I was paralyzed after getting hit from behind on my bike. I’ve been in a wheelchair for 42 years. It’s not about breaking your leg vs getting killed. I’m living the in between. Please wear your helmets. Saved my life.
@@ronmarvicsin7709 That's completely different. Football is continual head knocking. Crashing a motorcycle is a once in a lifetime thing. But still, be prepared!
My favorite quote related to this subject Motorcycles are not inherently dangerous they are however extremely unforgiving of inattention, incompetence, and stupidity
I was more like if u need this video u better not ride a bike.. also i wouldnt trust in god to keep me safe on the road i dont believe that helps in any way.. just driving safe gets u a lot farther.. also the reason i dont own a bike anymore.. plus we have a lot of bad weather over here.. bikes are more for the summer months.. and thats when u see al the road warriors come out.. blinkers still on halfways on a 10 mile straight.. most of these people driving older bikes with older tires.. and not handy enough to maintain it themselves.. thats also where most accidents come from.. people get a licence.. then dont drive a bike just like 1 time every year.. they make 1 mistake and dont get to tell about it.. cars are just more saver.. and less fun..
As an Italian guy, i totally agree on the exquisitely American saying "guns don't kill people, people kill people". That's right. It's not like you leave a pistol in the drawer an by night it wakes up on its own and goes around town killing people. You need somebody to operate it for that to happen. Well, i came to the conclusion that the same can be told for motorcycles. And cars and many other things
Sean, you say it like it is.....good advice to all.. I blew a back tire on a CB750 many years ago at 70mph and was able to slow and stop safely without going down, thank the Good Lord.
riding distracted is an important note, I had been riding for years already, pulled over to take a call one day last year about a promotion at work and being on a shortlist, i was very excited and not thinking straight, went to pull back onto the highway, glanced back doing a head check as the lights were changing too quickly, while there wasnt anything in my lane in that 0.1 seconds i looked, a car moving quickly merged into that lane as i turned back and took off and i got hooked on the side of his car as i pulled out. He wrenched the wheel in the opposite direction and it pulled my Vulcan 900 Custom sideways, throwing it down on top of me with a full tank of gas landing just below my right knee, crushing my tibia into about 12 pieces. i was back riding within 6 months and can still ride just fine but i cant walk far anymore and im 27; its not a mistake I will ever make again. Pay attention, be cool, calm and collect, if you feel you didn't get enough information take the extra half a second and do a second head check when pulling out, don't feel like you're holding up traffic when it might save your life.
I'm a Christian bike rider as well, been riding since I was 16, I am now 66. I appreciate the fact that you speak out about the Lord and your faith. I also enjoy watching the informative videos to help us think about things we DON'T need to just take for granted.
@@theenzoferrari458 Do you laugh in an outburst like Kamala Harris? Aspiring cackler and chief? Faith and religion have everything to do with everything, unless one is a ignoramus.
Good word of wisdom. I have over million miles on motorcycles and close to 60 years of riding. I am preparing my next adventure, first thing replace my 4 year old tires from date of birth. I always have an instructor coach me every time with a new motorcycle for me. I am an retired MSF instructor, being teaching since early 70’s and still learn new things, every trip. Speed is not what I look for, it’s the adventure. Keep up the good work. Keep the sunny side up.
You guys from srkcycles are my point of reference, i devoured all your videos, and you just had a huge role in helping me deciding which bike to buy as my first one at the age of 33 right one month ago. Enthusiastic owner of a 1990 Suzuki Intruder 747 here, thank you for everything you put on RU-vid, big hug from Italy, over.
I started watching your channel because of "words of widsom" Im a missionary I live in Mexico been riding for about 7 years but nobody taught me so been trying to learn as much as I can about riding.
