My first bike I bought was a used Suzuki TS250 around 1980. No videos, no internet and nobody to learn from. I just got on and learned the hard way. The number of close calls on city streets were too many. I remember one wet Saturday making a left turn at maybe 10-15 mph on an empty street. Suddenly the front wheel was going back and forth. I lost control and must’ve hit the front brake because I flipped over the handlebars and landed on my sacrum on blacktop. My helmet never fit right. I didn’t have gloves. It hurt for a long time. Now I’m riding a Honda XR150, practicing tight U turns, doing tight figure 8s, learning how to make adjustments to my bike, wearing a proper full face helmet that fits perfectly, bought a high visibility jacket that reflects light at night and has pads. And wear high quality gloves. And I stay off the freeway for now. One comment and it’s just my opinion. I joined several Facebook groups and many new riders buy huge bikes. I have a Honda Nighthawk 750. I’m not ready for that weight even though I’m 6’2 and 235. I already dropped it making that slow left turn. It’s heavy. It’s gotta be in the neighborhood of 500 lbs. Bigger is not necessarily better because right now the XR150 is a fun bike.
My friend, I am a future new rider. Right now, I'm researching: watching vid reviews on different bikes and picking the brains of veteran riders of all walks of life. All the veteran riders I've talked to have brought up every point you made. Great video.
I appreciate your tips man, I used to ride alongside “81” for bout 3 years when I was younger. been bout 5 years since I rode, Figured I’d look up some tips since I’m hitting another bike in a couple weeks, your tips were helpful I truly appreciate it man.
I feel your pain man. Got two boys that started riding this last year. Gone are the days of learning the old fashioned way, by getting yourself nearly killed and managing to acquire some skills. Careless cage drivers sporting cell phones have changed the game. I tossed the boys in MSF and even took the course with them. Learned a thing or two myself. I have one item to add to your list. Something my life in aviation has taught me. Do a quick preflight on your bike every time you get on it to go. Nothing drastic or time consuming but just a good walk around the bike to verify tires look good, everything appears tight and in place and there is no damage to the bike that may have been a result of some careless cage driver backing out of a parking spot. Get in the habit of checking out the machine for no more than a minute or so while its warming up. First ride of the day should be an oil level check too. Good stuff man. Keep the videos coming.
If you think he gave good advice, I worry about you. Hopefully you don’t blame cagers for your riding choices. If he took the MSF course he didn’t follow their instructions.
I just subscribed because you sound legit and knowing. I took the course twice, 9yrs in-between. I took it first, but work circumstances hadn't allowed me to ride. After 9yrs still having a class M license, I decided before riding to take the course again which I'm glad I did because those small things far as safety I would not have remembered on the road. I highly recommend the course and many states the course is free.
All excellent points. The cones and/or large empty parking lot practice is huge. The best gear and a shit load of parking lot practice. I turn 70 in September 2024, been riding since I was 11 and when I get a new/different bike I wear the parking lot out. I have, just now, 2 200 plus mph bikes, an off-roader, and a Spyder RT Ltd. to take my wife for rides. Don't let your ego ruin your life, get solidity squared away, and then go f some stuff up!
I agree with everything you said especially the Course, buy good gear and practice the slow stuff. The course is not manditory here, but we get discounts if we take it and no engine restrictions. We have a 3 year program here for all new riders. Starts with Learners, then Novice 1 then Novice 2 then Full M. Each lever is for a minimum of 12 months. When my son and I decided to start riding last year, the deal I made with him is we had to take the course first or there would be no motorcycles.
Thanks dad! I’m especially trying to consume content like this for the next bit. Hoping to buy my first bike tomorrow. MSF course within the next month or so. 31 now, but only drove an old 70s CT70 as a young teen. Nervous, but also very excited! If it sticks, I hope to help my kids enjoy it as well if they have any inclination!
Great stuff. I am with you on the gear. Knee pads will save you major pain even in a minor incident. I went down on the freeway wearing normal jeans and it shredded my knees. Now I make sure I wear my riding pants.
I delayed on getting riding jeans until I saw crash tests that involved normal denim jeans. The denim stitching literally exploded apart in less than 1 second!
Had 2 bikes while in TX mid 70's thru about 90. Never took a course while putting over 100 grand on a 750 Norton and 850 Yamaha Special. Crazy kids, ya know! I was very lucky at times, and totally agree with you. Looking to get a Indian at my 2/3 century mark, and intend to do all the safety prep that you mentioned this time around. Darn good advice. Oh, I never did get a motorcycle permit all those years ago either. Better get one of them too!
