21 year old beginner rider here, started on a BMW 650 GS and I've almost crashed more times than I like to admit. Every time I think I'm about too, I just stay calm, stay with the breaks and envision fast Eddies face. I've been able to save my bike with just a light drop once or twice instead of dying. Thank you for creating this channel really, not joking. Also love that comments are on.
If I can throw another piece of mind, don’t react make sure you’re already on a gameplan on any street. But yes one thing I’ve seen from self experience if you cant brake good yet go slow till your more comfortable. Stay safe and keep riding ! Always remember you gotta make it home
That bike is way too big for a noob like you. You should be on a 300 and learn how to ride first. Then you can step up in power as your riding improves …
Seriously. I love this channel and I like going to the comments because you find some gems from experienced riders. Unfortunately you also get lots of trolls and idiots in the biker community just like any other community
If anybody has any doubt about what MotoJitsu is saying here, just think about this for a second: He had a Fireblade (1000cc) and had all the training anyone could get, and he still crashed. He isn't just talking out of nowhere; he experienced the things he is saying.
I can say that this guy is not as good as he think he is. My first proper bike was Kawasaki ZZR600, done approx 100k in 3 years with it and newer crashed. I continued with Yamaha YZF1000, done another 50k and still no crash. In my carrier I have done more than 400k and had only 3 crashes (1 from doing fast wheelie on R1, 1 from gravel on the tarmac ZX-9R, 1 traffic accident not my fault). I say sport bikes are the most safe to ride since they have the best driving characteristics, problem is in driver.
@@RideWithGecyeah, people love to praise this guy for no real reason. i actually was given my license (essentially, he isn’t the DMV) from MotoJitsu as he was my coach a few years back. He’s not a total idiot but he’s not the “almighty god of motorcycling” that people say he is. he’s just a dude who happens to be a coach.
46 years old. Just bought my first bike after talking myself out of one for 20+ years. I got a 2023 KTM 390 Adventure because it's well-reviewed and... small. I know I know *nothing* but with channels like this and the community around it I'm looking forward to learning. Thanks for all the content!
Started on a scooter last year and upgraded to a naked cb650r. I’m loving it and the power delivery is so linear. No plans on upgrading for a year or two.
I've had mine for a few seasons and put about 20,000km a season on it so far and she looks and runs like brand new still. I guess you wouldn't expect less from a Honda though. Great bikes for sure!
Starting off at 29 myself as well… on a rocket of a bike: royal enfield hunter 350 😂 . I can push all 20 hp without too much risk around the bends. Because of videos like yours and copious amounts of practice, I out handle a lot of these heavier cruiser dudes on tight corners I tried a triumph triple and immediately realized how absurd that torque and power is for a beginner …
I 100% believe you shouldn’t ride or drive a powerful track weapon on the street until you can really master a hunk of junk, and make that slow vehicle go fast. You will be at the edge of its capabilities at much safer speeds, you will learn efficient cornering, maintaining momentum, smooth shifting etc all to keep that slow car or bike going quick.
I'm 38, started riding 2 years ago on a used cbr300r and just recently upgraded to a brand new 2024 zxxer 636. The first thing I noticed was the weight difference and how limited the steering was. I am glad you touched base on this in the video because it is very true, smaller bikes have way more turn radius which makes it easier to learn and hone your riding technique. I have been a subscriber for a while now and purchased your app in support and I must say there is A LOT of great information in there from practicing basic techniques to more advanced maneuvers and much more! Also, something you once said in a video a while back stuck with me when I was just starting out and that is "I'd rather sweat than bleed." it is imperative that any rider new or old wear gear! I have had a lot of friends go down, hospitalized and even died because they weren't wearing enough gear or their gear was poor quality in my biker community. The only thing I would add in the video is once you upgrade your bike, upgrade your gear as well! your beginner gear will most likely be cheap and poor quality. We all share a common bond and with that said, stay safe out there family!
hey, same age and started riding 1 year ago, i still riding my honda NC750x with DCT, just super to commute in city. but slowly thinking in riding something cbr660 like, just love the sound. i can really recommend motorbike learn sessions, breaking, swerving, cornering. btw im from austria and here in europe we have alot of training camps.
I'm 29, I got my driver license 1 month ago and even before having the license I bought a brand new ktm duke 390, SUPER HAPPY WITH IT. Is light, fast enough to learn how to overtake vehicles and yes, the wind on my chest when going over 80-90 miles/h I agree with you is necessary to keep speeding down as a beginner! I keep practicing in a parking and I'm going to do a driving course this month, after just 1000 kms on my back.
Have fun man! I got my ninja 400 two months ago and its freaking awesome, in the tight mountain roads you can easily catch up with bigger cc bikes. In the end you save on gas and have more fun revving the engine way up and changing gears, and feels super easy is at slower speeds and U-turns.
