3 things I would tell every new rider - MCrider

[@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

[@antondahl8945]

Great story Kevin! My first motorcycle was a 1976 CB500T Honda,which I purchased new in 1978. 1,300 dollars,money I earned. Put 16,000 miles on that lovely high rpm screamer twin in the first year,and traded it in for a new XS650SF twin Yamaha,which I put 100,000 miles on and it still ran fine. Wish I'd have kept it.

[@roberts1677]

Whoever said to watch these videos at 1.25 speed was spot on.

[@micaKTM1290]

O M G I just tried it. That is frikken genius!!

[@afterburner2869]

Robert S That works like a charm!! I will do that from now on. Try it on .5 speed, he sounds drunk!

[@chefivan]

Robert S I agree. He either slows down the video on purpose, or he really reminds me of a relative with a honey like voice and does yoga while high daily

[@fuckliberals1742]

Ivan Maminta He is from Texas, they tend to speak a bit slower down there. That's all it is.

[@shadygrovebaptist]

I'm dying right now...... thank you.

[@SonoranSunriders]

After my husband, and I took the MSF course, we noticed how much more aware we were of our surroundings. I told my kids, even if they never want to ride a bike, they WILL take the course before they start driving a car. It will make them safer, more alert, polite drivers. Thank you for the wonderful videos!

[@russnurse2b807]

It will get even better for you if you take the Ride Like a Pro course by Jerry Palladino. That is a wonderful service you are doing for your kids and riders out there. Thank you. 👍😉

[@johncoe6304]

Very nice brother. Great idea

[@arthurbanks1579]

I am from the UK I have been riding on and off from 17, I'm 61 now since watching your channel I have taken a bike safe course run by our police and I am also going on to take an advanced I.A.M course ( Institute Of Advanced Motorcyclists ) which has a test at the end of the 6 week course , I would say never to young or old to learn thanks .

[@alkoenig85]

I took a test in 1980 from a friend of mine who was a State Trooper. The road test consisted of him telling me, "You are going to get killed on that thing." Then he instructed me to drive off. That was it. If I could drive off I was good to go. I already had the license in my pocket. I drove off and that was it. I am a retired safety engineer and I take my riding pretty seriously. I am impressed with the MSF courses and appreciate that they were there for my sons.

[@oliverallen5324]

“The greatest victory is the battle not fought.” These tips are applicable to any vehicle.(I drive an ambulance). Thanks MC.

[@kcav5374]

I bought a 94 Suzuki intruder last year & earlier this year I took a 5 day class at a Harley dealer & I am really glad I did.....As glad as I am that I found this site.

[@nonaubiz8939]

I've been safely riding for just a bit over 50 years, well in my youth on dirt maybe not so safely, and I love watching your videos. I have yet to disagree with anything you have said about riding. Only a foolish rider will think that he/she has learned it all and stops listening to other experienced riders. Kudos, keep it up and God bless you and your family.

[@incmplteGORILLA]

Kevin... I agree with you 100% I've had 2 classes. 1 MSF and a California highway patrol class to get my M1. I have never had any street bike experience prior. I have ridden dirt bikes most of my life growing up. I just purchased my first bike and will practice what the two classes had taught me. After about 6-8 months of riding I will take the advanced class. I watch a lot of your videos and take it all in. Just want to thank you for the videos and a job well done. Can't wait to pick up my new bike in a couple weeks and get on the road and use my new skills. I am nervous as hell about my first time going out but I know I can do it. Thanks again! ✌

[@sableshepherd2485]

I'm only 5 min or so in and I'm thrilled to hear you mention the union between overall "road strategies" on both bikes and cars...I find for my experience that the rule to safety is to have that same mindset ingrained into you, regardless of the vehicle you're using. I don't believe there's a lesson for one that's not applicable to the other to some extent.

