3 Common New Motorcycle Rider Mistakes

This week on MCrider we will look at 3 common new motorcycle rider mistakes. Anyone who has coached new riders on a motorcycle have seen them make these same mistakes but with a little training and practice they can be overcome. This week we will look at 3 of the most common mistakes that new riders make and provide tips on how to overcome them.
#motorcycle #motorcycles #mcrider
Do you like MCrider and want to get more training, get involved, and help MCrider grow?
**BECOME A MEMBER** GET INSTANT ACCESS TO THE FORUMS AND FIELD GUIDE
www.MCrider.com/support
SUBSCRIBE
www.MCrider.com/subscribe
WATCH EVERY MCRIDER VIDEO EVER RELEASED
www.MCrider.com/watch
SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY MCRIDER NEWSLETTER
www.MCrider.com/email
MCRIDER MERCHANDISE
t-shirts: www.teespring.com/stores/mcrider
Hats: www.MCrider.com/hat
MCrider Reflective Decals: www.MCrider.com/decal
LET CONNECT
/ mcriderskills
/ mcriderskills
LEARN MORE about Kevin and MCrider, hear my story and how this thing called MCrider started
www.MCrider.com/eye
SHOP ONLINE with these links and a portion of the sale will support MCrider
www.MCrider.com/amazon
www.MCrider.com/revzilla
I will see you on the road,
Kevin at MCrider
----------------
MCrider Decals produced by www.stickercutting.com/
Order custom decals for your business or organization

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider and trying to figure this out...consider becoming a member of MCrider. www.MCrider.com/Member You will get access to the Forums and the Field Guide. The Forums will give you a platform to ask questions and get feedback. Some riders even post videos to the forums and get direct feedback as they are learning to ride. There are several professional rider coaches and other very experienced riders that give direct feedback and advice for riders of all skill levels. The Field Guide is a part of the forums but in a different category of the forums. It has diagrammed exercises that you can load onto your phone to practice the skills that will make you a better rider. There is a diagram of the exercise, coaching tips, common problems and a video demonstrating the exercise. If you want to become a better rider I don't know of a better tool than an MCrider Membership to help you on your journey. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@MrMichaelx3arts]

Do video on how take care of your motorcycle and how you wash it and detail it and take care of the chain or belts

[@wobblysauce]

A lot of people doing U-turns don't even use full-lock.

[@glenhead2364]

Hi all, I am 81 today, still riding strong after 50+ years on 2 wheels...your videos keep me sharp..thanks again for all your work.

[@chrisstiff4734]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@pconrz]

Happy Birthday , go out for a rip .

[@submissions72]

Happy Birthday brother! Wishing you another 81 more years.

[@alanrandall49]

Hi Glen, thanks for your comment which I found personally very encouraging, especially after accidentally dropping my bike yesterday, as mentioned earlier in this series of comments, so I will try to put that behind me and continue to improve my riding skills, maybe I can acquire 25% of your experience over the next 10 years if I'm lucky! 👍😎

[@Robocoppat]

Happy Birthday Sir.

[@robertnavigato2069]

I hadn’t ridden in 20 years but at age 77 I found a beautiful Electra Glide for sale and decided to buy it and resume riding only to find out I had completely lost my confidence . These videos are helping especially your explanation of the friction zone and proper use of head and eyes. I’m still not where I want to be but better.

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Also try "Motorman " Jerry Palladino who also has an amazing number of videos that you will find useful,as you have chosen a large cruiser. You will be amazed at the improvement.

[@robertnavigato2069]

My last two before this one we’re both Electra Glides. I was a confident rider but not now. I thought I could just get back on and found out I have to work on getting that confidence back again.

[@gordonbobby1]

Take a riding course if possible. I plan on doing so myself here in about a month. I’ve never taken one and although I already have my license and been riding for quite a bit I feel I can improve a lot and it looks fun as well.

[@stevefrost238]

As a motorcycle rider I would just like to share something that I learned several years ago in a better driving class. And you pass a vehicle watch the front tire because the tire will move in the direction to car it's going several seconds before the car actually moves in that direction. This tip has helped me several times to avoid an accident or mishap. Hope this old screw for anyone reading in the future.

