5 Top Mistakes New Motorcycle Riders Make

This week on MCrider we look at some common mistakes that many new riders make and how to overcome them.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@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

[@Stacy_Smith]

Addition to #1: Forgets to take into account the surface conditions and doesn't put a pad down when needed.

[@esa062]

Countersteering is something many don't even realize, until they come to a fast corner that is a bit tighter than they thought, or they ride a bit faster than they thought. Then they try to turn the handle bar to the direction of the corner, causing the bike to go straight. I think it is essential to take corners very carefully until you get countersteering in muscle memory, because just knowing it doesn't help in unexpected situations. It needs to be as natural as walking, and that takes some time to develop.

[@cazgerald9471]

In addition to cornering is urgent / emergency steering to avoid some unforeseen obstacle or hazard. Even people who've gotten used to countersteering in corners can make a bad error when *BAM* steer now, because just like urgent / emergency braking, the stress levels rise and if it's not 2nd nature your split second reaction may be the wrong maneuver.

[@MCrider]

True

[@nlevesque137]

Being a newbie, this video was eye opening to me, now even when I'm driving my car i'm in my mind vizualizing the countersteer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIeoaGyOiZ1gg8k

[@shaleknight6224]

MCrider HERE's a link that I'd like your opinion on re: checking out a used motorcycle. I know this gentleman is an auto mechanic & I DO respect HIS opinions etc BUT is he correct in at least part in checking out a used motorcycle? kzbin.info/www/bejne/imWQfWWVo7eke7M

[@Kryndon64]

You're right. I'm a fairly new rider and even though I can technically ride on normal roads without too much of a hassle, I still feel uncertain of what exactly is happening and how I affect it when negotiating turns at higher speeds (50/60/70 mph). Sometimes, without even realizing, I can point the bike precisely around a turn and go through it nicely and safely. Other times, when I actually think about turning, I test to see what happens by trying to purposefully countersteer by pushing down on either handlebar, but I just feel the bike get really heavy and not want to budge or lean at all. So it must be a combination of subconscious body movements, handlebar pressure, vision targeting and maybe some other factors which I'm not aware of. I mean with time, everyone can learn to ride. But I feel it's very important to understand the fundamentals of why and how the bike behaves, especially in turns.

[@michaelfinley9988]

Back when I was 53 I rode from Fort Worth TX to Phoenix AZ straight and left at 10 pm so didn’t sleep. Was crazy yes, luckily I made it safely.

[@340rps]

I got a #6. New riders and older ones too who have the belief that you should never use the front brake, because it will send you over the handle bars. My friend and his son are of this thinking, I ask then why do manufacturers bother putting front brakes on bikes. I have seen him lock up the rear brakes at a red light and slide into the intersection. He still doesn't learn.

[@sandyshelton5]

Re: counter steering. I have a friend who complains after 50 miles or so of twisties, that he is "exhausted from throwing my bike through the turns." I try to counsel him about counter steering. I explain to him that if he is doing it right, it makes riding the twisties a joy and no more taxing physically than riding on the highway. He is a prime candidate for an intermediate skills class. Just can't get him to go, even though a local Police dept. offers them for free via the Ride to Live program. I'm signed up for an April class. Need to drag him with me.

[@STho205]

My daily ride: gravel in road, stacked switchbacks, at least one steep dirt road each way (mine), deer in road, bear in road, occasional fallen bolder, out of town flatland drivers that cross the yellow in blind curves, squirrels, possum, city sportbike riders new to backroads, and the DAMNED Loose DOGS that chase any bike and try to bite the tire. Every day is a lesson, but the refresher classes and parking lot practice are still good. Good job Kevin.

[@DA2THFA1RY]

One good thing I was taught at my school about turn signals was, turn them off after you have shifted into the next gear after a corner, or if you are merging you remind yourself to turn them off once you are in the desired lane

[@jesterheadalfa8924]

I m a new rider and i constantly forget cancelling my turning signals,i really have to train myself to cancel after the turn.your channel is really priceless.i actually think it might have saved some lives.i m glad i subscribed to this channel.

