3 High Risk Riding Traps on a Motorcycle

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@tombethune956]

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[@rooster3019]

Your opening statement is obviously true. However, being a motorcycle rider makes me overall more safe when driving/riding. I, like most riders, drive the "cage" or pick-up more than I get to cycle. The alertness skills I necessisarily have learned and apply to cycling DO carry over to operating other vehicles. Its not just me either, I have asked others and they agree. So, overall; being a motorcylce rider makes me a safer overall morotist regardless of what I ride/drive. Ask your viewers.

[@jeep2liberty]

Yes, agree and strictly statistically speaking one could say that riding a MC lowers your chances of being in a 'car' accident. Combine this with Kevin's EXCELLENT information each week, and it helps tilt the odds in your favor for sure.

[@RickLincoln]

@Pete Roberts I don't know if Kevin will weigh in, but I'd like to offer my thoughts based on my experience as a mountaineer and climber years ago. Altitude affects each of us differently. I watched a woman pass out in a ski lift line at 6,000 feet. While on a climb with a group that had just returned from the Himalaya one of our team who had base camped at 12,000 feet only a few weeks before could not get above 10,000 feet. What I'm saying is that not only does altitude affect us differently, but that it can affect us differently on any given day. If this happens to you on your motorcycle at high altitude...if you start feeling woozy, light headed, if you have nausea, if your vision becomes compromised or if you begin to feel out of sorts in any way, you need to stop riding. Often, the symptoms will pass, but it may take awhile. If you have the choice, descend after you feel a bit better. Many times a drop in a couple of thousand feet will do the trick. Altitude sickness on a motorcycle is common when going from low altitude to high altitude quickly. I live in California's Central Valley and can ride from just above sea level to the Sierra crest in an hour and a half and have experienced it many times.

[@bissellsmith8690]

@@RickLincoln As a mountaineer also...climbed to 23,000 feet technique and age make a difference. The older you are the better you handle it. Additionally if you learn to pressure breath starting at 11,000 ft you'll be a lot better off as long as you endurance train. On a motorcycle...I'm working in Reno right now and I am constantly going from 3,000 ft to 10,000 back to 4 up to 7.....don't notice it at all. I also have a home in Spain in the Pyrenes and also never notice it from 3 to 9....up and down. So does it affect others....I'm sure if you don't acclimate and say for instance took a flight from LA to Denver and got on a bike that same day and went to RM NP....to 11k. So you have to be smart w/altitude.

[@firedog9113]

Thats true, even before getting my bike. I statted watching ppl before they got near me, acting before others noticed a hazord coming.

[@keithbradford6708]

This is why I am an advocate of having all new drivers first learn to ride motorcycles, maybe the first 6-9 months. This would do 2 things... first, they would learn and appreciate the dangers of driving which hopefully will manifest itself into safer habits when they drive a car. Second, for those bent on being dangerous, it will thin out the gene pool.

[@MotoKeto]

Watching MCrider has made me so much better rider it is unreal. You have a way of pointing out things that most people don't ever think about. 1. Be seen so very important Hi-Vis is a must. 2. Look where you want to go not where you don't " target fixation" 3. Stay out of blind spots of cars your flowing and cars you are approaching. 4. Don't follow to close and stay away from large trucks as best you can.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Doug.

[@henryxavier3751]

Speed thru intersections are the worst enemy. Especially when your in front of traffic in intersections, I use traffic as a guard thru busy intersections is my best friend.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Hello Henry, Yeah when I was in FL. I'd see some ride thru an intersection as tho it DID NOT exist, Kid hadda be doing at least 50mph going west on 38th avenue blew thru 49th street. like nobody going N. or S. better run the light, but if they did. . .

[@henryxavier3751]

That’s funny I just got hit by some 2020 grads make a left turn and wiped me out. Am ok but costly E.R. 5,500 bucks.

[@CrossesbyCharlie]

I chose not to ride today. I just didn't sleep well the last few days and I was upset about something so the bike stayed home

[@maxwellmark]

CrossesbyCharlie smart move...

[@Logan-or5qw]

Yeah. Good call. I would have done the same. 👍

[@burtblahnik6074]

CrossesbyCharlie so true don’t ride Angry

[@matthewgauthier7251]

Agree, in a funk or had a few the night before, stays in the garage.

[@Ari-zp4dd]

Smart move

[@bradb9146]

I'm always looking at those cars wheels to anticipate where they are going to go . I'm glad you said something about that , because those wheels never lie . Adding more lights to your bike , and upgrading your headlight if possible is a great tip as well to add more visibility . I also have added some reflective tape to the swingarm , license plate holder and front fender of my dual sport . 🙏

[@grahamh8221]

My experience is they do lie, so often a car stops, waits a while then moves forward a couple of feet. This seems to be so they can pull out the moment the road is almost clear. It is a frustrating habit as it is impossible to know if they are bluffing with a two foot shuffle or are going to really pull out.....always scares the hell out of me!

[@1stcarver]

@@grahamh8221 I assume that all vehicles in an intersection are going to pull out in front of me, all of them. I've already started cutting my speed the moment I see the car/truck/motorcycle at the intersection. Where can I go if they do pull out in front of me? Can I stop in time? I start looking for an escape route. What is behind me is another consideration as to what my escape route will be. If that car/truck wheel moves I assume they are going to pull out in front of me. They may, or may not do so, but either way, I try to prepare for what ever action I think I need to take. Me and my motorcycle are invisible to others on the road with me.

