9 Things Nobody Tells You About Riding Motorcycles

[@barrybambmessagedeletedbyy7467]

10) you'll spend hours on KZbin watching people ride motorcycles.

[@tonyhamilton7785]

Especially when you're anxious to get one

[@svensharpsword9837]

stop talking about me like i'm not here lol

[@svensharpsword9837]

@DMoney Industry i am me

[@svensharpsword9837]

@DMoney Industry just answer the damn question, who are you!?

[@BigHud83]

Barry Bamb yes sir

[@khatdubell]

Motorcycle is a luxury item. Rest of the world: Motorcycle is cheap reliable transportation.

[@averyvantuyl2728]

khatdubell There's a big difference between cruisers and sport bikes and the small cc dual sports that are popular in lower income countries.

[@khatdubell]

​@@averyvantuyl2728 I thought about pointing out your lack of ability to recognize a joke. I thought about pointing out that in places like europe and japan where you have to start out on lower cc bikes by law. I thought about pointing out how cheaply you can get a street legal standard motorcycle and how cheap the maintenance is on it. But i think the best response is just "lol". It sort of covers of all that.

[@somedude4774]

I've run into idiots who think I ride a Motorcycle because I can't afford a car, they will ask Me do...You...have...a...car..? while doing sign language at the same time.

[@SorinVasilescu]

Half of the world living in crowded cities: Motorcycles get you from A to B faster than cars. :)

[@salsamancer]

Pretty soon people will switch to cheap electric bicycles for those purposes and motorcycles will truly become luxury items worldwide

[@youllneverguess4788]

No one told me about the smells. In a car I never noticed the scent of the orchards by my house or the sunflower fields. It's great. The little things you notice that you miss in a cage.

[@Steve61084]

Temperature changes too. Especially at night if you go down a steep hill you can feel it drop a couple degrees and you can feel the changes going from sun to shade. You're senses are definitely heightened on a bike.

[@youllneverguess4788]

Absolutely. On the same stretch of road I take to work I can feel the temperature change 3 or 4 different times just on the low areas. Its fascinating

[@StevenT-iw4dy]

Also when riding by farms with fresh application of manure! 🐏🐑🐃🐄🐴🐖 😂🤣

[@youllneverguess4788]

Yea that's a down side lol. Or just a cow pasture. But it's still a smell I guess lol.

[@imperialsecuritybureau6037]

Or a garbage truck 💩🏍

[@tracydonato9223]

As a woman rider I have learned so much from you. Thank you. I have got a nice little Honda Rebel 300 with abs. I love it. It's a joy to just ride around town. On one full tank of gas last me a month going to work and back home. My favorite color is blue so yeah I got my rebel blue. A lot of men give bazaar looks toward me. But that's ok. I'm truly happy with my bike. Keep the great content coming. Thanks again.

[@BarnBaby100]

I just bought a bike, and a bunch of my friends already want me to take them for a ride. I've told them all a hard no, because I only have one set of gear. If they aren't just as protected as I am, nobody is getting on my bike, period. It drives me INSANE to see someone in full gear with a half-naked passenger.

[@motorcop505]

Amen! Nobody should ever ride with a person on back (pillion rider) during their first year of riding - without exception. You are courageous for turning down those people. I had a good friend who was a new rider and took a passenger and the passenger broke their arm when they crashed. PS - you are stunning. Glad you are protecting that face! 🏍

[@donaldoehl7690]

Tell them to go buy their own damn bike cuz you're not an amusement ride. Passengers suck!

[@xJae14x]

How’s riding going a year later?

[@FirstLast-yh7gj]

I've never liked the idea of a passenger on a bike period

[@rijden-nu]

Riding with passengers every now and then can be great fun. But they're not going to buy a full set of gear for one or two rides (nor should they) so you've gotta invest. Over the years, I've amassed a range of sizes of female suit/pants/boots/helmets for girls I wanted to ride with, and it's just cool to have that on offer. And once you buy it, if it doesn't get used all that often it doesn't wear out either. Trust me: you'll stand out to the *proper* sort of girls (assuming hetero male... :) ) if YOU are that one biker that opens up a wardrobe and says "hey, try them on, I've probably got something your size". Even better: if you don't have something their size - go with them to the bike shop, help fit the clothes and helmet, and then buy it. You'll be the greatest guy ever, AND she'll get comfortable changing clothes with you, AND she'll ACTUALLY be safer. Everyone wins. And you get to keep the suit. Yes, it's an investment, but trust this 48yo man - it pays off :)

[@joeltaylor4821]

Smartest thing I've heard you say. "The girl on the back is more important than you are. Make sure she has gear on".

[@mikemarthaller8789]

"your bikes dumb" Having been involved in the politics of aviation and Regulations based on public MISPERCEPTION and watching freedoms restricted when an uninformed public DEMANDS more "You need to be protected" laws I ask we ALL Consider EVERY RIDER , MoPed to ????? As a potential Allies in the fight to preserve our Freedom to ride. On the other hand those "Punks" who feel the need to publicly flaunt the rules that protect us ALL And put others at risk are the enemy of our Freedom to ride. With Rights comes RESPONSIBILITY

[@eazyridin7283]

Amen !!!

[@michaelcull7413]

YES!!!

[@RogerBarraud]

Amen, Brother! If she has that lovely skin scarred with road-rash, it is Your Fault! :'(

[@luckyluke069]

SO Fõõkn true!

[@protectork9831]

Worse feeling in the world. Running out of gas than reaching down to put it into res only to realize it's already in Res

[@moeb434]

I've done it a couple of times. You'd think once would be enough!

[@cyberfux]

@@moeb434 Yeah, had those with an old twostroke... Try getting twostroke oil on a highway....

[@lloydsumpter7735]

Which leads to another "hint" for new riders: Learn the range of your tank and use the trip odo for a fuel gauge.

[@charlesmackey4570]

Stuck in a traffic jam, gas tank almost empty and you have to take a shit.

[@joshuasill1141]

Even worse than your bike cutting out at the stop light, then the light turns green and you can't get it started and everyone is honking at you to move and still honking at you while you push it across the intersection hoping not to get hit. And after you do your investigative troubleshooting steps you realize your stator gave out.

[@zimtuff]

If you buy a Harley Davidson you dont have to dress in a ridiculous hybrid pirate/willie nelson outfit.

