Are YOU riding with APEs? You should be.

[@hankblossom]

I drove a semi truck for over 40 years and one thing I watched when someone came in on a side road was there wheels, and there heads to see if they were looking at all, and the wheels will tell if they are slowing down and stopping, you can tell subtle differences in speed easier than watching the car.

[@Headbanger427]

Same! I've been driving for 25 yrs now.

[@johna7661]

I see the first indication of movement at the front fender in relation to the tire when viewing a stopped vehicle from the side.

[@nickhildabridle1612]

This is so very true

[@Dave-dp7zh]

As a former railroader, I could almost always tell whether a motor vehicle was going to stop at a crossing or attempt to beat us. Same visual cues as on my motorcycle except I never lost the battle. 😢

[@Headbanger427]

I've been driving a semi truck now for 25 yrs & was taught these things in school. After I began riding a motorcycle I realized a semi truck & a Motorcycle have lots in common. I've had more people pull out in front of me while I'm my truck than when I'm on my bike! I was taught when approaching an intersection with a car there to always expect the car to pull out in front of you & be ready for it. I learned on my own to watch the wheels. If a car is stopped, you will see the wheel move b4 the car.

[@RollModel724]

Whether it is APE, Three A strategy, or anything else- the message is that we must be alert and constantly vigilant. Always good advice! Probably should do this on and off the bike.

[@hunterst0989]

This is exactly what I was talking to my wife about this last weekend. We talked about this before I took her into Dallas and then to downtown Dallas. When we stopped at Fuel City for tacos before cruising back up to Lake Texoma she thanked me for talking to her about A.P.E. Situational awareness and riding like you are invisible. We had plenty of chances to practice all three strategies in Dallas 😂 like always. It was her 1st time riding in a big city and she was thankful it wasn’t as scary as she thought is was going to be. The one thing she didn’t like is in order to stay ahead of traffic as a lot of people know you have to moving at a pretty swift pace in Dallas. I’m use to it but I ride down here daily to work. So far it’s the fastest she’s ever gotten her sporty 1200 up to.

[@strshooter7399]

Having been an MSF instructor (RSS course only) in another life long ago and in a far away galaxy… , I can only echo your thoughts. Thank you for your channel. It’s unfortunate that so many people receive Zero professional training after they start riding (as happened to me after I purchased my 1st street MC, and started riding). I was blessed that my duty at the time was Instructor duty at a Naval Air Station. They had just implemented required basic MC training for all who wanted a “base sticker”. I was an instructor & had a MC, so I got chosen to attend MSF instructor training. 10 days straight of training from a MSF Chief Instructor, teach the MSF (RSS) course. A real eye opener for me, and best training I ever had. Saved my sorry hide more times than I could recount. I found as I taught the course, I learned that my training never stopped. I always took away something from each class. Thanks for video 👍😎. “The More You Know, the better it gets…” 😉

[@daemon9737]

This is great stuff. I really like how you emphasize road strategy. Riders need some really amped up defensive driving. Thanks Kevin!!

[@scottjones5455]

I've made it a habit to wave to cars who do wait for me to pass in a scenario as you have described here. I figure it might encourage them to continue to watch out for other motorcyclists in the future. People who rush up to intersections and stop abruptly make me very nervous and I do slow down when I see this happen. Thanks again for the great advice.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

I try to keep my head on a swivel. 🙃

[@laurenml1222]

Hi Kevin.. because of you I’m heading out to an advanced rider course today! 🏍️

[@MCrider]

How did your class go?

[@laurenml1222]

@@MCrider thanks for asking! Happy Fathers Day Kevin! The course was intense, a full 6 hours. 2 instructors led us through a series of exercises that included tight turning, emergency braking, swerving, decreased radius turning, U turns.. they also identified some of the bad habits of us riders!!!! I never realized my hand position on the brake was incorrect!!!! Some of the riders there were taking the course for a second and third time! One rider said taking the course saved his life. The instructors were TOUGH too. I had been off my bike a year and a half due to a shoulder injury and I’m glad I took the course, I definitely ended the course much improved and now I have more direction on how I need to practice! I would have never gone if it wasn’t for your encouragement! PS - I also got a certificate and in CT you get a discount applied to your insurance. Thx Kevin! 🏍️

[@jude.25]

Since MC'ing is my primary interest, I watch a lot of videos (yours are my favorite). I'm always amazed when I see a rider surprised by and react angrily toward vehicles that change lanes on top of them or pull out in front of them. I think everyone should assume the driver's around you DO NOT SEE YOU! I'm sure there are some jerks who want to run over a biker, and some people are negligent and not looking. But there are many times the driver's vision is obstructed for any number or things. It doesn't help to get angry. Skills & strategy are part using good judgement.

