99% of motorcycle crashes are avoidable...

[@rickkrough6167]

When I got my first motorbike in 1974 , The town cop where I grew up taught me how to ride. His final piece of advice was “ don’t ride like an asshole “ That advice has covered about 95% of the situations I have gotten into.

[@John-mg7fb]

That's what I was taught. Along with, everyone will pull out in front of you. Always. Saved me many times. Watch their tires. Ride safe.

[@arthurhendley4167]

Like I told my son when he was first going to start riding and I still heed to today, assume every car on the road is trying to kill you. Don't let them.

[@deormanrobey892]

"What's your hurry?" Words to live by.

[@m00sing]

He's so right. We're on bikes. I enjoy the things I miss in a car while on the bike. And there's something magic about some of the smells and sounds you get on the bike you'd miss on the car. IDK, been on a bike a couple weeks, and that's what I noticed. All these cars in a hurry, and I'm just trying to learn how to ride. And it's nice. Until they ride my ass. :(

[@andrewf2225]

I always look for options while riding, easy quick avoidances or exits. Trust no one.. Stay safe.

[@f.f.s.d.o.a.7294]

Yep, I try to always have an out.

[@Guvnarides-WI2020]

"Relax, take it easy"..Best advice for any motorcycle ride! 👍

[@lnk4328]

Also keep the bike in gear while waiting at a stoplight.

[@roaddog4334]

Jerry is 100% spot on. Some additional suggestions from a retired motor guy. 1. Watch driver's head movement (ie. looking into the side view mirror), is an early indicator of what the drive's intentions are. 2. When stopping/slowing, check the side view mirror several times to make sure that the vehicles behind you are also slowing. If you think you going to get hit, split lanes & go. 3. While stopped, place the left foot on the ground & the right foot on the rear brake in the event the clutch goes out & lunges you forward. 4. This one is for Cali. riders. When splitting traffic stay in one lower gear. This allows you to break quicker or goose it to get out of harm's way. An added benefit is your bike is louder which allows drivers to know you are in the vicinity. Sláinte

[@DamnitDave]

i would add... turn that stereo off in heavy traffic, sit up, get alert and focus. use the radio when you got open road and can relax and enjoy the wind.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

When I ride I have a pretty continuous and automatic dialogue going on in my head where I am verbalizing what I would do if this or that would happen in the next few moments, or saying things like " get past this car's blind spot", "watch out for road debris in the tree shadows across the road", "does it look like that car has not seen me and is charging hard into the intersection to make a left turn in front of me" and yes I think he might so I dip my high beam as I throttle back and quickly check my mirrors for danger behind me and to know how safe it might be to brake hard or swerve left or right. To my novice friends it sounds completely paralysing to have your brain this busy but with practice it becomes second nature and happens quickly, seamlessly and effortlessly. It is a form of technical riding just as much as reading the road to properly set your bike up for that upcoming curve. For me this is what makes riding fun even after 50 years. Thanks for your videos!

[@TechnMoto]

Every bike accident in my area this year has been the riders fault. Doing stunts and probably inexperienced riders. Everyone who rides should take a safety course. I learned a lot when I did mine. Great info Moto Man

[@ozarkwheels4158]

I practice on the MSF course at my Harley dealer at least once or twice a week. You don’t lock in basic skills in one basic course.

[@Onewholovesrock]

Not in Deer country. Those things can come out and run right into you. Especially summertime with tall ditch grass. Great videos by the way. I enjoy them.

[@gregggorman6197]

Years ago while driving my 18 wheeler I blew a tire on my trailer. The rear mud flap was ripped clean off, metal bracket and all. I remember thinking "Thank God no motorcycle was behind me." Those tires when hot can be upwards of 130psi. Something to think about.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

I know a guy who got slapped with debris from those blown semi tires. He went down and got hurt pretty bad. I don't ride next to semis, I speed up to get around them.

[@GoodGuysCarry]

I always consider myself invisible when I’m on the bike.