[@kaylera1]

Agreed. I love my Harley..I don't buy into the "look". I wear my gear...I've been scoffed at. Whatever...you do you.

[@ccb7122]

Dirtymartini 74 really? I wear a Klim jacket in the summer lol. I’ve never had anyone react weirdly about it. However H-D makes some of the best leather jackets so I use that in the winter

[@zimtuff]

@@ccb7122 Agreed but it's not the Harley jackets, it's all that other crap they wear. Last time I went on a HOG ride we were in stitches looking at some of the outfits. Most of it had no practical safety purpose other than to project a pseudo hard core biker image. But they became a parody of the look they were trying to achieve

[@robslover2959]

I actually like HD bikes, it's the tribe that goes with them. I cant dress up like the village people to go for a ride.

[@Garbagejuicewaterfall]

Literal LOL 😂

[@break_line]

This video showed me a few things that I already kind of knew about but didn't know that it was common. I've stopped riding with certain people because they were over zealous and thought they were better riders than they were. Also, I currently have a 99 Katana 600 and was having my eyes on getting a Sportster 1200 custom, so I'm glad to see that it's not odd to go from sport bike to cruiser and vice versa.

[@PortCharmers]

1: I find it worth mentioning that even if you have the reserve setting, it's a bad idea to just ride until you run out of gas and then switch to reserve. It's better to learn how far your bike will go on one tank and keep an eye on the trip-odometer. When you ride a curve and enjoy the fine balance of gravity vs. centrifugal force, the last thing you need is a dent ion the latter because your engine starts to sputter. my mechanic told of a customer who laid himself down because he ran out of gas at the wrong moment. 3: most bikes are fast enough for noobs as they are.

[@mikhailwilkerson7822]

You sir, just convinced me to fix my speedo cable. I hate switching the petcock to REZ while I'm riding it's all sketch. Thanks

[@davidmutchock9261]

yes! reset the Trip ometer Every time you get gas And you'll know exactly when you need to get gas

[@jesuslovesthebroken]

thats true, Im a new rider, (2 months in) and i still struggle with watching my trip odometer, i rely on my gas light coming on and then top it off, its never been empty before but im also at the pump every other day

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Always ride your own ride, meaning ride to your own abilities and safety. When riding with others don't be intimidated by riding to their abilities if they are more skilled (or reckless).

[@DeCavalcante]

This is the best advice.

[@moeb434]

I like to ride in the back. I tell everyone not to wait for me. I'll catch up. Out on the prairie roads I can still see them miles ahead.

[@init100]

Yes. Never let others riders push you into driving faster than you are comfortable with. If your riding companions leave you in the dust and won't wait, find other people to ride with. I've been on a couple of group rides, and most have been good. Once or twice, I've been left in the dust and I never saw them again. But all the other times I've ridden with faster riders they have been very understanding and were waiting at every crossroad. The best group rides are those with a buddy you know who is not a speed junkie.

[@wmden1]

Great comment. It might save a life, and/or a damaged, or totaled bike. I don't ride any more, arthritic back, but I had always loved the feeling of riding on the back wheel. A couple of my riding buddies were really good at it. That said, it takes a lot of practice to get really good at wheelies. Practicing means that you ARE going to crash your bike and/or getting hurt is a good possibility. I loved my bikes, and besides, I couldn't afford the repairs and didn't like pain, so I never got really good at it. My comment is meant to be an example of what you stated so well, in yours, and thank you.

[@simpsonkid100]

💯excellent advice. I don’t enjoy riding with others that much. To many variables outside of your control.

[@thomaswarren9947]

This is a refreshing channel. Too many people are being inspiried by squidding moto vloggers who truly believe you need a 1000 cc race bike to "keep up" (meanwhile the 300 class of bikes are faster than most sports cars). All these points are things I've been living by for years. My girlfriend isnt allowed on the bike unless shes geared, I dont ride with street rossis, etc. People need to realize having a bike is about the experince of how you get there, not how fast. Afterall, no matter how confident you are, hitting something at 180kmph with turn you into a blood balloon no matter how much gear you wear. Keep up the good stuff man, subbd.

[@Cody_Ramer]

Exactly I never understand why people would want a litre bike for everyday use when you can get a cheaper lighter easier to control 500 that will do just great.

[@llerradish]

Good video! One thing you should have mentioned his don't push yourself to keep up with more experienced riders.

[@lindseyblankenship4347]

Score!!! Best advice

[@RulzB]

This has to be one of the most important advices we can give to novice riders!

[@yourhandlehere1]

dood....that's how I BECAME experienced. It's those 'oh shit' moments that do you the most good. Otherwise you might think riding is safe.

[@lifeofh3073]

Yup. Made that mistake last year and paid for it with a bad crash.

[@TheTripleDubya]

100%

[@areyoulying4937]

I’m just starting back into riding- I’m 61- love your videos! Nice refresher courses and relearning what I’ve forgotten

[@mikhailwilkerson7822]

Awesome! My grandpa had a Triumph trophy 650 in his basement taken apart for 35 years until he died. It's never too late to get outta bed and walk out the front door. Got his bike now and it would be nice if he taught me to ride

[@kiasax2]

Brother Rider, I'm 65 this year and I've been riding for 55 years, continuously. If I don't ride it hurts my soul, but I live in a rural farm community with very little traffic. That makes it so much safer for me, ya know? Blessings to you Udo, that means Brother in my Cherokee language. Stay safe and be well!

[@typicaledc]

I normally hate these types of list videos but this is one is different. He really hits the important items and does so in an easy-to-understand way. Wish KZbin was a thing back when I first started riding so I wouldn't have had to learn everything on my own. Well done sir!

[@edgevericarz8328]

Anyguy who doesn't cover his girl because he wants to show her off has obviously never seen a girl in full leather.

[@marxxs2141]

Or taken her out of said leather! Before a nice long ride

[@tonyhollerz6958]

Marxx S ahhh she likes to ride 😉

[@andrewoshea35]

Or seen her in a coffin or hospital bed

[@peterdarr383]

@@andrewoshea35 buzz-kill

[@edbouchejr2542]

Olivia Newton John in Grease

[@larrysalomon7113]

#9 was so spot on. I lead a lot of group rides and have had to kick off some dangerous riders who come charging up at the worst time. Great video and channel.

[@jmatlock1994]

Had a bee hit me at 70 mph with my viser open not fun.