[@LTVoyager]

If you are getting passed on the right, you need to ride faster or move to the right lane. 🙂

[@leslieaustin151]

LTVoyager. Let’s call it the inside lane, as nearly half the world drives on the left. But that is so true, even if it’s legal to overtake on the inside (it isn’t here in UK). Thanks Kevin for another thought-provoking video. Les in UK

[@LTVoyager]

Leslie Austin Not even close to half the world drives on the left. It is barely a third. In any event, I was commenting in this video, not on the world at large. Bottom line, it is dangerous to drive or ride in a center lane at a speed where traffic in a “slower” lane is passing you. Need to either speed up or move to the slower lane.

[@leslieaustin151]

LTVoyager And I was completely agreeing with you. Les in UK

[@LTVoyager]

Leslie Austin I would have said left lane if the video was from the UK. 😁. I have twice enjoyed rides in the UK, most recently just a year ago in Southern England, Ireland and Wales. Rode Scotland, northern England and Wales back in 2016. Other than the rain in Ireland and the fairly poor road surfaces there, both rides were very nice. It does take about one day to adjust to riding on the left, but after that it gets fairly comfortable.

[@orbitalair2103]

People are stupid. I almost always have a 100% clear right lane on the 5 lane interstate.

[@gregoryrapier3021]

This is a great video thanks. I am 71 years old so I had to learn this stuff on my own and have the scars to prove it. I still ride and your videos help to keep me from thinking I know everything. I know that every time I tell myself I got this happens just before the bike proves me wrong. I like that you covered critters on the road. I live in a small town Twain Harte California that is 16 miles due north of Yosemite, critter country. So I don't care what time of the day it is I am looking and expecting something to jump or run onto the road. I have seen Deer, squirrels, cattle, raccoons, foxes and more. One time I was going through a series tight left and right turns and found a adult raccoon on the road and no way to miss it. I waited to the last second and stood the bike so when I hit it I was not leaning then slammed back to the lean angle. It worked (for me not the raccoon). One time I was coming home after work about 1 AM and came around a curve to see a mountain lion crossing the road and it was taking all of my lane. But (thank GOD) that time I was in my truck. I can't help to remember that every time I ride my bike through that corner and wonder what do you do on a bike? If you hit it you would just tic it off and if you stop it could think , Cool I just found lunch! Keep up the great videos they are helping riders new and old.

[@jeep2liberty]

When you see a single deer, you need to be ON the brakes! Maybe not emergency mode, but slowing down and anticipating the very frequent appearance of more deer in the roadway. Kevin, "High Alert" as you mentioned in the video is not good enough. Great work, keep it going brother!

[@Skip655]

This is absolutely correct. I have personal experience. Riding last fall, early evening I came upon a lone deer grazing along the road, I suspected others but didn't see any. I slowed WAY down just in case and low and behold, another deer dashed in front of my bike. It would have been a very different experience had I not slowed down.

[@Witty76]

100% agree. As a 365 rider in north Georgia, slow down IMMEDIATELY upon seeing first deer. There’s ALWAYS more.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Spot on advice. If I see 1 I will immediately slow WAY down and proceed with extreme caution. 👍🏼

[@MrNegative57]

@@Witty76 ohhh North Georgia roads great place to ride from Cherry Log to Suches to Dillard to tellico plains thru ducktown and turtle town lol

[@1stcarver]

I get on the brakes too. But consider the traffic you are riding with. Slow to quickly, and you might get rear ended.

[@philipmunroe4249]

Be particularly alert for deer during the rut (coming soon); the bucks have no sense at all and may even become aggressive.

[@kevinjordan6242]

Thank you Kevin for all that you do for the community. New/old rider here grabbing the grips again after many moons. Some of your topics scare the life out of me...others reaffirm my past experiences. I did not realise how many skills I incorporated into normal daily driving until watching your videos. Again...THANK YOU. You are appreciated.

[@Glasshousebc]

Great tips Kevin... the deer one especially... I remember talking to one longtime, long distance rider at a training course who gave the tip that if the deer runs onto the road in front of you, after slowing down, if situation allows, rather than swerve to avoid is to ride straight at it... chances are it will jump out of your way... if you swerve to avoid it, chances are it could jump Into your way. Ride well and stay safe matey.

[@RickLincoln]

I live and ride in deer country every day. Your friends advice is misplaced. Very often, deer will stop in front of you. You may have heard the phrase about deer freezing in the headlights? While they are extremely agile and can move quickly in any direction, you might be better off swerving behind the deer while also paying attention to oncoming traffic if you swerve the left or the edge of the road if swerving right. Their reverse isn't as fast as their forward moving gears. Using brake and swerve and swerving around a deer's butt possibly saved two lives last month. Mine and the deer. Deer are my biggest fear on a motorcycle. They come in front of you so quickly. Our roadways here are littered with their carcasses. One thing that I find to be helpful is that when I'm riding in areas where woodlands or brush come right to the roadway, I slow way the heck down. While Kevin is right on about deer being more prevalent during dawn and dusk, I see them at all times of the day. He's also right about deer traveling together. When I see one...I slow down to 10 mph or so for a ways. If traffic doesn't allow for that, I pull over and stop until I can proceed past the deer crossing. You can't be too careful with these creatures...I had one cross the road in front of me as I slowed down. Then she crossed back!

