Motivation: ruclips.net/channel/UCt3YSIPcvJsYbwGCDLNiIKA I think this video can be seen as a bit of a 1 million sub special as it's sort of a recap of many things, but I think it's also much more than that so I have left the title as is. The other option for the title was: "Solving First World Problems with expensive toys" P.S. Brock was a bit of a sex offender now that I think about it... Support the channel by shopping through this link: amzn.to/3RIqU0u Patreon: www.patreon.com/d4a Become a member: ruclips.net/channel/UCwosUnVH6AINmxtqkNJ3Fbgjoin
Yeah, I prefer everything on the same chanel. I hate sub channels. I believe RUclips channels should be back to the "hey I'm someone and this is what I wanted to talk about" and not more specific themed channels and subchannels madness it is today. Keep on keeping on!
Oh wow! Congrats on 1 million subs! I totally missed that. I think I subscribed not long after you had started and still thought of you as a small channel. Haha, I guess the channel isn’t that small anymore! 🤣 I’m glad there are a million other subscribers enjoying your excellent content! 👌
Anyone who’s not interested in motorcycles can skip those videos, no problem. No need to create a second channel unless you’d produce at least 24 motorcycle videos a year I’d say. And once more: Congratulations! 🥳
Great video actually. I got my first motorcycle at ten, rode it every day. Of course I had to learn to work on it but there was no impetus to run away. Home was the base for fun. Late teens I got a 69 charger r/t 440 Magnum. I did have to learn to work on it but the majority of that was playing and fun. Might have run from cops eager to issue speeding tickets, but I don't remember 😂 okay. I still shared those fears of getting trapped in the rat race but I had my escapes early on. It all works out, we just have to find our way.
Also chairs. You'd be surprised how many people die each year climbing on a chair trying to kill a mosquito or a fly. Also, slipping in the bathtub. So, let flies crap on you and don't take baths 🤟
That's exactly what driving a bike felt like for me. I often described it in Dutch as "verstand op nul, blik op oneindig", which roughly translates to "mind at zero, vision at infinity".
@@MicraHakkinen It's called driver's licence, but English is special language... For example you are traveling by car or on bus, but in both cases you are inside the vehicle...
Unbelievably relatable. It was as if you set down a Cliffes Notes of my state of mind, then and now. I have been “shopping” motorcycles all winter, I now understand the reason for it. Not only an engine guru, but a “fisher of men” as well. You’ve helped me understand my mini bike racing engines and their physics, and why I want something else now, too! I like your channel the way it is, an extension of yourself, not just another motor channel. We come here for you!
Great video, you've certainly helped motivate me to fix up my old dirt bike and get out there. My story hits a lot of the same notes as yours, especially early on. except I did start on bikes young and I did run away once...eventually snapped at 22 after having dropped out of school and working menial tech support jobs. One day I packed my bags, sold my beautiful but extremely high maintenance 1990s vfr400 and set off to ride from london to moscow and back on a cub90. Came back, started back in a new place with my then girlfriend and got another boring tech job. I was immediately miserable and got fired in 3 months, rinse and repeat another couple of times. Eventually picked myself baxm up and decided i would teach myself to code and pivot to becoming a software developer which was more interesting and would allow me to try my hand at becoming a digital nomad. Fast forward 6 years, 3 jobs, 1 pandemic later, I'm now established in my career and living in a new place on my own, but with the opportunity to own and ride motorbikes...I got hooked back in by a guy I met in a bar who had just passed his license. 2 weeks later I was the proud hooligan owner of a ktm 690 duke, and it was the most fun I'd had in year blasting down the b roads on it...and all without having to do stupid speeds, just like my vfr400 it could demolish bigger heavier bikes on the right road, with the right rider. All whilst truly having to work the bike and at (mostly) legal(ish) speeds. Anyway, I think you've convinced me to try and become a functional mechanic and get out on some trails by recommisioning my old Honda NX650 and hitting the dirt. Maybe I'll eventually trade in the 690 duke for a 690 rally...
How did it go? I have a built predator 212 mini bike and have really been considering getting a (street legal) 2 stroke dirtbike to just ride around like he says in this video. Should I? I like the Yamaha IT250
Never too late. I got into motorcycles later than cars as well and it's everything I've ever loved about cars but more and better. I almost feel sad that it's overtaken my life-long love for cars but there's truly not a single experience in my life that I love more than riding my motorcycle.
go dualsport, I started doing it last year also mid 30's, after only riding road since I was 21, and now I recommend it to everyone who is considering a bike just for the fun of riding. I went crf300l just for the minimal maintenance compared to the more offroad focused machines, and on the stock tyres it behaved very well on the road if you find yourself mostly there and still worked fine offroad unless it was really wet/muddy, or change them for something more knobby if you find yourself enjoying the offroad more to really get the most out of it. Though people do it, I wouldnt recommend a 300l if you're thinking about long road trips
Facing 44.. 36 I still had an amazing body but I’m pretty far from that due to marriage and a slip and fall accident shortly after. I’ve always been good on bikes, better than most, but never got a motorcycle bcs of its deadly reputation. However just a couple weeks ago I traded a personal build for a surron x and I love it and it feels like it’s going to get me into better shape bcs the dirt bike really is a workout off road.
YES! One of the happiest times of my life was riding dirt bikes (1982 Honda XR100) through "undeveloped" areas with my buddies in the early 80s. We had sooo much fun and felt completely free. "I Don't ride my bike to win races, nor do I ride to get places. I ride to escape this world. I ride to find peace with myself. I ride to feel free, and I ride to feel strong..."
I can relate to everything you've said. I began my mechanical 'fix' on trail bikes as a youth, so motorcycles and then fast cars have always been a constant companion. I agree that plonking along on my KLX dual-sport is one of the most enjoyable times I've ever had. Thanks
Wow, the first half of the video was almost philosophical... though, I think this is an amazing video and one of the best (even if rarest) things of the internet, getting to somewhat know a stranger and his story and how he feels about it... reminds me of the old RUclips days... and you seem like a genuinely nice person, for the way you explain yourself and think and reason! Anyway, I agree that off-road bikes are one of the best feelings in the world, even if I can't afford to keep one right now, it's an alway present thought, and can be very liberating to do things just for the passion and pleasure they give you.
Well, I passed my bike test in the early 1960s, got rid of my ‘last bike’ in early 70s, and hankered after another till in my 70s I bought a cheap Chinese one. Now got a 32 y.o. Yamaha trail bike, plus a little Honda to work on and modify, and I’m a satisfied 77 y.o. A lot of sense in this video so thank you for it. And congrats on 1M subs, I’ll add mine to the total. Les in UK 🇬🇧
Hi. I'm Brazilian, I'm very interested in cars and understanding how they work, and that's why your videos came to me. I really liked it and I won't miss one. Today's episode was different, but oddly enough, it was the one that touched me the most. Your story often seemed like mine, how you felt and thought since you were a child (even though I'm much older than you). Your videos inspire me, and today's even more so. If on the one hand, at the moment I can't afford to have a motorcycle right now, this video made me rethink a lot of things about what I want in my life. Thank you very much for your work and for sharing your experiences with us.
I went through this last year. I took 2 weeks off work and “finally, ran away”. I packed by bags, booked ferry from Dover to Calais and just drove across Europe. Alone. No plans. City to City. I ended up 3000km from home in a city called Iasi in Romania. Honestly, the best 2 weeks of my life. The only time i actually felt free.
I'm 24 and i have that adventure itch, because i tried it and it made me so happy. one year later, I bought a Honda CB500X and just went through a gnarly mountain climb with it (while carrying a passenger) I'm so happy. I will never forget your first video when you first got the CRF300. Have fun D4A! Also, you should try motocamping!
You're not alone in your way of thinking. I'm glad I'm not alone either. And the funny part is that I began feeling my life was going somewhere when I started doing things the way 8-10 year old me thought it should be. It was a very painful process, because I began this change kinda late, "rules" strayed me from my true self for several years. The result? Today I'm the family's "black sheep" that everyone is fond of. I changed my life in a way I once thought (or I was told...) it was impossible. And it is still changing , still in motion. And I love this motion. It is really a relief knowing I'm not stuck in a 9 to 5 routine. I hope everyone that can relate to this feeling to have a wonderful life. And if you feel that you're not there yet or feeling lost, I have something for you: Never ever forget the things you promised to yourself.
