3 Common Rider Mistakes - See it live at Sturgis
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- Here are 3 very common motorcycle rider mistakes.
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Im looking to get into riding. It looks like fun. I dont know when or if I'll be able too with my income, but it is my goal to learn as much as I can before I even attempt a class.
One of my rules, Never be in a hurry to go anywhere.
@mahbin sometimes I ride sad though.
True, but you can do that pretty quickly.
....because one might end up going nowhere fast!
Very correct !
I'm also a pilot, this is rule #1
The instant my bike is in motion, my feet are on the pegs or running boards. You loose the balance control of your lower body by not having your legs and feet in their proper riding position. It's the whole, you can lead a horse to water when it comes to "seasoned" riders who learned bad habits early on. I see riders in sandals, shorts and Polo Shirts and I steer way clear of them. If they're ignorant enough to think their attire doesn't matter, then they're not thinking of the 1,000 other things that also keep them safe on the road. Excellent instructional video my Friend! Cheers! Zip~
It's funny to see guys running on their bikes. Bike moves feet on pegs.
I've been riding motorcycles probably 35-40 years every year I go to a parking lot in the spring get tuned up for the summer coming I've never been disappointed in doing that
Its been in the 80s and 90s and humid where I live and I ride in Joe Rocket armored jeans and mesh jacket with an Under Armor tee shirt. Dress for the slide, not the ride, as the saying goes. Its honestly way more comfortable than riding in just a tee shirt.
I lived in Vegas for several years and rode in all temps, even way past 100. Yeah, it got pretty damned uncomfortable, but I NEVER rode without gear including a full-face. Just takes one time.
@@allwheeldrive It's a dry heat :P
Avoid the slide, learn to ride!
Same here and it was in the high 40s/126+ in sydney last summer lol
Modern base layers are remarkable now days. Really help with the comfort. Good wicking.
You are never to experienced to stop learning. Thanks Kevin!
I see lots of Harley riders here in the UK struggling with their bikes. I think a lot of them are “Harley owners” rather than motorcyclists - it’s about owning and been seen with a Harley rather than practicing the craft of riding a motorcycle - sad really.
T'Lad, himself an experienced rider with, amongst other bikes, an early Honda 400/4, Kwak Triple, MZ 250 and a Dneiper outfit(!!), coined a word for the Harley Owners & similar.
Chromosexuals.
@@sapper82 Ha! Love that! Hmmm, my bike does have some chrome, however...😆
@@sapper82 I currently own an Electra Glide Ultra Classic...I don't have enough chrome on my bike, but the term is hilarious! LOL.... But Mario G has it right on the head.. Many Harley riders are NOT Motorcyclists.. When they can't U Turn, Or Slow ride, or keep their feet up, well, then they really AREN'T qualified to be riding the bike...
It's the same in the states. Most Harley guys are barely able to ride at all and when they do get it out on Saturday afternoon it goes one place and then straight back to the garage. It is a well known joke that you can determine the mileage on a Harley by calculating how long the owner has had it times how many Saturdays times distance to nearest bar.
@@pramienjager2103 Heard it and to an extent, there is some truth to it (probably more than I'd care to believe), Then you have old coots like me who bought his Ultra Classic with 10K on it and 6 months later had to do the 20K service... Why wouldn't you WANT to ride such a lovely bike? (By the way I have a friend who has a 2001 Dyna (he bought new) with 500 Miles on it.. I guess his bar is really close to his house!
Great advice. I've been riding since I was 7 years old and I'm in my 40's now. Got my endorsement at 20 passing the written test with a 100% and the riding test with a 98%. I feel like everytime I throw a leg over one of my bikes I am stepping into the classroom of life. I've survived the "BIG" crash and tried to learn from it. Every ride I try to pay attention to my habits and techniques and try to improve upon them. Probably one of the best things I did to improve my riding was take up enduro or technical trail riding a few years back. Trying to learn ultra slow speed skills over and around obstacles in the dirt, has helped alot on the street.
I feel, and this is just my opinion, that the day a rider thinks he has it all under control and gets to cocky or arrogant, is the day he's asking for a crash. Hopefully that's just a slow speed drop for the guy and not a major accident at highway speeds.
On my previous Goldwing 10 years ago, I was guilty of riding in short shirt, short pants and tennis shoes. I was lucky and never went down. I just purchased a ‘21 Goldwing DCT Tour. Never again will I ride without proper gear from head to toe. And luckily, I discovered this channel that is a blessing to both new and experienced riders !
Forgot the whole, "I had to lay 'er down!" Which translates into "I didn't know how to maneuver my machine and I crashed."
a nickle for ever time, this!
Not always most of the time but can't say Everytime...
@@mrgrinch4781 every time!
@Jr ALEXANDER Dumb question. If you are an aware rider, the impact you will sustain will probably end up at 10 mph or LESS, depending on how deep in your own butt your head is at the intersection . . . remember, YOU are supposed to be watching EVERYONE else and EXPECTING them to cut in front of you via left turn, merge, or whatever.
If you are, and they do, you will be much better off simply impacting the side of their car at low speed, than you EVER would be by "laying down" your bike to "prevent" a collision.
What, exactly, does one gain by "laying down" one's bike?
Are you avoiding damage to the bike, somehow? Nope, you are just transferring what would be relatively minor front end damage into MAJOR side case, plastics, and body damage.