[@allans7281]

I can relate to your video- mine was the Xr 80 in 1978😎 As a 12-year-old kid I had the biggest smile on my face and promised my dad I would be responsible on it

[@STho205]

A 1970 Honda CL70 scrambler with hybrid tires, in 1975 at 14 after practicing in a doctors office lot across the street for two months. Fun times.

[@markfrock5322]

Wow. You just brought back memories. My first bike was a 1982 Yamaha enduro 80. Same bike, same sound( when I heard it a flood of memories came back). Mine was red. Had so much fun on that bike. When I turn 17, got a car and never rode again. Thought about it for years but never did anything, finally I am back on a bike. Took MSF course, got me a nice beginner bike in a Suzuki GZ250 loving it. Trying to stay safe and learn skills. Thanks for your channel and thanks for advice.

[@brucealbright4405]

I had a yamaha 80 as well. My dad put a Hodaka 100 engine on the Yamaha frame and I used to race it. Scared the daylights out of me for awhile but got the hang of it. From IL and had a 2003 Honda VTX for close to 15 years and just traded it in on a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and love it.

[@Ducati_Dude]

Awesome vid Kevin... In addition, new riders should keep in mind that other drivers may not give the right-of-way... We as motorcyclists need to have the mindset that 'Each and Every' driver will Not give ROW, and be Prepared to act. Have that 'Escape Route' chosen Prior to a possible crash. Always, always 'Anticipate'... Say to yourself, 'What if that driver is going to pull out in front of me?' How will I avoid a collision, where is my escape route? If we are going to 'Assume', don't assume that you will be given ROW, assume that you will Not be given ROW!!! Also keep in mind that you can Steer out of trouble much quicker than you can trying to stop your bike with the brakes...

[@craigpoppe8436]

Gosh, in my 20s and 30s I rode bikes like a nut! Instinctively developed this 6th sense of cars turning left. Riding a bike was natural! Now I'm in my 50s, granted many years of not riding. I have to start over again? Not like riding a bicycle. Thanks for the videos! Slow speed parking lot skills are what I am going to work at this year! I hope that 6th sense comes back!

[@dadtrap]

Kevin, when I started riding 48 years ago it was buy your bike get your license and learn as you go. My first bike was a Kawasaki 90. Now I have two Harley baggers and a sportster. At one point I took the MSF class and realized I was lucky to make it as far as I did. I constantly practice my skills on a daily basis. When riding season starts my wife and I practice starting with getting on and off the bike,. Then it is to the parking lot and low speed practice before we get on the road for long rides.

[@rixretros]

Great video, Kevin. I'm surprised to hear that the MSF does NOT include "road strategy" in its course. I was a Senior Instructor for 19 years with Canada Safety Council's Novice Rider Training Course. "Road strategy" was taught through at least 18 hours of the 24 hour total course time. "Road strategy" was ALWAYS integrated into whatever skill we were teaching the students at a particular time after the first 6 hours of basic stuff. The CSC calls it "defensive riding" but it's basically the same thing. Keep up the good work and hopefully a LOT of riders will take heed of your thoughts. For sure, people that learned to ride a motorcycle properly BEFORE they learned to drive a car are a LOT better car drivers. Last word: There are old riders and there are bold riders, but.......there are NO old bold riders.;-)

[@douglasphillips1203]

rixretros they do discuss it in the classroom portion (I just completed the MSF course a couple of months ago, but I think they could spend more time talking about it.)

[@claytonweber8499]

Man, Number 2 really hit home for me. I've just put 10K on my bike and most of it has been in very safe environments; not really challanging myself or practicing the skills you mentioned. Now, I'm thinking about moving to a big touring bike but I'm afraid of getting out on cross country trips. Your advice is great and I'm going to take it to heart and start getting better instead of just running in place.

[@cwbaldwin61]

Point #2 - practice, practice, practice. Between the weather and a busy life, it feels like I struggle just to get out and ride. But the truth is I'm just minutes from a local high school with a big parking lot and I have the MCRider app. It is easier than I'd care to admit to carve out thirty minutes every other week or so to hone my skills. Thanks, Kevin, for the encouragement.