Loved my Indian, it was fantastic. And yeah, the whole permit requirement thing only came to fruition a few years ago. I rode a lone time without one as well until I moved to Texas and it was mandatory.
Thanks for this! About to take the course and buy my first bike. My boyfriend has a bike set up on a jack in my garage so I can practice shifting gears without hitting pavement! Lol!
Well I skipped on second tip, as my first bike I bought an almost new bike (2020 production approximately 350 miles ridden) in 2022 and guess what since then I had 2 small accidents (rainy days I love you) and it was quite painful to get along with it 😅😅😅 I didn't even scratched my knee but my 'new' motorcycle.. well its not that new anymore but hey it could have been worse 😁 Life goes on Miles go on !! Anyway you did good job here keep it up !
Nother thing for new riders that may be reading comments. if you were anything like I was. Mind you I was 14. If you can Ride a dirt bike, that don’t mean you can’t ride a bike, two completely different things an styles of ridin. Rookie fact but I ain’t know that when I was a youngin.
Tip#6. If you're riding and you can see your own shadow in front of you? Be prepared for people to pull out in front of you almost every damn time, with the sun in their eyes.
I didnt bought the motorcycle i dont mind to drop or dump cause i dont want to drive something i dont like. i bought the one i dreamed me riding and thats it. that tip is usefull if you dont have money to spend lol
I will add something, Motorcycling and all the slow-speed skills an maneuvers, are perishable skills. They should be practiced occasional. A dull knife is a dangerous knife. Ride safe!
Basic training is perfectly designed to get you killed. It’s not enough. They don’t go over the most important topics without which you are a dead man riding. If not for RUclips videos (better than this long winded blah blah) I wouldn’t realize how important it is to do intermediate and advanced courses BEFORE jumping on any bike.
I sure do miss you and Dad. Hope you two are together and having a rad time.
My first bike I bought was a used Suzuki TS250 around 1980. No videos, no internet and nobody to learn from. I just got on and learned the hard way. The number of close calls on city streets were too many. I remember one wet Saturday making a left turn at maybe 10-15 mph on an empty street. Suddenly the front wheel was going back and forth. I lost control and must’ve hit the front brake because I flipped over the handlebars and landed on my sacrum on blacktop. My helmet never fit right. I didn’t have gloves. It hurt for a long time. Now I’m riding a Honda XR150, practicing tight U turns, doing tight figure 8s, learning how to make adjustments to my bike, wearing a proper full face helmet that fits perfectly, bought a high visibility jacket that reflects light at night and has pads. And wear high quality gloves. And I stay off the freeway for now.
One comment and it’s just my opinion. I joined several Facebook groups and many new riders buy huge bikes. I have a Honda Nighthawk 750. I’m not ready for that weight even though I’m 6’2 and 235. I already dropped it making that slow left turn. It’s heavy. It’s gotta be in the neighborhood of 500 lbs. Bigger is not necessarily better because right now the XR150 is a fun bike.
My friend, I am a future new rider. Right now, I'm researching: watching vid reviews on different bikes and picking the brains of veteran riders of all walks of life. All the veteran riders I've talked to have brought up every point you made. Great video.
I appreciate your tips man, I used to ride alongside “81” for bout 3 years when I was younger. been bout 5 years since I rode, Figured I’d look up some tips since I’m hitting another bike in a couple weeks, your tips were helpful I truly appreciate it man.
I feel your pain man. Got two boys that started riding this last year. Gone are the days of learning the old fashioned way, by getting yourself nearly killed and managing to acquire some skills. Careless cage drivers sporting cell phones have changed the game. I tossed the boys in MSF and even took the course with them. Learned a thing or two myself.
I have one item to add to your list. Something my life in aviation has taught me. Do a quick preflight on your bike every time you get on it to go. Nothing drastic or time consuming but just a good walk around the bike to verify tires look good, everything appears tight and in place and there is no damage to the bike that may have been a result of some careless cage driver backing out of a parking spot. Get in the habit of checking out the machine for no more than a minute or so while its warming up. First ride of the day should be an oil level check too.
Good stuff man. Keep the videos coming.
Absolutely - pre-ride checks are key and have saved me a time or two. Glad you are liking the content - thanks!
If you think he gave good advice, I worry about you. Hopefully you don’t blame cagers for your riding choices. If he took the MSF course he didn’t follow their instructions.
I just subscribed because you sound legit and knowing. I took the course twice, 9yrs in-between. I took it first, but work circumstances hadn't allowed me to ride. After 9yrs still having a class M license, I decided before riding to take the course again which I'm glad I did because those small things far as safety I would not have remembered on the road. I highly recommend the course and many states the course is free.