[@shaneelson]

Hi Kevin. Cant agree more with your closing comments about keeping skills up. Whenever I've been off the bike for a while, say mid winter for a few weeks, I find an empty parking lot and practice low speed stuff before going out on a ride - even 1/2 hour of u-turns, figure 8s, slow speed riding really helps. After along rides, anything over a couple of hours, I'll do a little debrief with myself about what I did right and what I did wrong. I never pass of a slight, non critical error as just "Oh well." Being aware, as you keep stressing, is super important and that means being able to reflect on what you did (or not) and next time you go out, working on it.

[@davidbronicki5024]

I always say see and be seen, and use your signals and check your mirrors often. An example of checking your mirrors is at a traffic light always check your mirrors to see who's coming up behind you tap your brake several times to make sure they see you. And get the big picture.

[@jumpsouth1]

Thanks.. Love the info.. Been riding all my life, and still learn something on each video.

[@Justinwiggler1]

When I was in the military and went through MSF, it was a week long course on base, all day, every day. It was very beneficial!

[@assadsaab938]

the MSF class is indeed very beneficial, specially the e course which I learned a lot from, but I felt that the class that I took was more like "teaching" you how to ride a bike. even though we had a great instructor that covered many important things. as much as I dislike being in class, I think the MSF class should be more than 2 days.

[@benjamincs1]

Sounds good but it's still not enough really. Time is needed for the skills to bed in. Needs a few weeks at least, perhaps less intensively.

[@lazylearner967]

Justin W thank you for your service.

[@rafaelbadollato400]

Nice advises you gave us - I'm thankful. The thing I like the most is your philosophy that we always have to learn, whatever it is... to live is to learn

[@gravelslinger9331]

Thank You Sooooooo Much, MC Rider!!! I appreciate your videos! Your video on making tight turns and U-turns was VERY HELPFUL!!! Clutch Control and being mindful of how much power goes to the wheels is essential, ESPECIALLY on my 2016 Night Rod which is EXCEPTIONALLY POWERFUL!!

[@daveshepherd7582]

Thank you for the continuing education, Great video!

[@bjrnbirkeland5893]

Common mistake: Forget to shift down into first gear, during stop. Then pull of in third and kill the engine, which get you out of ballance and bike fell over.

[@kristiankyllingmark4552]

thats true

[@c_rhynehardt]

Bjørn Birkeland been there, done that

[@caseyw.8325]

yes! very dangerous

[@wb416]

I returned to riding last September after 20 years away and took the Ohio Safety course right away. Been riding all winter, about 50% of the days available when weather and temp allow. I like how you said miles alone aren't enough. My practice has been sparse this winter, and I'm signed up for a "refresher" course next month. Curious to see what bad habits have crept in this winter even though I managed over 3000 miles since Thanksgiving. I figured an extra set of eyes on my skills would be good before I start cranking on some trips on my bucket list this year.

[@genehauser3913]

I imagine we have all had every one of these at least once. I know I have. Thanks, and keep these videos coming!

[@ostmen_draugr]

So glad i learned all this on a scooter before i got into bigger bikes. Still need to take the license test but i have about 5 years riding experience on scooters. All i really need is shifting & clutch control training.

[@GModBMXer]

Hey MC rider wanted to say thanks for the videos. I am feel more prepared for the MSF after each video

[@jameshallfishing3377]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful information.

[@honestkris1]

You nailed it again! Thanks Kevin!

[@stephensmith1034]

I also forgot to put my side-stand down, and the bike was fairly new. Did it in front of a bunch of fellow riders. Embarrassing! No damage. Great video, and tips!

[@jaykatcher1769]

I did that once with a stripper on the back,,,I just got off and walked away and heard CRASH,,,lmao she was still sitting on it...Bahahaha and that was in front of all my bros too...

[@Blue-moon12]

Great video. I found myself counter steering without even knowing it. Vey important.

[@v2vortex]

Thanks Kevin, I always get a good source of information from watching your vids....

[@r.d.1991]

Looking forward to counter steering video - thanks! Love this channel! 👍

[@larryhouse2767]

Counter steering is unbelievably simple. If you want to turn right. Push forward on the right side of the handle bar. As if you're almost trying to turn the bars to the left, the bike will dive down on the right side and corner right. It's magic but it works.

[@DA2THFA1RY]

One way you can "learn" it or get a feel for it is by sitting on the bike while it's turned off and pushing on the right or left bar. You see and feel it want to tip over to the right or left

[@aeromaton]

Your videos are always excellent!

