3 life-saving lessons from this crash study

[@MCrider]

Become a Member of MCrider! More Details: www.MCrider.com/Member

[@keyvannematollahi2844]

Hi Kevin...I've been riding motorcycles for almost 10 years now and recently I had a crash with my new bike having my son sitting on my back and I was so lucky to get out of that accident with a dislocated finger and no injury for my son...So since then my mind was always confused wondering "What did I do wrong?" and I couldn't figure it out until I found your channel here by accident and I cannot let it go!....I'm watching your videos every night and learning. Here in our country there are no licensed training courses for professional motorcycle riding and videos like yours are a blessing for us....Keep doing the nice job and thank you for being out there...thousands of miles away...But so close to my mind and heart

[@rockymountainrider9805]

I always ride with the assumption that drivers are going to do something stupid, then I'm not surprised when they do.

[@markbates8]

And Dont Get Mad When They Do Something Stupid! Be Glad You Didnt Crash And Live To Ride Another Day!!!

[@Ducati_Dude]

Anticipation... ✔

[@1stcarver]

I can easily keep a 3 second gap between me and the vehicle I'm following, and it creates no problems. Sure some nut is going to jump into that space. All I do is slow down a little, create that space again, and accelerate back up to normal speeds once I'm 3 second back. I don't loose any time to speak of, and I arrive safely at my destination. I've been riding for over half a century, and to this day I can't figure out why a club, or group, would end, or start a bike ride at a bar! In my misspent youth I did ride, and drink. But after seeing some friends die form doing this, I quit. As a matter of fact, I've quit drinking altogether. I even maintain a 3 second following distance when I'm in the cage. And I don't ride beside a car, or truck on the hiway, and won't let them drive beside me either. I'll either accelerate, or brake to get that vehicle away from me. That's my "room to live', the space I create around me.

[@mariocaron6223]

Totally agree with you about following distance, I regularly drive big truck in the NY city area . Big trucks don't accelerate well so some are tempted to tailgate so as to keep up their speed. This is utterly foolish and unprofessional, since they don't stop well ether. It's all about managing the space around you. It is not only possible to keep a following distance in the city ,it also reduces the stress. When something happens it is not as likely to be life threatening. Y ou should view keeping your following distance and space like a sport,or dance. It can be challenging ,but it's worth it.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Mario, great comment!

[@BucketWheat]

I also drive everything from motorcycles to buses to semi's with liquid freight... Just as I have to change how I physically operate each Vehicle -- all the things we do on a Bike, to an automatic or stick-shift car, to a bus with automatic -- and a bunch of passengers who do NOT want to be slammed into the seat in front of them -- to an 18-speed 3-range semi with 7,000 gallons of oil that moves and sloshes around and shifts weight with every curve, start, stop, uphill or downhill with the trailer trying to push the cab... SO, you MUST maintain distance and adjust EVERYTHING you do depending on what you are driving or riding to give yourself the time and distance you are going to need to stay SAFE... and look just as far AHEAD as you can...and even 'beyond' by looking at the phone poles and trees and other things you can see even before you see the road actually curving as you come over a hill or around a curve.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Smith driving system. A lot of big companies use this and it works. Never drink and ride.

[@erikjansen8597]

I do live in a high traffic area, and I agree with you. We have to adjust to our situation. It might be harder to create a distance in higher traffic, but that is no excuse. You must adjust to the situation. Strength is in being flexible, not rigid.

[@alkoenig85]

Don't drink and ride. Not even one is safe. Studies are definitive on this. Those theories that "one drink will make you sharper"? How is that exactly? Anecdotal evidence at its finest. Great video Kevin.

[@nonaubiz8939]

I have been riding motorcycles on the street for 45 years now and have had more close calls than I care to think about. However, by the grace of God and almost expecting that every other vehicle on the road wants to kill me, have never had a wreck. Thank you, Father. I taught my wife and sons to ride and always taught that it doesn't matter if you are in the right or not, if you are on a bike you will ALWAYS lose that fight. Ride safe, brother, and thanks for another great video.

[@cyclegear1403]

What you mentioned re: following distance certainly holds good here in India where I ride; that gap is almost immediately filled by a motorcycle or a car - but like you say, I'm happy to fall further back to maintain a safe distance. I had a minor skirmish about a year back, where on an otherwise empty road, a cyclist swung wildly right into my lane without a single backward look and I ran straight into her. It was entirely her fault but that was of no help to me at all, I was riding faster than I should've given the conditions. I've attempted to ride more carefully after that, especially in terms of following distance, an appropriate speed, and a constant situational awareness - and keeping my ego in check.