[@a124as]

Lots of people just have bad lane position or are riding wayy too fast. It’s so weird when they say to use their mirrors, but they’re riding in a lane position that makes it hard to see them. I’m with you.

[@jamieweirdworld]

Thanks Kev. Always putting out sound advice. Been riding a long time, but it's always good to keep the skills fresh.

[@grantbradley5084]

I have a Clearwater Billie brake light on my Rt. I purchased it several years back for a previous BMW I owned and transferred it to the bike I’m currently riding. Everyone keeps their distance from me. I’d recommend this taillight to everyone. Once again great video.

[@richardspencer4617]

Similarly, I have a Denali B6 brake light on my RT as well, but I'm convinced that what is more effective in reducing tailgaters is that I also have an INNOVV K3 camera system with the rear camera mounted above the tail light under the rack. Many times there has been a driver following aggressively close behind me and before long, they back off. I'm convinced that once they see the camera, they decide to back off.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Great, now I need to buy gear for the ape!

[@andrewmadge]

When my wife first rode two up I'd talk to her about what I was thinking, looking at. Was quite an eye opener to someone who wasn't a rider. My eyes looking everywhere, thinking turns and turns ahead, looking at the drivers face (especially to see if they are on their phones!), lane positioning, looking ahead into corners, behind same. Being left side of the road as practically as possible on dotted line roads (Aussie roads) when overtaking would most likely happen so drivers coming towards me have better chance to see me and I have an escape route. I could go on and on. Best tip you get at advanced rider school, no one writes "It was someone else's fault" on your tomb stone because you were not a defensive rider. Technique will only keep you alive for so long!

[@jhask64]

Slowing early as you approach the intersection is good, but it also puts the tailgater closer because they are more than likely distracted and won’t notice you slowing. And, because you’re slowing you are now focusing on IF the truck sees you slowing and IF the distracted car sees you at the same time. In this situation I would recommend accelerating and weaving back and forth to be seen by car. Car has a better chance of seeing you, and you’re putting some distance between you and the tailgating truck. Be prepared to swerve or brake.

[@jacksgl777]

Yes. I would have said in this case accelerate and get away from vehicle behind (unless it speeds up too o much behind you, too). Then being ahead rev engine a bit watch the driver in car and be prepared to go behind or in front of it if it pulls out like some just may. Of course that seems to be a game of chicken of sorts but I bet you get what I mean (your bike can speed up a lot faster than the car can pull forward and if you do go in front, they’ll also be throwing on their brakes).

[@MCrider]

I am not sure I would ever accelerate into an intersection in which I thought the car was going to pull out in front of me...Not sure about your comment here but like the conversation. 👍

[@jacksgl777]

@@MCrider So few words it can’t be explained well and so many things to take into account. Mainly, I’m thinking, if I can see the person in car looking back and forth and I rev up and separate myself from car behind I’m going to get driver’s attention (they’ll surely see me if I can see them at a distance I could tell they were looking back and forth). They would then see I’m coming through and they would then stay stopped and know that I’m hurrying through so no need for them to feel I’m slowing them down from getting across and where they need to go

[@joelstrickland8890]

Thank you Kevin for your awareness of keeping us safe.

[@streetglidescott6424]

As always, you’ve put what years of experience in riding to learn about in a nutshell that helps riders realize that we are in more control of our safety and well-being than anyone else on the road. I 😅sure wish I wasn’t so dang broke and could afford to pay for your fantastic content but I’m just a broke old biker. The diagram that you put up with the tailgate and the rushed driver coming together at the same time is something I’ve seen too many times. It happens so fast… and deciding to downshift and speed up, as you n your illustration, is often a good maneuver but I often find that putting on my turn signal, signaling with my arm as well, and making the turn is the safest. I can always pull over, make a u turn or just find a new road and avoid going in front of a rushed driver or staying in front of a tail gater.

[@jimkoch1040]

Good video Kevin. Thanks for the tips!

[@jaycenferreira7186]

Good content, great reviews of info from MSF. As well as realness.

[@christhibeaux1]

Excellent material!

[@bgorrell]

Absolutely EXCELLENT info and advice - thank you!

[@icemanlol119]

Every time I see an empty parking lot I always go and do my slow speed maneuvers

[@jdreyno1958]

Thanks for the great information

[@stevemoore9951]

GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC GREAT ADVICE AS ALWAYS.🇺🇸🏍️

[@juliochingaling5824]

Thank you sir, excellent video, very helpful tips. God bless.

[@davaireport2479]

So not to just execute tailgater and hurry driver, but to carefully plan that execution before implementing :) Good tips, thanks for the video!

[@josephdavis1797]

Very good information Mr Kevin's it's saving lives. Iam going to keep learning

[@topherdalrymple6535]

I ride almost everyday. Two people a day dont see me. Thats almost gurenteed. Have a plan everytime. Have a road stategy. See you on the road.

