3 Rookie Mistakes To AVOID In The City

[@MotoJitsu]

Use your brain before your skill!! However, have the skill to deal with anything you may come across on the street. Take more formal, in-person training and practice, experiment and play around....this is supposed to be fun ya know. MotoJitsu.com

[@philh1826]

Ever hold classes in Vegas?

[@marcustaylor3528]

Shit still happens even to the best of us, can’t control the actions or thoughts of others….

[@jacekstudzinski6704]

Seriously, you read my brain... Just got a 125ccm, but you can NEVER acquire too much skill or wisdom, massive respect

[@salahad-din4114]

The amount of riders I see stopped a bike length behind a car still astounds me. I think it's because their car brain is still engaged. Car length behind and off to one side should be a lesson

[@NoNegotiations]

Brain? what's that.

[@1samc]

_”You always have to anticipate stupid, because stupid is everywhere.”_ Spoken like a true philosopher.

[@Footwearquality]

Pretty rich coming from a guy who consistently pronounces "escape" as "ekscape."

[@anthonykelley41]

What's crazy is that I read this comment at the same time he said that 🤯.

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

Like my old driving instructor used to say, "Assume everyone else on the road is an idiot". That rule has saved me more than once.

[@lahyessam9725]

​@@Footwearqualityhe must of had that SUV made by Ford the Ford Ekscape .😂

[@KristianKumpula]

The other road users are probably trying to figure out what you're trying to communicate with all your hand gestures when you're recording a video.

[@Aiken47]

I’d be surprised if they even see him

[@Ace_of_spades600]

@@Rotor-Sims literally bro. I have to stare at cars whenever I pass junctions to make sure they’ve seen me🤦👍

[@Ace_of_spades600]

@@Rotor-Sims delusional drivers. I understand a lot of riders like to try and kill themself on the road. But the few that follow the rules on public roads still end up in stupid accidents which was 9/10 caused by the drivers incompetence

[@joel8034]

I've thought that about tons of m/c videos. Like watching someone air drumming or dancing while driving.

[@carsoncarter514]

I’m thinking the same thing😂

[@chrislaws4785]

Man, i JUST bought my first real motorcycle, a 2023 Honda Rebel, and i have been binge watching all your videos. I have already started to practice the things you talk about such as lane position, keeping the bike in gear while stopped, learning to take off from a stop quickly and other things that i am starting to just make a habit out of from the start. So thank you for all you videos man, you've been an AMAZING help to me and just helped me feel more comfortable AND SAFE while on the roads.

[@swimsinlava]

im about to buy the exact same bike and im binge watching his videos and learning the same :) im pretty nervous but feeling better after these videos.

[@enrique967]

Where do you all live and, hence, ride?

[@swimsinlava]

@@enrique967 CAli, Sacramento

[@rucurious]

just completed my safety course and received my certificate. about to get the Rebel soon. good choice!

[@zoomzoomcat]

how is your practicing going @chrislaws4785 ?have you ever experienced any accident so far? im thinking to buy a 250cc yamaha mt 2023 series for starting bike.

[@adventuretimemoto]

"if you are worried about saving money, you wouldn't have a bike to begin with" No truer words have ever been spoken

[@jenkins1281]

I've been riding for 3 years now and I've practiced most of your tips and tricks the entire time. I've avoided countless dangerous encounters bc of your videos. Just wanted to thank you. Just bought a 2022 mt07, bc I mainly ride in the city. I also see that you've purchased one as well. Great bike and I'm still learning. Keep up the dope videos.

[@davegutierrez3670]

Ya keep learning for ever

[@triyo1089]

Just got one as well nice ass bike man

[@josephstahl3137]

As a new rider i can confirm that my left hand is indeed too weak to hold the clutch for 4 minute stop lights. I need to rest it. At least once the vehical behind me is completely stopped.

[@PeeFunk2008]

I live in the country in Michigan and had the rare opportunity to go for a winter ride two weeks ago. I practiced panic breaking after my tires warmed up and then tight u-turns in a church parking lot. No more then 5 min down the road I come up over a hill and see 5 deer running from the field onto the road right in front. I was able to check my six, position myself towards the side of the road and stop with 15 feet to spare. I only have around 8,ooo miles down in two years so I wouldn't say I'm an expert but I've had some close calls with animals in the past including turkey and dogs already. Always expect everything and Shut Up and Practice!

[@Bilbus7]

I'm in MI too and deer and animals especially at night are what scare me most.

