Keith did well to avoid the ditch and the culvert in that turn. An abrupt stop isn't fun at any speed. Ransom, if you're reading this I completely understand wanting a motorcycle as a young man. I watched Easy Rider, threw my watch away and started making plans to get a bike. I ended up with a 50cc scooter which I rode around Atlanta for almost two years and over 20 yrs later I have gotten a dual sport to explore the country. A dual sport seems like it would be most in line with the helicopter. Being able to go anywhere and explore places you see that look cool from the air is no problem with a dual sport and you can drive it on the paved roads. I'm sure you feel like you can do anything, but stop for a few seconds and try to understand that the brain doesn't even fully develop until we are 25. Take a risk and consider what your Uncle Don is saying.
"Motorcycles are not unsafe. However; they are extremely unforgiving of inattention, incompetence, ignorance, and stupidity" A quote from one of the motorcycle forums I belong to. I am 65 years old, and have been riding motorcycles since age 10. I started out on a Bultaco Lobito 100 dirt bike. I not only learned how to ride it by myself, I also learned to work on it, with some help from the local farm mechanic. I got my license and first street bike at age 16. Since then I have ridden over a million miles on more than 40 different bikes, without a single accident. It seems like I get a car shoved in my face almost every time I go for a ride, but so far I have managed to avoid them. Riding a motorcycle requires 100% of your attention 100% of the time. You have to learn to be acutely aware of your surroundings, and be able to anticipate what might happen, and plan for it. I consider crotch rocket type bikes to be suicide machines, and riding with a phone stuck on your handlebars, having a stereo, or any kind of speakers or communications device attached to your helmet to be just downright stupid. I am a non combat veteran, but I have talked to combat veterans who ride motorcycles, and they all say that riding a motorcycle and being in combat are about the same. Everybody out there in a 4 wheeled vehicle is your enemy, and are going to do their best to take you out. You need to be able to see everything around you, because you can bet that car herders are NOT going to see you. Riding a motorcycle requires a serious commitment. It's not like a lot of other things that "could" be dangerous. Hell, crossing the street is seriously dangerous these days with all the distracted drivers out there (99% of them) Riding a motorcycle is only for someone who is 100% into it. They must have a passion for it. It is a very emotional thing. I was doing jumps, slides, and wheelies on my Schwinn Sting Ray bicycle before I got that 100cc dirt bike. And no, I don't ride like that on the street. I feel like I was born to ride on two wheels. If it doesn't mean everything to you, if you can be happy without riding a motorcycle, then DON'T do it. And being able to ride a motorcycle in an empty parking lot is NOTHING like being able to ride a motorcycle in traffic. They are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT things. You NEVER stop learning how to ride a motorcycle. Even after 55 years and over a million miles, I am STILL learning. It is not something you will EVER become PERFECT at. There does come a time in your life when you need to rethink riding. For some that might be at 90 years old. For me it is already here. My mental acuity is fine, my reaction time is fine, but I have several disabilities that make it difficult to physically ride a motorcycle. It is just about impossible for me to get my leg over a motorcycle seat higher than 27 inches. My legs are messed up, and are nowhere near as strong as they used to be, so I am having to move to smaller motorcycles and even scooters. My largest bike is a 2006 Sportster 1200L, which has a 25.5" seat, but it is also heavy. I'm afraid of dropping it during low speed maneuvers, like in parking lots, or any place where I need to support it with my legs. I probably won't be riding it that much longer. I have a Vespa GT200 scooter and a Honda Rebel 250 that I still feel fairly comfortable on. I'm looking at either converting my Sportster to a trike, or maybe getting a Can Am Spyder or Ryker three wheeler. I currently still have two motorcycles which I know I can no longer ride, I just can't bring myself to get rid of them. I still maintain them, and still start them up once in a while just to listen to them run. But I know it is not safe for me to try and ride them anymore. I have always ridden alone. I have never known anyone else that rode a motorcycle. It has nothing to do with image for me. It's about the fun of riding, and getting away from everything else, at least for a while. Just me, the bike, and the road. And of course all the idiots out there on the road trying to kill me.
My first motorcycle was a 1983 Goldwing. Not a small bike. I was 55 years old and never ridden before. I bought it from my uncle who at 85 decided not to ride anymore. I had MANY near misses, Ran wide on turns, locked up the breaks coming over a hill to a stop light. Even dropped it in my Gravel down hill drive way. But I learned something on every ride and I was never riding to impress anyone but myself. Last year I gave that bike to my little Brother. He is now 65. And I am 68. I now have a GL 1800. The size of the bike is less important than the size of you willingness to learn and accept that you don't know everything YET! If this kid can fly a Helicopter in the Army, I think he has the mental capacity to learn to ride safely. He is lucky to have an uncle to guide him. Enjoy The Ride Clyde. ( my Uncle)
Don my friend; "WISE WORDS OF WISDOM"!! I totally agree!!! But to add just a little, I advise when I am asked, Don't buy a big cruiser OR a Scooter that runs 35 mph!!!! Good to see you in video again!! Spring is coming!!! hee haw God Bless
Started on a geared 50cc at 24 years old…got used to the roads, changing gears, braking, other vehicles etc and then went to a 400cc 4 stroke Honda Enduro for a couple of years….and from there, two stroke 250s for tracks, then a Suzuki GSX 750, a couple of Harleys and now an older bugger, on an RE 350….I agree with your comment MotoGiant
There are a lot of people who shouldn't be riding, and a lot that aren't that should be. The people more likely to ride are the ones who just want to be 'cool' while the safety minded people that would make good riders discount the idea of riding based on seeing some of the attention getting idiot yahoos out there. It's an image problem all the way around. A 'rebellious' (lol) follow no rules type 'tough guy', don't care, drink beer culture built around a machine that demands respect and punishes ignorance is a trap for the stupid. It also repels many potential riders with enough sense, mindfulness and responsibility to avoid the trap. The kind of person who should get a bike is my competent, capable, sober friend who considers it, and when doing so the first things he starts asking me is how to ride safely, all these legit questions about being visible, staying safe in traffic, and talks about wanting to train well before ever riding on roads. I'll try to put him on my bike at some point to learn to ride dirt.
It's hard to beat off road training. I learned to ride playing around in the dirt as a teenager. I didn't ride most of my responsible adult life. A few years ago, in my 60s, I was returning from a long day ride and was tired. It was twilight and I was a couple of miles from home. I hit a patch of gravel while turning at an intersection. My conscious mind assumed I was going to low side but my subconscious mind wasn't having any of it. A second later, my conscious mind was marveling at how my subconscious mind steered to upright the bike while leaning and weighting the pegs appropriately. It was like having the magical electronic riding aids that save you from crashing. I realized that the neural connections I made 50 years ago still worked. If I hadn't learned to ride in the dirt, I would have been sliding sideways on pavement at 30 MPH with the bike on top of me.
It only took me 3 days of riding before I hit the dirt roads. People I know TOLD me, DO NOT TAKE IT ON THE DIRT! But I never wanted to be afraid of it like they were.
8:37 I chose to start on a Honda 125. I do not care about being cool 🤣 I get a lot of judgement for riding a "slow" bike, but I chose it because it lets me cruise around longer on far less fuel. Even my 390 Duke guzzles twice the amount
@@MotoGiant Yeah I could afford to lay off the snacks these days lol. I live in a fairly mountainous area an can easily lose 20km/h on the hills. 20 odd years ago I doubt I'd have had the same problem
Lol. Try the 175 or 250 cc. I've given up riding after 35+ years but sure do miss it. I often peruse the dirt bikes and of course all the sport touring and regular touring bikes. My last was a Beemer 1100. All the others were Honda, Suzuki or Kaws. Loved them all!
I know exactly why I started riding. Growing up I spent a lot of time on my bicycle. I loved being in the open, loved the wind, loved the physics of two wheels, balance, lean. A motorcycle was the next step. Loved it, especially long cross country rides, the sensations, the scenery, everything is so much more than traveling in a car. I ride everyday there isn’t snow/ice on the road. I give up the occasional day riding because I need to pick something up I can’t fit on the bike. I ride around 20K miles a year. I would ride more if my work schedule and finances agreed.
@ One of my coworkers is dangerously close to cracking 3,000 miles in 5 years, but man the two days a year he rides to work, it sure is shiny 🤣. Last year I bout an ‘03 BMW K1200GT with 23k miles on it. For people who do love to ride, a little shopping can yield a low mileage bike for excellent value, so I guess it is a good thing not everyone who buys a motorcycle rides it.
