How YouTube ruined motorcycles 

I completely forgot we went motocamping in September, so if you missed that video, click here! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-g-8CAH_QQ4U.html

I felt this in my SOUL! It seriously is a catch 22. I loved filming my ride because it encouraged the ride. But then youtube makes you feel obligated to post consistently in order to actually have success as a creator. It inevitably becomes monotonous no matter how successful you become. All creators experience burn out and question why they’re doing what they’re doing. At the end of the day it’s your story to tell, and bonus points if viewers relate and enjoy the ride with you! Love you both!

Absolutely nothing wrong with the way you and Heather feel! Do what you feel and don't worry about the rest. As a follower I appreciate you guys and thanks for letting all of your followers know. Peace!

Brian and Heather, I've been watching your vlogs from the beginning and I must say, I enjoy them because your personalities come through the screen more so than the content. I'm an old boomer (68) and I just want to say, don't allow the hustle and bustle get in the way of what you love! Do whatever you need to do in order to maintain that desire for riding. Whether you're posting van build content, accessory installarion, or riding the back roads of your beloved Nebraska, the fans will be watching because you are good people.....period!!

Brian, Ride your bike!!! Don't worry about pleasing anyone but yourself and Heather....... yes we love seeing you guys...... but Goddamit man....... If you don't want to film then don't........ Ride!!!! There is no reason to make a job out of something you love, and there is no reason for you to feel bad because your doing what you love and leaving the cameras home...... you know, no one will know if you don't take the cameras...... because... you don't have the cameras!!!!! hahahah please.... have fun on your bike with your wife. that's what riding and life is all about........ we'll see you when we see you......

OMG! This footage struck a real chord with me! Buddy, what a great vlog, love the backstory and the transparency! The stuff you told, parallels so much of my journey with motorcycles. Started riding at 7 or 8 on a Honda 50, burn a hole in the piston, had a KX125, blew it up, had a Trial 250, CR 250, Quad 250R, CBR 600, (thru the natural progression in growing up) Dad bought a Harley while I was in HS, I rode it a few times around girls softball practice looking cool (not really, my feet barely touched the ground). Later dad parted ways with that bike, then got serious a few years later, about riding his Harleys. He generously handed me one of his first Softails, hoping I’d take the same interest in riding, and went and bought himself another new Harley. My life changed on a dime, when he showed me the difference between riding around town with bar-hopping buddies, watching Husker Games, and actually go throw down several hundred miles a day. Hearing you talk about you and Heather’s joy of riding, a sleep-over stay over here and there, recharging, getting away, that’s my passion to a tee, to get away and ride. I love to ride, and let my brain just defrag. I’ve often wondered how you guys video week after week throw content out there, how that COULD take away from the original passion to ride. I’ve often thought “man I’d love to ride everywhere, I have great ideas, my bike is badass, and blow up my own content to share on a channel… I think I could do it well!” But it WOULD become work to me, I’d have to haul my camera gear everywhere…all the time editing…..I don’t want to work it, I want to ride. Selfishly, I’d rather stay excited, stay motivated, gain riding destination ideas, thru everyone else’s epic content, flat out ride, and be everyone else’s subscriber (lol), than to be the content provider (lol!) Selfish as heck, I know. Bro you two put out GREAT content and I love looking for your latest stuff every week! As long as you can enjoy it and separate the two where you two can get away to ride and leave the cameras home, not feel guilty, not talk about the channel; do it, you’re great at it. But don’t let it steal your passion to ride. I can’t tell you how well you described why I ride; thee SAME reasons you ride! 😂

I always look forward to all of your videos and I realize they are a lot of work. I don't care if you're on the bike, working on the van or just having a chat. I applaud you decision to put your lives first and not worry about having to share all your trips. You and Heather are great!

So many people do not realize what a pain it is to make videos to entertain others. It starts out as just doing it on occasion for fun and your own use, to feeling the pressure to keep pumping out content. At that point it is no longer fun and becomes work. Do what makes Heather and yourself happy. If I only see an occasional video or maybe even none down the road I am good with that, it is your happiness that is number 1. It is the same as I like to work on my own bikes and vehicles, if everyone starts coming over to my garage for me to fix something for them then it isn't fun anymore.