[@camachopaul7]

The problem with staying far left or right is …..drivers do not know what you are doing or why and they pull up right next to you and take up the rest of your lane . I have had this happen to me multiple times and road rage is not my thing .

[@Boxer1250RT]

So true. It happened to me just a few days ago as a car pulled to my right only a few inches from me. We cannot really expect Car Driver's to know Motorcycle rules.

[@Andytheevien]

​@@Boxer1250RT unless you have/hold both a driver's and rider's licence. Like myself.

[@boggs4896]

You don’t need to be to the extreme left or right, just enough to give you a straight shot out at an angle. Leaving more room to the car in front of you also reduces how far to either side you need to be.

[@axiss5840]

Then they're breaking a law.

[@marcustaylor3528]

Really? Every time that happens to me, I look at it as my own little personal lane 😂 and just wave like “have fun in traffic”

[@Rettequetette]

"Cover your controls", he says, gesturing with both hands off the handlebar 😂

[@LordVader.66]

As a truck driver, I f'n hate when riders ride next to my tires. The pressure of a blown tire can push a car around. The cap weighs like 50lbs. I blow a tire next to a rider and it will be a bad f'n day

[@kendavis1593]

Clutches in a fluid “bath” take indefinite amounts of time to go bad. Especially when considering the horsepower you’re generally applying. Clutch cable, maybe. But wearing out a new age “wet clutch”, nah…. Good points all around. Keep up the great content 🤙🏻

[@reigndown]

Hi, I just passed my written exam for my Class M License and there were many questions that pertained to which part of the lane you should be in when coming to a stop, being passed by another vehicle, coming up into a turn lane, etc. The answers were all to stay in the center of the lane to discourage car drivers from trying to share your lane or squeeze in-between you and the car beside you, and it was the same in the training courses. But every motorcycle video I see like this says to NOT stay in the center and to be on one side or the other. I see the reasoning behind both, and I think context matters for lane positioning, but I find it confusing as a new rider that the road manual and written exam says to do one thing but a bunch of experienced riders say to do the opposite.

[@reigndown]

The reason I bring this up is maybe that's why you see so many new riders sitting in the center, because that's what they've been trained by the book to do. Maybe they train differently there though, I'm in USA, MA

[@oldgeezerproductions]

For years now I've come to a stop directly behind the vehicle ahead in the center of my land for the very reasons you mentioned. Having said that, I always stay back far enough so I'm never trapped and can instantly move forward to an escape path. In all the decades I've ridden, I have yet to have to make an emergency escape, but I'm ready AND I don't let anybody squeeze in beside me. Come to think of it, maybe somebody squeezed in beside me would offer me a lot of protection and take the brunt of a rear-ender.

[@ChristopherT_]

@@reigndown PA here and this question is on our permit test as well

[@Innerexpansion]

@DoubleYouSeeNah This is it right here. The USA is not friendly to motorcycles with the laws in most states, and put riders at risk constantly with how they tell us to ride and what is legal for us to do. Not saying we need to fully ignore the laws of course, but there are some that make no sense and put riders at risk. That is where we see the discrepancy between experienced riders and what is taught in the state courses.

[@addybugz5447]

MSF in Canada says what motojitsu says with adding its a wet clutch not a dry like a car. Ride the clutch! But they don't let you cover controls for the tests which is not cool when at intersections etc. Cover your controls! Unless your being tested 😊

[@dIsAstErTR]

Counter argument to "saving fuel" on 2:45, trying to save gas actually teaches a lot, safe intrinsically and fun to try and beat your own records constantly.

[@southernknight9983]

I actually learned to do the opposite from what you are trying to explain. There is really nothing wrong with doing this, because you want the driver of the car in front of you to see that you are there. If you are off to the side like that, you are not in view of his rear view mirror and he may think that no one is there. So he decides to back up to make an extreme turn(This happened to me) such as taking a short cut through a store lot to bypass traffic. If that driver does not see you in his mirror, he may not bother looking anywhere else and side mirrors have blind spots and guess what? You're in it! Stay in the center, so he can see you! If you are afraid of getting sandwiched between cars(not likely) just keep your distance from the car in front of you and if you happen to see a car speeding up behind you, you can react and clear the car in front of you. As for me, I enjoy putting the bike in neutral and relaxing my hands. Another cause of accidents? Fatigue! While I am sure it happens, getting hit from behind is not likely and if it does, the car should already be in its stopping point and the impact will not kill you. Granted, if their brakes went out, then oh well. Shit happens. Bottom line though, each of the 3 riding lanes within a lane has it's advantages and disadvantages. Experience will tell you when to be in which lane. The most important thing to do, is be aware of your surroundings and consider all that could happen. Even consider the unexpected.

