Stop Making the Five Common Riding Mistakes!

[@yl9154]

I agree that the extreme focus on low speed parking lot skills is terrible for both learning and as the permit criterion. It has also been discouraging to many student. But in this day an age, I think that the greatest danger for learning motorcycle driving has become KZbin. There are youtubers with the ink barely dried on their permit giving advice as if they were experts and some sound convincing. And then there are those youtubers that record themselves doing "daring" example of how to kill or maim yourself as if that was the routine way to ride (and end it by saying "Ride safe!" as if that was the safe way to ride) . The worst is, when an accident occur, we mostly see those where the person luckily survived with little injury, thus trivializing motorcycle accidents. So maybe the worst mistake a beginner rider (especially the younger one) can do is watch youtube motorcycle videos (except for the few truly educative and responsible motorcycle channel). Motorcycles, even the less powerful are thrilling, performing machines, that is a significant part of their attraction. That needs to be tempered by the riders skills and knowledge and even more importantly, a strong, reasoned sense of their inherent danger.

[@CanyonChasers]

OMG! Yes! The advice coming out of some of these other channels is chilling! Let me just centerpunch this car and drag my knees over the centerline and then say thats a reason why people should listen to me? Right? I've always felt uncomfortable talking about my experience/certificates because it feels braggy to me - So I really hope I didn't come across that way.

[@WJRobbins125]

@@CanyonChasers For what it's worth, I'm glad you did. It helps indicate the amount of time you have dedicated to learning how to help others learn.

[@karlbishop7481]

@@CanyonChasers Not braggy at all. Good to hear about your credentials. Adds strength to what you are telling us. I have learned good things on utube even though I have been riding 50+ years. I have also seen things I totally disagree with. Keep up the good work.

[@briarfox637]

@@CanyonChasers Not to name names, uhhh, MaxWrist. lol

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Well put kind sir. As regards to focus and the reality of riding a motorcycle, I would like to share a few observations. A wise old rider once told me many years ago that one should always feel a slight amount of trepidation when they throw a leg over a bike to help focus on that in which they are about to engage. I agree. A long time ago a friend gave me a travelor's talisman, a 1" laughing Buddha, which I discreetly attached to one of my bikes. Before pulling away I go through a little routine of rubbing the Buddha's tummy for good luck (I am not superstitious but it can't hurt!) , close my eyes and say the mantra "Pay attention! Pay attention!" and repeat that mantra outloud at different times during the ride. I vehemently disagree with those who say they "ride to clear their head": I think it critical to clear one's head of emotions and intrusive thoughts before you ride. If I am tired, agitated, preoccupied or in a distractable state of mind I actively choose not to get on a motorcycle. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts gleamed from 50 years in the saddle. Regards. 🇨🇦

[@CanyonChasers]

I love this. And I agree. We should be nervous. It’s dangerous! We shouldn’t be flippant or overly casual about what we’re about to do!

[@shawnmclean7932]

I have a sloth, stuffed animal keychain to remind me to not push it too fast. At speed his arms are flailing.

[@badassmort]

Not entirely same but close: I keep telling myself “don’t get cocky” - because when I learned trail braking, I felt like god for a bit :’) and got punished at low speed for looking around instead of ahead. Yet it has saved my life and my bike from major repairs about three times after that.

[@vaportrail226]

Been riding street bikes for 25 years. Been club racing for 10 years. The past three years started competing in motogymkhana. I still watch beginners videos and take the occasional beginner course. Sometimes listening to a different instructor will make a concept "click". Maybe a different approach or way of explaining, i dont know. Tough to describe but its happened to me a lot.

[@CanyonChasers]

Naw. That’s so true. You can hear the same thing from ten people, but sometimes that 11th person is able to make it relatable. Right?

[@user-xv4qc2vz3c]

MOTOGYMKHANA??!!!! WTF???? I’ll BRB

[@beepbop6697]

4:34 "train how you fight". This is the way.

[@CanyonChasers]

This is the way

[@BlindIo42]

So what you're saying is "parking lot drills teach you to ride in parking lots"

[@kellygrant4964]

Because of you I found ChampU. I am just going over it for the 2nd time as the riding season is just beginning (finally). Your instructions have helped me a lot on my first year back riding. Was a big jump from no riding for 20+ years to a ZX14, but I did it right with the great help from your channel and ChampU.