Are you avoiding injuring yourself? NOPE, in fact, you are much MORE likely to injure your leg, shoulder, or head during the "lay down and slide" process, then you ever would be simply bumping your bike into a car's fender at a few miles per hour . . . think about it.
Of course, if you are that shorts and flip flop, no helmet wearing squid, trying to blow through a yellow light at an intersection, doing 20 over the limit, and some cager wants to make his left turn and beat that light too . . . well, you are on your own. You do you in this case.
Me, I'd still try to AVOID this and any collusion as my first and best practice, and "laying down" my bike isn't even on my list of possible actions, it's too dumb for words 99.9% of the time.
@Jr ALEXANDER Lol @ noooooobs! Crap for brains, I was assuming you could get 55 miles per hour down to about 10 (with your brakes) before you hit the car as you speed through the intersection . . . but you are correct, a totally oblivious nooby rider like yourself probably will never notice a left turner until the last second . . . and is most likely going 20 over the limit, too, as I said.
And, uh, my current ride is 1100 CCs, 105 HP . . . 750# dry weight.
Never laid it down . . . never laid any of the 25 plus bikes I've owned in my life down . . . including scooters lol.
If you are looking for someone to say "Sure, laying your bike down is a GOOD plan, since you weren't paying attention at the intersection and hitting a left-turner broadside at 55 MPH is a bad idea!"
Best keep reading . . . because NO experienced rider will EVER tell you this, sorry little noob . . . may you live to be my age someday!
My first bike was a 7:50 shadow and my forever bike because of my age is a 744 Moto Guzzi V7. I don't need speed I need to be safe and in control these smaller bikes make the ride so much better.
who services bike
..." I thought I had 32 yrs of riding experience. Instead, I had 1 year of experience, 32 times"
.. a rider who attended a Kieth Code super bike school
My biggest pet peeve is when someone says they've been doing a thing for so many years they don't need to learn any more.. whether it's riding a motorcycle, turning wrenches, working on a computer, whatever. You DONT know everything. And there is always more to learn.
@@SuperBoomer95 never stop learning !!!
I have been riding for years, but I still am learning and I realize that. Keep up the great videos!
I've been ragged on for years in the summer for wearing my leather... My response has always been that " I read a scientific paper that proved the ground DOES NOT GET SOFTER IN HOT WEATHER".. It gets a laugh, and gets the point across too.
Try wearing leather in 115°+ heat in a cross country ride... you wont last long. Theres other protective gear for specific riding conditions.
Hey Jim. BlueDotBill here. You ARE the Leather Man.
@@Zero-pf1sh Done it more than once Kiddo...
@@williamlowry3567 I'll take that as a compliment! Thanks BlueDot (I wonder how many kids have NO idea what that name references?)
@@JHV166 I think that if one is a H-D aficionado one should be well schooled in Harley lore and learn from others who have walked before you...such as yourself.
Your advice is always invaluable !
I am 54 years old, I have had motorcycles since I was 8.
There is always something to learn, refine or be refreshed on.
Your channel is an excellent service.
Thank you !
I learned the evaporative cooling aspect from one of your videos years ago, and that's why on the hottest days I'm always covered with jacket or heavy over shirt. I'm definitely guilty of riding in a tee shirt at times, but certainly not due to heat. Thanks for continuing to encourage us to learn and grow!
Because riding skills are perishable one has to refresh these skills every so often. Before a long ride I take several shorter trips before the big trip. It's still all there in your head, just takes some getting back the mo-jo. Thank you Kevin
Took the MSF Experienced Rider Course this year. One instructor said they have a few students who take it EVERY YEAR as a refresher. Good idea to keep skills from becoming atrophied!
If you live in an area that has riding seasons. Best to do some parking lots at the beginning.
Excellent advice, brother! I have expert riding skills, having ridden for many years with guys that have won World Championships on motorcycles...but in just one year of laying off of riding, when I come back to it, there is a definite and noticeable drop off of my riding skills, and it takes a number of rides, easing into it, to re-establish those skills. Self awareness and an honest, objective self assessment needs to take place each time you swing you're leg over that saddle, because your very life, and the lives of others, too, depends on it! I worked high voltage for 32 years, and what I loved about it was the focus, the laserbeam focus it took to do my job safely, and well...that was intoxicating! I use that same attitude and leaerbeam focus in my approach to riding my R1150RS, which can be ridden MUCH faster in the twisties than most other riders realize, if ridden properly, and with a serious 360 degree awareness, and the aforementioned, laserbeam focus! It is intoxicating, when a bike is ridden properly! I started riding dirt bikes at 8, as mentioned above, where I spent 10 years before any street riding, and after 53 years of riding bikes, it is just as fun now as it was way back then! It's still a blast!! Oh man, I love it so!!! Riding motorcycles, it's a great way to grow old, but never grow up!
@@j.b.8767
Hey J, great thoughts brother. Laserbeam focus and 360° awareness is very much what you need to survive any ride and make it home so you can go out again and again and again.
Each second of a ride, and twist of the wrist, is imo, intoxicating, and just keeps you coming back and looking forward to the next ride.
But, as Kevin and most other instructors say, keep learning, analyzing to be able to njoy the ride, either by yourself or with a passenger.
Njoy ur next ride J.