[@jasonmwlkr1]

james matlock I’m new (first season) and I have no clue how people ride without a full face helmet. Especially at night. The bugs are insane at night.

[@outoftheboxwoodworks7560]

same here, stung me on my earlobe, took 30 seconds to pull over and get the helmet off.

[@straightouttagurage9389]

I cracked my visor open so it would Defog. It’s was crazy humid that night and the wind made the visor open all The way up I got hit with a Beetle bug And made both my eyes shut.

[@Yamahog]

Yep,same thing here. Riding along at about 30 mph, around noon, sunglasses on over eye glasses and visor down to about second notch before fully closed. Was thinking, " Get more air thru the helmet....". Ha ! I got tagged by a wasp on right side of right eye brow.....Not fun. Lesson learned.. Eye protection goes beyond just the visor... and keep the thing.... Shut

[@HAIRYBIKER777]

I had a pheasant fly up out of a hedgerow and smack into my head. Visor down, luckily.

[@vermine18]

"Expose only the skin you don't mind losing"

[@greggnumme299]

GOOD'N... ❤

[@kevkfz5226]

Been riding for 30 years. Tuned in to see what advice is given to new riders. This is 100% correct. Would agree with everything. Well said.

[@bjjthaiboxing]

I recommend having two pairs of sunglasses with you, every time you get on your bike. One pair for daytime, another for nighttime. I prefer yellow lens at night, because it seems to brighten up the road in front of me? Also takes away some headlight glare, you're gonna get from oncoming traffic?

[@michaelhoward142]

I wear shatterproof safety glasses. You can get them in various tints, including yellow, as well as clear.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

I spent my time watching this video, nodding my head saying "yep, you're spot on." I couldn't agree with you more. Two big "thumbs up" from this Kentucky boy! 🏍

[@GroundhogzGarage]

A must watch for any motorcyclist. I also noticed a couple other commenters mention this.....NO alcohol.

[@gfunk63901]

Groundhogz Garage the first thing my friend told me when I bought a bike 20 years ago, was not even one near. Ironic how many bike events take place at bars

[@t.m.1502]

Don't ride drunk, don't ride with drunks.

[@edwardm9227]

Totally!,also drugs scarily common with car drivers round my way

[@cyberfux]

I'm pro 0 promille... Even if there is 0.5 allowed here i have NEVER driven even a bicycle after one beer - it just isn't done! Call a cab or walk home buddy ;-)

[@calartian85]

Never ever not ever once.

[@joygernautm6641]

I am on my first bike that I bought new when I got my licence (2019 Honda rebel 500). I ride about 10,000 a year (off the road in winter)I love my bike. ❤️❤️I can’t imagine not loving it and wanting a different one! Maybee I’ll feel different in a couple years🙂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@motorcop505]

Those are great bikes! My second bike was a 250 Rebel and it was wonderful. My brother even got a matching black one as well.

[@marcmaz21]

I hope you’re still enjoying that Honda. It’s a cool bike.

[@Vengent1]

I'm buying my first bike soon aiming for the 2024 Honda rebel 500 haven't heard anything bad about it yet but I'm more curious about.the opinions of people who kept the bike long term and.didnt.upgrade to a big more powerful bike

[@hamiltoncouple01]

Changing bikes every year? WTF? I had my Harley for over 20 years, and still have it.

[@meme5887]

How many miles on it?

[@richardmenke8551]

@@meme5887 my Harley has over 65k, met a guy the other day put over 140k on his.

[@dewgyhouserm.d.4224]

And you’ve only driven one type of bike by one make. Which is what he was getting at by trying new bikes and learning the pros and cons of different styles. Might not work for everyone who’s happy with their one Harley or whatever

[@ababbit7461]

If your buddies like to stop at the bars for a "quick shot", ride without them.... Not only are they going to eventually crash, but they will take you down with them in that crash!

[@tonyhamilton7785]

I don't hang with people who drink, but I understand

[@ENJ4321]

@@tonyhamilton7785 I drink, but never ever when riding...or driving a car for that matter.

[@shagggadoo]

False. I don't endorse drinking and driving. However I have had A drink with dinner before when riding. That one drink kills the butterflies, and I found myself leaning into turns better, less nervous, and overall enjoying the ride better.

[@johndizzy6126]

@@shagggadoo a shot or 2 will not effect your judgement too much, its just like having a beer

[@ENJ4321]

@@shagggadoo Yeah, but usually people DON'T stop at just A drink or 2. Often some people assume they can hold their drink enough, to still function or they stupidly think they drive/ride better drunk. When in actuality, the only real way to ride/drive safely, is to do it sober. There are police commercials that say how, driving/riding tipsy is the same as being drunk. After all, it does lower your inhibitions and your reaction times...the "edge" isn't the thing you want off. At least, not riding a motorcycle that is.

[@garyderuiter950]

Don’t forget to mention that if you have 5 grand to spend on a bike you also have to insure it and get plates and regiistration as well as your equiptment

[@davidmarkwald450]

Jeezus...just take out a LOAN!

[@davidmarkwald450]

@M Bacon, you are so right As luck would have it, I paid cash for my house, cars, motorcycle, and a 34' motorhome... But, I would not hesitate to take out a loan on something I really wanted and didn't have the cash readily available. Just saying... And FYI: I have worked all my life to acquire what I have. Wasn't given to me.

[@GOTTshua]

@@davidmarkwald450 Loans are for debt-slaves. Cash-only keeps ya free.

[@lloydsumpter7735]

Not to mention all the "add-ons" you're going to buy. For me, I can spend over $2K on saddlebags, sissy-bar, luggage rack, decent seat...

[@8andsk835]

@@GOTTshua yes sir, but if u take out a loan and pay it off quick as possible your gonna be ok. Debt is a part of life for most people.

[@k24civic]

My buddy n his gf years ago, laid his gsxr1000 down both in shorts tanks and flops.....9 moths later they were still road rashed. Nobody ever learns!

[@Cody_Ramer]

My cousin got a couple months of road rash going 15 mph down a gravel road. People are idiots to go 70 mph plus without gear.

[@pupusaface]

In flip flops... Really?! Smh.

[@t.m.1502]

Honestly, I have a one seater and never installed the optional second seat for a reason. I don't have faith that any prospective passenger will be responsible enough to dress properly for a ride on a vehicle where they're not protected by a cocoon of steel.

