Are you a good rider? Unique tool to find out..

There are a lot of ways to determine a rider's riding ability. Today I present you with a tool you may have never considered.
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[@MCrider]

I still have 3 more hats from the latest batch created...Get yours before it is gone. www.MCrider.com/hat Join MCrider and get videos ad-free! www.MCrider.com/Member

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

Your take that minimal control inputs is the best indicator of a “good” rider to me is saying the exact same thing you dismissed at the start of the video - that a “conservative” rider who hasn’t had an accident in 20 years isn’t necessarily a “good”’rider. I’d argue that clearly and undeniable a conservative rider with decades of no accidents is a very good, may an excellent road rider. What other indicator could there be.than someone that doesn’t ride like they are racing, that takes ego out of equation and that rides to conditions and their skill level within legal limits.- ie conservatively. Conservative adjective Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. Traditional or restrained in style. Moderate; cautious. Sounds like a bloody good way to ride in public to me.

[@rule303gc]

I am 73 and have been riding since 14. I have never thought about being good only better than yesterday!

[@williammagee634]

Respect sir

[@Xt1000]

60 and 10 for me. Worked at a dealership in the 80's as the set up/ assembly guy. Test rode every bike on the showroom floor. Can't say I'm a better rider today but I am a safer rider. At least 200k+ miles on multiple bikes and no road rash or accidents. I do my crashing on the dirt.

[@allwinds3786]

I took started at 14, ten years after you.

[@NomadRay]

im sure your life is filled sir! much love, stay safe

[@jmacknet2]

I liked this video! Thought I'd add a slight twist to what you said. I like to think of riding skill as being split two ways: proactive and reactive. A proactive rider does the right things at the right time, so they spend less time reacting to things and making last minute adjustments (reactive). You've still got to work on your reactive skills and keeping them sharp through practice, but being proactive is the safety margin that keeps you safe on the road. But it doesn't just apply to riding techniques like cornering, braking, and maneuvering. It also applies to road strategy, an experienced strategist anticipates what traffic will do and proactively avoids situations that require evasive maneuvers. We should all focus on being as proactive as possible in all aspects of our riding, because it gives us margin so we don't have to use as much of our reactive reserves to keep us out of trouble.

[@MCrider]

Awesome comment, might be a future video. 👍🏻

[@rocinantenomad4698]

This comment is awesome! I wholeheartedly agree with this. I never articulated it this well. And saying, I am not an aggressive rider falls short of what is meant. Indeed, even when driving a car, I call out something waaaaay earlier than anyone else even notices it. Most people look ahead and only at the car immediately in front of them. A good rider, knows what is around him at all times, his head moves, he uses his mirrors, he positions himself intentionally, he is looking at vehicles in front, behind, ahead, the road surface, the driver's attention inside of vehicles, the front tyre of vehicles around him... he predicts, anticipates, nothing is passive or left to chance. He doesn't want to be caught off guard and he doesn't frighten people around him, with sudden, unpredictable manoeuvres. This makes you avoid accidents that should have happened and didn't, only because of your actions and predictions. And even then, you are not immune to reckless drivers around you, sharing the road with you. When you have this much awareness of your surroundings, your brain is relaxed, yet aware and alert, which makes it able to react faster and more efficiently to unpredictabilities, because all else has been measured and brought under control.

[@billboggs535]

I think you make a great point that perhaps applies more to street riding. I just got home from 7 days riding the mountains of NC. I had lots of instances of multiple control inputs through a curve. I wasn't super happy about that, but as I think it through, unlike a pro rider on a track they have practiced on, I was coming into these curves with zero prior knowledge. The troublesome curves were the ones I could not see through. Therefore ,there were times when you thought you were at the apex but the curve had another idea, so you had to react to stay out of the ditch or on your side of the double yellow. Yeah it feels great when you have a decent sight line and get that perfect flow of brake, lean, accelerate and straighten up and repeat, but all too often in real world mountain riding, being able to react when the curve keeps going/tightens up(which means riding conservatively enough to have a safety margin)is a hallmark of a good rider IMHO.

[@jmacknet2]

@@billboggs535 two sides of the same coin. You're right, there's no substitute for having great bike control and great reactions for when something surprising comes along, which like you said is particularly important on the street where you don't necessarily know what's around the next corner. But anything you can do to be proactive; looking ahead, setting the right line on corner entry, and "reading" the surrounding conditions so you can guess what's up ahead; all let you keep those reactions in reserve because you've anticipated whatever you can.

[@someguyontheinternet7165]

I tell new riders “The goal is to gain and maintain all the skills for total control of the bike and enough situational awareness to avoid ever needing them.”

[@rodintoulouse3054]

The more i ride and understand what is going on with me, the bike and tge environment, the more areas for improvement i am able to find.

