10 Questions to Ask Potential Riders

#motovlog #motorcycles #motorcyclesafety
When your spouse, partner, or child wants to get a motorcycle it can raise concerns about safety. And there are a lot of unfounded myths and prejudices in play that make a potential rider in the family a scary thought. So after some consideration I came up with 10 questions I would consider if someone I knew told me they wanted to get a motorcycle or scooter.
These questions point towards a potential rider's temperament and might help alleviate concerns about them on the road, or make it clear they have no business riding. And as always, these are my opinions based on my experience and understanding of scooter, motorcycles, and managing risk while riding.
We each end up having to make our own decisions about risk, safety, and whether we decide to ride. But it never hurts to take an honest look in the mirror...
Let me know if you think these questions would help a spouse or partner with decisions about whether to open their life to a motorcycle. And perhaps you have questions you might add or ones of mine you would eliminate.

[@jackhorsley3912]

I’m a simple guy, I see a scooter in the sticks video and i click play, Another great video Mr Williams, I’m 25 and really appreciate the wisdom and thoughts you’re so freely sharing with us all, I have taken my safety course 3 years ago but my housing situation hasn’t really allowed me to get that scooter I’ve been so desperately wanting, I’ve done the research, done the saving up, I’m hoping by next summer I’ll be on two wheels rolling through the countryside, until then I shall wait patiently and enjoy your videos

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope your plans to add a scooter to your life next year comes to fruition. Slow and steady marks the lessons I've learned with my Vespa scooters. And thank you for the kind words about the things I share here. I appreciate them.

[@neilpatterson7722]

I very much admire your soft spoken wisdom. I live in a rural Northumberland in North East England and here the rural roads are often the most dangerous. Threats such as wild animals and slow moving (and wide) agricultural vehicles are always around that next tight bend! Stay safe everyone!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Our rural roads are lightly traveled but also have hazards -- Amish horse and buggies, deer, manure on the road, and SUVs and pickup trucks sometimes barreling along at break neck speeds. So a rider has to factor all of that into an approach that's slow, steady, and keenly aware of what lies ahead. As you say, who knows what's around the next bend.

[@vesparama]

Wow! They are perfect questions to ask.I'm considering getting a scooter and just last night told my partner I might be doing it. She went a little quiteI and said "it can be pretty dangerous". I didn't even consider her feelings about it until I watched this video... I then began to ask MYSELF those questions. Some of them are quite confronting and they're making me think very hard about the reality of riding versus the romantic notion of it. Death or being paralysed form a motorbike accident are always at the forefront of my thoughts. On another video you make great points about choosing the hours to ride and locations. That all brings things into a more balanced way of looking at things. Thanks very much. Your insights are invaluable.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've met men who purchased a motorcycle without any discussion with their partner or wife. All financial aspects aside, it seemed a rather insensitive and selfish act. But our relationships are all different I suppose.... Riding can be dangerous. There is inherent risk and there is additional risk we add to the equation by our behavior. I made the video to address some of that stuff. The statistical reality is that in the United States 72 of every 100 thousand motorcycle riders will experience a crash. That's 0.07 percent of riders. Add to that the effects of no helmets, alcohol, lack of training, and you can see how even further you can reduce risk. For me, I want to remain aware of risk on the road while I ride through effective riding strategies and skills. And I don't add to the risk by engaging in risky behaviors. I'm comfortable riding but not everyone will be. Those old adages of "It's not a matter of if you will crash but when you'll crash" remain in the minds of many even though statistically they are patently false. Just like the idea that loud pipes save lives. You'll need to figure out what works for you and your partner. Go slow in the decision making process. Make sure you both are comfortable before forging ahead. My three cents!

[@ranplan]

I’m glad I waited til I was 40. I would have done non-smart things in my early 30s. I would have been totally crazy in my 20s. Now that I’ve been riding for a year, other friends say “ya I should probably start riding.” But some definitely need to watch this video and own up to the fact that they aren’t really cut out for riding (alcohol, bad temper, road rage, speed freaks, have to ride with others, want to buy too big of bike on day 1, etc etc etc. Another great video sir. And that person going down the one way street the wrong way, there are so many people like that that keep us on our toes. 🙌🏼

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the nice words about the video. I always hope someone will find some little piece that's useful. I probably would have been ok as a young rider. I was never reckless as a driver so I think I probably would have been the slow rider I am now. But who knows. You're right about lots of people on the road keeping us on our toes. I see a lot of strange things on the road.