Keep the shiny side up brother, and sisters out there who njoy throwing a leg over.
If u can't njoy any bike thats got two wheels, be it a scooter, ag bike Harley, B-mer or GoldWing, are you really a biker?
🛹🛴🚲🛵🏍😂👍🤙🌈🌏💜
Liv to ride another day
@@colinm1325 Well said, brother! Anything with 2 wheels, yea... I've had such a blast on Vespa scooters, and Honda scooters, dirt bikes, whatever it may be...it's awesome being in the picture, in the world, and not experiencing it through a hole in a box. I love my R1150RS, but am looking around for another dirt bike, now, too... Would love it if BMW would go back and build more R80G/S's, as they are, or were, awesome!! It's the best bike I've ever owned! It weighed 380lbs, was simple to work on, and a blast to ride!!! But a Honda 125 would be a blast, too, especially the way their built these days! Safe riding, brother! Enjoy your summer, man!
I started on a 1980 iron head sporty, ride it 2 years developed my skills, then moved up to a Electra glide classic, I was scared to drop it and had to build my confidence on the bigger heavier big, parking lots are a big help and didn't take long to have the confidence back.
Thank you great info as always.
I dropped my dirt bike on my foot and easily broke the fifth metatarsal. You don't even have to be moving to receive a serious injury. Wish I had boots on but I didn't...
It is a matter of common sense, isn't it? I am 66 now. When I rode a motorcycle for the first time in my life I was 26, I had the means to buy a 750cc Yamaha SECA. I noticed it too powerful for me back them, So I settled for a used VT250cc Honda. My friends used to laught at. It was a nice learning experience. In 2 years a moved to the 750cc SECA, great bike, then to 1100 cc Virago, then Road Star 1600cc finally to Harley Heritage softail classic. I am so happy with it because I really enjoy riding it. Thanks Kevin.
Congrats to you for being reasonable enough to change. Many don't have the guts to do that. Regards
Thanks for sharing Kevin, some great information there. My first bike after I got my license was a Yamaha TW200! What a great fun bike. The dealer where I lived in Yukon let me use the bike for my test and I bought it after the test. God bless and stay safe.
Great perspective! Thanks for the great lesson.
I see these "foot draggers" a lot these days. It screams lack of confidence.
OMG!!!!!!! I HATE FOOT DRAGGERS TOO
There's a guy in my neighborhood in Brooklyn. Bought himself a reaaal nice Ducati. Guy just circles around the block for like an hour, foot draggin, and revving the shite out of the thing in neutral. ACK!
claud Talkz Well, I hope he keep doing circles around the neighborhood and stay off the busy city streets, the freeways and definitely stay away from winding side roads.
I believe foot dragging is pretty dangerous at speed because if you touch the tarmac like that it can blow your foot back and shatter your pelvis.
The Vibe You are 100% right. It’s a useless thing to do. People that ride need to practice riding every time they get on their bike no matter how long you have been riding.
The sad reality is the inexperienced riders probably are not watching this video!
I posted one of his videos to a motorcycle FB group, and 2 "experienced" riders told me and others not to waste time watching videos and just go and ride. And they have been riding for umpteen years without any accidents so they don't need to learn anything new. Ignorance will get you killed
I expect vast majority of viewers are inexperienced riders
I’m not even a rider yet and I am trying to learn as much as possible before I even start.
Nah im here learning, im new in the process of fixing my first bike
Idk, I have yet to step foot on a bike of take the MSF class. I plan on buying my first in about six months once I move. I am spending hours watching beginner videos and familiarizing myself with some good knowledge before I ever get to training and buy a bike. I am excited to start riding but I fully understand and appreciate the reality of the dangers for cutting corners.
Good update, Kevin! I too know someone that rides without proper gear , shorts no helmet. Drives me crazy he never listens! Thanks for sharing ride safe.🏍😊
Hey Kevin, I just found your channel and perfect timing because I just bought my first motorcycle. I decided I am going to watch every video you’ve made and that’s when I saw you have a lot of videos, LOL. So I am starting from video # 1, Thanks for the info
Kevin, great videos my friend. I recently sold my Harley and am currently without one. But I believe that your videos are important and continue to support what your doing through Patreon. Keep up the good work.
Sweat cools you by evaporating and taking heat away from your skin in the process, not by staying in liquid form on your body.
Sad that he's incorrectly explaining how sweat works and why a jacket is better on hot days.
Man i get his message and i agree, but he needs to get his physics right
@@camrust1952 yeah -- that's why MIST MACHINES are used in hot weather at football games. Moisture on the skin will itself lose heat in moving air, thus acting like a/c. Your physics claim is only half correct.
But when it evaporates too quickly, which it will do at speed in hot weather with no gear, it leads to dehydration and heat stroke.
@@johnthomas2485 Yeah I could see how that may happen also.
Thank you Kevin for another great, informative video!!
In 1982 I had my big wipe out, side-swiped a car at 55 mph. My clothes and helmet saved my butt.
@@brianhoppenrath8379 douche bag
Did you quit riding at any point or have you been riding this whole time?
I'm lucky there wasn't a car in the other lane on one corner, scared me!