[@judgedredd49]

Corect Steve looking at tyres is a good guide as to what the driver may want to or maybe actually doing. Many people are trained that whist approaching a car at an intersection, one that might drive outron one and the advice is to look at the driver and try to make eye contact. That means that whilst we are looking to make eye to eye contact the wheels of his car are now turning but before they were stopped. So forget looking at the driver, if he or she is looking elsewhere slow ,take an avoiding route and perhaps sound your horn to bring them back to you. Its no good looking at their eyes as they may appear to be making contact with you but in fact their mind may be on something else so never ever assume that they have seen you. Sometimes if apparently being looked at by a driver I raise my left hand to acknowledge their attention, they sometimes acknowledge this and they nod or also raise their hand. Even so I have already taken evasive actions as described above.. Better being safe than sorry.

[@jcwar6753]

@@judgedredd49 It all depends on the situation and how much time there is. You should have priorities like a check system. #1 should always be looking ahead in the direction you're moving. If a car is beside you the front wheel is definitely on the checklist. I'll make eye contact if I can but it's lower. The situation will dictate how many tasks you can perform. Also, something that you don't have to look directly at to discern how it's angled. You can keep you eyes ahead. It's a nice vet move in town as well.

[@K9RickRet]

Never too old or too experienced to learn! 👍

[@MCrider]

That's right

[@darmah1959]

One of the most common questions I get is "what is the best cell phone holder". My response is always your pocket. This normally gets a pretty strong response that this is not an issue, blah blah. If using a phone in the car is dangerous, it has to be catastrophic on a bike, yet it seems many people just cannot live without them 24/7. Personally one of the things I like about riding is a little solitude and private time. Wonder how many accidents are caused by cell phone use by the rider. Might be worth looking into a doing a video on.

[@tg7469]

I'm with you Paul. There is a time and place for everything. Keep unnecessary distraction(s) to a minimum while riding your motorcycle.

[@darmah1959]

@@tg7469 I have a late model Garmin on my Triumph Trophy and still think it is the most dangerous thing I have ever done. Keep up the good work, I have been riding for many years all over the world, RHD, LHD, crazy traffic, mountains, etc and your topics and advice are on point and I have sent links to many people. The "I have to buy a large new bike as my first" syndrome is one that is also very common, and just a bad idea. In my home country they limit new riders to 250cc for three years, it has to help. The only sticker I have on my bike is a bright yellow ATGATT one, but would be proud to put one of yours on as well.

[@sbollinger37]

Agree 100%...every one seems to want to be a video “blogger”, talk hand movements all over , when they’re doing 60 mph down the road . I don’t understand this .

[@hds66nl29]

@@darmah1959 Whenever I use a navigation on my motor, I use Google maps on my phone, phone in my pocket and one earplug in my ear. Works like a charm, it is accurate enough in the city that when she says, turn left and you turn left you are in the right street. And ofcourse no display to distract you!!

[@joemann7971]

I have a phone holder but it's basically just for charging my phone. I also use it for google maps. If it starts to become a distraction, I turn off the screen. I guess it just depends on how disciplined you are. It was definitely a mistake to get it when I first started riding though. Now, it's just there. I forget it's there 99.9% of the time.

[@paulhornstra2827]

Hi Kevin I’ve been riding for many years and I’m currently teaching my wife to ride so we can doing heaps of adventure rides all around Australia, your teaching has been so helpful to me in teaching her how to ride, we are 2 months into her riding and at 48 she’s killing it, thanks so much

[@ealmeida6703]

I’m new rider also, we have a great instructor and very goo videos I just fallowing everything he said. Thank you Kevin for everything you do to help all new rider like us.

[@MCrider]

That is awesome Paul! Best of luck to your wife on here 2 wheel journey. Not trying to sell you, but consider becoming a member and getting access to the forums and the field guide. There will be a lot there to help you and your wife as you are teaching her to ride. www.MCrider.com/member

[@alissarobertson8840]

I been riding 50 years and I still watch you and other motorcycle instructors you never know it all. The only formal instruction I had was at a police motor office school I went to the mid 80s for my PD. It was only a 40 hrs class and we spent more time on proper traffic stops on a motorcycle than riding.

[@raymondauguste2755]

I've been riding for over 3 years now and those newbie tutorials are always refreshing. Thanks much Kevin.

[@MCrider]

Great to hear!

[@6582rg]

The basics never get old Kevin. Thanks for the video.

[@MCrider]

You bet

[@larrym7711]

When all else fails , go back to the basics .