[@onerider808]

Amen

[@irishfairground]

I personally do not consider myself to be a great Motorcyclist, Semi Driver, Bus Driver, Car Driver, all of which I drive and have been driving for over 40 years. This is why I use every other tool available to me on the road to help keep me out of trouble . So far so good 😀. A person once asked me would I be good at getting a vehicle out of a skid and I replied " Not really, but I am quite good at not getting into the skid in the first place ".. I think the most dangerous rider/driver on the road is the one who thinks they know it all. Love the vids and I am learning loads from them keep up the good work. Love and hugs to you all from Ireland

[@rodcurrieclassics8102]

I'm with you Irish! 68 now and been riding since I was 14. Ridden across and down the USA from top to bottom on the dirt, all across Russia, Mongolia , Morocco, Kazakhstan, all over Europe. I was trained by a Class One Police trainer. Am I any "good"? Blimey. Not bloody good enough and thats the genuine truth. Ride safe, Sir. Rod

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

Great comment, but I liked it even better when I got to the end and then imagined it with an Irish accent.

[@oknevals]

The best measurement of riding skills is coming back home every time. Everything else is traveling; faster, slower, smooth, rough, who cares. Good judgement and common sense often beats being able to do something.

[@JDye-youtube]

The real skill is attention and anticipation which precludes the need to take drastic actions, but rather ensures smooth inputs and actions throughout the ride. Smooth is fast.

[@robertberry8928]

At 62, with 55 years of riding behind me I can honestly say that I'm a better rider than ever. I'm not as fast around a track as I used to be but my situational awareness has never been better. The key for me is always being honest with my self and addressing each mistake immediately and always practicing looking as far ahead as I can without losing my focus on my immediate surroundings, and every ride is practicing my basic skills. Thanks for the video and all the tips

[@Mark-eu4di]

Same here 61 😊

[@pauldsoto]

yes i have been riding for many years and many are faster than me, but i pay attention and have seen a lot of things. always try to look 12 seconds ahead and try not to get into a situation where i will lose control

[@phelanpawly2507]

Gday from Australia Kevin. I have been a rider for 20 + years. As a young guy I favoured the sports bikes. I loved the power but most of all I could sit for hours and just look at them. They were like a fighter jet on wheels. I was always an over cautious rider and that probably hindered my development. I did several track days and learned a lot about the bikes limits and mine. This helped me a lot but you still can’t apply that to the road. There’s so many unpredictable hazards. The track is a safe place the road is not as I found out. 8 years ago a car decided a stop sign was optional and pulled out in front of me. 80 Koh (50mph) I hit the car head on and was head first into the windscreen which thankfully rendered me unconscious. I broke my hip my femur in 2 places 5 ribs and 5 vertebrae. In the last 7 years I’ve had 8 major surgeries that thankfully have given me the movement to once again ride although I can no longer ride the sport bike. Arthritis and constant pain have forced me into a cruiser bike but I still look at my sport bike all the time. I thought about not riding again and my family were wanting me to quit too. After 2 months in hospital and rehab I got home and the first day I was there I was visited by riders I didn’t even know. All they knew was someone was injured and they went to say hello and offered to help in any way they could. These people have turned into best friends. Getting back to your video I don’t think comparing track riders to street riders is a fair comparison. Any new rider thinks he is a Marquez. This translates poorly to the street. Smoothness is they way to go but on the street there are too many variables to consider. Adjustments may have to be made to manage the corner. Street should be treated as life and death. I know when I get home I have a cold beer in celebration. If anyone gets a chance to visit a rehab ward do it. I guarantee it will make you think about more than just corner management. Cheers.

[@Mark-eu4di]

We’re glad your still here to talk about it! I’ve been riding cruisers for 25 years and recently bought a ninja 1000 sx at 61 lol, I know crazy right? I love the power as well. My wife doesn’t ride anymore, so I changed it up but my 20 yr old niece recently lost her life on her ninja 300 😢 last week, someone made a left hand turn in front of her as she was only doing 35 mph but being a new rider she probably froze and hit the car broadside. So I might just be giving riding up all together…be well my friend! 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

[@phelanpawly2507]

@@Mark-eu4di First of all condolences to your family. I don’t call them accidents anymore , they are incidents. All collisions have a cause. Someone gets distracted , under the influence or speed. There’s many other factors too. To me, an accident is out of anyone’s control. Even an animal jumping in from you isn’t an accident. As you’d be aware here I don’t ride at dusk or dawn because of Roos. That’s a decision I have always made. Sometimes it’s unavoidable but you ride with that hazard forefront in your mind. There’s many things people class as accidents but bottom line is if your in a vehicle or on a bike you make choices. I’m an older guy and I know my reactions are slower than average so following distances are greater speed is slower and some days I will have organised to meet my friends somewhere for lunch and I get the bike out get suited up but I don’t quite feel right so I call them and tell them I’m not coming. They fully understand as most of them have been in same place mentally. I thought very seriously about quitting but why should I stop doing something I love doing with the best friends I’ve ever had because of some idiot ? I sure hope you stick with riding. I doubt your niece would deny you. These things take time. Instead or riding do some maintenance on the bike. Pull a few pieces off and give it a good polish and detail. I’ll guarantee you’ll get excited again. Just don’t be hasty. Everyone needs time. Take it easy mate. Paul.