[@CanyonChasers]

Nice. It’s such a great way to remove the drama.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

I commented how a parking lot wont teach you how to be a good rider prepared for corning at speed in a parkinglot on reddit. I got mass downvoted and told how I was so wrong. I am so glad you mentioned this because from my own experience, the overconfidence from Parking lot practice almost got me into serious accidents because I thought I was a better rider than I actually was. So after a 3rd incident of running wide because I was going to fast, I found some twisty roads, paced myself, and put some genuine effort to learning and practicing riding into corners at speed. Body position and all. It is a loooong process of learning, but a Parking Lot will NEVER teach you these skills. Thank you so much for bringing this up. It's something so many people need to learn early on.

[@doswoods653]

That’s because Reddit is full of whiny weak and woke leftist soy boys who only know how to complain and attack anything they don’t like. To admit they’re wrong would go against everything they think they believe… they hate the truth being objective. To them “their truth” is more important than THE truth.

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh yeah. Everytime I've said something similar on Reddit, I get completely lamblasted as well. Even other KZbinrs have criticized me pretty publically for bringing up the limited value in slow speed/tight maneuvers. We're not dying because we didn't make the U-turn to the gas pump. We're dying from running wide or from not being able to stop. Parking lot practice is fine, it's where most of us started, but it's not especially relevant.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I want to comment on the notion of 10,000 hours of practice. What was stated in your video is a bit of a misinterpretation of the research, an area in which I was involved. In performance psychology research it has been found that for people who make it to the upper levels of skill in any activity be that chess (grandmasters), shooting baskets (NBA), playing the piano (professional concert pianest) or getting a Ph.D. in any discipline, it appears one needs to put in at least 10,000 hours of learning/practice to get to that levels of skill. That works out to 4 hours practice per day everyday for about 7 years, assuming you even have the ability to engage in the particular activity. The same likely applies to riding a motorcycle at top professional levels. That doesn't mean to say you will not improve rapidly over a weekend and even more so over a summer etc. That minimum figure of 10,000 hours of practice refers to the cream of the crop skill level. People like Hailwood or Rossi likely put in far more than those 10,000 hours to allow them to be as good as theyare plus they also probably had a lot of raw talent to begin with. Given the milage you have racked up plus the training you have taken you clearly have the equivalent of a couple of Ph.D.'s in motorized two wheeled operation.

[@CanyonChasers]

I absolutely love this!! In an interview I did for an older video, the idea was brought up that one of the things that is learned in those 10k hours, beyond just practice and training, is learning who to listen to. Who we should trust to coach us and help us improve. I really liked that idea.

[@malarona]

After all the years of riding, i still consider myself as a newbie....😂😂😂...thanks for your adv Dave... its keeping we safe on the bike

[@CanyonChasers]

This is a great attitude! Complacency is a terrible enemy. By keeping that "learning" attitude, it helps avoid that. Right?

[@malarona]

@@CanyonChasers yup..that right..like you said Dave...most people trying to teach you how to ride like them and want to turn you to be one of the hell rider... honestly i dont buy that... we need more people like you Dave... teaching and advising rider to be safe... keep it coming

[@Bearded.Wonder]

Honestly, Dave, this is a wake-up call for me. I took the MSF BRC, got my bike, started practicing in parking lots, then rode in my neighborhood, and then further afield as I gained confidence. I follow several KZbinrs who tout the benefits of weekly (or more often) slow-speed drill practice to hone my skills, but I always felt a bit of a disconnect between what I was practicing in the parking lot and what I was actually doing on a ride at speed. To be fair, the parking lot practice sessions helped me lean better, make u-turns, and improve emergency braking. But, like others have already stated here, not a lot else applied to actual riding on the road at speed. In the beginning, corners at speed kinda freaked me out, and riding around other vehicles did also. It was watching some of your earlier videos about where to look, trail-breaking, and other things that helped me understand what I needed to do on a road ride and I've gone back to some of those videos repeatedly as a refresher. I love what you said at 4:57, "You gotta know when it's time to get outta the parking lot and go ride." This video is good stuff! BTW, it ain't bragging to talk about your experience if it helps folks like me get a better handle on riding. Many thanks, Dave! Truly!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you. And oh yeah! That kind of practice isn’t bad, it’s just limited in what it can do for us. I’m thrilled to hear how riding has just gotten better for you!

[@romanthebarman5919]

I think "Focus" is possibly the best advice by far. Great video as usual. Cheers.