You were wrong when you said it wasn't educational or informative, it was both to anyone looking for something but don't know what. Glad your having fun, I was lucky enough to start riding off road age 11 in 1968. Even though we had no money and quite large family, I had friends who had bikes that needed fixing kinda regular.
man, this video was so amazing so touching, so relatable. it was truthful, it was raw and personal. from the bottom of my heart i wish you nothing but good luck. with love from iran 🇮🇷
Wonderful wonderful video and commentary. Learned to ride at 42 and now at 48, my husband and I are setting off across the US on two CRF300L Rallys. What led to this was the same experience as you: true mental peace created by the preceding years of dual sport riding on cheap, used, reliable TW200s. I’m genuinely at my happiest, and most human, when riding our small engine dual sports. Your video is a timely reminder to keep these activities a priority, to prevent them from sliding into the background. Love your channel… just found it and subscribed. Thank you!
my favorite video of the year so far! i’ve been into bikes for a long time, and for the same reason (although my project car was a mazda miata) and i have all but abandoned working on cars for the same reason. i get to ride my bikes as much or more than i work on them. and while i have a couple of big, expensive road machines my favorite weekend get away bike is my suzuki DRZ400. it does everything and it’s a blast to ride every time. so, great video and great advice. bikes give you freedom, scratch the itch to tinker, and put you in a “no mind” state better than anything. i’m sharing this with one with everyone.
All very true. I am now 61, but at just 18 I went round the island of Sicily (about 1500 km) on a 125cc trials bike (a Honda TL125 - look it up). It was slow but I was in no hurry. The point is that I enjoyed it and it felt like the world is an open book. Granted, today the world is very different but a motorcycle is still an experience like no other at a pretty affordable price.
I had two wheels in 2nd grade(Bonanza mini bike, 61 now) and as a teenager, I stopped for a long time, but coming back to riding again. Thanks for telling it like it is.
The ability for motorcycles to make me just stop actively thinking is unreal. It's the only time I can get myself to be completely, 100% focused on one thing and one thing alone. I love that it takes me away from all the screens and nonsense in my life and forces me to just live in the moment. Even after getting hit by an F-150 in 2021, I knew I couldn't give it up. I was looking for a new bike that same day in the hospital. It really is one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
Yeah I almost feel like he didn’t touch on that concept enough. There’s so much going on, leaning, clutch work, gear changes, front and rear brakes… double or triple that if you’re off road or if you’re in a group. yes, it’s overwhelming at first, but years later I don’t know a better way to clear my mind
Welcome to the club. We're so glad that you could join us. I recently sold my only car, which slowly turned into a "project car" thanks to VW's sadistic designers & engineers. I now own 3 motorcycles that I can ride plus a project bike. And I'm spending less money & having more fun on the road despite having 3 registrations & insurance bills to pay. I'm lucky enough to live in Australia, where the climate is conductive to year round motorcycle riding, but I encourage you all to give it a go, no matter where you live. I have 4 friends who took up motorcycling after seeing my example & they're all loving it.
I ride straight through our cold/dark/wet/occasionally snowy climate here in PA. For anyone reading this, seriously, the weather shouldn’t be your reason to not ride. There’s insulated and heated gear, once you’re going it doesn’t even matter
I remember when I first saw this channel ages ago. I think you had less than 200k subscribers. But your videos were easily one of the most informative I have ever seen. You make everything easy to understand and make videos on really interesting topics. Congratulations on 1 million subscribers!
Utterly brilliant video, D4A! I agree that an off road bike is some of the best therapy a person can get. Very glad to see you getting some 'no-mind' seat time in for yourself - very well deserved.
I started with bikes at age fourteen and I'm still riding bikes at seventy one, Kawasaki Z1000 and ZX12R. It's that old saying " You can put the man into the boy but you can never take the boy from the man". All ways remember never forget how to play and I can see that you still know how to play in some of your videos. I drove lorries for a large part of my working life after think I've had enough of being under lorries and being covered in oil, dirt, grease and diesel. Driving was like letting the little boy out in me, suddenly I had this huge big boys toy to play with. Now I have my bikes and car and total freedom, life couldn't be better. Keep making good content.
Thank´s for another great video! I did that "Run Away" thing in my youth. Though, in co-operation with my mother: She told her stubborn son, wanting to be a seaman: "Ok, You may go, but, you get a education first, you are not going to remain on ships, the rest of your life" and you must be able to have a work then. I left home, 14 year "old", was sailing when 15, (during summer break), and ended my education as a well educated member of the crew. Sailed around the world 2 times. I had made a promise to myself: I will do this, until I am an officer, and then quit. Did so, and I am happy, have never regretted a day of my life. And what a life! It`s better to say sorry, then ask for permission, yes, but sometimes you have to listen, to a good advise. from a Finn in Diaspora
What a great vid. Love this guy. There was one point in my life where using a sportbike to commute to work was the only thing keeping me sane. Not exactly the safest thing to do, and I had a couple lowsides and an impact where I flipped over the handlebars and slammed into an suv, but you gotta do what you gotta do to survive in this world. I'm glad you mentioned gear too. Gear is not cheap, but the high-quality back protector insert in my jacket saved my spine and armored pants saved my kneecap from shattering.
After watching this video, I see that you have figured out how great it is to ride motorcycles. I've been riding for over 30 years, dirt and street. This summer got my wife and I enduro motorcycles. I wish I would have done this a long time ago. I love being able to ride on and off road on the same bike. Maybe the most special thing about riding a motorcycle is feeling the wind, smelling all the fresh scents, living on the edge, the bursts of adrenaline. Basically I love everything about motorcycles. It is my greatest passion. So in conclusion, I am always happy to see people getting into the world of motorcycles
As a gen 2 MR2 turbo owner, I can confirm that I have spent a lot more time having fun on my Supermoto than in my MR2 because of all the problems that come with old performance cars. As amazing as my MR2 is when it's working properly, going within the speed limit on a motorcycle will always be more fun than any car.
Amazing video. My bike is also my authentic stress-release freedom machine and a car (in europe) will never even get close to the amount of freedom 2 wheels can get you.
Amen brother. I've followed you for a few years and have learned A LOT from the "fun and interesting stuff on the D4A channel." I got myself a new Suzuki DR650 in June 2022 and have evangelized the dual sport lifestyle ever since for reasons very similar to yours. My wife got her Yamaha TW200 around then and my brother got his DR650 shortly after. I know you're somewhere in Europe but if you ever take a trip to the western United States, be sure to bring your bike. Maybe we'll see you on the trails. Long live D4A!
Looks like you're having a good time - that makes me happy for you! Unfortunately I have to disappoint you, i dont want to buy a motorcycle now after watching. What i do want is to finish my Nissan Stagea build this year. Because you're right: Its one of the few places, where the head actually turns off. I just enjoy the smell of oil and dealing with problems i didnt even know could exist. And even if i dont finish up this year: My garage is my retreat from the nasty world outside! Keep up the great videos, i learned a lot - Thank You!
@@d4a 1997 RS FOUR E-WGNC34, RB25DET S2, AT. Bought it for criminal cheap with blown up engine. Got a new engine from japan. It runs, but turned out the intake manifold was warped during transport. So i got a greddy style intake manifold and thus i went down the rabbit hole of new turbo, ecu and all that stuff
The cool factor of that car is off the charts in my book. I'm a rabbit hole regular 😂 here's the funny part, after being through it 3 times my only advice is power through it, embrace the wins and the fails, enjoy the journey and the lessons, the destination is just icing on the cake.
Thank you for sharing this. Motorcycles are special, and while I am more "chopper/cruiser" man than offroad - I do love how free you are when you just drive wherever you please, finding new routes and enjoying views everywhere. Kudos to you and please always share those happy moments with us - you teaching us more than you think!
I love all your videos. I know nothing about engines but I love your enthusiasm and way of explaining things. This video is special, it's different but it's a reminder to always work on something you're passionate about. I think we all need to be reminded of that. Thank you.
I've been there, When i was 27 i bought BMW F800GS, after few years i changed it to Honda XR 400 :D I like to tinker with bikes so it gives me pleasure bouth ways, simple and reliable, light for off-road.
Passionate and personal. Thanks for having the courage to be both in this video because this kind of honesty (Much much safer! Maybe just a few broken bones!) really helps us find breakthroughs to mental health (a quiet mind and a scratched back). It seems that sometimes we keep our inspirations and insights bottled up inside out of the concern others will find us preposterous and overbearing. This video imo is a good example of a situation in which that concern should be ignored. Often the answer we need is inside one or three of us. You said it's not educational or informative, but it is. I guess people who say their videos are educational seem less likeable because they've painted themselves as some sort of authority like BOW DOWN TO MY GREATNESS. Who the heck wants that attitude around them? Anyway, this video is insightful and super helpful even for people who may never get a motorcycle because the central truths remain: Humans benefit a ton from (1) being out and (2) being engaged in some activity.
D4A, from your video a few years ago where you talked about what a buyer/owner would go through buying an MR2 AW11 project car did not scare me from buying mine. Even then your honesty was appreciated but I went out and bought my non running rust bucket. 2 years later it is still in the garage and being built and having rust being found. The silver lining is that it makes an excellent leaning seat to watch your video on motor cycles in the garage. Farewell from a some what disillusioned but ever optimistic non running MR2 owner. Love your mechanical videos (they help).