[@Mark-eu4di]

@@phelanpawly2507 Thank you for those kind words it means a lot to me! It is good advice, maybe I will take her out and polish her up. Be at peace brother and ride safe I thank you again. 😎

[@geoffhurley8103]

I've been riding for 43 years and I do have trophies, but I still don't feel like I'm a good rider. Your channel is helping me.

[@Sandstorm88]

if I'm on a curvy mountain road and am trying to hustle the bike, I tend to have too many unnecessary inputs because I don't know the road. If i'm just going slower I can do that with minimal inputs. My skill level is the same but my chance of coming out unscathed goes way up when I slow down. It's more fun to speed up but It's risky. I can't decide if I'm smart or chicken. Either way I love coming home in one piece. Thanks always for your content.

[@903lew]

You know, on a road you don’t know with traffic, chicken is smart.

[@h.wayneb3495]

Always trying to improve my skills as many close calls some self-inflicted and not, I've learned many good points from riders like you. Please keep sharing.

[@MorbidBiker4382]

I just want to thank you. I've been watching your videos the day i bought my Harley 2 years ago and i still watch to this day and im still learning more and more. Thank you for your knowledge and being there every step of the way

[@rrm80916]

Anyone else just have some “off” days? Like messing up on a curve you’ve taken a hundred times with ease? I think that could be a good topic. Like day dreaming or complacency, or just not being in the zone on a particular ride…

[@zloizamaske]

i know what you mean. hate it when it happens. with me it usually transfers in a way that i dont look through the corner enough

[@jdreyno1958]

I recently had a bad or off day that I made it through okay but it's stuck in my head now. Got to figure out how to get past it.

[@georgeisaacs8096]

Spot on Kevin. I’ve noticed that on my daily commute, less control inputs are needed on the familiar route since I know what is ahead. Unfamiliar roads require a bit more adjusting.

[@maneatingduck]

Same here. I was actually stopped by a police patrol last month, they believed I was breaking the speed limit, by a lot. In fact I was rigidly within the limit (I very seldom break it). I do, however, know _exactly_ how to tackle those sharp curves leading down to the highway, and the speed limit through the roundabout (perfect visibility, no traffic) is actually still 60 km/h :)

[@motorcycleden]

Great video and I agree with everything you said, but on a track they can usually see through the corner and even had practice laps so they know what's coming. On the street, at least in Kentucky and Southern Ohio, there are a lot of blind corners and many of those are decreasing radius. How would you recommend navigating them? There are times when I have to make adjustments mid corner. With that said, I realize that's the type of roads we ride on and always try to allow room for those adjustments, if necessary. Thanks

[@shaundisch2020]

"Was my head and eye placement lazy?" Excellent. Always be aware!

[@onerider808]

Great episode. As in all endeavors, the pros do it with minimal effort and maximum efficiency; that’s a goal I may never reach, but always strive for. Thanks, Kevin!

[@pd6569]

Kevin, I truly enjoyed the set up to the discussion and your conclusion. I really did not know where you were going with it, but when you put it out there, it really makes sense. Thank you for all you do for our motorcycle community. Be and ride safe.

[@RonHoague]

Excellent content Kevin. It’s obvious that you put some thought into this as your explanations are on point. Thanks for all you do.

[@MikaelLewisify]

If you ever catch yourself thinking that you have nothing left to learn…that’s when you’re in trouble.

[@topherdalrymple6535]

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. So much great advice. Thanks boss.

[@motodruid4327]

I was taught to ride smoothly and with appropriate defensiveness. Once you are proficient at riding smoothly, with minimum disruption to the stance of the bike, the speed will gradually improve. This gives you the luxury of riding well within your limits anytime you go out.

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

Ive been riding since 1977. I never consider myself to be a super good rider . I learn everytime I get on a bike . Remember , YOU NEVER REALLY HAVE THE " RIGHT OF WAY " .

[@luvneeders9928]

Hate to comment, took a while to figure out how, but this is the best motorcycle video I have ever watched! Thanks!

[@MCrider]

Thank you...I appreciate it!

[@olliechristopher467]

My big thing as I get older is not to ride faster than what my reflexes can overcome. Motorcycling is a risky sport. Riding on public highways is such an uncontrolled environment as it is. I'm not in it for the adrenaline rush. I want to come home with 10 fingers and 10 toes. I would say I'm conservative as well as not using a lot of inputs to control the bike (unless off road or practicing drills in a controlled atmosphere). There is one rider "trainer" who is a KZbin "influencer" whose speeds have become over the top. I genuinely am concerned for this young mans well being and have politely (as I can) mentioned it in the comments. He has now taken to turning the comments off on his channel. He and his followers have called me out as a "Karen" and to mind my own business. When I see hime clocking over 100mph in blind curves and passing on double yellows it just sickens me. My warnings have fallen on deaf ears. Very sad.