[@MCrider]

Great comment. I have seen some videos from India, many places over there you have a difficult task maintaining following distance but worth the effort.

[@tccoup355]

Indeed. Your ego can get you killed in many different ways.

[@jamcbride225]

Well said, Kevin. You are right. Riders have a tendency to stand ground and put themselves in a higher risk situation. I always think to myself if I get tangled with a vehicle that has a mess way larger than I...I will lose no matter how right I think I am. Ride smart out there fellow riders. Great vid.

[@chrisfoy4401]

Again thanks for another great advice video. Unlike other so called bike instructor, you're not condescending. Advice is just common sense to keep yourself alive and bike in one piece.

[@markwhatley9955]

As a returning rider after 30 years, I practice driving as though I was on a motorcycle. I did that on an 8-hour round trip drive to Houston yesterday. It’s an interesting thing. It’s training me to evaluate traffic, aggressive drivers, potentially dangerous situations, and road surfaces. I paid special attention to escape routes in stopped traffic when I was at the rear of a line of cars, and pre-planning my stopping point behind the vehicle in front of me. I think for me developing the right mindset for riding a motorcycle is key to my safe re-entry into riding. Thanks Kevin for what you do with these videos.

[@Rettequetette]

Keeping distance is super important. It gives a sense of control - you know you have enough space in front of you to react to unexpected situations. I'm in one of those countries where traffic can be very busy (the Netherlands). I know when I leave a wide enough gap sometimes people are going to fill it up. The only right thing to do is re-creating a safe distance and not get upset or annoyed about it. It's a bit like Zen training :-) I'll quote Mario Caron from this comment section, because it's spot on: " You should view keeping your following distance and space like a sport,or dance. It can be challenging ,but it's worth it."

[@garyhalsey7693]

Hi Kevin, I’m slowly working through your videos as I have my road ride test (Mod 2) here in the UK in 19 days! I teach people to drive buses and coaches in the South East of England and I use the following mantra with my pupils regarding reading the road ahead and following distance. For reading the road, I teach Far, Middle, Near, Rear and for following it’s 2 seconds in the dry, 4 seconds in the wet and 10 seconds for ice/snow. I also apply these to my own car driving and in a bus or coach. I think they apply equally to most vehicle classes. Keep up the good work, I love what you’re doing for all levels of rider!!

[@Ducati_Dude]

Motorcycles themselves are not dangerous... It's up to the rider to make riding safe. If the rider puts enough effort into being safe, he/she will be. NEVER, EVER, let your Guard down. ASSUME that EVERYONE on the road is out to KILL YOU, and ride accordingly. Don't be a Street Rossi... save that for the track. Take it slow in the corners and don't go ballistic on the straights... *ALL* crashes are Preventable... Do YOUR part to be 100% Crash Free... 🙂👍

[@georgetammie5479]

Thank you I ride with HOG in Albuquerque we go on rides to bars & grills 40 to 50 of us only 2 to 4 I see have a bear . Most tea or soda. Thank you for tilling riders not to drive after drinking

[@ducknapper8222]

Too many riders think street riding is a competition. Falling back to maintain a safe following distance and slowing down for a curve are considered weak. Take a break from the ego trip. Does it really matter if you arrive at your destination a few seconds later?

[@r0dz74]

My friend is 53y/o, more than 30 years riding and he always tells me: "you will fall or crash only (and mostly) if you do stupid things on your bike, so respect your bike". We know road (bad) conditions help you to crash too. From all videos i see here on youtube most crashes are: high speed, try to get a bike running on tiny spaces (gaps) between cars and wheeling. I've seen a japanese saying once like: "You gotta be (mentally) strong to ride, but you gotta be gentle to keep riding"

[@NunyaDamnBidnessBud]

You're spot on, Kevin, about riders wanting to stand their ground...I think we're all prone to it. That's why I have a list of things I take with me when I ride...and one thing I leave at home: my pride. My pride stays at home safe and sound and I don't have to worry about it getting in the way of a safe, enjoyable ride.