[@derekenlow7607]

Laying a BMX bike down doing 30 on a road in shorts no helmet or shirt was bad enough... I couldn't imagine waking up with a motorcycle ontop of me that had just rode me down the street till I skid to a stop. I wear full gear riding now. I have 2 front tooth implants and had roadrash over nearly the entire front of my body skinned my knee. I'm lucky to have stood up from that crash.. WEAR YOUR GEAR!

[@nitrorc4life1]

@@Cody_Ramer Alot of people say people who ride bikes are dumb as dirt as it offers NO protection like a vehicle does.....are they right??

[@UncleDon226]

My favorite thing to do is forget to switch the petcock back to "on" after refilling the gas tank. Then when I run out of gas, I can reach down to flip it to "reserve" only to find out it was already there. Brightens my day every time.

[@eatsblades]

ha ha ha most of us try not to repeat that one ... altho'..........

[@PupuTheMonkey]

I've been there 😆

[@seekfirst]

Are we supposed to turn off the petcocks when filling up? I had no clue.

[@jerrywalker6043]

Another good thing to remember: When you ride in a group, the least experienced riders go up front. That way they aren't pushing themselves to keep up and if (god forbid) something happens, the more experienced riders can more easily avoid what's in front of them and not compound the situation.

[@davidgdraper6269]

Seeing kids riding in shorts, T-shirt and flip flop or sneakers without socks is just so sad. I’ve ridden for over 30 years and gear has saved my feet, back, knees, shoulders and head, a few times. Always gear up all the time!

[@ryderwilson7955]

Yea me too I live in town where the maximum speed you'll drive is 35mph and even that is probably only for a few short seconds, I don't really need expensive (more than my bike) gear that I really barely need

[@koldhearted1]

@J G always dress for the fall. No matter how short or what the season.

[@chrisedwards9509]

Try running full speed in shorts and a t-shirt, and then deliberately trip and fall on the asphalt, or run into a wall. That's going about 12mph. I always wear gear even if I'm just riding to the store.

[@moeb434]

Protect your flesh. Asphalt has no mercy!

[@init100]

And not only to protect you in a crash. Imagine riding on the highway in t-shirt and shorts, and a bug hits you on the bare skin on your arm or your leg. It will hurt, and you might even lose control of your bike and crash.

[@harleyrobertson73]

My dad was riding as a teen (uk guy here BTW) he was riding with a friend (separate bikes) back in the day about 30yrs ago and his friend wasn't wearing safety gear and he lost control of his bike and fell off, he scraped his arse all along the tarmac at 70mph......it was like cheese and the grater Shauns just the right amount of cool to get young and new riders to ride safely Great safety message without the pretentious arrogance talking down to us all awesome video

[@skeeterskier]

#9: What works for me is a helmet with a clear shield and a flip-down tinted visor (I got an Icon Airflite, but you can find the flip-downs by several makers.) I never have to worry about not being prepared one way or the other. Some of the tinted shields look pretty sweet though!

[@J.Allen_]

Veteran, and 22 years riding. The BEST advice here (on this video) is "Invest in gear and WEAR IT", make sure your passenger has the best gear advantage, be careful WHO you ride with and who influences you ... and from me personally "If you plan to ride for a long time, YOU WILL GO DOWN... exactly HOW that event plays out depends on HOW you are riding (mindset/planning) and the gear you are wearing. Those are the only things you can control and they play a HUGE part in how an unfortunate event can go from a bad day to a tragedy". And if you are a MAN you should have no fear of challenging your friends to ride better/more intelligently and have REAL gear on... legit riding is not a god-damn photoshoot. Get your mindset in the game and do it right or you will pay. Heed this advice and you will have a lifetime of adventure.

[@redbunnyclassic]

Wise words are sweet to read. Well said!

[@JBMotorrad]

One of the best pieces of gear I bought was a Transitions(tm) lens visor for my helmet. It is clear at night and smoke tinted in the day. Adjusts everywhere in between. They aren't cheap, but worth it.

[@patrickwade3150]

I agree...love mine

[@motomookie8032]

Yes!! No more changing my lens. Best thing I’ve done.

[@davidmarkwald450]

That is the perfect solution, Especially if your helmet DOESN'T come with a tinted internal drop down shield... As many do, today.

[@Cody_Ramer]

David Markwald I absolutely love those drop down tinted visors. I don't think i will get a helmet without one anymore. No changing out visors for me.

[@JBMotorrad]

Rod Rebman I’ve never encountered conditions where it wasn’t dark enough for me. I do not wear sunglasses while I ride. The shield is good enough for me. I ride visor down almost all the time. I wear eyeglasses while riding. Visor goes up when I stop usually then back down once I am over 30-40mph. I ride an ADV bike with excellent windscreen.

[@Biker-ux1fz]

Ride your own ride! That’s what we say. Don’t ride over your comfort level just to keep up or be cool. An old rider I know rides dual sports and he rides really hard,said he lost a guy on a ride to WV like 20 years ago ,at a red light or something,and hasn’t seen him since! It’s simple, if the guys you’re with are riding beyond your skill or comfort level , slow down and they’ll hopefully wait for you. If not,turn around and go back the way you came and enjoy your ride! Like Davy Crockett once said “ I never been lost but there was a few times when I didn’t know where I was for a few weeks “!

[@boomerguy9935]