It goes sort of like this, I think: overly optimistic - disillusioned - realistic - consistent and good at prediction - disillusioned again because your newfound strength wasn't enough - stronger yet because you must be - stopped caring about when it will be over, just mindlessly pushing until the end - car runs, proud and matured in ways that would be impossible with things inside your comfort zone.
this video just made me even more confuse; my youngest uncle died on motorcycle accident, my father also had severe and permanent injuries from motorcycle crash, and right now im very inclined to buy one for myself...
I had a motorcicle at 14 (50cc) then at 18 I got a 99' CBR600, then at 20 a 2006 GSX-R 750, I was able to ride on a race track once and at that moment I realized that the bikes on the street are just too dangerous, I sold it. Now like 18 years later I found the need for one as a transportation, and I bough a small 400cc bike, then a month later I got a company car and I didn't need the bike at all, and you know what?, I don't miss it, I found that riding on the streets nowadays is more dangerous than before due to the increase of population of my area, it's a tourist place and in summer is the hell, simply too dangerous. So my advice, if you can get one and have fun in a controlled enviroment, go ahead. The real danger are the other drivers, avoid them as much as you can. If you fall (that is 100% guaranteed, all riders fall eventually because is oil, ice or whatever on the road) and you wear protection, you'll be fine.
Don't ride on the street and don't do stupid shit and you're 99% safer lol. I also witnessed my dad have a pretty brutal bike accident that ended with him getting a shiny new titanium addition to his femur. He tried crossing a ridiculous off camber section, and said seconds before "ok, now this is where we make decisions"... Yeah, that about says it lol. Keep it to single track and off road and don't try to be the next Pastrana, and the worst you'll likely see is a nasty bruise.
this might be the greatest and most motivating video i've seen this year. I told myself on new years I would get a motorbike, for the freedom, the thrills, getting into the community. this video has given a whole new perspective (that of adventure riding rather than just on roads) and now I'm definitely wanting to try it out. awesome video
My friend, I am in the same situation as you are. Everybody around me thinks I have gone mad for taking up motorcycling in my mid 30s. But the feeling I get is indescribable. The closest thing I can come up with is like being a kid again, only better. And the dual sport is such a freedom machine. It really takes you everywhere, away from everybody and everything. You summed up my experiences in better words than I could have done myself. More power to you and maybe we ride together one day
One of the things I miss about riding when i had a Ducati was all the different smells and temperature changes. Like going through a big dip I feel the temp drop where the trees were casting shadows. I could smell people having a barbecue and burning wood in fireplaces. It was magical.
I had this conversation with my father last year about getting old and regretting and I ended buying a KTM 1190 adventure. Now I have a great rocket. I will now buy a small off road like yours because 150hp and 240kg are too much to go exploring. Having a bike to bring to meetings and travel far and another to explore. This is the way I think. Thanks for the video! Regards from Spain
First, very nice footage on the bike. Second, I am a gear head too, but biker rather than car guy. What I achieved with motorcycles experiences is enough to feel pity on those who are too scared to try it. Life is ouit there, and while riding you are right on the spot to feel it. Keep riding safe!
This is exactly what I did and why I did it. First I bought -87 Corolla AE92 with 4A-GZE, also red, almost without any knowledge about how cars really work but just some little things. I always had a little itch in the back of my head that I wanted something more adventurous capabilities to go there where you cannot go with regular cars. So, I bought 2010 year model KTM 690 Enduro R and had zero regrets, except selling that Corolla that I still cared very much. That KTM was everything that I wanted for my kind of motorcycle riding so I traded it for newer model 2019 to get even better capabilities for adventuring. Adventuring is something that I needed and still need. Thank you for making videos, I have learned so much from you. I hope you safe kilometers, thank you.
@@Automan9 2019 model has a lot better suspension than 2010, even if I had a little custom made to it by a real workshop that tunes forks. 2019 model has WP Xplor suspension and the difference felt like night and day. I mean that I personally like the new one better, but it's my opinion. And yes 2010 model has 25mm more travel but in my case it doesn't matter at all. 2019 model is still much more offroad capable than my skills are so it doesn't make any difference for me. I'm not any hard enduro rider. Ps. I traded that 2010 model almost 3 years ago, so it's long gone. Stay safe!
Love the analogous direction you took this video in. Not just another riding vlog or a review but rather a life perspective. One that conpletely speaks to my own state of mind and opinion on working the daily grind behind the wall of a prison built to support the dreams of someone else. So yeah, when Im not trading the bulk of my life away to make someone else wealthy I want to think about nothing and just live in the moment. No distractions from other people. No conjested roads. No complications.
Just last summer I purchased a Royal Enfield Himalayan. It was a 2022 still in the crate. I'll be 59 this year and had been away from riding for almost 12 years. This is absolutely the most fun bike I've ever owned. Your story will most likely help a lot of folks. Thank you for having a great channel.
Im so happy for you that you've found this method of release! Despite some bumps, bruises, and perhaps a broken bone or two, it'll make you a happier (and thus healthier) person.
I love this video and I think it is perfect for this channel. You have been driving for answers and now you have at least “some” answers. Your words are very true and remind me a lot of what I’ve been going through for many years now. I still don’t have a bike…
I know exactly what you are talking about and have healed my soul myself riding motorcycles at high speed on twisty roads for many years. The feeling of truly disconnecting from everything but the road and the motorcycle is hard to beat. Maybe I need switching to an Off-Road bike before I really go off the road with my Aprillia Tuono :)
Thanks for a great video. I sent it to my kid who is in college now and I think having the same thoughts about what work life will be like. When generalized your ideas are about finding fun in life even though we have to work to feed and house ourselves. Thanks.
I find it kinda funny how similar our choices have been. Only I got into bikes because I had no room for a car and a friend of mine bought one so it seemed like a fun alternative. I originally found this channel through your MR2 content so when my sister moved out and took her car with her I took my chance and bought a MR2 as well (after first looking at a Lotus Europa and A310 Alpine which both sold before I could get to them). Around the same time I got my car you started making motorcycle content and suddenly both things I loved were in the same place. I now own 3 bikes and my MR2 and while I don't have a dual sport due to the lack of dual sport worthy roads around here I do have a Duke 390 with adventure tires for the occasion offroad adventure. Aside from that I have 2 RC390s, 1 for the road and 1 for the track and honestly I love these bikes, they're fast but not ridiculous to the point you can't use the power on the street. Great video as always, maybe one day we'll get a chance to ride together either on our bikes or in our MR2s
Oh wow, perhaps the most "relatable" video I've ever seen. I love your mechanics videos, but this one....I felt I could relate to it 100%. Thanks for sharing this "adventure part of you" I've had this "itch" for so long as well! Wish you all the best in your new adventures!
I fell into the 'bike means of escape' thing at the age of 14, I'm 77 now, its middle of the winter in Canada and I can't wait to get back on the bike. Some call it a sickness but it really is the opposite. Really enjoyed this vid and I enjoy all your amazing and informative vids
Wow! I knew I subbed to your channel for a good reason; your excellent explanations of stuff I didn't know I needed to know. I have ridden motorcycles my entire adult life and know exactly the sentiment you descrided of finding mindfulness and adventure. But I never once wanted to ride off road - I do now!!!
Diet version of this is mountaim biking. less range, less cost but more physcial effort. Much more effective in europe, since bicycle infrustructure. Supposedly theres bicycle racks for bikes. maybe you could do both lol. Drive to an MTB trail on motor bike, hit the trails with the mtb.
Mototherapy, friend. Though my dad never used the term, he knew the secrets of two wheeled freedom.and passed it on to all of his sons. We put it into practice each a little differently than the next, but it's a haven for each of us.
Oh, I finally realize you are living in Spain (map at 10:24) ...nice, not far from Belgium 🙂 If I'm welcome, I would like to visit you (an excuse to explore the beautiful inland of Spain, like the Gorafe desert) My story; my parents died very early and I had little family so when I was 20 I got an old Honda XL500s and started riding. I ended up in South Africa after 1 year without too many worries. Nowadays, some 40 odd years later, I got an Husqvarna 701 and I barely use it and worry all the time about the accessories 😞 Anyway, thank you for all your great video's and also this little gem! Take care!
Not only is the video relatable, it's deeply touching and resonates with me very well. I'm in a similar situation you were once in, a student with a great love and passion for cars, bikes and motorsport, who's sort of afraid of what's to come in the future. I want to be able to tinker on cars, I want to be able to drive them, I want to be able to experience that freedom you were talking about, but I'm unsure of it all, how to pull it off and if it'll ever come true. I'm so glad I found this channel a couple of years ago because I've learned so much and it's helped me in making that decision and reassured that this is what I want to do in life, it's seriously one of the best automotive related channels out there. Your production quality rivals that of Fortnine. To a million more subscribers! P.S. Ja sam iz Hrvatske i vrlo mi je drago vidjeti i čuti da jedan tako influentan i kvalitetan kanal dolazi sa ovih naših prostora, pozdrav!