[@jamesrindley6215]

Nice work Kevin, no matter how long each of us has been riding motorcycles we can benefit from hearing these lessons over again. When I used a 1949 motorcycle as daily transport I was always aware of the importance of following distance because the brakes, while adequate, aren't at the level of modern cars, but a good following distance gives you time to stop even if the vehicle in front has better brakes.

[@coltonwancho6571]

As far as following distance. If living in Chicago like I do and following distance is hard. Focus on get the most distance you can and if it not posable to get the room you want have a good exit route.

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Best video on motorcycle safety I have ever seen. I received my motorcycle endorsement in 1961, and I still ride. I have made every mistake Kevin talks about, except dying, so I can guarantee you he speaks the truth. Please listen.

[@Ducati_Dude]

Awesome episode Kevin... I'm bad for not leaving enough FD. Something I will definitely have to correct. ✔

[@larrytomlinson2606]

Kevin, you nailed it with: "Actively looking for a way to regain that following distance" and "trying to protect your turf" I find it is best to just acknowledge all cars are out to kill me. It's my responsibility to be alert at all times. This is in part why I enjoy riding. My mind is so occupied being in the moment that I don't think of anything but the ride. Oddly this is quite relaxing. I find I am refreshed by the time on the bike and being completely consumed by the constant planning, observing and monitoring of the vehicle environment around me. Folks in cars can take my following gap and I refuse to react aggressively. Change lanes, slow a bit or look for another way to regain at least two seconds following gap. This is just part of the ride. On a different topic, I am not sure its fully fair to count dropping a bike to its side in a garage as a countable incident. (Yep, I've done that ;-) )

[@brettleisy356]

around here... good luck trying to maintain a 2-3 second distance, specially getting into the cities here. if there is a gap they can squeeze into they will do it no matter what the speed or level of congestion is. its why I try to avoid any driving on the city freeways and heavy traffic areas in town. just going on those roads you are taking a huge risk no matter your driving skill. people tailgate really bad (1 second or less) behind motorcycles, and they will cut you off with even less distance. last year my nephew was on my bike, he had changed lanes to prepare for the exit, car behind him moved to about 20 ft behind him. the moving style truck ahead of him was about 22-23 ft in front, a silverado long bed extended cab truck moved onto the free way, then jumped past the front of my nephew moving into the lane I was in. the truck is 19 ft long and he barely had room to move through that lane like that. but that is how about half the cage drivers drive here. my nephew honked at him and shook his fist at him briefly, the guy slammed on his brakes almost forcing me into his rear end then swerved at my nephew. and this is not far out of typical behaviour. we have had our MC group with 25+ bikes heading out of town on the freeway when some car forces their way into a staggered formation. and we don't ride overly loose either, and that's almost once an outing occurrence.

[@jonb4763]

The Hurt Report from the 80's also has some great crash info in it.

[@margiekoos5688]

In my MSF course the instructor emphasized constantly about drinking and riding. As for I live in Myrtle Beach Sc where they have bike rallies. Everyone drinks and are stupid and ride. The accidents last year were like 100...

[@johnleake708]

Your conclusions are right on the money... pay constant attention to what is around you, keep your eyes moving, looking ahead as far as possible, low speed training is important, and following distance by the rider is very important.

[@kenschein2873]

Excellent information. Your videos are very helpful. I ride a lot (140,000 plus miles so far) but realize that alone does not make me a good rider. One of my biggest frustrations has been club people insisting I ride close to the bike in front. They say they follow the two second rule, but when I do that I am told to close up the formation. They don't want a car to get in our group. Well, I ride with cars all the time, and what they want me to do makes the ride sort of a white knuckle affair as I watch the bike in front like an eagle for signs of deceleration or breaking. So I solved the problem by not participating in their rides anymore. Good information, thanks.

[@stelladyer9457]

Thank you Kevin, great advice as always. Here in England we have a notorious road called the Cat & Fiddle Run after the pub that sits at the top of the hill on it. It sells soft drinks and coffee for those driving or riding, and beer for those who aren't. I remember seeing a sign hung up in the bar "Ride like a knob and you'll DIE". That is advice that we all should bear in mind.

[@travisc231]

Just finished a trip in more open roads, there were multiple times where I had tailgaters right behind me and all it took was slowing down, moving closer to the side of the road and waving the driver to go ahead and pass me so that they can go ahead and speed off ahead allowing me to not have to worry about them being reckless behind me.

