The SECRET To Relaxing On A Motorcycle & Not Being Afraid 

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Experience / practice helps the jitters go away. Once you become "one" with the bike, riding becomes natural and relaxed. Myself, even if I don't ride for a few months, once I get back on the bike, it takes a couple 40 mile rides to get totally relaxed again. After not riding for a while, you don't forget how to ride but, it is like anything else you haven't done in a while, you need to get back into your comfort zone.

Could not agree with you more. Riding safe, comfortably, and confidently is what enjoying the ride is all about. Of course, much of that comes with experience so that you adopt the skill set required for those attributes to be realized. Practice, practice, practice, and get the training you need in order to be prepared for every riding situation. Stay safe out there and enjoy the road.

One of the problems with overtaking (especially in Victoria) is that the tax collectors tend to setup near overtaking lanes, so they can collect some taxes. Supposing the vehicle(s) you want to pass are doing 10k less than the speed limit and you also want to pass them without exceeding that limit, the average overtaking lane is usually JUST long enough for one vehicle to get past one slower one. Having been pulled over by NZ tax collectors and been let off with a caution when using the overtaking manoeuvre as a reason for the speed, I wish our tax collectors would do the same, but in my experience, they are singularly humourless people who are unable to think in terms other than black and white. The cost of taxes being what they are, I can understand why many riders are reluctant to crank the throttle wide to overtake. It’s ridiculous really, because this makes for seriously dangerous situations on the road and defeats the stated purpose of the road tax collectors, which is supposedly to keep us all safe. The NZ ones can see the sense of a rider saying that they were trying to overtake as quickly as possible for safety reasons, whilst our lot aren’t that elastic in their application of brain cells and their usual response is that orders are orders. (Or a paraphrase of this idea) We can of course see through this fatuous and false stupidity, but that doesn’t help us when dealing with the loss of finances that will be applied by said tax functionaries.

This was probably your best message ever at least for me. I've owned my bike going on 5 years now, but I don't always get the chance to go out for a ride as often as I want. It is my first bike and I absolutely love riding, but I am pretty tense when I ride. Especially across the shoulders and lower back. My middle boy has his first bike as well and we try to ride together as much as possible too. But I have noticed that when riding with him I notice myself being more tense. It's because I'm always looking back at him and watching the traffic behind him. It absolutely pisses me off whenever someone gets too close to him. Which sends my tenseness up even more.

This is great advice! I’m back on a motorcycle after 10 years. I invested in quality motorcycle gear and despite having 20 years experience prior to my 10 year layoff, I took a motorcycle safety course. My goal is to ride until I’m physically or mentally incapable of doing so. Thank you for your useful words today.

Totally agree with your points in being relaxed. This also can be applied to anything in life. Relax & enjoy life!

Simply just BREATHE ❗ Become the motorcycle May all your days be Harley days🖤🧡🖤 Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺 🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤

Totally. Keep warm too - this also causes tension and lack of attention. Safe rides 👍🤜

Great video. I’ve only been riding my Harley for a little over a year with only a year of experience. I find myself tense especially around my legs and shoulders. I’ve been trying to relax more. Your video has pointed out my flaws. Thanks.

Hi Aymen, Good to catch up on the Vicla run, yes, I'm behind in viewing your channel. Get over it!! Fear is a tool that we need to disconnect from the Fight v Flight mechanism and reach further into our toolbox of possible actions to modify our reactions in response to that fear, as a Volunteer Firefighter i use it all the time and have no doubt it's saved me and my crew in the past. Nothing to get a big head over, either as it's been a long journey filled with training and garnering the experiences of many people out there, Career and Volunteer, who've passed on lots of valuable knowledge.

Thank you for this advice. I sit for my provisional motorbike licence on Friday and I am feeling nervous.

hi dude i m retired 64 not in great health vastley overweight but i m still riding street glide is still not regoed riding my new 2021 fatboy love your stuff

Well said! The more you practice the better your skills become. Unfortunately, some people think that riding on the weekend is enough. IT IS NOT!)