[@Glasshousebc]

Rick Pappas I hear you on that... I too live and ride in deer country... haven’t yet, touching wood, had to swerve etc... been fortunate enough that they’ve stayed at the side of the road when I’ve slowly ridden by. Stay well my friend.

[@rondavis9918]

Have always learned a lot from your teachings. After 25 yrs of riding, got into my first wreck. At an intersection, speed limit was 40, had slowed down, fingers on front brake, making eye contact with everyone, and someone tried to beat me going across. I was going South, they were trying to cross from the East, she took my out away from me, and tried not to lock up but I did. I think I did everything I could, but it does happen, could have been worse if I wasn't paying attention.

[@t.s.racing]

GOD BLESS Kevin for ALL that you do. My girlfriend, 62 just took the Safety Course and received her license. She's your BIGGEST fan.

[@newbeginnings8566]

Another video of good practice... Thanks for helping everyone stay safe and still enjoy their sport.. For dawn and dusk I would say cruise not race.. Deer or hogs are about and they will bring you down if you are not on alert... Annoying to go slow but small brains can't be reasoned with..

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Just reviewing on a binge, and I want to thank you, Kevin. You certainly have been committed to all our safety out there with all the videos and play lists and the other things you offer, at very little if any charge, even when the resources would be cheap at double or triple the cost. I hope you enjoy a LONG and storied career of tutoring and sharing ahead of you, and yes, that means "keep 'em coming"... And TRY to stay BETWEEN the ditches out there on the road, too. Eh? ;o)

[@rainmaker1346]

Thanks. All good comments.

[@michaelplaziak3828]

Good info about deer running in groups. I live and ride in Maine where deer and moose are prevalent in the countryside. I slow down and sound my horn when I see one near the road as it usually flushes out the other one or three hiding near the road.

[@zammie]

I live in western MI and we have a lot of turkeys (birds not people) around here. They love to walk along the road and I've even had one fly over my head while riding; that was a wake up call. Never-the-less, watch out for all animals as they weren't required to take any motorcycle safety classes.

[@rightslip8345]

I just bought a 2011 Vulcan 900. I have been watching your channel and have decided to enroll in a rider safety program. Thank you.

[@judgedredd49]

Whilst observing the car at any junction and paying particular attention to the front wheels one can also look at the car as a whole and see if its moving against its background. This is another way of determining if and when the car may be pulling out on you.

[@williamwintemberg]

You make a good point. I used to just look at the cars movement before I started looking the the wheels. I was taught you will detect wheel movement before you detect vehicle movement. I have found this to be true.

[@daveevans2261]

Great advice thanks for showing us the video. 👍

[@foamhunt1460]

One of the worst things i deal with here in New mexico is dam semis at offramps turning right on red and look right at you and still pull out and take up both lanes. I once recently had one do it to me and i had to actually go into the oncoming traffic lane as it was the only option that was safe. I followed him to my work Lol. Which then i confronted him. His exact words were you got breaks use them. Hmmm i have green you have sign that states no turn on red. . Its a scary world seeing how many idiots they let drive those bulldozers on the highway . Stay safe out there. And enjoy

[@darikdatta]

I like to go through intersections with a car when there's two lanes. I position myself alongside the car so that if oncoming traffic is going to turn left in front of me they're going to get by the car. Even if they don't see me, they're going to see the car.

[@grantbradley5084]

I too used to think that was a good idea. But your putting yourself in harms way, riding next to a car is commonly referred to as the “death zone”. I’ll go into an intersection and either flash my lights at the oncoming car to hopefully get their attention with my hands on the brakes to prepare for an evasive maneuver if necessary.

[@RioShooter]

I marked that comment thumbs down. That's a good way to get killed. I was in that position one time because of the flow of traffic, and the car next to me suddenly decided to change lanes. He forced me onto the shoulder of the road. He never saw me.

[@geepers100]

@@grantbradley5084 I put my high beam on well before the intersection if it looks dodgy. I don't "flash' my lights however as I'm concerned it may be taken as "please proceed". I find the worst intersections are where there is a whole line of traffic waiting to cross the road you're travelling on. You know drivers will be feeling the pressure from the cars behind and be prone to "risking it'.

[@grantbradley5084]

Grayden Provis that’s a good point about not flashing lights to an oncoming car. The last thing I want is to give the oncoming car the false impression that I’m signaling them the go ahead to pull in front of me.

[@judgedredd49]

The obvious comment about seeing the driver looking at you but always presuming that you have not been seen is one of the most relevant statements ever made on motorcycle safety. Whatever you are doing and wherever you are never ever presume that the driver has seen you. Always presume the worse case scenario and ride defensively That way one stays alive. Longer.

[@keithallen3119]

Kevin, were you familiar with Larry Grodsky, the founder of Stayin Safe MC Training? He wrote for Rider Magazine and a book of all his columns were published after his passing. I took one of his last on street training sessions before he hit a deer in Texas and was killed instantly. In his training he said he could help us manage most/95% of the hazards faced on the road, but animals were the biggest challenge. He had the same advice you listed to help minimize the issue but in the end it was one you had to accept as reality. After his accident I didn't ride for a year; Larry was a colleague from our hometown of Pgh, Pa and we crossed paths many times at the local shops. His passing hit me hard, if he could be killed riding what chance did I have was my psyche for that year. I eventually got back and have covered many more miles on two wheels over the years since his passing but that situaiton never leaves me now, I'm extremely vigilent scanning for animals, particularily deer. Thanks for publishing this and all the other content, it is life saving. Regards.