[@echevarriawilson]

I just had this conversation with someone yesterday! I wish I could've pulled up this video for the person I was talking to who thought that no matter what, if you ride a bike you will get into a crash. I told him if you practice friction zone drills, include swerving and emergency brake exercising following up with good road strategy you will avoid 98% of accidents. 1% for mechanical failure and 1% act of God. He looked at me and said, "what's a friction zone?"

[@davidedbrooke9324]

Oh dear, and steering?

[@davidedbrooke9324]

@James Stewart Exactly.

[@joemann7971]

@James Stewart I've never taken an advanced or even intermediate course but certainly seems like something every rider should take. I actually think I'm fairly good rider since I haven't had any real situations but it doesn't hurt to still take such a course and get input from a coach. There is usually something new you can learn. As long as the course is directly related to rider safety, I'm all for it.

[@jeffshouse3932]

Jerry, I bought my first Harley a little over a month ago after 38 years of not riding. Your videos have helped me so much getting back into it and applying it on the street plus your sense of humor regarding keyboard/youtube warriors is friggin funny! After I get some more miles under my belt, I may reach out to you for an advanced class. I live in Florida on the Space Coast. Take care!

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Motorman. Great tips for "Surviving the Mean Streets".

[@michaelkozak7295]

Jerry I've been riding from the age of 14 until today, I'm 66 years old. Whenever I see your videos I learn something new. What really helped me was low speed riding break n throttle.. I can't thank you enough..........

[@motorman857]

Glad to hear it!

[@MrHugocastaneda]

Got my first motorcycle back in 1988 ,had it for 6 months and sold it. Now after 34 year I just bought me a 2016 hyosung aquila 250cc learning again thank you for your videos Sr.

[@adrianteo2421]

Wow...this is what I need to hear and learn. More videos like this to remind us. I want to live and ride till I'm old and not die on the road.

[@nelsongn9]

Ive only been riding 7 months. I watch alot of your videos sir

[@Sledge-fu5zr]

Riders should never not be able to negotiate a curve. Just follow the speed limit, follow the yellow curves sign speed, use trail braking, and practice late apex exit, never out ride vanishing point.. This works for both reducing radius and blind curves. It is that simple.

[@m00sing]

Trail braking is poorly explained. Some say it's front-load; some say it's rear-drag. I am so confused. What is late apex exit? And how do you not outride vanishing point? Total noob here. I think I get what you mean, but I don't think I'd bet on it!

[@kevinanthony2724]

Jerry I ride like every car is going to run me over have been doing this since 1986 38 motorcycles later. I honestly enjoy your videos and think this is your best one yet. Great advice we’ll over 2 million rode miles here. Keep it up 👍

[@treadonthisss9503]

How in the h e double hockey sticks did you manage over one new bike per year?

[@chriskriwer4424]

He had to have meant years and wrote bikes.

[@erolyalim2911]

This is the best video I've ever seen to avoid motorcycle accidents! Incredible 99% motorcycle crashes can be avoided. I especially liked the part you said if you hear tire screeches, look behind you, if he's coming right into you, look for an exit path before stopping at the light.

[@dstdrummer]

1:16 One thing I’ve been doing for years is this, (and you may mention it later in the video). If there is a car stopped and waiting to pull out of a driveway, parking lot, turning off of a side road, anything like that; I’m slowing, and watching their wheel, usually the front wheel because it can show not only movement, but their intended direction. If that wheel starts rolling, I’m slowing down even more. I’ve had people get pretty upset at me for slowing down as I approach them. But if they are creeping, I’m slowing down. I also pause for a good little bit before leaving a stop light when it turns green! You’ve been over here in Daytona. Folks like to follow other cars right on through a light after it turns red on their side. VERY common here! I get some honks from behind me sometimes, but I don’t care. I even do it in mat car, and I have the wife doing it too. I’ve seen too many crashes over here from that. Including some friends of mine. BE SAFE OUT THERE Y’ALL!