[@JeanRoi]

I always keep an eye out at intersection. Slowing down and looking just to make sure it's safe.

[@awichannel3653]

Thank you to information about the motor matic

[@motorbikeaddict]

Always great info Kevin!

[@arturaslavrentjevas707]

Kevin I think I found something that you talked on previous video just keep reaching more people!

[@chickenfriedrice2932]

Always good, sound advice. Thanks so much for sharing. Think of how many injuries prevented or even lives you may have helped save. Stay safe out there!

[@68orangecrate26]

Good stuff!

[@allwinds3786]

Good advice

[@markanderson5077]

Absolutely spot on! Ride with a strategy and strategy goes moment to moment. The motorcyclist needs to respond, not react.

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

Road strategy is an absolute necessity!!!!

[@muhumuzalucky5589]

Thanks Kevin for the great knowledge and polishing you disseminate through this Platform that has enabled us become exemplary street riders. Personally, The Notification I cant wait to pop on every Friday is one from MCriders.

[@floydthorne6444]

Very well done Sir.

[@johnwoodworth4204]

Good video. Will be thinking about APEs as I ride today. Man, that scenario of the tail gater and hurried driver makes me nervous every time you showed it on the screen! Been there before!

[@jameskiehm546]

Several years ago I was being significantly tailgated by a Ford Explorer on a two lane highway. I tried to get him to back up but he wouldn’t. It was so bad I contemplated flipping my helmet off and toss it in the air to have it hit the tailgater. Officer, my strap must have come loose I don’t know how that happened. Having said that, I agree with you, pay attention to what you can control. I couldn’t control the tailgater. Fortunately I was able to turn right quickly to get off the road safely.

[@119topdawg]

I thought you were going to talk about handle bars…😊

[@pmdinaz]

Fantastic

[@shepherdwarrior777]

Great advice.

[@rogerb8837]

Thanks!

[@MCrider]

Thank you Roger!

[@AcmeRacing]

Good advice. Initially I thought this was going to be an argument for tall handlebars.

[@tcatnat70]

Question because I was faced with a similar situation last week. The driver pulling in front of you at the intersection will likely do one of two things, stop or pull out in front of you. In my situation the driver started to pull out and then fortunately slammed on the brakes to stop. Would a better escape route be to go behind the car or even make a right turn? My thought process is the driver will not put the car in reverse and back up. They will either stop or pull out and possibly realize you are there and try and beat you through the intersection in which case trying to escape by angling in front of the car could steer you into his path.

[@tombanwell-u3g]

very good

[@sunnyscreamer123]

I'm never tired or bored with these kind of videos and information you provide sir Kevin, it's relevant and crucial as God's word for our salvation. So, guys, ride safe with ape strategy and keep your four eyes opened. And i'll see you on the road...

[@TomLeg]

Something I am curious about is variations in accidents, For example, in one-vehicle accidents, does the bike go out of its lane, most often? fail to stop in time? skid out? For collisions caused by another vehicle, is it approaching from the front, side, behind, or from being next to the bike? Walk-by scratchers to bike thieves, what are the variations? Is it more likely a theft after a search for the right bike, or a spontaneous event? What are the statistics? What should we be avoiding?

[@nononsenseBennett]

More great tips!

[@JJMeats]

I too drove a semi for over 40 years. The one thing that I've learned is that whenever there is a need to move or change your position, is that you should NEVER go left, if possible. Always go to the right. This takes you away from traffic. Like on your video the rider went towards other traffic moving in the opposite direction.🤪

[@thomasforesman3978]

Also, "SIPDE" = Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. Scan all areas around you and your motorcycle. Identify all threats that are all around. Predict of what those threats might attempt to do. Decide on a plan that will put you in the most safest situation. If the threat does make a mo event into the type of threat that you had recognized, then you are already prepared to make the correction into a safe zone and survival.

[@TennRides]

Yes, we should practice "A.P.E.s" while watching out for the APEs that are behind the wheels of so many vehicles. Hahaha. Have a Happy Father's Day, Kevin, and all my other fellow dads out there.

[@Bearded.Wonder]

I totally thought you were gonna tout the benefits of riding with ape-hanger handlebars. 🤣 I'm glad I was wrong about that.

[@NO-WAR-WINGS]

I've noticed the newer beginner bikes head light is automatic mandatory power on at all times when riding. This should help with the road statistics. Kawasaki is taking the lead on this design.

[@danclark224]

Kevin what are your thoughts on pulling a motorcycle camper or trailer? Do you have any experience? You should do a video about that.

[@MCrider]

I don’t like the idea personally. I don’t want something pushing the bike if I need to stop.

[@timfarris8412]

I've been so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open at work but as soon as I jump on my bike. I am 100% alert. Eyes & ears are at 100%. My question is, has anyone ever fell asleep while riding their bike? Is that even possible?