[@DispelBreaker]

Deer jump outs are the scariest thing that I worry about on the bike. Just last week I had a one run right in front of me. Had I not been extra attentive... I might have had a situation. Also as far as a keeping an eye on wheels... I've instinctively been doing that. I even do it when I'm not even riding! Thanks for the video!

[@PhinAI]

Elk! Just two days ago, I narrowly missed the opportunity to have a bull elk ride with me on my bike. I'm not sure how that extra weight would change the protection duration of my protective gear, but I suspect it would be painfully diminished.

[@dgphi]

I get nervous when I'm riding as a passenger in a car and I see all the potential pull-outs that the driver doesn't see.

[@thomaslenzmeier183]

I agree! Wheels never lie!

[@DispelBreaker]

@@PhinAI yikes! Yeah the critters out there can be a bit of a problem! Glad you were ok!

[@DispelBreaker]

@@dgphi indeed. I always look at the tires. Especially when I'm riding. I slow down through intersections when I see any car. Other drivers... I don't trust them! Lol

[@williamdimond1548]

Good Morning Kevin, as I have never ridden on a track as you were in this video, I wondered why the mirrors were covered. Possibly a distraction to not have them covered taking ones focus of of the road surface? Curious, that's all. I hope that your garage project is making good progress and going smoothly. Blessings', and thank you for the great insight that you give to all of us. you are appreciated more than you will ever know.

[@mrbrown3546]

Your correct William, For the 2 I've done done my way, we had to tape over mirrors or remove them, plus tape over the speedo'. It takes away the distraction factor and has concentration purely on your riding, position etc. Apparently an added advantage of better containing the broken bits if things go pear-shaped.

[@darrengilbert7438]

It seems you would need those mirrors the way bikes kept passing you. That way you don't drift into their path when they come by driving faster. Never been on a track, so don't know for sure.

[@ericherrero3212]

Ride to work every day. Wheel and lane position are great indicators to determine what cars at safe to filter past. Great tip 😃

[@johnherian781]

I live in a town with a lot of shift change along with school pick up/drop off.During that time I pick an alternative route to avoid most traffic.

[@-dirk-65]

It seems riding with both mirrors taped up while weaving across lanes makes a cyclist less aware of those approaching from the rear on both sides at high rates of speed. Kind of the opposite of a defensive rider.

[@starbrander]

Thanks.....Heading For A Long Ride

[@neilshepherd1904]

The black utility/truck near the intersection (2:14) looked 'sus' from well back, and is a perfect example why MCRider's good road strategies should be practised until they're second nature. We have those drivers in Aus as well, who seem to drive in a bubble across multiple lanes and hope everyone else stays out of their way. Over here, we can replace "deer" with "kangaroos" :) . Peace.

[@FatBikeRacer]

The only thing that works for deer is riding slower. Take back roads, ride slower. The fact is speed itself should have been the number 1 trap for all conditions.

[@-JohnSmith-]

I use amber led spot pod lights instead of white because your brain disregards even extremely bright white lights because of all the other bright reflected sunlight off bumpers, windshields etc, amber just stands out a lot better. In addition to the lights I wiggle the handlebars side to side to create a flashing effect whenever approaching traffic could turn left in front of me...

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

R.I.P. Rob. Sad to hear this news.

[@maxcorey8144]

Watching you ride the track thinking if I tried that I would start out a lot slower but bet that after many laps I could go as fast as you guys are.

[@richardhunter3383]

I would also suggest putting "deer horns" on your ride. They alert the all animals to your presence, thus the animals lift their heads and look towards you allowing your lights to reflect off their eyes.

[@bobcombs2566]

There's no real evidence that these deer whistles work, other than anecdotal stories from riders who once hit a deer, bought the whistles, and have not hit a deer since. Is it the whistle or is it just that another deer has not yet jumped out in front of them. While there are no studies that show deer whistles work, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been any studies on the matter. Numerous government agencies, universities, and even insurance companies have looked at and tested deer whistles, and they all agree on a few points. Most importantly, the available scientific data on deer whistles overwhelmingly points in the direction that there is no statistically relevant difference in deer reactions to vehicles without whistles as compared to vehicles with whistles installed.

[@williamwintemberg]

Last week my wife and I were riding our bikes at the usual 2 second distance. A deer shot out of the brush between us. She never saw it but I did. No time to slow, no time for anything. Needless to say no contact was made. Lucky Deer and me.

[@markthespyderrider6641]

Another great video, I always look forward to your weekly submission. My condolences to the family members and friends of Mr. McCaghren.

[@ElementofKindness]

Cornering, or more accurately, leaning, is my biggest worry. I'll push a car to its limits in a corner, because there is typically plenty of feedback to tell you are reaching its limit. Bikes, on the other hand, give very little warning. Most likely you're going to have a low or high side, if you find yourself pushing just a little too far. I just have to figure out how to safely explore leaning further, without risking injury or ruining my bike..

