Escape These Costly Motorcycle Owner Mistakes

[@frooke2]

Riding into a creek that is four feet deep is a mistake.

[@tahoehiker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@matt_kelly]

Along with your last point, injury is also very possible to hurt yourself when dropping the bike. There have been plenty of times where I have been moving really slow and lose my balance and try to save the bike from tipping over, but I realized I am putting a lot of strain on my groin area or my lower back while on the bike. I've changed my mindset to just let the bike drop slowly if I can instead of trying to save it at the expense of being injured.

[@peterlustig8021]

Yes! Slow speeds are where most accidents happen

[@RIDEAdventures]

That can be quite a fast decision to make sometimes (sticking with it or dropping it.) Hopefully keep making the right moves! Thanks for watching.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Yeah, bikes can be repaired but a medical injury costs a lot more.

[@RandomGRK]

I started this video thinking “such a replayed topic” but I was pleasantly surprised. These are all great tips for new and seasoned riders alike.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so, more ahead!

[@nicflatterie7772]

My girlfriend had a hard drop on the Labrador highway. She was ok but the bike was in a pretty bad shape. But since I do all my own maintenance, I was able to fix it right there on the road and save the trip. Always carry tools and basic spares on long isolated trips. And gain experience at home first.

[@RIDEAdventures]

A little knowlege goes along way in situations like that. Glad to hear she is okay.

[@RW-of3pn]

Yeah seriously, I like to do my own maintenance and create a tool kit i carry on the bike with all of the tools I used. It helps because I know what to expect as im taking off each component.

[@Carlos-bp1vp]

I'll add one that bit me: don't ride fast in unkown terrain. I had a deep drainage ditch seak up on me while doing about 40mph. Nothing bad happened, but I was lucky.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nice addition! Thanks

[@thedownwardmachine]

Each of these suggestions is a hard earned gem that I’ve learned on my own. Clearly, convincingly, and succinctly presented, definitely consider this advice strongly before getting into motos.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the feedback

[@gthaley_81]

One thing I wish my ride instructors had stressed was that drops happen. Fortunately I never hurt myself trying to pick up a bike, but the first couple of times I can honestly admit that was lucky more than proper technique, and for someone with existing back injury, it could have been a big deal. Now, mostly thanks to people like you on here, I realize that it's just a part of riding and there's no reason to hurt yourself getting it back up (also from another of your videos I remember hearing that it's okay to ask for help, which is great advice). One thing I've struggled with, and maybe you could point me to a good video or perhaps it would make a good one for you in the future; how do you know when you have your suspension set right? Is it as simple as when it feels right and nothing is wearing funny, you're good? It seems the more I ask that it's one of those things where everyone has an answer, but no one seems to know why their answer is right. 👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

Good question about the suspension. First to recognize is that it'll never be "perfect" in a dynamic situation with changing terrain, temperatures, etc. The goal is to get it as ready as possible for your average riding situation. ----- Beyond that, be sure to check the manufacturer's specs for setting the sag. Unless you weigh exactly what the bike was built for from factory, the springs might need some preload adjustment, or actually to be changed to stiffer/lighter springs. Make sure you're riding the bike at the geometry it was built to be ridden at. (Too much weight/sag in the rear changes the rake angle of your forks, and the bike won't handle as it's designed to.) --- Lastly, and depending on your terrain, temperatures, fork oil weight, etc. you might have the valves in the suspension changed to match your situation best. That's where having adjustable suspension comes in handy though. Changing all those valves out is a chore, whereas being able to quickly adjust them with thumb screws or simple knobs for temperature ranges and stuff is super easy. ---- Hope that helps, thanks for watching and asking, and RIDE on!

[@gthaley_81]

@@RIDEAdventures Thanks for the great reply. I hadn't even considered rake angle/sag. I'm kind of locked into my current bikes for awhile, so my terrain choices are pretty limited to pavement and mild unpaved stuff, but I'm hoping to move into more back country exploring in the future. That said, I've found there is a lot of fun to be had in recognizing that your motorcycle is probably a lot more capable than you might think and with a few guards to protect the important parts, there's no reason you have to be stuck on the highway.

[@cornishrider576]

Great advice. I like probably many others think too much about which tire I should have fitted.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidstout8931]

Excellent video, full of great advice, fun to watch, positive and unpretentious! Riding motorcycles is a wonderful way to dive into life and these videos help connect the dots, especially for newer riders. Keep it up! ps. The intros are fine. They are short and give the upcoming videos some context.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it! Oh haha you read that last comment. Yeah on the fence about that one. Thanks for the note though.