@@kevindowell6003 I live on old, low-mile bikes - you just have to find them. The downside of used bikes is that so many of them are locked away in a garage, bought by fools that will never admit to the mistake, or take the loss they need to, to sell the damned things - so sad!
The real issue is people hopping on bike with little to no education on how to ride a motorcycle. With your nephew being in the military he’s gonna be required to take rider courses before he rides which is gonna already put him on a better foot than most riders.
When I bought my ST1300 I needed to sell my old CB750. The person I sold it to wanted it to "save gas". I told him that wasn't going to happen. He did not pass the course and it luckily sat in his garage for a couple of years before someone bought it who did want it to actually ride.
I did not go the dirt route. Went to college in a city and needed cheap transportation. Got my motorcycle lisence on a Honda 50cc scooter, moved up to a Honda 150 twin little brother to the 305 Dream and then got a Honda 350 scrambler that I rode 1300 miles back to college. When I got my first out of school job I got a used BMW R75/5. The biggest problem these days is people think they have to get a big bike right away and they can finance it. In the old days it took 3 years to afford a big bike. I know people who have taken the motorcycle training course on those nice little 250s, passed, got on their new 1300 cc cruiser and crashed it before the ink was dry on their MC endorsement. I think that graduate sizing would make a huge difference in motorcycle safety. Not everyone lives in a rual area and can go the dirt route.
Hi, thats a great video. My dad was smart and started me on a Suzuki 80cc when I was in grade 9. After a couple of years he upgraded to Yamaha 100 twin. The bike seemed plenty fast enough at the time and 10 hp. Next 2 bikes after 10 years was a Kawa 450 twin with 50 hp. This was a fast nimble bike. Sold it when everything started to fall apart or break all at once. Recently bought a 2012 VSTROM 650 wih 70 ish hp. Its larger and heavier but fast, comfortable, and has riding ergonomics that suit me nicely. After reviewing other bikes I can't find any thing that would be better for me. Cheers! 😁
You have so hit the nail on the head a million times over with all your riding tips & comments on this video! Excellent advice for motorcycle riders and wannabes! ❤xx
100% agree. Sent this to my little brother who's showing an interest in riding. I started on a Grom and although I have a little experience now, I'm still wanting to get a light dual sport to learn off road
I sort of learned to ride on a 5 HP mini bike when I was 10. At 12, I discovered that a Kawasaki carburetor could be bolted onto the engine. It idled at 35 MPH (centrifugal clutch constantly engaged) and maxed out at 55 MPH (well above redline on that Briggs & Stratton engine). The max speed was determined by my older brother pacing me in the family car that he was not old enough to drive, on the gravel road at my grandmother's house. 55 MPH on a mini bike with 10" pneumatic tires on #2 gravel is the sort of stupidity that only a 12 year old boy would do. I suppose God looks out for drunks and 12 year old boys. As a responsible adult, I'm a huge advocate for training. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation training is very good for aspiring riders. As a returning rider in 1996, I took the MSF class. I infected a friend and convinced him to take the MSF class as returning rider when he retired from work. We both ride off road as teenagers and those atrophied skills are still with us to this day. I highly recommend the MSF training, although I despise the concept of mandatory training. Humans need to be responsible for ourselves. It's my responsibility to get the training I need. I don't need government to force me to do what I should do. I wear a seat belt in the car less often now that the state passed a law mandating seat belts. I shouldn't, but I do. It's not rational. An ideal training bike would be a 125 to 250 cc dual sport bike, preferably on the small side so both feet can be flat on the ground. Get the MSF training and ride the trainer bike in a large empty parking lot and mild off road. Practice skidding, then steering while skidding. Play around the edges off road at speeds where the consequences are minor. One to six months of this training is a *much* better and safer way to learn than riding on the street and trying to learn in a high consequence environment. While not ideal for learning, a few months starting on a scooter would be better than buying a heavy street bike to learn to ride.
@@MotoGiant - It was 24 degrees here yesterday. I saw a guy riding a Harley (no helmet) and I thought, "What a frozen dumbass." Then I saw a guy on one of those large displacement scooters and I thought, "He's tougher than me to be riding in this cold weather." 😀
@@Liberty4Ever I also despise unnecessary common sense advice from the peanut gallery of nonsense safety experts who don’t carry bandages. 😉🙏🇺🇸🇨🇦🚂💯❤️✌🏻💪🫵🏻🌎
Tons of people learn on 600lbs bikes and have zero issues. Especially cruisers where you can flat foot the bike. This is way better than learning on a liter sport bike like some do. The guy flies helicopters. Those go down ALL the time in the army. So i would think he would show some restraint unlike your brother. Again he aint choosing a crazy fast bike. 😅. But all things being equal, a super light throw away bike as a first bike is ideal for the first couple of months. After he out grows it, he can jump on a heavier bike. But everyone is different.
I absolutely agree. Ride because you love to ride, not because you want to look cool or because you want to hang out at the coffee shop with other “bikers”. I started on dirt in the mountains of Bolivia, South America. It certainly prepared me for the last 15+ years riding sport bikes, cruisers and adventure bikes here in Canada.
Absolutely agreed that a dirtbike is the best place to start. You will crash, repeatedly, in a low stakes environment where the worst you’ll usually do is break a lever. The worst I’ve ever managed on a dirtbike was a cracked wrist bone that took all of 6 weeks to heal. In the process, you learn to control the bike smoothly, to put it where you want it, to look where you want to end up, to navigate around hazards, and to manage traction and recover from loss of traction. I wouldn’t ride a street bike if I didn’t have the background on the dirt, and I would highly recommend everyone start that way, because you need to be able to make beginner mistakes safely when you’re learning.
Kudos to your common sense. Thumbs up. Been riding dirt bikes since I was in 5th grade (1974). Ridden dirt ever since...still ride it (EXC530 KTM). Rode street for a short time around 1978-1981 (XS750 then the first year GPz550), then just got a street bike again last year (FJR1300...and got rear-ended by some lady who was on her phone two months after I got it). I can understand the reasons not to ride street (especially a Harley....talk about compensating for something....and 1970 technology at 2020's pricing). But, I really can't find a reason not to ride dirt. It teaches you not only to be a good street rider, but it also teaches you to be a good driver on the street. But, it seems you tried that route, and it didn't work. So....you tried as an uncle. Your job is done. He's not listening, so the most you can do is encourage him to ride with the right gear. He's not your son, so you can't use what I did with my kid (even though he grew up riding MX) and tell him if he ever bought a street bike, I'd destroy it, no matter how old he is. It holds to this day...lol. Sometimes ya just gotta let 'em find it out for themselves.
Hi you're 100% right, start out on small a dual sport , I hope he listens to you. And others who are thinking about doing the same thing. I've been riding, since I was eight and I'm still riding and I'm 63.
Agreed to all of your points. No notes 🙂. I have been riding for years, some more than others. But I learned on dirt and I am not at all hesitant about going to the high school or church parking lot when they are empty to just practice the basics. That's because I really do enjoy riding I guess. If you enjoy riding, it doesn't require being seen or getting thrills. I appreciate your effort to provide some basic reasoning to the decision making.
It is really hard to share ideas like this and NOT sound like a prick - that is why I put warning at the beginning of videos like this....if noting else, it cuts down and the hateful comments? :)
The best thing I did for learning to ride a motorcycle was dirt riding and then a on off road bike. The experience in my opinion is a must if you want to be a truly good rider. I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity. Additionally, the MSF riding courses are good for road riding. I took those courses and years later became an instructor. The best riding courses that I've seen are on RUclips by a retired motor officer Jerry Paldino, aka the Motorman. He has super rider videos and lots of experienced advice. He is a superb instructor and is familiar with all types of motorcycles and gear. He frequently test rides all brands of motorcycles. Some might like to check him out for courses materials and videos. I wish he was around when I was learning. Safe travels.
Funny you mention Jerry Paldino, I was inspired by him over a decade ago to start American Motorcycle Gymkhana, where we taught thousands of people how to ride better, for FREE. Still have a few videos on this channel about the techniques. ruclips.net/video/imwuUV6jJtc/видео.htmlsi=P6GNc4fdRmOMQsF2
I am 58 and agree with you. I rode dirt bikes as a kid but got into trouble in my 20s on them. Fast forward to 2020 when I decided to get a street bike and license. I am 6'2" 280 in my mind and I got a Royal Enfield INT650. In 22 I crashed it. I then got a bandit 1250. It was a great bike loved it but to quote you it was stupid. I got it from a friend not for image and it was way too much bike. Sold it and now I have a V-Strom 650 back to my smiles per mile again. Big means you crash harder.