[@mikecarreca7864]

Hi I'm Michaels wife.I wrote that comment. I love your vidios. I've just started riding a motorcycle and they have helped me tremedously. I enjoy riding now and I'm not as scared of the bike as I was. Please keep up the good work teaching. Love you.

[@richardmourdock2719]

had to chuckle as you discussed recognizing a new rider by the blinking turn signal..... But your "full disclosure" made it right. I have a Goldwing, Super Tenere and Honda Stateline, the Wing with canceling signals, the others without.... oh yeah,,, me too on the simpler bikes.. blinky, blinky, blinky. My riding buddies have a code.. three sharp beeps of the horn means for me to turn off my turnsignal. counter-steering + keeping eyes up through corners and not fixating....... MUST DOs

[@MCAdventurerHD131]

Thank you.

[@JohnBehring]

Great video! Love habit 5.

[@ailstedt77]

Hi Kevin. Thanks for a great video. I'm from Sweden. I do agree to some extent that you should have a more strict msf course in your country. But I do think my country is a little to hard on new riders in geting their licence. I have been riding 2 times a week with friends, and done 7ish 2 hour lessons with a drivers aid school with professional teachers like you. And i stil didn't pass my licenses first session that is like balance and braking. So he didn't allow me out on the road. I paid around 300 dollars for 5 minutes of his time evaluating my riding ability. And then it was time to winterize, so maybe in April I'll get to pay another 300 and actually get my license. 😂 😉 Thanks for some great videos.

[@rontrose]

My new bike has self canceling signals. What a revelation. I admit I was bad about this when I returned to riding about 2 years ago. I still cancel myself to keep in practice.

[@ridersideas]

Nice content, very informative, idol! You are absolutely right. We should not stop from learning. I have been riding a bike for more than 5 years now but I know I still have so much to learn. Thank you for the ideas. God bless.

[@deancravens7940]

Thanks Kevin for all you do. I'm a new supporter of your channel and a new rider. Looking forward to your field guide and more videos of road strategy as well as advice from the rest of the members. My wife and I are very excited and eager to learn and put the time in to develop are techniques and Road strategy. Dean and Sherry Cravens Delta, OH.

[@nygelg94]

I enjoy your videos very much, thank you

[@biclifett]

Forgot my kickstand down a day after watching this... Didn't end well but I sure won't be forgetting it again. :)

[@1960beadie]

Also looking forward to your counter-steering tutorial! Thanks again Kevin...

[@tonypybus8003]

Great video - I would add to those needing to take a course myself included. When I learned to ride a bike there was no such thing as riding schools - I learned by my own mistakes - the driving exam was simply driving around the block a few times whilst the examiner walked around the block and observed me. On one circuit he would step out from between two cars and expect me to do an emergency stop. As I shared a while back I returned to motorcycling after about 30 years and until I did a "born again course " I knew nothing of "counter Steering" . On reflection I know that some of my very early drops would not necessarily have happened if i had been taught this technique. I use an aviation technique to ensure I have cancelled my indicator. I aviation they call it checking T's and P's (temps and pressure) I.e. glance at the instrumentation to ensure everything is ok. Glance at the instrument panel and observe if indictors are as they should be.

[@jaykatcher1769]

If i remember correctly the one mistake I did...turn the gas on,lol learn how to switch to reserve wile in motion, and lose the idea about rite of way because that will get you dead...keep your eye on left turners and cell phone ignorants!!!just found out those self driving vehicles out there dont recognize motorcycles so that's a new one for all of us...be safe out there,ride to live,,peace from canada✌👍😎

[@chevyon37s]

Love my Harley's self canceling turn signals.... actually I kept turning them back on when I got the bike! But they're an awesome feature to have now. Don't even think about it anymore and almost forget most other motorcycles don't have them.

[@cruiserjohn3790]

Looking forward to next video.

[@qualiamaxwell6305]

thanx brooo... eclectically for the side stand

[@Chrissepisje]

So in the Netherlands you have 12 different special skills like emergency braking, dodging, slalom, 8's, u-turns and so forth, and they are one exam. The second exam is a road test where you get a mix of interstate (75-85mph, four lane), highway (55 mph) and urbanized area. These two come after a theory exam, so there are much more stringent tests and learning moments you need to go through. Then for riders under 25, you first get an A2 license for 2 years, which is a 35KW bike max. I'd recommend any country to implement such a regimen. The US system seems arbitrary and ill-advised.

