As A New Rider, Are You Road Ready?

[@Phae0610]

I left my neighborhood (with my husband) for the first time last week after toooons of practice in my neighborhood. It was amazing and I felt so accomplished. When I got my license I swore I’d never leave the neighborhood, it’s scary! With the practice though, my own self imposed road blocks faded away.

[@KomotoVlogs]

I did exactly the same thing! Thinking back to how scared I was taking my Navi out in the parking lot to where I am now is amazing!!

[@FastSundayflyer]

Wow!! $8.00 for a tank of gas!?! I know its a year later but I just filled up my Vstrom 650 tank with regular gas and it cost me $20.00!!! 😡 Thanx PM for all your envoirmental taxes!! The key word is mental. Welcome to Canada!! 🙄

[@LifeOfBurch]

Another KomotoVlogs video?! On vacation?! 🤯😱😍

[@KomotoVlogs]

Heck yeahhh😊🤍

[@LinkFelton]

I'm not road ready, I'm a menace to other drivers. Fear me!!! 🤣

[@KomotoVlogs]

Link😂😂🤘🏻

[@FastSundayflyer]

Ok!! 🙂

[@tarawebb9237]

I have no choice but to learn on the road. After 3 days of practicing in my driveway, I took off into my neighborhood. I knew I wasn't ready, but it wasn't horrible, and I don't have anyone to help me. I would have to ride to a parking lot myself just to practice.

[@thelegendoftheo]

Great video! Honestly, ALL RIDERS should have this level of self reflection. It'd keep us safer in the long run (and might keep alot of us on two wheels too) The vast majority of us have so much to learn still. For you to come to these conclusions in the short time you've been riding says alot, Nina the Wise!

[@ZoahPorre]

Im all for ATGATT, but just recently the heat index was 127 degrees here in my region of Texas.... it was too hot for it. I just wore normal jeans those days, and my summer gear for the other parts. I was sweating so much it was pouring into my eyes doing 80mph and I HAD to pull over, which just made me sweat more. I then made it to a small gas station and doused myself with like 3 liters of cold water, literally poured it down my shirt, front and back, and I was mostly dry in the 15 minutes it took me to get home... Its 625PM Texas time as of posting this comment, and the temp is 98 with heat index of 117...its fookin hot...the heat can and will take its toll on you and passing out from heat exhaustion is VERY likely..

[@KomotoVlogs]

Exaaaaactly my point! If it’s more dangerous than safe to wear then I get it! That’s a hot day to ride!

[@FastSundayflyer]

I did not know that Texas was that bad temperature wise! Makes me appreciate the mid 70s where I live! 😁

[@ZoahPorre]

@@FastSundayflyer Texas is a big place (twice the size of Germany just about) so it can vary quite a bit, but both myself and QM live in a similar coastal region of Texas.

[@StepsAndStoness]

These videos are so helpful in the early stages a lot of us seem to be in!

[@timward2884]

I wanted to say , you were my inspiration to ride. I bought a Rebel 500 and I have been riding and practicing for a month now. Yea … a whole month! LOL. My anxiety level it so much better now and my short journeys are getting longer every week. Thank you so much for sharing. Love you❤

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!! Glad to hear you’re out and about on your 500🤘🏻

[@heatherbrown7934]

I just binge watched all of your videos, and as a new rider myself they have been so inspiring! I love how you break things down, and I find you so relatable. You are truly a gem

[@Uniquecapture]

My input here is beware of talking yourself out of going out for a ride due to having confidence issues or you may end up just never riding. Plan a route and time of day such that you are unlikely to encounter situations that may be the cause of your anxiety. Put your gear on, even if you are still unsure, go out to your bike and sit on it. Hey at this point you may as well go out even if it's a 5 minute ride around the block. As a new rider, arriving home after a good ride, not perfect just good, is a great confidence booster.

[@susiekay649]

I really enjoy y’all’s videos. They help me just feel a little bit of ease. I’m about to get a Navi to rebuild and learn on, but I have no one to ride with or learn with. I can get it rolling, I just get to nervous to turn, so I just need past that mental hurdle to do it. Seeing the progress you’ve made from the first time riding your rebel to now gives me hope 🥲

[@mikeshack3163]

We need more solo rides!! We wanna see you go do more stuff!! We love you girlll! 🤘🤘

[@sarahallen6547]

Your journey and experience with reconquering the MSF after a bad first experience (same girl, I got yelled at for asking for a water break in 100+ degree weather on a bike that was too heavy for me to duckwalk the U-turn efficiently and had to drop out due to heat exhaustion - DE has a mixed bag of instructors) made me feel less alone and I'm chomping at the bit to practice my ass off and nail my rematch with the MSF!