[@ssu123]

i am a motor officer all the way from Grenada! Must say I love your videos, they help me alot with my riding. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@johnmacias01]

Great ridding tips, I also run my hi-beam lights during the day.

[@guins99]

Great tips. I have to add that riding in fla a hell of a lot easier than riding in western pa. Your geography is flat, roads are straight. Imagine constant curves, cresting hills with zero visibility and lots of careless drivers. Granted you probably get plenty of those in fla.

[@grounded7362]

Florida is a very dangerous place to ride or drive due to the fact most of the roads are straight and flat. People in Florida think they need to run 90 miles an hour all the time and brake at the last minute and NEVER us a blinker so you never know if they are thinking about turning or know what direction they are planning to turn, and they love running red lights. Driving or riding in Florida you have to take defense driving to a whole new level.

[@pacmaninchains]

I follow Dan Dan the fireman and he is constantly emphasizing these tips. It’s nice to hear someone with your experience to basically solidify dan’s message to be a safer rider.

[@Knightrider530]

His voice reminds me of Robert Stack from unsolved mysteries. Great advice 👍.

[@FreedomRiderB3]

Great video 🙌 as always 😉 will certainly share that on our H-D Uk 🇬🇧 Midlands Motorbikers and Sportster Sickness Facebook groups . Just Like you said it doesn’t matter how many miles we’ve done. We need to learn continuously. Blessings Jerry 👍

[@SoloPilot6]

"It happened so fast" is as stupid a bleat as "I had to lay it down." Over all the years, I heard this time and again from people who had been looking at the pavement in front of them, rather than getting the big picture. The guy who went down was already not prepared -- wearing shorts while riding is high on the list of Stupid Riding Tricks.

[@garystair6963]

Equally bad is the ever popular statement by every 4 wheel motorist blurts out right after the accident or incident. “I didn’t see you”. Additionally they might forcefully say “You were speeding so it’s your fault”. Ride on brother.

[@stanleyneiljelinek1924]

Stan from Colorado and I love your videos I've learned so much from watching your videos I have a 2010 Fatboy I wish you could have some videos of mountain driving curvier roads (particularly route 74 from Morrison to Evergreen Colorado) keep up the great work

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Whether on a motorcycle or vehicle, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE from the vehicles in front of you. Don't run up to a stop with cars behind you. Start to slow down gradually coming to a stop. Yesterday I was behind 3 suvs with cars behind me on a two lane. 1st suv stopped to turn left. The suv I was behind brake lights were out. I recognized they were stopping but no brake lights showing, I braked, gearing down as well, and the cars behind me were too close and started going nose down, noticed debris flying around in their car. I run Custom Dynamics on my street glide with lights all over and the magic strobe. I strongly believe those lights strobing like crazy helped catch the attention of the cars behind me. I was ready just to go off the road to the right if it came to it. I would take my chances dropping the bike in the grass than getting sandwich.

[@AZSemperFi]

That intersection at the end of this video was the perfect example of everyone not knowing what they're doing. The vehicle in front of you actually forced you to stop in the middle of the intersection.

[@keithstarkey5584]

Why, just today, I'm driving my bus (city transit driver, I am), and this guy on a motorcycle, just rolls the hek out of the throttle, only to get within feet of the car in front of him. No reason, just being stupid. I thought, how can he not realize how quickly he could end up in the hospital or in a coffin doing that kind of stupid stuff. I mean, if you want to go fast, go to a track! Anyway, it's sad. Very sad. But I'll tell you something, after riding only a year and having studied my butt off watching videos like this, reading information, etc., I am sooooo thankful for my training. I make the training I had work for me, everytime I get on a bike.

[@michaelf493]

When you tailgate you are expecting to and ready to brake. What will bite you in the butt is any road hazard that you have no time to avoid.