It is so much more fun to learn on bikes that aren't constantly luring you into Moto GP level scenarios or trying to buck you off in parking lots. I went through the gambit of bikes learning to ride beginning with a Ninja 250R. You will make mistakes, crash and ride ignorant of your surroundings such as all drivers waking up with your picture on their bathroom mirror and orders to seek and destroy. A good test to see if your skill matches your ambition is ask yourself, do you know your suspension settings, do you know which tires you have on, do you know how much psi you have in your tires and why? If not, the bike may be riding you and this never ends well. Riding is for everybody! Please take your time walking towards your riding goals 😊
My across the street neighbor has never rode a MC and has never taken a course. Everybody at his "shop" has a Harley, so he bought one too. Watching him and one of his "work buddies" help him try to ride it up and down the block and into his garage was scary, very scary. Thankfully, once parked in the garage, there it has sat. Pride, overweening pride, testosterone poisoning and adrenaline addiction and the fact that dealerships will eagerly talk you into and sell you anything means that there are way more MC deaths and serious injuries than there needs to be. All that and the fact that in my area, only the most basic MC safety classes are taught on a single weekend, once a year, so there is precious little training that novice riders can get or even know about. If I owned a dealership, I would insist that new, unskilled riders buy a beginner's bike in addition to their big monster to both sooth my conscience and increase my profit.
This is very helpful. I started on a 125 Grom, then went up to the CB300r, now I have the Kawasaki Z400 and Ninja 400. I remember when you posted a video years ago stating that no one should start on anything too high in the CCs, I believe you said, 3-500cc and below. Glad I listened.
I definitely agree. I just chose a 400cc and luckily I’m handling it well right off the bat. Definitely choose a lower cc if you are staying with a sport. 😂 My only issue right now is downshifting from 6th down to 1st and properly rev matching to a stop light 😅 gonna keep watching your videos and of course I’ll shut up and practice
Dude if your Issue Shifting back from the 6 Gear to the first Gear, when you see a Stop Light, My Advice if you have ABS on your Bike ? , My Advice Use first the Front Brake Press it Slowly Than The Rear Brake Slowly. And do That 200 Meters Before the Stop Light and Shift Back that you Can Stop Easly By Hitting The Front Brake Slowly , " We Learn here in The Netherlands first our Theory Than Go to Driver School if we do not have our Driver Licence yet , By a Instructor whom learns us First AVB , Which stands for how to Handle the Bike , " We need to do All Kinds of Tests , Which include Shifting from the First Gear to The 3 Gear , Driving 30 or 35 Km , Per Hour , And Learn a Stop Brake By Shifting Back to the first Gear and Try to Stop between 2 Pions , . Also we need to Learn ' Circle With The Bike between 8 Pions , Driving 50 Km Per Hour , And Using our Hips ' From left to Right , To Get Through the 8 Pions , ETC ETC , if we Succeed ' All Tests . Than we can Get AVD , Which Stands for Hitting on the Road Learn riding on the Highway And Town , ' The Instructor And Examinator , Help us in Both Examinations , If you Succeed in Both , Than its Time to Go to the State Building And Ask for our Driver licence , Laws in Europe are Prity Strickt Since The Euro 5 Law Regulations for Motor Bike's ' Even for Cars or Scooter , ' So my Advice Dont Drive Fast Learn on a Parking Lot How to Handle Braking when you see a Stop Light , Just imagine that in your Head Even While there is not a Stopping Light of Course on a Parking Lot , Or Just Go to a Cheap Driving School Whom can Learn you Handle The Shifting Gear How to Stop before a Traffick Light , ' Hope you Catch my Drift Buddy ? , Which you All the Best And Please Take it easy on the Road , Because A Car can Switch from Traffick Lane Without Watching that a Motor Bike is Behind Him or Her , ' Specially on Highways , ' And if you as a Beginner Rider on your Motor Bike Drive Fast ' You Can Crash into the Back of the Car or Truck or Even a Big Bus , Which can Cost your Life So Please dont do anything Stupid When a Biker Challenge to a Race Just Reject These Kamikazi Pilots -------------- Speeding is not for on the Road its for Circuits ' And Only Experienced Riders can Learn Beginner Riders The Tactics ' This is Specially done in Italië alot , Peaceout Dude 😊
@@DJReckless-q2z you are definitely right and that is smart. I did take an MSF course and passed all my tests. I have been practicing and I don’t have any issue stopping. In fact I’m very good at it, it’s just downshifting from high gear down to 1st. I keep downshifting too early and causing my bike to stall when I’m ready to take off in first. I have to keep practicing matching the rpms with the engines speed 😆
@@esmamelissakaukovic2628are you letting out the clutch each time you change the gear so you will know the gear-engine speed? Like between 6th to 5th do you let out the clutch, then as the revs drop low enough you then change down to 4th, let the clutch out, then as the revs drop you change down to 3rd etc?
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now nope, I’m a complete dumb ass and I was in a hurry because people kept riding my ass. So let’s say I would be in 6th gear going maybe around 65 miles per hour on the high way, stop light turns red, I start downshifting and immediately close throttle and just start downshifting one at a time down to first and come to a stop. When I’m ready to take off in first I over rev the engine and my bike lurched forward and stalled on me 🤦♀️
Why do some people think that the public roads are for racing? I live in upstate NY. Last week 6 deaths. Started riding last year...having second thoughts
I started on a cbr600rr, still on said bike and I've been doing just fine, I definitely don't try to ride out of my skill level. I've slowly progressed on skill and I tend to keep improving. Good video though !
