the bike and it May also prevent the bike from going over far enough to damage turn signals and handle bars. Everyone that rides a motorcycle either has dropped a bike or will drop a bike. Enjoy the rides in the beautiful countryside.

You are fearless... amazing to watch.

Wow, your brother is one trusting dude.

After watching all your videos and seeing what you have accomplished, don't you ever doubt what you can do. You're a rock star.

there's nothing that you can't do I know you figured that out by now.. keep kicking ass ! the world is yours for the taking.. " have fun, live free "

I must say that it is sooooo good to see you smiling again and getting your confidence up about life in general. You've got a big old world to see and alot of great and exciting adventures that await you.......your life has just begun my friend, now get out there and enjoy! Have a super great terrific day!!!🙂

The bike is awesome Emma! So glad you are officially on the road. Hope you’re enjoying some beautiful scenery and sunshine ☀️. I loved the scenes you filmed from the rider perspective on the bike going on the trails and through the town. So excited for you !!!!

Kudos Emma (I think the light thing was a lesson on what happens to bare skin when it hits pavement/ground unprotected n I'd suggest a visor to protect against a pesky lil bug flying in your eye/mouth) Enjoy ...

When I tell my friends and relatives to watch your channel because you are inspiring,resourceful,and have a never give up attitude, I could go on and on. When they watch this episode they’ll understand. Way to go Emma!!

Congrats Emma on loading take your time and don't get rushed

All I can say for sure is Your killing all these new hurdles and skills. I love motorcycles and want to get a small one myself. I grew up around them and just enjoy them so much. So happy for you.

The motorcycle certainly seems like a fun addition. I enjoy seeing you acquire skills and confidence Emma, good work. Thank you for the videos.

That was an emotional journey,,so glad you made ,, I don't know what I would have done if you didn't,, lols I am 57 and have had my motorcycle license since 16 it is a great freedom

Yay Monkey! You look so happy 😁

CONGRATULATIONS Emma !!! getting your motorcycle license... I'm sure it was emotional..

Your smile when you talk about your bike so warm

Congratulations on the Monkey. Everything will work out. Glad you passed the test.tou worry way to much and doubt yourself, you have this. Have a wonderful weekend, stay safe and healthy from Henrico County Virginia

That grin when you're riding the motorcycle. You're totally hooked now!

Emma there are a couple of things that might make the bike loading/unloading easier. A trailer hitch drop would get that height down which helps me a bunch. Something like the MAXXHAUL 50397 Trailer Hitch Riser for 2 Inch Receivers with 4 Inch Rise/Drop. Alternately RV levels you drive onto just under the rear tires will do this too. This would not work as well as it does on my van because of your wheelbase.

Found your channel due to the Monkey. I’ve been riding over 5 decades. Until you develop some riding skills wear some protection. Especially a helmet. After you develop said skills you decide. Helmet has saved my life once and a few head injuries along the way. I have a new Grom to go with my other 4 full size bikes and I just love riding the thing. It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It’s the only time this late in life I feel young, riding bikes. The smile on your face while riding says it all. Also there are 2 kinds of bikers. Those who have dropped their bike and those who will😉!

Congratulations on getting a motorcycle. You look so excited when you are ridding it. I hope you have fun.

I'm really glad you got a helmet. Specially since you're so new to bikes.

Loooved this weeks video. There were more highs than lows and it just made me smile, seeing you were bossing it up. Getting your bike up on its rack made me so anxious. This is when that back door ramp would’ve came in handy (making it into a little garage/electrical space).

Emma you are so full of surprises and good on you. I love riding a motorcycle to the sense of freedom is amazing. Loved the video congratulations on getting the bike and your license. Steve

I think buying the light was a good investment...Keep your bike nice...I bought a new Honda 37 years ago..still have it and runs great..Take care and a Honda is a great investment...Hold resale and lots of parts available for many years....We all have to learn...I always rode off road and moving on the street was challenging for me...

So happy to see another rider discover the magic. You’ll be upgrading to a dual sport or ADV in no time (check out the Yamaha TW200)

You're truly special Emma! Another skill added to your Repitoire. And right about the E bike, I have one ,but I love it.. You have a wonderfully supportive family.. And yet you are an independent wonderful Woman.. Stay safe, enjoy life..and ride on!👍😊❤🎻🎶

so happy to see how well youve taken to the moto!! stay safe on your journeys! thanks for the videos! you always seem to entertain and distract me from lifes bs's..

I regret having to recommend this BUT... Get a mesh jacket with removable lining and elbow armor, at least soft armor. Their are some mesh pants with liners. A backpack or soft saddlebags to carry them. A couple water bottles. Warm weather light boots for ankles. Rain suits are available. I am fond of deer skin gloves but cheap dirt bike gloves work.

Looking pretty awesome in the helmet, there, kiddo! 😉

I have a chevy short bus I'm about to travel in for the next 2+ months and also have a black 2022 honda monkey. Its why i kept the wheelchair lift on my bus, plan to keep the bike inside the bus while I travel and sure makes the un load/load very easy for the monkey. You have the right idea wit hthe combo just have to find a way to load/un load by yourself easier. they make ramps that go down to the ground and then retract up, look into one of those versions.

Smart move on buying the Monkey. It’s the perfect auxiliary vehicle. Best Of Luck

Congrats Emma on passing you motorcycle test and that bike is the perfect size for you too. I had a motorcycle when I was younger but it was a dirt bike and when I lived in Missouri I used to do trail rides on it all the time. I'm itching to get a bike again but I have to save some money first lol. Ride safe

We have (4) Groms and a Monkey. They are an absolute blast just be careful on the stock tires they are hard and don’t grip too well. Also make sure you at the least have an alarm installed. Viper has a motorcycle alarm right now for only $46 on sale on Amazon. Happy riding!

That smile on your face tho, when you left your brothers behind on the trail! 🤣

I’m so glad you love riding! You should be so proud of yourself for all that accomplished! ☀️💗🍺

HANDS DOWN, THISMY FAVORITE VIDEO OF YOURS YET! I’m so excited for you! As an avid motorcyclist myself, I can still remember going though all of those exciting “firsts” on the motorcycle. The best of times! You’ve opened up a whole new world, and exciting pastime. I was SO excited when you said you passed your test. And as for the Honda Monkey… SO STINKIN’ CUTE! 🐒 I’ve wanted one ever since they brought them back a few years ago, just because of how cute they are. (And I’m used to flying around on a Honda CBR 1000RR, but I still want a Monkey LOL). I’m so proud of you, and happy for you! That said, you missed one very important thing that all bikers on RU-vid are definitely required to do, and that is, give us a proper “reveal” and then “tour” of your new bike! We wanna check out how cool/cute it is 😃

The MONKEY !! I'm really enjoying this GT

We Love your Monkey. My wife got one earlier this year and yes we had to wait for it to come in. She wanted the black one too. She loves it. We love your videos.

There is unique joy in motorcycle riding.

You are absolutely killing it!! Awesome 😎.

Welcome to the Monkey family. May the force be with you! (and you re really cute, by the way).