I love your videos man, one of my favorite HD channels. Thanks for your effort and time. :)

My pet peeve! Group rides where the "leader" rides as though he's alone. If you're leading a group, the last bike in line has to be on your mind as if it's attached to you. I've been behind clueless guys and it makes it tough when it should be a breeze.

I think to some extent at least, having a bike that is a proper fit for you makes a world of difference. This past spring, after getting my Heritage, a riding buddy told me I looked so much more comfortable than I did on the Roadglide. He was right. I am 100% more relaxed now and riding is a joy again.

Absolutely spot on. There's nothing like feeling at one with your bike, it's meditation in motion! And finding that balance between chillaxing and having all your senses heightened while scanning the road ahead (and behind) is true zen. Great video, Aymen.

Yet another great video of valuable information- learning everyday allot of that is thanks to you !!

I’m in San Diego people have so much road rage here 😂this is good stuff love your channel its why i subbed. Thank you

15min practice in a carpark every ride. Slow speed u turns and slow riding is one of the Fastest ways to increase your skill levels. Also plenty of you tube tutorials job done. Great talking points Great video. Thanks...

Yer nar sort of. If inexperienced riders have a little bit of fear and it keeps safe then all good experienced riders need to look out for them just like road conditions. Been riding for 46 years and feel lucky to do so, two fingers resting on that front Brake going through intersection,animals .like your videos

Good one 👍🏽 Thanks Buddy

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel... Such an awesome feeling to become one with your motorcycle, as if it is just an extension of yourself...

Another great video brother a lot of good information ❤😊😊😊

Great video Aymen… I am fairly a new rider and all the issues you pointed out happen to me.

fucking love your way of delivery of information best learn on the tube i thumb up before i watch with confidence

Awesome videos. I started riding Sept 2020 on a 2007 honda shadow. Upgraded to a 2022 streetglide in March of 22. I got 17000 miles on my streetglide 😊

Cool video mate.....and nicely explained. Couldn't agree more with relaxing whilst riding.....enjoy the bloody ride! Ride safe 😎

Another very good video. Well done sir.

So correct and sound advice. I sometimes have the death grip on my bars when it feels like I’m riding a bronco through pot hole central here in Vic😂 Thank you Aymen 🙏🌸

Good advice, Thank you.

always enjoy your informative video's sir!!! thanks

Great advice 😁 Sometimes I’ll take off on a ride feeling one with the machine and all is right in the world, and I can do anything. Other times for some reason I feel very uncoordinated and awkward… not sure which is more dangerous 🫣😄 Next time unco, will have a look through this lens

This episode scares me!😱

The secret to relaxing and minimising fear is to fit a set of Metzeler Cruisetec tyres. If you're not riding on Metzelers, you're not really riding :)

Overtaking fast is not a problem, but paying fines from speeding are. That's not fear of riding, but fear of losing lots of money.

Another great video. 😎

Brilliant video wow your amazing

Heh. You missed one regarding the leader passing too slowly, money. Paying for all the cops early retirements. I suppose that could be a type of fear, though he may have just been frugal.

Aymen that thought oh Harley giving me a free motorcycle yeah yeah that’s the thought I always have lmao

Can you do a demonstration video on the road

Good work 👏

I remember when starting out I had arm pump from gripping too hard. Learned to relax. How did you get the ST on the roof?

i been riding 46 years

Another great video brother!! Got my Old Not Dead t shirt and two patches today!! Love'em!! Cool stuff!! 😎

I’m in my sixties and been riding over 40 years. Recently, I’ve noticed that some days I feel great on the bike. Very smooth and intuitive. Feels like flying. Other days, for no reason I can figure out, I feel tense, tentative, and uncomfortable. Any ideas? Nothing different that I can pinpoint such as weather or road conditions.

Being proactive beats the hell out of being reactive

i must be old nothing protects like leather.its the barrier that breaks the cold wind.

I put in 460 miles solo this weekend and this was the number one thing I continued to remind myself. Relax, enjoy the therapy and let the bike work. Great video!