[@Zizzyyzz]

I think the bad experience was with the Harley riding course.

[@alternavent]

The Mrs and I are signed up for MSF courses and we are going to look at bikes tomorrow. Already bought some gear.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Amazing!! Good luck to you both and ride safe!!

[@FastSundayflyer]

If I can suggest for helmets, try on every full face and flip up in every brand you can in the bike shop. The new helmets are very snug and you will know right away if a helmet feels right. To find a helmet that wasn't trying to rip my ears off when I took off the helmet I found a Shoei Neotec 3 flip up. No other helmet worked for me. Was it expensive, big time!! Was it worth it, every penny! It keeps the noise down, is very comfortable, has good ventilation system. and a drop down sun visor that you can operate with your gloves on! Best of luck in your rider course!

[@KarimaHorton]

I'm going to try riding to my in-laws today with my husband driving my car. I'm nervous about two turns specifically, but I think I'm ready.

[@KomotoVlogs]

You got this!!! Ride safe!🤘🏻

[@KarimaHorton]

@KomotoVlogs I did not have it. 😅 I made it out of our neighborhood and a bit down the main road when all the noise scared me too much... But! It's that much more practice and I'll get it next time.

[@graymangw6016]

Nope, totally right. Gear is super important.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Gear is important! Just don’t let it overheat you or impact your visibility!🤘🏻

[@tomwilliams288]

Thank you for sharing this message 🙏 😊 ❤️

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!!🤘🏻

[@krieg5gg803]

First of all everything you said is accurate. Even this with the proper gear. I loved your tank bag ( I'll try to find one like yours). Just do not forget to turn of the flash lights, it is very confusing for the people behind you (last second in your video). Stay safe and have nice trips and travels :)

[@jaydenburcham-rb9rl]

I love watching your vids!!!!!! I am to young to ride but I want to ride just like you!!!!!🙂🙂

[@KomotoVlogs]

One day girl one day!!🤘🏻🩵

[@davidn1562]

All your points you mentioned are so True, started riding mini bikes working my way up, well at 61yo last yr gave up my Harley for a 300cc Scooter. planning a 5 hr trip in the morning to Houston , checklist works for me to keep my mind at Ease

[@KomotoVlogs]

Ride safe!! And I always have a checklist - riding or not!🤘🏻

[@jefferygowens9527]

You explained it very well and I think you are doing great

[@maybeitsmason9362]

The tractor tipping scene cracked me up. Also, totally felt this whole video!

[@KomotoVlogs]

It was so funny editing I’m like why did I say tipping over?!😂 tow mater it is!

[@vincerubino4999]

Best new rider stuff out there, I really appreciate the tips as I go through the begging learning stages!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!! Ride safe🤘🏻

[@evansyoutubehandle]

Thanks so much for putting these together. Really helpful and inspiring for me as an aspiring rider.

[@charlesbolduc2796]

Its always best to ride with someone

[@TJ-qo2xu]

This is an awesome video, my fiancé and I will definitely revisit this video once we get our licenses and bikes. Thank you for sharing your journey, have fun on that bike and most importantly... stay safe!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!! Excited for you both! Ride safe🤘🏻

[@johnhubler178]

Always check tire pressure. Get some TPMS sensors from FOBO that run on your phone.

[@thomascasey1044]

My Wife and I watch and enjoy the information. She too is a new rider and it's nice to see another's perspective!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!! Y’all ride safe!

[@Comp3630]

Congrats on hitting 1000 miles. Keep riding the good life.

[@feliciamiller2668]

I’m a fresh beginner and I’m looking to get a Honda Navi first then once I get comfortable I’ll eventually go with a grom. Thank you for your videos it’s super helpful

[@KomotoVlogs]

So excited for you! Ride safe!🤘🏻

[@DatGuyGizmo]

i have a good amount of dirtbike experience. got my first bike (for free) a GSX-R 750 my commute to work requires the highway i rode to work and had a blast lol i wear all my gear and respect the power the bike has and had a great ride to and from work and now almost 2 months later i almost daily ride to work. ride safe everyone!

[@KomotoVlogs]

This is cool!🤘🏻 ride safe!