I plan on getting dct because I always thought bike riding was cool, but I never did it because I avoided manual bikes. Automatic just makes me think and feel it would be a lot easier to ride and be more focused on the road. I don't have any intentions of going fast, it's only for short-distance riding for a weekend to grab lunch or go to the park.
Started on an Indian 50cc dirt bike when I was 9. I have owned countless bikes since then, up to my current Harley Dyna. 1 accident, sitting at a red light and a 9,000 year old lady ran into me 10 years ago. Best advice is not be afraid, but to ride defensively, as you are the one with everything to lose
completely agree just started on a honda xr150 this April looking to upgrade to a klr650 next spring would have 100% hurt my self on a heavier faster bike
Good advise ... Question, who is Moto Giant? ... you mentioned at some point that you were a business owner ... assume you retired and are now exploring on two wheels. And your buddy Richard ... how did he end up a peg leg? Moto accident as well? ... Now you're the two peg leg amigo's getting it done!
My thoughts to your nephew: Graduating from Westpoint you must have high discipline, right? Also flying a helicopter leaves zero tolerance for failure. So that´s two good basics for riding a bike properly, and I mean safe, not fast. I always was a road rider, but I was and still am commited to learn proper technic and riding line (!) on the road, which is most important imho. So I totally agree with your uncle, but also see my "career" on bikes. If you want to ride because of the feeling, do it, but LEARN. Start slow, take your time to get the safest riding line in your blood. And only then put up on speed, never before. That takes a lot of discipline and does NOT look cool, only experienced rider will pay you respect for that! If you just want to ride to have some adrenaline going in your spare time - don´t. Just don´t. Install Ride 4 on your PC and invite some friends. We all don´t want to hear your father crashed, your uncle losing a limb and another crash from you. Thanks.
difficult subject, there is lots to be said - for me it starts with what we want and the limited restrain we have at a younger age. It helps to have people around you that are not absolute idiots challenging you to put your life in danger. Riding a motorcycle is not the dangerous part, riding a motorcycle without knowing how to ride one is.
Greetings from the South China sea. When i was in the navy nuclear pipeline in Charleston, SC; there were a TON of young guys wanting bikes. Every time we went out, someone went down. It was wild! Enlisted military requires a BRC from an MSF course AND motorcycle license. This still didn't prevent a lot of accidents, tho im sure it did help to an extent. Don, you're so damn right. Feeling a bike get loose on the dirt (safer condition) really aids on the street. I always guffaw at the guys who've only ridden street bikes that claim "riding in the dirt doesn't help on the Street, it's entirely different." Bull shit, the guys that grew up off-road really riding (not around the house in grass occasionally) absolutely crush it in the streets, see it all the time. Believe it or not, true mountain biking also aids riding street bikes. Again, aggressive real world mountain biking, not paved dirt. Rode with a guy that raced downhill MTB. He got a T7 and KILLED it off-road (first bike). I actually find I don't jive too well with the general biker folk, but the ADV guys... Theyre always cool, i respect all bikers, but find i usually can only click with the dual sport/adv crowd. That is to say, i agree, a lot of it is image. And an unhealthy outlet. A lot of guys on bikes look for (thus create) situations/scenarios to hate cars and cause drama. I say get that shit out of here, it makes motorcyclists look bad, i seek out opportunities to be kind and wave when im on a bike, i dont want someone mad at the world seeing a bike and confirming that we're (community) shitheads.
100% !!I would like to make an extended video and talk about the BS that all the bad apples put out there, as it DOES affect us all in a negative manner - I like the way you think!
I agree starting on dirtbikes, especially at a young age, is the way to go. Is starting on a Honda shadow 750, say a mid 2000's model a good idea for a beginner?
1:00 Amen, testify. A 250cc bike is a dream to flick around and very forgiving. Like a P-41 Mustang, you feel you're part of the bike. I see these RUclips channels saying a 750cc Shadow is a great bike to start with, and I'm like face palm, no, no, absolutely not. Never. Unles your Dwayne the Roc Johnson. Even with 20 years of experience riding, I found the Shadow an absolute handful. Like sitting at top a heavy, hard to stop freight train. Even crossing the year mark, I do not feel anywhere near as safe and controllable on it as on my 250cc or 500cc bike.... and a Shadow seat is pretty low to the ground. If you tell someone a 750cc, 1100cc, or 1300cc is a great bike to begin with... you are doing them a massive disservice... because if you don't get them k l led on said bike, you more than likely will turn them off to motorcycling, or baring that, deny them the overlooked joy of just how much blasted fun a 250cc bike (or even less) is. Heck, start them off an a bicycle, then a moped, then a 150cc, dirt bikes, then a 250cc... if you can. It's a progression. 500cc is about the ideal sweet spot between high mpg and interstate roadability. Anything over 500c is kind of wasted overkill. You're just burning up gasoline to have acceleration on tap. I would never buy a bike over 750cc, the 750cc was kind of an exhuberant purchase for me, at a price way too good to pass up. Riding a motorcycle is a compromise and a tradeoff. You're trading off safety and comfort, for high mpg and low cost of maintenance and ownership. You have to suit up and suit down whereever you go, and you pick the times you go as the warmest in the day or week. A motorcycle works where its warm most of the time and when you are alert and awake and pick when you have to drive... versus say having to commute every single day back and forth to work half asleep or exhausted. I still own my first bike that got me back into motorcycling when I got into because I was flat broke and couldn't afford gas any more... a 1985 Honda Rebel 250. I got bigger and newer bikes, but I'm not parting with it, even though it's in wore out condition and I don't drive it any more. When I do get on it, it's night and day compared to my 500 and 750. Just so fun to drive. It just fits me perfect. If I could get the Rebel 500cc model they only made for 2 years, I totally would, it would be the perfect bike for me. Listen to this guy, he knows what he's talking about, not that Yammie Noob space cadet with a million subscribers, that will get y our dddd aaa road splatified...
Great talk, by far women are the most dangerous and expensive thing a guy can get into. Dirt skills are a must for the street, lighter ADV bikes are a better choice for most riders. I was a dirt only guy from 14 until my 50's than slowly ventured out to the streets with a DR650. I used to fly airplanes, but motorcycle always tugged more on my soul.
Wow, I always wanted to fly, and thought THAT might be the only thing that could replace motos - never heard anyone say that about tugging your soul more?
@ Flying comes damn close, I use to work forest fires and flying low cranking and banking was definitely a thrill. Damn close! I miss it every day. Good video.
🤣🤣looks like your brother took your advice and went dirt riding after all. Started on a sears mini bike when I was 8, good advice, you will learn a lot quickly in the dirt., I vividly remember my first slide without crashing and kept practicing it over and over. My first street bike was R5 350 Yamaha in '74 and the slides came naturally on the street and saved me a few times after practicing on that mini bike, you learn to weight the front or rear end and what to watch for and have it drilled into your brain to become muscle memory and reflex. 60 years and about 50 bikes later my favorite is my Monkey, went back to my roots. I rarely ride my big bikes anymore. I'd be more scared of the damn helicopter.
That is a small entry level bike it’s a really easy bike to ride.Although I agree everyone should learn on a dirt bike when they are five.I never learned to ride i just always have as long as I have memories lol
Solid advice. This is a dangerous age to making life altering decisions. Also, as a former member of the Chair Force Reserve... "thank you for your service."
My head is nodding in agreement. Bikes are cool but novice riders need to train. Definately take the class. Even seasoned riders can learn. Ego and speed is a death trap. Unfortunately youth and ego go hand in hand. Its not if but when a crash will happen. People think it will never happen to them trust me and the giant your body does not make good bumpers against cars trucks pavement or gravel. Im now a half a million dollar man with titanium rods all up and down my left arm and leg and by the grace of God I have all my limbs. 👋🙏👊😎
Well I completely disagree. First of all comparing the world’s top three most elite golfers who have shot 20 under par in 72 holes & dying on a motorcycle is borderline racist! 😂. Hahahaha I never want to see anyone get hurt on a bike. It’s also tough watching them struggle to learn. In my opinion everyone should start on a dirt bike they can put their feet down on. But it’s just not always an option. I also disagree about getting tattoos. They are not really any fun. But who knows maybe I will try it again this winter since it’s been so cold. 😂. Thanks for sharing your concerns Don. I hope your nephew is watching and gets something fun to play around and learn on.