[@camgere]

Lots of good advice. I respect that experienced riders have great skills and may see things differently than me. They have lived a different life. Parking lot skills are nice, but not the same thing as riding at speed. It's a thin line between focus and object fixation. Focus works great until you have a double fault. A 2 x 4 is lying in the road AND someone is waiting to make a left turn in front of you. Focusing on a single danger shouldn't overcome your 360 degree situational awareness. Traffic flow is very important. If everything is separated and going at the same speed in the same direction, nothing can touch each other. The bigger the speed difference between objects the bigger the risk. You driving at 35mph and someone stopped waiting to turn in front of you, is a large speed difference. Not flowing. You should be continually identifying exceptions to the flow. The 10th time you ride down a street you should have the benefit of having analyzed the risks 9 times before.

[@CanyonChasers]

This is an excellent point. We want to focus on where we are and what we're doing to put us into the right mindset and to keep us from getting distracted - but we absolutely do not want it to lead to target fixation!

[@girlandherguitar]

Dave! Excellent as always. We are all blessed that you care enough to make these videos for us. I am currently in the slow speed manoeuvres section of my re-training. I can’t wait to get out on the road, yes… on a Sunday morning, and work my way through skills out there. I will have to check out what the local deer population is up to at that hour and keep my eyes open for what I’ve termed the Canadian Kangaroo.

[@CanyonChasers]

Ironicaly, I find the deer to be more predictable and less scary that the average driver these days! 🙃 But keep it up!

[@BeginnerMoto]

I do low speed maneuvers in front of my house about 3 times a week and I poke fun at the parking lot ninjas. I don’t do it to improve anymore rather just for the fun on a bike. I feel like there’s point of diminishing returns with parking lot stuff that after doesn’t translate. I now spend more time riding canyons and my overall riding has improved tremendously. Thanks Canyon chasers for the awesome advice. You’re the best!

[@CanyonChasers]

I totally agree. They can be a way to warm up. Get our brain in gear, but doing kindergarten for ten years in a row doesn’t prepare us for High School.

[@shawnmclean7932]

Do you make an exception for moto gymkhana? I bet those guys are safe anywhere.

[@BeginnerMoto]

@@shawnmclean7932 I bet they are too. I don't think anyone would argue that slow speed drills are ineffective for safety. Slow speed maneuvers have made me very comfortable and confident on the street. I have just noticed that it doesn't translate to the type of riding that I'm currently working on which is riding faster in canyons. To add to that, I think the same thing can be said for canyon riding if I were to transition to track riding. When I'm riding in my local canyons, there are many things that I simply won't do with my bike because of the risk introduced from blind corners, road debris, opposing traffic, etc. On track you shouldn't have any of those hazards to worry about so things which are typically very risky on street are perfectly fine.

[@guzzirider_la5377]

I appreciate your guidance and these reminders, highly valuable. I took the Champ Street program at Buttonwillow and also their online course. Made a huge diff in my riding and I do spend more time riding in the twisties of varying degrees to sharpen my skills. Still have more work to do, constant learning but confidence level has increased. The focus emphasis in your video is important, don't ride when you are stressed or dealing with distractions at home or work. Thank you for all your good lessons.The first time I watched your channel is when I learned about Trail Braking. Such an important lesson.

[@CanyonChasers]

Awesome. Another thing I learned in the army was Complacently is the Enemy. We should all strive to continually improve.

[@guzzirider_la5377]

@@CanyonChasers this is applicable not just in motorcycling but in life too.

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

This video came at the perfect stage of my riding… excellent reminders!! Thanks!! 💯👍🏽

[@CanyonChasers]

NICE!

[@88888888Rocket1]

Thank you so much for having the courage to be honest. Very much appreciated.

[@Manfred_Messer]

wow what an amazing video. I watched your videos some years ago and rediscovered it today. Your production quality and your flow went so far up, it's impressive.

[@DieselMI]

My mantra with my bike every time before i ride “Take care of me i will take care of you. “

[@CanyonChasers]

I love it

[@GMak81]

I just bought a GSXS1000 and I literally said those exact words to the bike. Sounds stupid, but I meant it, we are dependent on one another to have fun and stay safe. It's just weird that you had the exact same thought and phrase. Cheers.