I can relate to this video so bad I started on an r3 for 3 years did 25,000km ( I’m from Aus Melbourne )did 4 advance course and level 1 and 2 of California super bike school also bought your book to do training just bought my dream bike 2023 s1000rr m package and so confident on it now thanks so much ❤❤❤
You're absolutely right man. I recently begun to pick up riding again on a Ninja 650R, and I've ended up dropping the poor thing more times than I'd like from simply practicing. The weight of the bike is mildly overwhelming and so is the posture. I've sold it to a good friend and opted to begin practicing again on a cruiser instead and it's making a world's difference.
Your a legend man!! Really appreciate how much I have learnt from you over the past few months, learning will always continue. Currently I have a 125cc naked bike which round my area is more than enough speed for the roads, a bigger bike would be ideal for overtaking sometimes but maybe next year :)
I recently started riding, bought a ninja 400 as my beginner bike. Just like you said that kinda bike is still fast but it’ll take much more time to get that speed. I was gonna buy a zx4rr as my first bike cause I just love the inline 4 sounds, but I feel great having a ninja 400 instead. Not just because it’s so much cheaper but the power delivery is so much easier to handle. I’ll keep it for at least two years I think.
All good advice... which I ignored when I was young because there was no such thing as RU-vid. I ride a 1200 CC adventure bike now and I have to say... until this past summer when I FINALLY practiced... I wasn't even a white belt. Yes... rode for 20 years... struggled with a U turn. Humble pie for sure. Taking Champ school in the spring.
I love how the GSXR hasn't changed since the 90's lmao, I actually want one. Unfortunately both 750 and 1000 variants have been phased out in my country.
How right you are. I got my motorcycle licence in 1963 and rode all sorts of bikes, with a few 'bikeless' periods here and there. I rode off road on farm-bikes for a while then went ten years without a bike and over 20 since I had ridden a street bike. Then in 2013 I got an old (1988) CBR600, (it was a gift and needed work, which I did) it only makes 88hp and weighs 200kgs, but even with all that expeirnce it was a bit of a handful at first. First stop was the shop for gear as I didn't have any...helmet pants, jacket, gloves and boots. Expensive, but I'm an ATTAGAT girl. That old Honda can still top 140mph. I went on an advanced refresher course too; best $50 I have ever spent. I was pretty rusty...... I am 81 now and getting a bit brittle, so I am doubly careful to keep the rubber on the bottom.
I started riding 2 years ago when I was 56! Yes I am a 100% newbie putting around on my MT-03. That said, I have not yet been in a situation where I felt in jeopardy in any way. A lot of this is dumb luck, however I believe that my 40 years of experience being a cager has equipped me with a lot of judgement and ability to anticipate danger that a 16 year old simply cannot possess. I don't know how, but somehow I am able to tell if someone is about to turn left in front of me, before they have even moved. Somehow experience allows you to identify people who are non-attentive or simply don't care.
Started riding last year on a 300 at 48 but had to let the bike go in May of this year for some reasons. Missing it badly and hope to get back to it by next season, health and other factors permitting.
Totally agree with this. Started riding at 40 after 24 years of driving a car - and I guarantee that makes a huge difference. I am much safer than a 16 year old because I have tons of experience driving already. I’m transferring skills, not learning all new ones.
@@Wileylikethehawkit's not the going that matters, it's the stopping and knowing how to dump your bike. Yes I said dump your bike. If you can't stop with the rear wheel barely off the ground, you need to learn.
I agree. Passed my BRC about two months ago and was looking to get a MT-07. Seemed like a good starting point to me. Sat on one, felt good. Went to do a test ride, man did it scare me. Instead I went with it's little brother, the MT-03.
I enjoy your videos. Great advice for riders, new and experienced. It's cool that you are a fellow Marine. I started riding when I was in the Corps back in 1981 on a new Yamaha 250 Exciter. It was a cruiser style bike and I could flat foot it. I'm only 5'4". I was in the Mohave Desert at 29 Plams Marine Corps Base. Light traffic, straight wide open roads and curvy mountain roads within 20 minutes of the base. After 3 months I bought an XS650 Heritage Special Yamaha. Another cruiser, but taller. I was on the balls of my feet. It was a twin so it was not fast like the Seca 650, KZ 650 or GPZ 550, which were 4 cylinder bikes at the dawn of sport bikes. In 1983 I bought a used 1977 KZ1000, my first big fast bike! I probably would have crashed it if I didn't have the throttle, braking, and cornering skills that I developed in the first 2 years and 25K miles of riding. I also had the motorcycle safety courses that the Marine Corps made me take before allowing me to ride on their bases lol. I love riding and after 42 years and many bikes I currently have a 2017 CB500F and a 2021 GSXR1000R. You are a great teacher and your videos are important to many people. Every ride for me is a practice session.