[@81banga]

Yeah it's a bit of a catch 22 that one. Many years ago i began doing what is taught in this video. To me the threat from behind is greater than someone abruptly reversing. But you never know ay.

[@juanesteban8938]

He can still see you on the side mirrors.

[@southernknight9983]

@@juanesteban8938 The chances of that are greatly reduced. Side mirrors have blind spots and not as effective, as I said in my OP. This is mostly effective with semi-trucks, that depend on their over sized side mirrors, than a rear view mirror, which they tend to have none. Cheers!

[@Tinker3504]

Although I agree with everything in this video, I’m just commenting about the neutral at a stop thing. If there is a stack of cars behind me stopped, I accept the risk of putting my bike in neutral and “relaxing”. Even if it’s just for 30 seconds. Let’s me change to the next song, check the phone GPS, check notifications(I didn’t say text, I said check the notifications). Right/wrong, eh. Calculated risk.

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

No worries, it's stupid advice anyway.

[@johnswanson3741]

I do the same

[@pauliesk.7102]

Great video and sound advice: as ever. But for those of us riding in traffic in the far more densely populated UK & European cities, much of this isn't feasible. I often/usually have to stop dead-centre behind cars as there's traffic flying past you one side, and towards you the other with hardly room to get a cigarette paper through, let alone plan an escape route. I mean, three vehicles at a traffic light?!!? I only see that maybe 5.00 am Sunday morning!!

[@chris2790]

People that worry about wearing out the clutch by staying in gear while stopped are wearing out their shifting mechanism by shifting into neutral all the time.🤣

[@jutjub22]

haha yes, going to neutral and back to first, you are pressing clutch twice,

[@countrychola7735]

Hi! Just got my permit and started doing my research for new riders and came across ur videos! They are so helpful!!! Thank you sharing ur knowledge and experience!!!! Mad respect for u homie!!!❤❤😊

[@coilstreeservice9398]

I tell you what, I always ride on the left side of my lane (almost where I would be driving a car) and it's saved me many times from dogs running out, deer and even cars pulling out from the right! Excellent video my Brother 💯 Thanks for what you do!!!

[@sherwingarcia88]

The clutch explanation is spot on. I'd rather wear it down and replace it than buy a new motorcycle or worst pay hospital bills.

[@scootervixen]

Tough love. I’m sure some people felt attacked but I completely agree with your tips. I like that you Just cut through the BS. I’ve been riding 5 yrs and Made me want to go practice 😊

[@nic_red02]

Really appreciate you and your channel. Just changed jobs so need to travel into the city on one of the busiest roads in Perth, Australia 🇦🇺. I've been riding for a long time but all I can say is since I'm following you watching your posts my awareness increased always ready for what may happen, so thank you. About to start practicing stops, swerves and tight turns. Cheers to you!

[@scottfindlay2588]

In Perth too, loving these vids and they are giving me a lot of confidence and also happy to find that a lot of my usual habits are what he is suggesting

[@nic_red02]

@@scottfindlay2588 Cheers Scott, yeah I'm finding the same but this morning came across a guy with no riding gear on again and doing no checks. Stupid is what stupid does mate!

[@scottfindlay2588]

@@nic_red02 yeh mate the singlet and short riders are everywhere. Literally makes my skin crawl at the thought of hitting the road with no gear on. May as well grab a cheese grater and scrub it up and down your leg

[@nic_red02]

@@scottfindlay2588Yeah Nah no cheese grater for me thanks. Hehe. Had such a good ride home today amidst the busy roads. Have super long weekend Scott.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Thank you for all this great content. Let’s see your riding gear. I’ve ridden for over 30 years and never had an accident bc of the things you teach.