[@Badwolf6466]

I use to ride a track bike. GP riders trail brake. 40 Years of racing dirt and street I have mastered trail braking. I now do it on a 900 lb cruiser with my wife on the back. It works wonders in curves. I do not do it all the time. However If i do find yourself coming into a curve a little hot, Instead of letting off gas and disrupting the bike. I trail brake witch makes the bike take the curve even better by fork compression and makes the wheel base shorter.

[@amitav16]

wait, Trail Brake without letting off the gas?!

[@Badwolf6466]

@@amitav16 yes, MC rider and other you-tube videos explain the principles and techniques.

[@asoshkin]

That's not a good comparison. You forgot one important part of a well rounded track rider or professional racer. And that is track knowledge. If you rode that track the whole day or numerous days and years riding on the tracks you would be smoother and have less inputs as you say. On the streets you can't memorize roads and give exact minimum inputs. You might come in a little hot in some corners and slow in some.others. but if you know how to handle those situations and be as smooth as possible and adjust to these different situations and be in control of the bike, I think that makes you a good rider.

[@JDye-youtube]

You’re not giving yourself credit. The professional rider knows every corner, because it’s the same corners over and over. Whereas on the street, unless you ride the same road over and over, every corner is an unknown and must be approached with some uncertainty on what the inputs should be, inputs that may need to be adjusted during the approach, mid corner and exit.

[@trident999]

Track riding has completely different environmental skill sets to riding on public roads.

[@josephlarmor550]

Good points, but you do ignore the fact that the MotoGP rider has the benefit of many practice laps. Also, based on all the data you mention, his support team will give him a detailed analysis of each and every steering, brake and throttle input for every corner. I would imagine he has to go back out and make many adjustments to his technique before getting it right. Out on public roads, we will meet many corners for the first time. I agree that we should strive to avoid constant steering and braking inputs, and be as smooth as possible. But it is no shame to accept that corners may be misjudged. For that reason, a healthy safety margin is always a good idea. There are no trophies to be held aloft for street riding!

[@VState60]

A cruiser content creator who has zero ego and even goes on track to learn & pass on said lessons…you, sir…are a Godsend to our community! ❤❤

[@jonog5632]

Precise is the word I'd use. Its like balance point but with everything when your good the bike will feel like its part of you.

[@danielbridgewater3444]

It takes virtually no skill to get a motorcycle license to ride on the streets & highways endangering yourself & everyone around you.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Good rider and skilled rider aren’t necessarily the same. I see a lot of skilled riders acting like fools on the public roads. A good rider is skilled and knows when to ride defensively.

[@kit38801]

Is it true I need to use my rear brake instead of my front brake when negotiating very low speed manuevers?

[@vincentnieuwhof-pianoteach1604]

I’m a piano teacher. In 1887, Yamaha made their first piano and in 1955, Yamaha made their first motorbike. And these experts never thought of transferring virtuoso piano technique to the motorbike like I did, did they haha… Minimal Necessary Control Input is littered throughout the piano repertoire. Just add a thorough understanding of weight. And what’s even better is the motorbike is roughly about as heavy as an upright piano! Still requires a lot of practice though, just like the piano… I’m planning on buying a Kawai as it’s the choice of those who know, or is it Kawasaki…

[@mikerider58]

The graveyards are full of good riders, try not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@chrisbraid2907]

For me, being a rider that was taught the basics at 9 years old and ridden up until now at 66, I know that learning to ride many surfaces and vehicle types has made me more competent than many. There were and will always be better riders than I am but I hold my own and These days can be seen on my TGB 50 or my GSX 1100 , a bike I never imagined that I could ever own … riding is still as demanding on both as it was on my first bike, an A100 four speed two stroke …. Some things don’t change like safety in traffic and riding aware …

[@riderramblings]

I've been riding for over 40 years, crashed a number of times (and carry the injuries to prove it), made my living riding motorcycles in a city, raced, commute over 16,000 miles a year into a major city in all weathers on a motorcycle, totted up over 500,000 miles on a motorcycle, I've done various courses including a hyper-maneuverability course (you know, in the cones). Am I a good rider? Nah, I'm still a learner. I learn something new nearly every time I ride.

[@langhamp8912]

I have stats similar to yours but feel I didn't understand motorcycle dynamics until I took up riding an electric unicycle. After riding an electric unicycle for some years, the tight cones courses became very easy but I added one thing I haven't seen others do; I can back a motorcycle downhill and turn it without touching the ground. But electric unicycles speed wobble all the time and that exeperience helped a lot with motorcycles.

[@marksmart9754]

Funny. A lot of riders out there are unique tools. And the way they ride they are temporary ones too.

[@daniellgeiger2076]

I'm 65 and that is how I ride, minimal inputs, in fact that is exactly how I've always judged my riding skills. Smooth is the word.

[@timbovegan6892]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

[@whiskeyshots]

I love how you're willing to admit your own inadequacies as a rider. Realistically, I would say that this all boils down to experience and the confidence that comes with it, but it is a great thing to be aware of. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@victorfranco4961]

Ok

[@katherynscleaning5807]

What funny is a track day will never help you in the millions of turns and all the variables in the real world. This is why I will never do a track day unless I was racing. Never think a track made you ready for the real road, and never think the EMS is 10 minutes away like on a track day. Do your own ride and live unhurt to do your next ride. But always do the drills until you have ridden 1 million miles like me!

