Top 5 things they don't tell new motorcyclists - TMF VLOG! 

Riding a motorcycle lifts your mood and makes you feel good. That's the reason to ride.

They also didn't tell me about bike envy! The moment you got one bike you start looking for the next and you will spend many hours on the Internet considering reasons as to why your perfectly good bike should be exchanged for another one...

I'm 67 year old and decided to bike again after 35 years. Didn't know what I wanted but in the end I got a 2016 Kawaski 300 Ninja KRT. It's really fun and suits me to the ground as I'm only 8 stone and skinny 5'10". Perhaps I might upgrade later but so enjoying the ride.

Good points and nice vid 🙂 ... biking can be cheap though, it doesn't have to be expensive. Back in 2007 I bought a very tidy 1992 CB750 off ebay for a mere £750 (had about 20k on the clocks) .. rode it for 11 years (pretty much every day, all weathers - from Essex to Cornwall a few times too) put a further 30K on it and had no major issues apart from replacing the reg-rec and exhaust. Decided last year it was time for something a bit more modern so went for a trade in against a brand new MT07 .. and got £695 for the CB750!!! ... £55 depreciation over 11 years is what I'd consider cheap biking 😁

Motorcycling is an antidepressant and is good for your health and wellbeing. As long as you don't crash.

Parents, if you suspect your child is doing drugs, get them in to motorcycling.......Theyll never afford drugs again

Very true about the not attracting women in fact you will find that you become a magnet for 50+ yr old men asking you what size is that .

Final reason you gave is the best. Motorcycling is the best medicine for your state if mind. Pure release for your body n soul and the people , friends you'll make will amaze you. Cracking vid 👍👍

Amen to all of that. Something I'd add is the friendship, in that you'll get to meet all kinds of people who love to talk about bikes. It's a great community to be a part of.

I had my bikes yearly mot and service last month at my local honda dealer just outside norwich. Whilst I was there a guy in his early 70s came in to pick up a new upgraded 125cc bike. He was as exited as a young lad getting out on his first ever bike and if proof were needed about what biking does for people then this was a prime example. It also showed that small bikes can massive fun too:)

What the dealers don't tell you, that motorcycling is less about the bike you purchased and more about the skills your must acquire and master as a ride to fully enjoy the machine.

I have started motorcycling at 39 years of age, best decision ever

On the topic of faffing, lots of people (incl. myself) also have to contend with locks and covers on their bike before they can go out on a ride - very few people have this concern on their cars. But you're right, it's an amazing pastime and I wouldn't want to miss it!

A few things that you don’t get told about off road riding which I’ve found out after 3 months of CRF250L ownership... 1. The amount of cleaning that’s needed after a ride, bike and gear bring most of the Peak District back with it. 2. How much you learn about loss of traction within the first hour of being on the loose stuff. 3. How scary 10mph can seem on a rock strewn descent. 4. How tiring it is and that you need a semi good level of fitness. 5. How much it improves your road riding. 6. Finally how much FUN it is, because really that’s all that matters!!

Glad you ended on a positive note!...I've been riding bikes since I was 14...now in my 50's and I get just the same joy and pleasure riding now. When bikes / riding bikes is your passion it's hard to put it into words what it means to you...it just makes you feel complete. Riding along a country lane or a mountain pass...its magical! Cheers, Steve

The other thing they don't tell you is that one bike is never enough... If you buy a practical bike (with some wind protection, carrying capacity etc), you'll also want a fun bike. If you buy a classic bike (for how it looks and how it makes you feel), you'll also want something that makes your hair stand on end (if you have any!) once in a while. And so it goes on...

Completely agree with the faffing. I commute on mine and the locking/unlocking, putting the gear on and then off is a big pain in the rear. This is made up of course as a I sail by all the cars stuck in queues!

I know I don’t look cool on or off a bike, but I feel like million bucks when I ride. I also careless if my rack or top back and back pack looks tacky. My bike has to be viable transport and not a toy or I don’t want it.

For those of us that started biking at sixteen the desire to do it never leaves you, and on returning to it after 30 years or so, i very quickly remembered that one bike was never enough.