[@davidwillbanks7831]

Kevin. We are in the same area in Texas and weekend classes are pretty full. Your video today finally got me to become a member. It’s a parking lot all day tomorrow with the field guide. Let’s hope I don’t embarrass myself too much

[@MCrider]

Thanks David, I saw your membership just a little while ago. Thank you!

[@mpfeldma]

Kevin, thanks so much for all your advice. I am a returning rider. I "gave up" motorcycling 7 years ago after 10 years of riding. I've taken a lot of your advice, including not starting out on a bike that's too advanced for my skills. At 38, my budget is much higher now than it was in my 20s, although I had a much bigger bike then. I chose a very small bike to ride while I return. I like it so much, I may not trade it for years. My motorcycle skills are average-intermediate. I don't worry about u-turns, swerving, throttle control, and things like that. My road strategy is what needed work, and after watching hours and hours of your videos, I know it is improving daily. My driving is even improving as a result, and I've avoided a serious car accident as a result of yout videos (I slowed at a green light, looked left, and someone blew a red light).

[@davemiller1007]

All great advice/training...keep em coming!!

[@FarkyDave]

Super duper video this week, Kevin! Thanks for helping to make people safer riders!

[@RobertBardos]

good video I always find these pointers useful. thanks buddy

[@WmLatin]

Though I've been riding - on and off- for almost 50 years, I noticed that PA has again started up their (free!) BRC with Total Control and immediately signed up for my 2nd attendance at this course. Last time was in about 1998 and I enjoyed it then- expect to again. The difference is the many fine KZbin channels like MCrider that can help prepare for any further hands-on or classroom training. Thanks!

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin, great to have a refresher. God bless and stay safe.

[@tg7469]

Your tips are always on point.... for the less experience and the experience. Always learning and enjoying the journey. Stay safe everyone.

[@chrisb5086]

Yet another excellent video, Kevin. Our riding season is pretty much done on the Canadian east coast. I’m looking forward to your videos through our winter. Thank you.

[@alo111us]

Hi Kevin, New “Pandemic” rider myself and came across MC Rider as I was randomly browsing through riding tips / videos. Excited to join the group today and as new rider lots of scenarios to learn and practice but your narrative is simple and easy to follow . I was able to take the basic rider course last month and now watching learning from your videos. Great job!! ,

[@davidenglund]

Thanks Kevin! Great information! I appreciated the clear reasoning for the throttle grip and how it can help with front brake application. That was certainly a a new thought for me. Also, the idea of weight shift in the U-Turn and how it also helps vision was a new insight. I know both of these will prove valuable for me in my learning process. Did you design this episode for me? It seemed like it. As it was really helpful for my present process! LoL Blessings!

[@markadkins9290]

Outstanding! Keep up the great work!

[@donaldhubbs4399]

THANKS KEVIN...WATCHING FROM THE PHILIPPINES...RIDE A HONDA 125 cc HERE...

[@MCrider]

Welcome!

[@leadawg]

Thanks Kevin, great vedio.....still learning

[@paullazarro4295]

Great info! I'll try to put it to good use.

[@tomjamin4952]

Thanks Kevin. Another good one. My son has recently decided to start riding (again) and has been watching your channel. So glad. Keep up the great work.

[@gfunk63901]

Great video. Thanks!

[@easytrainingguides]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate this information, as a 'just starting' 67 y old I find your teaching methods are very easy to understand and extremely helpful. :)

[@johnmortison5763]

Your "point your nose" point is very important. It's amazing that if you point your nose in the direction you want to go, the bike will follow, just like magic.

[@deejayell49]

Sure it’s stuff that I’ve heard before but there’s always those nuggets that we can pick up to reinforce the process! Thanks Kevin!

[@pilotdane1]

Kevin, another awesome refresher. Been riding for over 50 years. We always used to use the phrase: "Feathering the clutch" - Same as "Friction Zone" - Although discussed before, I always watch - as there is always that 1 little "tid-bit" that you missed on the last one. Your explanations and examples are the best ! - Thank you so much.

[@djliceralde]

Hi Kev! Much love from Manila, Philippines Thank you for another great video. We take a lot of things for granted as motorcycle riders. Whether an experienced rider or just starting to ride. We get caught up in the ride or tend to rely on our perceived knowledge of riding a motorcycle and thinking that that's enough. We learn by repetition and constant practice and we get better and better as we go. I love videos like this coz it serves as a reminder to some of us who have been riding for sometime or even for a new motorcycle rider. An educated rider is a safe rider and it makes the ride more enjoyable. You sir are a gem. And im hoping to see more content of this nature from your channel. You take it easy and i hope you and your family are doing alright. Stay safe and more blessings to you.