[@wolfemanbog4176]

So far I have taken 3 courses in ten years and only being riding since 2014 on a first bike which was a 2014 street glide and had a few close call but always stayed up right now I am in a 2017 ultra classic on had a few close calls but the training I got out of them clases saved me ever time because of what I learned !!! And what I learned watching your videos Thank You

[@micvanreijen]

All wise comments. Here in the Netherlands we have to take 2 exams: one to proove that you control the motorbike at slow and intermediate speeds (so turning and riding a figure 8 in a tight space as well as a slalom at walking speed and one at 30 km/h, amongst other tests). The second exam is in traffic where you proove you look ahead, keep your distance an plan your every move in advance. Besides that, there are 3 levels of lisence being 11, 35 and unlimited. Young beginner riders start at the bottom and if you want to advance you need to take a new (traffic) exam. From 21 years of of age you can go for unlimited. One thing I havent hear you mention is 'find your space', as in always be aware of what goes on around you and find a safe spot in the volatile flow of traffic. Great channel, all makes sense to me. Mic, Amsterdam

[@micvanreijen]

That's after a written exam where you proove you know the rules on the road and how to apply them.

[@OldManTony]

Interesting stuff Kevin, so many people don’t keep a safe distance, and blame the driver in front for stopping too quickly. In the UK we call “lifesavers” when you glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot before you make ANY manoeuvre.

[@genehauser3913]

Good stuff. I have always struggled with the u turn. Always riding 2 up with my wife, making it even harder. Duckwalking is embarrassing! Thanks for the very informative videos.

[@williamwintemberg]

One more Life Saving Video!

[@NandoHemi]

Thanks for all the videos, as a new ride here, I look forward to the new videos

[@RichO1701e]

In the UK, vehicle users that get proper training, are taught the 2 second rule, "only a fool breaks the 2 second rule". 2 second gap in good conditions, 4 seconds in the wet, 10 seconds in icy conditions.

[@doktortranslator]

I should add the high speed as the most valuable risk factor. Thanks for you video.

[@ronscott7546]

I live a hour and a half from the University I'm 52 and got my first Harley when I was nineteen so I've ridden everywhere here and there's prob tens times the bikes on the road now that thier was ten years ago and the crazy thing is everyone buys the bikes that are to big for there skill level, yes anyone can ride down a road with no traffic but I wish people would give themselves some practice time. Oh you can take a look at my bike on a short vid and I'm always practicing corny stuff on mine and I'm still no expert

[@cwbaldwin61]

Top notch video. Reminds me that I need to get out and do some practicing riding, now that Spring is around the corner!!

[@jonfox5366]

Thanks Kevin for what you do.

[@davepressly9586]

Once again Kevin.....thank you for the great advice and sharing the study. We all need to use every skill set, and advantage we can get while riding on the street.....Thank you

[@oregonoutback7779]

Another excellent video, Kevin. Before watching, I was thinking the top 3 would be speed, not paying attention & too much power for their skill level. I got pretty close. Thanks again.

[@jimfarnell5813]

Along with leaving an assured following distance, I think it’s also important that you leave yourself an escape route, somewhere to go if the situation happens in front of you where braking is not going to avoid a collision… wherever possible (which is almost all the time) I leave myself somewhere to go, be it the road shoulder, a lane change or even a lane split. At a stoplight, you look in your mirrors and see a car approaching that you know is not going to stop. How are you going to avoid being rear ended? Do you have an escape route, is your motor in gear, are you prepared to take the escape route to avoid being hit?

[@sail4life]

Sure, give yourself an out, but make it plan B. Following (and reaction time + braking) distance is critical. Gamble with that and know you are gambling with your life. Better be worth it.

[@jimfarnell5813]

Dennis Meulensteen That’s exactly what I’m saying in different words.

[@jaredpaton2749]

Great information. Have road for 1 year so any kind of info reinforcement is greatly appreciated

[@richardmourdock2719]

Kevin, Great stuff as always. As a science guy, I'm always skeptical of such studies but think your analysis is spot on. Even with 30 of 100 in a crash and removing the 15 who were very slow speed or stopped, that means 15 out of 100 in a year is way to high to be acceptable. Not unacceptable as data, but unacceptable to those of us who ride. Keep the eyes up, keep the distance, keep practicing. One pick at the numbers though, only 366,000 miles in a year for 100 riders seems low at least by my riding habits. But that is a minor, minor point. Eyes up riders. ten seconds ahead is a minimum. Good analysis on the lack of alcohol in the riders, too.