[@subeg]

Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🏍️ Common City Riding Mistakes - Avoid stopping directly behind a car in the middle. - Leave an escape path by positioning to the left or right. - Parking directly behind a vehicle can lead to dangerous situations. 01:11 🏍️ Keeping the Bike in Gear - Keeping the bike in gear provides a quicker escape route in emergencies. - Arguments against this practice are often based on misconceptions. - Prioritize safety over potential minor wear on the clutch. 04:42 🏍️ Vigilance at Intersections - Riders should not assume that everyone will follow traffic laws. - Always cover controls and look both ways when approaching intersections. - Anticipate unpredictable actions of other road users. 06:13 🏍️ Situation Awareness at Stoplights - Maintain readiness at stoplights by keeping the bike in gear. - Avoid complacency and be prepared to react swiftly. - Always pay attention to changing traffic signals and movements. 08:07 🏍️ Avoiding Blind Spots and Improving Judgment - Riders should position themselves to avoid blind spots and potential hazards. - Good judgment and skill are both essential for safe riding. - Regular practice and ongoing improvement are crucial for a well-rounded rider.

[@Newtopcgaming23]

Love your channel! Can’t wait to get my first bike. Keep up the great content.

[@bkjamison73]

Sorry but at long lights i like to put it in NUETRAL and let off the clutch Not because my hands are weak but because if traffic behind me is stopped and ive been there FOREVER i like to sit up.

[@Robofan001]

That's great advice! I'm getting my license soon and looking forward to getting on the road. Keep those great tips coming.

[@SlowRiderDucati]

I just finished a 3 day CHP motorcycle training course and I learned a lot of skills. Keep up these great videos.

[@tylerx8848]

Thank you Motojitsu! Been watching you for a while and finally started my motorcycle saftey course and I did great thanks to your educational videos and it was my first time on a bike! I finish the course tomorrow! I'm out in Camarillo and am so stoked to evetually cruise san diego!

[@michaeldeliyanis3716]

Thank you for giving me the facts on - 1st gear clutch in - vs - neutral - at stop lights. I always wanted to know that. And for the other pointers in this video. 👍

[@alexking2296]

some lights are 3-4 mins, i aint holding the clutch for that long

[@garyperkins6354]

I absolutely love how judge mental you are the great part about it is that you're absolutely right I never understood the keeping your bike in neutral at a light I am with you. It absolutely makes no sense at all and yes, intersections are the worst. I look at it like everyone's trying to kill me. Everyone's on the phone nobody's paying attention this video you put up great information hopefully people pay attention go out and practice. Learn how to use the motorcycle not just ride but learn how to use the motorcycle keep putting out the videos brother I love it.

[@shift3389]

I’m just getting back into motorcycling after 8 years off. This channel has been incredible help. Keep these videos going and the test drives you do are awesome but please don’t hesitate to bring up both the bad and good. I can’t stand KZbin channels where every motorcycle they test ride is perfect and awesome.

[@marksmallman4572]

Holding the clutch in doesn't wear out the clutch, the plates aren't in contact.

[@ReginaldWallace-qf4lr]

Driving a car around Pacific Beach never looked like this to me before, thanks for the motorcycle safety wisdom and encouragement to ride in this city.

[@Mr7Poz]

I have been rear ended on a scooter, so I always look back and stay in first gear. I understand that the idea is to avoid being boxed in, but often you don't have a choice. Left car is going left, Right car is going right, and you are going straight.

[@Guzzlerm3]

Love your videos I recently started riding again after many years out of the game been practicing braking again just to refresh my brain I drive big rigs for a living and all the stuff I see on a daily basis is crazy how people just don't pay attention anymore alot of the skills I put in practice while driving the truck helped tremendously I git a bmw s1000r myself love the bike and all the technology keep up the good videos

[@markdbentz]

Being rear ended at a stop is pretty unlikely. Left turn accidents are the most common, when a motorcyclist is struck by another vehicle turning left, usually at an intersection, corner, or stop sign.

[@dcccharles4569]

Although unlikely would you bet your life on it? Always assume potential risks as possibly becoming REAL!

[@06ridyn]

Riding down the road two tires blow off a truck and head right at me and my bike on the other side of the street. I got out of the way just on time. These tires were for a semi. You never know what shit will come your way. Randomly. Being prepared and always vigilant will help.

[@boostlee5236]

What I like to do at stop lights is pump my brakes to make them flash if someone is coming up from behind

[@zer08927]

Pacific Beach 🤘🏽 Yes, these rules MUST be applied when riding there, especially in the summer months! My office is offof Olney Street. Stay safe!