Loved it! D4A! For me a similar revelation started with a small suit case, two pair of underwear and a box of my favorite breakfast cereal in it. Do one of these a year- let your hair hang down! I hope now being a moderately successful You Tuber is always a "passion project" for you. You brought us nimnuls a huge volume of knowledge in depth on our collective favorite toys. Don't ever quit that, but maybe follow a friend doing a full up race bike remake would be fun, with your asides about why some technologies are more or less successful than others. And your persistence and quality got you to that magic number- congrats on that, D4A- now you wish to double down, but see a cleaner path and a better product; I think you have the right idea, I vote for the "passion project" every time.
I love that you saw your life mapped out at 10 yrs old! I've seen in other videos, you have a clear understanding of the mistakes other people are making, as if you've already been through it. I like this built-in wisdom! If you don't already, you should teach youngsters. You'd probably never be asked back, having dissed school in such a way, but you'd leave a fantastic impression in the free-thinkers in front of you!
What a timely video my wife and I just realized at 24 and 26 that we both wanted to ride dirt bikes as kids but out parents wouldn't let us and now we both work good jobs so we're gonna clear some of our land for a track so we can enjoy it for a bit and then out kids can
you inspired me as i bought a used crf250L in early 2023 after watching your video on the 300 purchace... as they say "its like hiking but faster" or possibly dirt surfing... i live in arizona high desert so many great places to ride out here... really liked your explaination about running away. thats exactly why i bought my dualsport to get out of town and away from people. good for the introvert mind
What an awesome video. You hit the proverbial nail on the head. I'm 76 and have three of them in my garage. One's an adventure bike, one's a dual sport and one's a little trail bike. All are tickets to freedom.
Great vid! Also dead-on with the old car/motorcycle conclusions. At some points it could've been me doing the talking (this includes the part of shouting at a dog that is giving chase...) Oh, and your car turned out amazing!
Great stuff right here. I finally added the motorcycle category to my driving license last year, learned and took the test on a Honda NX 400 "Falcon" and I'm still waiting for the monetary moment to jump ok my first bike. Seeing these kind of videos are making me realize that this is what I am missing here in the scheme of life, after being a total people pleaser for as long as I can remember. As far as what kind of bike... Here in Argentina bikes are mind bending expensive and things are about to blow up economically so my guess is that I will get myself a brand new Suzuki AX 100 (yes, you still can get a 2 stroke new bike here, at least until 2026) which for what it costs (around u$s 1300) is the closest thing to a real bike that you can get new. But I'm pretty sure that my second bike will be one of those. Cheers!
As I already said, watching your videos, I never had anyone around who drives a motorcycle. I bought a motorcycle in my thirties and I couldn't have done anything better for myself. When I sit on a motorcycle and go out into nature, it's a feeling that can't be described. It's simply amazing.Thank you one more time for encourage me with your life story.Even my wife was ok with it. Best regards from Emir.
I love the passage saying "(the bike is) a vessel of occasional escapes into freedom and adventure." is very true. I'll be using it as a quote from now on if you don't mind. I don't have an adventure bike (yet ?) but already my bikes are such vessels. Very good choice IMO for the Honda CRF 300, that is the kind of adventure bike I'd most likely go to. Keep up the good work, your videos are very good and instructive !
Really enjoyed your video as it made me more clearly understand some of the choices I've made in my life and maybe hopefully see more clearly into the future. I chose mostly the freedom/broke route from a young age, had a dad who would occasionally bail me out. Had dirt bikes starting around age 12 then many street and dirt bikes. Did all the maintenance myself. Started traveling on bikes out of high school. Had new and used bikes and most were very reliable and needed very little work. Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasakis, Yamahas. Only bike i ever had that needed constant attention was a highly modified XR 600 i bought from an older guy who had put thousands into the engine and suspension. Very fast bike but it was a FixOrRepairDaily. Grew up on bicycles but first real bike i had was a 90cc Suzuki enduro that i rode and raced mostly on dirt but quite a bit of clandestine street riding as i was too young to have a license. 2nd bike was a Kaw 350 Bighorn rotary valve 2 stroke. Very fast fun bike that would power slide and wheelie predictably. Many valuable skills learned on those two bikes that would serve me well later riding bigger bikes, especially street bikes. Age 70 now still seeking freedom, still riding but very concious of the value of time and so i found your video very thought provoking.
thanx dude. I am thinking for several yeras to go for ofroad bikes. All he reasons why i wanted to do so, u just told me u got them. I have to move to Sweden first and as soon as i get settled i will buy my first bike. Have fun and keep posting.
All your content is great infact, its your ability to communicate what most men can either relate to or want to know or need that makes for compelling listening,the visual aspect is a bonus and well done.
This video is spot on as to the feeling you get with dual sports. About 5 months ago i bought my first bike, a 1993 yamaha XT225 with 10,000km. Was cheap, and doesn't need too much tinkering. And i often do the exact same thing of looking at google maps in satellite mode to find cool spots to explore. Not much can compare to a good dual sport.
you reminded me of my chilhood. I turned out to be a biker afterwards. but work kept me away from my bike for last 2 years. Can't wait to go back to my bike and feel the wind again.
Man when you said you bought a crappy semi functional car. I thought you were gonna show an old beat up camry I did NOT expect that beautiful machine. I'm 18 and with a crapy job I bought an even crappier car a Geo Metro that did barely run, and couldn't afford any repairs, stil grateful though, I used it to take my dog to the beach, take my bike to a "trail" near my town (I live in Mexico there's no bike parks) and well, it brought me some joy. Tough now I'm in another city in a crappy 65 ft^2 and living the life, studying, enduring public transport and I can't afford activities that I enjoy. 👍👍
This video touched me as I felt the exact same way as a child. Thanks for sharing your experience. As for riding, I have an enduro as well and realized that the reason your mind can take a break from the world and only focus on riding is because it has to. If not, you crash!!
Great video. You're a man after my own heart (disambiguation; I'm married with four sons who all ride motorbikes and are about your age), but just love your style and content. You've nailed it. Cheers
Dude!! I loved this video :) I will not ride a motorcycle myself, but I carry this spirit with me. My time feeling trapped was in my 20s for a while at university. Now 15-20 years later, just keeping up with reality is like riding a drifting spaceship. Can’t say that I feel fully free, but it is definitely not a cage either.
Sigh.... makes me miss my old Yamaha XT-350 from the late 80's. When I wasn't on it I was always wondering what was just beyond the edge of the road/past the trees/along that river, etc. With it, I just turned off and went there! So much fun. Thanks for the great video.
Motivation: ruclips.net/channel/UCt3YSIPcvJsYbwGCDLNiIKA
I think this video can be seen as a bit of a 1 million sub special as it's sort of a recap of many things, but I think it's also much more than that so I have left the title as is. The other option for the title was: "Solving First World Problems with expensive toys"
P.S. Brock was a bit of a sex offender now that I think about it...
Support the channel by shopping through this link: amzn.to/3RIqU0u
Patreon: www.patreon.com/d4a
Become a member: ruclips.net/channel/UCwosUnVH6AINmxtqkNJ3Fbgjoin
Yeah, I prefer everything on the same chanel. I hate sub channels. I believe RUclips channels should be back to the "hey I'm someone and this is what I wanted to talk about" and not more specific themed channels and subchannels madness it is today. Keep on keeping on!
Oh wow! Congrats on 1 million subs! I totally missed that. I think I subscribed not long after you had started and still thought of you as a small channel.
Haha, I guess the channel isn’t that small anymore! 🤣
I’m glad there are a million other subscribers enjoying your excellent content! 👌
Anyone who’s not interested in motorcycles can skip those videos, no problem. No need to create a second channel unless you’d produce at least 24 motorcycle videos a year I’d say.
And once more: Congratulations! 🥳
Great video actually. I got my first motorcycle at ten, rode it every day. Of course I had to learn to work on it but there was no impetus to run away. Home was the base for fun. Late teens I got a 69 charger r/t 440 Magnum. I did have to learn to work on it but the majority of that was playing and fun. Might have run from cops eager to issue speeding tickets, but I don't remember 😂 okay. I still shared those fears of getting trapped in the rat race but I had my escapes early on. It all works out, we just have to find our way.
amazing video ❤❤
you never see bikes parked in front of therapist offices!
But there's always at least one in front of a lawyer firm or a dentist's office 😁
@@d4abecause these two guys have a lot of money 💰 😊
But you can see it in front of morgues or hospitals
@@Kodreanu23 Along with skateboards, fast cars, ladders and guns - so live in a cocoon?