One of the big reasons I love this channel, and Bikes and Beards channel is because you guys are born again Christians. My sister and I are both Christians, and we were talking about riding motorcycles, and she said it is dangerous and I shouldn't ride for long trips. I told her that when God want me he will take me, but he isn't going to let me die before He is ready for me. Not that you should be stupid, but still I believe He will protect me as long as he wants. Love your channel.
Watching your videos has not only made me a better rider, but also a better driver. I'm now more aware of other vehicles potentially entering the highway, I look to the extent of vision when passing, and employ other of your tips in the car and on the bike. You're doing well, at least by me.
SRK did me a solid and paid to replace tires on a Triumph Tiger Explorer I purchased in the spring. The tires on the bike barely passed state inspection and Sean immediately offered to get the tires replaced with my choice of tires. I will most likely purchase my next bike from SRK.
Don’t forget to raise your kickstand. I’ve known a few people do that one, be careful of hot pipes. And ride like everybody is trying to kill you. Those tips also help
This past April I bought my 2006 Stratoliner, it had 3900 miles on it. The tires looked great, told the seller it needs new tires he said I was crazy to buy new tires. I rode it home, not far, replaced the tires with the same brand and model. It was amazing the difference in the ride. Always check the tire dates of manufacture when buying a bike or car. They may look good but age is their enemy. Ride safe, thanks for the tips.
From the Dire Straits song Once upon a time in the west, “you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force.” One can be right, to the point of being dead right. Excellent conversation Sean. Continued success in all you do. Gotta run, it’s 68 riding degrees outside in Arizona.😎👍
Thanks for posting! I immediately paused the video and went out to check my tire pressure. It’s a new bike Yamaha Eluder and now with 3100 miles I checked the tires. They were both low rear at 23 and front at 25... supposed to be 41 psi cold.... oops. Thanks again! I’ll be checking more often.
Great video! I didn't often check my tires when I was a new rider, and I ended up riding with a flat front tire and almost wrecking. It scared me so much that I almost sold my bike. Now, I always check my tires before riding. 🙂
Good video. I started riding in the 70s, took a short break in the 80s (raising kids) then got back in in the 90s. Took the rider safety course in 95 to get the insurance discount. Best thing anyone can do and was free in PA, back then anyway. I thought I was an expert rider, not so. I began working on becoming an expert rider after taking the course.
I have quite a lot of experience on just about every type of motorcycle, but I still always look at videos like this to make sure I am always doing everything right. And I think every other rider should do the same no matter the experience. New riders seem to neglect the fact they don’t know anything but think they can do it all, always encourage new riders to learn before they learn the hard way. That is the max of my knowledge today, ride safe and try to keep it on 2 wheels.
Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos just bought my first bike , must have watched all your videos at least twice , valuable information thanks.
Ecclesiastes, 7:17, "Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish : why shouldest thou die before thy time". It's my thought here that a person can shorten their days ; however it's still as you said in the hand of God of the when. Great video!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the heads up on Riders-share. I just rented a Super Glide in Phoenix for a ride with my Dad. We hit the 191 devils highway . Best ride ever with my 78 year old Pop. Thanks again.
Been riding these bikes for the past 39 years ........ Trail bikes age 12 to 17 slow, safe, fun Motocross Bikes age 18 to 22 Racing on a track.... landed wrong from a jump and broke collar bone.... Street Sports Bikes..... Age 22 to 33 The speed, the cars and trucks, wet pavement, lane splitting, 100MPH + etc. Sold the street bike, only 1 crash... Trail Bikes ( Honda XR 250 ) Age 34 to current. Riding the dirt trails, camping, fun, low speed. So I'm back on a trail bike were it all started !!!!!!
I live in Texas and for most of the year all you have to do is step out the door and you are at risk of getting bit by a rattlesnake. Praise God and Christ and take it day by day and cherish each moment you are given
Going 70 miles an hour and your front tire blows, crazy scary! Somehow, someway i kept it up. Scariest experience ever in the 30+ years of riding. Funny thing is no signs of why. Newer tire n tube and right pressure. Eye opener for sure!!!