[@jnorm0075]

Lane splitting is illegal in all states in New england. I will never get used to watching someone else do it while talking "safety" lol Sorry but I could absolutely rail about how unsafe lane splitting is. Talk about trusting cars. I wouldn't do it legal or not. I understand in some states (and countries) with alot of bikes it could cause traffic. So they let it go. Some states have no helmet law. Does that mean it's safe there? It's dumb logic. All it takes is one car not realizing your lane splitting to move over 6 inches and your flying. I will gladly wait my turn in traffic.

[@TheAngryMarshmallow]

Thanks to your channel, I don't do either of these. I'm glad I found your channel when I started riding. And I live in New Orleans, the most dangerous city for motorcycles in the US. My motorcycle is my only mode of transportation because I don't have a lot of money. And New Orleans drivers are completely of the mindset of "Never Let em Guess your next move. " LOL I have ridden 700 miles so far and plan to take the intermediate course later this year. 🤠

[@adrien_iller]

Love your thorough explanations. The repetition really helps drive home your points. You're a skilled teacher.

[@KevinDurette]

One of the most eye-opening things about my motorcycle class was how a wet clutch has very different needs than a dry clutch. I was always told to not ride the clutch when being taught to drive a car, but that advice is irrelevant for a motorcycle.

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼

[@2WheeledCoconut]

Same!! Passed my CBT 5days ago…and one of the hardest things to get my head around was using / ‘riding’ the clutch ….that and slow speed turns ….since passing I’ve been out 3 times (first time was a 16mile ride in the dark in the city after picking up my bike - VanVan125)…and I’ve only stalled the bike twice. I’ve also figured out not needing to pull the clutch leaver all the way in so when riding it’s just a tiny pull and then shift. So much muscle memory to build and lessons to learn…but damn I love riding….just wish I hadn’t left it so long!! (47yrs old) ….who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks 😂😂😂

[@ZX6RIDER541]

I love the way this guy expresses his riding skills like a martial artist, thanks for making me a better rider.

[@sammorris1452]

Good tips to know out there my friend. But i do like to sit in neutral at stoplights so i can relax a little. If i was worried about getting sandwiched i wouldn’t be out there at all

[@Draecko]

It takes more time to find neutral at a stoplight than for the light to turn green 😂 Also my bike is going on 16 years with the original clutch and I never put it in neutral at the lights, so the wear theory is complete BS.

[@crazytydoo]

offense and defense baby. Thanks so much for this, these videos are really helping prep me for my upcoming safety course and riding in general!

[@MotoJitsu]

Glad they help :)

[@lIlIllIlIllIlllIllIIIIIIIIIlII]

9:55 when you get to these stop signs, are you constantly having to shift down to 1 or something? Like I was taught to downshift Sometimes I'm in 2 I'm talking about like 400-650 cc bikes if that helps

[@MotoJitsu]

Obviously be in 1st gear before you stop, on any bike, always

[@CLLUK]

Excellent, great advice. I always try and stop behind and to the right (UK) where they can see me via the drivers side mirror. (Sometimes drivers load up the rear with luggage/stuff and obstruct the drivers central rear view mirror) Thanks again.

[@OldGuyAdventure]

A bike has a wet clutch and is designed to be in gear with the clutch engaged. From the course I took they said to never drive down the centre when coming to a stop because cars leak in that zone, and also place your bike in a place where you can escape. They also recommended doing shoulder checks for cars behind because so many people here do not pay attention and rear end you. Some people stop with the clutch in and do not show they have the brake on, thus the guy behind you thinks you are moving. Always be aware of your surrounds because cars will take the opportunity to get around you. I was told I needed to ride like I am indivisible to everyone else, because I am. A big thing is blind spots, see that with scooters all the time and then they get mad when the car moves into them. There is no formal training course for scooters and a kid at age 14 can get a scooter and ride on the road.

[@ktownkanak808]

I also see lots of people on electric bikes thinking they're a motorcycle, with no lights, and/or turn signals, riding through traffic with no regards to safety. Very dangerous stuff. 🤦‍♂️

[@davidaddis941]

I ride a CB500X in Vietnam and your advice makes perfect sense. There are plenty of people riding and driving here who do the stupidest things.

[@Jimmijams93]

I visited Vietnam and i was terrified when I rented a scooter 😂

[@centralcoastcruiser2084]

Scary incident. I pulled behind a car making a right hand turn in an intersection and a kid started to walk on the cross walk so the driver put his car in reverse and back up maybe 5 ft or so. Luckily I had about an 8-10 ft space otherwise he would of backed into me.

[@chrisdee1674]

Another argument for not parking directly behind a car is that cars tend to lose oil or whatever in the middle. Driving more to the left or right makes it easier to avoid such hazards.