[@katherynscleaning5807]

Oh by the way I am Reginald Charles Pridmore II smooth and Ricky Haden skills.

[@donflores5227]

I'm a good rider because I watch all the Mcrider videos and practice the strategies. Just kidding, I couldn't help myself. But I am a better rider than if I didn't.

[@FirstnameLastName-sx8ls]

MCrider you're a riding genius. Thank you for sharing and caring. This is your true passion.

[@cliveadams7629]

Are you still alive? You're doing good.

[@kevinwells7767]

Hello Kevin, my name is also Kevin just wanted you know I am a new rider and your videos have been part of my daily routine I watch you everyday I am not a subscribed member via I can not afford it being my private situation I just wanted to thank you so much for you also making it free to watch your videos your advise has continued my motivation to be a better rider and that has spread to my friends also and for that I truly thank people like you...

[@izzyb5335]

This video could have been 4 min

[@jeffmannes6079]

Only one comment Kevin...."you're wonderful!" God Bless and again.... Thank You!

[@Supermankev2001]

I agree smooth inputs make a big difference. Practice skills no matter how long you have been riding. I like to challenge myself to see how smoothly I can get around a twisty piece of road near my home not going faster but going around smoothly. Because when you do it often it becomes natural Last week went around my curves and there was a piece of wood in my path and I was able to avoid it with little to no drama.

[@ma3stro681]

Smooth is key to being a better rider, no doubt about it. I ride hard but use minimal brakes if I’m riding well, using the engine brakes and trail braking into a corner always as smoothly as possible. Approaching a corner too hot or on the wrong line will ruin that corner and the next one.Always better to practice slowly focusing on technique and line and go from there …

[@JCcanU]

Im Just a Motorcycle enthusiast , I ride in everything . City , Country , Mountains . Rain and Been Caught in snow . as long as I get from point A to point B safe Im good . I might hit a 40 mph curve going 60 . or a 25 doing 35 . You can tell before you reach it if your going to fast in the Radius of the curve , I try to go by the Sign a 40 mph sing go 40 . switch backs may only have 1 sign , and 20 curves . DOT place sings for Trucks . But your bike will do better in the same curve at the speed posted .

[@freeride6073]

Just last week on a solo ride stopping at a red light the driver in the lane next to me open his window and tells me hey man you're a good rider to which I responded hey thx man . Felt all good about myself. 10 minutes later at a street corner where road construction was going on with our 2 lanes was reduce to 1 lane in the opposite direction and it took me a second to figure out where I was suppose to go and totally missed the cyclist trying to cross in front of me . I had the right of way but never saw him until he was right next to me . Actually scare the hell out of me . I realize then that I wasn't as good as what I taught. Ride safe

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Don't beat yourself up about it. You got a lesson that day. That makes you a better rider in itself. The fact that you are sharing your experience with others makes you even better again. The soft, black, rubbery bits stayed on the ground, the shiny bits kept pointing to the sky, you made it home alive with a lesson to share. That's being a "good" rider, isn't it?

[@FreeSwimmer]

There is so much more to be a good rider than bike handling.. Thats important, but so is ability to be aware and prepare and able to react to any given situation. Fine tuned physical skills are dangerous, without needed experience and mental skills ! Knowing what the bike is going to do, when different situations are applied. Ive watched so many new riders drop bikes, because of loose gravel. 6 years of dirt riding and racing helped to develope the correct reaction to things like that. I believe that when a persons riding isnt a constant thought, but a fluid activity it allows for comfort and awareness of surroundings.

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

Great video. You explained what I’ve always tried to do (with increasing success, I think), without knowing there’s a name for it. When I see really skilled, smooth riders on the road, they make minimal adjustments; they have their line mapped out in their heads well in advance, and just follow it to glide through the turn. That’s what I try to emulate. Skilled riders also constantly scan and plan for potential threats and escape routes to avoid trouble, another thing I practice. I think elevating our riding skills all comes down to focus, preparedness, and of course practice. I’ve been riding over 40 years, and I’m still learning and eager to improve. I consider myself a good rider, but there’s always room for improvement. My goal, like a wise man in the comments, is to be a better rider today than I was yesterday. Thanks for all of your top quality videos; you do a great service to the motorcycling community.

[@soujrnr]

Hi Kevin. This video is GOLD! I love the whole idea of "minimal necessary control inputs"!! I'm definitely going to be cognizant of that next time I ride. Wish I would have watched this video last night because today, my wife and I went on a seven-hour ride full of switchbacks in the mountains, and had I been thinking about the things you mentioned in the video, I'd probably have done a much better job.

[@mymatemartin]

"It's a mess of doubt and inconsistency". Pefect description of the early beginner stages of riding and, just about anything else new to the experience of most people. As a 3-year rider growing in experience with every ride and practice session, I love the idea of using MNCI as guage for measuring progress. Thanks Kevin.