The British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents state that riding a horse is statistically 24 time more dangerous than riding a motorcycle. In 2005 it was reported that more people died in the UK sport fishing than riding motorcycles. That's why I ride motorcycles but I don't ride horses and don't fish.
You missed one. Don't rage on the road. The road is a melting pot of vehicles and driver experience levels. Not everyone is a pro driver so calm down. If someone cuts you off just let them go. They're in your life for those 3 seconds and then they are gone. Its not worth raging over it. Stay safe out there people.
Charlie-Tango Motors well said. That’s my problem. Then again I was in the hospital for six months , most of that spent in traction. I got back on the road BUT the memories run deep.
At no time when your alive are you never in any danger of dying. Asleep or awake. You can live your life in your house every single day and you are not 100% completely safe. A gas explosion or an aircraft malfunction can still kill you. Im 60 years old. I have been riding motorcycles as a licensed rider for 44 years. Been on two wheels for 50. The most heart breaking day will be the day i can't swing my leg over my bike. Sure I'll get a trike , but two wheels have been my life. If it comes down to me dying on my bike, know i went happy. My family knows I'll never stop on my own. I will have to be stopped. They also know that each time i leave on my bike could be the last time they see me alive. I've accepted that from day one. My dad told me what could happen. And for all of you that are thinking of buying a bike , remember there are only 2 types of bikers, those that are going down and those that have been down. I've been down 3 times were i needed surjury. The 1st time i was riding like awful canofful, my fault. The next 2 were unfortunately freak accidents that i almost avoided but went down with a broken bone. Now I've also went down without injury a few times. Racing, bike mechanical failure and just goofing off. ( Well the goofing off was fun ). But people you can't live a life of fear, at least i can't. I've had some of the most amazing times and met some awesome friends on a motorcycle. I have biker buddies , my very great friends that are closer to me than family for over 40 years and we still to this day ride every chance we get. We all ride something different. My buddy Al has a Raider, Tim a Vulcan, Dave a new Kawasaki jurassic park thing, Dale an ass kicking Triumph 1400 T-bird, Mark a 2015 Indian Roadmaster, Top hat a 2020 CVO, Dennis a 2019 1200 iron and me a 2014 Yamaha 1000 Cruiser. Nikki a Harley, Paul a Vulcan. We are of the mindset let those who ride , decide. And we all own multiple bikes. We ride all over the state of Michigan were we live. On Sundays we all head to the Clamdiggers for barley pop and pizza and blues. We will meet at my house on fridays for beers, blues, and bar b que. Nobody gets wasted and rides. I have plenty of room and we all live close by. Yes we've had our share of brothers lost. Everyone has. But people do not live in fear. Use common sense and if you need to take a biker course, take it. There's no damn shame in it. Get out and enjoy life. Be careful but dont let life pass you by. Stay safe, live, laugh, and love. But most importantly get some wind in your hair.
Enjoy your videos Sean! Praise the Lord he has you doing some good work out there and living life. All good safety points and I would add practice emergency braking on your bike to see what an emergency stop feels like and consider not riding your motorcycle or being ultra vigilant riding on holidays due to intoxicated and distracted drivers out there.
the biggest danger is cross streets, and traffic from behind. You have to come to every feeder road / cross street at a speed slow enough that you can stop the bike or ditch the bike safely when the person pulls out in front of you. Also when at stop lights and stop signs, or any situation where traffic is coming from behind you must be aware of the drivers behind you.
Good vids my friend, I recently purchased a grom clone. First street bike I’ve owned ever. Last time I rode I was a kid on a dirt bike. Easily 22 yrs ago. I’m not a big dude either and the grom fits me perfect. I wanna 190 swap it sometime soon. I want the 190 to keep w traffic and the 5th gear for cruising speeds. I’m almost 40 now and I’m def over racing. If I wanna go fast I got my srt for that. I’m in pa as well Erie to be exact. I’ve put 50 miles on it already and I love it. Today you better keep you’re head on a swivel. I usually think everyone’s out to get me before I leave. That way I’m watching everyone closely.