[@peterlaws1653]

your vids are great Moto, we really need revision at regular intervals, driving and riding it keeps things in front of mind

[@masonmax1000]

remember people bikes are replaceable you are NOT. if theirs one thing aviation has taught me that I can tall y'all its is exactly what he said at 8:30, superior judgment trumps superior skills bc superior judgment allows you to NOT have to USE those superior skills.

[@bluezsb]

This stuff is so true. And it seems so obvious to me. Even when i'm in a car the 2nd and 3rd ones you talk about I do that. I think the issue is the mentality of people thinking it won't happen to them. Wrong way to think.

[@apeshitzz8326]

this is SOOO helpful my brotha……i drive commercially for a living, and I swear THOSE are THE EXACT SAME SAFTY principles we are taught👍🏿👌🏿👏🏿👏🏿👊🏿 …….EXCELLENT!!!!!!

[@joshbartos6302]

Stopping off to the side!! That definitely saved my skin and bike lady blew through the intersection that I stopped at for emergency vehicles. She kept going while I was off centered at the light.

[@RacerWild1974]

Sometimes things just go beyond your control. October 2022, I was lane splitting and running around 37mph. As I was passing a full-sized 4X4 (during rush hour traffic) and coming to the drivers door to front fender of the truck, a car shot across changing lanes and I unfortunately could not stop in time. Blanked out and woke up on the ground having to be transported to the hospital where I stayed for about 2 weeks. I am all for keeping an eye out and riding defensibly of course, but the way this guy changed lanes,,,, he didn't even maneuver his vehicle to a spot where he might spot me and I hope that I would have then been able to spot him and slow down. I watch and applaud all Motojitsu videos for learning more and riding better, but there is always an "X" factor to the ride.

[@chaps203]

As a new rider in CA I’m asking to learn, do you feel like 37mph in rush hour traffic is a safe speed to lane split?

[@chaps203]

Hope all is well too

[@trishschofield7808]

Good information video. Man, San Diego streets have gotten really bad, cracks, potholes. 😮

[@FL-PHILLIP]

Great video and advice. I really learned a lot. I do need to practice more but im also a naturally defensive driver as im a cyclist as well. Btw, what motorcycle were you riding?

[@MotoJitsu]

701 SM

[@Imakshaykapoor]

I'm from India. This video is helpful for me because when you ride in India you have to be careful. there are rules but people don't follow in INDIA people do whatever they want to do on roads. So you have to be careful when you ride. By the way I love motojitsu.

[@siberianskip]

8:35 "Anticipate stupid". Well said. On the road, it's important to assume everyone is incompetent.

[@donthomason9232]

Thinking ahead, saved my life last weekend. Little voice in my head was ... motoj. Stupid IS everyware. Some times it's between my ears. Thank You.

[@salcipres8556]

Great video and commentary wrt how to stay alert, focused, and defensive when riding and ready to use the skills and tools you have at any time. If you aren't anticipating your next move continuously while also watching what is happening around you, you are at risk of being a casualty. There is so much to motorcycle riding that many people don't understand. It's inherently risky but you can reduce the probability of a mishap if you are informed and confident in your riding ability. It doesn't take the fun of riding, it actually enhances it because riding this way becomes part of your DNA (e.g. always on guard, ready, and positioning yourself to reduce the risk of a mishap). I've been riding since I was 16 and I'm now 61. My first bike was a new 1980 Kawasaki KZ650. I couldn't even ride it home as I had never rode a motorcycle. I went to the mountains (SoCal) every day and slowly but surely learned to ride the bike and gain confidence with practice. I know ride a 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS (50th Anniversary Edition) and a 2012 BMW K1600 GTL (two up with my wife most of the time). Stay aware and have fun out there!

[@Laggie74]

"get loud pipes" is their answer to everything. 😂

[@johnswanson3741]

Loud pipes saves lives!!

[@kevinkingsley9353]

Excellent advice. 100% spot on.

[@ericratza5353]

8:23... I got hit at that intersection taking a left turn, by a German tourist who was talking to his passenger, and blew the stop sign. Luckily I had the awareness, saw that he wasn't paying attention, hit my brakes and was able to pull my bike backwards enough that he hit my front rim, and I never dropped the bike ( bent my rim and forks). He blew out his front tire, and had to pull off to the curb. (literally looked into his eyes and saw he wasn't going to stop)( that is also why I hate tinted windows when the cabin is so dark, you can't see the driver).