[@dingoniner5528]

Another awesome video! When a person drives a car to work, they are focused on their workday. When they're driving to the grocery, they are focused on what they want to buy. Car drivers are focused on the music, their Starbucks, the kids in the car seat in the back, something. When a person rides a motorcycle, they should be thinking about riding the motorcycle. The next turn, that patch of gravel, that car coming up to the intersection on the right, the brake lights in front of them, what gear they are in, whether they are covering the brake lever. I don't hold the foot peg, but I have a ritual. I start the bike, and then I walk five paces away from it, to the rear. I put my back to the bike, and I put on my helmet, slowly. Then my gloves. Then a pause, and I listen to the bike idling, waiting for me. And then I turn around and walk deliberately to the bike, it's GAME ON. Everything takes a back seat at that point. It's me, the bike, and the road.

[@CanyonChasers]

I love it!! Great comment!

[@klementomeri5910]

Thank you very much for your videos, please keep it up! There are lots of coaches who are fanatic about not braking in the corner and I see people listening to them who never touch the front brake in the corner like its going to cause a crash directly. I have seen your videos about trail braking and read the sport riding techniques book, after that I applied it into my everyday riding and I can not go back now. Trail braking although I don't do it in every single corner, I do it every time there is a blind corner, I just can not imagine people riding a bike into a blind corner while keeping the throttle open and fearing to touch the front brake. What do they do when something unexpected comes up? I just can't understand how they survive. Thank you very much for sharing these advanced techniques with us, please share more.

[@CanyonChasers]

Right!! We have done a great job of making riders afraid to use their front brake, when instead we should be teaching the importance of smooth, linear inputs. Don't be afraid of the control, be afraid of abruptness!

[@Artists_wrld]

I love the fact that you mention too many ppl practice just on an empty lot. I myself didn’t do that and just went straight too the NYC streets and let me tell u I stalled and made many many mistakes but because of that I’m able to focus on those mistakes and fix them. Parking lot just doesn’t replicate the real life road experience

[@CanyonChasers]

I completely agree. Practicing drills in a parking lot makes you good at parking lot drills. Depending on the rider, that may be their goal and thats totally cool. But parking lot drills don't have near as much relevance at real world speeds in real world situations.

[@floneacsu1140]

Excellent video! Just started recently ChampSchool online course and only after the first 4 chapters I learned so much , put it in practice and made huge difference in my riding. I've done parking drills before and they helped me to be confident on low speed, but that's about it. It barely made difference for the fast pace riding. I would advise every rider to take the ChampSchool course and practice what they teach. Guaranteed results.

[@CanyonChasers]

I’d love if everyone took Champ U and I could start making videos about the best oil or or whatever else. 😂

[@soujrnr]

I am SO GLAD that you shared your credentials! I have been watching you for a long time (not stalking, just KZbin...LOL) and just this evening I FINALLY know what you bring to the table in terms of riding skills. Your teaching skills are already legendary in the realm of riding, and now I know what you also have "in your wallet" to back that up. Your videos are so informative and I get more out of a five minute video from you than I ever got out of 30 minutes or more of others on KZbin who can't teach worth a darn, and also often advocate for dangerous practices. No thanks. There are probably only three people on KZbin that I trust for riding instructions and tips and you are in that trio! Thanks for all that you bring to the table! I always feel more educated, more challenged, and more encouraged after watching your videos! Keep them coming!!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you. I was extremely reluctant to talk about my credentials because it seemed boastful. But Mrs CanyonChaser insisted.

[@soujrnr]

@@CanyonChasers - Mrs. CanyonChaser was absolutely right in doing so!! I already respected you more than I can articulate, but once you shared all of the "unknowns" about yourself, my respect and admiration for you increased tenfold. Give you wife and hug for me and tell her thank you for forcing you to do that. LOL It really does bring a LOT to the table!!

[@DavidHall-du1ce]

This video was epic for me as a newer rider, I love the mantra and grounding yourself out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. Thank you for making it, great job as always!

[@gertvig]

Greetings from Denmark and thanks for the wonderful videos. Starting my license course, August first, so it's nice with some very useful warmup and encouragement to get out and become the driver you want to be! Take care.

[@CanyonChasers]

Right on! You got this!!

[@melissakembrey3629]

At 45yo, I’ve just got my bike licence, about a mth ago ( I think it’s my mid-life-crisis 🤷‍♀️). I’ve ridden around the streets in my suburb but slow riding/clutch control scares me. So I’m practicing slow riding (&clutch control) on my front lawn. I have been braking during these slow riding sessions & have felt bad” that I was braking (front & foot) on the odd occasion while doing this, because in our (Australian) Stay Upright course they tell you “do not brake in corners. Your videos are very helpful to an old dog learning new skills/“tricks”. My short term goal is to ride to the local train station parking lot, through 2 roundabouts & a large intersection with traffic lights.