[@juanlopez3644]

Great tips. Not every coach out there mention this ones. This are essential!

[@glenns6923]

As always Sir thank you, another great video. I apply your teaching everyday!...ALWAYS learning and practicing. Thank you and God bless.

[@gordonbobby1]

Great video. I remember when I first began riding as a teenager and used to do that very thing with the throttle. Even adjusting my brake to accommodate my bad habit. I had a good friend who quickly broke me of that though and now looking back I have no idea what I was thinking. Been riding 20+ years and feel like I learn more every day.

[@Jurica-mtb]

Thank you, Kevin. 💯👍

[@jimvicklund7546]

Hey Kevin, Always enjoy your videos, been binge watching all week to absorb all I can. My New Rider class begins Monday 19th thru Wednesday 7:30-4:30 ea day at Desert Winds Harley, Mesa, AZ. Need to start early out here, still hitting 100+ by mid afternoon. Next weeks forecast is upper 90’s. Classes are limited to ten students. Completed the MSF course last week, and passed😊. Looking forward to training. Thx for all you do. Phil. 4:13

[@lorityson8442]

This is very helpful as I have made too wide of a turn to too slow recently. Thank you Kevin.

[@lowellhunt5276]

Great video Kevin hope to see more in the future.

[@threedogracing]

Very good Kevin. I always like the reminders, even though I've ridden for more years than I want to admit these tips are appreciated.

[@MCrider]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smiley50ish]

I have been self training since march on a 125 ( All i can ride at moment ) with help from you and others on you tube got my test on 18th of november lessons on 15th but way it is going here in wales uk might be cancelled .

[@arnaldodiaz4657]

Teach thanks for the class, good lesson... Gby!

[@rogercohn]

Two comments come to mind. When training truck drivers we were always told "aim high". This is the same as not looking down but made it easier for me to visualize. The second is when I took my motorcycle license test in California a long time ago, I couldn't get through the serpentine course without dabbing my foot. The CHP rider there told me to let the clutch all the way out and use the rear brake against the throttle to control my bike and speed. That's what they used to get through the course with Harleys. It worked for me then. The friction zone which you talk about is a different approach. But using both the clutch and rear brake together seems to work. Also depends on the gearing of the bike. If you can go 60 in first gear you might not be able to go slow enough with the clutch all the way out to negotiate a u turn or serpentine course.

[@justanotherviewer52]

My skills have gone into hibernation for the season (Northern Ontario, Canada), so I am more than sure some of these will resurface in the spring. Not just for new riders. Looking down. When in pilot training in the Air Force, one of the training techniques to learn control and switch locations was to cover your head so you can't see and have someone monitor you while you are asked to touch certain controls. This can easily be translated to siting on your motorcycle (not moving) and learning the controls until they become second nature. Friction zone, head and eyes, light rear brakes and some throttle, the basics that make U-turns easy. Thanks for the video Kevin.

[@damato5287]

Throttle hand position demonstration was very helpful. Thanks Kevin!

[@ronniedleo3907]

Useful as always

[@georgekamau8594]

Kevin, everytime I watch your videos, there's always something new I learn.....you are TRULY GREAT!!!

[@MCrider]

Wow, thanks!

[@desmondjdurandt9542]

Thanx Kevin,very helpful and thoughtful of you to think of the Riders that are finding it difficult to find classes in this time of Covid,greetings from Rustenburg, South Africa.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Desmond!

[@shaneelson]

Hi Kevin. Another great tips n tricks video. I'm not sure if you've covered it but one of the things lots of us struggle with as newbies, is hill starts. Sure, many new model high capacity machines have hill hold that makes this a little easier, but for the vast majority, this is not the case. The co-ordination of brakes, clutch, throttle and body position is something that I cant recall being demonstrated as, I suppose, most car parking lots are flat. Ride safe.

[@fillasuffer]

Another great video, Kevin. For my money, yours is the best road skills/road strategy channel on the internet. Regarding throttle grip, it might be a good idea to also talk about not holding on with the "death grip". When I first started riding, I wondered why my hands felt so sore after a long day's ride. Then I read about relaxing the grip, and that problem instantly went away. New riders can sometimes have so much adrenaline coursing through their veins, they don't realize that they're squeezing too tight, holding on for dear life, when all you really need to do is just guide the bike with a relaxed grip. Anyway, those are my 2¢. Thanks again for a great channel. I've learned a lot from you.