[@Chrisdacowboy]

I thought maybe i was being over paranoid thinking about all this stuff. I feel better now after watching this video, id rather not crash lol

[@Agape11]

Thank you for your knowledge and willingness to share! I have to say your communication skills are awesome! You don’t stutter and you don’t use filler words like, ahhh,ummmm. And your microphone is also very clear with no wind interference. Great job all the way around. 👍

[@alastairtheduke]

Being a good rider, doesn't really have a good definition that everyone agrees on. Is it fast? Do you take corners well? Chicken strips? I think what he's talking about is being a safe rider. Safe rider, doesn't have to mean slow rider, but it does mean you don't have accidents and you have a low rate of close calls. These tips have saved my ass more at least once, especially the practicing swerves and emergency breaking

[@hectorohh]

Yeah that happened with me, I was heading home after work going up a hill and there was this large SUV in front of me so I tried to stay far behind them. I was riding my Grom home from work because its a 8 mile round trip and cheers to 110MPG, anyways, there was a car I could see down he road that was going to make a left (his left my right). I tried to get very left and very right and slowed down because I just knew this person was going to gas it after the suv in front of me passed him and of course they did. I was ready, and it was not a problem because I expected stupid. Works great every time!

[@izzaelofficial6103]

Are those mirrors road legal? just asking because I want that on my bike as well.

[@johnmedford7200]

Thx amigo......I'm in the Philippines and it's not a matter "if" but "when".....I follow these rules

[@erwinerwin1245]

One thing I would also do when stopped behind a vehicle like that black truck is to pump your brakes when you see a car coming as this flashing light may alert them also if for some reason they focused on the black truck. Kind of like having to hang a red flag on a piece of lumber hanging out the end of the trunk by a few feet..

[@makuzaki]

Hi @MotoJitsu. I'm a first time bike rider and your videos helped me a lot. Just wanted to ask. What did you mean by keeping your bike in gear while waiting on the lights or intersection? Like keep it in 1st gear while waiting or put the gear in neutral but keep the clutch in?

[@MotoJitsu]

yes, keep it in 1st at lights.

[@dpeabodyjr]

At the intersections or anywhere else . Never think people are paying attention to what is going on. When riding a motorcycle, you have to pay attention to everything you can see in your field of view (and as you mentioned, don’t forget about what’s behind you) because you have to think nobody else does the same. Rocks in the road, deer or any other animal, tree branches down, sand, oil slicks, leaves, garbage, landscapers or anybody else parked in stupid places, emergency vehicles and even cops taking radar, just to start. Cops are cops and they will follow you if you encourage them to. All the other things you can deal with in a car but when you encounter them on a motorcycle they can be far more problematic. I appreciate the knowledge motojitsu. Thanks.

[@Velocity1313]

Одно из лучших видео на ютуб! Добрый день! Благодарю вас за вашу работу, благодаря которой многие мотоциклисты смогут более безопасно ездить по дорогам каждый день. Здоровья вам и вашей семье! Удачи и берегите себя!🙏 One of the best videos on KZbin! Good afternoon! Thank you for your work, thanks to which many motorcyclists will be able to ride more safely on the roads every day. Health to you and your family! Good luck and take care of yourself!🙏

[@dknollRX7]

I sometimes put my bike in neutral at stop lights. I mainly only do it after long periods of riding, but it’s because my hands/wrists need a break from riding a super sport on the street for extended periods of time….nothing to do with clutch wear.

[@Mattyv_]

bro had a bad day making this video lol

[@kimberly3234]

Thanks for emphasizing this, so many bikers are oblivious, Im always in look for stupid mode.

[@tommylogan6600]

When you referenced martial arts you got my attention. I practice tight turns and some swerving but im the only one i know who douse. I belive in practicing. Ill check out more of youre videos

[@oldgeezerproductions]

With the clutch pulled in the springs that apply pressure to the clutch disks are compressed and the rotational energy of the crankshaft can not be transferred to the rest of the drive train. Motorcycles don't have a traditional Throw-out Bearing, just a long rod that pushes against the spring carrier to compress the springs and so there is little or no friction. Clutch plates bathed in oil that are not under compression by the springs can not heat or wear because there is essentially no friction between clutch plates. The only downside of holding in the clutch is the strain on the clutch cable and they will break (usually at the lever end) and I have had this happen to me more than once in my riding career. A clutch cable braking while being held in will cause your bike to lurch forward and you may end up dropping the bike (if you're lucky) or you may wheelie right into traffic if you've been revving the engine. One other thing, replacing clutch plates is surprisingly easy to do and cheap for most bikes (usually less than $200) but I don't know about BMW's or KTM's.