I can never remember a time that I felt scared on a Bike. Started riding at about age 6-8 and have been riding for over 50 years now. I guess growing up in a different world that was less populated and stressful is partly responsible . I actually feel far more tense in a car than I am on my Bike. Heavy traffic? Give me a Bike. Highway? Bike. Life? Bike. It’s akin to breathing for those of us who grew up Riding and it is learned by riding off road until one is part of the bike. Riding off road and Really Riding means you will crash and that’s actually a good thing as it teaches one that crashing isn’t the end and also teaches one the limits. Ride On.

So true!! As a new rider nervousness is real. I do a quick little self pep talk, take a deep breath and think of a safe calm space to let my mind let go. Then I see in my mind's eye the truth that I am aware, calm, and maintain PTC (present time consciousness). Then I play with my friction zone for a bit to give that memory to my hands and brain. I do a quick review of my intended trip and off I go feeling more comfortable about my ride. It's a prep and program I use to get over the newbie willies. 😊 It definitely allows for me to enjoy the gift of riding. ❤

Another great, educational vid Aymen. Well done. We loved the clip!

I always think of riding as a zen trip. Mind and body should become one with the feedback from the bike. Mind=intent and judgment, Body= control and agility.

Another Awesome RU-vid video!! You rock Aymen Phoenix. Keep up the great content and very interesting subject's 👍🏽 I watch them all. 🍻👍🏽👌🍻☺️🙏

I’ve been doing this for 38 years. I still sometimes get a uncomfortable feeling pulling my bike out of the shop. I just stop for a second. Then rationalize out the fact that yes this is dangerous. Then I replace it with a “not today I got this thought”. Then I go run the same program that has kept me upright for over 30 years now. I also think most people that are uncomfortable riding simply are not doing it enough. It took me 2,500 miles on my current bike before it felt intuitive. 2,500 miles and I’m not green.

It's hard to not be afraid when flicking a switch for a blinker seems to be difficult today with a lot of car drivers. Especially when you are a lone motorcyclist in a sea of cars sometimes. But yes, your points are spot on.

Great vid. again.

100% bro! always speaking facts 🤙

I’m from the United states but I. Portuguese love what you do thanks for all the great information!

Is that a Magnum 500 open face mate?? I think I want one.

Thanks for the great video on this fear think that Al lot of use have when we ride , some days I really have a very relaxed ride and sometimes not so much , if I ride on roads that I know we’ll it’s blast no fear , when I want to take a adventure ride on roads not very familiar with I get tense, what if,s flow through my brain ! Cross traffic, corners , traffic , Deer , I love riding my Street Glide , I practice my slow speed stuff for 30 min on a empty lot most of the time before a longer ride , this helps me losing up my body and my mind , again thanks for all your content

Thanks for another great video and advice for riding.

Some great points made here and well presented too.

My fear is loose gravel on a corner.

Rode like this for over 50 years, all kind of Bikes but mostly Harleys. Then at 73 years old, up popped the Devil. A left turner right in front of me with a cell phone in her ear. My life was saved by where I hit her Car. The windshield hood and fender. My Sportster bounced backwards and landed on my left ankle breaking it. I now have a plate and 7 screws in it but okay. The next time after fixing I was freaking out ridding. Every Cage that came near me was Panic time. Your Video was very helpful in getting and "Old but not Dead" back into the saddle. Until this happened, I rode like I stole it.....

What advanced training would you recommend in the SE Melbourne (Frankston) area, Aymen?

Very good points and astute analysis of riding. My mantra is “ride loose”. Be aware of your mental state. If stressed, angry, or anxious I won’t ride because it would not be enjoyable, it is a chore. Takes away the rationale for riding. Mind is at peace, the ride will be effortless and bliss and why I ride.

Great video as usual. Yeah after a bunch of miles, like thousands in a summer you will relax. And scaring yourself a few times. Be confident not cocky.

Do what I did from the age of 8 if you have the opportunity,and that's dirt bike ride on anything you can get your hands on that has a motor and 2 wheel's, you'll learn most of your skills that way and come off the bike in a safer environment, I'm 60 now and still have great reactions

i was cautious with street glide about manouvering it in tightspots because of the weight and manouverability always thought about doing on of those cop courses in california those guys are amazing

You can just feel it when it's right. Everything just flows. Thanks