Motorcycle Rider's WORST Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

[@MCrider]

If you are interested check out the new hats, keychains, and now leather wallets in the MCrider leather Store. www.MCrider.com/Leather ...you can also get MCrider Reflective Decals for your motorcycle or helmet.

[@mtkoslowski]

@Kevin: recently you showcased a video in which you discussed the practicality of always coming to a stop with your left foot down on the ground and your right foot on the brake. This is a _Best Known Practice_ to coming to a stop. I would like to amplify this: This technique is essential if you live in a hilly area and need to perform a hill start. It perfectly lends itself to a safe, smooth and managed takeoff on a incline. I don’t believe you covered this in the discussion. If you did and I somehow overlooked it please forgive me. Thank you.

[@rudeawakening3833]

I’ve enjoyed every video - first and foremost thanks . I’m your neighbor from NRH , let me know if I can ever buy you breakfast ! I’m 63 and have had (6) spinal fusions ; I take railroad tracks very slow AND since I’m on a FXLR with “ foot pegs “ I temporarily stand up and with my knees slightly bent . This is a technique I’ve used for many years . I’d like you to tell me your thoughts and if you feel it’s worth sharing . God Bless .

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

my worst mc nightmare was that 3am call telling me my brother got killed on his bike. i waited til my parents were gone before i got my own bike. i didnt ever want to be the cause of the hurt i saw in my mother's eyes when i told my parents he was gone. i do my best to ride safely so my children will never go thru that because of me.

[@marathon8649]

Now that I ride, I'm scanning intersections even when I drive my work van and it saved me once already when I noticed a Tesla not even slowing down at a four way stop. The Tesla went right across me without a hint of stopping. Glad I took my riders safety course.

[@seriouslyflawed]

I understand that Tesla does not see motorcycles at night

[@marathon8649]

@@seriouslyflawed it was bright daylight, I'm not blaming Tesla, just saying I'm happy for learning to look out for vehicles.

[@dickjohnson7845]

Riding motorcycles makes you a better driver, no question.

[@creamymoto]

@@marathon8649Shouldn’t we blame Tesla (or any car manufactures) in this case for making and letting driver use the flawed auto pilot system on the road?

[@grantodaniel7053]

​@@creamymotoThe fact the car was a Tesla is incidental - the point he is trying to make is that his awareness of the dangers at an intersection (a learned skill and road strategy) possibly saved his life in this situation. 👍

[@billkenney422]

Don’t ignore what’s going on behind you when approaching intersections, it might give you that place to go if you need it without having to check first in an emergency situation. You folks are life savers, thank you.

[@peglegjim57]

A key Commandment I see riders break all the time, is blasting thru intersections without knowing if a vehicle in the oncoming direction is in the left turn lane. Just like the sign says on the back of semi’s; “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see YOU.” Same applies to us as riders. “If you can’t see the left turn lane, they can’t see you!”

[@keithstivers1994]

We must always be extremely careful on residential streets. Two weeks ago in the morning, a young man made a left turn from a apartment parking lot right in front of me. My mind was on work and not the possibility of the sun being in someone’s eyes. No time or space to swerve. My bike has extensive damage and I am hurting. Luckily no serious injuries. Similar to your case one but worth mentioning.

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

My worst nightmare is my wife saying NO to the new bike I want to buy!! Kevin, as always I appreciate you for doing these videos. I’m certain you save lives. 💯👍🏽👍🏽

[@beepbop6697]

Don't ask for permission, ask for forgiveness. 😉

[@robertmann6890]

Watching these videos has absolutely saved my life for sure several times. Can’t stress enough how important it is to practice these skills.

[@jvillain9946]

Thats why divorce is a thing

[@riderramblings]

The "weave" in the UK is known as the *SMIDSY Weave* as it is helpful in avoiding a *SMIDSY - S* orry *M* ate *I* *D* idn't *S* ee *Y* ou. These are usually the first words a vehicle driver says after a *SMIDSY* accident.

[@STho205]

Deer is #1 for me. I try to be alert, and know if I see one, there are likely 4 that will follow. I was just way up Joyce Kilmer Overlook and Cherohala 5400ft straight down....deer was on my mind. I saw a lot of chipmunks today...but lucky for them they didn't zig zag back...however rounding each curve...I'm scanning the shoulder for deer.

[@wflentge]

I have had pulsating headlights on my current and past 2 Goldwings and will most likely use it when approaching an "occupied" intersection.

[@scottgorman7166]

I have been riding for almost 50 years and logged hundreds of thousands of miles. I also have been watching you for years and always come away from your videos with either new information and techniques or you rekindle things I've learned but need to amp up again. All your info has made me a more tuned in rider, especially when you get older things get older.....shift happens. I do have 5 lights on the front of my Street Glide and a strobbing rear brake light to keep me visible. Keep the great info coming!

[@jvillain9946]

Well ive been riding for almost 51 years and logged thousands of thousands of miles and I never come away with new information

[@scottgorman7166]

​@@jvillain9946actually thats kinda sad you never learn anything new. Well safe riding!