[@Hurdl]

Really great Video. Well, the physics are the same for motorcycles and bicycles, so... I think some trainings are also excellent for bicycle. Steering and counter-steering are also functional on bicycles. Especially when you are riding at higher speed and downhill. And I'm focused on counter-steering and those impulse-steering and anti-impulse-steering. well... I don't know the actual name for that technique... I'll try to explain that: After going around some corners with steady speed, you can roll on the throttle to straighen up the bike (the most used function for many riders) - or you can brake as well to straighen it up (not really the best way, but it is possible if it is done very gently) - or you can use that same impulse for counter-steering (maybe it is called after-counter-steering? - I don't know) to push the bike to straighen it up. And the third option is the best way. Especially when you are on the bicycle - (and ride downhill) I think, it is smoother - less risier than to roll on the throttle. And the number one drive skill for rainy days or long trips with heavy rain. You don't squid - the tires don't loose too much grip and if you straighen up you can go faster after that curve. I always try to ride cornes with steady speed - just hold the entree speed. e.g. you ride with 50kph, take the corner and leave the corner with the same speed as well. Many books recommend that cornering technique. Lovely greetings from austria. Thanks for the videos. :) Stay safe buddy.

[@simonthomas5367]

2 days training? That's insane! Here (in Europe) it's one days training just to be able to ride a 125cc scooter! I've been riding one for 18 months and have done over 8000km. I'm just starting my A2 bike test. That's a re-sit of the Highway Code exam followed by a minimum of 18 hours driver training and a practical exam. If you pass, you are limited to 47hp bikes for 2 years. After that you return to your driving school for another days training before you can finally receive your level A bike license, which allows access to all bikes. You guys have it easy!

[@marcoaoteixeira]

The 5th mistake, IMHO, is the one that kills the most riders here in Brazil. The motorcycle ride classes are weak, and does not prepare the new rider to the environment that is the highway, for example. I, a couple of months, get my motorcycle license and I intent to take, in the next weeks, a additional motorcycle course on best practices and safe ride. And I pretend to "put a couple of miles" (or kilometers, in my case) in the street (and others courses) before take the motorcycle to the highway. Anyway, thanks for the video!

[@BadaBarreto]

Marco Antonio Orestes Teixeira boa resposta. Procure um bom instrutor para te passar dicas de condução em baixa velocidade. Se quiser entre em contato comigo 21988140080

[@theslowride66]

Hi Kevin & to all reading this good stuff . I want to put out there the problem I have with the term "Accident" Maybe I have listen to too much George Carlin but regardless I find Accident too soft of a word "WRECK " to me is much more appropriate . 15+ years in Auto salvage .Florida ABATE Chapter President ,Delegate & Safety Director .... has given me this perspective; A accident is a tree limb falling out of a tree as you drive /ride under it. A wreck is Human error the term WRECK makes it sound as serious as it really is . just my point of view. thanks for your time.

[@N3PRO-Dave]

1) Sidestand down / up - I'm guilty 2) Turn signal on - guilty! If I remember to cancel I keep canceling if I forget I go for miles before I realize :-( 3) Looking at the controls, I'm not aware of, looking the ground or not far enough ahead definitely guilty. 4) Counter-steering, I don't think so, but I would be interested to have a drone follow above to find out. Sometimes you never know you do something wrong until you see it. Thanks! great video as always! We in PA were under MSF for years, we recently contracted with Total Control. Definitely interested in trying that.

[@judgedredd49]

Here in the UK one can buy a buzzer for less than £20 and get it fitted for little money when the bike is in for a service etc. That buzzer will sound only when the indictor is activated and will continue until turned off. I ride with a mate and he has such a buzzer fitted. like a little horn if you like and even tho he is a good distance behind me I can hear it when his indictors come on and other road users can to so its a good safety device that works well.

[@FurryNinja650]

Im guilty of a few. Tho I cant see how kickstand can be an issue. Personally I have had a few close calls but I always look at my footage of them and try and learn what to do better next time. I plan to take the level 2 course from my MSF instructor next month. The first one was amazing and informative. Second one I expect nothing less. Thanks for helping me realize some of my bad habits already.