[@selbyroad100]

Dave you are a very gifted educator and influential in how I strive to constantly develop my skills as a rider, thank you. I have taken champU and now saving to travel to the US to take a Yamaha riding school in Florida. It is difficult learning just outside the comfort zone but I will keep trying on UK streets to keep safe. Thanks again Dave.

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh wow! You'll have a great time, also we LOVE the UK and we can't wait to get back there!!

[@machinedgod]

Yet another amazing video. No other comments, just want to support what you're doing, this is invaluable, well delivered advice to all riders, beginners and experienced. Thank you!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you kindly!

[@gordonhenderson1708]

Once again, well said. Very well said. We're (I'm) always learning and improving. And that's after 52 years of riding motorcycles. I love getting better! P.S. I take my medicine at every oportunity.

[@CanyonChasers]

Sweet! Take twice daily as needed!

[@correykeen2956]

Not sure how I missed this video when it came out. Great video with good information as always. No feathers ruffled with me. I realized this early on in my riding. It would have been great if my MSF BRC instructor would have told us and pointed us to other resources to gain more knowledge. We didn't have access to anything but BRC where I'm from and at the time there wasn't anything available online. I had to order Keith Codes books from the book store two towns away to continue my education. Coupled that with closely watching WSB and MotoGP to see how the professionals were doing it was how I advanced. Going through Champ U last year shored up so much for me and changed my riding dramatically. I don't kneel down and grab my foot peg, I realized I was doing the same thing when I put my gloves on. The last piece of gear that I put on, always in the same way, and that's when I make sure I'm mentally prepared to ride.

[@deauvilledad07]

Super video Dave. I've been riding since the early 70's. I'm not as quick as I was and treat every ride as a school day. The best thing I find is to learn by your mistakes and just I hope I don't make to many. Ride safe,ride well🤔🤓🏍️

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you and yeah, man, complacency is the enemy - we should always stay curious!

[@ricardomourita1823]

I follow you for about... I don't know 5 years maybe? (I also have another account that follows your channel) You still had an old channel I can't recall it, the best advice I've ever taken were form you and a few 2 others out there. Keep going, you provide awesome content!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you!

[@briarfox637]

I've learned a lot from these videos CC have produced. I have only been riding a year but i've logged over 15k miles, but I feel like I'm more accomplished because of the info in these videos.

[@robertbobenmoyer-nz5ow]

Followed CanyonChaser advice last year and completed ChampU online course. That got my brain marbles rolling and resulted in more focused riding. I just completed the ChampU Street course in SC and enjoyed the training. Maybe next year I will find myself with a rider/coach in Utah. Thanks for the sage advice.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes!! I love it!

[@mikekearsley2407]

Great vid, Lots of good safety points. Thanks from Seattle

[@CanyonChasers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Poor_Guy_Matt]

I love the comment on learning at the edge of your abilities. Like others have said, repeating drills in parking lots just teach you how to be good at those drills, in parking lots. I'm blessed to have a wife who rides with me, and even more, she likes to learn how to ride better and better. We are lucky enough to have a 2-3 mile long stretch of mountain road with varying degrees of turns with no side roads or houses on it, within a 15 minute ride from our house. Early in the riding season or even if we only have 30 minutes to go for a ride, we like to hit this road up and do multiple passes up and down. Being able to progressively get faster and more confident with a whole slew of different riding techniques (body position, trail braking, etc) all while getting more and more comfortable with the specific road is great. We haven't taken any classes but legit channels like yours at least help so 🍻 to that.

[@CanyonChasers]

You are lucky. I wish I was that close to such a great road. We’ve even considered moving.

[@nearsite]

Absolutely love this channel!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you 🙏

[@moorepower13]

I seen so many riders take the msf course then stop ridding after a year or two because they didn't think they still had more to learn and experience. They just rode with fear the whole time and didn't know what they need to do on the open road.

[@CanyonChasers]

This is a sobering statistic. But about 80-some percent of new riders leave the sport within two years. We are failing all these new riders! Part of our revised mission this year is to try to reach more of these riders and hopefully help them keep riding.