I have a very low mile 1981 cb750 Custom....it still has its factory original tires. Great tread and not dry rotted, just old, heh. I picked it up with only 4,800 miles. Picked up a completely neglected bike from a college kid, chain broke when I was at the top of a mountain, 26 miles from the nearest anything. Walked it twice. As far as danger, ensure your horn is working, and put the loudest one possible on it. I have air horns on my cruiser. Saved my life several times.
I have been riding for many years on a variety of bikes, do consider myself very defensive, and always alert however, every time I "saddle up" I have the mindset that my bike is pre-ride checked as if I just bought it and never, ever allow anything to distract me!
Well you drive it cochese as it’s a drivers license ya wanna get super technical you operate it you ride a horse as it’s only directed by you and drive a bike car boat etc
Exactly!! Hence the slogan " live to ride". I've never heard anyone say, live to drive.. It seems to be an American thing to say, like " Canning vegetables and fruit when it's clearly getting put into glass jars not cans 🤔.
Life is risky. Choose to do what you love, and manage the risks involved in the doing. The data shows that good riders can reduce their risks in riding. Never (!) ride under the influence, match your riding behaviour to the circumstances (i.e., traffic, speed, weather, surface), maintain your bike and don't ride outside of your skillset. It is more like flying a plane than driving a car, IMHO, which means that not everyone will be capable of safe operation, and being a safe rider takes more effort than being a safe driver. Accept that, and you will be ok.
That's the most common sense comment I've read for a while well said and very true...one more bit of advice I would give dont ride with other riders who go way too fast and try to keep up , as you say exceeding your skill level and putting your life at risk
3 of these have caught me out. Only been on bikes just over 2 years. My 125 had the chain jump off because I forgot to check its adjustment. Bought my gsf600s second hand. Ended up doing a mile home on a flat back tyre. Recently got a tiny bit too relaxed. Missed a pothole and ended up under the bike needing help getting it off my leg. Luckily no serious harm from any o these but just proves how easy things go wrong.
As a former long-haul truck driver the first part of your video is what we would call a pre-trip inspection. It's something you do every time at the beginning of your ride. For truck drivers it's mandated by federal law to do a pre-trip inspection and and inspection at the end of the trip. Truck drivers are fanatical about their Steer tires. If it has a Nick or pinched in the sidewall I don't care how old it is it's getting replaced before that truck moves again.
I was born in 1960. Since '64 I have ridden 2 wheelers and never stopped unlike almost all of my friends who started driving cars stopped riding bicycles, I have NEVER stopped the bicycle riding, including in winter in Michigan and Colorado, these skills transfer to the motorcycle, think about what can happen, know your limits, the limits of your mechine and the limits of conditions, including if you can be seen!
Love your channel, so interesting, I'm in the UK, was always riding bikes up until 2010 when my Son was born then sadly it had to go for a people carrier, (Already had two girls) I am in my late 50s now but, would still like to ride again one day, God willing. I found this to be an interesting and informative post. I had a friend years ago that had the coolest Triumph Bonnervile 750 hard-tail and he had a cut down chain guard to match the 'stripped back' look of his chopper. Unfortunately on a ride out one of the days his chain broke lose and went completely through his thigh, breaking the bone and tearing the muscle, not to mention the hole it left. He had to be put in an induced coma for a week because of the shock. He did recover, but always had to ride a modified bike with footboards, (that he hated) and a hand gear change. Last time I saw him before he sadly passed away he was riding a modified Yamaha cruiser with shaft drive :-/ He admitted it was down to a loose, badly maintained chain. Anyway, that's my story, please keep up the great work and the wonderful posts. And may your God ride with you.