[@Imightberiding]

Recent subscriber, Excellent video, I have ridden motorcycles since I was 9 years old. 'I'm now 60 yrs old & have sold my motorcycles but ride a Vespa GTS 300 Super now. I appreciate your videos & common sense applied to them with your experience & wisdom. Cheers! Thanks for your uploads & solid advice for those who may not have any experience. Cheers, Graeme

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them. The entire Vespa GTS line from 2006 through today provides an outstanding alternative to a bigger, heavier motorcycle. Especially for those willing to set aside any identity issues with becoming a scooter rider! Have fun on your GTS 300 Super!

[@secretariat-13]

Words of wisdom from an experienced soft spoken rider, thanks Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words. I’m always glad to discuss riding scooters and motorcycles.

[@tanja5867]

All excellent points. By the way, that must have been a beautiful ride-nothing like that after the rain freshness. My first motorbike was small and used. If I did it over I think I would have started on something even smaller! Riding is an investment. (Bike, maintenance, proper gear) If someone isn’t willing to invest in all that maybe it’s not for them.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It had rained on and off all day dashing my original plans to shoot a few responses on each of my scooters as well as the Himalayan. When it finally did clear it was one of those times where the light was dazzling. While riding may not be an investment with a financial return it has other values. And like you say, if you want to stay safe and manage risk it will involve expense beyond the purchase price of the machine.

[@ricksanchez2983]

As a brand spanking new Vespa rider with the motorcycle license endorsement and less than 8 weeks riding under my belt, I evaluated myself against the points you posed , and fortunately I answered most of them favorably. 2 of the 3 points I failed on are well within my control and have been applied properly each time I ride so far. I hope not to violate those principals for my own safety as well as for the safety of others. The 3rd point obviously is my lack of skill and experience so I've been intentionally using a very very slow learning curve. And I'm good with that. All in all it's been a thrill. I've even been riding with my Harley Sportster son. Frustrated him early on as he egged me on to pick up the pace. But of course I stuck by my guns. Fortunately he's since been good with my steady progress. Each day of safe riding gets me another day to ride on!

[@NoFrictionZone]

I got my license on my Vespa GTS, parking lot practice pays off. I'm 57 and just started riding for 3+ years, just moved up to a Piaggio BV 400. Congrats on the Vespa they are a lot of fun! 🤙

[@ricksanchez2983]

@@NoFrictionZone Thank you! And carry on .

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I still practice in parking lots though not as much as I used to. Now it's mostly slow speed maneuvers with the motorcycle.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It sounds as if you're well on your way toward honing your riding skills. Being able to resist being pressured to ride faster than you feel comfortable with is a big win for you. Stick to your guns and ride your ride.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Excellent points all, Steve. Thanks for reminding me of the clues I'll need to listen to to get my bike riding temperament back in check.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m always taking time to assess what I’m doing while riding. Especially my temperament.

[@NoFrictionZone]

Great video as usual.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks again!

[@josephkent3238]

Helpful video

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you think so!

[@JKL246]

Great thoughts and approach. When it was clear that my son was going to get a motorcycle, with or without my financial support or approval, I realized that any concerns I had about his suitability to ride and the risk of riding were no longer means to control his access to motorcycles. Fortunately, I was able to have some positive influence on him, with respect to driving, and on some basic perspectives about riding. I wasn’t too worried about his suitability. He spent quite a bit of time riding along with me growing up, which may have helped. I was also able to support him in providing the BRC, good gear, and good bikes; but I worry about whether he takes to heart any of the things I try to teach him about riding; mostly indirectly via KZbin videos because I just don’t fit into his schedule. It’s frustrating knowing that there is so much that he doesn’t know that he doesn’t know (and I know there’s much more for me to learn); but I’ve at least been able to positively influence the parts of riding that I could for him. It’s not ideal, but we have to manage these kinds of situations the best we can, and your questions are an excellent start for anyone entering into the situation. Thanks for putting together a thoughtful package. Hopefully, having heard these questions from listeners here will give those who take the BRC that extra bit of repetition to understand that these issues are important. But, at the end of the day, people are going to think and do what they want. The best we can do is to continue to find ways to communicate these points to them.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My youngest daughter has a motorcycle license and took the BRC. She rides a Yamaha Vino scooter and I watched her development closely and felt she was well suited to ride. But others in our extended family weren't keen on the situation with the usual fears that people have about riding. Sounds like you've given your son what you can and now you have to step back as he rides. As long as he remains open he can develop into a great rider. KZbin has some good resources. But it also has some rather unsettling examples of riding that seem geared to attract people. High speed road racing for example. Hopefully he sees the folly in that. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences on the subject. I appreciate your insights.

