Seven Things a Biker Should Never Do!

[@streetwise10-73]

Never let a friend ride your bike...true. When I was a Senior in High School I finished rebuilding a 67' 650 Triumph and it was beautiful. I was working on a bike in the garage and my friend Gary that has been a friend since 5th grade came by the garage. He fell in love with that Triumph and kept bugging me to let him take out for a ride. He said he knew how to ride and I finally gave in and let him take it out for a ride but, (Thank God) I made him wear one of my helmets. Just before he started the bike I made sure he knew it had right side shift and left side rear brake, English bikes back then were made backwards. He fired up the bike and off he went. About 30 minutes he was pushing the bike back. I looked at him and his right hand, elbow and knee were bloody. The right side of the bike was a mess, handle bars bent, throttle cable broken off, Grips were shreadded, the right fork tube was bent, pegs and other stuff damaged. I looked at him and asked, Gary, are you ok? he said yea,.... What happened? He said he went into a left sweeping turn on the road too fast and kissed the curb. I went flying right and the bike landed in the street. I looked and the helmet I made him wear had a gouge in it too. All Gary kept saying is, Tommy, Im so sorry, Im so sorry, I will pay for what it costs to fix it. I said don't worry about that, get in my car I'll get you home and you get yourself cleaned up. I week later I see Gary pull up in the driveway in his 69 Z-28 Camero.He gets out wearing shorts, his right hand, knee and elbow were bandaged up. He hobbles into the garage and asks, how much to fix the Triumph? I said Gary don't worry about it, Im just glad your still alive. Then he asks again, how much damage? I said it cost about $275.00 but I can do all the work. Gary reached into his pocket and hands me $300.00 in cash and refused to take it back..Thats a stand up kinda guy. $300.00 back in the 70's was a hell of of lot of money. Were both in our 60's now and still good friends.....sorry for the long read, thought some might enjoy it.

[@itchymoche]

Great story. Glad you're still friends too!

[@stevenbonnesen5988]

Apparently your friends parents raised their son right... same goes for your parents...Its good to hear you two remained friends....

[@TheDutchPathFinder1]

My brother's license was taken away due to an accident in wich some alcohol was involved. He asked me to keep his bike running and take it out now and then. I refused because it ain't my ride.I respect my brother and his belongings.

[@macxpert3588]

Similar thing happened to me back in the 70s when we had lawnmower engine powered minibikes. I let a friend have a ride on my bike, he got about 20ft before he dug the foot peg into the grass and crashed. Lucky we were on some soft grass. He broke his arm and bent my bars and front fender up. His father paid for the new parts and we are still friends to this day, although my friend never got on a bike again.

[@sanansa4567]

Unfortunately in my case loaning things out, has only resulted in me to become very cynical about people (and also not securing items as well, in areas where I would least expect people to steal, including fellow soldiers in my own unit, where I had all kinds of items stolen). As for loaning things out, I had a friend guilt me into letting him ride my scooter (I didn't want to because I was only 15 and needed it to get to work as it was a far commute), but he just kept harping), I didn't have much money it took me a long time to save just to buy it on my own. Sure enough within 2 minutes of taking off, he dumped the scooter and damaged it. To add insult after he laughed. He didn't want to pay me to fix it (and he came from a very wealthy family, 3 homes, etc.). Another instance someone at work who had power over me, he borrowed an item worth about $100 and he lost it. When I asked nicely for him to replace it (he would just smile and wave his hand, like blowing me off). He was another person of means and he eventually became an attorney.

[@Angry_Boomer]

Good down to earth advice Itch. Most bikers will say “Yeah I know all that.” But it needs to be said and everyone needs to still hear it from time to time!

[@phillip6365]

Very good down to earth tips, a lot of people in my country are in covid Lock down or quarentine and look forward to the days of freedom and riding again . Thanks from Australia.

[@rodgerdodger8397]

I really enjoyed the video. I been thinking about buying a bike it's been 50 years since I have rode one. One thing I think you could cover on another video is what to do when a death wobble starts in and how to deal with it. I just heard about this a few days ago. Thanks again for the great advice.

[@paullee4366]

Every long time rider can agree with all these things, and new riders NEED TO WATCH THIS. Thank you for putting it all together! This channel rocks, much love and respect.

[@itchymoche]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@marcusrcs1885]

I remember my grandad saying to me.. It's more fun riding a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow 🐌😀👍😎😄👌

[@NeekieC]

Very good advice, maintenance and awareness on the road so important, I tend to drive not only for myself but for others, aware of all that's going on around me. Safety first.