[@robertrosson1990]

Fantastic information.Every time I'm starting to gear down as I use my breaks coming up on a intersection I always begin to gear down and I'm already prepared to stop covering my front and rear breaks.I always do my best to plan a escape route just in case the vehicle coming up behind me isn't paying attention.Even after the lights turn green I usaly wait a second or 2 because IV seen more times than I could count someone is in a hurry and blows thru the yellow or the red light.I never tailgate and always leave enough distance simply to have a much better view of what's ahead.I completely agree anyone can ride any straight roads.I was blessed to ride back home in the NC mountains were you have to know how to handle your bike.Yes IV scrapped my floor boards a time or to.Thankfully how they are mounted they give and not unload the rear tire.Iv only been riding 35 plus yrs.But I always ride slower because you never know what could run up on.My bike is my best Freind.Thamks sharing.Ride safe

[@benmiles9378]

That road through Arapika is one of my favorites, just wish it was in better condition. The escape zone maneuver at intersections has saved my life twice in my 50 years of riding. I'm in awe of your slow riding skills.

[@pigybak]

You make a right turn and bam!!! You’re out of the city. Nice riding there.

[@HellfighterPreacherman]

I believe that the MRF figures states that 70% of motorcycle fatalities are caused by rider error. Thanks for the video. My guys tease me and tell me that they practice panic stops every time they ride with me.

[@johngraham5722]

Always learn from you....💗had 14 + bikes since my Honda 70 CT. at 10 yrs old. You're a good man....

[@capecrusader6932]

One of the very few good legislative decisions in California is allowing lane splitting. I never sit in traffic between cars. I always go to the front, splitting the two or three lanes of traffic safely. As a former motor officer, we commonly performed this to spot red light violations. Too many motorcyclists get rear ended by inattentive drivers today. Great training again Jerry as always.Keep keeping people safe my brother.

[@earlkasner9151]

I Ride a Valkyrie Interstate. I Never play the radio, use an I-Pod or the intercom. I Enjoy the Ride! I stay Alert. You too?

[@justink2101]

👍

[@JJB_320]

Super helpful tips. Thank you for posting these!

[@motorman857]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deauvilledad07]

Great video, some handy tips. Sadly a lot of people in the UK seem to be in a hurry, bikers included. Even more sad is that a lot of them don't watch your videos. 😞😞🏍️💖

[@johnmacias01]

Good tips/info! Also keep the bright lights on! Thanks

[@deanbush]

"Most accidents happen, whether you believe it or not, at 20 mph. At low speed." After nine years of riding, I'm taking the basic riding course again this week. Two weeks after this one, I'm taking another course. My focus is always on safety and being prepared for anything. I know that just riding experience is not enough to be prepared for many incidents.

[@wesleycardinal8869]

That's great advice at 3:50. Just take it easy and enjoy the ride. 👍🇦🇺

[@motorman857]

Exactly!

[@ozarkwheels4158]

“I wasn’t planing ahead.” Sums up most of the crash videos on KZbin.

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

I can't express it enough that I believe everything you said in this video. I seen a few crashes in person and watched KZbin crash videos and yes mostly 99.9% of the time it could have been avoided. Speed is mostly the factor however having an escape route is important. I notice I get more exhausted from riding my goldwing then I do driving my car. I think its because I'm paying attention to every vehicle out there around me. In the car I don't watch every vehicle. Another great video. 👍

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb2863]

I live where there's a lot of gravel roads that need to be traveled at times.... And a high deer population.. would love to see a video on them 2 scenarios.. otherwise I'm loving your videos and taking everything to heart... I've been on bikes for about 30 years off and on but I'm learning a lot thank you

[@leveneziadvm]

Thanks for all your continued guidance. We all appreciate it

[@motorman857]

You are so welcome

[@robertharaschak4835]

Pack of vehicles were referred as " WOLF PACKS" in an Readers Digest article years and years ago about staying out of trouble when driving. I purchased your videos a few years back, trying to practice whenever I can. Stay safe to you and your wife and friends

[@wallace3953]

.....Sir! You truly have a Great Total Attitude.....a shining star, indeed!

[@kenthuntsingersr7501]

That last intersection you went thru looked spooky. You got doubled up with the car and view was blocked by the truck on the right.