Exactly! On my first ride with a new friend through the mountain twisties, my first thought was, "I will probably have to take it easy with him because he is on a big fat Road King and I have a better handling Sportster." I let him take lead so he could set the pace which I knew would be slower. Wrong!!!!! We were riding at a comfortable speed but he was much more aggressive in the turns than I was. I was at the limit of my comfort zone, so I just stayed there. I figured I would catch up with him eventually and I did. It was just understood that he was having a blast and I wasn't going to ruin it for him. He wasn't showing off or anything and neither one of us was speeding. It was just that his comfort zone on his bike was at a higher limit than mine. At our first rest stop, I told him that I was amazed at how well that big HOG handled!!! He just grinned and said a lot of people underestimate big bikes. Bottom line: Stay in your comfort zone. You have nothing to prove. Don't ruin a good ride.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Great talk, you are spot on about the whole deal. Gear is a must, I have been down hard three times. I have ground the palms out of riding gloves, ground a hole in a helmet and slid the armored knee out of riding pants. The ruined gear saved a lot of bleeding. Once time I was wearing the jacket but not the pants. I now have scar tissue from my waist to my knee on the left leg. We can all love a lot of different bikes. Most of the guys talking trash about other brands are on their first bike, or spent their entire life tavern hopping locally. I owned 25 different bikes from 1972 to 1989. Choppers, street scramblers. baggers, Two strokes, cafe racers, sport bikes, etc. That calmed down about 1990 and just 4 Kawasaki ZG1000 bikes took me the last 30 years. You also speak the truth about group rides. I have been on charity rides where they want us to ride two abreast with the bikes stacked together like a traffic jam, of course a lot of the people are fashion riders with 2100 miles on a 4 year old bike, no thanks, no parade rides for me., especially with inexperienced strangers. Same with sport rides, no crowded packs, they always send people to the hospital. I rode with a club a lot in the Texas hill country. We would take off 2 or at the most 3 bikes at a time with equally skilled riders, leaving 5 or so minutes between groups, fastest guys first. No tavern stop until after the ride is over. Bikes are a great hobby and passion, but they have more risk when you don't know the unwritten rules.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I've been riding fifty years, and this has been a good factual presentation. Kudos, thanks!

[@paullee4366]

I have to say, I love your channel! Started on dirt in '96, been on road since 2000. This vid tells the real deal . Protection for passenger should be better than your own for the on you are with. This vid is perfect FOR ANYONE who rides

[@nickrice5819]

With reference to the reserve tap - don't you just love that sickening feeling when you put your hand down to discover that its already in reserve !

[@leholen381]

Been there

[@colbydavis6386]

That is more true then anything ive ever heard.

[@TheTripleDubya]

Yep, the ole ticker sinks right down to your boots. Ha ha ha

[@MuhammadAhmad-hz8di]

Been there,done that

[@ceesklumper]

My helmet has an extra sunscreen shade inside the clear shade I can flip down when the sun is out. Really useful.

[@rexroeder6617]

Cees Klumper internal sun visor, a ton of higher end helmets have them, along with some lower ends.

[@NickVetter]

There is even helmets around 200 bucks that have them

[@RossMalagarie]

Same Torc T28B it has a clear on the outside and shade retractable on the inside with blue tooth for $230 on Amazon. LOVE IT!

[@STho205]

Bet you have a simple DOT sticker on the back and no "Snell 2015" testing certification. Take a look.

[@RossMalagarie]

@@STho205 on the back of my Torc T28B it says, ECE - R22.05 DOT FMVSS No.218 CERTIFIED

[@THEBULLD4WG]

It hurt my heart when you talked about people changing bikes like underwear. I cant ever give up my girl.

[@ericasrotella9470]

Newer rider here..number 2 was spot on. Had to learn to rock my bike into gear when downshifting at a stop sign/ red light . Got to love stalling .

[@mr.perfect1er]

Choose the people you ride with carefully. Best advice ever! TNGN!

[@Mr.FirebIadeDr.JiIIAIiceCooper]

#6 A lot of riders don't seem to understand this. I see a lot of this on the streets. They actually don't care at all about the girl they take for a ride. And in most cases she doesn't know the risk, because that is her first or second time on a bike. Very selfish

[@vegasgeorge]

I second the idea of shades plus a clear, drop down, shield. Lots of helmets come with only the dark shield. But, you can easily replace that dark shield with a clear one. In addition to night riding, the clear shield is great on gray rainy days. Sun glasses, and clear shield. That's the way to go!

[@chrisparker7093]

Tinted safety glasses. Get the inexpensive pair from your local hardware/home store and wear them under a clear shield. Bonus is that you can flip up the shield at low speeds and get some air flow.

[@grantodaniel7053]

Great vid Sean, lots of good advice. Particularly about being selective with riding partners ("ride your own ride"), and our responsibility to our pillion... massively neglected subject. Cheers from Oz! 🇦🇺👍👍

[@norsevikingsir4932]

I had money saved up to come to your place to buy a bike for this year, then the pandemic hit and I lost my job. So now I have no bike for the year, job less and broke. Man I miss riding. Love your videos and I'm from PA as well. God bless you and yours.

[@mikhailwilkerson7822]

Hey thanks Sean! Shawn? Idunno. But yeah thanks for being real. I struggled with running outta gas today, had to reach down and switch the petcock to REZ at 45mph, my XS650 hates going into neutral (gotta rock it), my native girl wears all my gear cuz I only have one set but in my small town all the Harley riders and the GXS'r wave at each other. These are all things I've stuggled with for years though, and it makes me feel better hearing ya tell new kids that it's not a big deal. Makes me feel better. God bless!

[@14Marathons]

Thanks for the video...It took me a long time and a lot of money to finally figure out the helmet/glasses dilemma...I finally found what you call the "fighter pilot" combo...the full face helmet has a clear shield, but also has an inner dark shield that can independently be raised and lowered. I wear prescription glasses, so this was a real issue, but the current helmet is the perfect solution... Your comments on proper gear is also spot on...I've had one accident...someone changed lanes without looking and took me out...I ended up in the ER, and my bike got messed up...but good jeans, good jacket, gloves and boots helped a lot...if I had been wearing just a T-shirt and low top shoes and shorts, I would have been in the hospital a lot longer...Protection over looks or looking cool... Safety first. Thanks for your channel...I really enjoy your videos....

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

The double visor is legit. Highly recommend. It is the reason to pay more for a helmet.

[@init100]

I completely agree. Getting a helmet with a built-in retractable sun visor a couple of years ago is something that I never regretted. I'm never going to buy a helmet without one again. Previously I used sunglasses under a clear visor, but that caused problems every time I had to enter a tunnel. Sometimes, you could stop and remove the glasses, but sometimes you couldn't, and then you had to drive with impaired vision. Now, I just flip a switch.

[@connor6766]

I spent $700 on a shoei double visor helmet, and it's pretty legit

[@marshingo5262]

@Samuel Gonzalez little late, I have an airflite icon, picked up a matte black one for $200. Came with a clear visor and a retractable shade. Definitely worth it.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

The auto-tinting visors are my favorite. Day or night it works amazing and you don't even think about your visor ever again.

[@Big-Daddy96]

Agreed. I have a pull down visor and still wear glasses underneath it

[@FRESHx913x]

Just lost a buddy to a bike crash. His parents just took him off life support due to no brain activity. Crashed doing 100 mph. Had a helmet on but at those speeds it wasn't enough.