[@nathanletteri6567]

Im 16 and ive been riding a honda crf 230m since i was 13. Just a couple days ago i started riding my stepdads 94 softail custom with the full screaming eagle package and your videos help thank you

[@normankujawski543]

Since watching your videos I have been using road strategies more when driving my car too. Thanks.

[@BeaverDaveECV]

hearing you mention Blytheville brings back memories. I was stationed at Blytheville AFB from 1971 - 1973 when I went overseas.

[@antondahl8945]

Kevin let me ask you a question. As a motorcycle professional,I've seen so many crashes and had family and friends killed on motorcycles,I basically discourage loved ones from riding. Yet I love my street bikes,own a bunch of them and will ride as long as I can. Am I wrong to discourage? Perhaps I'm overly protective. I'm glad nobody discouraged me. Dad a very experienced motorcyclist rode my first motorcycle home from Fayetteville to Pinehurst NC on a cold rainy March night. He handed me the keys and I went out in the country and rode until the wee hours of the morning. Pure magic.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Love that little 80, 😍 and those are partly what I started on too....in about 1978. So cool.

[@mikeinnh9179]

Hi Kevin, another great video packed with valuable information, loved the ol da ding 2 stroke opening. Glad to see Harvey didn't wash you away, stay safe.

[@germansestopal6167]

Learned to ride a car and a more important a bicycle before riding a motorcycle helps a lot. I think. Thanks for your lessons Sir.

[@SweetartistacademyAuPerth]

Can't get enough or your video, recently got back on a 1500 Goldwing after 20 years break, I need all the training I can get. And thanks to you I went to an advance training and yes I am still wondering how I am still alive driving how I did for so many years. God must be a hell of a rider too. Great job ,keep doing it.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Way ta GO! I started out on a 71 Honda SL-125 then found a spot to do circles, and u-turns. got my license and a few yrs later bot a Honda Skrambla 360, it was easier to do tite turns on the 360 since I did'em on the 125. . .

[@beauhughey9710]

Thanks Kevin. You are correct in the road strategies are useful in the cage or car or the truck in my case, particularly following distance. I have found I do not sneak up on vehicles in my alternative vehicles.

[@antondahl8945]

You may have met my motorcycle mechanics instructor Wayne Graham of Central Carolina College in Sanford NC. Great guy and instructor. He took me and a couple other students down to Daytona. We rode our motorcycles. We saw Kenny Roberts win the 200 and Eddie Lawson got 2nd. We got in the pits after the race and examined the OW61 race bikes at point blank range. Seems Fast Freddie got the holeshot on an Interceptor. Peace

[@raymondgarafano8604]

So Coool Kev, started out on a Honda SL-125. I got my license to ride in Taunton, Mass. figure 8's quick stop, swerves and a U-turn.

[@trig]

Thanks for your time and dedication. In England our license law is much stricter. I commend your efforts to save lifes and improve younger riders experiences. Greatest of respect. Trig

[@micaKTM1290]

While license testing is likely more difficult in general in England, he was talking about 40 years ago! MC licensing is not like that nowadays.

[@cameronhicks5225]

I believe as you said that practice is key. Road strategy both on four and two wheels has gotten me out of some hairy spots on the highway and residential roads. Keep up the great content!!

[@aliservan7188]

Never met a Texan I didn't like, I'm sure unlikable ones exist, I just never met one. God's own people. Love these videos

[@wildbill5670]

I always say that anyone that is a great rider, watches the road, watches what anyone can do at any time etc etc and becomes a skilled rider will take that over to his automobile skills which makes him a very good car driver. For example when coming off a light that just turned green how many car drivers check both ways to make sure traffic is stopped before proceeding? Darn few. A good motorcycle rider will do it every time whether on a bike or in a car.