[@remb1500]

I tend to follow a bit closer because I felt like everyone getting in front of me and then slamming on the brakes was more dangerous. People think just because you aren't right on the bumper of the car in front of you, you must be going slow so they want to pass. I'm not an expert, I'm just sharing my experiences

[@guyessmeier6113]

I am getting back to riding and being older I am being cautious. Your videos are helping me understand some of these safe practices. Maybe you can talk about "knowing your limitations" sometime during this series.

[@waynehurley1219]

Great stuff i always know whats going on behind me i look in front and know what my escape route will be which always changes and never take the bike out of gear at stop lights in case of quick exit

[@victormulange553]

Don't drink and ride very important

[@jefffeudner408]

Victor Mulange / why would you ride without a drink? Old school. ;)

[@sbiswa6547]

You're Great sir,, I'm always following your advice...👍💞

[@MCrider]

Thank you, Shekhar! Stay safe buddy.

[@davidhayden6724]

Excellent informative video Kevin. Always good "common sense" information.

[@N3PRO-Dave]

Nice study. I had four "low speed" crashes (drops). and one parking lot intersection.

[@iansimpson3193]

Great Work Kev

[@Johny40Se7en]

I don't ride that much mainly because I'm more of a dry weather rider and here in Wales it rains quite often =P Because of that, whenever I go for a ride, I always feel a bit rusty with slow speed manoeuvres so I always try and find an empty car park and just do figure of 8's and u turns for a bit to get a feel for everything again. interesting video.

[@patmurphy389]

mcrider, ty for the video....could you do a video on how or what to do when you encounter oil or slick spots on the road, gas stations ect.? Does anyone know how long it takes for the oil to wear away or leave your tires when you are riding? especially the chicken strips on your tires?

[@B235RViggen]

Hello Kevin, If I might add another positive aspect that maintaining a good following cushion does - it takes away the excuse for some drivers who are really adamant about being "ahead" (call it mild road-rage if you will). Where I live (Seattle area), I often see car drivers who just cannot & will not let anyone pass them, be near them, or pressure them. It takes just ONE hard brake-check by a car driver to ruin your day. There are enough squids on the road doing a heck of a job giving motorcyclists a bad reputation. Car drivers can't tell if you're a safe rider or a squid. Don't give them an excuse to "teach you a lesson". The timing of this video is matchless - Today is a very nice day (no rain & actually sunny), so I decided to ride to work. The type of bike I ride is often associated with the said squids, so I was extra careful. Yet, there was a car who tail-gated me, zipped past, and cut in front. I just rolled off the throttle and assumed a good position so I can see around & beyond the offending car. The car was happy to have taught me a lesson for riding with too much room up ahead, and I am typing this without a scratch on my body or bike. Yep, like water off a duck's rear end.

[@markk7437]

Great presentation, Kevin!

[@CanukWoodChuck]

Thanks Kevin another excellent video. Keep them coming!

[@PhinAI]

Great video. Thank you! (Alcohol and machinery do not and cannot mix. Equilibrium, vision, and reaction ability are all of paramount importance on a motorcycle. Drinking and driving on a bike just seems suicidal.)

[@MCrider]

"Drinking and driving on a bike just seems suicidal." ...many times it is. :(

[@andershedman1575]

Ty you are awesome greetings from sweden

[@najaziz08]

Great advice Kevin as always.

[@boseisgood]

Great video, as always. Thanks.

[@dimitarkovacev179]

Allways the best! Thank you Kevin!

[@warnersmith3987]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@all-yw2yr]

Hello Mr. Morris, just a quick comment, my younger brother just got hit by another vehicle on Superbowl Sunday, he was at a light and when the light turn green for him, he took at approximately 30 to 35 mph a vehicle coming out of a Starbucks tried to beat the traffic coming towards her and didn't see my brother, Tbone his bike and severely injured his right foot to the point that had to be amputated, eye contact and assuming that everyone can't see you I think is a tool to be alert, I've seen so many riders going at high speed and the possibility that someone might cross their path is not in their agenda, God is great he could have die. Thank you.

[@gfunk63901]

this is my biggest fear of getting a bike. You can do everything right and still can't account for a car pulling out of a parking lot and flooring it to get across the lanes of traffic to where they want/need to go.