My name is Ismail Mega am new rider and i bought my 1st bike to be a sreetglide. i love you videos and learned a lot from u
thank you Kevin.
i friend of mine dropped his harley doing about 7-10 mph, tore him up, just falling over on a heavy bike is gonna hurt
I feel if u drop a bike for being dumb u should be restricted from anything to do with motorcycles for 3 years that way u can learn the fundamentals
@@Sevenboy127gmail Does this also apply to all those idiots doing the same in cars, trucks, big rigs, etc? People make mistakes, have "brain farts", etc, it's "if" they learn from them that makes a difference.
@@albundy1703 yes it also applies im not saying mistakes dont happen but its the idiots who im talking about if u know u can barley walk u know u have no business near a motorcycle im talking about the real deal idiots who give bikers a bad name
Sorry for your friend! Let's keep in mind he essentially had the weight of *2 home refrigerators* fall on him. Not to mention there are parts of the "refrigerator" that are flesh searing hot too. That will F anybody up regardless of speed and especially because of speed.
@@Sevenboy127gmail As I comprehend and, respect your opinion I believe such a minute motorcycle infraction should be punishable by public execution. Therefore to teach these novice motorcyclists the ideals and techniques we motorcycle kings use on the public roadways.
Every advice in this video is 100% spot on. Thanks for another great video.
Great advice Kevin. I have had a MC Endorsement before I had my regular Driver License. Started out on a Yamaha 2 stroke 125 street bike after High School. My Dad was mad as hell and I moved out. After the Yamaha 125 moved up to a Yamaha XS750 Special 3 cylinder they called the triple threat. First Shaft Drive bike for me. It was fast. Had that for years and sold it to a co-worker that needed a drive to work because he had one car and his wife was expecting a baby. Long story short went to a Kawasaki 1998 Vulcan 1500cc and 8 years later to a 1600cc Vulcan. After 5 years moved up to a 2005 Honda Goldwing and never looked back. I'm not a big guy about 6'1" and my weight is 180. Now I just purchased my new 2018 Goldwing Tour and it is a new learning curve again. Your Videos are a great tool for young riders coming up. Everyone Ride Safe.
if only I had someone like you back in the 70s when I started riding still riding but safer now thank you
I learned about wearing long clothes in the heat when I was in the military. Also it keeps you from getting sunburnt
I got sunburn thru my BDUs and tshirt while in the Middle East. Now that’s intense.
Same, but when I was a wildland firefighting. Every time I see some dingleberry riding in shorts and New Balance sneakers, I see a trip to the ER with deglove injuries.
Wow
Been riding off/on for 45 years, your advice is PERFECT!
As always, great advice and food for thought.
It’s kind of funny that after watching your videos these past several years how many small details I’ve picked up on when observing other riders. Especially Hard front wheel breaking when coming to a stop, and dragging or leaving ones feet down when approaching or leaving a stop seems to be more common with touring riders than sport bike riders but the same reduction in control of the motorcycle applies. Keep up the great work helping to educate and protect riders out there! Have a great day from Southern California!
Matt
Here in N.C. I think it is about equal foot dragging between sport bikes and touring bikes.
I never use my brakes, EVER!!! Just kidding. The goal is to use as little braking as possible. Which means proper down shifting. By the time you get to the stop sign or light, you should be going slow enough that it requires little brake pressure to stop your bike
I learned years ago to NOT ride when it's 95 deg or higher as the rider dehydrates too fast at that speed. I live in the desert of Arizona and I shake my head every time I'm out driving in my car in the summer (100+ deg) and people are out riding their bikes. I think, "What fools!" In the late 70's, I was in the Navy and it was then I bought my first bike. Yamerhammer 360 and in order to get it on the base, I had to take a safe rider course from the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It was a two day course and I'm glad I took it. We had to supply our own bikes too.
I live in az also just did the devils highway from morenci to Springerville all the way back to phx 600 miles 12 hours, and 112 that day. Don’t limit yourself.
I'm in Arizona. I ride every single day, year round. It's my only personal transportation. I think it's hilarious how many fair weather, weekend warriors we have in Arizona. Definitely a lot of office workers that ride bikes 3 months out of the year. They run from the AC in their car, to the AC at the grocery store, and back to the AC in their house. It's like they can't breath the atmosphere so they need an oxygen tank everywhere they go. I couldn't imagine living like that. It's depressing as hell.
As always great video are used to live down the street from you but now I live in Tennessee I’ve been riding for 55 years because I’m now 70 and I still learn from your videos still watch them thank you for putting them out
Great advice, thank you!
I was one of the "I've ridden dirt bikes my whole life" guys. I learned really fast that its a different beast on a 800 pound bike. A light bike can be man handled. A touring bike is not very forgiving at all lol. But I've pushed myself to be a better "controlled rider" mainly for my safety but honestly, I hate to think of myself being laughed at putting "landing gear" down and other goofy habits like duck walking an entire u turn or parking lot because I lack slow speed maneuverability. Love ur channel keep it up!😊🤙
A technique I learned to get my feet off the ground is to practice using only one foot at a stop to support the bike.
So if you come to a stop at a traffic light, only touch the ground with your left foot.
But if you come to a stop and you plan on turning right, use only your right foot to hold the bike up.
It will pretty much teach you to use the fall of the bike to your advantage. Learn to come to a stop, lean one way or the other, and stick a foot out to catch. Instead of trying to avoid any tipping at all.