[@justinwaller7339]

I totally agree with you on the importance of road strategies. I practice those strategies all the time, whether on the bike or in the car. I've been saying it for years that being a motorcycle rider has done much to make me a better car driver as well. I put many more miles on a bike than a car. My commute to work is 50 miles with about 20% of that being suburban sprawl, with plenty of opportunity to practice swerving and panic stops. So I ride 100 miles just about every day. I even rode yesterday in the snow, but for the snow riding, I rode a motorcycle with a sidecar. It's a different set of skills than riding a two-wheeled bike, but the road strategies are the same. My suggestion is to become a commuter rider rather than just a weekend warrior. It keeps your skills sharp and forces you to practice good road strategies since you'll be riding during less than optimal times, ie, during rush hour, you'll be better prepared when you're just out riding for pleasure.

[@OperationFoxley19441]

If you ride in London UK you will have plenty opportunity to practice swerving and emergency braking......................everyday!

[@miroslawgad4269]

OperationFoxley19441 Driving in London UK on a motorbike will make you ready for everything that can happend. Not only motorbike wise :)

[@laurajkirk]

I think my head would explode ... We drive on the right

[@aliservan7188]

depressinglgy accurate and I ride a big V twin and ride like an old nun. Makes b frigging difference >.

[@petecurran3995]

@@laurajkirk same in UK, going past all the queues! 😆

[@Bululdaya]

Hilarius! The GT80 was my first motorcycle too, back in 1983.

[@doug995.]

Go for a nice long ride or a trip pick a couple of things that need inproving and concentrate and work on them during the entire ride, this helps to create good riding habits. Have been riding for 30 years and have 100s of thousands of miles on my bikes and I can always find something to improve on a trip. Great videos.

[@billbright1755]

I still ride my 1978 Kawasaki KD100 M on camp outs etc. Amazing torque from that tiny piston and rotary valve induction. Will go anywhere in the mountains and if need be can pick it over a log etc. A cup off gas will go very far it runs so frugal.

[@chuytrejo9451]

Just did my mfs course an I got to say u were a great inspiration for me an ur vids really helped me to be prepared for it thanks keep doin wat u do man love ur channel an cool to know ur in Texas

[@DarkoSayd]

Not a new driver, but I'm listening carefully, Sir. :)

[@JeffJeno1000]

The most memorable line for me that Kevin has said in a previous video is to practice emergency skills and to ride in a way that you don’t need them.

[@KLP99]

Again, solid, sound, time-tested information. I appreciate your no bull, no hype, and no hollering and no emoting like nonsense a whole boatload of other channels offer. You're all that without the nonsense. I'm referring my sons, whose wives are now letting them buy bikes, to your channel. Hopefully they all pay attention. A couple tend to take risks, and I'm hoping they'll calm down before they get into trouble. At least they've all taken my advice and ride cruisers instead of "crotch rockets" so their statistically verifiable life expectancy is much longer. Hey, do you have a video where you talk about buying more bike, or style of bike, that's out of a rider's league? As for me? My current ride is a 2004 VT1100C Shadow Spirit. I've added bags, a tach, clock, thermometer, air horn, wind screen (6 eye surgeries -- I'll take no chances with my eyes), and will be adding a gear counter soon... It gets 40.5mpg, which seems a little low. Is it? Thanks sir! Keep em coming! Oh, and John Beyl's point on getting good protective gear before bike mods is spot on! Get good duds else you'll not have the chance to enjoy the mods. Life's short enough as it is. I have 15 grandchildren and I'll not take me away from them sooner than the good Lord takes me home because I think I'm the exception to the rule. Don't be a statistic because you're impatient. This Old Man 1955 - I show some of the mods in a couple poor videos. Nothing like these.

[@eatapples1000]

My first motorcycle was also a GT 80, lots of great memories, my first taste of freedom.

[@ImSadah]

Greetings from a newbie rider from Greece,with an R3 :-) Excellent videos! Really helpful! Keep it up!

[@MasonRoyaie]

Hey Kevin, that very same bike and colour was my first too in 1978, thanks for the videos!