great words right here. i been riding for little over 2.5 yrs now. first bike was mt03 which i rode for 1.5yrs. now i ride r3. thought about upgrading to a bigger bike but i knew i would never realize the full potential of the big bikes so sidegraged to a r3. its fun the r3. i mean i rode my friends liter bikes a few times, but i could never engage the big bikes. whereas an r3, i could use all that power all that torque all the weight, in which i feel very satisfying. what better is passing liter bikes on twisty. lotta big bike riders they do go fast on straights but then slow way the fuk down on corners. i really enjoy slaying those big bikes on winding roads. plus where i am, south korea, bikes cannot go on highways. so.... not a lot of places any bike can really full throttle. did little modding to my r3 so it could go over 125. that's ample enough really. it was great to know that an experienced rider thought on the similar lines as i am. i think i'm taking biking the right way i guess. great to see u on a sport bike! i be sure to check out ur upcoming vids on it
Very sound advice, MotoJitsu, for present day traffic conditions. My first bike, after passing my test on a 250 Greeves in 1967, was a brand new Kawasaki 750 H2 two-stroke triple. By some miracle I survived. The risks I took then make me tremble now. On my current Honda CB1000R I have developed into a very different rider, but am still learning to ride safely.
Great to see you with comments. Thanks for this video. Started on a 175cc Yamaha and progressed through a CB450 to a 750 Honda. The early learning on the smaller and lower powered bike was really worthwhile. It was also fun trying to get the best out of the smaller bike and me as well. The 750 was great to ride and I was pleased that I had the earlier experience on the 175.
He's right. My first bike was a 2009 R1. Man. I survived but it was very challenging and uncomfortable...in until you get many road hours. Now i ride a 1800cc cruiser. Ridin easy n Training
He's 100% right, sports bikes are not designed for the road. Going beyond what he's talking about, how're the gear ratios? 1st gear going to 100mph sounds pretty cool, right? But, in reality your high powered bike is slower off the line than most road bikes out there. Where's the power band? Oh, that's right, if you want to ride under (or close) to the speed limit you'll never see the power band on the road. This makes the bikes less fun, you'll be operating in the bottom 10% of its potential. It's really quite sad. Let's keep going... How're are the ergonomics? Are you happy leaning forward at 40mph? Your body won't love it for very long, to the point where you are not comfortable and are dredding the next ride. How's the seat? I hope it's cushy...nope it's a plank of wood and you won't last 120 miles before needing a break. It's like driving a dragster as your daily driver, sounds like a good idea, right? How many people would actually do that more than once? You can tell beginners not to get a sports bike for safety reasons, but that's not even the major consideration. Bottom line, sports bikes are designed for the track, get a road bike it'll be much more fun on the road.
As a still relatively new rider (2 years in with training and cornering courses) I can absolutely vouch for this. Learned to ride on a Ninja 250R and have only recently upgraded to a 2005 Yamaha R6. Just the ergos alone would have been a huge detriment to my ability to learn my riding technique. These 600cc+ sport bikes are no joke. They are heavier, they are powerful, and they are generally not the most comfortable things to sit on. Learn the fundamentals on a forgiving bike. These 600s can get you into trouble really quick. It isn't just throttle control. It's cornering comfort and confidence. Be safe everyone.
Not to cause any negativity on your post, but why does everyone seem to mention weight? A lot of bikes nowadays are sitting around 380-440, my Honda CB500F was at 410 I believe, if not, 400. A lot of the supersports I see don't usually fly over 440, is it that much of a difference? I've sat them and felt fine, but haven't rode one myself on the street yet.
@@NPurvis7622 fair point. The 250R vs the R6 "feel" farther apart in weight. I think this may be to different centers of gravity. On totp of that, I'm a short and small rider so those smaller changes in height and weight make a bigger difference. For reference, I'm 5'4" and 137lbs. That being said, as I've gotten more time on the R6, the difference didn't feel that bad anymore. Just took some time to get used to.
@@NPurvis7622 also, the weight plays a big part in slow speed maneuvers. You really feel the difference. Ergos also affect this dramatically. Sport bikes have miserable ergos to be able to handle at lower speeds.
@@daebak7370 honestly not a big deal to ride a bike without ABS. Just make sure you take the time to learn proper emergency braking technique. Find an open parking lot or an empty road. Ride at different speeds and practice applying brake pressure. Squeeze the orange. If you haven't done a beginner rider courses it's worth doing. NEVER quickly grab front or rear brake.
I agree that the average beginner should probably learn on something with less power and more upright posture. That said… I started in the late 90’s on a ‘96 CBR 600 f3. 90 something horses and sixty something lb ft. It was also known for having a very relaxed riding position compared to other sportbikes of the era. Didn’t crash until 15 years later when a texting driver ran a red light and clipped me on a friend’s bike. Took an 8 year hiatus and returned to riding with the purchase of a ducati icon 803. Less power but more torque than what I learned on decades earlier and even though I’ve cafe’d it up with clipons etc it’s still more upright than the f3 was… and I can’t stand it. Cruisers/adv’s bore me. The “oneness” with a sport bike is just something special. Changing the geometry of the bike with every input and body movement is part of the thrill that keeps me riding. To each their own I suppose. Keep up the important work good sir. Ride safe and God bless.