[@jackdevine5382]

This video just popped up and I skeptically watched it. I have well over 1/2 million miles experience and you are right on 100%.

[@machinegunpreacher2469]

I'm cager who daily's a Miata and I have enough trouble being seen and not doing #4 has saved my car and probably my life at least 50 times in the past few years. If they can't pay enough attention to see a bright white Miata, you know they're not looking closely enough to see a bike. Great video with some good common-sense tips; I'll keep all these in mind if and when my day comes to hop on a bike.

[@chrisbaldwin9162]

I think your #1 rule is very important. So many people will actually think that you will just let them take off on your bike! Like you said, this never ends well. Don't do it! This is my first comment, but I never miss your stories and good advice. I'm in S.C.,but I feel like I know you guys. Keep 'em coming! God Bless..

[@rarebreed9208]

Good advice Itchy. 50yrs in the saddle myself this year, 3 as a motor officer, 30 on the same '72 FLH, and only 3 minor mishaps. I still ride like "The Big One" could lie just beyond the next curve in the road though.

[@AC0-w5e]

Gratz!

[@scruffy4647]

Nothing like being in the wind. I have this angel on my right shoulder and a devil on my left shoulder. As I've gotten older, the angel has been winning out more.

[@Stacy_Smith]

Your angel is winning because he's on your throttle side.

[@godsbeautifulflatearth]

Very nice garage/workshop area. Highly organized, clean and we'll stocked. 👏👏👏

[@vincent7331]

I used to love my first HD a 73FXE ! I put a round swing arm instead of the square one, I lowered the bike 2inches! I also had a 15 inch Crome mag with a Volkswagen tire. That bike was 😎 cool! I had the 80 inch flywheels that replaced the 74inchers that bike flew Itchy! It was a lot of fun I could go on and one about it.Talking almost forty years ago, yep it was a blast! Thanks Itchy for your videos, hope Vee and you are doing good !

[@rogervonschleusingen4603]

THANK-YOU BROTHER, YOU HAVE A NICE SHOP, GREAT ADVISE, I,LL KEEP THEM IN MIND .

[@streetglideclyde8403]

Love when your bike TELLS you where the tire pressure is. And ALWAYS have a parking puck. Js.

[@frankcharles1478]

I have been riding for 50 years also, and I agree with everything you said. God bless you and Vee

[@itchymoche]

Right on

[@roadtaco3924]

timeless advice. thanks. 👌🏾👌🏾👍🏽👍🏽

[@juniorjr4815]

All great points. I've followed #4 ever since I started riding on the road. Stay safe! 👊😎

[@robertrosson1990]

Brother you were speaking truth.I have a 1997 Ultra Classic,a 1998 Fat boy and a 2005 Soft Tail Deuse.Iv have not nor will I every let anyone but me ride my bikes.I ride alone.Because I prefer to.I don't drink.Every 2 or 3 years I replace my tires on all 3 bikes.They do have a date of manufacturing on them.I also maintain my own bikes.I simply don't trust someone else working on my babies.They are my best friends.Sure that may sound crazy to some but my bikes are family.Another good tip is to nut and bold chech your bike make sure everything is tight as per specs.Down here it's more sand than dirt so I have kick stand pads IV made and I keep them in each bike along with a basic set of tools for each nut and bold on the different bikes.If a group of ride roll up I'm not speeding up.They can go around me if it's safe to do.I never expect drivers of cars or trucks to see me.Im sure those that's been hit by a car the drivers first words are oh I didn't see you.When I ride I ride simply because that's what IV loved to do for the past 35 years or so IV not dropped my bikes yet or been in a crash yet but IV lost very close friends because they either drank to much and didn't want to hear we get you home.Iv lost my best Freind because he love to speed down just about any road.I guess I'm either lucky I do my best to use common since or The good Lord is watching over me IV had my fair shares of close calls.But I was excepting them to pull out in front of me.At stop light I always try my best to have a way out if a car driver isn't paying attention and while at the stop light I keep checking my mirrors.And being in hot weather most of the year I keep a couple bottles of water in my bags.Dang this commit was long.Ride safe out there.Theres idiot drivers everywhere.Love and peace to all

[@garygardner6536]

Had to retake my bike license in a different state and I thought I new it all,the cop didn't fall me on the bike but gave me a good tip for where I was riding on the road. He told me to ride near the centre line because the driver in front can see you in their rear vision and side mirrors and the centre of the road is where all the drips from drive train leaks will be. Have never forgotten that info.