[@AmerSheikh]

Great tips Kevin...Been riding for years but sometimes corners get me scared and my body becomes stiff. It's just for few seconds but it's enough to scare the S... out of me.

[@scottg4669]

I tell students keep your head and eyes up. The only reason to look down is to find a soft spot to land because if you keep looking down better chances are you will go down.

[@huubhuijs2958]

Thanks again!

[@leonardlipton9874]

Another excellent episode, even for experienced riders

[@toastnotoflondon8500]

This is great information for a newbie like me. Thanks 👍

[@MCrider]

Glad it was helpful!

[@olliechristopher467]

Thank you Kevin. Ad yes I'm one with a lot of experience who did a very embarrassing move some months back. I was making a U turn from a stop in front of the CHP yard and and looked to the right where the officer was going into the yard. I darn near blew the whole U turn and just missed hitting the curb. Thank you for these reminders that we need to keep sharp and not change good habits into bad ones. Another trick (that you might have mentioned before )is covering the front brake and clutch at all times with 1 or 2 fingers. I do it just because of my dirt bike experience. I find myself doing it almost all the time even open highway.

[@jamesmegill]

I make up my own exercises in parking lots. I seach for things that feel hard and make me uncomfortable, and practice those things. When I first started, I never thought I could do figure eights in four spaces. But. I'm progressing. The low speed exercises have helped my street riding tremendously. More confident, and more enjoyable riding.

[@desmondcantwell480]

I have been riding 30 years now on 3 continents North America, Europe, and Asia and still find myself watching videos and taking classes to get better or relearn what I have forgotten. NO matter how good you think you are as a rider there will be tons that you do not know or do. I would love to see more people that do not even ride start to take at least an intro course so that they understand how dangerous they are to riders.

[@MrClarkda3]

Awesome video watch your content everyday

[@MCrider]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@willmcgregor7184]

Good tips Vision is the most important skill @ various speeds. Little is learned just riding. Most useful skills are developed in an empty P lot doing drills that transfer to street.

[@seniorrider9337]

Thanks for the good information Kevin. We never get too much knowledge. I feel an overlooked topic by most are the ergonomics of the motorcycle you buy. Manufacturers make machines to a set of plans. This turns out a bike that is designed to "fit" the average of the people buying bikes. Evey bike I have owned needed adjusting to get it "right" for me. So little time in training is spent on this. I expect one would get this type of training in advanced classes which I haven't taken any of yet. The only video I have found on it is by Dave Moss and his video is excellent. Maybe this is something you could do a video on. Thanks again Kevin. On braking with a wrist out of alignment, if your wrist is rolled over the grip in the direction of the front brake, where is the weight you shift to the handle bar going when you emergency brake? Your wrist must be in line with your arm when the throttle is rolled off, otherwise as you apply braking, your weight is going to roll your wrist further and probably cause you to release brake pressure. Tom

[@joerobles7051]

Kevin.......two (02) things: hope your surgery went well. And thank you for the throttle explanation. I am not a "new" rider. I am a returning rider after a thirty three (33) year hiatus. And I found myself gunning the engine as I was trying to apply the front brake. Now.......Now I know why. Thank you.

[@brandypender9788]

This may be silly, but knowing how to drive a manual transmission helped me understand the technique of riding a motorcycle a little better, especially slow maneuvers and friction zone. Thanks for everything Kevin! Ride safe everyone.

[@stanc8910]

I was out riding a new bike today and kept revving the throttle when grabbing the front brake. I have been riding for years but a new handlebar position must have changed my grip. Thanks for explaining why it's happening. I'll be paying attention to that grip tomorrow.

[@bobburt9410]

Thanks Kevin. Great vid. I have a new bike sitting in the garage but no license til after my training course next w.e. Chompin at the bit.

[@MCrider]

Glad you were able to find a class.

[@markhc4581]

Great riding techniques Mr. Morris. Keep 'em coming.🇺🇸 Always keep the rubber side down.