So true. If I had my current bike when I started I would have sent myself into a hedge at the first corner, and my current bike isn’t even a sports bike, just a muscle cruiser.
100% agreed. for reference imagine a pilot being rated for a Cessna 172 and then going and flying a high performance aircraft with NO training they will probably be overwhelmed and end up crashing and or dead.
I bought my ninja 400 3 months ago as my first bike and I'm really happy, I'm having a blast with it...the only thing is the highway for a longer ride, I don't feel so secure with it, maybe in the future with a bigger and heavier bike would be much better...but maybe it's just me still learning
@@yasirsherzad5338get a naked first something like an mt07 . Ride 10k miles in all weather and road conditions. After that you can think about going to a 600 supersport.
I really want an R3. My mil is giving me her old cruiser thats somewhere between 700cc and 1200cc... she doesnt remember lol. It does make me nervous but im taking it as a learning bike.
It's really odd thinking about you as a drill instructor. Can't picture you yelling in someone's face. My senior drill instructor I swear he never smiled once the whole time. I was a kid from broken family, knew nothing about the service. I wanted to go home my first couple weeks but realized I'm not. So in my mind I made up my mind to be a Marine. I been practicing all you teach. Really helps, thanks.
New rider here. First and current bike, after getting my license last year, is a MT-03. Can't imagine starting with more power than that... especially stopping and downshifting from speed, and cornering!
My first bike was a Yamaha bolt, technically 900cc but in cruiser. I'm currently (and not happy with) a 1600cc Yamaha road star. So heavy, I would much rather be on a 600 naked after these last two years
I totally agree. However, the first motorcycle I rode was a Honda Hawk 647! ❤ That was not too much motorcycle for someone with maturity and discipline. V Twin and first production motorcycle with single sided swing arm. By today's standards it's super tame and a little squishy. My good buddy still owns it.
Great advice. My 1st bike is a naked that can hit maybe 112mph max. Rode dirt bikes alot when I was in my teens. The naked is doubled the weight of what I was use to...Definitely took a sec to get use to. 😂
29 year old beginner here, started on a BMW G310R a few weeks ago and have no regrets. I'm lightweight, this bike still scoots. If you can, don't ride anywhere but low traffic neighborhood streets and parking lots until you can get confident you can ride without stalling or endangering yourself. I took an MSF class; I did not pass the skills exam, but I rescheduled it to pass this time after getting some self practice in. Even if I didn't pass the MSF, the advice there is extremely valuable. Also, PRACTICE THE SLOW SPEED STUFF! That's where I got messed up in the MSF. Now I'm much more comfortable with slow speed maneuvers. Not perfect, not even great, but far better than I was before I started.
Being a new rider I commend you for giving this kind of information to all the new riders. No one tells you about this. So I appreciate all the information you’re giving to me riders
I learned on a naked Street Triple. I’m glad I started on this bike and took a few classes. Now I’m ready for a sport bike with fairings. If I started the other way around I don’t think my experience would have been as great.
Just one data point but back in high school (circa 1987) my buddy got a Kawasaki EX500 sport bike. Ya, it was only a 500 but he let some dude ride it in his neighborhood. That guy slammed into a parked car and died. Be smart people. Bikes can be powerful and hard to handle with little/no experience.
I respect the fact that you as a motorcycle channel (probably the only one) have a video titled "You Shouldn't Ride a Motorcycle". It's not even the suggestive "5 reasons why you should not..." video. It is a skill that takes years, as you said. I took away so much from that video and even considered selling my bike after a year of starting at 40. I made the decision to buy your Motojitsu book (and other safety books), kept watching your videos and putting in hours and hours on just practicing. All gear all the time. I appreciate you and your time very much. Thank you.
Great advice, you probably saved many lives, my first bike was a 84 Honda 500 Shadow . I was a complete idiot until I smashed into the side of a car big wake up call for me. I stopped riding 37 yrs later I’m now interested in getting back into it . I planning on buying all my gear before even getting a bike, looking at something no bigger then a 500cc any advice? My goal when I feel I’m ready is the BMW F900xr
I started on a ninja 650 which is a sport touring bike best decision it definitely has a great riding position, a good amount of torque and can get up and go but it’s also extremely forgiving. But I’ve noticed riders who start on 600+cc bikes we have better clutch and throttle control compared to those on 250-400cc bikes where they can just hammer on that thing. My friends who started riding the same time as me constantly have problems stalling.
Been riding the street fir 7 years now. Still only own 600’s in the supersport class. I have owned many 1000cc naked bikes and large cc cruisers. Started on a shadow 750. Current garage is 2023 GSXS1000 2003 CBR600RR
I’m just starting riding. I bought a Yamaha xt250 and am taking the msf course and practicing off road and in parking lots since I live in a rural area. But where the heck can I practice cornering?? We don’t have asphalt tracks here in Idaho!