[@itchymoche]

Good stuff

[@georgesmith9515]

Great video, Itchy. Very good advice. You nailed it spot on! Blessings to you and Vee.

[@itchymoche]

Thank you! You too!

[@johnmendez9592]

This should be national notification, and encouraging information for all new and old, thanks itchy n vee👍

[@itchymoche]

Glad you think so!

[@RILLAMAN84]

I love hearing stuff like this. There’s ALWAYS something to learn about riding smart 👌🏽

[@itchymoche]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Amen!

[@PanRider939]

Never mind all that I LOVE your shed, so green right now.

[@Michael-tt4wx]

I’ve gone from a goldwing to a ultra lately and it’s like learning to ride again

[@charlesnash2748]

Great advice, thanks.

[@michaelorr181]

#7 was great advice ,that no one talks about.... Thank you for adding #7

[@janice8460]

Now that is wisdom right there. Thank you for these reminders. I must get into the habit of checking my tire pressure, you have given me a friendly kick up the arse, so again thank you sir.

[@dictumfactum9468]

#6. Ive been riding almost 50 years myself. And I always learn something new at palladino motorcycle training on KZbin.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Check out Robert Simmons Paying it Forward. Good man.

[@scotttucker8127]

Good tips and advice!

[@dcbgny7963]

Hey Itchy Thank you for sharing with us and God bless you and Vee ! This video was a life saver so please listen to his great tips!

[@itchymoche]

You are so welcome

[@jeffragar3493]

I went to a car museum once that was amenable to motorcycles. They had a section of their (asphalt) parking lot marked for motorcycles with a box of kickstand pads to use while there.

[@itchymoche]

That's thoughtful of them. Cool!

[@boatman222345]

Four thumbs up on the kickstand tips! Years ago I was doing a cross country ride on a R 60 BMW and I stopped in LA to visit a friend. The next day we went for a ride to a local mariner and I left my bike on the side stand in a parking lot. when we returned half an hour later there was a guy struggling to stand my bike up. he told us that it had tipped over earlier and somebody had stood it back up only to have it top over again! Broken turn signal! Scratched side case! Scratched muffler! From that point on I carried a small 1/4" aluminum plate that went between the asphalt and my side stand!

[@itchymoche]

We always learn the hard way.

[@oliverjaeger4867]

Sage Advice. Thank you, Sir!

[@harleyfrank547]

Another good video brother keep it up prayers to your better half!!

[@BeTheBossOfYourMotorcycle]

Great advice brother! All should be common sense, but we no common sense isn’t common.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video brother 💪😎 Any advice is helpful, no matter how long they been riding. God bless 🙏

[@louisgoldfond6326]

Nice job. Great video for all riders. Thx for the 7 commandments buddy. Keep up the great work

[@renehansen8971]

man i love your vids....just always simple common sense truths.....thx....now get out there on your ride on a awesome day

[@itchymoche]

I appreciate that

[@dewelhilton6439]

Aloha.... I've been riding 50 years myself and you just gave some great advice.

[@itchymoche]

Great to hear!

[@larry68hd11]

Great video

[@MrBayrum56]

Great vid!! Now do one on your garage setup and tools/equipment. Thx

[@ecrusch]

All good tips brother. Man, you have a really nice place.

[@glenmo1]

They sell a lock that locks on the.. brake rotor that has an alarm ! An excellent idea even if you're running into a place for a few minutes

[@BigDaddy-rg8gb]

Yeah. Great advice

[@935frank]

Thank you Itchymoche for sharing with us, This was a great video with good tips Thanks

[@itchymoche]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Tbug666]

Great advice! Most are common sense like you said but it amazes me how many people don’t seem to have common sense these days. I would rather have common sense than to be book smart and luckily I think I do.😂 Your house and property always make me happy to see. Looks so nice and I know a lot of work goes into it everyday. I hope Vee is doing well and know she’s in my prayers always. Same way with you. We all can use prayers right? 😉🙏🏼 Have a great weekend and stay safe. Enjoy the nice weather because I can tell living here in WV the fall and dreaded winter is much closer than people want to think.

[@itchymoche]

Thanks for the prayers! Back at ya. God bless.

[@bizerker1497]

Some really great points. There should be no thumbs down on this.

[@EddiePassions]

Very good 👍🏻

[@onementality9781]

I'm blessed to say I live in a area in Tennessee that I never lock my house, car, or bike unless I go riding.

[@itchymoche]

If only life was like that here.