[@petrocksgarage]

Great video. Just found your channel. Pretty good info, even for a seasoned rider. Re wrist position vs throttle grip: I ran with the style you suggest in the video for well over a decade and loved it. Then I got Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. Now if I have my wrist bent for too long my hand will go numb. I almost lost control during an Icon Butt run a few years back because of it. So I have to keep my wrists in a neutral position. I'm still getting used to it and catch myself with a bent wrist all the time when I notice my hand getting tingly. During emergency stops I quickly & slightly release the throttle grip and then reacquire the grip so the throttle goes back to idle via the throttle return spring so I can grab the brake lever & decelerate at the same time. My wrist position doesn't change. I know its not the best idea to even slightly release the grip during an emergency stop, but I can't think of a better solution. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Hi Kevin, thanks for this weeks tips. Have you been doing any moto gymkhana lately?

[@maxwellmark]

Learning the basic “bar mounted” controls is a key component to riding safely. It’s a bit like learning how to rub your belly and pat your head at the same time. In the beginning it feels a bit like multitasking and we are not really good at doing that. Teaching a new rider how to, transition from thinking about the controls, to using the controls as an instinctive extension of what they are doing, must be the biggest challenge. Keep up the good work Kevin, ride safe and stay healthy 👍🏼.

[@eliudechevarria262]

Great video kevin,iam a new rider your video has help me a ton.i recently took a harley davidson class i did very good on it,but my nerves have gotten the best of me when it come to me taking my motorcycle endorsorment test.iam going again next week any advise on staying relax?

[@cliffw2000cliff]

Hey Kevin, planning a 3 Sisters ride in a couple weeks. We'll see you there! :)

[@Apollo949]

Great advice for new riders not to look down while riding. However, I knew this guy who passed his test on a Yamaha 125 here in Britain and then bought a Yamaha Thunderace 1000cc and was too terrified to even glance at the speedometer, so perhaps we could have another video about the dangers of newbies riding large motorcycles? Keep up the good work, Kevin. All the best from England.

[@MCrider]

Great tip!

[@garywebb7481]

Ok great Kevin, how about some advice for new riders on larger scooters with CVT transmissions. My wife is just getting back into riding, riding a Burgman 400 scooter and can not get into a training class due to COVID until next year. She has been listening to your weekly sessions with me and practicing some of the maneuvers in a large parking lot. Thanks buddy

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

One thing the instructor pointed out at MSF course was that at all times I kept 2 fingers on front brake lever. After thinking about it, I always keep 2 fingers on the rear brake when mountain biking. But, as you all know, the brakes are not on the same on a motorcycle. I'm so glad the instructor noticed that and called me out on my bad habit. Rubber side down👍✌👍

[@jettran4465]

I agree with the second one. I am a new rider and ride a Suzuki s40 the speedometer and neutral light is on the tank. I find it uncomfortable and un-safety when I want to check my speed and gear selection. Hopefully I can survive longer enough to change bikes where my dash isnt so low on the bike.

[@MrLeo3D]

No motorcycle training schools here altogether (despite having latest bikes)...these videos are the only source for learning techniques (theoretical at least)

[@dawneendostert3576]

My hubby and I were heading north from Fallon, NV running about 70+ mph. I was riding my 1990 Sportster 1200 with my feet on my front pegs. We came to a wetlands area and a small coyote ran out from the side of the road. I was grabbing brake, downshifting furiously and working to avoid the critter. Hubby was on inside in the lead and the coyote ran between us. It then doubled back right into my front tire. I ran over it with my rear tire. My handle bars were going back and forth from the coyote hitting my front tire and the bump from it with the back tire was significant. I stayed upright. Hubby asked if I was ok, uh, yeah, as my lip quivered. He took off and so did I, praying Thanks to our Lord all the way to a gas station near Reno. Hubby thought we were doing about 40 when I hit the critter, or it hit me. Nothing better to keep me from falling apart after that than to simply roll the throttle on leaving me to catch up, doing the clover leaf-or the on ramp to the freeway heading back to Reno-and negotiate the ribbed Nevada freeways with my narrow tires. I had to learn to negotiate my rock driveway, speed bumps and pot holes before this happened. I figure that and riding horses all my life (balance) are what saved me. The coyote did not survive.

[@iallso1]

I switch between three different bikes on a regular basis, the indicator and horn are in slightly different locations on each, because my head and eyes are up I often hit the wrong control when initially getting on a different motorcycle.

[@abdulazizalhamar_]

Only God knows how much i love you and your channel ❤️. Much RESPECT to you ❤️.