[@jensBendig]

mnci: I completely agree, sir! Another Thing: I have the „theory“ of riding a „bad old“ bike to give the rider more input about what the bike really does. Then, later, they can switch to a big modern bike that hides it‘s issues from it‘s rider. You know what I mean?

[@michaelmoore7975]

I just want to make a point. You see many videos of motorcycle/car collisions. You know about the hazards. A huge percentage of those accidents the car driver says "I didn't see the bike." And in the videos it seems the car driver *_had_* to have seen the bike. The comments sections will be full of "The motorcycle was going too fast or should have stopped faster." and the other side says" There's no way that guy didn't see the motorcycle and pulled right out in front of him. Well, they're not lying... they _don't_ see you.... _even if they appear to be looking directly at you._ Here's why. Here in the US we are always looking out for cars. When you get your license and start driving you are conditioning yourself to the driving environment. And it's nearly 100% auto/truck/car etc. Over time your mind will start to ignore just about anything smaller than a small car on the roads. They don't see you, a bike doesn't even register, _even if they're looking straight at you._ That's why it became a law that the headlight on a motorcycle must be on when you start it up and ride. It's why it is partially true that "Loud pipes save lives." A lot of Asian countries have a bigger percentage of scooters, bikes etc. sometimes more than cars. They grew up conditioned to see the bikes and occasional water buffalo. You take as many precautions and safety measures as possible because you know what the chances are for accidents. So it is incumbent upon you, the motorcycle rider to *never assume other drivers can see you. Always assume no one can see you.* That you are essentially invisible to most people out there. Anyway, just wanted to add a bit to your safe motorcycling habits toolbox. !CIAO!

[@eyesonly4451]

(1) Motorcycle control inputs are best applied using the Navy SO mantra, "slow is smooth, smooth is fast." (2) A big difference between riding on a track vs the road is that the track racer has likely spent hours, if not days learning and practicing each curve, over and over. On the highway, each curve is a new experience, especially if on an unfamiliar road. And beyond that, the highway is an uncontrolled, chaotic environment, nothing like the track. A maintained track has no sand, water, deer, pedestrians, or vehicles coming the opposite direction.

[@harleyhawk7959]

i ride a heavy 800 plus pound harley, that is just the weight of the bike. occasionally im 2up with my wife on a nice day out riding. Mostly its 2up with a packed out bike on 2 to 3 week road trips. have rode through every weather sun, rain, hail, snow, frozen roads and even a tornado. i'm 71 now, still riding my 800 plus pound harley. ive had more close calls with obstacles, animals, cars, trucks and even other bikers. actually had a hawk fly between my chest and windscreen on a mountain pass one afternoon. i attribute my skills from being a truck driver on snowy icey roads, riding in the dirt, and classes. rest just luck.

[@udxpierre]

I've been riding for 42 years. I am 49 now. I walk funny from falling. Messing about on anything with two wheels and an engine. Moto trials, Mx and enduro cross. Been on a street bike for almost 3 years now. Dunno if my HD Sporty count as a street bike... ha ha ha ha. Am i a good rider? I can handle a bike, but i like to think of myself as not a stupid rider.

[@Thelivewire64]

LOL! At Rookies I got the highest score on our first drill assessment, but I was actually about 2nd worst at performing drill, somehow I completely fluked it. I was still a cluster almost to the graduation parade. By the end we had done so much practice we were a well oiled machine, exactly what the military demands. You aint winnin no war without hard training and constant practice!

[@craigjeffrey3236]

I learned how to ride properly by going to the race track and watching the racers ride. ..I copied the ones who didn't fall off!..lol....Worked well...

[@johnwaldmann5222]

I rodé for 28 years, half of that as a loose canon at ridiculous speeds on the open road and urban settings. One brief day on the track expanded my willingness to just sit on the bike when it behaved insanely. Eg, a corrugated hairpin on a bike with passive 1980s suspension, with the front wheel pogoing a yard side to side - guided by a heavier more experience colleague from work on a similar bike. With that confidence, I rode to the limits of my vision on the road, and the surrounding traffic. I chose to sell my aging bike when I could no longer see well enough, to pay for having my cataract surgery. The only serious off was when the headset bearing failed doing a hard u-turn at 60kph on a dual carriage highway. I was a good rider, until I wasn’t. Progressive blindness robbed me of my favourite means of transport. The only measure of a good rider, is how close the ride to their personal limits, and how aware they are of the bikes, and how far past the bikes limits they ride on a regular basis. One of my most memorable days was riding during a golf ball sized hail storm that had stopped traffic. Except I could not stop because the pavement was all ball bearings. And treacherous to ride on. I just maintained my horizon, and kept moving. And man, that hail hurt. I was, frozen, and very badly bruised after, despite my riding gear, and thick padding. Didn’t ride for a few days after.

[@brettgodfrey9536]

Kevin, you are a national treasure. My wife and I watch every video you post-often more than once! Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing your valuable insights!