Another good video. Many new riders start in the Springtime. Two points I would add; - Riding the bike, making it go, turn, & stop, isn't the difficult part. By far the most challenging and frankly scary part of taking up motorcycles for those living in towns and cities is surviving traffic and the multiple roadway hazards. It takes time to develop comfort and always requires vigilance. - We know motorcycles require more maintenance but seldom mention how much you will need to do yourself. Modern cars require very little attention. Motorcycles require constant attention including airing tires regularly, clean/lube/adjust chain, and of course there is cleaning of all the little nooks and crannies (see TMF's videos about that). And a point I would disagree with; - You *will* find ways to carry things on a bike. From backpacks, soft throw-over panniers, and magnetically attaching tank bags there are many easy ways to carry out smaller shopping trips. In truth, you will find reasons to go out to pick up just one thing simply as an excuse to feel the joy of riding.

All valid points indeed. I would like to add the bike as a commuter tool is invaluable both in the convenience of parking the thing and ease of getting to and from work into a busy town center. Doing this in a car or public transport is fast becoming a nightmare and very expensive too.

Good points, TMF. I'd like to add that it can make you a technical wizard, too. I had never touched anything more than putting petrol and oil in and pumping the tires on a car. Now, I service my own bikes and know about things like torque and power. It's a great feeling, too.

It's all about that feeling you get when you're riding. Driving a car can never come close to that.

Nobody told me that it’s so darn loud in the helmet and that you need ear plugs. Past 80km/h

Spot on as usual, I took it up at 54 ( a few years ago ) and it is the most engaging thing I have done, having past my car test 40 years ago, a whole new world has opened up. By the way we all like all the kit and equipment we can buy don't we!? But yes it is not cheap, and by the time I am ready to ride I could have got there in the car, but without the grin!

Ural & sidecar if you want to go shopping. There is quite a learning curve if buyer remorse is to be avoided, one of the first lessons IMHO is beware the hungry salesman whose job is to conceal the reason you shouldn't buy the product! On another note, Pavlin the Bulgarian of (Motorcycle Adventures) who lives in Berlin was on his soapbox about negative feedback. He stated that he does adventures and not bike reviews. "If you want bike reviews, go to The Missenden Flyer" he said. Good to see you come highly recommended and totally agree. Thanks TMF!

Out on the bike, with just my own thoughts for company, best thing for personal mind health I know.

I ride an adventure tourer and go grocery shopping with it. Plenty fits in the cases! Where I live the weather is warm enough 90% of the year to never need a thermal layer. You don’t need to ‘buy new’ - all 3 of my bikes have been bought slightly used. Others took the hit. My average fuel on the two beemers is 45MPG.

Ridden for 20 years started on small machines went up the sizes and got bord. So went back to what I enjoy 250cc two strokes. An RD air-cooled first then I went for an Aprilia RS250 absolutely love it. It's not a commuter or distance machine, just a toy that evokes memories of race pits and race tracks, the smell and sound. If I want it to, it flyes. Makes me smile and it's seen as a moped by the masses. How little they know. 😀

As someone who passed his DAS MOD2 last week TMF’s latest motorcycle missive is all canny and timely advice. Personally I’m not having a midlife crisis at 45, I’m future proofing myself. I’m still big on cycling but I’m unsure how many Alpine, Pyrenean and Dolomite tours I have left in me. Been thinking of a motorbike for several years, but cycling over the Stelvio Pass last year and watching riders from all over Europe surge past clinched it for me. Thanks TMF, your vlogs have encouraged me on my journey towards a new motorcycle horizon.

A friend needed a lift last month to a funeral (yes, not a happy occasion), so I went the long way around the m25 and gave her a lift. She'd never been on a bike before so we ran through a few of the basics - and even riding pillion through traffic, filtering, a smattering of rain, and in chilly weather didn't take the smile off her face! She is doing her CBT this Friday :)

During lessons they told me to try to be visible because car drivers are your enemy. They are blind and will ignore you. Buy side or top cases. They learned me about safe gear and how to keep warm. I still hate putting on all that gear and the time it costs. My second hand 1000 cc bike does 19 km per liter. It cost me about €5500, three years old. Biking changed my life, I can't do without it. The best way to relax for me.

Been riding since I was 9, on the roads since 16. I'm 53 had over 50 bikes lost count still ride for pleasure , old 1990 Evo Harley rebuilt by me 2 grand and an old 1999 600 bandit 800 quid , it can be cheap I've never thought it expensive but never had a new fast big one lol .