[@caseyw.8325]

Funny story. My son, who is now 17 and rides a 1998 1500 Valkyrie, pulled my three motorcycles into the garage after we had washed them. He was 14. One was a Triglide, one was a Yamaha 650 in the other one was my 1997 Valkyrie. He did a great job and the last one was my bumblebee Valkyrie. We have a very steep driveway and he did not kill it, even going up over the bump to get into the garage! I was so impressed and then he got off the bike without the side stand down and dropped it! That poor kid was so upset and I was like...."take a deep breath, it's okay, you didn't hurt her!" That's when he learned how to pick up a heavy bike!

[@keirokeiro1976]

Counter steering is a biggie to get ingrained into your memory. Today I was making a left turn off the main road onto a side road and everything was going fine until I noticed I was going a little wide and about to run off the right side of the side road. In a near panic, I found myself pushing on the right hand grip to try to make the front wheel go to the left. I was going about 25 mph when this happened so of course when I pushed the right grip, the bike was going even further right. Luckily counter steering popped into my head before it was too late and I got the bike situated.

[@crisrose9707]

that's something i found when i started riding to work and school instead of just riding about the place for fun was that my riding actually got worse since I wasn't training for all roads, just the city.

[@PapaMGTOW]

Your Garage Is Legit Bro I'm Jelly!

[@robertmanigault625]

Kevin, I enjoy your videos and look forward to them each week. I have learned a lot from watching them. However, I must disagree that a rider must always keep head and eyes straight at all times. A rider must be aware of his surroundings at all times. That means looking left and right; checking mirrors to see what’s going on behind them; occasionally checking instrument panel. Peripheral vision is necessary but the rider can’t rely solely on it to keep aware of his surroundings. When I’m reading these are the things that I’m constantly doing.

[@chapterk-2586]

Good vid

[@generalrodcocker1018]

some tactile indication for turn indicators would be great. a slight vibration on the handles, maybe left and right on each handle.

[@rob_9876]

After almost dropping the bike a couple of times as a new rider because of forgetting the sidestand, for a couple of years now I stop the engine by putting the sidestand down. That has worked for me, but I guess some older bikes don't have a side stand kill switch.

[@cazgerald9471]

I'm kinda lucky that I have a lot of off pavement riding opportunities close to home. I can often work them into a regular commute. I'm not into off-road riding (single track, river beds, mountain trails, etc.), just dirt and gravel roads. I don't have an adventure bike or a dual sport, just an old naked standard (no modern electronics) with more or less 80 / 20 tires. Riding on loose terrain definitely helps build basic riding skills and confidence, and you learn to always have your head in the game - not to mention it's fun. Even a road you've gone down many times can change significantly after a big rain. I'm also lucky to have the weather to ride year round, and generally ride four or more times a week in city traffic, hwy, mountain roads and/or off pavement. The only thing I'm missing is access to training - which I would love to take advantage of. Your videos are awesome - thanks for the work you put into them. I bet you're a great riding coach in person!

[@williamthorpe5723]

Caz Gerald hbn

[@davidninnis5832]

Thanks again Kevin :) I have a R1200GSA which has self cancelling indicators but they seem like more of a safety feature. They take an age to cancel, it was the same on my 1290. Always better to cancel yourself imho.

[@judgedredd49]

A lot of new riders and some quite experienced rider have no idea of the possible lean angles that they can obtain and it differs from one style of bike to another. So a scooter or Harley will hardly lean over whilst a street bike can do more and a sports bike will go to the ultimate. It important to know if, whilst one is in a corner situation as described to know if one has any lean angle left and if not then one is wasting ones time and effort and being increasingly dangerous if one has none left and one bottoms some part of the machine. That is usually on right hand bends when either the side stand or center stand extentions grab the ground.. That, certainly as said on the d faster left handed bends [ in the USA ]where the amount of lean angle is further reduced by the camber of a road and that means a lot of bikers will come to grief as a result. Also when trying to emulate a sports or street bike with their speed and increased lean angle will take one off as well.

[@spanky522]

You should've learned counter steering if you ever rode a bicycle when you were young. It really works well in a panic situation to avoid an accident.

[@markomaricic5363]

what should I (or we) do if I see gravel in the corner or corner is sharper then I tought it was? Thank you for a great videos and keep a good work!

[@sandyshelton5]

Re: cancelling turn signals. Even though my bike has self cancelling signals, I still make it a practice to cancel the signals manually. That just adds another layer of safety. My brother, who has been riding since the 1970's, still forgets to cancel his signals. It's not unusual to hear me on our BT intercom, "Bro, you're still blinking."