Brian, please don't ever feel obligated to post content. Enjoy your ride without the camera or film/picture it without editing and posting. It's your life, not ours, enjoy the trip with your wife and when you do feel like posting, we'll be here.

It does become muddy when you mix work with your hobbies. I know I feel this also...sometimes I just want to ride and don't want the added pressure of setting up cameras, trying to record something that will get views on YT, etc. There has to be a separation and we have to be able to step back from the pressure of recording and documenting everything...sometimes the ride is for you and sometimes the ride is for YT...it's OK to separate them.

I hate ridding to work because it spoils my motorcycle time. Motorcycle time is MINE.

When I decided to do a You Tube channel (hiwayflyer), I knew I was not going to record every single ride I did. I used to work at a HD dealer, and even the guys who just rode to work every day were getting burned out on riding, because that's all they did. My reasoning is, I ride my bike to get away from stress and the daily BS we all have, and having to worry about recording every mile definitely takes all the fun out of it. Thanks for making this video, it speaks to the heart of a lot of content creators, I'm sure. I do love seeing your progress on the van build, looking forward to seeing it finished. Keep your knees in the breeze!

This is why I post when I want, but have zero followers. I post my videos for me. It’s not now, nor will it be my job. Ever. I won’t kill what I love by making it work.

I’ve ridden more miles and posted 1/2 as many videos this season. It’s always been about having fun on motorcycles not to be famous but to just meet awesome people!

Hey man you two just do you, I like your channel. It doesn’t matter if your riding, wrenching, building a camper van or a gingerbread house! The way you two interact and your genuineness is what keeps us all tuning in.

Brian, you and Heather are a breath of fresh air in a world of algorithm stench. Many years ago when I found RU-vid I was hooked because I was able to learn and get ideas for things in life that I had not been exposed to. Real people ,in my opinion are rare and I believe that you are real. Live your life to reach your goals and stay true to each other. I am working on a enclosed trailer to do what you are doing for camping and taking a motorcycle. Love the van build and have gotten a new perspective on my build. Thanks for sharing from your heart!

I am exactly the same!!!! I have a tiny channel and enjoy making videos when the “content” is there but when it’s not I’m just not gonna make crap up or feel pressure to do something. People don’t watch just ride videos for the most part and “just riding” is what I do. Make a video when you feel like it, I will always watch but won’t get butt hurt if it’s been awhile. Love you guys, stay safe

Honestly, there are so many moto youtubers. I’m really enjoying your van videos 😁 Enjoy the build, and don’t rush it. You will regret any short cuts you take - voice of experience here.

Absolutely don’t let doing RU-vid ruin riding!!! We love the content but don’t let it ruin riding for y’all.

Love this! Keeping it real - that's what makes you two great to watch!

I went through the exact same thing a couple years ago, I didn’t do RU-vid but I did a podcast about and around a previous (life long) hobby, notice I said previous, I am no longer interested in the hobby, at all. Don’t let it happen guys, just forget RU-vid and enjoy your ride. I got back into riding and that’s my silver lining.

Thank you for the update! Keep going keep creating content! No matter whether bikes, DIY, building a van, surgeries, Volbeat, just keep going. I bought 2 of your t shirts because of your genuine realness. Don’t compare yourself to other motovloggers. Your channel offers so much more variety. Don’t ever lose your love for riding! Salute from MN 🤘🏻😎🇺🇸

I cant imagine revolving my bike life around a camera.we pack our bikes,do 2-3 week trips will all gear,camping gear and clothes between 2 baggers.no way would i sacrifice our riding experiences packing the bikes with camera gear.relying on hotels$$$$$$$.i enjoy your vids regardless,you and Heather are a cool couple.dont let this ruin what yall love.if this is what you want to do,youll have to quit your jobs and turn the bike life into your fulltime job…if yall want that,than cool.but to me thats not the bike life,like you said its your escape….sooooo.stay well yall

Appreciate your honesty. You are one of several content creators I enjoy. But if you can’t enjoy the freedom of just going out for a ride then fuck it. Honestly, I enjoy your videos but it’s more important that you are happy. Take a break and reevaluate. I’ll survive without your videos as will everyone else who watches. Good bless brother.