I agree getting a dirt bike is the best thing to learn on, you can do anything on them, and most of it is more fun then riding on the pavement. And if the pavement is all you ride on that's fine too, its still easier to learn on. But as a lot of people on here and elsewhere, there are a lot of riders that started out on bigger street bikes and have done fine, I don't like the saying "its not if but when" in regards to an off on a bike, I know a lot of riders that have never had one, people like to say its inevitable, that's BS. I don't agree that its to be cool, is that why you started riding? Just seeing someone ride gives me a thrill, makes me want to be out there, you're putting way to much emphasis on that. And if its just to be cool as you say, then so what, no harm no foul, just be another bike with low miles for someone else to pick up. .
When I started riding, motos were anything but cool - we were dirt, so no, I like motorcycles, not image - I rode despite the poor image. And yes, CHEAP motorcycles.....but maybe motorcycle would be cheaper NEW if everyone that did not ride them stopped buying them? Supply & Demand - basic economics?
I respectfully disagree with you. I grew up on dirt bikes from 5 to 35 years old. Street bikes or cruisers never appealed to me. When I first bought one about 15 years ago my perception completely changed. Given there are a few people who never should ride, I think bikes can be for everyone. Dual sports are awsum, I currently ride one. But, but there are a lot of other great entry bikes out there in other categories. Scooters I used to own a Honda 250 scooter. Scooters are great entry level bikes. Dorky looking but lots of fun. Great for newbies to acquire riding skills, everything but shifting. 250-450 street bikes are great for newbies. Lots of shifting, light, nimble, forgiving throttle, having fun with leaning over in the corners etc. Honda Shadow and other cruisers ranges from 250cc to liter bike. A lightweight 450 be great beginner bike as well. My point is there are a number of different bike styles that are different in every way from each other. I understand and agree with the logic of learning on dirt, but disagree with your approach of educating all new riders to start on dirt. If a person decides to start riding because they became inspired by a certain type of bike I think it would be best to learn the nuances of riding on that type. The only thing I advise anybody is to only buy a bike if they are willing to take their time learning to ride, and they actually take the time to learn, they have the confidence and ability to never give into peer pressure (ride your own ride). Lastly is to take it easy for the first two years because everyone crashes the first couple years of riding. Everyone needs to understand they will lay their bike down, and be OK with that or they shouldn't ride. Take it easy the first couple years because that's about how long it takes to become good at riding.
I understand your concerns. But, something tells me convincing a guy who's willing to fly Helicopters around while people are trying to kill you that motorcycles are dangerous might be an uphill battle. I ride too. But, I started on an XR80 50 years ago. Tell him there's a reason we call them "Donorcycles" in the hospital.
JMHO everybody should ride in the dirt for at least a year before going to a street bike, I cannot tell you how many times my dirt riding experience has saved my bacon on the road.
As a Dutchman, it feels like the U.S.A. is one of the worst country's to ride a motorcycle in. The rules are set against you by politicians who don't understand anything about motorcycles. The roads are filled with oversized gigantic vehicles that have a hard time seeing you. Road quality is pretty lackluster with potholes being frequent. The process of getting a drivers license (be that car or motorbike) are fairly easy in the us, making it that people on the road make more mistakes (like not using blinkers, mirrors or not checking blindspots)
I'm getting a Honda Monkey to learn to ride. AFTER I take the basic rider course. Then, IF I pass, buy the Monkey (125 cc) and practice, practice practice in the parking lot up the street.
I blame SOA and The Mayans 😩😂 and I don't do toys for tots. Never see that many people on bikes throughout the year. I definitely don't want to ride in a tight group with all of them once a year.
Honestly, nowadays, get on a fat tire eBike and zip around for awhile. If you like that, consider a motorcycle. Me? I want access and travel, not the motorcycle. If it took a pogo stick and propeller hat to get out into the woods or hang out in parks, I would get a pogo stick and wear a beanie, comments be damned. It's the smell under trees and the wide open vistas that I care about, not the leather jacket (or mesh, in my case). Then again, I like a modern reliable and boring Honda, not a "cool" looking v-twin. I just got new TCX boots yesterday thanks to your story. A size too small, as it turns out, but tomorrow I'll hopefully have that resolved.
I have a laugh every time I go to Friday the 13th in Port Dover. Its 80% Harley owners who have great skill in riding in a straight line in leathers & long beards....until they have to turn the bike around and every one of them have to duckwalk their bike because they can't make a U-turn with their feet on the pegs...its sad.
The day of the motor bike is dead and gone. The roads are far to dangerous and who wants to have to get dressed up like Darth Vader just to go around the block. If you come off it at anything above 30 mph you risk a life time of pain and injury. You will never be warm riding a bike even in summer. Its a really stupid form of transport.
Actually if he flies helicopters he is too cool for a sportster he should get a Lowrider ST 2024 then put a cam and tuner change the exhaust get it dyno tuned.
I disagree with half of what he says. A motorcycle is not very dangerous. The only danger with a motorcycle is the gasket between the seat and the handlebars. A reasonable person, no problem. get a bike and learn how to stop and turn the rest will come by it self
That's about sad we all encounter death hey ive ridden year round for 27 years : had 2 major accidents one was a deer one was a car i still walk fractured my c1 c3 and 4 vertebrae in the one accident watch people turning left in front of you dogs deer cats squirrel other humans walking driving ill tell you 25 feet down the road on the side of your face cause of an animal or other person on the road fair weather riders should be outlawed 🎉 you should have to do the winter to kerp the license im in pa 9 degrees at times everyone is a badass at 60 degrees and above just crazy.
So i agree you shouldn't get a bike for image. They are inherently more dangerous than cars. But I have no intrest in off road bikes, being strictly a street rider. It's like the stupid Harry potter want thing you find one that speaks to you. Ether way hope he is good and the rest of you are safe.
I think having no interest in off road represents 98% of riders, the same as 90% of riders have no interest in small road bikes. I think the focus should be survival, and learning to ride - not transitioning into a style for long term?
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Keith did well to avoid the ditch and the culvert in that turn. An abrupt stop isn't fun at any speed.
Ransom, if you're reading this I completely understand wanting a motorcycle as a young man. I watched Easy Rider, threw my watch away and started making plans to get a bike. I ended up with a 50cc scooter which I rode around Atlanta for almost two years and over 20 yrs later I have gotten a dual sport to explore the country. A dual sport seems like it would be most in line with the helicopter. Being able to go anywhere and explore places you see that look cool from the air is no problem with a dual sport and you can drive it on the paved roads. I'm sure you feel like you can do anything, but stop for a few seconds and try to understand that the brain doesn't even fully develop until we are 25. Take a risk and consider what your Uncle Don is saying.
@@BlueBug-s9l ride on helo-man. 😉👍🏻
I intuitively align with anyone who watched Easy Rider and bought a 50 cc scooter. 😀
@@UltralightMotorcycleCamping There were about 7ish years between the two events, but the order is correct. 🤣
"Motorcycles are not unsafe. However; they are extremely unforgiving of inattention, incompetence, ignorance, and stupidity" A quote from one of the motorcycle forums I belong to. I am 65 years old, and have been riding motorcycles since age 10. I started out on a Bultaco Lobito 100 dirt bike. I not only learned how to ride it by myself, I also learned to work on it, with some help from the local farm mechanic. I got my license and first street bike at age 16. Since then I have ridden over a million miles on more than 40 different bikes, without a single accident. It seems like I get a car shoved in my face almost every time I go for a ride, but so far I have managed to avoid them. Riding a motorcycle requires 100% of your attention 100% of the time. You have to learn to be acutely aware of your surroundings, and be able to anticipate what might happen, and plan for it. I consider crotch rocket type bikes to be suicide machines, and riding with a phone stuck on your handlebars, having a stereo, or any kind of speakers or communications device attached to your helmet to be just downright stupid. I am a non combat veteran, but I have talked to combat veterans who ride motorcycles, and they all say that riding a motorcycle and being in combat are about the same. Everybody out there in a 4 wheeled vehicle is your enemy, and are going to do their best to take you out. You need to be able to see everything around you, because you can bet that car herders are NOT going to see you.
Riding a motorcycle requires a serious commitment. It's not like a lot of other things that "could" be dangerous. Hell, crossing the street is seriously dangerous these days with all the distracted drivers out there (99% of them) Riding a motorcycle is only for someone who is 100% into it. They must have a passion for it. It is a very emotional thing. I was doing jumps, slides, and wheelies on my Schwinn Sting Ray bicycle before I got that 100cc dirt bike. And no, I don't ride like that on the street. I feel like I was born to ride on two wheels. If it doesn't mean everything to you, if you can be happy without riding a motorcycle, then DON'T do it. And being able to ride a motorcycle in an empty parking lot is NOTHING like being able to ride a motorcycle in traffic. They are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT things. You NEVER stop learning how to ride a motorcycle. Even after 55 years and over a million miles, I am STILL learning. It is not something you will EVER become PERFECT at.