[@noidreculse8906]

Anticipating what a driver might do next is made much more difficult when the car has tinted windows. I wish more tickets were given out for that. I watch the wheels. Are they rolling or are they turned and in what direction. I think helps but it’s not definitive. Great video Kevin. Speaking of APE, What’s your opinion on Ape Hanger bars?

[@alexsmith358]

Safety on road. Safe tea at home. Remember on the road you are invisible until seen, without recognition you’re just not there.

[@mt.shastawhat7320]

I thought you were going to tell me to buy ape hangers, now I'm disappointed.

[@jamesluisitobinoya4856]

When I'm driving either 4wheels or 2wheels I always assume that the other drivers who are driving are newly infected zombies, so I have to take more precautions because zombies don't know how to use brakes, from the movie "Resident Evil".

[@billbarrett6285]

I'm 6'3" 215 and 52 years old. I'm looking at getting a motorcycle as a first time rider. The plan right now is to get a Triumph T100 or T120 after finishing the MSF, sticking with thaat for at least a couple of years, and trying to taking other training courses if available. There's a Harley MSF and one called Total Rider where I live. I have never ridden a motorcycle and my only experience was a moped when I was a kid. Wha do you think about the bike choice for a new rider? Which training course do you think would be better, the Harley or Total Rider? Do you know of any good follow up courses in the central Texas area? Any advice appreciated.

[@johnflesner8086]

In urban/suburban traffic I try do not wear sunglasses. When I see an oncoming vehicle with the left hand turn signal on, I do my best to make eye contact with the driver.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

You caught me off guard Kevin I thought you were gonna talk about Ape hangers handlebars😂

[@jacksgl777]

Me too! I thought, great, another good reason to have ape type bars. Lol

[@soteriamediaproductions6165]

Thank you Thank you Thank you! Sound advice for safer riding. It makes you a better cage driver too. I’d like to add the Holy Spirit. Sounds crazy to some of you, but listening to the Holy Spirit while riding has saved my can more times than I can count.

[@jacksgl777]

Even without realizing ahead of time I KNOW the Holy Spirit was taking care of me after I considered what just happened (stuck in sandy road trying to u turn, bike laying over in gravel with mud under it, etc). Always made it just fine soon after

[@rogercyr1551]

thank you for NOT saying: "pre-planning"...

[@joek81981]

Someone should Raspberry Pi up a helmet HUD that displays a risk quotient, using AR. Have the HUD running in the first place sets you at a baseline 1.8. 😂

[@JackTRyan]

New day, new acronym. I think SEE is better actually cause it reinforces the actions it advises: Scan, Expect, and Execute. Not only that but it seems today's recommendation should really be: APPE, including Plan & Prioritize. Just saying...

[@MCrider]

The MSF version of SEE is actually Search - Evaluate - Execute.

[@robertpfaff7992]

Yeah lots of ways to phrase the same process. In some of my other pursuits the acronym is the OODA Loop - Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. What I like about that phrasing is that it's very specifically a continuous chain. You make a decision and act on your strategy, but then you start all over, observing what others are doing in response to your actions and updating your plan accordingly. Obviously MCRider isn't saying APE is a one-and-done solution, but putting "loop" in the name really cements the continuous nature as you learn to put it into practice.

[@UnderestimatedA1]

A1

[@nickdonalds0546]

AMC 🚀

[@John_Ridley]

Yeah yeah road skills but let's talk about that drone pilot's skills!

[@eddcurry1245]

Oh great, now I have a picture stuck in my head as I crank up my bike…

[@bissellsmith8690]

I thought you got rid of your R1250 GSA ? Can't beat that bike for maneuverability. Agree with APE. Being back in Spain right now just continues to remind me just how terrible our US drivers are. I believe just a few changes are necessary. Trucks only allowed (including trailers, RV, boats) in the right lane unless a pass. No passing on the right. Car approaching behind move right. Nothing but cars and motorcycles in toll and hov lanes.

[@Donfleebie1]

I’m invisible when I’m riding my MC.

[@robertarton6141]

Hahaha Wait ha😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@brianminkc]

Stupid title because it seems to refer to ape hanger bars... not something considered that safe for motorcycles.

[@MCrider]

But you clicked on it…so it worked. 😉

[@thomasreyes2857]

Anything over your shoulder height is illegal so they're illegal. You have no control of your motorcycle whatsoever with those type of handlebars😂😂😂😂

[@MCrider]

I don’t think you watched the video.

[@jimanders9971]

This guy believes in magic, mystacism, and mythology over science and common sense. Why would you pay heed to his videos?

[@tomwagaman6440]

At first I thought you were going to talk about handlebars! Lol

[@MCrider]

...then I threw you a changeup. ;)

[@jhask64]

Me as well. I thought, Kevin???…no way!

[@gumerdominguez4091]

😩