@@quantumleap4023 I agree with you completely but I only use my right foot if I see a dodgy surface or heavy camber on the left side. If the surface is dodgy all around I will use both feet. Since I got my DCT Goldwing I've stopped using my right foot routinely for starting off on a right turn. With no clutch to help control initial speed I found that keeping the foot brake covered means you can drag the brake a bit if you move off a bit quicker than iintended and so maintain control in the turn.
@@iannicholson9875 That makes sense since you ride a goldwing, they're really powerful. I ride a honda magna, and it's really hard to get good starts cause the first gear is really long and it has a heavy clutch, so it feels like as soon as you get going the clutch grabs and pulls you up to 20mph without much effort. Probably the same with a goldwing, very difficult slow speed maneuverability.
Definitely good to know how to get the feet on the pegs immediately though, and focus on the turn after.
One advantage of riding a dirt bike is you learn not to panic if a wheel starts to slide or lock up.
I finally took the riding course last year. I did enjoy it and plan on taking it again to help reinforce everything. It’s only $20 here in Illinois.
Luck you here in San Diego it is $350.00
I just looked them up and they are $250.00 in NC. Yes, 20 bucks is a heck of a deal.
Was out for the first time in 2 months for a 150 mile ride on very mixed roads. Had a great time largely because your voice was in my head!
I was riding for 7 years before i found this channel , i have a so much small ego & always looking for knowing new stuff , i saw pretty much all of your videos , & learned sp much thing that helped me on the road, always tilling my friends to lose their ego and learn
Wise words‼️ I have a friend that teaches rider safety classes and he won’t let me ride unless I’m properly dressed👍👍
Your friend won't let you ride? How does he control if you ride or not?
Blue Denim,
He truly Is a Friend !
Being an extremly fresh rider i definitely appreciate your videos I’ll be picking up my new to me bike this morning an iron 1200
Ride safe brother
pablo cruz that’s my first bike as well. Have fun and be safe. The sportster is a perfect platform to learn the fundamentals on.
Thats a top heavy bike, be safe.
@@Rockoblocko I started on the Royal Enfield interceptor. It's a very good first ride but a little top heavy as well.
I feel no bike is perfect thou...
Completely agree Kevin. I'm 3 months in to my first street bike (H D Iron 883). I wanted something bigger but glad I resisted the temptation. I have learned a lot already and know I will make more mistakes through my journey. Better to learn on this manageable bike than sink a ton of cash on something I'm not ready for. Even though my confidence grows I think about the ,lessons and advice you preach. Keep up the good work. Like new new garage set up. Many thanks.
Hi Kevin. I took your advice and had a look at the Sturgis live cams. Yep. Lotsa foot dragging and front brake only stopping going on there.
Keep up the great work. You're a patient and generous teacher.
Cheers from Oz.
2003 March, late March I was in Kuwaite inbound to Baghdad. I had all the gear and body armor. To counter the very complaint you describe on gear I put a calibrated free air temp gage center chest on a string under my T shirt. I did an hourly temp check for a week straight. I had a CW4 validate every hourly ✔ check. My body temp ran much COOLER with all my cloths and armor I was at 97. F what ever. The free air temp for that region was rumning 110-115 F
@Something Unpronounceable Maybe Kuwait was very humid but once inland the sweat was gone in a instant
I've been there with the "This little bike is so easy, I've been riding for a year, I'm an expert! I'm ready for a REAL BIKE". I went from loving to ride to afraid to ride. Looking for every reason to ride to making every excuse not to ride. In some ways I regret it of course, other ways it make me more aware of my abilities (moreso lack of ability) much more willing to take classes and appreciate them, as well as trying to absorb and practice stuff I learn for channels like yours. Not so sure I'd be a member or even watch your videos had I not make that common mistake. Before I went through that "real bike" failure, my head was a bit big for my shoulders and was like a teenager "I know it all, I can do it all, you know nothing!." Sometimes us humans need that humbling wake-up call unfortunately.
I rode a 650 Chopped BSA in my 20's and early 30's. At 67 I bought a Harley Heritage. Yeah that was a sharp learning curve.
Thanks for another great video.
As always Kevin great advice as well getting the message safely first l always look forward to seeing your videos here on a Friday night in Australia regards Anthony from down under ps liked the new intro to your video
Great video Kevin! Hubby and I were just discussing the misconception people tell new riders that buying a small cc bike is pointless because they will outgrow it quickly! Hubby has been riding for over 50 years and I can tell you of all the bikes we own he has more fun on that R3 then the bigger bikes! We always wear gear even in hot weather, if it's too hot and humid we just do not ride and wait for another day! To add to the hot weather riding make sure you carry some water with you to stay hydrated because even with gear on you can still overheat causing problems!
Small bikes are awesome, thus the xt250 in my garage. 😉
Kevin, as a fairly new rider, I have learned so much fro MC Rider. Thanks.
Awesome channel ... been listening for a couple of years ... best on YT ... I've learned so much ... THANKS!
I'm a new rider this year. I have a great time on my 883 sportster. My boyfriend is already telling me too get a road king. I say no. Not yet. I'm enjoying getting good on my little bike. I practice all the time on our culdesac road. I'm good at u-turns and slow maneuvers. I like not being afraid of my bike so I'll keep it for a bit. I also always wear boots and a helmet. He hates my Germanator! 😆
The sportster is more fun.. Trust me. With all the parts out there for them, you can customize it to make it comfortablr for you. I'm 5'10 and 250 and i find our Road King much less fun and a lot more work than our Indian Scout. Its good on an interstate, but thats about it.