[@arnohag1]

I'm a cheap skate. I buy my ADV motorcycle 2nd hand. I also buy low tech. My BMW F800gs does all I need. I have 70/30 tyres and ride accordingly. Yep I do my general maintenance/servicing but get someone else to fit my Motoz dirt tyres as they are a hastle.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Hahaha what one calls cheap skate another calls resourceful. Sounds like you got a good hand on things and already knew most of the stuff in the video. Yeah tires are a pain. Cheers bud

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

Thank you....👍🏻💯

[@RIDEAdventures]

You're welcome

[@sandysanderson8588]

Excellent video, great advise mate.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dusteethomas767]

Nov.11 I am X motorcycle Instructor I injoy new knowledge especially positive one's... There is to much negative videos on the net, speeding from the law braking mirrors on vehicles for stupid reasons... THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME . ( Travel Man)....... positive positive

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said, and thanks for watching and sharing!

[@drzrider3440]

Dang, nailed it. Specially the maintenance issues. Crazy what people pay to have a shop do their work. Mount and balance a tire. I have never paid for that in 35 years. In fact I do a ton of work for others....dont tell anyone, but i have yet to even charge a penny. Free mount snd balance, to complete frame up restores. I just want people to get out and ride. And i like working on bikes of all kinds. Plus helping others to have fun is what its all about. Helping run the Big PNW group keeps me involved in Dual Sport/Adv industry enough. But helping out others to get out and enjoy it for me is what its about too. Cant wait to see how you guys enjoy the new NX500....I'm assuming you guys will continue to buy the new version of the CB500X.

[@RIDEAdventures]

You sound like a good guy to know and agreed on all your points. Yes, we do plan to refresh our bikes which will also allow us to make more review videos. Keep on with the awesome contributions to the ADV/Dual Sport Community. Cheers bud!

[@jorgem.sanchezgonzalez5903]

Good for you mate! Some of as have not have someone taught us and we aint got the time either. My spare time is for riding, so in order not to neglect the bike, i pay maintenance. Sure, i would love to have the time to make the things myself, but i prefer to ride. Am I a moron then?

[@milaventurasprod]

Don’t crash into a still car at 60 mph. Very expensive situation and I still don’t know how I’m here without breaking a bone

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nicely done if that's what happened. Was the car alright, did you ask ? : )

[@milaventurasprod]

@@RIDEAdventures hahaha you might be kidding but that thing about all new cars deforming to protect a pedestrian, worked for me. It was a Dacia Duster, and the rear end went inside. Really, I didn’t even have protection apart from my gloves and helmet (always use helmet). I was just lucky. Had to pay the cars repair (my insurance) and the bike was salvageable with a new front fork (XT660R got a USD gift from ohlins, same price as OEM). That one was from my pocket :’)

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@milaventurasprod , wow, glad that worked out, and now we need to remind people that riding motorcycles is safer than riding in the backs of Dacia Dusters : ) Picturing some kind of a superman moment, that you floated over or around the car. Glad if so, glad if you made it. Thanks for sharing.

[@milaventurasprod]

@@RIDEAdventures hit the back then went sliding on the asphalt for a bit. Less skin on the leg that eventually grew back (: Thank you for the chat, keep up the good work on the channel, you have very specific content that we don’t find on other places on the tubes

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@milaventurasprod , thanks for watching and the note, and for wearing whatever it took to keep the damage minimal. Or so it sounds minimal anyway.

[@houseofroos]

Teach Bret Tkacs how to make a video !

[@RIDEAdventures]

Maybe one day!

[@dusanlacmanovic1540]

👍

[@stylesbitchly9931]

Great content and suggestions

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so! Have a great next ride.

[@perro0076]

Apart from the obvious. Dropping the bike is right pain. On my G650GS the computer also has a fit and it starts misfiring and everything. The only way to reset it is to disconnect the battery for a few seconds ..... which means you have to get past 8 screws ..... maybe my 'adventure' bike is not THAT adventure 😂😂😂

[@RIDEAdventures]

lol

[@markkumanninen6524]

Lessons learned the hard way: in a riders' group there's a recurring theme: how you dropped you bike in a parking situation. It's the silliest thing to do, and many riders have told me they've only dropped the bike in such a situation - me included (three times). The most classic scene is the sidestand sinking into a soft surface. There must be videos on this subject - just crossed my mind to mention it.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nice. We did a how to park a motorcycle video and I remember beating ourselves up afterwards because we didn't mention the footpeg sinking mistake. It's definitely a good one to being to the awareness of people. Thanks for the reminder to add this.