[@barryweaver8833]

Great topics. I don't really find it necessary very often to employ "trail breaking" on the street unless I am flying fast into some of my favorite and known turns that has minimal traffic. The "slow, press & roll" is what I just simply tweaked to "look and counter-steer", because looking where I want the bike to go and counter-steering (which is pressing properly with understanding) pretty much gets me around any and every turn out there. After that is focusing on body positioning, line selection (inside-outside-inside) and finally trail braking. For me, trail braking is for flying into a turn hot. If you don't have enough speed, then trail braking just isn't necessary, unless you can make it work for you I guess, sounds like good mental practice though.

[@Logan-or5qw]

Kevin I sure wished you were in my area. I took a motorcycle course class last night & withdrew from the class an hour or so after it began. The instructor was very "unprofessional". She assigned 2 in each group 6 students in total questions from the book. She only gave us less than a few mins. to answer 5 questions & to find the answers & was asking each 1 to read the questions & the answer. It was a snap snap snap of the finger kind of pace! Another student was having trouble keeping up with the pace as well. She would ask him to read the question & answer & his response was, " I don't know, I didn't make it that far". So she would read the question & answer for him & go to the next section & student. She acted like she was hurrying to go home & didn't want to give each student a fair opportunity to learn the material. She was very "erratic" & was all over the place going from picture slides asking the class what was happening in each photo with her laser pointer, to the questions & answer sections of the book. So, After completing the first 46 questions while she was on question 58. I asked her, "do you always go over the study materials at such a fast pace"? She responded, "of course, if we spent any more time going over each question it would take us weeks"! Why? Are you having a hard time keeping up"? I said, yes I am. So after some back n' forth she mentioned 3 different times "I can always recline you from the class if you want". I could see that I wasn't getting anywhere with her & her bad attitude so I agreed to withdraw from the class. Her husband was there too. All he did was sit up there at the desk with his arms crossed looking like he hadn't slept for days looking up at the ceiling & walking around in the hallways. The written test was over 200+ questions and from what it appeared were fill in the blank answers to the test. We were to show up this morning at 8am for the riding part & was to end by 5pm. And be repeated on Sunday & somehow was expected to find time in between, to study for a 200+ question test that was to be given that Sunday evening. I live an hour & twenty mins. away. So I really couldn't understand their logic as to how I was to have ample amount of time to study & pass the written test since we were expected to score 80% or better on the written part to pass the entire course. Needless to say, I'm getting my $173 Refund & will be getting my MC license the hard way. It would have been nice to have completed the riding exercises in the parking lot BEFORE I was to go to the DMV & get my 30 day permit. Questions: Do the rider courses you attend & teach have over 200+ questions on them? Are those courses taught at a snap of the finger kind of pace to save time? And, are the courses more focused on the riders abilities to ride, handle & show the instructor you can ride a bike safely on the highway? This woman was out of her head! Really having a difficult time now.

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

5150 Logan My MSF Basic Rider Course was the same. They went through the book/videos and questions very fast and discouraged discussion. However you should have stayed for the range instruction. It is worth it and then they come back to the book later and go over the questions again.

[@Logan-or5qw]

@@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned Yeah I see what you mean. I was just afraid they wouldn't have refunded my $173 & not pass the overall course if I had stayed with it. This woman seemed careless about Students safety & well being. Like she was just there to hurry through it to make a few extra bucks.

[@SpeedieDee]

Keep right except to pass. At 1:22 I notice you changed lanes into the middle lane and stayed there. I was taught "keep right except to pass" and I would have continued to changed to the far right lane. The advantage of the right lane is that you only have to worry about the middle lane turning into your lane instead of vehicles on both side of you turning into your lane if you are in the middle lane. You do have slight more risk from someone turning into the curb lane at an intersection but you should be watching for that no matter what lane you are in.

[@RC-te4mt]

To me you have to ride like NO one can see you and you need to never assume anything! Drive very defensively and stay focused at all times! Good Video Thanks!!!

[@roystenzel80]

I always pay attention to stopped cars waiting to turn left in front of me. I’ve noticed that they had time to turn but they don’t. That’s when the hair on the back of my neck stands up. You can just feel that in your stomach. I’ll back of a little but I fear if I back off a lot that would be giving the you can turn in front of me signal. And they probably don’t see me either. That’s when my high beam switch comes in handy. I will flash it several times as I feel I need to for them to see me. My bike has a switch just for flashing the high beams.

[@stinkspirit585]

Three hazards I would like to hear more about: (1) What I call the “high beam genius”- the driver who knows how to activate the high beams, but does not know how to dim them for oncoming traffic, especially cars with super-bright LED headlights; (2) tailgating cars; and (3) harassing car drivers, like the guy who trailed me for 4 miles tonight through numerous turns, until I finally sped off the road into a driveway and emergency braked to get him off my tail (I later was able to catch up with him, but decided to not confront him, as I did not want to find myself staring down the barrel of a gun.....). Any strategies or suggestions for dealing with these situations...?

[@johnnylightning1491]

I live in deer country (Michigan) and don't ride at night if I can help it due to the high incidence of deer crossing roads. It seems that right around dusk and sunrise are the times when deer are moving the most. That sort of all goes out the window this time of year due to the rut, so please be careful. The other tips are good too. Keep up the good videos Kevin.