[@nelsongn9]

I'm new to your channel and new to riding I've only been riding for 4 months I will continue to support your Channel

[@itchymoche]

Awesome thank you! Welcome aboard.

[@Mortan40175]

I rode a lot of chain driven bikes over the years. With my 1100 I went to shaft driven. It's a whole other animal based on throttle response and acceleration. I've owned and ridden quite a few bikes over the years. I have to agree, every single one of them had its own personality. I learned the hard way about kickstand and hot asphalt. I always carry a board with me in my bags for suck an occasion.

[@Papatuanuku]

Great advice bro and it is about common sense , enjoying the ride ,my mate got a Triumph 350 Tiger on a good day 120 km

[@cakesodomy4358]

spot on with every bike being slightly different. I wasn't aware of this when I went from my Honda CB750 to a Suzuki gs750 (almost identical bikes), but the clutch engagement point on the Honda was all the way towards the end, and the Suzuki starred engaging as soon as you started letting off the lever. that combined with throttles being different as well made for fun times. wouldn't you know it, when I went to take it for a test ride, Ipopped a big ol wheelie. It was pretty comical especially on a heavy ass 1970s UJM set up as a fully decked Out cruiser with saddlebags bat wing, etc. luckily I managed to save the bike and most importantly, my pride

[@selebalotsiu7139]

Thank you for the tips... Never assume others guyz see you

[@Airflores322]

Very good suggestions, thank you Sir.

[@mattsypersma6418]

Good point on bringing up tires, but keep in mind that age is a factor. I know too many riders right now that have tires more than 10 years old because someone put new tires on and quit riding. I've shown people how to read a tire. Maybe you could make a video on that.

[@johnstrickland9048]

Well said, good video.

[@BigFiveJack]

Your list is Very Good!

[@pb68slab18]

I've been riding over 40yrs. I even have a few years of club-level road race and drag race track experience. I'd never let anyone I never rode with ride my bikes. I can tell in the first few miles if someone can ride. Sometimes I've swapped bikes with others who I've rode with to diagnose troubles they may have. Some riders , including some so-called mechanics , I wouldn't let WASH my bikes!

[@mybudinesd4545]

Great video sound information for anyone and really any type vehicle

[@itchymoche]

Glad you liked it!

[@gradymarsh3080]

As a newISH rider, I totally agree with you!! Thanks for posting. On a side note... you make me sick with your perfect garage!! That beautiful Chevy truck, that badass Harley, and most of all that perfectly clean and orderly, well kept garage itself!! 👏👏👏 I frickin hate you 🤣🤣🤣

[@GorVala]

Awsome video, thank you for sharing good Sir.

[@shakenbake7281]

good advise. A couple of my rules are don't ride in the blind spot of a vehicle (Rear quarter panel area of a car/truck ect). Don't ride beside a semi. I typically don't like to be beside any vehicle.

[@itchymoche]

Great tip!

[@bradlozano2571]

Great words of Wisdom...the sad thing is most of us learn these things the hardway....

[@Mr.mike..125]

Thanks brother very nice video. Thank you sir😎

[@shaundonohue4578]

Good advice....

[@brianleffler432]

Great advice

[@glvarner]

Solid advice as always. Great talk. Thanks.

[@juliancanales9379]

First time on the channel. Beautiful garage.

[@itchymoche]

Welcome aboard! and much appreciated!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Yup, an old can from Dinty Moore Beef stew or B&M baked beans. Wish I knew that back in the 70's.

[@reinharddesar6005]

Hey my Friend, thank you of Video thats a Beautiful Garage 🤗👍👍Reinhard out Germany sorry my Englisch is Not so Good, i am 64 years old and y Drive 28 .000km in Year One my Honda St 1300 Pan Europaean

[@itchymoche]

Nice to meet you Reinhard.

[@scottwilcox6741]

Good advice for people 👍🏼

[@FC64002]

Another great vid itch. God bless you and yours

[@itchymoche]

Thanks, God Bless you too!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Fran Haash law firm that specialized in bike accidents gave free pux to put under the kickstand, I did not know asphalt lost its strength on a hot day, that was back in the 70's I had a Honda Scrambler 360 a hot day in the parking lot at work. Itchy, that bike has a welded hasp for that nice round chrome lock? I heard the built-in fork locks are NOT as secure as the welded hasp type I have on my Sporty, which I think is a much more secure set-up.

[@brucesantacory1390]

excellent video

[@itchymoche]

Thank you very much!

[@waltstovall372]

ALL good points Itchy 🤠

[@jackr.4119]

That was all good advice...thanks for sharing...Please tell Vee I said hello, thanks..