[@cancebecioglu1130]

I deeply appreciate all of your advices. All of them make sense. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@MotoJitsu]

welcome instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@tjey379]

Thanks, I am experiencing pain because about 4cweeks ago I let down my guard for just a second or two and that stupid that you are talking about got me. So yes people always expect stupid, it is always the first time when an accident happens.

[@matthewparfitt9029]

In the Uk we are taught to stay in the middle of the lane to avoid cars trying to take up your space and reducing the risk of an accident. If you leave enough space staying in the centre gives you more escape paths no? New to riding so would be good to know 👍

[@MotoJitsu]

They teach you that? Sounds like a dumb thing to teach people. Good thing there's more to learn beyond where you live, thank god for books, courses, videos!

[@Eastsussexbiker]

In the UK our advanced training encourages riders to select N as if his from behind you will roll back over the seat and rev the engine and release clutch sending bike forward so its and bit controversial.

[@budredden818]

Great advice and curious where you are riding in this video I like the scenery.

[@jeffk3929]

Intersections yes...super dangerous. Always be aware 100% ALL OF THE TIME

[@whiskeyshots]

Re: stopping behind cars. I agree and always stop to the side, but please pay attention and watch the lights of the car in front of you while you're sitting there. If a driver needs to back up, they will check their rear view mirror to see if a car is behind them, not their side mirrors. If you're over to the side, you won't be visible in the rear view mirror.

[@pearsehall1049]

Really good advice particularly in this world of tech where car drives spend so much time texting when driving.

[@frallinger]

About 7 and something minutes. ANTICIPATION! I'm a pro driver - I run a sprinter van for a living. AND I ride a bike to work and back again. AND I was an asshole courier/bicycle stunt moron for years before now. If I come off as a person with a beef - IT'S BECAUSE I HAVE A BEEF! The beef being - you have the right of way, sure. I, on the other hand, have limited dead angle visibility and four metric tons of blue-painted truck with fucking turn signals on. Who's coming out on top? My dear departed stepdad gave me this nugget, as he was teaching me how to drive - "Always assume that everyone else in traffic is a COMPLETE MORON!". And this is how I ride. 30 odd years of driving and less than 6 months riding. Two fenderbenders and two "gotta lay her down" on the bike. I blame the last two on the weather. Try riding in wet snow and see how well you do... So, ground rules for motorcycling 1) head on a swivel Be aware. Somewhere between yellow and orange, in Colonel Cooper's terms. 2) pass dump trucks and big rigs at light speed - the last thing you want is a piece of concrete in the noggin. Or a tired truck driver changing lanes all of a sudden 3) keep your distance - three seconds at least, between you and the moron in front of you 4) practice on how to STOP - as in >clutch in >ass back >front and rear brake FULLY engaged (this is a part of the test to get a license in the EU. Go 90 km/h (55mph) and come to a full stop. Head up, no wobbling), not slow down. STOP! 5) Take for granted that everyone else on the road in a complete moron. And pace your ride based on that. 6) HEAD ON A FU923847NG SWIVEL! Ride safe!

[@Tbones801]

As a mechanic, holding the clutch in at a stop does 0 wear to the clutch. It's literally not touching anything. Only thing you may wear is stretching the clutch cable, which on most models can be adjusted if needed, and they're cheap to buy generally.

[@oldgreenbus]

100% Ive never worn out a clutch on a daily driver.. replaced fiber plates on two stroke dirt bikes many years ago after extreme abuse, but never on a bike i wasn't racing.

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

100% correct on all points three things you said is what anyone riding a bike MUST follow always leave a way out always assume someone will pull out in front of you and do not get close to parked cars on the road. Everything else you said is just as important to did you say use common sense? I think you did but when riding a bike USE COMMON SENSE seems to be a lack of it these days.

[@edwardvanwormer6993]

Great informative video,I knew within 10 seconds you were riding in Pacific Beach. I love that place.

[@richardcox2978]

In uk when pulling behind cars was told the middle I can see why as if you go right or left the car behind you thinks your giving them the road to overtake so bit of catch 22 here lol 😂 but first gear always makes perfect sense thanks