[@MCrider]

Wow, thank you!

[@brucevernon5827]

Been riding 50 years and still riding but some ways it just comes down to lady luck,as a kid a friend never took any risks,then at 17 bought a bike, first time out on L's 5am Sunday morning, stationary at a red light and a semi drove over him,RIP,Such is Life

[@jamescampolo7824]

I've been riding 50+ years, crashed four times, dropped it 38 times, am I a good rider? I am definately experienced. lol

[@maxdee5237]

I couldn't disagree more with you. Once you're in the streets you'll get children, toys, idiotic people, animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, rats...), blind car drivers... What's making a good rider is the ability to ride safe in this environnement, nobody care about your lean angle as long as you can stop before your bike hit the idiot.

[@danielorlando8172]

This is all helpful information, but reality always changes as does road conditions. Running through the twisties near show low on the US-60 no rider can predict what to anticipate after a storm with unanticipated road hazards a mile up the road at 65 miles an hour. Safety on the road is experience plus agility multiplied by a quick mind tempered with humility. Too many riders I know ran off the road and ended up in the hospital just from sheer bravado

[@hydrogen.jukebox]

Another channel named skyoom explained the importance of minimal inputs in cornering during a crash analysis, and his point was this: any input to the bike has the potential to disrupt the suspension. Ex: if you put too much front brake on, you're overloading the front suspension. Being able to minimize your inputs and making them as smooth as possible ensures that the bike remains stable to give you the maximum traction in a corner. The consequence of adding an input that would disrupt a bike's suspension is usually the loss of traction. Use too much front brake and you lose some rear traction, etc. Combine that with some kind of street condition, and you could have a crash on your hands.

[@maneatingduck]

_Very_ interesting video. After thinking about it for a while, I believe there's an addendum to this concept: I've ridden motorcycles for about 15 years, and I certainly require fewer input actions now that when I started. The addendum: the _magnitude_ of the corrections has also decreased a lot. In my first years, for instance, there were a few times when I had to abruptly brake and lean in a curve to the point where I was basically resetting and starting a new curve at a lower speed. Now I mostly do minor adjustments and perform them earlier, leading to a smoother ride and presumably better predictability and safety. I might even do more frequent adjustments, I honestly am not sure, but they are certainly more precise. In any case I try to be very conscious about situational awareness of conditions and other traffic at _all_ times, along with leaving myself a large margin for errors. I think that those two things affects my safety a lot more than any skills I might (or might not) have. Ride safely 😀

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

Your take that minimal control inputs is the best indicator of a “good” rider to me is saying the exact same thing you dismissed at the start of the video - that a “conservative” rider who hasn’t had an accident in 20 years isn’t necessarily a “good”’rider. I’d argue that clearly and undeniable a conservative rider with decades of no accidents is a very good, may an excellent road rider. What other indicator could there be.than someone that doesn’t ride like they are racing, that takes ego out of equation and that rides to conditions and their skill level within legal limits.- ie conservatively. Conservative adjective Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. Traditional or restrained in style. Moderate; cautious. Sounds like a bloody good way to ride in public to me.

[@davidav8orpflanz561]

Who's the best aviator? The one that meticulously checks the aircrafts maintenance issues before flying it. The one who studies and understands their aircraft's performance limitations, and operates within those limits. The one who knows the regulations and obeys them. The pilot that has good situational awareness or where they are, and what's around them. The pilot who checks weather situations, and flies when safe to do so. The pilot who knows the proper emergency procedures and practices them until automatic upon split second demand. The pilot who has respect for other aircraft flying around them. The pilot that practices and stays current with his/her skills. That's why pilots also make great motorcycle riders!😅 Be the pilot of your motorcycle, people would want to ride with, like their lives depend on you!😅😅

[@rosewood1]

One of the indications of whether you are really a good rider to me was best summed up in the iconic movie Ferrari v Ford in the sequence known as the Perfect Lap. Here the father talking to his son talks about pushing the machinery to the groaning limit and being able to know where that limit to adhesion is, where his limit is and being on that perfect day on that perfect time pushing it to the perfect lap. If you have pushed a bike to that point then you will have your perfect lap. And significantly every time I have done this these rides are truely memorable. And you know you have ridden well. You also know that you dont want to do it toi often lest you end up with wings... and a good rider can do this all the time I dont I am just an average rider but I know I must practice every ride. And assess my ride self critically because I am getting older... and skills corrode. good video. Smooth is safe as well as swift

[@chadbutler2287]

I have a lot of bicycle racing experience and pack riding skills requires smooth bike handling. No quick braking, swerving, or accelerations. I apply this to my motorcycle street riding. To practice 'pack riding' alone I hold the left wheel track in the lane around corners leaving room for another bike to share the lane with me if it were there. I also try to maintain as consistent speed as possible.When I've got my sweetheart riding pillion I pay extra attention to not doing anything that would cause our helmets to clunk. Smooth is good.