[@spartanhillfarm6202]

My dad bought me a brand new 1978 GT80 when I was 7 years old. It was my first bike. Same color combo as the one in this video. When I saw that I bout fell outta my chair. So cool! I put 19k miles on that lil bike before it died. I held onto it til it was stolen about 6 years ago and I've been looking for another one like it ever since.

[@rogersmith5371]

When I got my motorcycle licence in about 1971 the test was exactly the same as you described. Ride up the road, make a U turn without putting your feet down and come back. This was in Australia. Nowadays we have Stay Upright pre-rider training, LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) and graduated licences from Learner's Permit, a red Provisional and then Green Provisional licence. LAMS precludes those on a Learner's Permit (Ls) from riding certain bikes - essentially any bike over 650ml displacement and a power to weight ratio of 150kw based on the rider's mass being an agreed average 90kg. Helmets are compulsory in Australia. I'm sure all these measures have led to a reduced accident and death toll for motorcyclists. Of course, sadly, all these measures can't legislate against stupidity nor can it insulate riders against those in cars who are easily distracted. When they are involved in an accident with a bike, they'll often resort to SIDSYM (Sorry I Didn't See You Mate).

[@alexh2188]

I've been riding just over a month now, a few days after doing the CBT in the UK, I went out to an empty car park, practiced things like my slow control manoeuvres and stuff, but most importantly, my emergency stops. Since then, I've had to do 5 emergency stops, the practice potentially saved me, for what, pennies in petrol and an hour of my time?

[@DualShockTree]

Alex Hardy I'm gonna do my CBT in a few months. I can't wait to get riding. I've got my bike, i just wanna take down to a local car park when it's empty and getting some practice in beforehand

[@crisrose9707]

carpark practice is some the the best things you can do on a bike. even once you get your licence still go back and practice :)

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

Lex....as Kevin has mentioned, road strategy is just as, if not more important than riding skills. Those emergency braking situation will be few and far in between when one masters road strategy. And there is no substitute in practice and improving on riding skills. Happy riding.

[@CanukWoodChuck]

Another great video Kevin. Thank you. When I got my license in 1970 on a 350 Kawasaki I had to drive around the block while the guy listened to you, if you made it back you passed LOL.

[@XTRABIG]

Bruce Beatty crazy how standards have changed for the better

[@rideon379]

Started on a 80 Yamaha myself, Dad bought it for me when I was 9, much to Mom's dismay. We had 60 acres by the house, used to drive Dad crazy, could go through 5 gallons of gas and a couple quarts of 2 cycle oil and never leave the 60 on a weekend!

[@davidgearardo1788]

I learned on a little green 50cc cricket pull start lol, saved up all my money for two years and bought a yz80. The rest is all a long story, but that lil bike is nice

[@GMAN420BC]

Mine too ! My buddy got a CR80 and we rode all through the hood. We were about 10 !

[@badapple65]

I almost learned the hard way to keep a longer following distance. Last weekend at 65 mph on a country road a 24” long 6x6 wooden landscaping timber, or like item suddenly appeared in the middle of my lane once the car ahead of me passed over it. I quickly did a little dip swerve. I missed it by a mm. I said “OH MY GOD”! Over and over to myself after the near miss. An item that large can not be driven over without major damage to the wheels. I’m sure it would have been a bad accident. I felt my following distance was fine but now I realized much more distance is needed. I got lucky.

[@Robnord1]

Okay Kevin...this fine video did it for me. I'm finding a class. After my MSF course I rode in Seattle traffic 3 times a week, which kept me sharp. Now I'm just a weekender with one big tour a year. It's time for that advanced rider course I keep putting off. If you weren't 2700 miles away you'd be my instructor choice.