Also chairs. You'd be surprised how many people die each year climbing on a chair trying to kill a mosquito or a fly. Also, slipping in the bathtub. So, let flies crap on you and don't take baths 🤟
I love your non-mechanical videos just as much as the engine stuff. Turns out your philosophical ramblings appeal to me in extreme. Thank you
Finally beach episode of my favorite anime
So much fan service!
agreed
that squeezed a hearty chuckle outta me!
At first I learned about engine balance, and now I'm learning about life balance. Internal combustion really is the solution to everything.
That's exactly what driving a bike felt like for me. I often described it in Dutch as "verstand op nul, blik op oneindig", which roughly translates to "mind at zero, vision at infinity".
Beautiful sentence
Bikes aren't driven, they are ridden...
You can't sit inside the bike to drive. You sit on it and ride...
@@REDLINERUNNER Oh no, I only have a driver's license, not a rider's license!
@@MicraHakkinen It's called driver's licence, but English is special language...
For example you are traveling by car or on bus, but in both cases you are inside the vehicle...
love this phrase!! holds so true for motorcyclists, being present in the moment is essential for your survival!
Unbelievably relatable. It was as if you set down a Cliffes Notes of my state of mind, then and now. I have been “shopping” motorcycles all winter, I now understand the reason for it.
Not only an engine guru, but a “fisher of men” as well. You’ve helped me understand my mini bike racing engines and their physics, and why I want something else now, too!
I like your channel the way it is, an extension of yourself, not just another motor channel. We come here for you!
Thank you so much for that
you got this man
Great video, you've certainly helped motivate me to fix up my old dirt bike and get out there.
My story hits a lot of the same notes as yours, especially early on. except I did start on bikes young and I did run away once...eventually snapped at 22 after having dropped out of school and working menial tech support jobs.
One day I packed my bags, sold my beautiful but extremely high maintenance 1990s vfr400 and set off to ride from london to moscow and back on a cub90.
Came back, started back in a new place with my then girlfriend and got another boring tech job. I was immediately miserable and got fired in 3 months, rinse and repeat another couple of times.
Eventually picked myself baxm up and decided i would teach myself to code and pivot to becoming a software developer which was more interesting and would allow me to try my hand at becoming a digital nomad.
Fast forward 6 years, 3 jobs, 1 pandemic later, I'm now established in my career and living in a new place on my own, but with the opportunity to own and ride motorbikes...I got hooked back in by a guy I met in a bar who had just passed his license.
2 weeks later I was the proud hooligan owner of a ktm 690 duke, and it was the most fun I'd had in year blasting down the b roads on it...and all without having to do stupid speeds, just like my vfr400 it could demolish bigger heavier bikes on the right road, with the right rider. All whilst truly having to work the bike and at (mostly) legal(ish) speeds.
Anyway, I think you've convinced me to try and become a functional mechanic and get out on some trails by recommisioning my old Honda NX650 and hitting the dirt. Maybe I'll eventually trade in the 690 duke for a 690 rally...
How did it go? I have a built predator 212 mini bike and have really been considering getting a (street legal) 2 stroke dirtbike to just ride around like he says in this video. Should I? I like the Yamaha IT250
The video can't make me buy anything because I don't have money
I'm broke too,but I still don't have a use for this type of bike.
Same
You don't have money because you never studied money.
Exactly! I read rich dad poor dad 3 times since 6am today and now I'm a billionaire
@@d4a😂
Planning to buy my first motorcycle this year, at 35, soon 36. Life long childhood dream might finally come true!
Never too late. I got into motorcycles later than cars as well and it's everything I've ever loved about cars but more and better. I almost feel sad that it's overtaken my life-long love for cars but there's truly not a single experience in my life that I love more than riding my motorcycle.
Do it!
I’m 45 and I am to …been into overlanding which I love but I can bring this with.
go dualsport, I started doing it last year also mid 30's, after only riding road since I was 21, and now I recommend it to everyone who is considering a bike just for the fun of riding. I went crf300l just for the minimal maintenance compared to the more offroad focused machines, and on the stock tyres it behaved very well on the road if you find yourself mostly there and still worked fine offroad unless it was really wet/muddy, or change them for something more knobby if you find yourself enjoying the offroad more to really get the most out of it. Though people do it, I wouldnt recommend a 300l if you're thinking about long road trips
Facing 44.. 36 I still had an amazing body but I’m pretty far from that due to marriage and a slip and fall accident shortly after. I’ve always been good on bikes, better than most, but never got a motorcycle bcs of its deadly reputation. However just a couple weeks ago I traded a personal build for a surron x and I love it and it feels like it’s going to get me into better shape bcs the dirt bike really is a workout off road.
YES! One of the happiest times of my life was riding dirt bikes (1982 Honda XR100) through "undeveloped" areas with my buddies in the early 80s. We had sooo much fun and felt completely free. "I Don't ride my bike to win races, nor do I ride to get places. I ride to escape this world. I ride to find peace with myself. I ride to feel free, and I ride to feel strong..."
ohhh.....and I'm still riding!
I can relate to everything you've said. I began my mechanical 'fix' on trail bikes as a youth, so motorcycles and then fast cars have always been a constant companion. I agree that plonking along on my KLX dual-sport is one of the most enjoyable times I've ever had. Thanks
Wow, the first half of the video was almost philosophical... though, I think this is an amazing video and one of the best (even if rarest) things of the internet, getting to somewhat know a stranger and his story and how he feels about it... reminds me of the old RUclips days... and you seem like a genuinely nice person, for the way you explain yourself and think and reason! Anyway, I agree that off-road bikes are one of the best feelings in the world, even if I can't afford to keep one right now, it's an alway present thought, and can be very liberating to do things just for the passion and pleasure they give you.
Well, I passed my bike test in the early 1960s, got rid of my ‘last bike’ in early 70s, and hankered after another till in my 70s I bought a cheap Chinese one. Now got a 32 y.o. Yamaha trail bike, plus a little Honda to work on and modify, and I’m a satisfied 77 y.o. A lot of sense in this video so thank you for it. And congrats on 1M subs, I’ll add mine to the total. Les in UK 🇬🇧
Hi. I'm Brazilian, I'm very interested in cars and understanding how they work, and that's why your videos came to me. I really liked it and I won't miss one. Today's episode was different, but oddly enough, it was the one that touched me the most. Your story often seemed like mine, how you felt and thought since you were a child (even though I'm much older than you). Your videos inspire me, and today's even more so. If on the one hand, at the moment I can't afford to have a motorcycle right now, this video made me rethink a lot of things about what I want in my life. Thank you very much for your work and for sharing your experiences with us.
Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them and they're the reason why I make videos like this from time to time
D4d is the only channel that can make a philosophical vídeo and science videos and reach the same audience
I went through this last year. I took 2 weeks off work and “finally, ran away”. I packed by bags, booked ferry from Dover to Calais and just drove across Europe. Alone. No plans. City to City. I ended up 3000km from home in a city called Iasi in Romania. Honestly, the best 2 weeks of my life. The only time i actually felt free.
WTF!!! how much did it cost you? Love it!
I'm 24 and i have that adventure itch, because i tried it and it made me so happy. one year later, I bought a Honda CB500X and just went through a gnarly mountain climb with it (while carrying a passenger) I'm so happy. I will never forget your first video when you first got the CRF300. Have fun D4A! Also, you should try motocamping!
You're not alone in your way of thinking. I'm glad I'm not alone either. And the funny part is that I began feeling my life was going somewhere when I started doing things the way 8-10 year old me thought it should be. It was a very painful process, because I began this change kinda late, "rules" strayed me from my true self for several years. The result? Today I'm the family's "black sheep" that everyone is fond of. I changed my life in a way I once thought (or I was told...) it was impossible. And it is still changing , still in motion. And I love this motion. It is really a relief knowing I'm not stuck in a 9 to 5 routine. I hope everyone that can relate to this feeling to have a wonderful life. And if you feel that you're not there yet or feeling lost, I have something for you: Never ever forget the things you promised to yourself.
You were wrong when you said it wasn't educational or informative, it was both to anyone looking for something but don't know what.
Glad your having fun, I was lucky enough to start riding off road age 11 in 1968.