[@sscbkr48]

My mother made no bones about it.. when I was 16 a friend offered to sell me a 500 Matchless. Being a MC family they coached me on how to tilt the argument in my favor. I hadn't even made my case before she said NO MCs! NO leather jackets and NO jeans! Within the year I had won her over. I bought a 80cc 2 stroke Suzuki! popity pop pop.. Hooray! I was a biker.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're fortunate you won your mother over. Mine was steadfast in her thoughts on motorcycles. And my father was as well. It didn't help that our neighbor was continually crashing his motorcycle.

[@kz1000st1]

When the question came up with my late wife I didn't have to ask. She was as good or better a driver than me, could handle her five speed manual transmission car while talking and stayed within her bounds in foul weather. After three weeks on a scooter she jumped on a Honda Rebel and was excellent at it. There are some people who should stay as far away from a bike as possible and some who were born to do it. Knowing how to recognize them and offer advice should be done with sense of who they are.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree that knowing a person sure helps gauge the sort of advice offered. I usually don't offer advice unless it is specifically requested. Unless it is, it's usually just ignored.

[@kz1000st1]

@@ScooterintheSticks I have a friend who rode and luckily lived. He used to crash out of dirt bike races due to bad decisions and switched to road riding. After an accident and numerous scares he stopped. To this day he says. "If I hadn't I would be dead." We all agreed.

[@twloughlin]

It is always - ALWAYS - a good thing to be reminded of all these factors. The only one I fall down on is life insurance - too old! My term policy had an age limit that I passed, and now I don't feel especially sanguine about whole life. Another few years and no one will insure me for any type of policy. Do I get a pass, Mr. Williams? 😆

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Only you can give yourself a pass. Insurance is more often for the young when there's a family involved and they need to cover their income should it disappear. I still have one ten year term that will expire sometime soon and from there on out I'm self insured.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Very interesting. I don't having anyone besides my mom and she expressed her request for a small scooter several times. But I am always ignoring her. She has terrible vision, terrible sense of the traffic and bad decision making. She sulks after I tell her this. My brother is a rider two. He is riding the big bmw boxers and is very aggressive on the road .. Always speeding, constantly doing something he shouldn't be doing. He end up several times in the hospital with minor injurious. The curious thing is that he is the one that is bashing me that I am slow and too cautious rider .. And he says is like I am embarrassment to the motorcycle community, like I am suppose to ride his way. He is riding before me but if I had a choice with your 10 question, he will fail on at least half of them. I have similar experience with a new rider that we become friends when he was starting with the bikes. I was riding sport-tourer back then but very fast bike.. Honda CBR600F2 and he was with GPz 500 with half the hp .. One day we were going trough the city and he was very aggressive in the traffic and end up beating me to the destination with minute or so and I will never forget what he said that day .. The same as my brother - That I am too conscious and slow .. And that was coming from a few months rider.. After few more months he end up few days in the hospital and that was for him with the motorcycles, he stopped riding. And he we are 20 years later, 100k km on bicycle and 100k km on motorcycles from me. Sorry for the long post.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm comfortable being an embarrassment to the motorcycle community. I'll ride as I see fit. What others do or expect... oh well. You mother sounds like a few people I've run across. Though they are on the road. And they shouldn't be. I don't want to stop riding so I am careful and deliberate while riding. And because I still stop a lot to shoot pictures for my blog, the people I ride with either have to wait or go on without me. I'm more comfortable if they go on without me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I appreciate reading them.

[@richicago20]

Steve, should I pick up a Honda NCX750 dct to join my Vespa 150? i was gonna do the Rebel 1100 DCT but the pegs forward were less comfy than the 750

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I can't really comment on the NCX750. I've seen them but don't know much about them. A test ride would be in order at the very least. And I'm sure there are reviews on KZbin.

[@markgallistel9456]

Pardon, but at frame 16:17, isn't that a tad far over to yield to anyone in a normal passing situation?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Good question. Will the double yellow line I knew it would take a lot to get someone to pass me. So I pulled way over and slowed down as if I were going to stop. As the truck passed I just moved back onto the road. It's a pretty common thing I do, especially when I'm on a nimble and don't want to worry about someone behind me.

[@markgallistel9456]

@@ScooterintheSticks True, it is harder to see the slowing down on the film; my eyes just went to the lack of a reasonably safe siding on that particular road, like the ones in north central Wisconsin, fun to ride with a lot of throttle action to curb speed.

[@joeh773]

Well, there's plenty in this video to NOT ever share your KZbin channel with my wife. Phew!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're funny. Don't you know that a good marriage is based on honesty!! *GRIN* I hope your wife doesn't see it. If she starts to watch yell "Look outside. It's the Goodyear Blimp!"

[@honeybisht3763]

Any oldest Scooter , video 1980s time

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not sure what you're trying to say.