[@MCrider]

Awesome Robnord1!!!! Money well spent!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I'd recommend riding as frequently as you can. I'm also in Seattle, so, I know just how lucky you are in terms of road conditions. We've got just about every possible type of road you might want without having to leave the city. Interlaken Boulevard has some great twisties, but don't try to go more than about 15-20 mph as that's about as fast as you can go responsibly without advanced techniques. Also, when you get to the point where you need to practice decreasing radius turns, there's a couple of those at the north end of Lake Washington Boulevard. Riding every weekend is OK, but make sure you get your butt outside for practice riding in the rain.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I also forgot, Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Safety offers an actual on street strategy class. I haven't had the chance to take it, but I've been meaning to. Once you've been riding a while it's a rare opportunity that isn't available in many areas yet.

[@Robnord1]

Chris L Yes ! I did the PNMS basic rider class 7 or 8 years ago. They were great. Right now I'd benefit more from the advanced, but that on road looks good. I had a few hairy moments on my last big ride ( 7 states, 4K mi) that taught me I am not yet master of the machine.

[@leejordan9566]

My 1st was a Honda mini trail 50, 1970!

[@2002drumsonly]

Well spoken. More excellent information and encouraging to train is outstanding. Great video!

[@OutdorsDanny]

I love your videos. I just got a small Vulcan 500 from my brother and will be on it within a couple weeks. I road dirt bikes a little bit as a kid but I definitely lack the muscle memory needed to drive safely. My brother recommended your channel and I've watched very little of anything else since. Keep up the good work and if you offer an actual course I would drive the six and a half hours to take it.

[@Swilton100]

Great video , gigantic appreciation for making this important information available. Thank you many times over.

[@cloudsintheozarksoutdoors9538]

1st bike was a YZ100 Yamaha. Fast little bike. Gravel roads in Southern Missouri. I was also 13 years old.

[@indycarr3964]

I took the MSF safety course, obtained by endorsement last week, took my maiden voyage on my restored 85 Kawasaki LTD yesterday, and had to use several steps/maneuvers I was taught in class to prepared for someone that could have pulled out in front of me from the right. I slowed my speed from 50 MPH to 45, moved from C to A, quickly flashed my brake lights to the car behind me to let them know I'm slowing down and preparing for an evasive maneuver, and I did not take my eyes off the eyes of the driver to the right till we made eye contact. I was fully prepared to stop, or swerve. If I hadn't taken the course, I don't think I would have prepared myself in such a way. Nothing happened, but boy was I hyper sensitive to the possible situation. I've set myself up on a schedule to practice what I was taught in class. There is a school right across the street with spaced jersey barriers, the parking area weaves around the school, with up and down hill grades, and it is empty on Sunday mornings. I am going to get your Field Guide, for I found playing sports, practice time was my favorite time.

[@keltecdan]

Babes is awesome. They just opened one here off 820 in North Richland Hills.

[@davewolf8869]

My first bike was a 1970 DT-1250! I miss it so much.

[@antondahl8945]

And I've always had a very strong survival instinct. My first helmets were Bell and Electro full coverage helmets. I wore the best gear I could,and was always in a defensive mode. Still am. But it does seem that safety on a motorcycle almost depends upon one's personality and intelligence,the ability to make good decisions.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

I learned to ride on a Suzuki 125 dirt bike in the woods by my house in 1980. Those woods are now gone, including the pond, and have been replaced by condos and a strip mall.

[@danroberson1930]

this is very infromational....i went down hard in 86.....someone made a right on red in front of me... had full faced bell helmet saved my life

[@-Chooka]

That's the same bike i learned to ride on in the early '80 s. my brother had the mx80 which was pretty much the same bike. oh the memories we would be out riding all day every chance we got.

[@roscoesomeone9764]

I got a motorbike in 1962 and a license then.... same thing 14 years old and if you didn't fall over, could use the brake (only one brake on the back wheel) and knew hand signals you passed. I later went through many cycles but after sliding past a lady who pulled out in front of me in her pickup I decided I'd had enough. But about a year ago I got some non-running used Chinese scooters for a hobby. I still had the M on my license and I've enjoyed working on them and riding them to the store and back. What I tell anyone on a bicycle, scooter or cycle is ride it like you're invisible because you are or will be to someone driving a car.