Im a cop and 99.9 % of motorcycle deaths ive seen, and Ive seen many have been sportbike's going excessive speed. All Harley accidents were alcohol related
I just bought a Yamaha Vstar and it would fight with me on the corners which I thought was really weird. Found out the front tire pressure was very low. You’re right. On a motorcycle tires are EXTREMELY important. Love your videos. Wish I was in Pennsylvania, it’s so beautiful there. But I’m stuck in Texas. Where we ride in the winter and hibernate in the summer.
There's a lot involve... The best thing you can do is Keep alert all the time like you're in a battle... Sand. Dirt. Oil spills. Cars cutting you off. Going too fast. Been sleepy. ....if you have bad tires and breaks is suicide not to mention drunk and flying I mean 80 mph.
My Army Term - Situational Awareness. When riding, I am aware of things happening around me, behind me, and alongside me. I casually scan the horizon, check my peripherals, glance at my mirrors....especially when I am stopped at a light....give myself enough room to move ahead or out of the way if a car comes up too fast behind me...always in first gear....ready to move. My sportbike was pretty balanced...when stopped, I could balance myself without putting my feet down at super slow speeds. I am a new rider (3 years of riding experience).
Ge fastest Indian is one of my favorite movies. A man and his dream almost went unfulfilled. But, when he comes to America he meets some very nice people who in there small ways all contribute to his victory. My favorite part is when he meets a bunch of kids on a beach and blows them away with the speed of his bike. Too cool!
I've experienced the scenario where a chain left a hole in the crankcase on a 1970 Honda ATC 90 due to excessive slack (someone else was riding it, but I was riding with him). Not only did the chain bind up around the drive sprocket, but when it bound up it didn't break so the rear axle locked up completely and both rear wheels sheared off the axle. We eventually got that ATC running again, but it involved buying another ATC 90 for parts and swapping the rear axle in. We also added a spring tensioner on the chain - the factory tensioner requires the rider to set the tension manually and the idler arm only works on the bottom of the chain. The tensioner we added in its place worked on the top and the bottom, and used what are basically skateboard wheels and a spring, and they kept the chain at basically zero slack until the chain was so badly worn it should have been replaced long before.
To add a little more about training. When you do something dumb and nothing happens think how you can do better. Example I was riding on a country road I was turning left. There were cars coming in the on coming lane so I pulled up and more to the left so the guy behind me in the truck could pass. He passed and another car was behind him who might not have seen me could have hit me. It was uneventful but next time people will have to wait in traffic for me to turn left. Learn while you ride, everytime you ride
Maintain your chain very important. Mine snapped and rapped around my rear indicator light. God was looking after me that day. Stay safe do your checks. Peace
If you're doing everything right while riding, yes there are any number of things that will kill you. If it's not under your control, " it" will get you. When it's your time to go, nothing will prevent it.
The most important thing you can do to stay alive on a bike is wear all your gear, if you don’t have gear, get it. You need protection on every part of your body. I hit a deer going 75-80 mph and I walked away because my gear, with leather, Kevlar and armor protection saved me from smashing bones and scraping my skin down to the bone. The bike on the other hand...RIP 🏍⚰️
not long ago i was at an intersection of a 65 mph state highway, the highway had just been paved with new asphalt, and lines hadn't even been painted yet. The road was very black color and a guy on a Harley was coming, it was one of them "Nightster" type softails- all black, and the guy was wearing all black. I could have killed that guy, and almost did by pulling out. I could not see him because of the conditions and blending in with the road. The point I'm making is that you need to be seen if your on a bike.
My 'mom' (real or wife) would never let me have a bike but rode a few. Best was a Triumph Daytona up and down the main street one Sunday night. I was 17 in '75..
Good info Shawn. Safety and being aware of your surroundings at all times by being a defensive rider is key. But I'm not sure I should subscribe. You didn't answer my question regarding whether or not you have those gloves in the gauntlet style. Do you have some that covers around the sleeve of your jacket to prevent cold air in winter & bugs up the sleeve in summer?