[@jvillain9946]

@@scottgorman7166 it's absolutely amazing I always forget everything old

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

one of my brothers got killed on a bike when i was a young adult. it was the infamous left hand turn that got him. it made me much more aware of riders. becoming a rider myself just added to that. i was also taught to drive defensively. there is no substitute for looking out for urself on the road.

[@robertmann6890]

Rider nightmare #4. Sitting at a stoplight . Keep an eye on your rear view mirror. Position yourself so you can filter lanes if necessary. I have been rear ended but was able to reduce impact by accelerating and swerving between the cars.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin, great advice on nightmares! My riging season is over now, with snow and ice on the roads now. Over the years I have reduced the amount of night riding, I used to enjoy it so much with my Enduro bikes, then with my switch to touring style bikes I noticed it was more difficult to see at night. I have since found the reason. The seat height, or better description, eye height is much lower on my touring bike than any of my Enduro bikes. I have found if I sit on a cushion or the one up seat, I am above the height of many of the oncoming headlights and I can see significantly better. I think I would like to find an adventure bike with a higher seat height (and ABS) that would be a great option.

[@philalcoceli6328]

Harley Davidson made their Panamera with adjustable suspension height (or were going to). It could be very, very useful in the situations you explain. I hope that many other manufacturers (and riders) get into that bandwagon.

[@lynnsample4549]

I lost a friend 2 years ago in an intersection crash, close to home. I'm sure the close to home caused him to relax a bit, something we should do in the driveway. But I also think our tendency is to swerve to the front of the vehicle, we would probably be better off going behind them. Just a thought. Good video.

[@mhoeij]

Only if there’s actually space there, because they could suddenly stop.

[@lynnsample4549]

@mhoeij even if they stop, it takes several feet. If they don't stop, how far in front do you go? Getting enticed by the 'open' area may prove detrimental.

[@mhoeij]

@@lynnsample4549 I once took an advanced class, and in one of the exercises, we were taught to first brake hard, and to delay swerving as long as possible. This way there is more time to decide between swerve-left or swerve-right or continue-braking. This brake-hard-and-then-swerve exercise was not easy. By swerving as late as possible, it meant that we had to swerve hard; the instructors really pushed us out of our comfort zone.

[@Fourwedge]

Great video... I'm a new rider, great to have you're tips to ride safe. Thank you

[@justinfitzpatrick191]

#1 is something I do all the time, I'd also add that flicking on your high beams approaching an intersection makes you more visible during the day, even if it is illegal and annoying I'd prefer a ticket than a funeral.

[@roycarlson6783]

That's a signal for turning vehicle to proceed...very bad advice!!

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

I don't trust most people to sit the right way around on a toilet seat much less with my property and life. Always be alert, always be scanning, always ride as if!

[@Justin-mz7yk]

Nice video. Helpful information for beginner riders like me. Please also make a video about blindspots of vehicles for riders.

[@PaulSmith-t5d]

wow where to start... fog caught me off guard, shield, helmet, glasses,...birds ,well just hate to hit em,...and small rabbits and turtles.. not much you can do actually. . . slow down, look ahead, and be ready to swerve... thank you for the training!!!!

[@jvillain9946]

One of the best things to learn is how to control traction loss, skids and rear wheel walk out.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

I usually have pulsating, headlight and brake lights, and if I’m coming to a busy intersection, I flip on my high beams that turns on the pulsating Headlight it really gets their attention

[@hesuchristo6577]

Having drove behind pulsating lights, I actually find it more distracting than alerting. Sometimes without thinking, I am just stating at it, rather than registering that the person in front of me is stopping. Something to consider.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

@@hesuchristo6577 The only time I turn it on is when I’m coming into an intersection and then turn it off afterwards I do not leave it on

[@hesuchristo6577]

@@DavidSmith-br4vt ohh, that is cool, I didn't know you could turn it on and off.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

@@hesuchristo6577 it only works when you turn your Hi beam lights on

[@jameyhinds]

"Anticipation." Also, MSF instructor told us to think of yourself as being invisible. And practice emergency braking. I've been on the interstate (I live in South Florida) and at 75 mph had a car just turn into me. Anticipation, braking and ABS saved me.

[@manmohanverma2511]

Hi. Thanks for valuable inputs/refreshers for safe driving. Very useful all time. 🙏

[@Roller-01]

Riding....yes technically you drive but when you get more experienced you realize it's more of riding a M/C not driving

[@Sladep123]

You do a damned good job, thank you

[@garymaclean6903]

Yes, ‘Threshold Braking’ potentially could stop a bike as fast, or even faster than ABS, the reality is, as stated in the 2021 IIHS Report: - “adrenaline surge of an impending crash can make those lessons hard to apply. Riders may also purposely avoid braking hard and wind up not being able to avoid a collision because they’re afraid of skidding out.” Yes. Actual Evidence of Research results trump ‘expert opinion’.