[@simrey33]

Ha the y dt-80 was my first bike almost identical and lots of fun.

[@jdshemp]

Same exact bike I had when I was stationed on Naval Air Station Bermuda in 1978.

[@indycarr3964]

Since we are talking first bikes, at 13 my first bike was a '64 Honda Dream full dresser. My brother and I killed that bike trail riding. From there I went to a '74 Kawasaki 250 dirt bike. In 1985 I test rode the Kawasaki LTD, didn't get it, probably a good thing, but it became my dream bike. 32 years later I fulfilled that dream.

[@genius-no5sl]

My first bike was an RM 60 Suzuki.

[@vitabricksnailslime8273]

Had to have a chuckle hearing how your riding test so resembled my own in rural Australia. The examiner goes to inspect the bike, "Oh it's a big new bastard" (it was a CX500). Bike check complete. But aside from actually completing all of the proposed manoeuvres without incident, I really believe that I'd passed at the instant I repeated, without error, what those manoeuvres were supposed to be. But having come to motorcycling from competetive cycling, by this time I'd already left quite a bit of skin on the road. And most of this was due to my own aggression. So I was acutely aware that the stakes had been raised significantly. I reckon that for my first year I could hardly see a barbed wire fence without imaging my guts strung along it. But anyway, I'll add two pieces of advice. The first is from Eddy Merckx, "Aggressive riders must fall". To which I would add, "So must timid riders, but they're hardly likely to even know what happened". But the first group is more likely to have a catastrophic fall.

[@HighCoup333]

Simply put at 11:11 perfectly concise. I do miss the old intro, though. It had better music and was nice n short. Cheers Kevin.

[@chrishowellimages]

I think situational awareness is a good catch-all and similar to what you mean by road strategy.

[@artmchugh5644]

I feel it is a good move for new riders is ride alone as much as possible, by yourself you can take back roads where you have a lot more to deal with AT YOUR OWN PACE ! Not feeling like you need to keep up with your friends.

[@mschildgen863]

Love the opening the best. Very similar story except i had an even older Yamaha 80. Then a Honda 100 then a Honda 400 for getting my license. No idea why dad was so good to me... anyhow, getting a license in WI in 1985 was VASTLY different. They put an earpiece in your helmet and followed you around in a van giving you commands. Had to navigate streets, parking lots, 2-lane hiway. Plus U-turn, park, and take off on a hill. Everyone i knew failed, even me. I went "too slow" on the 55mph section and stopped "too far" from the curb when making a right turn. Apparently only 1 "mistake" was allowed lol. That old lady would probably grin if she knew i was now an MSF instructor. LoL. Keep up the good work bud, i agree with about everything ive heard you say, and i refer graduates to your videos all the time 👍👍

[@ImNotStalkingYou]

I had a Suzuki TS250 when I was a kid. Dad gave it away after it blew up for the second time. I wish I still had that thing

[@wildbill5670]

I first wanted a Bridgstone 175. Wound up getting a 1969 CB750 Honda. Didn't know it at the time but it was one of the collectable "sandcast" models. Sold it in the early 80's with over 100,000 miles on it. They are so collectable now. Should have not sold it. So, I first bike has 750cc's.

[@nam6866]

Good Advice. I Hope people take it in. Thanks.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I sold my first Yamaha GT-80 that I bought new in 1972.. but I bought another one just for fun and to put a YZ-80-B GYT Kit on it .. went from 16 mm carb to 24 mm carb.. GYT cylinder PDI High compression radial head.. Expansion chamber ect. I had to shim the clutch springs for my clutch holding power. It would go from 0-85 MPH really fast.. Shifting from first to second wind open and leaning over the handle bars it would flip if I didn't let off from the gas.. The headlight would blow out if I even hit the power band.. Then all the Rivets blew on the fly wheel so I had to replace the flywheel mag points ect with an internal rotor CDI .. that when it really became fast with the hotter lighter mass rotating assembly and lots of extra port work . One Friday evening it took 7 Cop cars and 14 Cops to catch me before I finally stopped for a road block .. I don't even know why 3 cops sitting in a parking lot decided to chase me.. I did not speed coming up to the 4 way stop or leaving from the 4 ways stop . I was 16 years old maybe I didn't have a plate on it .. I don't recall now .. It was only 72 CC now days the motocross bikes are water cooled and 85 cc's