@Jr ALEXANDER he rides in Ultra Classic but he just bought a motor that will fit a Road King frame so he's going to build one regardless this winter. I'm not completely opposed to it but I'm certainly not selling my sporty
@@stuckinpodunk he's ridden my sporty and so have a few of his friends and they all come back and say wow that's so much fun I forgot how much I like them!
Don't listen to him this time. Especially if he is not a rider.
It is more fun to control the bike, then to have the bike control you.
Riding in Metropolitan Texas, I can emphasize the first point. In the heat of summer I tried riding to work down the highway without my jacket. OMG it was like being in a Blast Furnace. From then on, I wore my jacket. Although I got sweaty, it was actually cooler.
Great video, I am one who loves riding. I started when I was a kid, mini bikes, dirt bikes, ect.. bought my first street bike when I turned 15 and it was a Honda 350, and have progressively increased the size of my motorcycle as I gained experience and wisdom. My current bike is a Road King and as you mentioned there a ton of difference between what I originally started with and what I now ride, I wish more people would put their pride on the shelf when it comes to picking out your first bike, the whole idea behind it is to ENJOY your ride not be scared to death everytime you come to a stop or try to make a u-turn. Thanks for honesty I hope your viewers take it to heart..
Well, at least now we have channels like yours to inspire us to become better riders.
A lot of the 'traditional' riders didn't grew up with all the info that we do have now.
So a big THANK YOU Kevin for your ongoing efforts.
Harley regularly offers a purchase value trade up program that's great for new riders, not sure if other dealers do this but it is a great program where you buy a Sportster and ride it for up to a year. Within the year you can trade it for anything not a roadster basically and they give you your original purchase price for trade in value.
The guy in your example will still be considered an expert - at loading his Harley on his trailer to drive out to Sturgis and Daytona!
Daytona bike week is in March and where I live we have something called wind chill factor and snow in March so not too many guys from a good part of the U S can ride to Daytona for bike week
LOL! Those guys look so sad driving their trucks when you pass them on your bike riding out to Sturgis with 1500 miles to go.
HA HA
I wasnt aware that it was a law to ride to any rally. Hmmm whoda think it!
I live in Florida and all the Harley riders I know, trailer their bikes to Daytona. Really sad, and no gear !!
Thanks Kevin
I appreciate the instruction
I have a great desire to get into motorcycle riding & want be safe & have fun
Get out and learn as soon as you can. Don't rush if you're not ready, but don't put it off if you're just looking for that "perfect moment." I kick myself for not learning sooner. I think about all those riding days I missed because I waited.
Thanks for another great video! I love my sportster. When I think of a motorcycle that's exactly what I think of...not an RV on two wheels.
I've been riding for years and now I'm teaching my son to ride. I've been watching your videos for a while now and they have greatly helped me be a better rider, which translates into being a much better teacher. Thank you for your time and experience.
Any time I see a rider in shorts and t shirt I think they've never been to a Accident and Emergency and seen what even a low speed slide on a road does to the human body, all the gear everytime 👍.
I bust their balls and ask them are they going to play tennis Lmaooooo
Meat crayon.
Me too. I currently have my jacket being altered... week two without it. Haven’t been out on the bike since I sent it off. One more week to go before I get it back, thus one more week before I’ll be riding again.
I *just* watched a video of a dude wearing shorts and a t-shirt with one of those skull helmets take a face to the asphalt. His face was beet red on one side and his shoulder and knee had seen better days. All of that would have been avoided had he been wearing proper gear.
I agree!!! I will not ride with people even if they are my friends if they don’t gear up. It is just foolish! I don’t how long you have been riding it is STUPID!
Great video! Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing
I am from the UK and a middle-aged man i should have done my test when younger but that did not happen, so we have to take 3 practical test and 1 theory test before we are able to ride any bike bigger than 125cc (CBT, Mod1 slow speed skills & Mod 2 Road skills) I totally agree that this is a great way to learn to ride. You can just take the CBT, and then you can ride a 125cc for 2 years with learner plates before having to retake the CBT again. If you want to ride larger cc bike and you are over 21 you then do all your learning on a 650cc, which helps you get used to a larger cc bike. For me I did my CBT and then rode a 125cc for 1 year to get some road skills and to commute to work. I just passed my other 3 test 1 st time and now able to ride any size bike I like. I still want to learn so have gone for a mid-size bike to carry on learning and getting real-world practice thanks to you guys on youtube really shows that you cant take your test and think that's the end I can ride how I want now. I do hope people learn from these videos as they could be a lifesaver.
If you're interested in some practical advanced rider training in the UK I recommend RoSPA and IAM Roadsmart, both of which have groups across the country run by very helpful and well qualified volunteers.