Don't let the algorithm mess up your life. Also your van content has me considering building a camper-van or doing a GFC camper for the back of my truck! I'm mostly here for the bike content... but I'm here for all of it

You two are some of my favs, just keep doing what you’re doing, we’ll be here watching and waiting to share the ride with you.

you cant let youtube ruin your love for riding. keep the shinny side up and have fun.

RU-vid vlogging has a shelf life and will fade away. Riding is part of the soul forever, never sell your soul brother. I'll definitely watch van vids but do things your way don't worry about nobody but family. God Bless

I live in the UK, am considerably older that you, have far less computer/digital camera/internet knowledge and have tried to make a few videos when riding my classic motorcycles. The results were really poor and I cannot edit or make it seem logical at all, this made me realise to take all of the equipment and remember to press record, fix all the editing afterwards must be very difficult when you feel pressurised to produce something. I have enjoyed seeing USA on your bike trips, the camping, Sturgis and Heather learning to ride, it’s not my thing but I even watched all of your van build series. You are nice people so just do what you want, ride when you feel like riding, take the cameras when you want to, share it when you are ready to. I subscribe to see you enjoying life. Regards Paul

As for the van camping and taking the bike along on a trailer. MAN!!!! That's my dream. The van being home base and riding the bike to all the cool places. YES!!!.

I started watching one day awhile ago and you were tinkering on your bike in the garage in the winter. I like the banter you and Heather have and enjoy all the content that you both have posted. You have to take care of yourselves first and foremost. Hope to see vids in the future of whatever you decide to film.

Great vid and totally get the youtube issue. I feel like at least 1/2 of every motorcycle trip is filming, commenting or taking photos, then the hours of editing. Its a lot of commitment and does sometimes feel like a job and I do miss out on some of the fun other ( that are not filming ) in the group are having. Glad you arent leaving and look forward to more of the van vids.

I have thought about starting a motorcycle RU-vid channel for the past couple years, but I can't start because of what you are talking about. I don't want to turn riding into a job. I definitely feel where you are coming from.

Don't feel guilty. Life is short and living it is more important than dealing with the bull. Do what you feel is right for you and the heck with everything else. ENJOY THE RIDE!

Thanks for this video explanation Brian. It reminds me of when my children were growing up and I saw most of their events and activities through the view finder of a video camera. I grew to resent the camera and started leaving it at home and started to enjoy watching them in the moment. Looking forward to seeing your Van travels.

I quit worrying about what other people thought of us trailering our bike a long time ago. We will trailer from Nebraska to the Black Hills usually once a year, so nice to get there and not be wiped out from the ride. You guys keep doing your thing and enjoy yourselves. But it is nice to see a RU-vidr from central Nebraska, at least we know where you are most of the time.

100% This is 1 of 2 reasons why there is no content on my channel yet.

I totally get it and when a simple 1 day trip become work, the fun is zapped. I don't have any pearly words of wisdom but to just say do what it right for you two . Balancing life to have a quality life is hard sometimes. All the best, Eric

Brian, life has to take precedent you have to do what makes you happy. We will be here when you decide to come back. God Bless and enjoy every minute !

Totally understand but punishing yourself by not riding or less riding is not the answer ,just ride and dont film like most of us do

I feel this one man. When I first started my channel, I rode motorcycles, but my channel was about fishing. I found myself in the same boat (pun intended). I didn't want to fish without filming and it turned me off of both. I found new energy with moto content last year and a whole different approach. I just film what I do, whether I'm riding or not. Hope you find some peace my man.

RU-vid is an evil monster. I have been trying to figure out what I am doing. I have gone out a bunch of times with no Cameras what a relief. I hear ya brother so I am doing RU-vid for me I like it but it does put undue pressure that is for sure. I will keep watching your stuff. I think we all as creators go through this.

I hear where you are coming from. I didn't stop riding, I just stopped filming. It took me out of the moment. Too much work and not enough reward.

Brian, I Iike your videos because you and Heather are easy going and chill people. Take a break and enjoy the ride. I will follow your camper adventures whenever you film some. No worries, be happy 😊

Hi Brian, what you said in this video is perfectly understandable. It's not because you have a youtube channel you cannot have a bit of privacy on your trips. Enjoy your private trips , enjoy filming also when you feel like it and do not follow what youtube is pushing you to do. I love your videos and will always watch it when there is one. I a big fan following you from Belgium (very small country in Europe 😃). Cheers!