[@adam346]

eh... if you are unsure of whether or not you want to go off-road, do not hesitate to just buy a road-only bike... most can be modified with tires to do some back-roads and fire-trails pretty easily... maybe not a cruiser or hypersport (ergonomics are an issue) but any bike with an upright seating position should be fine. My suggestion is to buy whichever bike you want first and then take a course where you pay a couple hundred bucks, get a 100cc or 150cc dirt-bike lent to you for a day and have them teach you how to ride.. at least this way you will a) know basics of riding off-road and b) know if you actually enjoy it.

[@jameslee5428]

Great video/content. I’ve been riding street, and dual sport motorcycles for 30+ years, and currently have one of each in my garage. You are spot on with all the topics that you covered. I’ve been there and done that in the early days of riding… keep preaching good riding practices, and their days in the saddle will be a whole lot easier and fun.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said! Thanks for the confirmation we are heading in the right direction. Glad you enjoyed.

[@mullins6429]

Thanks Eric, great video. I think doing as much of your own maintenance with the tools supplied with the bike or the tools you intend to carry is one of the best things you can do. You’ll have less trouble on the side of the track doing repairs if you follow this practice, in my opinion. 👍🇦🇺

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said!

[@lawrencearabia9345]

Good content. Choosing an adventure bike is the best of both worlds absolutely!! Keep up the good work and growing.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks Lawrence! Will do

[@AF-O6]

Here here! I don’t get the ever increasing obsession with TFT screens. I ride to escape from all of that stuff and to take in the countryside.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Absolutely

[@msims1250]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@BlackThor15]

Awesome video, spot on! 👍👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks! 👍

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Perfect advise

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the note!

[@williambanzhof9739]

EXCELLENT!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you think so!

[@stevemartinez4180]

Great job

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks! More ahead.

[@GertjanZwiggelaar-mo4tz]

I bought my 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 at the end of July last year. I began riding it in the first week of August and now have over 21,000 km on it. It has fallen over five times and has acquired a lot of character including a bandaid over one of its many scratches. One drop broke a chunk of plastic out of the nose and made the left signal light dangle. Good thing I had duct tape in a pannier and rode for three days with the lamp kind of hanging there but functioning. On the last day of the trip I was with my bike for 18 hours after waking up on my sleeping mat under a tree at five a.m. I rode from 5:30 a.m. and returned home at 11:30 p.m. I always wear my gear but, even so, in a particularly strange drop when the bike was standing still the pavement dropped away right at a ditch where I could not jump free. The left foot rest landed on top of my left foot. Good thing I have proper boots but I still feel this injury to this very day. That was the second drop on Hallowe'en day 2022. You are absolutely correct about not getting one's panties in a knot because you dropped your bike. Hopefully it happens, and usually does happen when you are just toodling along or even standing still. And, yes, learn how to pick up your bike but never be ashamed to ask for help. Just direct people in what to do, to lift the bike properly so nobody gets hurt. Sometimes a wheel might be in a deep rut or something and a motorcycle is not a light weight machine. Mine weighs almost five hundred pounds. As for maintenance, yes, do it yourself if you can, but if you do not have a garage and live in an apartment as I do, the sorts of things one can learn to do to save money and learn about one's bike is better done when one has a shop. As for saving money, I believe that people who trained to become motorcycle technicians deserve to make a living and I know that my bike is in good hands at the shop where I bought my bike and am a welcome guest with special privileges other customers do not have. They love me there and my bike performs really well as a result. We will see about 12 degrees today so I am taking the battery off the trickle charger and firing up my bike for some riding today and tomorrow. Winter is not really here yet and I hear motorcycles out there. I live in Alberta and will be 73 day after Christmas. If your life is boring, get a motorcycle.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, especially those last few words.....take note, folks! Greetings from Oregon.

[@eddale5557]

Why do channels have "introes" ?? who 100% wanna skip forward to avoid to se this idiotic shit? It's like a commercials who 100% hate! Why not get stright to the point? that is what we will se not a boring and annoying intro! The same shit we have on tv series se what have happen in previous thing in the serie?? Who have interest in that when they have actually seen the previous program?

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yeah we were thinking of getting ride of it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@clivearmitage]

It's a 3 second intro. Chill out with the hate, dude.