[@johnbeyl3892]

Great video Kevin...totally on point! The comment by Ducati Dude is spot on as well. I think a 4th point is until you're well outfitted with top end crash gear spend money on that rather than bike mods...unless the bike mods make it safer for the rider.

[@johncoe6304]

OMG..love that.. i had a minibike. Pull start. My friend , 10 years old, got a BRAND NEW honda 50, with gears and everything. So jealous .

[@mikebigeasyrider]

Check with your local or state motor officer division and see if any do private advanced training, I and 2 MSF instructors have taken it,( yes , MSF instructors) Motor officers know more technics and are more skilled, Both in street riding discussions and on the range exercises. McCrider.....Great channel

[@karlplasser1314]

Man, we're double lucky that you decided to focus on motorcycle riding. First because your advice is really helpful. Second because with your voice and your habit you could sell anything. It's really creepy how my mirror neurons kick in when you're talking and your lessons stick in the back of my brain. Yesterday I was out for a ride and suddenly realized that I was changing lane positions without even thinking about it. It felt completely normal even though I never trained it consciously. So again: Thanks for the good advice and thanks for not misusing your abilities.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I spend a couple of hours a month anyway doing swerves, quick stops, and tight turns. IT SO pays off. Even motorcycle cops have to practice every so often to hone their low speed skills.

[@SlingingLead]

Love that studio Kevin!

[@wvb60]

one of the best vids, maybe the best! Thank you!

[@davek3186]

Kevin, now I feel guilty for buying those new grips for my Bike. lol I'm attending more riding classes soon though too. My step son just bought a new Street Glide after he sold his crotch rocket. I wish he'd attend classes with me, but he doesn't think he needs to learn anything about riding. I can only control what I do though. Hope some things I learn and remind him of will stick in his mind though. Maybe I can get him to practice emergency stopping with me since he has a heavier bike now. Thanks for your inspiration to ride safe.

[@underdogmotomania]

Nice my first motorcycle was a 1978 XR75 think I was 13, self taught didn't know any of the controls. I may have fell a few times. Now I can't remember not knowing how to ride ;)

[@scott917]

I lived in Mississippi County for 10 years! :)

[@michaelhamilt0n]

I got my license right at a year ago and that’s the exact test we (3 of us at the same time) were given...

[@kamenrider8926]

Good info! Emergency vehicles also make cagers do crazy crap like locking up in front of you even though the EM is a mile away from the intersection I had to hard stop my 685lb Harley stayed up straight only had the bike a few days sure scared me! P.S. Where a helmet always.

[@boggycreek5323]

Blythville is where I grew up.and got my license

[@andreeveugene4826]

Hello, Kevin! I would like to hear your opinion on installing tires from the car on the rear wheel of heavy motorcycles. I have Gold Wing and every year I travel around Norway. After traveling 10-12 thousand km, the front wheel, as it should, sticks "wedge", and the rear wears out more in the center, although it takes thousands of turns and hundreds of "hairpins". I understand that the engineers knew what they were doing when they designed the motorcycle, but why did the motorcyclists install the tires from the cars? Yours faithfully, Evgeny.

[@scottmckenna9164]

The look of love is in his eyes!

[@trort2714]

Recently, I was riding with a buddy and leading the way. On our rural route there is gas pump store close to the road and there is always a vehicle or two in there. At 55mph our approach to this store is steep uphill and visibility is pretty limited for me as well as driver in a car wanting to pull out. As I approach, I stand up on the pegs to give a little more visibility to a driver. My buddy thought that move was pretty cool. What visibility techniques do you all find useful?