Even though we had no money and quite large family, I had friends who had bikes that needed fixing kinda regular.
man, this video was so amazing so touching, so relatable. it was truthful, it was raw and personal. from the bottom of my heart i wish you nothing but good luck. with love from iran 🇮🇷
Wonderful wonderful video and commentary. Learned to ride at 42 and now at 48, my husband and I are setting off across the US on two CRF300L Rallys. What led to this was the same experience as you: true mental peace created by the preceding years of dual sport riding on cheap, used, reliable TW200s. I’m genuinely at my happiest, and most human, when riding our small engine dual sports. Your video is a timely reminder to keep these activities a priority, to prevent them from sliding into the background. Love your channel… just found it and subscribed. Thank you!
my favorite video of the year so far! i’ve been into bikes for a long time, and for the same reason (although my project car was a mazda miata) and i have all but abandoned working on cars for the same reason. i get to ride my bikes as much or more than i work on them.
and while i have a couple of big, expensive road machines my favorite weekend get away bike is my suzuki DRZ400. it does everything and it’s a blast to ride every time.
so, great video and great advice. bikes give you freedom, scratch the itch to tinker, and put you in a “no mind” state better than anything. i’m sharing this with one with everyone.
All very true. I am now 61, but at just 18 I went round the island of Sicily (about 1500 km) on a 125cc trials bike (a Honda TL125 - look it up). It was slow but I was in no hurry. The point is that I enjoyed it and it felt like the world is an open book. Granted, today the world is very different but a motorcycle is still an experience like no other at a pretty affordable price.
I had two wheels in 2nd grade(Bonanza mini bike, 61 now) and as a teenager, I stopped for a long time, but coming back to riding again. Thanks for telling it like it is.
The ability for motorcycles to make me just stop actively thinking is unreal. It's the only time I can get myself to be completely, 100% focused on one thing and one thing alone. I love that it takes me away from all the screens and nonsense in my life and forces me to just live in the moment. Even after getting hit by an F-150 in 2021, I knew I couldn't give it up. I was looking for a new bike that same day in the hospital. It really is one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
Yeah I almost feel like he didn’t touch on that concept enough. There’s so much going on, leaning, clutch work, gear changes, front and rear brakes… double or triple that if you’re off road or if you’re in a group. yes, it’s overwhelming at first, but years later I don’t know a better way to clear my mind
Welcome to the club. We're so glad that you could join us.
I recently sold my only car, which slowly turned into a "project car" thanks to VW's sadistic designers & engineers. I now own 3 motorcycles that I can ride plus a project bike. And I'm spending less money & having more fun on the road despite having 3 registrations & insurance bills to pay. I'm lucky enough to live in Australia, where the climate is conductive to year round motorcycle riding, but I encourage you all to give it a go, no matter where you live. I have 4 friends who took up motorcycling after seeing my example & they're all loving it.
I ride straight through our cold/dark/wet/occasionally snowy climate here in PA. For anyone reading this, seriously, the weather shouldn’t be your reason to not ride. There’s insulated and heated gear, once you’re going it doesn’t even matter
I remember when I first saw this channel ages ago. I think you had less than 200k subscribers. But your videos were easily one of the most informative I have ever seen. You make everything easy to understand and make videos on really interesting topics. Congratulations on 1 million subscribers!
Utterly brilliant video, D4A! I agree that an off road bike is some of the best therapy a person can get. Very glad to see you getting some 'no-mind' seat time in for yourself - very well deserved.
I started with bikes at age fourteen and I'm still riding bikes at seventy one, Kawasaki Z1000 and ZX12R. It's that old saying " You can put the man into the boy but you can never take the boy from the man". All ways remember never forget how to play and I can see that you still know how to play in some of your videos. I drove lorries for a large part of my working life after think I've had enough of being under lorries and being covered in oil, dirt, grease and diesel. Driving was like letting the little boy out in me, suddenly I had this huge big boys toy to play with. Now I have my bikes and car and total freedom, life couldn't be better. Keep making good content.
Thank´s for another great video!
I did that "Run Away" thing in my youth. Though, in co-operation with my mother:
She told her stubborn son, wanting to be a seaman: "Ok, You may go, but, you get a education first, you are not going to remain on ships, the rest of your life" and you must be able to have a work then.
I left home, 14 year "old", was sailing when 15, (during summer break), and ended my education as a well educated member of the crew. Sailed around the world 2 times. I had made a promise to myself: I will do this, until I am an officer, and then quit.
Did so, and I am happy, have never regretted a day of my life. And what a life!
It`s better to say sorry, then ask for permission, yes, but sometimes you have to listen, to a good advise.
from a Finn in Diaspora
This off script free topic videos are great. Keep making more. Insights from intelligent people is a rare treat these days
What a great vid. Love this guy.
There was one point in my life where using a sportbike to commute to work was the only thing keeping me sane. Not exactly the safest thing to do, and I had a couple lowsides and an impact where I flipped over the handlebars and slammed into an suv, but you gotta do what you gotta do to survive in this world.
I'm glad you mentioned gear too. Gear is not cheap, but the high-quality back protector insert in my jacket saved my spine and armored pants saved my kneecap from shattering.
"I can think about nothing else other than riding." You nailed it!
Thanks
Thank you!!
After watching this video, I see that you have figured out how great it is to ride motorcycles. I've been riding for over 30 years, dirt and street. This summer got my wife and I enduro motorcycles. I wish I would have done this a long time ago. I love being able to ride on and off road on the same bike.
Maybe the most special thing about riding a motorcycle is feeling the wind, smelling all the fresh scents, living on the edge, the bursts of adrenaline. Basically I love everything about motorcycles. It is my greatest passion.
So in conclusion, I am always happy to see people getting into the world of motorcycles
As a gen 2 MR2 turbo owner, I can confirm that I have spent a lot more time having fun on my Supermoto than in my MR2 because of all the problems that come with old performance cars. As amazing as my MR2 is when it's working properly, going within the speed limit on a motorcycle will always be more fun than any car.
A Skateboard down hill at 50kmph trumps both of those for thrills v budget ...
been riding MX since a kid. now in 50's. i can absolutely relate you are of no mind when riding, except to the task at hand
Amazing video. My bike is also my authentic stress-release freedom machine and a car (in europe) will never even get close to the amount of freedom 2 wheels can get you.
Amen brother. I've followed you for a few years and have learned A LOT from the "fun and interesting stuff on the D4A channel."
I got myself a new Suzuki DR650 in June 2022 and have evangelized the dual sport lifestyle ever since for reasons very similar to yours. My wife got her Yamaha TW200 around then and my brother got his DR650 shortly after.
I know you're somewhere in Europe but if you ever take a trip to the western United States, be sure to bring your bike. Maybe we'll see you on the trails.
Long live D4A!
Those tw200s look so cool
Looks like you're having a good time - that makes me happy for you! Unfortunately I have to disappoint you, i dont want to buy a motorcycle now after watching. What i do want is to finish my Nissan Stagea build this year. Because you're right: Its one of the few places, where the head actually turns off. I just enjoy the smell of oil and dealing with problems i didnt even know could exist. And even if i dont finish up this year: My garage is my retreat from the nasty world outside!
Keep up the great videos, i learned a lot - Thank You!
First gen? 2.5? 2.6?
@@d4a 1997 RS FOUR E-WGNC34, RB25DET S2, AT. Bought it for criminal cheap with blown up engine. Got a new engine from japan. It runs, but turned out the intake manifold was warped during transport. So i got a greddy style intake manifold and thus i went down the rabbit hole of new turbo, ecu and all that stuff
The cool factor of that car is off the charts in my book. I'm a rabbit hole regular 😂 here's the funny part, after being through it 3 times my only advice is power through it, embrace the wins and the fails, enjoy the journey and the lessons, the destination is just icing on the cake.
Print it on a poster and sell it as merch ;)
Thank you for sharing this.
Motorcycles are special, and while I am more "chopper/cruiser" man than offroad - I do love how free you are when you just drive wherever you please, finding new routes and enjoying views everywhere.
Kudos to you and please always share those happy moments with us - you teaching us more than you think!
Brb putting a deposit on a $30,000 R1250 GS just so I can ride it to the local Starbucks every weekend
If that's a dual sport then an Escalade is a hatchback
@@d4aEscalade is a A-class car. Or You can write it's city car. On some markets it's "kei" car. 😂
Living the dream !
Its many years since the bmw gs was a nimble fun offroader. The new ones are sport tourers, and horrible at that too
Yep I did that but not Starbucks, shite coffee
I love all your videos. I know nothing about engines but I love your enthusiasm and way of explaining things.
This video is special, it's different but it's a reminder to always work on something you're passionate about. I think we all need to be reminded of that.
Thank you.
I've been there, When i was 27 i bought BMW F800GS, after few years i changed it to Honda XR 400 :D I like to tinker with bikes so it gives me pleasure bouth ways, simple and reliable, light for off-road.
Passionate and personal. Thanks for having the courage to be both in this video because this kind of honesty (Much much safer! Maybe just a few broken bones!) really helps us find breakthroughs to mental health (a quiet mind and a scratched back). It seems that sometimes we keep our inspirations and insights bottled up inside out of the concern others will find us preposterous and overbearing. This video imo is a good example of a situation in which that concern should be ignored. Often the answer we need is inside one or three of us. You said it's not educational or informative, but it is. I guess people who say their videos are educational seem less likeable because they've painted themselves as some sort of authority like BOW DOWN TO MY GREATNESS. Who the heck wants that attitude around them? Anyway, this video is insightful and super helpful even for people who may never get a motorcycle because the central truths remain: Humans benefit a ton from (1) being out and (2) being engaged in some activity.