So much good sense, TMF. like a strong drug, however, motorcycling very quickly becomes addictive for all the reasons you mentioned. At that point, all those downsides seem to evaporate...well, apart from the expense. Just don't tell my wife..... 😉

Great vid, as always! I carried a case of beer on ice in a cooler on my Honda Trail 90 to the beach in the 70's. I'm finally ready for another bike and your vids in the Trossacks sold me on the CRF250L or Rally!

I am new to riding at 42, and I agree with your comments about how amazing it is!! I really wish I had done it when I was younger 😢

1 White helmet and black jacket, they think you’re an undercover cop. 2 I never ride without a rucksack (Kreiga R20), do all my shopping on the bike (for 1 person). Also it’s an airbag for sliding on, don’t ask me how I know. 3 Faff, yea but worth it. 4 My 19 year old Ducati 750SS (60+ average mpg) is absolutely brilliant. It cost me £2,400. I serviced it yesterday for £150 including belts. Mega reliable and easy to work on. It’s worth £3000 easy. But I’d be loathed to sell it. 5 Ha ha, travel lite.

Great video TMF My top tip for new riders in the UK that people might not tell you: If you're limited to a small engine bike, be aware that everyone will bullshit you about how slow they are lol. Factor that in to your planning if you need to ride on 60mph roads where people are really going 70. This was true when I was learning on my GN125 20+ years ago, and seeing the popularity of Groms over the last few years it's still very much a thing. If you're looking for a small capacity bike, be aware that everyone with one will tell you the absolute fastest it's ever gone down hill with a tail wind like it'll do that all the time. Basically if you're buying a 125 assume it'll go 60-65 MAX on flats and 55 or less up hill unless it's one of the "sporty" ones making 13-15bhp like a GSX/RC/YZF-R 125. I've even seen people say "oh but the bikes are better now" ... and they are, but they still make the same power and weigh the same amount lol.

When I first met my now wife, we went food shopping, laundrette, house hunting and visiting on my TZR250, recently owned a V Strom with a top box, very uncool when you ride into a race meeting, but all your gear goes into the top box, allowing me to walk around and enjoy the day without lugging helmets etc, and you can go shopping with ease. Obviously the answer is to have at least 2 bikes!

Good advice! Another thing people don't mention is how dirty you get. Not only do you need to remove squished bugs from your bike, helmet and clothing after every ride, your gear gets quite dirty quickly too - nice shiny white and fluorescent leathers don't stay that way for long, and need a regular wipe down.

Excellent, TMF! Thanks for that VLOG. Biking saved me and cheered me up during the times, my private life fell apart last year. And it saved me from "having to buy a 911", because that is what I always wanted. Not for the top speed but for the acceleration sensation. Now I accelerate even faster for 1/8 the costs. So, in the end, it is not expensive... ;) What really pisses me off is the time required to gear up for a ride ... still have no routine in that. 15 Minutes and then you notice that you forgot something really important so that you have to fully undress again. If that happens again, I will set up a "pre-ride" checklist. ;)

Just ordered a R1250GS hp .... and you’re partly responsible Missenden. Damn you!! :) About a 2 month wait here. Thanks for the Monday video.

Something you forgot to mention. I can honestly say that I've had most of my good ideas in life while riding. The mind empties of clutter and that allows some logical thought (apart from those silly thoughts about another new bike that is).

Turns what others put up with - my commute - into playtime. I’m always learning, always trying to be better at it. Every corner is a little buzzy accomplishment. Lots of bikers amongst my relatives going back to my grandad on his 1934 BSA sloper. Gives me a great sense of connection with them and I don’t have to explain that to anyone who doesn’t get it. I quietly hold two fingers up to the sensible world and their risk assessment forms.

"It makes your life better." All I needed to know! Taking my test next month.