[@jimh1021]

How about this perspective. Can I ride this motorcycle in a parking lot and do lock to lock turns confidently? Can I stop with confidence? Then take it on the road and practice with high speed turns, heavy front braking, using your body mass to turn a bike, using the bike to turn the bike. There are so many different styles and approaches to confidence and control. The more methods one practices, the more options one may have to avoid mistakes.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes! I agree! So there's something I didn't mention in the video, and thats you gotta follow that which brings you joy. If we enjoy doing those parking lot drills, then yes, do them and do them well, and get super good at them right? They can be fun and very rewarding. I've just seen parking lot drills oversold a lot. Especially lately as, from a creators perspective, parking lot content is super easy to make. I made four or five parking lot drill videos for Champ School in just over an hour. It took me two weeks to make this video. The joke has long been, nobody's life has been saved by that last minute, lock to lock u-turn. But lives are saved every day by being able to stop, so if a rider is only going to practice one or two things or for a limited time, there's more value in practicing the things that have a more statisitcal and practical benefit. 😎

[@spartanx169x]

I have been riding 30+ years and not once, NOT ONCE have I ever had to do lock to lock turns for any reason or even full lock while actually riding. Its over emphasized. Being able to do a figure 8 in a parking lot in a tight space (2 parking spaces for each turn ) can't help you one bit, when you running 50mph in a blind turn and half way through the turn, there is a stopped truck in the middle of the road. That happened to me this week. But it was no big deal because I wasn't speeding and entered the corner correctly to see it to have enough time to slow down. Nobody that I have come across ever mentions speed and speeding. I rarely if ever do more that 10 over the limit for the very reason of what just happened to me. "Ride like a Pro Jerry" never mentions speed, Motojitsu never mentions it, DanDantheFireman preaches safety yet completely ignores the causes of the wrecks he calls himself reviewing.

[@blpfrk]

@@spartanx169x very good point. Especially when a lot of KZbinrs show you how they ride going two or three times faster than the speed limit on roads/canyons. It doesn't really set a good example.

[@andrewvillavicencio8496]

Great info, thank you! Subscribed

[@stevemoore9951]

Greetings from the PPRC great advice. Love your videos the way you present them is what makes them so good & interesting.Thanks.🇺🇸🏍️

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you!

[@karlbishop7481]

This video is right on. I've saying for years you are not going to survive on the street/highway by riding around cones in a parking lot. Not that you don't need that training too.

[@CanyonChasers]

Exactly. It’s like kindergarten. Doing it for 10 years straight won’t prepare you for high school, let alone university

[@bobgrazi1]

Just bought the new rider bundle using your link, and used code "BRM" to bring it down to $90. No brainer at that price!

[@JanLeoKaak]

Anyone else notice the clutch lever pressing the high beam button at 1:54? Nice feature to let traffic a head of you know you're downshifting to overtake 🌚

[@CanyonChasers]

Is it a flaw or a feature? I'm not sure.

[@AnujPoudel017]

That footage of license exam from Nepal was hilarious even though I passed the same test. 😂

[@CanyonChasers]

To be fair, the roads can be pretty bumpy. 😎

[@AnujPoudel017]

@@CanyonChasers True, but that bumpy section tests the suspension of the motorcycle rather than testing the skill of the rider. 🤣

[@AndrewToth]

I’d love to see a video about engine braking (and maybe selecting the right gear to be in?) Between you and ChampU I am sold on trail braking but I find when I close the throttle I get a lot of engine braking. Makes me nervous to add on front brake in addition to that.

[@CanyonChasers]

Go to a familiar corner, and try it a gear, or maybe even two gears higher and see how it feels. What we see a lot of us that as riders progress in skill, they tend to still downshift like they did when they started out. It's not that engine braking is bad. We just don't want to rely solely on engine braking. The front brake is just more precise. But also, if you are happy with your speed and direction and you are comfortable going back to the brake mid corner, that's also fine because you are still managing your speed and your radius.

[@thebigoaktree8401]

Always helpful food for thought and practical application 😊

[@ramblinjay3816]

I was staying focused and kept staring at a passing ice cream truck. All jokes aside, thanks for the great video.

[@CanyonChasers]

MMmmmmmm. Ice Cream! 🍦

[@theestate12]

No no no. Sunday is for worship and helping your neighbor - and a good insurance policy of riding well the other six days. Ride on.

[@_skud]

thanks!

[@bobholley6202]

Good stuff Dave!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks!

[@KruseProductions]

Excellent information

[@lovelessissimo]

Widing a wot is the best way to become a well wounded wider.