Y'know, this sounds similar to what Jack (Harley Day Rider) described when he went to the hospital for heart issues (I think he said he had a heart attack) because he was stressing/focusing so much on the YT analytics. I know you're not talking specifically about analytics, but in terms of putting a YT channel ahead of your peace of mind and mental fulfillment, this is similar. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. It takes a lot to put yourself out there like this. I've really enjoyed your van series videos.

Theres really only one goal in this life, and that’s to do what makes you happy as often as you can. I had big plans to make a bunch of videos on my trip across the country. I ended up making short five minute videos every night by the campfire on my phone. Lol. I was too busy living in the moment.

I'm enjoying the Van videos. I love seeing how people decide to modify their project. Endless possibilities!

I can totally understand that. One of the reasons I never understood, or could imagine being a "full time RU-vidr". I liken to a shadetree mechanic growing up who goes into it as a professional usually drives a lest maintained vehicle, and autobody tech usually has a dented rust bucket. When it becomes a "job" or chore it loses it's fun. Loved to hear the reminiscing. No need to explain. Welcome to adulting. You two have to do what works for you two. You two are more important that RU-vid / social media. Regroup, recharge, enjoy each other. Life is short, the relationship needs to last longer than RU-vid.

You guys do you I enjoy your videos and the interaction between the two off you Keep it going

I'm with you both. You do for you guys. Will still be here watching whatever you both put. I ain't going nowhere.

Thank you for this one. I’m sure everyone else has told you to just ride, without cameras, until you get your minds right. I am like you, and most others when it comes to why I started doing the Tube. And of course, I often thing about how to grow the channel, but I’m too lazy to put in the effort needed to be as successful as you and Heather are. So, Thank you for reminding me that RU-vid is a hobby, not a job!! Be well, Patrick

hey brian, i watch a lot of youtube and enjoy the personalities no matter what they are filming. you and heather are good people and look forward to to what ever you post. i do like the camper van videos too. i met you at the world record event in paris texas and thought you were a really nice person. i like the honesty and you and heater get a long so well. keep doing what you want and we will be here!

Glad you are back. When riding becomes work something has gone wrong. I don’t make any videos and just enjoy the ride. However I do appreciate those that do take the time to make videos for us to enjoy, especially in the winter. ❄️

I haven't even started posting videos and i feel this. i have hours of upon hours of riding videos that I've done nothing with. haven't even looked at it. the idea of editing or well learning to edit is daunting enough. i do enjoy recording my rides but i really only get one angle. i don't want to stop every couple of miles to change camera positions. i use an insta 360 but i think for most that would get boring for viewers. But from what i see from most motorcycle youtubers or vloggers as it may be, this is common. especially those of us that live in places you can't ride all year. i flew to FL and bought a bike in the spring rode it home. took all my camera stuff and never once put it on the bike. in some ways I wish I had. I wish I had more record of the trip then the few pictures i was able to take at gas stations. at the same time it was really nice to just sit back learn the bike and enjoy the scenery without worrying about whether I got a shot or not. this winter i would like to go through all my video and start making some shorts. Or something like that. Maybe reels. I don't' have the desire to script my rides or film destinations. i just like shooting the rides. Yes if you are doing RU-vid for a carrier you have to focus more on the analytics', i think sometimes you just have to get back to enjoying the experience of the ride.

I agree with you 100%. I made also some video's over the last fifteen years, but they are made for me and my friends. Videotaping while riding is just for fun, and I don't care about the number of subscribers or popularity of the channel. Just do your thing and bring out a new video when you feel like it, not to serve or please others.

The only reason I started, was to have a place to go back and view my travels as well. Plus covid shut everything down so it was easy to just go ride.

Hey Man! I forgot to tell you something.......Long ago I adopted a life philosophy which is.....If It Feels Good Do It! If It Don't Leave It Alone. Sounds like you are there.

That’s exactly why I don’t post tons of videos. It’s a lot of work but I do enjoy watching our videos the next year etc. Its fun sharing our rides and vacation experiences but I agree with you 100%……it’s a ton of work. I do hope we get to meet more of our RU-vid friends in the future so I’ll continue to post and watch videos because it’s fun to share.