[@robertseejr5206]

I've been teaching my son till we can get him in a class and initially I told him to look in the directionof the turn but every time he wasn't looking far enough he would only look so far the complete the look with his eyes the rest of the way. So I remembered what you said and I told him to point his nose at the point he wanted to end up at. Then we did an exercise with him standing there. 1rst he looked like he always did and swore he could see enough till a buddy of mine slapped the side of the helmet and he said did you see me lol. Well fter that he points his nose and admits not only has his turning has gotten cleaner but he sees things from his side a whole lot better. He realized my buddy could've been a car but he also began to realize he really did go where he could see.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

I rear ended because I looked at the choke while pressing on the lever and didn't saw the car in front of me came to a stop fairly abrupt. That was a shitty day I learned from.

[@jasonhochman3750]

I feel like the BRC is only helpful if you do have a little practice riding, rather than coming into it as a new rider. In order to do the exercises, I needed to be able to do smooth inputs and operate the controls without having to think about them. That comes from spending some time just getting the feel of the machine, not jumping into exercises that are timed.

[@Bob_The_Kabob]

Cant ride right now because of my parents but binge watching ur vids till i turn 18 lul

[@Lookatthebottom]

Excellent advice. I just found out that my basic course has been cancelled until May.

[@MCrider]

Wow, that is a long wait. Where is this at?

[@pilotdane1]

May !!!!!!! ??????? Give me a break, that's terrible.....

[@alanrandall49]

Just getting back into motorcycles after a 30-year break, and turning 72 years old in a couple of months doesn't make it any easier, but my 3rd ride on my 2001 BMW R 1100 S this afternoon was embarrassing as I stalled the bike leaving the service station after my first fuel top-up, and not sure why, maybe the handlebars were not straight as I was about to make a left turn exiting the service station, but the end result was that the bike was leaning over to my right side, and for about 30 seconds I struggled to try and keep the bike from falling over, but I could not lift it upright and my strength was slowly ebbing away, and I realised that I could not hold it any longer and just went down with the bike, fortunately, a truck drove in a few seconds later and the workman (looked like a tradie) asked if I needed any help, and I said yes thank you, and together we lifted the bike up, he said these are heavy bikes and that he has a Harley so he understands, he said it looks like there is no damage to the bike, so the only damage is to my ego, I checked the bike after and there are a few scratch marks on the bodywork just below the seat where it touched the concrete driveway, which makes me feel sad, but I wonder if I could have saved the bike during that 30 second struggle if I had turned the handlbars to the right? anybody care to comment?

[@bentonmb]

Unfortunately most of my training was trial and error in the 1970’s from age 10 through 20 (still learning, should have said habits were formed). My dad received CYCLE magazine and I liked to read those. There was an article in that magazine that helped my riding; it mentioned counter steering, proper use of front brakes, etc. I believe the article was focused on avoiding accidents. One thing I remember the author focusing on was holding your head perpendicular to the road and that is something I don’t hear much about. I’ve gotten into the habit of doing that does it help?

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

Never wanted to learn from a rider who wasn't a certified coach. Didn't want to pick up their bad habits. Passed both my 3 wheel and 2 wheel MSFs with flying colors and hopefully no bad habits.

[@David-bf6pl]

How should I position my feet on the pegs? Balls of the feet? Arch? Heels? Covering the clutch and brake?...etc Thanks

[@leanavanzyl9936]

Thank you Mr Morris. I'm a brand new rider from South Africa and found your channel on youtube about a month ago. I am still awaiting to get my first bike, so in the last 2 months I've been practicing on the local pizza delivery guy's bike in an abandoned parking strip to learn how to ride. Please continue this topic for us 'Pandemic Babies' so we can cultivate good habits early on inspite of no classes... I've found when using counterweight to steer a u-turn at slow speed that it helps me to lean a little backwards too (not just right or left depending on the turn). Is this wrong? I was told by a friend to be as close to the tank as possible and this goes against that advice so I don't know if I am getting myself into a bad habit here. Please continue the great work and I aim to become a patron as soon as I have my bike so I can support your vision. Look out for me on the forums around Nov ;)

[@MCrider]

I have never heard of leaning backwards but getting closer to the tank is a common coaching point that helps many riders. I scoot up in the seat when working on tighter maneuvers. Not trying to sell you, but consider becoming a member and getting access to the forums and the field guide. There will be a lot there to help you. www.MCrider.com/member

[@leanavanzyl9936]

@@MCrider Thank you kindly for the reply sir. I guess it's like you say in your videos, I should retrain what feels natural. hehe No need to 'sell' me, as I am already convinced :) I'll be joining as a member from Nov. Maybe I can then load a training video on the forums and get more tips/feedback...