Nice vid man, continue making these types of content
I'm jealous you re able to drive in the off road countryside, it's now forbiden in most places where I live.
The subtitles for the beginning part of the video are golden.
D4A, from your video a few years ago where you talked about what a buyer/owner would go through buying an MR2 AW11 project car did not scare me from buying mine. Even then your honesty was appreciated but I went out and bought my non running rust bucket. 2 years later it is still in the garage and being built and having rust being found. The silver lining is that it makes an excellent leaning seat to watch your video on motor cycles in the garage. Farewell from a some what disillusioned but ever optimistic non running MR2 owner. Love your mechanical videos (they help).
It goes sort of like this, I think: overly optimistic - disillusioned - realistic - consistent and good at prediction - disillusioned again because your newfound strength wasn't enough - stronger yet because you must be - stopped caring about when it will be over, just mindlessly pushing until the end - car runs, proud and matured in ways that would be impossible with things inside your comfort zone.
this video just made me even more confuse; my youngest uncle died on motorcycle accident, my father also had severe and permanent injuries from motorcycle crash, and right now im very inclined to buy one for myself...
I had a motorcicle at 14 (50cc) then at 18 I got a 99' CBR600, then at 20 a 2006 GSX-R 750, I was able to ride on a race track once and at that moment I realized that the bikes on the street are just too dangerous, I sold it. Now like 18 years later I found the need for one as a transportation, and I bough a small 400cc bike, then a month later I got a company car and I didn't need the bike at all, and you know what?, I don't miss it, I found that riding on the streets nowadays is more dangerous than before due to the increase of population of my area, it's a tourist place and in summer is the hell, simply too dangerous. So my advice, if you can get one and have fun in a controlled enviroment, go ahead. The real danger are the other drivers, avoid them as much as you can. If you fall (that is 100% guaranteed, all riders fall eventually because is oil, ice or whatever on the road) and you wear protection, you'll be fine.
Don't ride on the street and don't do stupid shit and you're 99% safer lol. I also witnessed my dad have a pretty brutal bike accident that ended with him getting a shiny new titanium addition to his femur. He tried crossing a ridiculous off camber section, and said seconds before "ok, now this is where we make decisions"... Yeah, that about says it lol. Keep it to single track and off road and don't try to be the next Pastrana, and the worst you'll likely see is a nasty bruise.
this might be the greatest and most motivating video i've seen this year. I told myself on new years I would get a motorbike, for the freedom, the thrills, getting into the community. this video has given a whole new perspective (that of adventure riding rather than just on roads) and now I'm definitely wanting to try it out. awesome video
Super relatable bro
My friend, I am in the same situation as you are. Everybody around me thinks I have gone mad for taking up motorcycling in my mid 30s. But the feeling I get is indescribable. The closest thing I can come up with is like being a kid again, only better. And the dual sport is such a freedom machine. It really takes you everywhere, away from everybody and everything. You summed up my experiences in better words than I could have done myself. More power to you and maybe we ride together one day
nope, your previous one about bikes made me buy a dual sport
As a long time viewer and rider, you're skills have improved significantly since you got the dual sport!
10:50 mrš ,bježi odmene 😂😂
One of the things I miss about riding when i had a Ducati was all the different smells and temperature changes. Like going through a big dip I feel the temp drop where the trees were casting shadows. I could smell people having a barbecue and burning wood in fireplaces. It was magical.
No girl waiting on the beach?
Meh.. no sale.
yep, do soo much for the hot chicks! if they only knew...
I had this conversation with my father last year about getting old and regretting and I ended buying a KTM 1190 adventure. Now I have a great rocket. I will now buy a small off road like yours because 150hp and 240kg are too much to go exploring. Having a bike to bring to meetings and travel far and another to explore. This is the way I think. Thanks for the video! Regards from Spain
Check out a guy called Endurak666 I think he's called
First, very nice footage on the bike. Second, I am a gear head too, but biker rather than car guy. What I achieved with motorcycles experiences is enough to feel pity on those who are too scared to try it. Life is ouit there, and while riding you are right on the spot to feel it. Keep riding safe!
This is exactly what I did and why I did it. First I bought -87 Corolla AE92 with 4A-GZE, also red, almost without any knowledge about how cars really work but just some little things. I always had a little itch in the back of my head that I wanted something more adventurous capabilities to go there where you cannot go with regular cars. So, I bought 2010 year model KTM 690 Enduro R and had zero regrets, except selling that Corolla that I still cared very much. That KTM was everything that I wanted for my kind of motorcycle riding so I traded it for newer model 2019 to get even better capabilities for adventuring. Adventuring is something that I needed and still need. Thank you for making videos, I have learned so much from you. I hope you safe kilometers, thank you.
Dont the 2010 models have more suspension travel than the later ones ? As far as I know older ones are actually more offroad capable
@@Automan9 2019 model has a lot better suspension than 2010, even if I had a little custom made to it by a real workshop that tunes forks. 2019 model has WP Xplor suspension and the difference felt like night and day. I mean that I personally like the new one better, but it's my opinion. And yes 2010 model has 25mm more travel but in my case it doesn't matter at all. 2019 model is still much more offroad capable than my skills are so it doesn't make any difference for me. I'm not any hard enduro rider.
Ps. I traded that 2010 model almost 3 years ago, so it's long gone. Stay safe!
Love the analogous direction you took this video in. Not just another riding vlog or a review but rather a life perspective. One that conpletely speaks to my own state of mind and opinion on working the daily grind behind the wall of a prison built to support the dreams of someone else. So yeah, when Im not trading the bulk of my life away to make someone else wealthy I want to think about nothing and just live in the moment. No distractions from other people. No conjested roads. No complications.
Just last summer I purchased a Royal Enfield Himalayan. It was a 2022 still in the crate. I'll be 59 this year and had been away from riding for almost 12 years. This is absolutely the most fun bike I've ever owned.
Your story will most likely help a lot of folks. Thank you for having a great channel.
Im so happy for you that you've found this method of release! Despite some bumps, bruises, and perhaps a broken bone or two, it'll make you a happier (and thus healthier) person.
I love this video and I think it is perfect for this channel. You have been driving for answers and now you have at least “some” answers.
Your words are very true and remind me a lot of what I’ve been going through for many years now. I still don’t have a bike…
I know exactly what you are talking about and have healed my soul myself riding motorcycles at high speed on twisty roads for many years. The feeling of truly disconnecting from everything but the road and the motorcycle is hard to beat. Maybe I need switching to an Off-Road bike before I really go off the road with my Aprillia Tuono :)
Thanks for a great video. I sent it to my kid who is in college now and I think having the same thoughts about what work life will be like. When generalized your ideas are about finding fun in life even though we have to work to feed and house ourselves. Thanks.
Your most educational video by far.
Hard earned wisdom is much harder to teach than objective knowledge.
I find it kinda funny how similar our choices have been. Only I got into bikes because I had no room for a car and a friend of mine bought one so it seemed like a fun alternative. I originally found this channel through your MR2 content so when my sister moved out and took her car with her I took my chance and bought a MR2 as well (after first looking at a Lotus Europa and A310 Alpine which both sold before I could get to them). Around the same time I got my car you started making motorcycle content and suddenly both things I loved were in the same place. I now own 3 bikes and my MR2 and while I don't have a dual sport due to the lack of dual sport worthy roads around here I do have a Duke 390 with adventure tires for the occasion offroad adventure. Aside from that I have 2 RC390s, 1 for the road and 1 for the track and honestly I love these bikes, they're fast but not ridiculous to the point you can't use the power on the street.
Great video as always, maybe one day we'll get a chance to ride together either on our bikes or in our MR2s
this man gets more and more real with every video
Oh wow, perhaps the most "relatable" video I've ever seen. I love your mechanics videos, but this one....I felt I could relate to it 100%. Thanks for sharing this "adventure part of you" I've had this "itch" for so long as well! Wish you all the best in your new adventures!
I fell into the 'bike means of escape' thing at the age of 14, I'm 77 now, its middle of the winter in Canada and I can't wait to get back on the bike. Some call it a sickness but it really is the opposite. Really enjoyed this vid and I enjoy all your amazing and informative vids
Wow! I knew I subbed to your channel for a good reason; your excellent explanations of stuff I didn't know I needed to know. I have ridden motorcycles my entire adult life and know exactly the sentiment you descrided of finding mindfulness and adventure. But I never once wanted to ride off road - I do now!!!