Please keep the channel going. You and your wife have great chemistry together! Definitely love the videos of the camper build. Content is great! Love motorcycles, been riding since I was a kid. Hoping to get my first Harley in 2023. Keep up the great work!

I have been curious about the van build. Keep up the good work and don't let this becom a chore. Enjoy the ride, safe travels

We love your videos. Take a break and make time for yourselves. We will always be here waiting for your next videos. I love to ride as well. I ride everyday to work and most weekends riding with friends. I couldn't imagine getting burned out riding. But for you guys I totally understand. Riding is for relaxation and just having fun. I can see with RU-vid how it can turn into more of a we owe our viewers a bike video rather than just go for a ride.

I GET U BROTHER. A TRUE BIKER DOES IT FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE RIDE. LUV U BOTH.

Brian I love watching your videos especially the progress on your van. No shame in trailering your bike, you’ve done plenty of miles nothing to prove to anyone. I think it is a great idea with the van and traveling. My stuff is no where like your content, but it is mostly for me and my family, I’m not that great at it but I can still go back and watch. Got 4 GoPro’s and very seldom ever take them with me. You guys do a great job and your regular real people. Hope to get to meet you 2, beer is on me. Enjoy your winter and looking forward to the van progress. ✌🏻🇺🇸

Best video yet and I been there… love watching peoples videos, as specially the ones you can learn from…. But it makes it to much like a job. Love you guys. Ride safe

I’m here, like many others I’m sure because of you and heathers life in general. I don’t care what your doing, riding, eating, drinking or building Halloween gingerbread houses. Keep making videos at your leisure and we will continue watching.

Been watching you too for a long time totally understand where you are coming from don't lose yourself in videos making enjoy life and riding first will be here for you guys when you are ready

Dude, you gotta do you! don't let NOT MAKING videos of your bike rides blow it for you guys...If nothing else, record for yourselves and NOT YOU TUBE! It's ok!!! Take care of EACH OTHER AND YOURSELVES!!!

When the hobby becomes a job, it’s all over man! I feel ya! Love all your content! Keep doing it at a pace you guys enjoy! 👊🏼

I did a "State of Motovlogging" video a short while back and although my take on it was a bit different, I definitely feel the points you made in this video. I really hate that feeling of going for a ride just to make content - it blows. And now that I am focusing more on ADV riding offroad, it's actually dangerous too (I find myself definitely needing to focus and to be in the moment as you stated - to stay safe offroad.) Anyway, good to a see a post from you and it will be interesting to see the content you guys create in the van. Peace.

Good on you Brian! You guys do you, i really enjoy your content what ever you're up too. And happy to wait on your timeline 😎👍

I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s tough trying to enjoy the moment AND capture the moment, to share with others. Corey (SaddleTramp) and I have the same struggles as you and Heather. Sometimes you just have to say, “This is for US” and just dig the experience. Until you’re ready to quit your day jobs, consider RU-vid videos as home movies to look back on to enjoy your adventures together. Just my personal opinion . . .

TOTALLY get what you are saying. I like the van build videos too and think hauling your bike to any rideable location is just fine. I will enjoy whatever you kidz provide because you all are KOOL and funny. THX for sharing !!!

Brian, I watch your channel and others because I like to see real people living their life. If it gets to be a chore I'm sure that will show up in the video's and not be much fun to watch. I hope you and Heather can fine a happy medium and continue to bring us great video's when it fits the circumstances you are living with. Thanks for Sharing!

I watch the channel cause love to see the two of you doing things together . Take a break if you have too I'll still be here when you feel like posting. I'm looking forward to how the van turns out and where you will going in it.Only post when your having fun together

Dude I totally get it. I'd never start a channel around motorcycling cause I'm sure it'd turn into a job...and I already got a job. Unless I'm on call for work when we get on the bike, phones turn off, music turns on and we escape to wherever the road takes us. Good luck man and safe!

To thine own self be true! You two need to live your lives and be happy! When it feels right, make a video. When you want to just ride, then just ride and enjoy! We'll all be here to watch when you do post. And just FYI, you made me hungry when you drove past that Runza! I gotta get back to Nebraska soon!