So as a relatively new rider, here's short list of my thoughts about these 5 things: 1. When you start motorcycling you suddenly acquire a superpower, that is to be completely invisible! Be very, very careful with that! Use it wisely and stay alert all the time! 2. I often do shopping with the bike WITH the top box. :) I actually don't care if it's cool or not, and on my Versys it isn't that ugly. Kinda looks like it needs it actually. 3. It is a right old faff, particularly in the winter. In the summer the lack of base layers makes it a little more speedy, but yes, it's a faff... :) 4. It isn't cheap, but it can be cheaper if you do your own part as in learning how to do basic mechanics. It's fun and I quite like doing most of the stuff myself even though I'm not a mechanic. That said, it is not applicable for expensive bikes, but hey, motorcycling is far more fun than anything else driven on the road, so.... It's a fair trade-of. 5. Yeah, that is soooo true, nobody cares and many chicks actually dislike the fact that we do this "insane thing" that makes us happy! Who needs them anyway?!? :) And the list could go on for miles and miles... Oh, yeah, almost forgot! One good thing about motorcycling is that you are often greeted with a fresh video from this chap, particularity monday morning. Always brightens the start of the work week! Cheers sir!

If motorcycling was easy, everyone would do it.

having just passed my theory looking to do my direct access, I'm so glad you made this video! Thank you!

I am the classic mid life crisis. Always had a hankering for a bike, took my CBT in October, got a 125 for Xmas and hope to sit and pass test in the summer. I am 48 and never sat on a bike until CBT. Wish I had done it years ago. Already spec’d umpteen bikes on configurators. The feel good factor going for a ride just because you can is wonderful. Blows the cobwebs away after a boring day stuck in the office. Love your videos.

Nice one! A big dollop of honesty. I like it.

Nice little video and some very valid points. I would argue that it is necessary to spend £1000 on kit. It certainly easy to do so but not necessary if you don't worry about premium brand names. I've used a modular LS2 helmet for the last two years which I bought for £99 in a 50% off clearance sale and I've just bought a brilliant new RST GT jacket and trousers with level 2 armour for just £280 (in fact the top selling, highest rated jacket from sportsbikeshop at the moment is an ARMR jacket at just £109). Add to that a pair of excellent Oxford boots (as recommended by you) for around £60, then gloves and maybe some cheap base layers (M&S thermals are good) and it's possible to get kitted out with warm dry safe kit for about half your figure. As for carrying the shopping...definitely a problem on my current CB1100RS, but I rode a Vespa GT300 a few years...brilliant fun to ride(your ought to try one!) and no problem slinging a couple of days shopping under the seat on my way home from work.

'Motorcycling will greatly enhance your life' Well said TMF, couldn't have put it better myself.

Last fall, I got my first motorcycle since 1982. It was a 2008 Triumph Tiger 1050 with under 20,000 miles for $5,500. Even though I live in the very cold American Midwest (Illinois,) I rode my bike every time the temperature got around 7 or 8 Celsius. Sometimes I rode when it was zero or a little below too. This week, I hope to get to the dealer to seal the forks, install a new horn and a headlight bulb, change the oil, and flush the radiator. I guess it will cost $500 -$600, but that is far less than the $3,000 we spent on my wive’s SUV in the last year. My Triumph also gets great gas mileage. I can drive the 25 mile round trip to work for a week on less than $10 worth of gas. My bike is a prudent way to travel. If I still lived the the South where I grew up (South Carolina and Georgia,) I would be able to ride twelve months a years and really save wear and tear on my car. The great about my Tiger is that is fast and can accelerate like crazy when I it too. When I get on the freeway, I can merge and pass with ease among all of the cars and trucks (lorries.) I am older, I will be 60 next year, so I do not know how many years of motorcycle riding I have ahead of me. If the budget will allow it, I may get new motorcycle like an Indian FTR 1200 because I like it that Indian is an American company that actually applies newer technology to their bike instead of simply warming over or designs, or I may get another Triumph because I love their look, and the one I have has been a joy. Missenden Flyer, you are my favorite motorcycle reviewer, and a huge reason why I took the plunge and started riding again.

you raise some fair points TMF,, but then again, us motorcycle types are a little bit different arent we.

I was so envious when I saw so many people on their bikes today and such a nice day and I was back and forwards to work in my car and then I come home to see you were out too! I agree with all your points. I would only add motorcycling makes you feel alive, almost like your blood is running thinner.. I still get that feeling some 40 years later.. even though now my medication does it also for me 😂

I ride daily because bikes are dirt cheap (compared to cars here in LA, what with parking, insurance and gas), I can carry all I need when I go shopping, I can park for free anywhere and best of all it takes me 20 minutes to commute my 7 miles rather than the hour it takes by car. X2 each day. Oh and I love riding.