[@jimbannon4127]

Thank you Kevin.

[@rockybass9764]

Super bright LED headlight and taillight bulbs are imho the cheapest, easiest high vis upgrade. For under $100 you can change front and rear, and they are irritating to look at. You have much better chance to get seen with that super bright headlight. I also put on Cobra after market exhaust to be heard. Stock exhaust was scary quite, in traffic the cars I were beside didn’t even notice I was there. Good video Kevin

[@rider14mcd63]

Night riding in Washington in all areas, it's not when you will see deer, you will see them.

[@jeffruebens8355]

To see more risk, watch the Free Solo video about rock climbers that do not use safety ropes. Motorcycle riding is much safer.

[@stevensobba1785]

Kevin , can you address or readress tire failures , blow outs, recent incident in Wichita of fellow rider lost control and lost life from a rear tire failure , thanks

[@dominictwist657]

Another great video Kevin. Yes, deer are the only thing you have virtually no control over. Here in Scotland they can be a real problem sometimes, especially during the times you mentioned. I slow right down at these times, just not worth it.

[@jdam1979]

Thank you for making great videos! It's really cool to also see you riding right where I live. Take car, and thank you for informing us to become safer riders!

[@DanteYewToob]

Could you do a video on things that seem obvious to an experienced rider, but that no one ever teaches new riders? For instance, my nephew crashed my moped recently and when I asked what happened he said he was sliding in his gym shorts, and wiggled his but to try to straighten out and scotch back. The butt wiggle basically just tipped the scooter right over. This is something not obvious to a new rider, something I've never heard anyone address and I'm sure there are TONS of wierd little things like that, that are potentially dangerous. Things like when it's okay, and not okay to adjust your helmet. (Visor, vents, strap... etc.) What to do if a small animal runs in your path? There are so many tiny things that usually come with experience that could make new riders feel safer and more comfortable, which would make them safer riders. If I'm tense and distracted with my butt puckered afraid to adjust myself, I'm not giving the road 100% of my attention. I can't think of more examples right now, but I'm open to suggestions and advice. Open to everyone; What are some things that scared you, or caused a mistake when you were new that you wished you knew? What is something that you wished you knew sooner, or something no one told you for too long? What is a question you have that you haven't seen in any of the "beginner rider" videos or articles?

[@GlennDaleAnderson]

Talking of cornering a big hazard is when you come upon newly laid tar filler for cracks on asphalt on corners. Idiot road workers lay to much of that tar on corners. I had a near fall and that day 2 riders spilled their bikes it the same spot near Virginia City on 6 mile canyon Nevada.

[@renatoleonhernandez6425]

R.I.P. Rob!

[@doubles691]

In the starting sequence, MC let overtake cars when starting at the traffic lights. I never do this, as a priority should be to get away from them cars. One should look at the driver and the wheels. If unsure slow down and take lane position one.

[@zammie]

I agree. I'm lighter and faster, and assuming the intersection is clear (maybe that's why MCrider doesn't gun it) I tend to get ahead and away from the cars to give me some breathing room. I would be curious to hear what others think on this.

[@orbitalair2103]

@@zammie Depends on if I have seen the cars speeding or texting before the stoplight. I may let them get ahead. Another reason to let them ahead, is to use them as extra visuals or 'blockers' if the road ahead has a lot of crossings or places where people tend to pull out into traffic (I have a couple of these sections of road).

[@-JohnSmith-]

He did something else somewhat... that I rarely see which is always pass a car as far away from them as possible like almost on the line, if 2 lanes stay to the far side of your lane, if 3+ move over a complete lane to give yourself a cushion for sudden lane changers. This includes never passing a row of stopped cars waiting in a left turn only lane, in the lane next to them if there's 2 lane's...

[@ARJUN-np7uj]

No matter how fast your bike can go, no matter what skills you have aquired, always drive like everyone is trying to kill you. Be the best, not the fastest.

[@terryjohnson2455]

All very good stuff...love these videos!!!

[@prestonallyn2502]

Why were the mirrors and blinkers taped up? Didn’t you want to see those race jockeys that were zooming past? XRS looks fun.

[@clivequbik]

I know it is a very common approach to teach new riders a simple cornering technique, but based on my own experience and the dangers I placed myself in using simple technique I am now teaching a new driver and I am teaching trail braking right from the start. I get that instructors say "you first need to master the brake" - only I don't agree. As a beginner you are cornering pretty slowly anyway, as well as doing emergency brake practice right from the start, so I don't see how brake technique is such a barrier. The dangers presented by simple cornering are in my opinion simply unacceptable - I think you need to learn the correct technique right from the start, and not have to re-learn cornering after you've had some close calls or even an accident due to the limitation in your early technique.

[@richardshilling2958]

I'm surprised you don't instruct to use your horn. If I'm riding up to a junction and I get a feeling a car is going to pull out I honk. People miss seeing a bike. They never miss blast on the horn.

[@judgedredd49]

I see problems of learning how to corner on a track day. For one, one has to slow enough to keep to the speed limit and that's being in every ones way. Second the track can be wide, very wide, as wide as both ways of a highway and one therefore has to limit the cornering to just one half of it otherwise one is using both lanes the full width on a bend and that leads to trouble. I would presume that they would not necessarily teach the slow look press and roll but the faster progressive taking of a bend the out in out of the racing line and that sometimes leads one into trouble particularly if one takes an early turn and apex and ends up facing oncoming traffic by ending up wide and on the way out being on the wrong side of the road. Not recommended.