[@Srkcycles]

I’m really sorry to hear that. When you grieve for your friend don’t go to the bottle go to Bible

[@StevenT-iw4dy]

Sorry to hear it. Prayers for family and friends.

[@m1l6bushmaster31]

Sorry to hear that bud..... Riding is like flying an airplane , nothing can go wrong...

[@js123able]

Sorry to hear that, stay strong. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family.

[@DonkeyDongs]

@@Srkcycles F

[@Kerry70]

Very valid comment about the face shield! My helmet has the integrated sun glasses but they weren't quite dark enough for me so I got a mirror face shield to cut the sun down a little more. I learned the hard way to always remember to bring the clear shield with me all the time for those occasions when I didn't make it back before dark.

[@andrewziolo4721]

I wish I could have watched this video before I started riding in '94...best basic motorcycle advice ever!

[@KitKatWitBrat]

Mad respect for the emphasis on protecting the passenger. That's an are of chivalry I didn't realize would be so nice to hear.

[@ceesklumper]

I like holding on to my bikes forever (have 8 now)

[@ToastyClam]

Cees Klumper that’s awesome!

[@TheNostorian]

I had my bikes and cars of my wife and i al on my name. Since it was cheaper. When i wanted to buy my harley i was not able to put another vehicle on my name. Had to "sell" a car to my wife. Not a big deal but adds another owner to its history lowering its value. Really annoying.

[@thomas316]

What do you have Cees and how long have you had them for?

[@ceesklumper]

@@thomas316 husqvarna smr 510, husaberg 550, bmw c650 sport, bmw g310r, honda shi 300, piaggio mp3, yamaha xs650, and a yamaha 125cc scooter ... the XS650 from '76 is my favorite!

[@trigger_me_timbers]

the middle class life must be nice :) Im lucky enough to have only have one and when I want another I have to sell it so I can afford another

[@onerider3702]

"5. Eye protection: Thirty-six states require eye protection; 22 specify use by the operator; 23 exempt the operator from wearing eye protection if the bike has a windshield, though two states restrict the eye protection exemption to windshields at least 15” high. One state limits the eye protection requirement to those riders under age 18, one limits it to riders under age 21 and one requires it only for speeds over 35 mph. Apparently some enlightened legislators believe eyes over 18 or 21 or traveling occasionally under 35 mph are somehow immune to injury." Source -Ultimate Motorcycling

[@guttsu]

Overall, very solid list. You touched on things (such as rocking the bike to get the gear to engage) that a lot of these lists don't cover. Only thing I would kind of argue on is changing the sprocket ratio, at least for beginners. If you're changing them to such an extent that acceleration is noticeably stronger, it changes a lot more than just "losing a couple mph on top speed". Your speedometer will be wildly off unless you install a speedo healer. Cruising at the same speed now adds at least a thousand (or more!) to the revs. I'm not saying it's a bad idea. My track bike is far from stock gearing, but I've done the math and the seat time to find what works for the tracks I ride the most. I would just caution against complete beginners changing something like that without more thought into all the follow-on effects from doing so. But again, really liked the video! Lots of great points, well thought out.

[@johnstraub7494]

Okay, older guy here, and I own a 2008 Harley Davidson UltraClassic Peace Officer Special Edition. It is the 100th anniversary edition celebrating 100 years of Harley providing Police bikes for motorofficers. I now have close to 111k miles on it and it is still all stock as far as engine, pipes and such. All I added was a baggage rack on the tour pack and changed the wind screen to a tinted low profile windscreen, and I had a fairing bra for about 10 years. I love this bike, it is my stress relief. I ride, smoke cigars and keep my head on a swivel every time I ride. When I can afford to get a new bike, I will keep this one, due to lots of memories. But I will get a smaller Harley for local riding, maybe a Lowrider or another Superglide, another thought is a softtail. Great informative video though. Got one question, if your bike has a substantial windscreen on it and it blows the air and bugs over your head and your eyes don't water up, would that be legal in PA?

[@iamkikoman]

Also, cold weather riding - use a Pinlock Anti-Fog Shield Insert

[@erikleeblake]

Myth #11 - You only need one motorcycle. (cue long fit of uncontrollable laughter)

[@cyberfux]

Cue angry looks from the missis...

[@davidbrandt6925]

All very good advice especially about covering your passenger. GOT to have it all covered! Boots, riding pants, jacket, helmet, gloves! Thank you Sean!

[@robertvaughn1575]

I always enjoy watching your flicks, thank you so much. Been riding for over 35 years all kinds of bikes. I appreciate all that you do.

[@anthonymajetic]

I lost 2 years looking for the best bike and then bite the bullet and bought a Kawasaki 900 Custom, it was one of the first bikes I looked at and should've just bought it when I saw it first. These are great tips. Thank you.

[@cookyournoodle7085]

Thanks for the transmission tip... I thought that I had a problem with my motorcycle even though it is kind of new because I felt like the gears would kind of get stuck and that it was hard to get into neutral but thanks for your tip now I know it's just a transmission thing I really appreciate it.

[@novicereloader]

"Protect your passenger!" ...and I'm a fan.

[@motomookie8032]

Good advice. And when you buy your gear don’t be cheap, you’ll only have to replace them faster.

[@bgood12081]

And the cheap gear will not provide the same level of protection as higher quality gear

[@faustin289]

In my country, trying to buy expensive gear is exposing your self to scamers. No quality control whatsoever, son only fakes from China

[@damienpeckham2834]

I've been subscribed to the Bikes & Beards channel for a month or so and I'm really liking the content. This is the second video I've watched today from the SRK Cycles channel with my morning coffee here in the UK and I really like your openness and honesty. Once again, some great advice. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@nicholasdragonas6315]

Hi Sean. To qualify your last point a little bit, when you have a clear face shield and hit the button to engage the fighter pilot shades, is significantly more cool than a shaded face shield.

[@agy437]

when the sun goes down all the bugs are out, that’s the last time i want to ride without anything covering my eyes

[@jonakers704]

not to mention the deer... deer + motorcycle = bad time!

[@alissarobertson8840]

I am a former police officer and have worked accidents where not wearing protective clothes caused injuries way beyond what the same accident with the right gear on would cause. It seemed to always be non Harley riders who ride in shorts and flip flops.