All excellent points. The cones and/or large empty parking lot practice is huge. The best gear and a shit load of parking lot practice. I turn 70 in September 2024, been riding since I was 11 and when I get a new/different bike I wear the parking lot out. I have, just now, 2
200 plus mph bikes, an off-roader, and a Spyder RT Ltd. to take my wife for rides. Don't let your ego ruin your life, get solidity squared away, and then go f some stuff up!
Tips on cornering please
All great beginner tips. Good luck to your boys. Great brother and father and son activity together ,
Thanks 👍
I agree with everything you said especially the Course, buy good gear and practice the slow stuff.
The course is not manditory here, but we get discounts if we take it and no engine restrictions. We have a 3 year program here for all new riders. Starts with Learners, then Novice 1 then Novice 2 then Full M. Each lever is for a minimum of 12 months.
When my son and I decided to start riding last year, the deal I made with him is we had to take the course first or there would be no motorcycles.
Yeah. In the states you can get your license and then go ride the biggest monster bike ever 🤣
All great tips! Always practice.
Yup, build that muscle memory
Thanks dad! I’m especially trying to consume content like this for the next bit. Hoping to buy my first bike tomorrow. MSF course within the next month or so. 31 now, but only drove an old 70s CT70 as a young teen. Nervous, but also very excited!
If it sticks, I hope to help my kids enjoy it as well if they have any inclination!
Dads advice is bad for the most part.
Great stuff. I am with you on the gear. Knee pads will save you major pain even in a minor incident. I went down on the freeway wearing normal jeans and it shredded my knees. Now I make sure I wear my riding pants.
Yeah and I don't preach the gear bible to anyone but if I'm asked my opinion I'm always all about protection
I delayed on getting riding jeans until I saw crash tests that involved normal denim jeans. The denim stitching literally exploded apart in less than 1 second!
Had 2 bikes while in TX mid 70's thru about 90. Never took a course while putting over 100 grand on a 750 Norton and 850 Yamaha Special. Crazy kids, ya know! I was very lucky at times, and totally agree with you. Looking to get a Indian at my 2/3 century mark, and intend to do all the safety prep that you mentioned this time around. Darn good advice. Oh, I never did get a motorcycle permit all those years ago either. Better get one of them too!
Loved my Indian, it was fantastic. And yeah, the whole permit requirement thing only came to fruition a few years ago. I rode a lone time without one as well until I moved to Texas and it was mandatory.
Thanks for this! About to take the course and buy my first bike. My boyfriend has a bike set up on a jack in my garage so I can practice shifting gears without hitting pavement! Lol!
Well I skipped on second tip, as my first bike I bought an almost new bike (2020 production approximately 350 miles ridden) in 2022 and guess what since then I had 2 small accidents (rainy days I love you) and it was quite painful to get along with it 😅😅😅 I didn't even scratched my knee but my 'new' motorcycle.. well its not that new anymore but hey it could have been worse 😁 Life goes on Miles go on !! Anyway you did good job here keep it up !
I like the new modular helmets with built in Bluetooth headset
What about ky
Awesomeness! Thank you!
I’m glad I found your Chanel 👍
Welcome aboard!
Tip 1... Keep both hands on the bars ;)
Excellent tips for new riders. I did it all wrong lol 😂
You and me both!
Nice video,but you have to work on the audio/mic.
Thanks for the feedback, but this was wearing a visorless helmet.
@@dadwithabike Oh, then the quality is very good. Thanks for the vids!
Nother thing for new riders that may be reading comments. if you were anything like I was. Mind you I was 14. If you can Ride a dirt bike, that don’t mean you can’t ride a bike, two completely different things an styles of ridin. Rookie fact but I ain’t know that when I was a youngin.
Tip#6. If you're riding and you can see your own shadow in front of you? Be prepared for people to pull out in front of you almost every damn time, with the sun in their eyes.
I didnt bought the motorcycle i dont mind to drop or dump cause i dont want to drive something i dont like. i bought the one i dreamed me riding and thats it. that tip is usefull if you dont have money to spend lol
I will add something, Motorcycling and all the slow-speed skills an maneuvers, are perishable skills. They should be practiced occasional. A dull knife is a dangerous knife.
Ride safe!
You are absolutely right .... wanna catch all your riding buddies who have trouble with slow speed maneuvers - bust a u-turn :-)
Basic training is perfectly designed to get you killed. It’s not enough. They don’t go over the most important topics without which you are a dead man riding. If not for RUclips videos (better than this long winded blah blah) I wouldn’t realize how important it is to do intermediate and advanced courses BEFORE jumping on any bike.