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh. I see what you did there and I really appreciate it. Uhhhh. A WOT!

[@flouss016]

right on

[@thomascampbell3763]

Will changing out your front shocks in order to improve comfort compromise the physics of the bike placing less pressure on the front tire?

[@svenyproud]

I might be the only person alive who got his 1 piece leather suit by alpinestars with a racing helmet, boots, gloves, chest + back protector FIRST before even buying a motorcycle. Like why even start riding before having the proper gear? Protection is where I start or I just stay at the couch lol. I bought the bike 2 years later.

[@CanyonChasers]

On one hand, I get not wanting to sink a ton of money into something you aren't sure you'll love - but on the other hand, it takes a lot of financial strain away when you buy the kit before the bike. And then riders are less tempted to ride without gear.

[@svenyproud]

@@CanyonChasers yeah thats true. for me it was easy decision, I was 100% sure I wanted a proper (super) sports bike since I got my first scooter as a kid 15 years ago. Getting the gear first was a no brainer there since Im also looking into riding track. I can see the point when buying a chopper for the first time and not even sure whehter you enjoy it. I guess looking at it from a perspective of (super) sports bike enthuasism, youre already so much more sure and committed than casual bikes so buying gear is more natural.

[@007specops]

Awesome!

[@MrDingus64]

Couldn't agree more. I understand why SLP+R is taught in basic courses but thats one of the WORST techniques to get too comfortable with. Trail braking should at least be mentioned at these courses. Also yes, too much parking lot stuff is definitely detrimental. I would say doing it enough to know how to balance the bike comfortably is important but any more than that is overkill. Good video bro. Always learning something new. "Look at nothing; see everything"🙏🙏

[@CanyonChasers]

I totally and completely agree. Parking lots make a lot of sense as a place to start, but I sure with they’d at least revise SLPR to be “Roll when you can see your exit and take away lean angle”

[@31.8mm]

Sir, thanks for the great stuff, but somehow it's harder for me to digest this video by watching it once. I got the feeling of just listen to the voice and don't watch the vid might helps me understand faster.

[@rs660alec3]

MotoJitsu should watch this video

[@CanyonChasers]

I don’t think he’d like it.

[@jamescampolo7824]

Theory vs Reality. After I had been riding 15 years, I moved to Arizona and (at that time) had to take the motorcycle written test. I flunked the test. Then I read the DMV book on motorcycling which was written by a college professor. I took the test to the book and passed. In reality I was an accomplished rider, per the theory of the book I was not. This relates to being good at parking lot riding vs the real and complicated reality of riding.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes! Exactly!! Riding around cones in a parking lot makes you good at riding around cones in a parking lot. It relates to real world riding the same way that parade marching drills do to being deployed.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Parking lot practice is good but street-safe riding keeps you alive. The MSF needs to update its material to cover freeways and riding through sharp curves.

[@heybruh3274]

I think the MSF needs to stay the course. HOWEVER, I also believe it's up to riders to seek out the advanced skills they need and to do so with instructors and formats that are meaningful to their journey and goals.

[@fallinginthed33p]

@@heybruh3274 There's still a big gap between the low speed MSF training and high speed freeway riding and canyon carving. New riders (on a sportbike, cruiser, whatever) can die on their first canyon or mountain ride. Cross that center line into oncoming traffic and you're gone. I think there's plenty of room in the market for intermediate and advanced instruction that doesn't cost a fortune and can be done online, something like YCRS' ChampU, but nothing beats track time to safely explore you and your machine's limits.

[@mikec1254]

I would love to do champ school. I am not looking to do track days since I am older. I just want to be a better rider. I have taken other schools in the past. It was taught by a famous racer. By the end of the day it became a dick measuring contest on who was faster etc. He had all levels of riders even youth racers their goal was to become a pro racer. I did not like that mix. Is champ school like that? Thanks for your video's i have learned from your channel.

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh man I hear that! I purposely call myself the Undefeated C-Group Champion because I get so tired of that and I want to tamp it down. We even have a hoodie: canyonchasers-shop.fourthwall.com/products/premium-c-group-champion-hoodie. Champ School is decidely not like that. First, you get put in with riders at your same pace/skill with a 3 or 4:1 ratio, and they may move you around after that but what really impressed me was how the coaching was so specific to what I needed and what would benefit me the most. There was almost none of that bravado crap. They do a great job of creating an environment where all the students end up encouraging and cheering each other on. It's so unique compared to all the other schools I've been through. They also have Champ Street, which is a lot cheaper, and really focused on street riding.