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

Yup, looking down. Especially the speedometer. And dealing with the turn signal..

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

I have self cancelling signals/indicators on my Vaquero. My Ducati doesn’t have them, I don’t rely on them but they are good for if I ever forget to cancel them. I got into a habit on my Ducati to occasionally push in the signal switch if I haven’t made a turn; or I got through a mental check after a turn, kind of like a “two full check,” some will know what I’m talking about :)

[@John_Ridley]

The other reason not cancelling signals is bad is that it means you went that far without glancing at the instruments

[@rickseiden1]

The one thing that I have to look down at is the speedometer. I don't often, but sometimes I need to check my speed, and that means looking down.

[@STho205]

Rick Seiden. Chin UP, glance down for the speed o or tach. Chin up, bike stays up. That's why I don't mount a cell phone/GPS on the bars. Instead I check the map when stopped before I travel and memorize the route. If I miss a turn, the turn is further than I thought, or remembered wrong, then about two miles after my turn things look weird, so I stop, pull out the map or phone, then put it away before I ride on. I'm surprised at so many people that have to turn on GPS get the home from work or school. I don't but it is common to see when I ride in someone's car.

[@rickseiden1]

My speedometer is on the tank, not the handlebars, and I have progressive bifocals, so combine those two, and it requires a quick chin down to read the speed. I wish it didn't, but it is what it is. I try to stay with traffic and not worry too much about speed for this very reason, but when your the first vehicle in the line, you're the one that determines how fast traffic is going, so you have to read your speed.

[@STho205]

Rick Seiden. Well be careful out there. I personally don't like tank mounted gauges but they exist. Speed for me is usually by sound and gear within 5mph, and I glance at the speed o for confirmation. Ride safe, ride happy, many years of joy ahead!

[@rickseiden1]

Thanks for the well wishes. May you stay safe and have years of joy as well.

[@MrOctoberhungry1]

Nice one MCrider! I feel like counter steering is one of those vital skills that's easily forgotten. I fine doing it but it's not really required unless you're really pushing it. But if you forget to do it you could be toast! Myself, I know I need to think more about it and practice it more often.

[@assadsaab938]

it finally stopped raining in Houston. got on the freeway and approached a curve at freeway speed(keeping up with traffic), and there were 24mph wind gusts, and the bike wont turn no matter how hard I pressed. I managed to keep the bike in my lane. any tips on how to deal with that?

[@RACEMASTERyEAH]

In Bulgaria(and the majority of Europe, I guess) you go through a pretty detailed class - a 250cc on the field, then 30 hours or so with a 600cc on both the field and public roads ;)

[@larryhouse2767]

One thing for you tho. Never depend on the self cancelling turn signal. It's there as a improvement in case you forget. It isnt there to completely take over the cancelling for you all the time. I know for a fact even on the biggest most expensive BMW GS1200 models. They don't cancel 100 percent of the time. And it only takes that one in a thousand chance for it to stay activated and someone can pull out in front of you. Riding a motorcycle is all about safety first. And it is unarguably a good practice just to make a habit of pushing that turn signal cancellation button.

[@poden3863]

Hi Mcrider My bike has safety switch on side stand. So I use my side stand to turn bike off when parking.So this is the first action when parking . I leave my bike in first . So I can’t start bike with side stand down. I have not forgotten side stand yet. Do you see any problems with this method?

[@Elvirth24]

When it comes to side stands I've basically trained myself to put it up before I actually start the bike, if I'm on it.

[@garyhalsey7693]

Elvirth24 Me too! It’s the best way to stop a stand induced low side!!

[@cathsully9558]

Hi, can you talk about proper hand/wrist/throttle position please? I am concerned that my hand position is too far away from the brake in an emergency. Thanks!

[@ksquiggle4532]

I haven’t experienced any of these except #5 I feel I could use more experience

[@Cushionoutdoors]

How do I go about finding a riding class in my state

[@charleshunt3806]

So my motorcycle did not come with the sidekick stand it came with the center stand, so I added the side kickstand, so it is not integrated into the bike. Some newer bites today will stall. If you try to go with the side kickstand down mine does not so I have to check to make sure it’s upbefore I drive off every single time because if you don’t put the sides, stand up and try to drive or ride with it eventually you’re gonna have a bad day now the center stand doesn’t matter because as soon as you go forward, it just goes out so you don’t have to worry about putting that one down. If you somehow forgot, it’ll go down or up rather on its own.