[@bryanspencer8210]

Looking forward for your help at developing my skills, see you next Sunday..

[@rogercohn]

It's amazing. All of the subscribers are always aware and 100% focused. I wish I could be also..

[@jimrainey1646]

Thanks Jerry for all of your good experienced advice, watched your video on counter steering a week or so ago and have been practicing this technique since I have never heard of it before, well just to show how well it works, last weekend was riding my Ultra Classic around the back roads Sardis Lake Ms, was in some twisty roads and some kid in a jeep was halfway in my lane, right hand turn for me at 45mph, i was in my line midway , saw him coming and he was doing way faster than 45mph, I counter steered to get my position to the far right of the lane fast and all was well, that new skill made me that much a better rider, every rider needs to practice this technique, none of my riding buddies knew of it and I had to prove how it worked, thanks so much for your knowledge and experience with these videos, Jim Rainey.

[@motorman857]

Happy to have helped.

[@MrRaf34]

Great riding tips. 😁 I see people in Florida have the same issue with Keep Right Except to Pass on multi lane highway as North Jersey, PA, and NY. They think it means keep middle.🙃

[@motorman857]

Yes. Here in Fl. many drivers rent the left lane and therefore consider it theirs and theirs alone until the lease runs out.

[@user-on2md7gk4b]

Your videos are such a precious piece of learning, thank's for your dedication.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Something I do on my bike and in my truck is play "What's this idiot going to do next". By that I mean I try to guess what other drivers are going to do by what they do on the road, hugging the right or left side of the road, having an animated conversation with their passenger etc. After a while you get pretty good at it. Another thing is most people don't have a clue what the proper following distance is, including most police officers. It's 3 feet for every mile per hour. I once had a police officer in Atlanta pull me over because he was following too close and I slowed down. He told me he wasn't because he was following me at 5 car lengths or about 90 feet. At the 55 mph I had my cruise control set on he should have been 165 feet behind me, so he was about half of what he should have been but he was adamant that he wasn't tailgating. I begged to differ with him. I'm not saying we parted friends but I didn't get a ticket.

[@tshadow6]

Hi Jerry, before the Red Tide started, I would catch mangrove snapper off that bridge all day.

[@garystair6963]

Great knowledge sharing video. I have always pushed myself to learn more whether in a car or on a bike. It seems to me and it may be a little caustic but I feel that people get their learners permits and use that time to learn. After they pass their tests and get their full license they stop learning. You have to practice and you have to strive for the next level. It is like learning to play chess with someone who is learning too. Reach out to professions like this man. Go take more advanced training in you local area. The price is cheaper than body work on your bike and on you. Get out and ride and share what you have learned with the next generation.

[@bikerbrinrac]

Great vid Jerry 👍 Yeah riding down the highways crazy car and truck drivers do randomly pull over on you all the time at high-speed which is scary. Goota be ready to move in a split sec.

[@RandyCRR]

I have a 2020 Softail Standard non ABS. The rear brake sucked to be blunt. I thought maybe it needed to be bled. Before I bled the rear brake I was able to adjust the pedal height. I raised it about 1/2”. It made such a difference. Before I adjusted it I couldn’t get it to get close to locking up. Now it works great. So yesterday I was practicing panic stops. Now I know how this motorcycle will react in those situations and it’s limits. The front brake is actually very good.

[@motorman857]

I've noticed the same thing on the rear brakes of every Softail I've ridden. It takes a lot of pressure to get that rear brake to do anything.

[@RandyCRR]

@@motorman857 I turned the clevis 8 turns. Very easy to do.

[@motorman857]

@@RandyCRR Good tip.

[@hemi398]

One of your best videos yet.

[@gravesclayton3604]

I was riding bikes even before driving cars to any extent. It gave me an advantage, I believe, in seeing just how limited one's vision is inside an automobile, as opposed to being on a bike. Learning good defense driving habits, and better situational awareness while riding a bike, made me a better car/truck driver for sure. Transitioning from cars to bikes is inherently worse, because there are so many sloppy driving habits you can get away with in cars that will outright kill you if you ride your bike in the same manner as driving a car! On a bike you really have to be in touch with your vehicle to operate it competently. Car drivers, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly out of touch with their vehicles, mostly thanks to all the "safety" features incorporated into them. Every once in a while I will still ride one of my '60's bikes just to remind me how to "listen" to what the bike and the road are telling me, lol!