[@bradleyweiss9509]

Stay awesome

[@VeeDubJohn]

Kevin, I’ve been watching you since the beginning. Before that there was the first generation of motovlogers. I’ve read everything from Grodsky and Hough to Niel Peart. I even took the MSF course and have my endorsement. All that and no motorcycle. So many crashes involving good safety conscience riders. So frustrating. I guess I’ll just have to accept that all I can do and realize some of this is a roll of the dice:-(

[@johnnylightning1491]

I still have problems with the friction zone. Intellictually I know what it is but in practice I need more practice. Any suggestions as to what I can do to improve my friction zone skills?

[@onementality9781]

The only people I don’t ride with is the one who can’t ride and is always trying to be the teacher because I’m here to learn and grow so when someone is like this they are holding you and them back plus I don’t want to be the one that finds them in a ditch:)

[@Robocoppat]

No matter what you do...No matter who you are..,.No matter where you are, you will learn something New every day.

[@AndrewSautter]

I started riding a couple of weeks ago. On my second time out I dropped my bike because of the second item on the list, I accidentally opened the throttle in an emergency brake. The training centres here are open again but they didn't stress wrist position very much.

[@alanrandall49]

Andrew Sautter ... How are you coping with your riding skills after a few more months of experience? I'm a returning rider and on my third ride with my BMW 1100 I also dropped my bike so I understand and feel your pain, different reason though, I dropped my bike leaving a service station when I stalled the bike and then somehow lost my balance, fortunately just a few scratches to the bike and a sore tendon in my left hand, but I seem to have lost the little bit of confidence that I had and feel worried about dropping the bike again, did you have that same concern after you dropped your bike?

[@AndrewSautter]

@@alanrandall49 it's going better, thanks for asking. I was going to an empty parking lot every Saturday for a couple of months and that helped. Practicing hard braking in the parking lot definitely made me more confident and comfortable on the road. Hope you are able to build your confidence as well

[@alanrandall49]

@@AndrewSautter... Practicing in an empty parking lot would certainly be helpful for building confidence, and after a solid week of rain here in NSW, Australia, I will definitely continue riding around my local streets to get more confidence, and get more familiar with my bike before I venture too far away on the busier roads, little steps, practice and time will make all the difference, just out of curiosity what bike are you learning on Andrew?

[@AndrewSautter]

@@alanrandall49 Sounds like a good plan. I'm on a Suzuki GS500

[@alanrandall49]

@@AndrewSautter Good choice Andrew, Suzuki bikes are very reliable and a 500 is a sensible easy to handle starter bike, if I had gone for a 650 it would have been more sensible for me rather than the heavier BMW 1100, but you know what it's like with bikes you see something that you like and the vision overrides the brain (LOL), it was a big jump from my previous bike Yamaha 400 XS, but with practice, time and care I should grow into it, if not I can always downsize later if I find it too intimidating, in the meantime we can both enjoy our bikes and the new experiences, take care. 👍 😎

[@rolandjenkins7515]

My Stratoliner is really herky jerky at low speeds. Slipping the clutch is just about mandatory at low speeds.

[@MCrider]

Yes, all bikes need the clutch slipped at slow speed but some more than others. Thanks for watching!

[@eddcurry1245]

Good teaching video

[@MCrider]

Glad you think so!

[@danrahn9863]

Kevin - How do you make your u-turn on your Goldwding DCT? No friction zone!

[@danrahn9863]

I have a 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT after having ridden a 2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 WITH clutch. Before the Shadow, I had a 1983 Honda CM450A (2-speed semi-automatic).

[@jeman022004]

I picked up an Africa Twin with DCT. Best advice I received and what works for me is constant on/off throttle chopping (about 1/8) while dragging the rear brake during the slow speed maneuver. It was weird at first but I got the hang of it in the parking lot at the dealer.

[@DROOPDOGG]

Is using the clutch to much bad for the motorcycle like wear and tear

[@karllued]

I saw a neighbor bought a motorcycle with an incredibly wide rear tire. I thought about it, and wondered what the actual amount of contact that tire has with the pavement, considering the rounded profile? Could this affect handling negatively? This might be an interesting topic on safety? What do you think?

[@jakeurbano8268]

More contact on road, more grip in wet weather, absorbs bumps easier and makes for a smoother ride. Generally bikes with wide rear tires have a lot of power so the wide rear tire will help you control it as well.