Another great vid TMF. You hit all the buttons with the points you raised. I stick the top box on when calling into town to pick up some bits, coz parking's free, I can zip through the traffic and it's a chance to get the bike out! Keep up the good work Sir.

I would also add that riding a motorcycle is a great form of meditation. It is necessary to enter into a trance where all attention is focused on riding and that state is blissful

I finally decided to actually go for the teenage dream of owning a Triumph, that I all but gave up on. Admittedly it took nearly 40 years to get there...but oh my god..wow. My ride to work takes as long as the walk used to, purely because of the faff. But the route home (which to be fair, is now 30-50 miles longer :) ) is the best possible way to end my day. I've just returned form a work trip to teh Netherlands - literally the first thing I did was dump my stuff, get changed, get out on the bike. I genuinely LOVE my Street Triple 765 S. Of course now i'm pondering a CBF1000 for touring...because that's what I took my test on and it's just an awesome bike for touring (and cheap!). I may need a bigger garage........ :)

"Here I am, looking like a cross between an astronaut and a power ranger..." Ha - Classic!

Every time TMF does a review I feel the need to find out MORE about the item regardless! Ahmm, looking at another Triumph now & TMF should be an ambassador for them IMHO!👍

Ive gone shopping on my bike with a full topbox and a large rucksack and... even managed to stuff some frozen pizzas under my leather jacket!... I got things down to a fine art. It was cool as many people looked at me thinking "he's never gonna fit all that on his bike", for them only to find out I did. Master level achieved! 😎

Man o man! The cost of service and insurance shocked me! Way more than I was expecting. Cheaper to learn mechanics than visiting dealership, it's crazy! I calculated that if Honda charged the same as BMW motorrad, it would cost $2400 to service my Fit (Jazz)!?! WTF?

Some good points to as usual TMF, if but biking can be done on a relative budget.. Buy a relatively old second-hand machine that maybe needs some work and fix it up! That way you can make it your own. You then have a machine that you know intimately and trust totally. Of course you do need mechanical skills to get to that point but there's always people out there but will be more than willing to help and guide. With regards clothing and the amount of time it takes to get ready that does depend on the type of ride you're gonna go out on, if it's just a short journey in fair-weather what's wrong with a leather jacket and Kevlar jeans? For a more serious or longer ride then yes, textiles or leathers is definitely the way to go. I currently have two machines, and the purchase cost of both was under £500... Yes, ok, a lot more money has been sunk into them, but the second machine I'm hoping to get on the road for a total of less than a grand.. FYI its a 1990 honda cb-1 400cc.

Here's my five: 1) Looking at bikes in regular traffic as a car driver, you simply have no idea how far these things can lean over and still stick to the ground. Modern tyre (and chassis) technology is something else. I really had to wrap my head around this. Not talking about scraping the footpegs everywhere, but simply leaning into a decent corner... and then you take it on track and discover you weren't even scratching the surface. 2) How bloody noise it all is, in good ways (the exhaust/engine/intake!), but also in bad ways (the wind noise, even in supposedly quiet helmets). Forget about the feeling of relaxed cruising around at 70-80, at that point it already feels pretty involved on a motorcycle, even with earplugs in. 3) The cost of the gear you need. It's not just that quality stuff will set you back a fair bit, but that you need different outfits for different circumstances. Rain gear, warm days gear, middling days gear, cold days gear, track gear, and let's not forget about the helmets. It's a committed man who only owns one helmet... 4) The acceleration. I had the good fortune of recently trying out a current supercar. It felt bloody fast. It did *not* feel as fast as hanging on for dear life when I give my Street Triple the full beans. You haven't experienced savage acceleration until you've had your bike screaming into 145 kmph in second at 12.500 rpm. And that's not even a liter bike... 5) How you start off thinking one or two bikes will do nicely, and in less than six months keep thinking of reasons you could very reasonably own 5 or 6 bikes to have one for every situation. After all, there isn't just biking, but touring, quick blasts, track riding, adventure riding, full offroading/enduro, motorcross, gymkhana, cruising, drag racing, the list just goes on :)... there must be someone out there who has a bike for everything (lucky them).