[@peer_64]

As a former truckdriver I had some advantage when I started driving a motorcycle. With a truck you must look far ahead to be able to adapt to the upcoming situation. Either you end up driving through the car in front of you instead of stop before or you'll get your load in your neck, as we say in the Netherlands. Nevertheless I still took a safety-course on which I learned a lot about handling my own bike. I ride a 1983 Honda Goldwing 1100. And it won't harm you to do that every couple of years to keeps the skills up. Great tips on this video also. Never to old to learn😎😉

[@chriskriwer4424]

Same here but in reverse (bike first, then trucks) I was going to get on you about writing DRIVING a motorcycle but then you did write RIDE so we’ll let it slide 😬

[@peer_64]

@@chriskriwer4424 blame it on thick fingers and fast typing😜😎👊

[@guychapman7735]

Great insight as always Jerry! THANK YOU! With that boat trailer passing you, a great time to remind riders people often forget the trailer is back there, and cut in WAY too soon. Be extra cautious, ride defense, stay safe. God bless.

[@ianosborne188]

Excellent job posting.. From Ireland.

[@thechristreturned]

At the lights I prefer to filter through right to the front of the queue to avoid being hit and crashed in between the cars.

[@joemann7971]

While that is advisable, in some States, its illegal to filter. I'm guessing the reason he did what he did is because its illegal where he lives. In California, I would have been right between the cars already instead of constantly watching my back to see if the guy behind me will stop. I'm sure in an emergency, he'd rather take the ticket than being sandwiched between two cars. Unfortunately, its illegal to filter in much of the US. Its dumb.

[@hootertexas9711]

Yes sir. Even the ones that break your bones. My mistake was riding in that right lane. I will ride again as soon as the surgeons put me back together.

[@tomfillmore9710]

good video Gerry and great advice thanks for sharing have a wonderful night

[@motorman857]

Thanks, you too!

[@omnivore2220]

Lots of good stuff there. Regarding the oft repeated notion of having an escape route when stopped at an intersection, I've seen a large number of motorcycle crash, and crash avoidence, videos, on DDFM and other channels, and never yet have I seen or heard of one case in which someone had an escape route, saw or heard a vehicle coming from behind, and successfully pulled away from a stop, into an escape route, to avoid being rear ended.

[@rdaugherty52]

I like your clear windscreen I just bought a 2020 street glide it has of course a tinted one. I will probably change it out I like to see things in the road close up. A friend and I were out for a ride one day we were getting on the interstate in a long curve I looked ahead and saw a wrench laying in the road I avoided it no problem. My friend comes up later and says he hit something in the road and almost wrecked I knew what it was the wrench. Front tire hits that and it slides for a split second you've got to see things close up.

[@SecurityBob]

Now that was the best I’ve seen of practical visual instruction. Yes love your horror course instructions but not practical application videos or REAL world use of slow/fast turning techniques is your next evolution. Yes, we all get we are deficient. But for those who now “get it” get on the real world road and demonstrate the hundreds of practical uses of your training. Take it to the next level. This video was a perfect example.

[@motorman857]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caydenjohnson6410]

Crazy to see ya rising down us 19 I live here in spring hill. Ride a green zx14r just stumbled on your videos

[@AdamGibbyMC2012]

GREAT VIDEO - for new riders and vets - common sense.

[@Roadglide911]

I find my biggest problem as I get older is my concentration. ADD ole geezer it seems. Just switched from a Road King to a Road Glide Limited. I hope the Road Glide is more curve friendly than the Road King was. I live in the mountains and the Road King was a handful. It wasn’t terrible but you had better be on your game. I’ve been riding since I was 8 yrs old and I’m now 57. Quite honestly I’d take another course if there were any available here in podunk but there isn’t. Hell, I’ve been through three MC Safety courses in my life and I can tell I’m rusty.