UK testing is now very good for A1 125cc / A2 650cc licenses CBT / DAS tests. I got an old UK ride around the school carpark and round the block test for a bloke with a clipboard over 35 years ago then crashed a 250cc. Got back into biking in NZ later with LAMS bikes up to 650cc and graduated licencing. Think every sensible country should do it. Retrained and got better riding smaller bikes first. Think all lapsed riders should retrain and ride a smaller 650cc bike or less initially to save lives. Stats show its bikers 70% at fault open rural roads at weekends and cars/vans at fault 70% on urban weekday commutes. Very few bikers commute now. Don't commute on a bike unless you have to. Intersections are reak killers for bikes with in 1 in 6 intersection crashes fatalities for bikes. Way too many distracted drivers on roads. Traffic volumes are huge. Not worth risk commuting on a bike if you can avoid it. All year commuting is riskier in winter.
I'm on my third bike. I too am in NZ and got back into riding 11 years ago on a 250 cc bike before the Lam's rules came in. Never thought I would be able to sell that bike did 11,000 KMs on it got an 1100 virago put 47,000 KMs on that and 3 years ago got a 2300cc Triumph Rocket 3 and put 22,000kms on it I love this bike it's big and you have to respect the power or it will simply kill you. I need to get out more on the Rocket. Time on the bike is the best way to learn how to be safe on it.
If you know how to ride a pedal bicycle, then you should be able to ride a 1100cc motorcycle w/a passenger and her sister too.
@buggeroff no, he sounds sensible
I’ve quit riding on the street altogether, too many people not paying attention and I’ve had two friends seriously injured from left turn accidents in the last few years.
I strictly do track days and racing.
Track days will really help develop your cornering skills with a good instructor.
Always full leathers and gear at the track.
Great commentary and tips as always Kevin.
Always great advice. Prior to taking the new riders course, I purchased a 2002 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100. Somehow, I did much better on my bike than on the course bikes. After a year, I felt confident enough and purchased a Victory Cross Roads, which I've been riding for 5 years. That's along with great advice from you.
#2
I can't tell you how many times i've heard that.
Had it for over a year now, i still love riding my 250.
That doesn't mean i don't have another bike now :) but i still take it our regularly.
Into my 4th season on my 250 dual sport, first bike.
Absolute blast, the only time I actually need more power is to do things I shouldn't be doing on the road anyway 😂
I’ve been watching “Ride like a pro with Jerry” planning to eventually get his lessons to practice. I don’t take my beginners MSF weekend course until April. But I’m trying to soak in all the information I can before that time. Thank you for all the information and knowledge you guys give out.
Good luck
I only commented because i have a 1981 Ram
@@swskitso thanks man, I’ve had a 96’,98’,12’, and now a 17’ lol I eventually want to get an older ram. I have a 1964 F100 sitting in my garage right now. and a 1966 C10 sitting up at the farm. So eventually I’d like to find and old dodge so I can have one of each brand lol
@@adavidson116116 my brother is going after a 69 chevy stepside tomorrow.
My ram has rusted frame and needs a lot of tlc but its the first year they put Ram on the truck so i dont want to get rid of it.
Thanks Kevin. I think you nailed this one!
First off your new opening is amazing! You have no idea how many times I’ve told young riders about their gear...I’ve even got a MD at my gym who wears shorts while riding....😲
I’m starting out now. On a sportster, been dragging my feet because it’s fun. Won’t be doing that anymore
Saw Kevin with the serious face on the thumbnail... had to see what's up..😁
Exactly, he was looking like he was gonna take off his belt and Woop some A$&. 😁
Kevin-McRider, I want to thank you for all your great informative content. I am going to pick up my first motorcycle (in a long time) tomorrow (HD Street 500). I look forward to putting into practice all that I learn from you. Thank you and stay safe. Tommy from West Tennessee
Have fun, but remember this... You won't be able to wipe that smile off your face... And watch out for cars, because they aren't looking for you...
I am constantly forcing myself to do the "hard things" on my 03 RK.
Thanks,kevin!
When it is too hot to have my gear on
I drive my car with air conditioning lol
Especially on a air cooled Harley
Indeed, when it's too hot to ride, there are far better ways to enjoy the weather.
It saddens me when I see riders wearing minimal if any protective clothing. I never, never go out on my bike without wearing armour. That is helmet, jacket, gloves, jeans and boots.
Yet another enjoyable video, keep them coming. Softail Street Bob owner Liverpool UK.
Started riding three years ago and on a 2002 H-D Sportster 883. I’m still rocking this bike and love to ride her. IF I were to step up to a larger bike because my riding needs changed (like riding farther distances and need to use highways), I would likely step up to something like a Soft Tail Deluxe, yet keep my Sporty for more around town and short rides. I’ve met a lot of people who compliment my bike and say they wished they had kept their Sportsters. Ride safe everyone!
Love your show. Solid and sound advice.
I saw an old HD dude dragging his boots one day, and as he lifted them you could see they were half wore out from dragging on the pavement all the time. ( well, at least every weekend ) 😏
Heat well i went riding at 6am this morning it already over 90 degree. The hot wind will dry you so fast you will be very uncomfortable ..keep your clothes on and save your skin
Plus the feeling of fresh air blowing through your jacket sleeves on a hot day is so refreshing.
Dress for the slide, not for the ride...... just incase👍
That's my point of view anyway lol
Great advice! I started on a 2009 yamaha vstar 650. Then last year i went to a 2014 street glide. Went from 600 to 800lbs i definitely couldn't have started on the street glide. Always enjoy your videos thanks!
Thanks Kevin. Great job. Good info.