[@Shane101A]

I don't think I ever had an issue with counter steering because I ride bicycles so much. Been counter steering forever.

[@chord972]

Counter steering: Push in the direction you want to go.

[@DFWKen]

Number 5 is the most important of all! Only a very small percentage of newly - licensed riders ever get any further training or practice the skills introduced to them in the BRC class. They gain experience and enforce bad riding habits. Experience does not equal skills or safety.

[@joebellows5110]

Harley on a RK the controls are so close, I hit the horn button when i want to signal... kinda pisses me piss me off.. My advice, is play with the controls while your sitting still.. Close your eyes, and get a feel for where the controls are

[@Motomom658]

Been there, done that.

[@paulacabbo466]

i put bright led bulbs in the indicators, did all but the check engine light

[@connormayhew5735]

Uk you do a day cbt course and you can ride a 125cc that’s valid for 2 years and then you do your full bike test

[@johnwick-bg3kw]

Listen to it in 1.5x speed and you won't go to sleep

[@ZEUS-xt3dt]

The signal light 💡 I’m forgetting but after a few rides I’m getting used

[@inn0v8tiv]

Counter steering seems such a natural thing to do but when you over analyse it it becomes staccato. How say you pops?

[@r0dz74]

If i tell u nobody told me to "keep my eyes and head up" since i took my very first class and only after i fail on my first test, a friend told me that. Just fell from that board u must ride in a straight line...i was looking at it...

[@H34D5H07]

I often forget to put the stand UP :-D

[@banjoclark4675]

Been riding 20 years, still forget turn signal sometimes :P

[@caseyw.8325]

I have always taken an experienced riders class every time I get a new bike.

[@EXCALIBURUS187]

Thanks, I’m taking the MSF ,March 3-4 Amarillo college. Yes, I’m 57. Keeping skills up. Safety always. Might be getting older but I don’t want sloppy riding skills.

[@bee496]

I keep forgetting that stupid turn signals... always lol

[@micheal49]

#5. Take the advanced MSF course at least every other year.

[@davidartuso8107]

I use my side stand as a kill switch when i park.

[@annekerr2150]

I am a female and I use counter steering but more with my lower half than arms per say. I think it may be the difference between a man and a woman's centre of balance?

[@judgedredd49]

You learn to ride and balance and steer on a bicycle but at slow speeds one turns the left hand bar towards you and you turn left and visa versa with the right. That works at slow speed but at about 15 mph it no longer does that and one actually counter steers in order to make the same turn. By that you actually push the bar away from you, say the left hand side of the bar and the bike will actually turn left and not right. and again visa versa. That is because you have tyres that are round in profile and when you turn the bars to the right by pushing on them the bike will actually try to fall over.... to the right and your wheels and bike will follow and turn right. A car has tyres flat to the ground and therefore doesn't counter steer. Only two wheeled vehicles have round tyres in profile and therefore only those vehicle will counter steer. The reason that one doesn't at low speeds is that there is no appreciable lean angle [ one is straight up ]so the contact patch of tyre to ground remains central to the tyre. However at speed a slight lean over to the right side of the tyre is being created so then that contact patch moves over to that side of the tyre, . You are now riding a smaller circumference on that side of the tyre, moving now in an arc and the bike will continue on that path until you straighten it up. Please note that whilst now on a bend by riding on the side of your tyre you are therefore creating a smaller circumference and your speed will slow slightly as your distance travelled per revolution will be reduced, even tho your revs have not. So in order that you don't naturally slow down, which is a natural consequence of you turning, you need to slightly increase the revs that you have in order to maintain a constant throttle throughout the turn and that will balance the bike both front and back. Do not continue increasing acceleration through the bend, just remain at a constant speed throughout bend and the lean position.Then you can, if the road is opening up to a straight at the other side of the bend start to regain vertical and only then use acceleration sense as appropriate. To early on the acceleration [ gas ] and with still too great a lean angle can cause the bike to destabilise and that can result in the bike kicking you off and you high side and that can hurt.... a lot.

[@guylonwashington6337]

I agree the class needs to b more than 2 days on the bike.