Yes I personally enjoy the van videos. It’s cool watching the progress and I am thinking about doing the same thing with a toy hauler. Enjoy the holidays and I will be looking forward to the next video!

I feel the same way and my channel don’t even have 500 subs. I recently got a message from a subscriber asking when am I going to put out a video. My bike has sat for 2 weeks, and I have like 10 videos to edit.. working 2 jobs, ughh…. stay well and stay healthy.

We need a van update. Just do what is good for you two. But we do need a van update! Lol

Screw doing the motorcycle rides for a little while. The van videos are awesome to watch

Enjoy your hobby, don't ever let the camera take that from you! I love seeing the video's but completely understand your dilemma. If you put out one video a year, I'll still be subscribed to your channel!

Do videos when you feel the need. We love your videos you guys are genuine , just don’t stop even if it’s only one a month love your content take care and enjoy life

Two reasons for videos: Enjoyment or revenue. Live life as you see fit.

I would hate to have a You Tube channel. I kind of saw this coming when you were asking people for ideas and what they wanted to see next. Don't worry about us or how to please people. Just please yourself, (maybe Heather too) and film what you enjoy. It's your world, I'm just warming it up for you.

I get it man. Sometimes I just have to leave the cameras at home and ride. I’ve made a point to make time for “me” on the bike and not RU-vid. Easier said than done, I know, I’m that way too sometimes…

Wait until you are out vanning and riding, then the struggle escalates. When you are not driving, then you are riding and when you get motivated, you have poor or no wifi to edit while on the road. Glad you are back.

You could just go back to filming your trips, the way you did in the beginning. Just do it to document what you did, where you went and so forth. Do it for yourself. Don’t worry about your audience or all the production of here’s a shot of us pulling in, here’s a shot of us getting off the bike were you basically have to re-shoot the same shot five times to get all the different angles. If you want to make a video to document just do it for yourself and your followers will watch it regardless if you address them or not

Thanks for doing this video.. Your video gave me an idea for one.. And your honesty is great.. I guess that's the reason I don't "motovlog" I like taking in the sights and enjoying the ride and not feeling like in have to talk or come up with something to say.. Still a avid subscriber and love the van build.. You and Heather do you.. Now get out and ride before it gets too cold

Brian and Heather, we love you guys, your real people, but when this becomes another job, instead of fun, step away for a bit, get out, ride your Harley, and enjoy life…

Completely relate to what you're saying, man. I thought it was just me until now.

When those trees start their fall colors, I get one or two more rides then I get motorcycle burnout for the remainder of the season. Then when spring rolls around I am out there for those short putts and its only 40 degrees. Yes Brian, we all get this, and you have the task that you want to document some, but not all your summer rides. This is fine to do. I do enjoy watching your van build but soon you will need to rent a garage to heat and work in to complete it before spring.

And I see Jess just posted about RU-vid making you feel Obligated to post a video. Don’t know about Brian and Heather but Jess is kind of Obligated to post cause THIS (motovlogging) is what Jess wants to DO full time. Jess walked away from a normal day job to do THIS. Brian, if you and Heather really don’t want this media presence to run your life walk away for sometime, however long, permanently if need be to be yourself and enjoy what You want.

I think day trips on the bike out of the van is an awesome idea. Looking forward to those videos.

Ride your ride, leave the camera at home. Enjoy yourselves as a family, we’re family, a phone call away. Love y’all regardless ❤🤙🏻🇺🇸😎

Yeah, today was a sunny but not that warm here in Nebraska. I rode into North Platte to grab some stuff and was surprised it wasn't warmer.

You guys need to do what makes you happy. I'm looking forward to the van life videos. I don't watch every video you publish, but I am subscribed with notifications for all videos. I don't do that very often anymore, but you two seem like people I'd like to meet over a dark beer for some chit chat about life and bike trips.

Good to hear from you! Great update! Good for you guys to be doing what you want and continue the love of riding! If you ever get to Idaho…bring the van..we’ve got hookups! Oh and food and beverages!! Look forward to more Van build videos!!

God the honesty, how dare you! 😄 good job bro!

You guys are awesome for filming all your rides I couldn't I like to leave everything behind and just enjoy the ride if you need to take a break do it we'll be here waiting but I still can't wait to see the van done 🤘🤘🤘