Another great video filled with truth. I find that when I've stopped for lunch on a ride that the bike draws people like a magnet with resulting conversations that never would have been born had I been in a car.

Great video TMF , your right about the faffing ! Lol. Then you have to uncover bike & remove locks and chain. Also on the plus side , there's the bike community and the tilt of the head to fellow riders.

Love the topic and really enjoyed your thoughts. I paused to think about your use of the term "pastime". Yes, I know that's the right word. But for me one of the unique things about riding is that it does just the opposite; It brings time to a complete standstill, start to finish. When I'm riding, I don't think about time at all.

Best therapy. First thing i drummed into my son was the principle of counter steering!

I think you have nailed it .just ask any classic owner re cost etc. The thing is if you love the bikes just go for it. Don't worry about other peoples attitude if you like your bike then its a good bike.

One thing I quickly learned was how loud the wind can be even at 30mph. There was a couple of times I remember during my CBT not being able to even hear my instructor talk. No one ever told me how valuable ear plugs can be. Always got them in my jacket now just incase 🤣

After I restart my passion on motorcycles I noticed that Pros - age is just a number - I saw many sport bikes riders at wales is someone over 40’s and they are awesome riders too . Bikers community is more friendly than I thought . After a long ride out I feel very satisfying and relaxing too . Cons - Bikes thieves are far aggressive than any others criminals. Plentiful Cars drivers has absent mind driving style . Insurance is more expensive than any others vehicles When riding you see Road in UK clearly and fill with potholes, awkward position speed bumps that taller than Mount Everest & confusing smart motorway speed limits 🤦🏻‍♂️ every 1 mile has different speed limit

From 16 years old and an FS1E I have never been without a bike, went to Vienna on a Vespa 200 when I was 18, have had loads of Fireblades, the new Firestorm when it came out, 53 next week and am on my 3rd GS Adventure. Think our bikes change through our lives with us, would love another sportsbike but I know my body wouldn't take the long trips away I enjoy I havn't found anything that comes close to the feeling you get of riding a bike, either out for a weekend blast or packing it all up to go abroad for a couple of weeks, earplugs in and phone tucked away, nice to be on your own and away from normal life for a while

All you say is so true! 45 years of motorcycling, I hope to never give up..............( might get it right some time soon )😁

Had a quick race at the stop lights in my home city of Hull last night on my way to work my night shift with a short skinny dude, he was on an MT 07 me on my moto guzzi v9 bobber I had him for the first moment but he soon got me. I was smiling for awhile at work having had my little race that I kept a secret. I don't drive a car and I'm sure there's comforts and practicalities but I always feel like I'm waiting to get to B in a car and my bike gives me experiences, even something as mundane as going to work I got the chance to race and I was legit beaming!

I sometimes feel like driving a car is more dangerous than riding a bike. I do both, i have a Peugeot 208 GTi and (soon) a GSX R 600 (upgrade from a Duke 390). The point is, on a car you don't feel threatened for your life, just push the pedal and go ham. On a bike, I (usually) think about what I'm doing, how's the road, traffic, weather and how I'm feeling before having a go. Great video TMF.

Yes there are dangers in life everywhere. Riding a motorcycle is flat out fun and who knows the adventures ahead. A grand hobby indeed.

In the UK when I lived 12 miles from work, it was quicker to take the car (even with the insane amount of traffic) than to put all the bike gear on.

And of course not forgetting the Mrs: "why on earth do you want to waste your money on THAT for? We could have a new kitchen instead"

Biking is an addiction ! I only drive a car only I ever have to. Keeps you senses tuned and hones your observation skills

Another great video from you TMF! Really enjoyed that - thanks very much!

With a few bungee cords, it's possible to transport extension ladders from jobsite to jobsite with a motorcycle. The key to moving the ladders safely is attaching red flags to both ends of the ladder. 😀

1. It's expensive, 2. You need to be able to do basic maintenance. 3. Filtering is the dog's, 4. Even if you like riding alone, you'll learn a lot more if you ride with groups occasionally. 5. If you're commuting, don't piss off commuters in cars. They can be very accommodating or very obstructive depending on their perception of you.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head TMF. Ive done things, met people, been places that i never would have without a bike. Jump on your bike and thats all you think about, the other stuff is all put aside for a while. As you say, its far from cheap but i challange you to find better value for money......