[@all-yw2yr]

gfro6, it is scary out there but remind yourself to be alert and always focus and never think that you're invincible, and last but not least relax, be safe.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Very sad to read. Please know a total stranger to you and your brother is praying for him.

[@all-yw2yr]

Thank you Richard Mourdock, prayers are needed for his recovery.

[@reinaldostrobel81]

Great video Kevin! Very valuable information!

[@rogerpankau1350]

Great info Kevin. Thanks

[@photodan555]

Thank you for sharing! Great info!

[@bharathg8072]

Well said, thank you for these videos!

[@billwalsh6566]

Great talk Kevin Thanks

[@bikedad57]

I have a theory about cars that cut you off or fail to give proper spacing. I think it dates back to the time when the driver was in elementary school. When you had to line up for something they would have little to no space in between. Further, there was always the kid who said "no frontsies", so no one was allowed to cut in. Today, as adults, they do the same thing in cars that they did in elementary school. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.

[@aleciahopkins3189]

Great points Kevin! I took my certification course 2 weeks ago at Maverick HD and my rider coach John constantly pointed out head and eyes up! I watch so many videos of riders being aggressive or just plain stupid it makes me scream at my screen! Do they think they’re invincible?

[@edjrmorgan]

Awesome Kevin!

[@CK_Bellamy]

Thanks for your videos and take-home advices... What do you think Kevin of Air-Bag vests available for riders?

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

Thank you for sharing the study with us! I wonder if its results can be found online... It seems to be a good methodology, especially as some types of crashes may be underreported. Anyway, I find correct following distance to be a problem over here too, other drivers filling the space can be a problem too but I don't find this to be too bothersome on a bike as the opportunities to overtake are plentiful. Cars lack the acceleration and the "holes" in opposite direction traffic are much less frequent. Also, some drivers may try and make space in the lane for themselves if they cannot fit in an existing one, which can get quite dangerous. Given ample space without delays, the fools do not really act as such. ;-)

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Well said.

[@bBlaF]

I've only been riding a couple of months. Two days after MSF Basic, I headed across the state to an event, ~170 miles each way with a stretch being on some nasty interstate/US highway under construction. Learned a lot on that trip, one big thing being following distance. Did the same thing I've always done while driving on instinct, and when I thought to count it, found I was keeping a five or six second distance. Easy as can be in light traffic, even on high-speed roads. Got into much heavier traffic where they were adding lanes and stuck to that distance. Sure, people decided they wanted in that nice cushion I'd made. I just slowed down for a few seconds until I had another one. Sure, I ticked off the people behind me who all wanted to speed. I just care more about guarding against actual injury than their hurt feelings. Excuse is exactly the word for it. Safety requires diligence, and diligence requires the expense of some effort. I'm always sad to see how many would rather save that effort than recognize the risk that it counteracts.

[@gfunk63901]

that's amazing that you stepped right up and jumped into a long distance, traffic ride. I was contemplating buying a bike and starting off slow by driving at the beach in the off season and/or early morning. Glad to hear all went well for you without incidences.

[@bBlaF]

If all of that is still future tense for you, listen to Kevin, take the MSF Course, all that. The course can come before you buy a bike, might give you a better idea of the feel of what you're looking for. I did hideous amounts of research first, and that's the only reason I found such a good fit in my CB500X.

[@purplecat957]

Great advice

[@gmike912]

Good point on the alcohol call!

[@Potatohead55]

Thanks Kevin great video

[@MCrider]

Thank you

[@TheMikhunterrauha]

G'Day Kevin, I like your videos, and even though I have ridden road for about 31years, then dirt 4 years before that, and last dirt bike crash a few years back as the jump I did and the tree I hit got the better of me, so Ive given the dirt away. Even from all my experience on dirt, sport bikes, currently a Honda CBR 1100XX , and cruisers, a 1970 Shovel, Victory Highball, and an Indian Darkhorse I still pick up on tips you give that can be very handy to keep bettering my rider skills. I've learnt the always look where you are going for many years, but "really" turning my head you have taught me has increased my U Turns by an extra lane. I came across a video last week and thought I would share, and would like to know you or anyone else's opinion on this particular type of U Turn, as it throws out everything I have ever picked up on riding skills. I don't know how to post a link but the video is called (How to do a short turn in Motorcycle: the Japanese's) made by AntiPiloteDeLigneDroite.. That will lead you to more links on working this particular U Turn. I have given it a few goes but no luck yet. I may need to borrow a little cb125cc as the lighter bike may give me a better chance at this manuveur. Keep on making those videos mate, your voice is very relaxing.