There does come a time in your life when you need to rethink riding. For some that might be at 90 years old. For me it is already here. My mental acuity is fine, my reaction time is fine, but I have several disabilities that make it difficult to physically ride a motorcycle. It is just about impossible for me to get my leg over a motorcycle seat higher than 27 inches. My legs are messed up, and are nowhere near as strong as they used to be, so I am having to move to smaller motorcycles and even scooters. My largest bike is a 2006 Sportster 1200L, which has a 25.5" seat, but it is also heavy. I'm afraid of dropping it during low speed maneuvers, like in parking lots, or any place where I need to support it with my legs. I probably won't be riding it that much longer. I have a Vespa GT200 scooter and a Honda Rebel 250 that I still feel fairly comfortable on. I'm looking at either converting my Sportster to a trike, or maybe getting a Can Am Spyder or Ryker three wheeler. I currently still have two motorcycles which I know I can no longer ride, I just can't bring myself to get rid of them. I still maintain them, and still start them up once in a while just to listen to them run. But I know it is not safe for me to try and ride them anymore.
I have always ridden alone. I have never known anyone else that rode a motorcycle. It has nothing to do with image for me. It's about the fun of riding, and getting away from everything else, at least for a while. Just me, the bike, and the road. And of course all the idiots out there on the road trying to kill me.
My first motorcycle was a 1983 Goldwing. Not a small bike. I was 55 years old and never ridden before. I bought it from my uncle who at 85 decided not to ride anymore. I had MANY near misses, Ran wide on turns, locked up the breaks coming over a hill to a stop light. Even dropped it in my Gravel down hill drive way. But I learned something on every ride and I was never riding to impress anyone but myself. Last year I gave that bike to my little Brother. He is now 65. And I am 68. I now have a GL 1800. The size of the bike is less important than the size of you willingness to learn and accept that you don't know everything YET! If this kid can fly a Helicopter in the Army, I think he has the mental capacity to learn to ride safely. He is lucky to have an uncle to guide him. Enjoy The Ride Clyde. ( my Uncle)
Don my friend; "WISE WORDS OF WISDOM"!! I totally agree!!! But to add just a little, I advise when I am asked, Don't buy a big cruiser OR a Scooter that runs 35 mph!!!! Good to see you in video again!! Spring is coming!!! hee haw God Bless
The good news... if he's active duty, his Commander will make him take the post MSF course.
To ride on post, yes. Still, I would like to see him learn on a
@@MotoGiant setting self limits makes you the person you want to be. Not a wanna be. Eh🇨🇦✌🏻
@@MotoGiant 650 lbs. 2 850 lbs. in 8 years grew into it ☠️💪✊🤝
And then there's this lane splitting! Which came up with that?
Started on a geared 50cc at 24 years old…got used to the roads, changing gears, braking, other vehicles etc and then went to a 400cc 4 stroke Honda Enduro for a couple of years….and from there, two stroke 250s for tracks, then a Suzuki GSX 750, a couple of Harleys and now an older bugger, on an RE 350….I agree with your comment MotoGiant
There are definitely people who should never ride a motorcycle.
so many of those should not even drive a car?
@@MotoGiant a car is a 📦 waiting to fold in on itself eh. 💩🎃
@@samsmithmotovlogs or maybe they should be 👅🧠👀
There are a lot of people who shouldn't be riding, and a lot that aren't that should be. The people more likely to ride are the ones who just want to be 'cool' while the safety minded people that would make good riders discount the idea of riding based on seeing some of the attention getting idiot yahoos out there.
It's an image problem all the way around. A 'rebellious' (lol) follow no rules type 'tough guy', don't care, drink beer culture built around a machine that demands respect and punishes ignorance is a trap for the stupid. It also repels many potential riders with enough sense, mindfulness and responsibility to avoid the trap.
The kind of person who should get a bike is my competent, capable, sober friend who considers it, and when doing so the first things he starts asking me is how to ride safely, all these legit questions about being visible, staying safe in traffic, and talks about wanting to train well before ever riding on roads. I'll try to put him on my bike at some point to learn to ride dirt.
@@rustymustard7798 getting the front wheel off the ground can become rather addictive 👋🏻👍🏻✌🏻
I wish I had an uncle like moto giant. Sage like advice.
It's hard to beat off road training. I learned to ride playing around in the dirt as a teenager. I didn't ride most of my responsible adult life. A few years ago, in my 60s, I was returning from a long day ride and was tired. It was twilight and I was a couple of miles from home. I hit a patch of gravel while turning at an intersection. My conscious mind assumed I was going to low side but my subconscious mind wasn't having any of it. A second later, my conscious mind was marveling at how my subconscious mind steered to upright the bike while leaning and weighting the pegs appropriately. It was like having the magical electronic riding aids that save you from crashing. I realized that the neural connections I made 50 years ago still worked. If I hadn't learned to ride in the dirt, I would have been sliding sideways on pavement at 30 MPH with the bike on top of me.
@@UltralightMotorcycleCamping perfect. Same kind of thing with myself autumnal skills are true to life.
Absolutely
Such a great example!
It only took me 3 days of riding before I hit the dirt roads. People I know TOLD me, DO NOT TAKE IT ON THE DIRT! But I never wanted to be afraid of it like they were.
8:37 I chose to start on a Honda 125. I do not care about being cool 🤣
I get a lot of judgement for riding a "slow" bike, but I chose it because it lets me cruise around longer on far less fuel. Even my 390 Duke guzzles twice the amount
folks are terrified of dirt because it is a mystery to them - like a dark cave
I am enamored with that 125 - sadly I am too fat for it to get me up some hills :(
@@MotoGiant Yeah I could afford to lay off the snacks these days lol. I live in a fairly mountainous area an can easily lose 20km/h on the hills. 20 odd years ago I doubt I'd have had the same problem
Lol. Try the 175 or 250 cc. I've given up riding after 35+ years but sure do miss it. I often peruse the dirt bikes and of course all the sport touring and regular touring bikes. My last was a Beemer 1100. All the others were Honda, Suzuki or Kaws. Loved them all!
I know exactly why I started riding. Growing up I spent a lot of time on my bicycle. I loved being in the open, loved the wind, loved the physics of two wheels, balance, lean. A motorcycle was the next step. Loved it, especially long cross country rides, the sensations, the scenery, everything is so much more than traveling in a car.
I ride everyday there isn’t snow/ice on the road. I give up the occasional day riding because I need to pick something up I can’t fit on the bike. I ride around 20K miles a year. I would ride more if my work schedule and finances agreed.
20k is good miles - I think most folks struggle to get 2k/year?
@ One of my coworkers is dangerously close to cracking 3,000 miles in 5 years, but man the two days a year he rides to work, it sure is shiny 🤣. Last year I bout an ‘03 BMW K1200GT with 23k miles on it. For people who do love to ride, a little shopping can yield a low mileage bike for excellent value, so I guess it is a good thing not everyone who buys a motorcycle rides it.
@@kevindowell6003 I live on old, low-mile bikes - you just have to find them. The downside of used bikes is that so many of them are locked away in a garage, bought by fools that will never admit to the mistake, or take the loss they need to, to sell the damned things - so sad!
@ It does take some looking. I am glad to see the progress in your recovery
I think thats what drew me to motorcycles, the love of riding a bike, I always say if I cant ride bikes and motorcycles there is no point in living!
The real issue is people hopping on bike with little to no education on how to ride a motorcycle. With your nephew being in the military he’s gonna be required to take rider courses before he rides which is gonna already put him on a better foot than most riders.
My first street bike was yamaha gs650.
I road dirt bikes until i got license.
FTW
@@Howard-p8z top of the world 🌎 to you. ✌🏻❤️🇨🇦💯🚂🇺🇸🚂💪👍🏻
When I bought my ST1300 I needed to sell my old CB750. The person I sold it to wanted it to "save gas". I told him that wasn't going to happen. He did not pass the course and it luckily sat in his garage for a couple of years before someone bought it who did want it to actually ride.
@@OldGuyonaBike kinda saD and funny 😏🤣. Funny how that worked out.