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

Definitely will help new riders out.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you so much!! That’s the hope🤘🏻

[@desmerwebb]

Enjoyed watching your videos. My girlfriend passed her Harley class 3 years ago but hasn't taken advantage of it because once on public roads, it was overwhelming to her. Her first bike after passing the class was a sportster. It was a little to much for her to start with and she figured that out quickly. That was 3 years ago. I recently bought her a Navi and myself a grom so that we could enjoy the mini moto thing together. She is slowly getting use to riding it in traffic as long as I'm with her. I sent her a link to your videos because I feel you went through a lot off the same things she is going through now. Can't wait to see more posted from you.

[@KomotoVlogs]

So excited for you guys!! The Grom and Navi was exactly how I started. Good luck to you both and ride safe!🤘🏻

[@TheBrock0Life]

Thank you for these videos! I’m planning to get my license and a Honda Rebel 300 this spring. Your videos are helping my confidence, keep up the great work!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Good luck!! So excited for you! Ride safe out there🤘🏻

[@twoponderingpagans]

I've been riding a year, and your video today gave me some great insight and a new thing to consider (esp. since I have bad knees). I do hope you do some more videos!!!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you so much!! Figuring out I was hurting my knees was a game changer for me! I now rest my feet for the most part but will still hover over the brake in tight traffic etc.

[@morrowje]

Good stuff. I'm an old man and a new rider. For my route planning, I've gone so far as to drive it a few times in the car before taking the bike and talking myself through what I should be looking for. Keep posting. You content is inspirational and helpful.

[@KomotoVlogs]

I do this too!! Be safe out there🤘🏻

[@benorrock2753]

Another killer informative videos for new and learning riders, Nina. It’s been so cool watching your journey and your confidence build riding two down! Keep it up!!!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you Ben!!😎🤘🏻

[@christiancruz1108]

Watching Your Videos, And Watching @LifeOfBurch Videos, I Am Making An Appointment For School.. By Next Year I Should Have A Bike, The Way You 2 Explain Everything Super Dope.. With Love And Respect, Chris - The Bronx, NewYorkCity,NewYork.

[@CheesusCrustus]

I'd try out some backpacks, getting a proper one made a huge difference for me. I bought a relatively cheap but nice looking retro backpack first, and it was so uncomfortable, that I really stopped using it. It just hurt my shoulders and would beat me up at speed with the straps. I still often regreted it on the ride, because it'd either get too hot and I had no place to store stuff like my neck warmer and jacket membrane OR it would start raining and I'd get drenched without a rain kit. So got myself a proper motorcycle backpack (Kriega Trail 18) and it made a difference like night and day. Changing weather conditions now need only a 2min roadside stop to be as comfortable as possible on the ride. In addition I can carry water and enough clothing for a few day trip. All that without being bothered by the backpack, even while carving in the alps, I wasn't bothered by it at all. So I guess a quadlock on the chest is at least just as helpful as on the handlebars

[@KomotoVlogs]

I have a couple backpacks that I love and have tried but everything just either feels not secure enough or too big and bulky. I'm loving my tank bag though!! But, if need be I will look into that one. Thankfully, I don't see myself riding in any rain or alps any time soon lol! Ride safe!

[@CheesusCrustus]

@@KomotoVlogs Trying out some is a good idea, I put weights in the backpack and wore my jacket when trying it on. But someone pulling on it can have the same effect. I think the tank bag fits the Rebel also pretty well. Riding in the rain is honestly not that bad with proper gear, but without it's absolutely miserable. I'm guessing the Alps are a bit far away, but I'll be sure we'll see you riding on some beautiful mountain roads sooner or later^^

[@allansmith5236]

Great video Nina! Full of common sense and information. Really enjoying following you on your travels.

[@nancysherrill3189]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thanks for watching!!🤘🏻

[@Luun89]

Good tips. I've been riding for a little over a year now and all of this really does become second nature.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!! And exactly I feel like to those who have been riding a while it may feel that exact way but while I can break it down now before I get to the mindset of “riding for a while” I will!

[@chrismooney5737]

All of that is definitely are great advice and spot on. I miss riding mine I was in a crash going through a corner and this lady was on her phone and came into my lane i went in the ditch trying to keep from getting hit but she kept on coming my head bounced off her roof of her car my arm went through her windshield I was more mad about my bike lol I was wanting to go ride the next day but couldn’t. Still waiting on the insurance I hate it

[@KomotoVlogs]

Oh my gosh thank goodness you’re seemingly okay?! I’m so sorry to hear that!!