[@GaryHorn]

Preach it, brother!

[@MrJulianbowden]

Everytime I watch your videos I'm to scared to take my bike out lol.

[@MCrider]

Don't be scared...just prepared. :)

[@markhenry192]

Me too, one of the reasons i am reluctant to watch MCrider these days!

[@C...G...]

MCrider good catchphrase!

[@N3PRO-Dave]

Spend enough time on KZbin watching any videos you'd be scared to do anything. At least Kevin attempts to teach how to prevent and learn.

[@MCAdventurerHD131]

I watch your videos then immediately go for a ride! You preach common sense. Great videos. Thank you.

[@chapterk-2586]

Great video

[@originalbillyspeed1]

Yes! Another video!

[@tonypybus8003]

Great life saver Video again. Very interesting study. I am surprised with the low figures especially given the mileage done by the sample. I expect if the test was done in the UK South East they would be a lot higher due to the volume of traffic. It is not unusual for me to have two or three near misses each time I go out. What I call a near miss is a car pulling out close enough for me to brake heavily. Your point about following distance is also a good one. I know I have said this before but an easy way to judge the 2 second rule is to pick a point where the vehicle you are follow is passing say "only a fool breaks the two second rule" - it takes 2 seconds to say that. If you pass the point before you complete the phrase you are too close. As for riding in slow traffic in cities a simple way is to ensure you can see tarmac and the rear tires of the vehicle you are following. Question: Do have any suggestion as to why accidents in curves occur more going to the right? Also do you believe if the study was done in the UK where we ride on the left they would be going to the left. Thanks again for all you teach - Keep on Riding!!

[@esa062]

Following distance is important with any vehicle, but on motorcycle you need to also realize, that you don't follow in the same tracks as the car in front of you. There may be a hole in the asphalt, a fallen log or a dead cat right in the middle of the lane, and the car in front of you can safely drive over it, with wheels passing from both sides, but your wheels ride in the middle. If you follow 1 second behind the car, there is nothing you can do, you will hit it. If you are 3 seconds behind, you have 2 seconds to avoid it, after your brain has processed the situation and sent instructions to your muscles. Because that takes a whole second, even though you think that you react immediately. And you need that 2 seconds too, because it takes time for the bike to turn.

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Great info

[@bentilley8947]

Very very interesting , I would learn most from the 'story' of an accident/ near miss - and seeing it - if only you could track down the vids - Ps - Top respect for channel Shine On Kevin

[@garthhowe297]

When I start following too closely, I repeat to myself a line from the Stephen King Firestarter movie ... "Back Off ... Back Off!". It is hard to leave that gap in traffic, but it will save you a world of trouble.

[@combatkiller7881]

Hi MCRider, Could you provide a link on where you got this info from the Virgina Tech. I live in Australia, so im not sure on where exactly to look or search for it. Thanks. PS. i would like to read this report/article for myself.

[@fares44441]

the skill of looking down ahead of a road is very difficult to develop. There are many cars a rider has to keep an eye on. If one rides daily, eventually he/she will stop doing that. The only technology that we truly need as riders is V2V and we are still far away from getting that on commercial vehicles.

[@victormulange553]

Hi that's true I love your videos

[@noelespirtu8165]

can you speak on the death wobble

[@markreed6238]

Good video

[@clarenceswope8123]

Thank you and my theory and it was preached to me for many many years and that is a good offense is a good Defence because without a good defensive Drive your chances of making it back home are Limited but I learned a lot from watching these videos thank you again for putting these videos together

[@jefffeudner408]

Right..motors that run on alcohol or nitrous methane . top fuel are very dangerous....a shot of Nitro doesn't hurt. Beer? My bike doesn't run well on Budwieser. I am confused..;)

[@ajs622]

Following distance it a huge deal even in a car. People are in just to big of a hurry and don't think twice about safety. Yes people will fill gaps, and when you slow down to make another one it too will get filled in time. We are the one responsible for our own safety. So give yourself more time to get somewhere don't be in such a hurry keep your space cushion and live to ride another day.

[@jered2177]

Good job kevin