I did not go the dirt route. Went to college in a city and needed cheap transportation. Got my motorcycle lisence on a Honda 50cc scooter, moved up to a Honda 150 twin little brother to the 305 Dream and then got a Honda 350 scrambler that I rode 1300 miles back to college. When I got my first out of school job I got a used BMW R75/5. The biggest problem these days is people think they have to get a big bike right away and they can finance it. In the old days it took 3 years to afford a big bike. I know people who have taken the motorcycle training course on those nice little 250s, passed, got on their new 1300 cc cruiser and crashed it before the ink was dry on their MC endorsement. I think that graduate sizing would make a huge difference in motorcycle safety. Not everyone lives in a rual area and can go the dirt route.
European countries mandate a gradual size restriction
Hi, thats a great video. My dad was smart and started me on a Suzuki 80cc when I was in grade 9. After a couple of years he upgraded to Yamaha 100 twin. The bike seemed plenty fast enough at the time and 10 hp. Next 2 bikes after 10 years was a Kawa 450 twin with 50 hp. This was a fast nimble bike. Sold it when everything started to fall apart or break all at once. Recently bought a 2012 VSTROM 650 wih 70 ish hp. Its larger and heavier but fast, comfortable, and has riding ergonomics that suit me nicely. After reviewing other bikes I can't find any thing that would be better for me. Cheers! 😁
Young men make great soldiers. They lack good risk assessment skills.
They also have Invincibility - that superpower goes away quickly!
You have so hit the nail on the head a million times over with all your riding tips & comments on this video! Excellent advice for motorcycle riders and wannabes! ❤xx
100% agree. Sent this to my little brother who's showing an interest in riding. I started on a Grom and although I have a little experience now, I'm still wanting to get a light dual sport to learn off road
Just shot a great beginner ADV training video yesterday - I think you should really get something out of that in a few days?
I sort of learned to ride on a 5 HP mini bike when I was 10. At 12, I discovered that a Kawasaki carburetor could be bolted onto the engine. It idled at 35 MPH (centrifugal clutch constantly engaged) and maxed out at 55 MPH (well above redline on that Briggs & Stratton engine). The max speed was determined by my older brother pacing me in the family car that he was not old enough to drive, on the gravel road at my grandmother's house. 55 MPH on a mini bike with 10" pneumatic tires on #2 gravel is the sort of stupidity that only a 12 year old boy would do. I suppose God looks out for drunks and 12 year old boys.
As a responsible adult, I'm a huge advocate for training. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation training is very good for aspiring riders. As a returning rider in 1996, I took the MSF class. I infected a friend and convinced him to take the MSF class as returning rider when he retired from work. We both ride off road as teenagers and those atrophied skills are still with us to this day. I highly recommend the MSF training, although I despise the concept of mandatory training. Humans need to be responsible for ourselves. It's my responsibility to get the training I need. I don't need government to force me to do what I should do. I wear a seat belt in the car less often now that the state passed a law mandating seat belts. I shouldn't, but I do. It's not rational.
An ideal training bike would be a 125 to 250 cc dual sport bike, preferably on the small side so both feet can be flat on the ground. Get the MSF training and ride the trainer bike in a large empty parking lot and mild off road. Practice skidding, then steering while skidding. Play around the edges off road at speeds where the consequences are minor. One to six months of this training is a *much* better and safer way to learn than riding on the street and trying to learn in a high consequence environment. While not ideal for learning, a few months starting on a scooter would be better than buying a heavy street bike to learn to ride.
Scooters, the ONE bike less cool than a dirty bike....but I agree. If you can be seen riding a scooter then you have passed the test!
@@MotoGiant - It was 24 degrees here yesterday. I saw a guy riding a Harley (no helmet) and I thought, "What a frozen dumbass." Then I saw a guy on one of those large displacement scooters and I thought, "He's tougher than me to be riding in this cold weather." 😀
@@Liberty4Ever I also despise unnecessary common sense advice from the peanut gallery of nonsense safety experts who don’t carry bandages. 😉🙏🇺🇸🇨🇦🚂💯❤️✌🏻💪🫵🏻🌎
@@UltralightMotorcycleCamping jealous much. 😏😂🧻🧻
Tons of people learn on 600lbs bikes and have zero issues. Especially cruisers where you can flat foot the bike. This is way better than learning on a liter sport bike like some do. The guy flies helicopters. Those go down ALL the time in the army. So i would think he would show some restraint unlike your brother. Again he aint choosing a crazy fast bike. 😅. But all things being equal, a super light throw away bike as a first bike is ideal for the first couple of months. After he out grows it, he can jump on a heavier bike. But everyone is different.
Top advice bud.
I absolutely agree. Ride because you love to ride, not because you want to look cool or because you want to hang out at the coffee shop with other “bikers”.
I started on dirt in the mountains of Bolivia, South America. It certainly prepared me for the last 15+ years riding sport bikes, cruisers and adventure bikes here in Canada.
wow, Bolivia? S. America is a dream of mine
@@MotoGiant We lived there for six years back in the 1990s. Awesome experience.
Absolutely agreed that a dirtbike is the best place to start. You will crash, repeatedly, in a low stakes environment where the worst you’ll usually do is break a lever. The worst I’ve ever managed on a dirtbike was a cracked wrist bone that took all of 6 weeks to heal. In the process, you learn to control the bike smoothly, to put it where you want it, to look where you want to end up, to navigate around hazards, and to manage traction and recover from loss of traction. I wouldn’t ride a street bike if I didn’t have the background on the dirt, and I would highly recommend everyone start that way, because you need to be able to make beginner mistakes safely when you’re learning.
Agreed.
Started on the dirt, which is great fun by the way, so helpful when riding on the road... (40+ years riding...)
Kudos to your common sense. Thumbs up.
Been riding dirt bikes since I was in 5th grade (1974). Ridden dirt ever since...still ride it (EXC530 KTM). Rode street for a short time around 1978-1981 (XS750 then the first year GPz550), then just got a street bike again last year (FJR1300...and got rear-ended by some lady who was on her phone two months after I got it). I can understand the reasons not to ride street (especially a Harley....talk about compensating for something....and 1970 technology at 2020's pricing). But, I really can't find a reason not to ride dirt. It teaches you not only to be a good street rider, but it also teaches you to be a good driver on the street. But, it seems you tried that route, and it didn't work.
So....you tried as an uncle. Your job is done. He's not listening, so the most you can do is encourage him to ride with the right gear. He's not your son, so you can't use what I did with my kid (even though he grew up riding MX) and tell him if he ever bought a street bike, I'd destroy it, no matter how old he is. It holds to this day...lol. Sometimes ya just gotta let 'em find it out for themselves.
I do feel better, saying my peace, and hoping he listens - maybe he will livestream and we can discuss it further?
Totally agree. Sound advice.
Hi you're 100% right, start out on small a dual sport , I hope he listens to you. And others who are thinking about doing the same thing. I've been riding, since I was eight and I'm still riding and I'm 63.
Agreed to all of your points. No notes 🙂. I have been riding for years, some more than others. But I learned on dirt and I am not at all hesitant about going to the high school or church parking lot when they are empty to just practice the basics. That's because I really do enjoy riding I guess. If you enjoy riding, it doesn't require being seen or getting thrills. I appreciate your effort to provide some basic reasoning to the decision making.
It is really hard to share ideas like this and NOT sound like a prick - that is why I put warning at the beginning of videos like this....if noting else, it cuts down and the hateful comments? :)
The Nightster was my first bike. I bought it brand new in 2007. It was the first year it was introduced by Harley.
No one could have said it better, great job Don!
The best thing I did for learning to ride a motorcycle was dirt riding and then a on off road bike. The experience in my opinion is a must if you want to be a truly good rider. I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity. Additionally, the MSF riding courses are good for road riding. I took those courses and years later became an instructor. The best riding courses that I've seen are on RUclips by a retired motor officer Jerry Paldino, aka the Motorman. He has super rider videos and lots of experienced advice. He is a superb instructor and is familiar with all types of motorcycles and gear. He frequently test rides all brands of motorcycles. Some might like to check him out for courses materials and videos. I wish he was around when I was learning. Safe travels.
Funny you mention Jerry Paldino, I was inspired by him over a decade ago to start American Motorcycle Gymkhana, where we taught thousands of people how to ride better, for FREE. Still have a few videos on this channel about the techniques. ruclips.net/video/imwuUV6jJtc/видео.htmlsi=P6GNc4fdRmOMQsF2
Road dirt for over 45 years so yes it builds into your muscle memory unfortunately I still went down a month ago and broke my leg for the first time
If he flies helicopters for the army he doesn't need to show how bad ass he is.