My first ever bike was the Ducati Monster 821 but I trained on the bmw gs750 for months and have been riding bikes for 25 years on every kind of bike , I’ve now got the Triumph Speed Triple Rs1200 and it’s perfect 👍🏾
Been riding since the 1988, first bike was an magna 500, and it was perfect, drove it for years. Worked my way up, had 600 and 750 sport bikes, and just recently purchased a new R1, and it’s next level. Ever time I go for a ride, I remind myself, it will kill me if I don’t respect it. I do enjoy it on public roads, but bought it for track, the only place you can push it hard. For new riders, learn on a upright, wear gear, and slowdown in town. Just last week, came across a accident, new rider with a 600, stuffed it in a corner going too fast, for his skill level. He was banged up, but generally ok, bike was a write off. I love riding, nothing comes close to the feeling, but read the traffic, be on high alert, make yourself visible, and intersection suck.
I started riding at 9 years old on dirt bikes. Rode every weekend til I was 20. Rode a lot with the AA class riders but never actually raced. I got a 2023 Z900 at the beginning of this year and the power was surprising. Nothing I can't handle due to many years of experience, but I get what you are saying. If I was to get this bike without having ridden dirt bikes since I was a child, it would not have been a good idea. Great advice, Moto!
I know a-lot of people say the r3 is not powerful, slow or you get bored of it quickly but tbh I am glad i didnt listen to any of that when I got into the market for buying a bike. Had my r3 for a little over a year and put on 24k miles with ALOT of twisty riding in California and highway commutes to work. I'm literally up the mountain faster than most people on their 600s or 1Ks because it literally shows by the way they ride how afraid they are of the power at their disposal. The r3 is still more than enough power for the highway or whatever type of commute as you are going faster than flow of traffic on a motorcycle anyways. Although I can technically be overtaken by a car on the highway if they floor'd it, I cant recall anytime that has ever happened to me as I am always going 10-15mph faster than flow of traffic, so to say the r3 is not enough is opposite from reality. Now if you want to be the 120-160mph straight line warrior then okay sure have at it. I dont think I will be upgrading my r3 still for a long time as its still a ton of fun in the mountains where riding a sportbike is at its peak enjoyment and its literally soooooo cheap to maintain, like literally I cant stress how cheap it is to maintain this thing its actually such a bang for your buck. You don't go through tires and or chain/sprockets or even gas nearly as quickly as you would on a larger bike. And its freaking easy to work on as everything is accessible and its a good opportunity to learn how to do every maintenance yourself so when you do get a larger bike you know the get around and aren't afraid to mess anything up
What a great video! My first bike was/is a KTM 390 Duke and within first month I wanted to upgrade to a Ducati Monster(my dream bike). Thankfully I did not, as I proceeded to drop my bike very soon after(nothing serious). I also have hit bumps and the throttle went up fast. If I did that on a monster, or any larger cc bike I probably would've flown off my seat. I'm learning to sit properly, hug the gas tank, push down on my pegs, slow turns, and shifting. All because I have a smaller cc bike, and it's very lite. And to add to your point about slow mode on a bike. Ya that would've lasted 2 minutes with me and my ego. We all know ourselves better than anyone else. Truthfully I would've put that bike on sport mode immediately. One final point on smaller cc bikes, upgrades are cheaper. I put a full race exhaust, piggy back computer on my bike. I'll never do that again, a slip on, good tires and adjustments to make my bike fit me is all I'll ever do. Cheap lesson on my KTM 390 duke, expensive one if I got that Ducati.
At 40 I just got my first bike. 2001 yahmaha wr250f converted into a supermoto. Thing is a blast. I want a faster bike but I still have much to learn thanks to you. I bought full gear and your app. Thanks for your wisdom my friend.
I have a 2015 GSXR 750, love the bike and Since I live in AZ I ride almost every day. I do think getting a smaller CC bike as a track toy seems like it might be more fun than the 750 but watching Salt the Wounds channel I might be wrong.
Great Advice as always 👍 I’d also like to add that if you buy a fast bike , new rider or older rider the temptation will be to ride it fast ! Also some people could take all the courses and training in the world and will never be any good at riding ever ! The statistics are that if we ride fast trying to find the limits ( we will all find them ) we all need to slow down a little and ride safe and enjoy riding, not chasing speed .
You’re not wrong. I started riding at 30, on a Daytona 675. Scared me shitless the first 2 years of riding; took about 15,000km’s of twisties of riding behind an experienced rider before I could somewhat ride it the way it was designed for. Not to mention, watching almost every video you have and constantly striving to perfect my riding. Even as avid motor sports enthusiast, understanding line selection and throttle control before even getting on a bike, it was still a hell of a challenge.
scarred shitless is not a thing id like out of a first bike. My meager DR650 has scarred me enough a few times to be grateful i listened to similar sound advice.
My first bike is a Harley forty eight . I’m still a beginner but i ride the 1200 with no problem. I was thinking about trading that in and getting a aprilia tuono 660. What would be your thoughts on that transition?