[@kellykeefe3610]

Someone wearing flip-flops on a motorcycle is a clear indicator of a moron.

[@timhendricks650]

Oddly enough, around here, it seems to always be Harley riders wearing shorts and a tshirt, and the few folks on sport bikes around here are about 50/50. The ADV guys are always in full gear. (I wear gear, and I'm on a metric cruiser.) It probably does vary by region, though.

[@timgray8489]

I at the very least wear close toed shoes, jeans, a long sleeve shirt and helmet. More often than not a jacket and boots since I wear boots to work and it's a bit brisk in the mornings.

[@davidjacobs3275]

Where I'm from its always the Harley owner that's riding "commando."

[@2005sunfire]

From my experience as long as I stay away from cars I avoid most potential danger's.

[@waynehowell431]

especially minivans.

[@Shortround1213]

Mine was a kia

[@autocrow]

I like to ride with contact lens rather than glasses. Reason being, glasses can fog up easily, then you can't see. Just try riding a dirt bike on a tight trail where you are going really slow, sweating a lot and your glasses will fog bad! Goggles do not fog as easily and can be removed if necessary. Riding on the street, with a full face helmet at night in the fog will make your helmet visor useless as it will get all wet and fog, so you will have to lift it up to see. If you are wearing eyeglasses, they will fog too then you can't see at all. Contacts cannot fog. You will be with no eye protection, but you can see. I slow down and lower the visor as low as I can and peer under it when riding on the street at night in the fog.

[@Patrickmetaldetecting]

As a person that don't own a bike I like videos like this. It helps the people that don't know anything or much about riding. Maybe one day I'll have a bike.

[@pep729]

Regarding the glasses/tinted shield. Little story. I unexpectedly got stuck late at work one night and all I had was my tinted shield. So off I went in the dark to go home. Couldn't see crap and had to open my visor. About a half mile from my house going about 40mph a cicada hit me in the face near the top right corner of my eye. Felt like someone just threw an avocado pit at me. Thank the lord I wear prescription glasses because if I didn't I'd have lost an eye. Needless to say I had to get a new lens but I'll take that over the cost of losing an eye any day. Be smart, stay safe and god bless.

[@garyhalsey7693]

Hi Sean, another good video (as always). I know it wasn’t a road test video but I kinda missed the words of wisdom. Keep em coming buddy and ride safe. (UK Rider - Fazer FZS 600)

[@vrokkronos5622]

My advice... Always ride with glasses or a visor. Bumble Bees hurt... A lot.

[@stever6542]

Not as much as a bird strike on the helmet...

[@joshuasill1141]

@@stever6542 and rocks, wood chips, a wrench on a work truck someone forgot to put back in the tool box.

[@meme5887]

Or a huge flying bug that fly near in the highways.... Doing 80... And they smack into your throat.

[@MG-eu1hs]

That thing about the gear shifts not going back into 1st is good news. I had trouble finding 1st the other day at the traffic light. It turned green and I couldn't go. LOL! I thought I messed up my clutch or worse, my gearbox. Well it did pop in and only after it rolled back a little bit. Thank you for these words of wisdom!

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Nice video! I just got into motorcycles for the first time in my 40s. As a mechanic. I upgraded the lights to LED and got the loudest automotive horn for my bike. I am shocked how many people ignore motorcycles on the road. I picked up a 1980 Honda CM400T. I am buying used motorcycle jackets and new never used Helmets. I only plan to ride it to work 20 mins away. I have my Kymco scooter for right down the street.

[@090djc]

I’ve been hit on my (unprotected) cheek enough to NEVER ride without eye protection. A+ video

[@tsmith235]

Stung by a bee on my lip because I didn't have my shield down

[@irnagtx2366]

Tom Smith That is surely a honey kiss!

[@bryanslife7229]

one thing no ever told me about when I stared riding was the wind and how to ride in it on the freeway when staring out as a new rider very scary and I never hear anyone talk about it..... thank bro love the videos learned tons about bikes from you videos

[@NickVetter]

Just press harder into the wind. And maybe use ear protection because its loud

[@lindseyblankenship4347]

Good point!!

[@cmfgates]

#5 definitely saved my right eye when a big juicy June bug smashed into the lens.

[@colbydavis6386]

CMF Gates I got one to the neck at about 45, sucked but wasn’t in the eye!

[@snorman1911]

For sure, man I've taken some big bugs to the visor. And the neck... ouch!

[@tristanmelling410]

I think another thing deserving mention is tyres: cold tyres, worn tyres, brand new tyres, and wet tyres can all be slippery. We come to put enormous trust in tyres, and when I rode every day I was proud of not having chicken strips on the rear. Had a slightly sideways scare (130kmh) getting on a wet motorway on my way to get new tyres once. The difference new tyres makes is astonishing

[@rickstuparyk3306]

On my 2010 HD crossbones, I timed the highway riding hours instead of using the fuel gage on the tank. 2 hrs of riding time to the next closest fuelling station. I don’t know why, but I started doing that and it’s just another way of doing it. Bless Caleb for all his hard work. You as well. Haha. Love y’all. Cheers🇨🇦🛵

[@GeezerWheels]

Great, balanced vid. Thanks for your "words of wisdom," your good content and your desire to help the riding community strive toward a mature, respectful approach to our sport. - Ray Wallace, near Durango, CO (Husaberg FE390; Kawasaki Versys)

[@RobWhittlestone]

Wear at least one glove so you can pick the gravel out of your other hand... A guy needs at least 5 bikes: (super)sports / enduro / tourer / cruiser / old-timer / any more?! :-) All the best, Rob (Rider for the last 42 years....)

[@danielbartleson5746]

A little 125 for teaching the kids and shits and giggles

[@ArcticNemo]

Protect your pillion... My daughters actually took to leaning out and yelling, "He doesn't love you!" at underdressed passengers with kitted riders.

[@tiotyme5532]

When I was a teenager, I was riding about 65-70 mph on a "short trip" when a black bug hit me on the right eye. Lucky I was wearing sunglasses that cracked instead of an eye injury.😎🤯🤔🥸

[@BigPadg]

ATGATT - All the gear, all the time.

[@donaldoehl7690]

What is the last thing to go thru a bugs mind when it hits a biker? His ass!

[@elimanning6520]

@@BigPadg wrong. Full gear is absolutely NOT necessary at all!