[@Logan-or5qw]

I would rather pull over & let the person behind me by, than as to exceed the recommended speed limit for a curve. Or, would rather travel at or 5mph under the speed limit to avoid going off the road or into a ditch & possibly hitting a tree. Especially if I were not familiar with the road I was traveling. I see what your saying though.

[@judgedredd49]

@@Logan-or5qw When it comes to bends one needs to disregard the signed speed limit as some bends cannot be taken at anything near that arbitrary speed. In the UK our country roads are narrow and bendy and limited toan overall 60 mph limit but many of the bends encountered cannot be taken safely at any speed over 20 or 30 mph. Some never learn that until its too late. Consider any unknown bend to be a tightening one or one where the apex is late and that can be to lead one into its shallow beginning at too great a speed and then when one finds that it tightens one has to shed speed and or countersteer more to get round it. That means more lean angle and the increased possibility that one exceeds its stability and grip and then one comes off low side when the front wheel gives under you. Rather better and safer to go into the bend at a slower speed anticipating these dangers and then when one finds that it tightens one need not adjust at all or just to make a little adjustment say to speed only in order to achieve the bend. # PS when I am leading a group on a ride I always ride within 5 mph of the shown limit where safe to do so. Then if anyone is left behind at a junction say, then they have some speed in reserve to catch up without breaking the speed limit.

[@MrNegative57]

Deer ugh my biggest fear as I live on a road with lots of ag fields ( to include my property) and woods. Don't be in a hurry , scan the edges ,watch for motion , watch for eyes. Someone else said it , if you see one or one crosses , slow down there's more. Fall is breeding season they are moving more. I road across a road in Arkansas that literally scared me. 50+ deer in first 2 miles all on the shoulder or in the road. I still had 20 miles to go. I lost count there were so many. End of the ride crossing a dam , campground at the base , curvy steep downhill road off the dam , 21 deer in the median and road. I was Puckered. Don't let your guard down close to home/destination !!!

[@TennRides]

As always, great advice.

[@deliverance3767]

Fridays are the most dangerous time on the roads on a motorcycle

[@seanyuke3249]

All good advice. Can't help but notice you don't ride with a finger on the brake lever. There's a tip for ya.

[@andymonk9505]

Watch for pea gravel and obstacles on the roadway.

[@desmochai]

I really love watching your video. Could you please share your knowledge about what cause a death wobble and how to prevent it. Thank you!

[@jared3966]

Akhil Bhatt Steering head bearings. Replace bearings or tighten. Depending on bike get a steering dampener.

[@walterbaer3558]

Another very valuable video. I watch most of your videos on KZbin, and endeavor to practice the skills and strategies out on the road. Thank you for your expertise. I'm curious about the jacket you are wearing in this video. I'm shaped kind of like an avocado, and I'm interested in a hi vis jacket like the one you're wearing. Who makes the jacket, if you can say, without getting yourself in hot water?

[@raptor747-8]

Your deer encounters are identical to our kangaroo encounters.

[@Lcab-bh3wx]

# 1 Risk is smashing into a car that cut me off or didn't see me.

[@two_wheeled_guide]

Hey, Kevin, did you add echo to your voice? I kind of find it a bit difficult to stay focused on this video.

[@14Marathons]

The audio was definitely not the same quality as past videos....I had a tough time with it as well...I hope difficulty is resolved. I really appreciate this channel and videos, information and instruction...the audio quality definitely detracted from this video...Thanks for the video, just the same...

[@davepotter9532]

Yeah. Sound gets overlooked by video makers. This was made at the new place. Acoustically its a tin shack! I don't think he has it kitted out yet. Plus its a lot bigger. In one of his videos he said that he was going to get foam sprayed on the walls. Perhaps he needs to fly some absorbers from the ceiling as well. Probably need to construct a booth. All in good time I'm sure.

[@maxwellmark]

Keep in mind, he just moved... the new metal shop he is in will need some sound buffering. I’m sure he will address it in future videos.

[@Mudpuppynme]

Thanks for doing what you do! Audio is echoing for me on this vid...

[@fvcostanzo]

Interesting question - does greater visibility = lower incidence of rider/driver collisions? Have any statistics been collected on that?

[@texasveteran5304]

Your delivery so so monatone

[@davidharrington1133]

Why the blue tape on the mirrors on the track?

[@williamwintemberg]

It minimizes cleanup should you crash.

[@19Julli85]

Why did you tape your mirrors here?

[@TheRmoroni]

WHY ARE THE MIRRORS TAPED UP?

[@233kosta]

So far I've had two deer encounters, both on the 125 while I still had L plates. The first one had me lock up the front wheel for a split second. I just about got away with it. Second one I didn't lock up, but somehow got away with that one too. I guess British suicide deer haven't quite got the same death wish as American ones :P

[@firedog9113]

Another great video man. Glad I watch and listen to you. Had a truck pull out in front of me just a few minutes ago while riding my motorcycle. Lucky I was doing rhe speed limit and slowed down before I got there enough I could react. Ppl can learn lots from ya if they pay attention and practice what they learn.

[@LuckysLair]

Yep, I watch the cars "body language" not just the drivers head and eyes

[@papigrande1971]

why ya got the mirrors taped?