I ride in rain, fog, sunny day. Although your right. If I have a headache, or just feel off. I will take my car. People don't understand that riding a bike takes a lot out of you.
You only live once make it a good one. You only die once its what you did with your life that's for them to remember. Live in the moment and the rest will sort its self out .ride safe guys
Hi Sean, quick question if you don’t mind. You may remember, I’m from the UK and in order to ride a 125cc here, you need to do one day’s Compulsory Basic Training. To ride anything bigger you need to pass a three stage test, computer based theory test, Module 1 (Basic handling skills, slalom, figure 8, emergency stop etc.) and finally Module 2 (Road ride with an examiner). From what you say in this video, all you need to do in the United States is just get a permit? Or am I missing something? Any info would be appreciated. Great video as always, keep up the good work and ride safely my man.
Great advice! However, if anyone here in PA wants to hone in their motorcycle skills, the only thing you will invest is time. PAMSP offers free Basic, intermediate and advanced riding courses. Pretty awesome deal considering other states charge for it!
Great video. The Green Mike quote “Get busy living or get busy dying”. Quick question. Where do you find a used motorcycle’s worth. Thank you in advance.
Great points and plus 5 for that tip about weather. If you see any cloudiness in the sky at all, be prepared for mother nature to piss on your parade as soon as you reach your destination or even as soon as you pull out of your driveway. It almost seems like a curse. I also want to touch on the visible thing : YES. I know everyone is all about the fashion trend, and that's perfectly fine. But remember that your blacked out bike and gear are doing nothing but harm towards your visibility from drivers. I currently own 4 bikes - a fully blacked out iron 883, a black/red grom, a white vulcan s and a orange/black vulcan drifter. Guess which bikes cause me to get cut off more often than not? It may not be appealing to wear opposing colors on bikes like high vis yellow/orange, so there is an alternative and that is white gear! White goes great with every color just like black. Plus it's more sensitive on the eyeballs.
I watch almost all your posts and I really enjoy them very informative and I live in central Pa and I think I’m going to come to your shop to buy a bike maybe you can help me get one that fits me I’m old ,63 and haven’t had a bike since 1977 so I think I’m do, no matter what bike shop I go in it’s all about selling a bike ,not necessarily helping me find one that will fit me just selling one
My chain snapped and took out indicator gaurd locked wheel because i was stupid enough to fit new chain and sprocket kit with the spring clip so now always use rivet clip will save lots of trouble
One morning two weeks ago, I left for work early in the AM around 5 . I ride to work sometimes, others I drive. This morning I made a last min decision not to ride because I was too tired and did not feel like putting a helmet on, gear etc. Now the timing would have been dif but needless to say on this morning a deer ran right into the side of my van. Never hit a deer in my life! Im sure glad I was in a cage though.
Guys don't talk much about pulling up to a light, keep your bike in gear, not too close to the car in front of you, and keep an eye in the mirror, A LOT of bikers get crushed from behind cause their not paying attention like you said! I go as far as to get outside the car in front of me, that way I can gun it or jump off, throw it on the ground, if you have too, don't take the hit, ever! I usually lane split and pull to the front, but I still watch behind me!
@Srkcycles i need advise please. New to motorcycling, 6ft tall, 39 athletic. I am looking for a bike for a while and fall in love with an 1981 Honda cb750 custom It got to dings in the tank Its ,blacked out'(exhaust,side panel and smaller rear blinker) It seem to be in good shape considering that. Seller and my self are in TX. Apparently he is flipping bikes and got the bike from Maryland. Can you give me some info about the bike and what would be an acceptable price? Ty
Anybody who says that motorcycles are not dangerous has never heard of the Randolph, New Hampshire, crash last year when seven riders were killed in a single crash. Just the other day, three riders were killed in a similar crash in the Texas Hill Country. Both crashes involved group riding and an impaired driver crossing the centerline of the highway.