[@elimanning6520]

@@jeffrygagnon5506 basically all but boots and glasses and maybe gloves

[@TheScrubmuffin69]

@@elimanning6520 lmao so you’d wear gloves over a helmet? 😂

[@malcolmr3]

Very nice video, especially for the novice rider. My number one is the no eye protection. I, personally, hate wearing a helmet and will only wear one of the state requires it, but I will never ride without eye protection. I have a pair of light sensitive glasses that I wear for good day or night wear. But I also keep an extra pair of sunglasses and clear glasses in the saddlebag just in case they break or I lose them. Nothing sux worse than being way out somewhere and not having a pair. I have no desire to either be blind for life or have an accident because I can’t see. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@DavidDucatiMaserati]

This is a really good video for people just starting. Keep up the good work, brother. Love your video straightforward and very, very informative to new riders love the part where you saying, protect the girl if you love her or care about her, and if you love those legs, make sense respect the other person

[@Raez_XL]

Great video dude. I like how you talk about protecting the passenger. Right on! Subbing.

[@sagerman6779]

Man that brings back memories of the first time I ran out of gas and went to switch to reserve and son of biscuit eater I was already in reserve! I was on the interstate and I coasted over into the grass. I jumped a fence and walked to a row of houses and the first one I knocked on said 'oh yea, come on in." I had picked up a soda bottle that I was going to use to get enough gas to get to the next exit. The guy lead me into his garage and low and behold there were two Goldwings and another sport tourer I can't recall the model;. He gave me a whole gallon of gas in a milk jug and I thanked the heck out of him. I never made that mistake again. One of the things I didn't like about my 92 ZX6 was that rather than not having a reserve it would have these double fuel warning lamps. The problem wasn't just that they both came on at the same time which is silly, but they came on way to early. Something like 50 miles remaining when a full tank would only last about 150 to 180 to begin with. But at least it had duel trip meters so you could use one when the lights came on and still have the other for overall mileage. I was very surprised to learn the first time I took one of those valves completely off of the tank of a Honda CM400T that it is nothing more than tubes sticking up into the gasoline. The "On" tube was the tallest and the "Res" tube was as low as possible. I was doing a frame up restoration and another surprising discovery was that after 32,000 miles the pistons and rings showed no signs of wear. I could even make out the scratch pattern from the original cylinder honing. I'm a certified aircraft mechanic and I'm telling you this top end showed no signs of wear whatsoever. I just honed the cylinders again and went back with the same piston rings which measured new spec. I put most of those miles on that bike and although I took good care of it and changed the oil regularly and the air filter, I certainly didn't baby it. I was on it hard and often. The little parallel twin had both pistons at the same position only timed 180 degrees apart so it sounded more like a V-twin than a parallel two cylinder. I had put one of those adjustable sissy bar pads that you could slide up against your back when you were riding alone. That plus a windshield allowed me to put quite a few miles on that little bike. It wasn't in it's eliminate but it could certainly hold its own on the interstate with traffic at 70+ mile speeds. It much preferred a country back road however. I would get on the interstate and ride for a while, then pick an exit at random and then try to find a way back onto the interstate other than the one I just got off of. Other than a new chain now and then and new tires every 5,000 or so miles and I had to rebuild the clutch around 25,000 and replace the battery once, it was bullet proof. Oh yea the brake pads a few times as well.

[@LynxStarAuto]

With the oils today, if proper intervals are followed, wear is almost non existent. There is also the detail that motorcycle engines are barely working. Very little load for what they are.

[@GOTTshua]

Best thing about running out of gas is that we always meet a new friend along the way who'll help us out. Motorcycles brings us together.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Great video, I ride in many Parades & Runs with the American Legion Riders, we train to ride safely, I even carry a First Aid kit with Tourniquets in them, just in case something happens.

[@roymackay9801]

Be cautious if ever forced to use a tourniquet. It can easily cause even more serious damage to a limb if kept tightened for too long. This could lead to the limb dying and amputation. No offence, mate. I know you mean well.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

@@roymackay9801 Thanks for the warning. I am cautious, if I ever have to apply another tourniquet. I spent many years in the military and I know how to apply a tourniquet, I always note the time & notify Medics or EMS of a tourniquet.

[@petergarner5991]

As a youngster I rode 250cc sport bikes as at the time we didn't need to take a test only if you had a bigger cc then you had to have a test. As I got older I grew into touring and then to cruisers. I think it's how most people feel as they get older. Some good tips for younger people whom are riding for the first time.

[@Gage55063]

my buddies and i are about in our mid-20s. thankfully we are all responsible riders, we have harleys, dual-sports, SMs, yamahas, and hondas. It's always a good time to ride with everyone on different bikes

[@kleinbottled79]

Sunglasses with the clear shield is the most flexible combo.

[@tracymeyer3752]

As a new female rider, this was great. I only have one disagreement, I will never get rid of my Chopper!! It’s a lifelong commitment...❤️

[@danielhomant2832]

Though my first bike was stolen, I still have the others. I don't part with any of my vehicles lightly. But then I never get a vehicle unless I actually want it, heh.

[@rlb96]

I'm 66 years old. I started riding mini bikes when I was 7. Got my drivers license at sixteen, and because back then I could, I also got my motorcycle endorsement the same day using my brothers Honda 450. I got my own Honda 350 the next month. For all of my life, when asked for advice about being safe on the road, I've always told people that I have two rules to stay safe. 1. Everyone not on a motorcycle will do nothing to keep you safe and will carelessly run you down and not see you when they are near you. 2. There are no exceptions to rule number 1. It's served me well and so far, don't want to jinx myself here, I've never had an accident involving another vehicle. Gravel bit me a couple of times but I was fortunately going slow each time. Lately I've been having some trouble with vertigo so can't ride right now, but I'm hoping to be back on two wheels soon.

[@TheBigChad]

Something my dad told me years ago when I first got interested in riding “Everyone, no matter who you are, will fall at some point. So make sure you practice safety so when it happens it happens at a red light instead of at 150mph”

[@joelombardi5235]

there are two kinds of riders those that have been down and those that are going down

[@johnduheaume6650]

Thank you for good advice, special emphasis on eye protection, good! Temptation with a screen on the bike is to flick the visor up as the wind deflects over one's head, a bumblebee or stone chip won't deflect , cheers John. 🌞🏍