[@motorman857]

The Road Glide is the same chassis as the Road King. Same wheelbase, rake, shocks, suspension ect..If you think the R/K was a ''hand full'', I'd bet the problem is the technique or lack of same, not the bike.

[@tealtazmanian966]

Great Advice...I first started riding on pavement in 1969. There were never any good brakes in those days. Both Front and rear were simple Drum systems. Today's bikes we have ABS both front and rear and they are amazingly good. I tell people looking for a new Bike to buy something with ABS. ABS is the greatest invention for Bikes since they were even invented. My Best Friends uncle was a Military Motorcycle Trainer so he spent some time with me just because he didn't want me hurt or worse killed. Because of how terrible the brakes were back then he taught me how to lay a bike Down...that has most certainly changed 100% over the decades but back then that was the practice they taught the Motorcycle MP's. I don't want to hear about that mindset back then as 99% of you weren't even around. PLUS there were NO STANDARD Motorcycle Training Programs in those days. IF there were then no one I knew knew anything about them. I learned from a great teacher and he made me practice and practice every maneuver until I had it down pat. HE EVEN had me use my dirt bike and do a lot of practice in the dirt. He claimed that if I could feel my braking and maneuvering on dirt, a slippery surface, then I would be even better on Pavement...he was correct there as well as with everything he showed and taught me. HE had this saying that has stuck with me even to this day. He said this to me several times, "It doesn't MATTER who's fault it is, You are still going to have a wrecked bike and come out the BIGGEST looser. Most likely hurt badly or even killed. Never, EVER assume they will stop or see you coming. Always have a plan if they start to pull out or across your path. That plan will change as you get closer and closer. Never say it was their fault because you are ALWAYS going to be the biggest looser every time. Today, I've taken several courses and learned a little from each...It is not enough to expect to learn EVERYTHING in one class. I can say I've only been down ONE time when an Old Lady pulled across at an intersection. I had no place to turn, there were cars all around so I didn't have an out. If I'd applied enough front brake I'd have gone over the handlebars and into her windows so I layed it down stopping about a foot from her rear quarter panel and the COP CAR behind me had to turn to avoid me and hit her hard,,,really hard. Don't even say I had other options....like I said brakes were not very good and I knew my front brake from all the practice he make me do...That is another thing riders don't EVER SEEM to do enough of...PRACTICE. After EVERY WINTER ( And even during the season I may practice 2 or 3 times just to keep everything nice and fresh ) I find an empty School Parking lot on a Saturday or Sunday and spend as much time as it takes to go through all those maneuvers again and again ((Mostly my BRAKING at ALL speeds ESPECIALLY while in a TURN...that is different too)) until there is not foggy feeling about any of them to me. NEVER RUSH YOUR PRACTICE or you are only sacrificing YOUR OWN SAFETY...In other words this is one thing you should never use a SHORTCUT or CHEAT ON. Even a few months off the Bike every riders is foggy to some degree. ANYWAY, Some won't believe this but I will not go out in traffic until I feel 100% comfortable on MY machine again. It's just not worth going out and get hurt because of my EGO says I'm OK and I didn't take enough time to practice...It happens to EVERY RIDER and that is scientifically proven. I have even been asked to be an assistant at a few of the classes offered to ANY Rider of ANY Experience level. The county we teach has a lower accident rate than the rest of the state...not trying to brag but illustrating the importance of refresher courses for ALL riders even if they're got yrs of riding under their belt...so to speak. I WAS the perfect example and thought since I had DECADES of accident free riding that I wouldn't get anything out of them....I arrogantly, assumed I would be teaching THEM a thing or two...whoa, was I wrong and glad I kept my mouth shut about teaching them ANYTHING...I learned so many NEW theories and technics I felt like a complete novice again. I was learning and that was so COOL that I could be a safer rider. I enjoy watching your Videos and usualy learn a thing or two I share with every student...I don't claim to be any super teacher or anything even close to you or anything like that. I just want to help people learn to ride safer than with no instruction at all. Please keep these coming...You are sharing great information and a lot of us appreciate all your efforts. Some of us are passing it on...Thanks AGAIN.