Diet version of this is mountaim biking. less range, less cost but more physcial effort. Much more effective in europe, since bicycle infrustructure.
Supposedly theres bicycle racks for bikes. maybe you could do both lol. Drive to an MTB trail on motor bike, hit the trails with the mtb.
you're previous bike video already convinced me, this video added more icing to the cake! your channel's awesome!
Mototherapy, friend. Though my dad never used the term, he knew the secrets of two wheeled freedom.and passed it on to all of his sons. We put it into practice each a little differently than the next, but it's a haven for each of us.
Oh, I finally realize you are living in Spain (map at 10:24) ...nice, not far from Belgium 🙂 If I'm welcome, I would like to visit you (an excuse to explore the beautiful inland of Spain, like the Gorafe desert)
My story; my parents died very early and I had little family so when I was 20 I got an old Honda XL500s and started riding. I ended up in South Africa after 1 year without too many worries.
Nowadays, some 40 odd years later, I got an Husqvarna 701 and I barely use it and worry all the time about the accessories 😞
Anyway, thank you for all your great video's and also this little gem! Take care!
I'm biking the Ha Giang loop in Vietnam this summer. Not sure if you ever plan to visit southeast Asia but it looks right up your alley.
Recently bought my third bike, and this video is very relatable as someone about to begin university. Would absolutley love more motorbike content!
Not only is the video relatable, it's deeply touching and resonates with me very well. I'm in a similar situation you were once in, a student with a great love and passion for cars, bikes and motorsport, who's sort of afraid of what's to come in the future. I want to be able to tinker on cars, I want to be able to drive them, I want to be able to experience that freedom you were talking about, but I'm unsure of it all, how to pull it off and if it'll ever come true. I'm so glad I found this channel a couple of years ago because I've learned so much and it's helped me in making that decision and reassured that this is what I want to do in life, it's seriously one of the best automotive related channels out there. Your production quality rivals that of Fortnine. To a million more subscribers!
P.S. Ja sam iz Hrvatske i vrlo mi je drago vidjeti i čuti da jedan tako influentan i kvalitetan kanal dolazi sa ovih naših prostora, pozdrav!
Loved it! D4A! For me a similar revelation started with a small suit case, two pair of underwear and a box of my favorite breakfast cereal in it. Do one of these a year- let your hair hang down! I hope now being a moderately successful You Tuber is always a "passion project" for you. You brought us nimnuls a huge volume of knowledge in depth on our collective favorite toys. Don't ever quit that, but maybe follow a friend doing a full up race bike remake would be fun, with your asides about why some technologies are more or less successful than others. And your persistence and quality got you to that magic number- congrats on that, D4A- now you wish to double down, but see a cleaner path and a better product; I think you have the right idea, I vote for the "passion project" every time.
I love that you saw your life mapped out at 10 yrs old! I've seen in other videos, you have a clear understanding of the mistakes other people are making, as if you've already been through it. I like this built-in wisdom! If you don't already, you should teach youngsters. You'd probably never be asked back, having dissed school in such a way, but you'd leave a fantastic impression in the free-thinkers in front of you!
What a timely video my wife and I just realized at 24 and 26 that we both wanted to ride dirt bikes as kids but out parents wouldn't let us and now we both work good jobs so we're gonna clear some of our land for a track so we can enjoy it for a bit and then out kids can
you inspired me as i bought a used crf250L in early 2023 after watching your video on the 300 purchace... as they say "its like hiking but faster" or possibly dirt surfing... i live in arizona high desert so many great places to ride out here... really liked your explaination about running away. thats exactly why i bought my dualsport to get out of town and away from people. good for the introvert mind
What an awesome video. You hit the proverbial nail on the head. I'm 76 and have three of them in my garage. One's an adventure bike, one's a dual sport and one's a little trail bike. All are tickets to freedom.
Great vid! Also dead-on with the old car/motorcycle conclusions. At some points it could've been me doing the talking (this includes the part of shouting at a dog that is giving chase...)
Oh, and your car turned out amazing!
Great stuff right here. I finally added the motorcycle category to my driving license last year, learned and took the test on a Honda NX 400 "Falcon" and I'm still waiting for the monetary moment to jump ok my first bike. Seeing these kind of videos are making me realize that this is what I am missing here in the scheme of life, after being a total people pleaser for as long as I can remember. As far as what kind of bike... Here in Argentina bikes are mind bending expensive and things are about to blow up economically so my guess is that I will get myself a brand new Suzuki AX 100 (yes, you still can get a 2 stroke new bike here, at least until 2026) which for what it costs (around u$s 1300) is the closest thing to a real bike that you can get new. But I'm pretty sure that my second bike will be one of those. Cheers!
Thank you for this! 💯 agree, been riding for 20+ years, love every minute.
As I already said, watching your videos, I never had anyone around who drives a motorcycle. I bought a motorcycle in my thirties and I couldn't have done anything better for myself. When I sit on a motorcycle and go out into nature, it's a feeling that can't be described. It's simply amazing.Thank you one more time for encourage me with your life story.Even my wife was ok with it.
Best regards from Emir.
Dje Civic?
I love the passage saying "(the bike is) a vessel of occasional escapes into freedom and adventure." is very true.
I'll be using it as a quote from now on if you don't mind.
I don't have an adventure bike (yet ?) but already my bikes are such vessels.
Very good choice IMO for the Honda CRF 300, that is the kind of adventure bike I'd most likely go to.
Keep up the good work, your videos are very good and instructive !
Really enjoyed your video as it made me more clearly understand some of the choices I've made in my life and maybe hopefully see more clearly into the future. I chose mostly the freedom/broke route from a young age, had a dad who would occasionally bail me out. Had dirt bikes starting around age 12 then many street and dirt bikes. Did all the maintenance myself. Started traveling on bikes out of high school. Had new and used bikes and most were very reliable and needed very little work. Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasakis, Yamahas. Only bike i ever had that needed constant attention was a highly modified XR 600 i bought from an older guy who had put thousands into the engine and suspension. Very fast bike but it was a
FixOrRepairDaily.
Grew up on bicycles but first real bike i had was a 90cc Suzuki enduro that i rode and raced mostly on dirt but quite a bit of clandestine street riding as i was too young to have a license.
2nd bike was a Kaw 350 Bighorn rotary valve 2 stroke. Very fast fun bike that would power slide and wheelie predictably.
Many valuable skills learned on those two bikes that would serve me well later riding bigger bikes, especially street bikes. Age 70 now still seeking freedom, still riding but very concious of the value of time and so i found your video very thought provoking.
Wow!!! Loved this!
Never knew you were both a great engineer, and an astute philosopher!
thanx dude. I am thinking for several yeras to go for ofroad bikes. All he reasons why i wanted to do so, u just told me u got them.
I have to move to Sweden first and as soon as i get settled i will buy my first bike.
Have fun and keep posting.
All your content is great infact, its your ability to communicate what most men can either relate to or want to know or need that makes for compelling listening,the visual aspect is a bonus and well done.
This video is spot on as to the feeling you get with dual sports. About 5 months ago i bought my first bike, a 1993 yamaha XT225 with 10,000km. Was cheap, and doesn't need too much tinkering. And i often do the exact same thing of looking at google maps in satellite mode to find cool spots to explore. Not much can compare to a good dual sport.
you reminded me of my chilhood. I turned out to be a biker afterwards. but work kept me away from my bike for last 2 years. Can't wait to go back to my bike and feel the wind again.
Man when you said you bought a crappy semi functional car. I thought you were gonna show an old beat up camry I did NOT expect that beautiful machine. I'm 18 and with a crapy job I bought an even crappier car a Geo Metro that did barely run, and couldn't afford any repairs, stil grateful though, I used it to take my dog to the beach, take my bike to a "trail" near my town (I live in Mexico there's no bike parks) and well, it brought me some joy. Tough now I'm in another city in a crappy 65 ft^2 and living the life, studying, enduring public transport and I can't afford activities that I enjoy. 👍👍
This video touched me as I felt the exact same way as a child. Thanks for sharing your experience. As for riding, I have an enduro as well and realized that the reason your mind can take a break from the world and only focus on riding is because it has to. If not, you crash!!
Great video. You're a man after my own heart (disambiguation; I'm married with four sons who all ride motorbikes and are about your age), but just love your style and content. You've nailed it. Cheers
Dude!! I loved this video :)
I will not ride a motorcycle myself, but I carry this spirit with me. My time feeling trapped was in my 20s for a while at university. Now 15-20 years later, just keeping up with reality is like riding a drifting spaceship. Can’t say that I feel fully free, but it is definitely not a cage either.
Sigh.... makes me miss my old Yamaha XT-350 from the late 80's. When I wasn't on it I was always wondering what was just beyond the edge of the road/past the trees/along that river, etc. With it, I just turned off and went there! So much fun. Thanks for the great video.