[@chrismooney5737]

@@KomotoVlogs yep I just wanna go ride miss it alot definitely could of been worse

[@therideofalifetime]

Good tips for a new rider. Great video! Keep up the awesome work. Glad you’re making more stuffs

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!!🤘🏻

[@marvinpena8113]

Great video Nina !!! 🤙🏽

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!!🤘🏻

[@longknvesdrawn]

👏 All of these things! I will go drive a route I think I want to try before riding it. I heard Birch mention you got risers; which ones did you get? I get a lot of shoulder pain on longer rides with my Rebel 500 and have been looking into installing risers as well.

[@sinakimyu]

I kinda had to do a trial by fire or I’d never be ready. I’m at the top of a hill and a blind corner on a road that 45mph but everyone does 55+. Oh…and my driveway is gravel so there’s no getting a fast start in the driveway. It’s making that left hand from a stop and nearly pinning the throttle to the top of first. Do not recommend for the faint of heart.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Oh my gosh talk about a tough start! I bet you got more learning and experiencing just leaving your driveway everyday than you do on the road!😅😂 be safe out there🤘🏻

[@ErikSeastead]

Nice video! I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of the heels, like the way you pedal a bike. It feels weird to me to just put the heels on and have the front of my foot dangling off. Everyone is different!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thanks! Im gonna have to try a few different foot positions!

[@marthaburcham3509]

Great content!! Awesome job!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thanks momma Burch😊💚

[@marthaburcham3509]

@@KomotoVlogs 💚

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

I have ridden most of my life with my boot heels hooked on the peg. I currently have a bike with floorboards an I cant ride with my feet on them all the way. I ride with my boot heels hooked on the back of them. Riding in footwear without heels would just not work for me mentally. Its something I am to used to.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Interesting! I’ll have to give it a go a few different ways I think!

[@roywalls5595]

I have ADS and being around lots of cars I need watch them because I got run off by a pickup truck I was doing speed limits out of no were truck pop up and cut me off! And now never time I try take a ride my hands started to shaking!😅

[@KomotoVlogs]

This happened to me for many years after a bad car accident, these days if I have a “near miss” my leg will shake on the pedal. So scary! Start slow and do what you can!

[@joshuabermingham1795]

hey new ridder soon here taking my course soon! i live in Hanover Maryland than this area seems kinda sketchy for new riders any advice!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Good luck!! Keep your head on a swivel and always ride your own ride

[@mikeriv]

Great job. And those shoes.....I got those..in mens though...lol

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thanks! And I love these shoes!! Perfect riding shoes and affordable!

[@mikeriv]

@@KomotoVlogs I agree. I have 2 pairs. One for just wearing and 1 for riding

[@douglasradowick508]

Komoto-or, should I say: "Birch-ette"🤭! I still see you as a 17 year old teenage girl! Sorry if I miss-aged you! I'm 58 years young and about to get my motorcycle endorcement. To start riding-even long distances eventually, I'll stash a spare pair of "fanny rags"(underwear) just in case I have an accident of NERVES! Thanks for the "new riders tips"!👍🏍️🦅😎 Doug

[@benorrock2753]

MOM DAD WAKE UP NINA POSTED

[@KomotoVlogs]

Pahaha😂😎🤘🏻

[@briannefoley9252]

How tall are you? I’m 5 foot will I for comfortably?

[@KomotoVlogs]

I’m 5’2! I use mustang seat and risers to help

[@walkingwolf8072]

Let me put it simple, expect the unexpected, and yes the cagers are out to get you.

[@KomotoVlogs]

Head on a swivel at all times!

[@motoringwithmouseball1219]

New rider … passed msf …, not road ready

[@KomotoVlogs]

Keep practicing in safe places! Stick to a parking lot until you feel comfy in tackling a neighborhood and stick to the same route in that neighborhood and don’t push past your limits. Don’t rush the learning. You got this!!

[@motoringwithmouseball1219]

@@KomotoVlogs I’m practicing on a 125cc grom … I did go on the back roads in my neighborhood fully geared up ATGAT all the way!! So far all the riders I’ve met have been super supportive and believe that building up to bigger bikes 🚴 slowly but surely is far better than squiding on a R1 just to look cool

[@sergiodubon8393]

Fantastic video Nina! New riders need to hear these tips once they get on the road. Kudos - job well done!

[@KomotoVlogs]

Thank you!!🤘🏻