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

@@CanyonChaserswhat does C group mean?

[@CanyonChasers]

In tracks days, it’s typically broken into 3 groups based on speed and passing rules. A group is basically racers. B group is intermediate. And C group is the most polite group. But tends to be the slowest.

[@cara2u]

May I ask who the famous racer was, that asked those questions before each race?

[@CanyonChasers]

Valentino Rossi

[@joelandrade1630]

My biggest thing that I loose control is hitting a line in the blacktop in a curve around 30 mph. The bike steers me in the guardrail. I have to try and recover. Scares the crap out of me. Tips?

[@CanyonChasers]

What kind of line? Paint? Crack? Those stupid tar snakes (gummy worms)?

[@joelandrade1630]

@@CanyonChasers my first one was on a course mountain road. It was a steep down with a sharp 90 degree turn and rough surface. There was a groove. I lost control and hit the guard rail at 5mph. I was ok almost made the turn. I jumped off. The second was this week near the dragon. Smooth pavement hit a grove doing 30mph. A groove reduced my lean angle and direction. I re-initialzed my input and recovered close to the side of the road. There are no videos on these situations. The best you can do is don't look where you will crash. Look to where you want to go and pray.

[@eltonsvendsen429]

Good Day Canyon! I’m new to the Channel, and would love to know how I can get advance certifications here in Fort Lauderdale, FL as I’m in a new sales career, selling BMW Motorcycles 🏍️. I was a rider back in 2011, but I’m wanting to get back, since I’ll be selling them, any tips where to start? Thanks for the help!

[@CanyonChasers]

Champ School comes down to Florida. Their Champ Street program is pretty awesome. You can also do their online "Champ U" program which will get you started on the right foot. We even have a coupon code with them FOCUS to make it a bit more affordable.

[@AZ_Baggin]

Luv the channel and have learned allot. Can you please suggest pants and jacket for riding?

[@spartanx169x]

Get gear with Armor and the more armor the better.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yeah. This is hard because budget and style is such a big factor. But anything with armor that fits snug is a good place to start. Prioritize you gear in this order. Helmet, gloves, boots, jacket, pants. Once you get going, you’ll zero in and what works best for the kind of riding you do.

[@coastrider9673]

Look at Dyn jeans and Klim jackets, Held gloves, Alpinestars boots. Good starting points. Buy nice don't buy twice.

[@jkunz27]

Hey, I don't see that shirt on Fourthwall. Is it available?

[@CanyonChasers]

Yeah. I just looked. Apparently just hoodies. I’ll get the t shirt added!

[@jkunz27]

@@CanyonChasers thanks man!

[@na1k3]

the music at the end - what is it? Who's playing?

[@CanyonChasers]

Just a riff my buddy made for us years ago

[@chrisgentle3195]

Are you saying my Car park Blackbelt is only good for holding my pants up? 😛

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh I think I understood this reference 🤣

[@martydekkers]

My MSF instructor recommended I buy a Honda Valkyrie as my first bike 😂

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

I'll be honest....you make it so complicated to the beginner....I wish if you explain directly without all this disturbing people and photos all the time.... I couldn't focus in your words... With all Respect I wish if you just make it SIMPLE.... THANK YOU 💐

[@steelcityspeedshopj.r6942]

Yep , been preaching for years that in my opinion . S.L.P.R has been killing riders in this country for Decades

[@CanyonChasers]

If even they revised to go “roll when you can see the exit and take away lean angle” - imagine how much better it would be.

[@nyashnader1]

What if me foot looks like a ballewn?

[@CanyonChasers]

I dont' know what a ballewn is?

[@hubert_moto]

Note to self. "The greatest motorcycle rider the world has ever seen" = Valentino Rossi

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks Another great explanation. Also CHAMPU-steal with so much great info

[@jtfritchie]

It would have been easier if you’d have gone full Elmer Fudd: well wownded wyda

[@CanyonChasers]

Rell Rounded Rider! Damnit!

[@TrainerDude51]

Good advice. #nohater 😂

[@CanyonChasers]

Yesss!

[@ktkace]

20 bucks? sign me up!

[@Abdal-RahmanI]

Video was a bit all over the place, I didn't really get what's the PRO advice... Gear up and go ride? PD: LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT BOY'S HELMET

[@BlindIo42]

He's the professional, and this was his advice.