[@itchymoche]

Sure thing!

[@NoName-xf2nf]

Thanks for info

[@itchymoche]

No problem

[@kolloduke3341]

I really like what you said about the positioning of you bike on the road to be seen , i had a camper van pass me in a village going over 30mph to drive a further 30 feet to turn and park into carpark .When i spoke to him he said " you were in the middle of the road " WTF! I was in the same position as your describing , not riding in pot holes and gutters .[I wasnt on a motor bike i was on a push bike , so does that mean cause were smaller and lighter than a motor b i have to ride in the gutter .? Thanks for your advice respect .

[@nelmar5560]

Thanks

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I saw a video and the Dude recommended a “Jewelers Dapping Block” instead of this cheap kickstand blocks. That baby cost me $10 it’s probably4”X6” maybe an inch inch and a half. Works awesome on Hot Asphalt, grass even on Beach Sand. Best $10 I ever spent. Just to pick it up when you get ready to leave.

[@itchymoche]

yeah... don't want to leave that one behind!

[@larrycrouse]

Great video I just watched your channel first timer but long time rider over 50 years a few crashes and a lot of road rashes. Mostly when I was younger and had two many bottles of liquid courage it's not worth it . I honestly don't know how I'm still alive but after my son was born I stopped drinking and riding after my 2nd dui listen people take in from experience ITS NOT WORTH IT front all my crashes and concussions I suffer a stroke in my 62 year and now I miss the thing I loved the most was riding my harley. So it's not just the monetary cost it's the health cost remember and take it from an old experience rider motorcycles and parts can be replaced arms legs and most injuries can be fixed now days with modern medicine but it's years down the road when it bites you in the ass hard

[@MrOnelegnick]

Dont be cheap when it comes to tires as well! Nice set of dunlops like you have is a great tire.

[@itchymoche]

Very true!

[@dannyarendall5233]

I first rode a Montgomery wards wizard in summer of 1958

[@vitovitale8098]

Excellent advice Itchy. Hope allota riders take it.

[@itchymoche]

I hope so too

[@dalton7086]

Good video brother, be safe

[@rickallred116]

I put a quality lock through rear rotor

[@Bikergramp57]

Great reminders. By the way, nice "Man-cave".

[@itchymoche]

Thanks!

[@onementality9781]

I preach all of these lessons except for the kick stand pad so thank you for reminding me of something I've known about but just got ny first Harley so that tip will save me while out exploring God's creation.

[@thejackel1844]

Most of my bikes have kick starters on them and or starter buttons in an inconspicuous place so not too worried about having them stolen...

[@stinde666]

Solid tips! I live by “look how your riding and look twice how other’s are driving “

[@itchymoche]

Right on!

[@Peter-mcmcmc]

Just discovered u and so glad I did; thank u for your honest, down-to-earth approach and for making the time to create genuine content. Question: I have a ‘21 Street Bob and don’t know what type of lock to get. Any recommendations? Thank u again.

[@itchymoche]

I can't really recommend a specific lock, but there are many options that will work well.

[@vicmorrison8128]

Good stuff!

[@ginocapone7783]

Hey itchy my tires have ok thread but there 14 years old are they ok

[@itchymoche]

Time to replace them bro.

[@thehappyhogger4484]

Solid advice Itch. Thank you. What advice you give me about riding with passengers?

[@GTMarmot]

Good advice. Even if you don't live in the US

[@CarlSchattke]

#1 Don't let others ride your bike, #2 Don't ignore your tires, #3 Use kickstand pad , #4 NEVER assume someone sees you.,#5)Don't leave bike unsecured.#6)Don't ride beyond your limitations.#7)Don't drink and ride. All good tips for those that ride.

[@Atyrsvc1]

The one I see broken the most is drinking and riding. I hold my own rule. Eight hours from bottle to throttle. Eight hours must pass from the last drink to getting on the bike. Now, this only applies if you have three or four. But, if one drinks in excess, then even more time should be added.

[@AC0-w5e]

WOW. You have discipline!!!! 8 Hours!

[@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454]

I’ve made it three plus decades since bottle. And now that our son, whose YT am on, is grown she has finally said that she is not opposed to me getting another classic British bike. I pray I can get it done. Fully restored 64 Atlas 750. My last a Dom SS 99. I’m still a tough old geezer with fast reflexes and a clean bill of health. Not going to hoon but the ton calls me once more. “I feel the need…”. Tom Cruise’s best line.