I've been riding since 1972, first a 45 trike and then two years later I got a big Panhead 74. The older big HD's were better at low speed due to their low center of gravity and a overall smaller and lighter bike than compared to the giant dressers that HD now makes. I've seen guys that started out on the older Pans and Shovels have trouble at low speeds on the newer ones because they are so heavy and tall, its hard to keep one upright at low speeds. I'm a smaller guy and my '97 Dyna is as big as a motorcycle I dare ride but my old rigid Pan is still the easiest to ride plus it looks like a motorcycle and not a fiberglass spaceship. Doesn't have a stereo either, I just listen to the motor and the traffic around me.
-'lil stan
You’re talking my kind of language. 90% of what a motorcycle is to me is what it SOUNDS like. Who needs ( or even wants ) a stereo?
@@michaelszczys8316 I remember the days of my youth, when I had a big shiny Panhead '74 bobber. I would ride from the flatlands of Texas to the Colorado Rockies. Changing a primary chain in a flea bag parking lot, nearly freezing to death when it started to snow, kneeling down peering at a generator that quit charging in the middle of no where. Hardships are now cherished memories, was great to be young on a big motorcycle. No cell phones or GPS.
Your not riding unless your gliding!
-'lil stan
When I took my motorcycle safety course one of the instructors said that the people that have been riding a long time with bad habits are the hardest to teach the correct safe riding. This was after two people were let go for riding unsafe and would not listen to instruction.
Used to be a firearms instructor. It's the same with guns.
All three are to the point !
Thank your,,,
Great video Kevin. I have some friends who exhibit 2 of these myths. Bought the wrong bike (heavy big cruiser style bikes) and won’t work on low speed riding skills. I will forward them this video. Thanks much
So true! But what do we know people will say. I became an instructor up here in Canada only to find that (in my case) the Chief Instructor was only there, it seemed, for the position. I quit the day when he refused me to rendering more time with a hearing impaired woman. I was willing to assist her at lunchtime. “ if you do that, everyone will want more practice”. So the bad habits were already being demonstrated to the new riders. “Need more practice, find it elsewhere Lady!” BTW...she fell that afternoon (I had left) on the course and never returned!
Every time I've been to Sturgis the whole thing has been a series of common motorcycle rider mistakes happening all around me! 2nd time I went there, a guy on a Sportster rear ended a car and got killed, right in front of us. One of the guys I was riding with was a Paramedic. Jumped off bike and immediately started trying to save him. From the bikes came 3 ER nurses and a physician to assist... Welcome to Sturgis indeed. Harleys are such good bikes, shame a lot of the owners aren't up to the bikes, just buy and ride like its an appliance. (and before you start I've owned 5 Harleys, numbers 1 and 3 is still in my garage)
My dad, RIP, got me a '92 xr100, in '95 for my 13th birthday. November in Michigan. Couldn't wait till spring. My dad taught me how to clutch. Learned to ride in the snow! That being said, I'll never forget the bare pavement in spring. Learned real quick, snow to pavement doesn't give like snow. First pop wheelie, no crash. I learned to rise my first bike in the snow. Miss ya dad.
This is good advice - thanks for posting. My first bike was a heavily altered, pro street, raked lowered Yamaha Road star. Yeah I know, I should have started off with something a bit more, shall we say "conventional" but I rode as a kid so I figured I could make that adjustment. I did make it, but for one reason - the difference was I didn't forget everything I learned in the class I took to get my operators license. This bike was so scary that it made me go back over my notes from the class and practice and rehearse everything I learned over and over and over. I worked really hard to develop good habits all the way around and did this for the entire 7 yrs I owned it. I also took it VERY slow and VERY easy in the beginning as I was learning the unusual funky handling characteristics of my bike. Whenever I ungaraged it when Winter ended and Spring came around, it was a bit like starting over in one sense. What I realized for the 7 yrs I had that bike is just what you said, you never stop learning and you NEVER let your guard down, which is why I never had an accident and never had any close calls. Did I avoid a lot of hazards and what could have been close calls? Absolutely. I eventually got rid of it because it had some major wiring issues so I was bikeless for 2 yrs but I just got a HD Fat Boy. Not riding for 2 yrs is just like starting all over again. I've been immersing myself in safety and sound riding fundamentals. I will be checking out all of your videos.
I've tried this two 90 degree days in a row. First day I wore my vented leather jacket. Second day I wore a t-shirt and leather vest. I was NOTICEABLY less sweaty, had a lower body temperature and much more comfortable with my vented leather jacket on.
I started used the back brake in low speed movements way easier than putting your feet down
I do it all the time, I learned it from the instructor and in the Netherlands it is part of the exam. You have to do a number of maneuvers and the examinator will notice that you don't use the rear brake and you will fail. It is the best way to control the bike at low speeds, a bit of throttle and rear brake, stabelizes the bike and gives full controll,
Thank you for a relevant presentation!
Another GREAT video Kevin! Don’t have a bike yet, but I’m one lucky SOB to discovered you BEFORE I go shopping. THANK YOU! Once I’m all geared up, I’ll become a lifelong supporter because I know riding EFFECTIVELY and proactively may very well be the difference between life and DEAD. Really looking forward to your riders guide. Imma start at about 600cc - I’m 5”11”, 200lbs. Drove my buddy’s off-road Kawasaki 175cc as a teen, so I’m dangerous in traffic lol Power to ya.