The Tuono 660 is more upright & has a more street friendly motor. Most "650" cc bike are great 2nd motorcycles. I think he's really just saying stay away from Race Replica type bikes
@@judge831Sub 80hp bikes are great as a second bike. Especially if you already have quite a few years of driving and riding done. Just be careful of the weight difference. Lightweight sportsbike (even the lesser powered ones) react very fast to your inputs.
Definitely solid advice, as always. I lusted after a Ducati sportbike for decades, and so, it was my first bike straight out of MSF (Ducati 1098). I dropped it many times, paid too much money for cheap fairings and small repairs, and didn’t learn anything beyond going fast in a straight line and switching lanes. Decided to stab my ego and buy a Honda CBR500R, rode it for two years and actually started enjoying riding and the ease of use, not to mention power I could actually use without warping to another dimension. Of course, I started to fiend for an SuperSport again after enjoying the 500 and practicing a lot, so I went back to a sportbike, this time a 2007 CBR600RR. Needless to say, I’ve been able to maintain control over my mind and limbs since, and doing track days opened up me to a whole new world as well. It’s definitely a good idea to try all kinds of motorcycles, until ultimately, you find your niche. I didn’t think I’d enjoy cruisers either, but I rode an Indian Scout Bobber and loved it. And in keeping myself in check, I refuse to buy ANY 1000CC SuperSport for street use. 600CC SuperSports are enough trouble, and for those that think they need a liter SuperSport for the street, that’s just ego and you’re lying to yourself thinking it’s fun on a daily. I currently ride a 202 CBR600RR daily and MotoJitsu hit the nail in the head about “technique, not technology.” My CBR isn’t even the ABS model and Honda continues to keep it raw (still has cable throttle), so it’s been sensational and an excellent teacher to me.
Amen bro! Maybe that's why they limit how much bike you can get in Europe as a beginner. I like that tier system, it'll save a lot of lives. I know my limits and for sure I'll have to start out slow.
I hope your words have the right meaning to as many as possible and save lifes. There are people out there buying 600 cc sport motorcycles as a starter bike and they dont even ever drive a bike at their life so far. I am giving also a very big amount of wrong move at the bike sellers which they are making the worst they can to sell a bike to someone with absolutely no experience, that counts also to guys selling their bikes to people with no experience!
Glad to see this video, way too many young guys pick a sportbike as their first motorcycle. The golden rule should be no more than 500cc for a first bike. My first bike was an old Honda CM400T, which was a perfect first bike choice. I rode that for a few years before getting a 1985 Suzuki Katana 750, which was such a fun bike and almost comfortable for a sportbike :-) I miss bombing around on that bike sometimes, but I don't miss the speeding tickets 😜
@@alozborne you dont need it, but if you like one its all about your mindset its easy to ride and makes alot of fun, i started on a fireblade, such an good bike, smooth suspension and everything, it made me a good rider
I completely understand this and believe it’s the best way.. I love these videos and enjoy your content.. I’m 45 and a really big dude.. I’m probably breaking the rules but I bought a Tuono 660.. I chose to go that route because I have access to a huge parking lot, multiple experienced friends willing to teach me and no desire to leave said parking lot until I understand how to damn stop and maneuver at slow speed.. lol
I appreciate you so much man, I got some co workers wanting to ride. You and Dandan are my go to for safe riding and developing skill. I want to get the same bike you got soon, I forgot all about it cause my area in San Bernardino county has a lot of dropped inventory, it's hard to find a Suzuki partner near me now. I remember sitting on it and just, wow. Even better than my Honda I owned. Thanks for all the videos, there's always food for thought and it gets our brains going.
Most people unfortunately only end up learning how to ride fast in a straight line and end up learning the hard way that they need to learn how to corner, stop fast and properly, etc. I know it's so easy to outgrow power and tempting but it's not worth it unless you only commute on the highway with the bike and can justify the power increase. Unfortunately many also stay away from trackdays due to cost, accessibility, transport problems, etc. You can definitely become a pretty decent rider only riding street as long as you practice all the fundamentals of body position, keeping the front tire loaded and brake covered, etc. Watching videos like yours, Canyon Chasers, Yamaha Champschool and more has definitely helped me on the street. It also helps to have suspension adjusted properly by a pro (if your bike is adjustable), figure out what tires and tire pressures work best for you and confidence will skyrocket for learning. A bike with adjustable suspension was the biggest increase in my confidence when it came to getting better at cornering because my old XSR700 had garbage suspension stock for sure as a heavier rider.