[@Fieltrom]

Trail braking, not taught at riding schools well I wasn't taught it. Very much needed safety issue for a cruiser doing downhill twisties. Uphill the bikes weight kills speed fast but downhill the cruisers weight can pick up speed to fast and trail braking becomes a life saver. Eyes on the horizon of a corner might be perfect for a race track but many roads aren't perfect with humps,loose rock and black tar road snakes make it crucial to do both horizon and what's directly in front.

[@gyges5495]

Riding a bike made me a better defensive car driver

[@Mike-cx2xs]

Excellent reminders! Now, I got deer season to think about.

[@chrisherman7531]

I always use the " swerve" as I approach an intersection when a car is there....

[@Scottie8740]

One of the worst things I could think of was in a video I watched recently. The rider was making a lane change on a crowded highway. He looked over his shoulder to merge and hit a battery in the roadway.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Happy Friday Kevin thank you for your prayers. It’s not exactly been an answered the way I wanted him but Elizabeth is healthy and strong now with the Lord

[@MCrider]

So sorry for your loss. We do have hope in Christ that our goodbye is not for ever. Praying for you friend! Kevin

[@Jameskenomis3]

Born again Christians can rest assured that they will see each other again one day. I lost a brother and sister as a kid, and my grandpa not to long ago. I was very close to him. I was broken when he passed. I then thought about how he suffered for years and stayed sick. I found some peace knowing he was now painless and in the presence of the lord Jesus Christ. Would have been very selfish of me if I could have kept him here. I will meet him again and my brother and sister except this time they won’t be sick or hurting. I’m praying for you.

[@stancoleshill8925]

After riding since 1969 ( 54 years ) I don't risk my life any more. I fix them up and restore them to original and then sell them. I still keep my Norton . .though. 🦁 Seems to appreciate with time.

[@williamfinnertyjr5057]

Iam an old biker,and is now driving a 1100 cc honda rebel,with DCT,some time getting use too.Any infomation,Iam 75 year old.

[@out-castraiderchuck1505]

Been following you now for about a month. And I really dig your content. I myself am from Texas. I live in Dallas. Anyway. I've been riding now for about 10 years and by no means fancy myself as an expert. As a matter of fact, I will go out of my way to find back road routes to go anywhere I wanna ride to. The freeway freaks me out. My nightmare is blow outs. Besides checking tire pressure. What's a good technique in the case of an actual blowout? Thank you so much for taking time to read my comment.

[@donaldcurtis9229]

L e d headlights help too

[@gerdine9258]

What about airbags for direct collisions, how do you think that would help (or not)?

[@jason-ed1uo]

That weaving thing would get you stopped by the cops in MI.

[@dasboat64]

Deer... I've hit 2 deer in a work vehicle. Absolutely correct. I saw the 1st run out in front of me, hit the 2nd 5 seconds later. And I was prepared to see the 2nd one. It was like he/she had a death wish: and waited for the perfect time to follow their buddy! 😊

[@michaelconran5252]

Deer? Nah, we live in elk county. We try to avoid driving cars at night because of them.

[@JackTRyan]

Bad Dream: A flat tire. Not really a nightmare, but…

[@prestonrobert2625]

Think about 3 morn on a 75 sporter. Coming from new biebier to mcarthur rear tire flat in the mountains leaned up on the bars finaly about an hour of wobly hell ran out of gas. The rest is deep😊

[@mhoeij]

Decide *before* they violate your right of way what you need to do in that situation.

[@gregpadden2711]

Where is the nearest training racetrack for motorcycles around Dallas?

[@MCrider]

Eurosport Cycle hosts a good event.

[@tomquinn607]

As a lifetime motorcyclist one day coming from the credit union I nearly turned my SUV in front of my friend on his Ultra Classic. I just didn't see him.

[@MCrider]

It is easy to do. Many riders get mad at car drivers but we are hard to see sometimes. We have to take our safety in our own hands and don't rely on others to protect us. Thanks for sharing!

[@dickjohnson7845]

That dreaded left hand turn in front of my lane of travel is by far the worst nightmare scenario

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

it's cool that u make ur own doodads to sell.

[@pd8559]

Don’t motorcycle rider airbag vests help with sudden blunt trauma? Not that you see many riders actually using them. If they do then they cover the current risk gap in the typical riders ATGATT.

[@jvillain9946]

The worst mistake a motorcycle rider can make is buying a harley.

[@donaldcurtis9229]

I put a train horn on my bike

[@jamescampolo7824]

My biggest nightmare is all of the commercials that we have to deal with just to be entertained by you. This has become outrageous in the last week or so. I don't know what you get paid but is it worth the loss of followers. Your analytics tell you exactly when the user quits watching and I am sure you see a significant drop of at commercial time. If you want to keep us as subscribers, stop the network TV style commercial bombardment! I will unsubscribe immediately after I file this comment.

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

Got hit by one deer tell ya big hairy 🚍 it was .... not a fun party dodge three the fourth hit me from the left and fell on my front wheel back in 2014...