[@bayport-moto]

That’s really insightful. Makes me think another way to put it is to ask: would Sade sing a song about you watching you ride?… _Smooth Operator_ 😅

[@nickaxe771]

This tool your on about.....only good it you ride to the limit.....what about riders who are not competitive.....who just go for a relaxing ride each time they go out.....year after year after year....never have an accident....can they be measured as a good rider with your yard stick Mr MCrider. We dont all want to go around curves to the limit. A UK rider.

[@PA-Tammy]

The one big thing that made me a better rider was going off road and I'm not talking about a dirt road, full on rocky Enduro ST with lots of rock downed trees and long hills with everything on them. Having better control of my bike gives me more brain power to keep my eyes on what may kill me. I still enjoy riding street but only to get to the really good dirt or my next BDR. Less people more miles = more smiles

[@Sladep123]

Man you really know your stuff and convey it in a constructive manner causing reflection and personal skill development. Thank you

[@atypical_moto]

The correct answer for the average street rider that practices regularly on track, or in the parking lot, is time. The most skilled rider on any course, is based on time. When 2 riders can both navigate the same course successfully, the faster rider has more skill. It's not hard to have the most minimal control inputs while being very slow, aka unskilled. The MSF beginner classes will see more minimal control inputs than almost any other measure of riders. Long story short, if you're slower than another rider of an equivalent bike on the same course, they are more skilled than you. You can't cheat the timer. If time isn't your primary measure of rider skill, you are simply nursing your ego.

[@1zanglang]

Sometimes we should think about genius pros riders lost on track, but especially off track and realize there is no such thing like the perfect rider. The famous Norick Abe died in a traffic accident...

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

I.P.S.G.A. information, position,. speed, gear, acceleration.

[@JasonNeil]

I ride almost daily. No two days are alike. Some days I’m Rossi, other days I feel disconnected so ride according to how I feel.

[@ddekeno1]

Very good point. I thought this was going to go into good riders being humble riders who recognize their limitations and areas for improvement. But you cut straight to the chase on this one! I like it 👍

[@Bandit-Iggy]

I am 57 now and started riding dirtbikes from when i was 6, doing motocross enduro and later in live drove semi tractor trailers on different continents and in various conditions, during my enduro years i learned to ride at 70-80 % of my driving skills and during my semi years i realized that thinking you're a good rider, driver is a dangerous combination, knowing where your or the bikes limit is and be within a comfortable zone under that makes a good rider regardless of experience or skill level i think.

[@oldrifter]

absolutely correct, and me too have this 'deficiency'. however blind corners with overgrown hedgerows on unfamilliar roads, while maybe going a bit too quick often the reason for it

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

Im a relitive noob been on the bike every day for less than 2 yrs. I have to say biking for me now is almost a spiritual thing i ride alone and am not thinking conciously about what im doing etc etc. While being hyper focused on everything at the same time. Always riding defensivly and as a life long drummer i like to think i have good reflexes if needs be. The bike is my therapy my escape as im sure it is for alot of ppl my body and mind just automatically does what i deem to be the safest best moves for my safety and other road users so i can relax and enjoy it. Motorcycling because of its risks to the exposed rider natually comes with a serious amount of autonomy. As a 47 year old man i feel i have the common sense to ride safely. No amount of courses or training can stop a speed demon on the throttle. That and low visability clothing is whats keeping stats high and giving bikes a bad name

[@kenteno822]

Speed, lane choice, and position anticipating sand gravel and oil. Also, expect rocks in the road in Colorado. Stay away from centerline on mountain roads because people go wide around corners.

[@qthebikeahaulic]

If you're interested in seeing poorly ridden bikes go to Sturgis for the duck walkers downtown. It's comical and sad to see.

[@HEATER_]

As a street rider, it's also important to be familiar with the corner that you are turning into. You can find yourself on a twisty road that you have never seen before, or one you are familiar with. Always be SUPER conservative your first time on a new twisty.

[@ShahryarSaigol]

Same applies to pilots and drivers. Watch an airline pilot fly a jumbo jet. Their movement is minimal, almost lazy.

[@Magnarmis]

Am I a good rider? I don't know. But I can say I am a responsible and proactive rider.

[@marksmart9754]

Who cares about skill on the street. It’s SAFE that matters. Any ride that you get home safe is a good ride. Any other yard stick is just someone’s ego.

[@OldGoat10]

Great video and breakdown, thought provoking. Thanks!

[@adelinopeters56]

very good video, increasing confidence is great, but thinking we know everything puts us at risk.

[@m118lr]

NOBODY’S ‘perfect’….SO, there’s NO PERFECT “RIDER”.

[@f123uab]

That theory works much better on roads you know well as is with racers knowing the racetrack..on roads you've never seen before it's not always that simple

[@jesseb7443]

"ive never crashed in 20 years" usually the peeps thta say this are weekend warriors maybe one day a week they go out for an hour. My neighbor is like this. I put more miles on my bike in a year then he has in 10....

[@scatterjoys]

Well scripted! Clear and absent unnecessary words, just like your advice. One small addition maybe that each control or decision to not control may be a chance for error.