[@ChristosBassCovers]

Why tape up the mirrors. You almost was hit from rear

[@Earthspirit1147]

What's with the blue tape on mirrors and lights?

[@wingman2k]

Taping up your lights and mirrors is required on a track

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

keeps broken glass off track

[@Earthspirit1147]

@@wingman2k thank you. Make sense!

[@Visionery1]

10:05: would it not be better to mount the camera to the top of the helmet to prevent the noticeable camera shake? Similar to it being smoother at the bottom of a boat on a rough sea as opposed to up on the bridge.

[@afterburner2869]

Why the blue tape on the mirrors?

[@kyle333halfevil]

Hey MCrider what would you say to using your horn to alert deer as soon as you see them. I do this they almost always seem to run away from the road. I know there's still a chance they could run towards it instead but I figure that if I'm already slowing if they do run into the road better do it sooner before I'm right next to them.

[@CanonMatters2Me]

Kyle Rollins research shows at speed, horns don’t make it to deer in time. Also, they spook deer sometimes in front of you at slower speeds. If you are stopped then yes, it may move them off the road.

[@jeep2liberty]

@@CanonMatters2Me Can you provide the link to this research? Sounds interesting to read up on. Especially us MC riders. Sound is >600MPH so I think what you mean is there isn't time for them to react.

[@leslieaustin151]

Kyle Rollins And fit an aftermarket, louder horn. Better as a safety feature when riding amongst cars as well! Standard horns on MCs are feeble at best. Les in UK

[@CanonMatters2Me]

jeep2liberty not what I meant...deer near roads are used to horn noise, louder horn still sounds like regular horn 1/4 mile down the road. Lets not think too much about this folks.

[@kyle333halfevil]

@@leslieaustin151 I already have an aftermarket horn it's pretty loud.

[@ashley0305]

Were you mirrors and lights blocked out so that the glare from the sun wouldn't reflect in the other riders eyes or was it to block the lights for some reason? We don't have tracks where I live and was just curious. Are all the riders lights and mirrors covered this way?

[@stephtraveler7378]

Does the track make you put tape over your mirrors and lights? just curious.

[@jamesbrewer586]

What's the helmet mount you use?

[@brandonkelley6500]

Hey!! The road you are on in the first video, isn't that Denton Highway????

[@bissellsmith8690]

Was this the speed track on 377 on the way to Granbury in Cresson?

[@markrobson5335]

Kevin, l notice that the vehicles either side of you move away from the traffic lights ahead of you, is there any reason that you let them get ahead. I usually lane filter, when it is Safe to do so to the front of the queue and strangely enough 8 times out of 10 there is a motorcycle length gap in one of the lanes either side of me which I pull into. Now when the lights go green and the intersection is clear l accelerate to the speed limit as quickly as possible to get well in front of the traffic. As l accelerate away l check my mirrors, note that the traffic is well behind me, only to find a couple of hundred metres down the road l am been overtaken by the vehicles l accelerated away from. Now this tells me that to catch up to me those vehicles are travelling well in excess of the given speed limit. I don't know why drivers have this mentality that they have to get in front of you as when I am in my car I give motorcycle riders my blessings, move to give them a gap to pass. Kevin do you have a comment on this. Oh by the way the echo does not bother me, the message you give is more important. Cheers from down under... 🚴‍♀️

[@humelakecabin]

I'm curious as to why he covered up his mirrors when on the practice track.

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

In case of crash. Road bikes getting on the track must have those, and maybe headlamps taped, to avoid sharp debris in case of a crash.

[@tel1jla]

Besides deer, there are other animals that can cause fatal accidents. It is wild turkeys, not deer, that are the biggest problem in this area of Massachusetts . Like deer, turkeys also travel in groups and are very unpredictable. Strange as it may sound, motorcyclists have been killed by encounters with wild turkeys.

[@techydog7854]

That area of Massachusetts wouldn't happen to be central MA would it? I've had more than one close call with an early Thanksgiving dinner...

[@tel1jla]

@@techydog7854 Ha! No, I'm in North Falmouth on the Cape. Just the other day I had to emergency brake for a crazy turkey right in the middle of the road just beyond a blind curve. You never know what direction they'll go, or if they'll suddenly decide to fly right at you. It's gotten out of hand around here.

[@RioShooter]

Turkeys are also in problem in parts of South Texas. On a road near Brownsville, there is a section with a warning for wildlife crossing. The speed limit is 70. So I heeded the warning and slowed to 50. About a mile passed the sign, a huge turkey walked onto the road. Followed by his entire flock. I had to come to a complete stop to let them pass. That 20 mph decrease in speed made all the difference between a safe stop and a panic stop.

[@IronCavalier]

Where did you get your brown gloves?

[@nenogirich]

It's heart braking that not enough advance riders corses available in los angeles areas it's either fully booked three months in advace or none at all ,i was trying to talk and contact amo and msf but i got no replies to my email no phone calls whatsoever...i had to hire privat instructer which costs arm and a leg ...well no wonder people are dying on the streets everyday ,any sudgestions?

[@thebobs9343]

Been a viewer for a long time, but I had to crank up the V to hear this one. Too much riding and my ears must be shot, i guess. Always great stuff on this channel. But help us on the V from your end Kevin.