Great vid TMF, I always find a thing new bikers are definitely not told about is basic maintenance. Most people i know passed their test got a bike went out had fun. Looking around their pride and joy I've then said your chain needs a clean, lubing and tensioning and they just say "pardon?" I've seen some shockers too, it should be a part of the test.

Oh, by the way, I drove cars for decades, so that helps on the road when on my bike. My second ride out on my brand-new bike, three idiots pulled out on me! It was decades of road sense that saved me; I knew what they were going to do, and was able to avoid them.

now you tell me tmf !! too late , passed me test last year at 51, 6 bikes in 2 years, sticking with my new cb1100rs, you cost me a fortune watching your channel, lol, but your right, it can change your life for the better, meeting different people from all walks of life has to be up there apart from riding your bike that is, lol

Great words of wisdom TMF. It's also a huge bonus if you have an understanding wife who doesn't mind you going off touring. Mrs Janner is very understanding thankfully. But I know many aren't.

Why do we do it...struggle into hard clothes, spend ten minutes packing the bike up, spend double the money for insurance, get assaulted by the elements and some car drivers, yet we still do it. Like you said - it just makes you feel good, and anything that makes you feel good is worth doing. Cheers for the vid.

Thank you for posting. You hit many of the issues on the head. You bake in the summer, freeze in the winter, but it is the least expensive mental health therapy you can buy. :)

hey mr missendenflyer, love your vids, they've been a great inspiration for me. done my cbt last week and at age 41 i will picking up my first ever motorcycle this weekend, a cheap and cheerful little sinnis hoodlum, can't wait! cheers!

I always dread the pfaff before the ride. So much effort but then I remember what Skiers or Sky divers have to go through and realise that it’s actually not as bad as it seems if you’ve got the right gear. It is very expensive though and I’m not sure about the freedom part unless you go off-road. Brilliant as ever!

Agree totally with your finals points, however I suspect that thousands (millions?) of motorcycle riders in south east Asia would probably disagree with most of your Top 5 thing's. Motorcycling in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam etc is something else (!) and definitely worth experiencing :-)

Great video Tmf!.... love the comments everybody have put up..... doesnt matter what you ride.... just ride.... faffing about with clothing etc is all part of it....and we all love it.... best part for me is the smugness as i sneak through all the gaps in the traffic!!!!😉😉😆😆😆👍

This is brilliant, Andy. I am a returning rider, enjoying your channel. Live in Maidenhead, ex pilot. I'm going to drop you an email over the weekend... Damien

6:12 sums it up in a nutshell and you could not have said it better. I prodded the like button there.

Ha ha. True. Very funny. My partner is used to travelling very light when we tour abroad. On the Bonneville we just have the leather cotton panniers and a small Lomo tail-bag. Maybe a small day rucksack too. Her girlfriends can’t believe how little she is travelling with. We seem to get by though. I have had a PAN European and Rs and RTs, with all the hard luggage, but the more space you have the more you take. Yes and m’bikes ain’t cheap, but they do make me feel very happy. We just need to think carefully what we want our m’bike for then choose the most suitable one.

Nice video. Just to mention - For commuters that can now take the high-occupancy vehicle (bus) lanes on a motorcycle, there is some cost benefit. I shave about 30 minutes off of my commute on riding days versus driving. In the US, a federal law guarantees free access for motorcycles (no toll). Nothing like blowing down the HOV at 65 MPH when traffic in the main lanes is running at 25. That can help to offset the costs of riding. Too bad London's congestion pricing doesn't follow the same policy.

Great vlog as always TMF. I would have to add being dressed up like a power ranger as you put you sweat loads in the Summer! I shouldn't be nearly as fat as i am ;-)

I'm old enough to remember when you could just jump on and off your two-wheels without any of the faff or even a helmet and we did. It was very different then although I only rode without a helmet for a year, aged 16 and my two-wheels had 'Lambretta' written on the front panel. (Sorry!) My first one was a TV175 which cost £5. It was neglected in an old garage in Berkshire, parked up next to a similarly neglected Aston Martin DB5. 😁