I agree with this but also say some starter bikes aren't for everyone. I go back and forth liking and hating my r3 that I got as my starter bike. Some days I really enjoy it and a few days later I really wish I got something bigger and am ready to upgrade. I want to put a lot more miles on it before getting rid of it to have gotten my use out of it (I have tweaked it to try and make it right for me). When I went shopping for my first bike, the dealer specialized in bikes under 400cc so I thought this is how all bikes were and all bikes felt foreign to me bc it was my first time riding. I am a few inches over six foot tall and I feel too big for my r3. For this reason it is hard to stay comfortable in the upright position on it because I feel like I am towering over it and then when I lean in the handle bars are too close for me to stay like that. I would also have preferred something heavier to start on bc I live in a windier area where the wind takes away some enjoyment. His comparison to a Camry is how I feel on it too when I am trying to put down some power after already going. I can launch it and that is fun and addictive but it would be nice to have more power at other times. My personality is never to rev something out and to be gentle on the gas, this seems to be one of the biggest reasons youtubers recommend a starter bike beginners and I have not experienced that as any issue for the type of rider I am. I have recently gotten a dr650 and am way happier with that and don't have all of the conflicting thoughts that I do on my r3 about just wanting more out of it and more than it has to give with comfort and power. I am trying to rev it out more but that's just not my personality and I am really writing this more for the issues of trying to find a bike that suits you when you are starting out.
this is why i got an R3 has enought sport feel to get used to the middle ground. A bit closer to a sport bike VS a MT03 or 7. And can put on some more agressive clip ons and higer rearsets to actually feel the sport bike posistion without the power to loose my mind... or power i cant even use
I cant express how good of a decision it was for me to start my riding career on a Honda SCL500. From every angle its making me a better rider in the long run and has plenty of power to be an absolute blast! I didn't want to be a cruiser and I was so tempted to go full blown sport bike...but the moment I sat on each style of bike I knew my lil scrambler was PERFECT to learn on. A month in and 400miles under my belt I still have zero regrets. Ride your own ride friends!
I am 26 years old, and last year I bought my first bike immediately after getting my motorcycle license. It was 2004 Yamaha R1. I have never ridden even a 50cc scooter before. I absolutely respect the bike and ride well within my limits, and didn't even have a close call yet. I definitely do not regret my decision, because this is what I wanted to ride since I was literally 9 years old. Due to financial situation plus having to wait a couple more years to ride my dream bike if I start on smaller bike, and then sell it, buy bigger one etc... the wait was just not in the cards. However, I definitely feel that I could have progressed skill-wise much faster and more naturally had I started on something smaller. It feels like a huge mountain to climb to get your skill on the level of 1000cc sportbike if you start on it, but I am determined to get there. It depends on the person really. If you have ego issues, and can't control yourself, that's where such bike is not recommended even if you do have some previous experience.
I agree with this 100%. When I got back into riding, I started on a Honda Phantom 200. My next bike was a Honda Rebel 500. My current bike is a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. I'm so glad I did it this way. Thank you for great videos.
Agreed 100%, super sports scream confidence, and any new rider will get in over their head, my liter bike still spooks me from time to time, you never fully get used to the power unless you have a death wish.
Splendid, good talk, I like that you specified it I started on an RTR 160, great bike but then I didn't have your videos, till today it is the most crashed (by me mostly ) bike that haveI ever owned so even the small sports bikes require some skill.
23 year old beginner rider here. Just got a ninja 650, and it's a little too much fun. It's of course not a full blown sport bike, but it still generates enough power that I've noticed myself coming close to danger a few times now. I'm definitely having to hold myself back.
I’m 55 and I started on a Yamaha r7 and you lean forward and it’s limited with steering but I passed my p course on this bike, but I respect it and what it can do .
Great video and information, I wish all the new riders could watch this video. As a lifelong rider, and police motor officer traffic investigator, I have seen way too many young men lose their lives riding a bike that was beyond their skill level and going way to fast. Most of them didn't even have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. This should be mandatory information for all new riders. Thanks for making this video and providing information.
Best to start on dirt bikes where you learn to control a bike at lower speeds, learn to counter steer, feel the bike move and drift etc, and it’s ok to crash. Many racers started on dirt (Casey Stoner was a dirt bike champion) and all continue to practice on dirt. Rossi’s Ranch is a classic example …
keeping everything in mind, I am going for ZX4r as my first bike, it checks every boxes for me and it will probably discontinue so wanna grab it while it still is in production
You are talking about SuperSport not Sport bikes. SuperSport class are mostly inline 4 600 full fairing bikes and higher, however the new ZX4R is a SuperSport inline 4 as well. I learned how to ride street on a Sport bike, 1985 GPZ 550, but I had many years of dirt experience before getting on a street bike. Beginners who want to ride sport should start with a used Ninja 250/300/400 or similar. When using a SuperSport solely for street riding/commuting like me, it is best to get clip-on risers and get rid of the 26% downslope on the wrists. I also lowered the seat height 1 inch. The ride is very comfortable and visibility is excellent. I ride the Blue Ridge mountains roads for 5 hours/200 miles on the weekends when the weather is about 50 and not raining. IMO, too many people get these bikes and don't learn how to ride or don't practice enough.
My first comment ever on RU-vid, I appreciate the knowledge you passing on, I'm still a fairly new rider, you'll think I'm crazy but I rode bikes in the past but not many, my first bike I bought was a suzuki 250cc, year about 1982/83, rode that for a short while. Then my second buy was many years later, scooter 125cc, had that for a year but here's the crazy part I jumped the gun and bought a z900, 125hp, and watching your videos has thought me alot about going out and learning to ride and becoming a better rider. The points you make in this video are so true, Thank you 👍