I mentioned "badass" in the 1st minute :)
I am 58 and agree with you. I rode dirt bikes as a kid but got into trouble in my 20s on them. Fast forward to 2020 when I decided to get a street bike and license. I am 6'2" 280 in my mind and I got a Royal Enfield INT650. In 22 I crashed it. I then got a bandit 1250. It was a great bike loved it but to quote you it was stupid. I got it from a friend not for image and it was way too much bike. Sold it and now I have a V-Strom 650 back to my smiles per mile again. Big means you crash harder.
I plan on getting dct because I always thought bike riding was cool, but I never did it because I avoided manual bikes. Automatic just makes me think and feel it would be a lot easier to ride and be more focused on the road. I don't have any intentions of going fast, it's only for short-distance riding for a weekend to grab lunch or go to the park.
Started on an Indian 50cc dirt bike when I was 9. I have owned countless bikes since then, up to my current Harley Dyna. 1 accident, sitting at a red light and a 9,000 year old lady ran into me 10 years ago. Best advice is not be afraid, but to ride defensively, as you are the one with everything to lose
100%. My first rides were in Dad's back yard on his grass. EDIT: on a 1966 Honda S 90.
I have known quite a few military pilots through the years, and most all of them ride motorcycles 😊
Great advice
completely agree just started on a honda xr150 this April looking to upgrade to a klr650 next spring would have 100% hurt my self on a heavier faster bike
I tell people the same thing don't ride. as I ride away on my 1250 R/T...@65
Do as we SAY, not as we DO !!
@@MotoGiant Bravo!
Good advise ... Question, who is Moto Giant? ... you mentioned at some point that you were a business owner ... assume you retired and are now exploring on two wheels. And your buddy Richard ... how did he end up a peg leg? Moto accident as well? ... Now you're the two peg leg amigo's getting it done!
all those answers are in videos - I have another interview with Richard coming up soon
My thoughts to your nephew: Graduating from Westpoint you must have high discipline, right? Also flying a helicopter leaves zero tolerance for failure. So that´s two good basics for riding a bike properly, and I mean safe, not fast. I always was a road rider, but I was and still am commited to learn proper technic and riding line (!) on the road, which is most important imho. So I totally agree with your uncle, but also see my "career" on bikes. If you want to ride because of the feeling, do it, but LEARN. Start slow, take your time to get the safest riding line in your blood. And only then put up on speed, never before. That takes a lot of discipline and does NOT look cool, only experienced rider will pay you respect for that! If you just want to ride to have some adrenaline going in your spare time - don´t. Just don´t. Install Ride 4 on your PC and invite some friends. We all don´t want to hear your father crashed, your uncle losing a limb and another crash from you. Thanks.
Hear, hear! 👍
difficult subject, there is lots to be said - for me it starts with what we want and the limited restrain we have at a younger age. It helps to have people around you that are not absolute idiots challenging you to put your life in danger. Riding a motorcycle is not the dangerous part, riding a motorcycle without knowing how to ride one is.
Preach brother!
Greetings from the South China sea.
When i was in the navy nuclear pipeline in Charleston, SC; there were a TON of young guys wanting bikes. Every time we went out, someone went down. It was wild! Enlisted military requires a BRC from an MSF course AND motorcycle license. This still didn't prevent a lot of accidents, tho im sure it did help to an extent.
Don, you're so damn right. Feeling a bike get loose on the dirt (safer condition) really aids on the street. I always guffaw at the guys who've only ridden street bikes that claim "riding in the dirt doesn't help on the Street, it's entirely different." Bull shit, the guys that grew up off-road really riding (not around the house in grass occasionally) absolutely crush it in the streets, see it all the time. Believe it or not, true mountain biking also aids riding street bikes. Again, aggressive real world mountain biking, not paved dirt. Rode with a guy that raced downhill MTB. He got a T7 and KILLED it off-road (first bike).
I actually find I don't jive too well with the general biker folk, but the ADV guys... Theyre always cool, i respect all bikers, but find i usually can only click with the dual sport/adv crowd. That is to say, i agree, a lot of it is image. And an unhealthy outlet. A lot of guys on bikes look for (thus create) situations/scenarios to hate cars and cause drama. I say get that shit out of here, it makes motorcyclists look bad, i seek out opportunities to be kind and wave when im on a bike, i dont want someone mad at the world seeing a bike and confirming that we're (community) shitheads.
100% !!I would like to make an extended video and talk about the BS that all the bad apples put out there, as it DOES affect us all in a negative manner - I like the way you think!
My first bike is a Honda trail 125 rode that for 2 years and then went to a Harley Street Bob the Honda did help me move to bigger bike
I agree starting on dirtbikes, especially at a young age, is the way to go. Is starting on a Honda shadow 750, say a mid 2000's model a good idea for a beginner?
I loved used bikes, and yes, finances has a lot to do with choices.
1:00 Amen, testify. A 250cc bike is a dream to flick around and very forgiving. Like a P-41 Mustang, you feel you're part of the bike. I see these RUclips channels saying a 750cc Shadow is a great bike to start with, and I'm like face palm, no, no, absolutely not. Never. Unles your Dwayne the Roc Johnson. Even with 20 years of experience riding, I found the Shadow an absolute handful. Like sitting at top a heavy, hard to stop freight train. Even crossing the year mark, I do not feel anywhere near as safe and controllable on it as on my 250cc or 500cc bike.... and a Shadow seat is pretty low to the ground.
If you tell someone a 750cc, 1100cc, or 1300cc is a great bike to begin with... you are doing them a massive disservice... because if you don't get them k l led on said bike, you more than likely will turn them off to motorcycling, or baring that, deny them the overlooked joy of just how much blasted fun a 250cc bike (or even less) is. Heck, start them off an a bicycle, then a moped, then a 150cc, dirt bikes, then a 250cc... if you can. It's a progression.
500cc is about the ideal sweet spot between high mpg and interstate roadability. Anything over 500c is kind of wasted overkill. You're just burning up gasoline to have acceleration on tap. I would never buy a bike over 750cc, the 750cc was kind of an exhuberant purchase for me, at a price way too good to pass up.
Riding a motorcycle is a compromise and a tradeoff. You're trading off safety and comfort, for high mpg and low cost of maintenance and ownership. You have to suit up and suit down whereever you go, and you pick the times you go as the warmest in the day or week. A motorcycle works where its warm most of the time and when you are alert and awake and pick when you have to drive... versus say having to commute every single day back and forth to work half asleep or exhausted.
I still own my first bike that got me back into motorcycling when I got into because I was flat broke and couldn't afford gas any more... a 1985 Honda Rebel 250.
I got bigger and newer bikes, but I'm not parting with it, even though it's in wore out condition and I don't drive it any more. When I do get on it, it's night and day compared to my 500 and 750. Just so fun to drive. It just fits me perfect. If I could get the Rebel 500cc model they only made for 2 years, I totally would, it would be the perfect bike for me.
Listen to this guy, he knows what he's talking about, not that Yammie Noob space cadet with a million subscribers, that will get y our dddd aaa road splatified...
Great talk, by far women are the most dangerous and expensive thing a guy can get into.
Dirt skills are a must for the street, lighter ADV bikes are a better choice for most riders. I was a dirt only guy from 14 until my 50's than slowly ventured out to the streets with a DR650. I used to fly airplanes, but motorcycle always tugged more on my soul.
Wow, I always wanted to fly, and thought THAT might be the only thing that could replace motos - never heard anyone say that about tugging your soul more?
@ Flying comes damn close, I use to work forest fires and flying low cranking and banking was definitely a thrill. Damn close! I miss it every day. Good video.
🤣🤣looks like your brother took your advice and went dirt riding after all. Started on a sears mini bike when I was 8, good advice, you will learn a lot quickly in the dirt., I vividly remember my first slide without crashing and kept practicing it over and over. My first street bike was R5 350 Yamaha in '74 and the slides came naturally on the street and saved me a few times after practicing on that mini bike, you learn to weight the front or rear end and what to watch for and have it drilled into your brain to become muscle memory and reflex. 60 years and about 50 bikes later my favorite is my Monkey, went back to my roots. I rarely ride my big bikes anymore. I'd be more scared of the damn helicopter.
That is a small entry level bike it’s a really easy bike to ride.Although I agree everyone should learn on a dirt bike when they are five.I never learned to ride i just always have as long as I have memories lol
Solid advice. This is a dangerous age to making life altering decisions. Also, as a former member of the Chair Force Reserve... "thank you for your service."
My head is nodding in agreement. Bikes are cool but novice riders need to train. Definately take the class. Even seasoned riders can learn. Ego and speed is a death trap. Unfortunately youth and ego go hand in hand. Its not if but when a crash will happen. People think it will never happen to them trust me and the giant your body does not make good bumpers against cars trucks pavement or gravel. Im now a half a million dollar man with titanium rods all up and down my left arm and leg and by the grace of God I have all my limbs. 👋🙏👊😎
Advice from a guy who crashed with no cars involved now thats special al ways make sure your geàr is secure
Well I completely disagree. First of all comparing the world’s top three most elite golfers who have shot 20 under par in 72 holes & dying on a motorcycle is borderline racist! 😂. Hahahaha
I never want to see anyone get hurt on a bike. It’s also tough watching them struggle to learn. In my opinion everyone should start on a dirt bike they can put their feet down on. But it’s just not always an option.
I also disagree about getting tattoos. They are not really any fun. But who knows maybe I will try it again this winter since it’s been so cold. 😂.
Thanks for sharing your concerns Don. I hope your nephew is watching and gets something fun to play around and learn on.
I agree getting a dirt bike is the best thing to learn on, you can do anything on them, and most of it is more fun then riding on the pavement. And if the pavement is all you ride on that's fine too, its still easier to learn on. But as a lot of people on here and elsewhere, there are a lot of riders that started out on bigger street bikes and have done fine, I don't like the saying "its not if but when" in regards to an off on a bike, I know a lot of riders that have never had one, people like to say its inevitable, that's BS.
I don't agree that its to be cool, is that why you started riding? Just seeing someone ride gives me a thrill, makes me want to be out there, you're putting way to much emphasis on that. And if its just to be cool as you say, then so what, no harm no foul, just be another bike with low miles for someone else to pick up.
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When I started riding, motos were anything but cool - we were dirt, so no, I like motorcycles, not image - I rode despite the poor image. And yes, CHEAP motorcycles.....but maybe motorcycle would be cheaper NEW if everyone that did not ride them stopped buying them? Supply & Demand - basic economics?
I respectfully disagree with you. I grew up on dirt bikes from 5 to 35 years old. Street bikes or cruisers never appealed to me. When I first bought one about 15 years ago my perception completely changed.
Given there are a few people who never should ride, I think bikes can be for everyone. Dual sports are awsum, I currently ride one. But, but there are a lot of other great entry bikes out there in other categories. Scooters I used to own a Honda 250 scooter. Scooters are great entry level bikes. Dorky looking but lots of fun. Great for newbies to acquire riding skills, everything but shifting. 250-450 street bikes are great for newbies. Lots of shifting, light, nimble, forgiving throttle, having fun with leaning over in the corners etc. Honda Shadow and other cruisers ranges from 250cc to liter bike. A lightweight 450 be great beginner bike as well. My point is there are a number of different bike styles that are different in every way from each other. I understand and agree with the logic of learning on dirt, but disagree with your approach of educating all new riders to start on dirt. If a person decides to start riding because they became inspired by a certain type of bike I think it would be best to learn the nuances of riding on that type. The only thing I advise anybody is to only buy a bike if they are willing to take their time learning to ride, and they actually take the time to learn, they have the confidence and ability to never give into peer pressure (ride your own ride). Lastly is to take it easy for the first two years because everyone crashes the first couple years of riding. Everyone needs to understand they will lay their bike down, and be OK with that or they shouldn't ride. Take it easy the first couple years because that's about how long it takes to become good at riding.
I understand your concerns. But, something tells me convincing a guy who's willing to fly Helicopters around while people are trying to kill you that motorcycles are dangerous might be an uphill battle.
I ride too. But, I started on an XR80 50 years ago. Tell him there's a reason we call them "Donorcycles" in the hospital.
JMHO everybody should ride in the dirt for at least a year before going to a street bike, I cannot tell you how many times my dirt riding experience has saved my bacon on the road.
As a Dutchman, it feels like the U.S.A. is one of the worst country's to ride a motorcycle in.
The rules are set against you by politicians who don't understand anything about motorcycles.
The roads are filled with oversized gigantic vehicles that have a hard time seeing you.
Road quality is pretty lackluster with potholes being frequent.
The process of getting a drivers license (be that car or motorbike) are fairly easy in the us, making it that people on the road make more mistakes (like not using blinkers, mirrors or not checking blindspots)
Im talking about 1st world country's, I get that in places like Thailand motorbike accidents are far more frequent
Sounds like you know my country very well?
Totally agree :)
I'm getting a Honda Monkey to learn to ride. AFTER I take the basic rider course. Then, IF I pass, buy the Monkey (125 cc) and practice, practice practice in the parking lot up the street.
Very good plan!
That's what?
I'm talking about don Good point.
My 1st big bike was a sportster than a bigger Moto Guzzi then onto ultra Classics
a new HD Sportster might be the way to go. Then trade up.
I blame SOA and The Mayans 😩😂 and I don't do toys for tots. Never see that many people on bikes throughout the year. I definitely don't want to ride in a tight group with all of them once a year.
Honestly, nowadays, get on a fat tire eBike and zip around for awhile. If you like that, consider a motorcycle. Me? I want access and travel, not the motorcycle. If it took a pogo stick and propeller hat to get out into the woods or hang out in parks, I would get a pogo stick and wear a beanie, comments be damned. It's the smell under trees and the wide open vistas that I care about, not the leather jacket (or mesh, in my case). Then again, I like a modern reliable and boring Honda, not a "cool" looking v-twin.
I just got new TCX boots yesterday thanks to your story. A size too small, as it turns out, but tomorrow I'll hopefully have that resolved.
I have a laugh every time I go to Friday the 13th in Port Dover. Its 80% Harley owners who have great skill in riding in a straight line in leathers & long beards....until they have to turn the bike around and every one of them have to duckwalk their bike because they can't make a U-turn with their feet on the pegs...its sad.
it is very sad
Drz400sm best bike there is. It was my second bike. First bike Drz400s
Also realize if he crashes he’ll be dismissed as a dishonorable discharge for destruction of government property ;)
The day of the motor bike is dead and gone. The roads are far to dangerous and who wants to have to get dressed up like Darth Vader just to go around the block. If you come off it at anything above 30 mph you risk a life time of pain and injury. You will never be warm riding a bike even in summer. Its a really stupid form of transport.
Actually if he flies helicopters he is too cool for a sportster he should get a Lowrider ST 2024 then put a cam and tuner change the exhaust get it dyno tuned.
MSF course will help then do some demo days with Kawasaki and maybe rent a few then sped your money;)
IT SURE IS
I'd rather die than give up riding.
I agree
You know they're just gonna get a KX500 to learn on 😝
bigger is always better!
I disagree with half of what he says. A motorcycle is not very dangerous. The only danger with a motorcycle is the gasket between the seat and the handlebars. A reasonable person, no problem. get a bike and learn how to stop and turn the rest will come by it self
It’s not you might crash. You will definitely crash if you ride one enough sometimes it comes fast. Sometimes it takes a year or two but it’s coming.
Pavement hurts really bad..
That's about sad we all encounter death hey ive ridden year round for 27 years : had 2 major accidents one was a deer one was a car i still walk fractured my c1 c3 and 4 vertebrae in the one accident watch people turning left in front of you dogs deer cats squirrel other humans walking driving ill tell you 25 feet down the road on the side of your face cause of an animal or other person on the road fair weather riders should be outlawed 🎉 you should have to do the winter to kerp the license im in pa 9 degrees at times everyone is a badass at 60 degrees and above just crazy.
Meh, I don't care what people's motivation is. Different strokes for different folks. As long as they're supporting our beloved industry, God love em.
So i agree you shouldn't get a bike for image. They are inherently more dangerous than cars. But I have no intrest in off road bikes, being strictly a street rider. It's like the stupid Harry potter want thing you find one that speaks to you.
Ether way hope he is good and the rest of you are safe.
I think having no interest in off road represents 98% of riders, the same as 90% of riders have no interest in small road bikes. I think the focus should be survival, and learning to ride - not transitioning into a style for long term?
GET A DIRT BIKE
I am an ADULT MAN I don't need a " trigger warning" I am from the generation of MEN.
Please, proceed sir..
grown-ass adults are always welcome!
Lmao hell yeah. I don't need the darn instructions!... "Honey where's them darn instructions!"
Life isn't safe. No one gets out alive, Ride Free. Harley Softail/ KLR650
I got started with an 09 fxdwg and went onto a 2020 FLHX bagger I call “Q”. Over 75000 miles 😎😏. Motorcycles saved my life and mind. 😇👍🏻🥁🥁💯🫵🏻✌🏻