[@mr.solitude3352]

"Common sense isn't always common practice", is how the old saying goes. Thanks for the helpful tips, Jerry.

[@motorman857]

You bet!

[@BigGamethefirst]

Today, I was riding my bike down an unfamiliar back road. I have the 800 Suzuki Intruder Volusia 2004. I hit a long crack in the road, maybe 5 or 6 feet long it was. It completely threw my bike off balance. It was also unexpected. I'm usually fully vigilant and focused but lately, I guess I've had a lot on my mind. So admittedly I was kinda sub consciously in deep thought while riding. So I just didn't see the crack somehow. My mind wasn't on the road 100%. It was out of character, but that's what happened. So as my bike starts to lose balance; kinda uncontrollably shaking in the front wheel, I slammed my right foot to the ground to try to regain balance, I guess is why I slammed my foot to the blacktop. I was going about 40 miles per hour, also about 20 feet away from my next approaching curve, which was about a 25 mph curve. Gratefully, I was able to regain complete control. But I was instantly confused and worried. I thought to myself, why did I slam my foot on the ground going 40 mph?! I could have ultimately ran myself over, or broke my bones. or even lost a foot or leg! I questioned for a moment while riding away from that incident, do I really want to ride motorcycles and risk my life or livelihood?? That thought left as quick as it came. What would you have done in this situation to regain your balance?

[@adamakins9748]

I have two HD's a 2003 lowrider no frills. a 2014 streetglide special all frills....I practice threshold braking often on both bikes it is absolutely true that a computer can do it better, however with practice I can continue to improve...you simply need to know how to use the tools available to you at the time.

[@johnsimms818]

Another great video Jerry, they are always a joy!

[@motorman857]

Glad you like them!

[@vesparama]

As always, priceless information. Thank you.

[@motocattie5242]

Locking the rear tire is always easier to deal w/ than locking the front one... I've done some impressively long skids when I forgot to apply rear brake softly. If I do that on the front brake, however, the bike will go down if it's under any kind of lean.

[@Wildturkey10121]

My biggest problem is when I go to a class I get really tense and start making mistakes, the more mistakes I make the worse things get because I get into my own head and think too much. I know when I am perfectly relaxed I ride much better so when I ride I keep all this in my head and practice it without people watching. I've always had an issue with that my entire life that it just causes me problems in riding classes. I'm new to my current '04 Road King and am working on it. I watch a lot of different instructors and I try to put that into my riding on the road. After my last class I was having so much trouble making slow right turns and standing right turns that it took me a few days to get that out of my head on the road. All that being said what do you recommend for someone like me? I want to get better but I tend to get way too concerned and anxious with people watching every move I make when I know what I am doing wrong. I usually don't have an issue on the road even with the wife with me. I've been riding for years and years. In a class you'd think I haven't even ridden a tricycle.

[@dstdrummer]

9:40 I heard it said once years ago, (I don’t remember if it was you or not). People say they’ve been riding for 30 years. Well, most riders ride maybe four months out of the year. That’s NOT 30 years of experience. I thought that was a great way to look at it.

[@ronlynch7744]

Life saving tips to remember & practice. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@stanleyroberts4381]

And when passing an 18wheeler, or any vehicle for that matter, don't cut back in without putting some distance between you and them. I see that happening all the time.

[@joemann7971]

I personally try to avoid being in front of semis unless I'm coming to an exit. I usually move myself to the right side of the lane so in case something happens, I can move into the shoulder, especially if I'm in front of a semi.

[@possumrides8448]

Just for info... "Counter Steering" is a result of the front wheel spinning. The spinning wheel/tire acts like a Gyroscope. It resists change to its axis. Take a bicycle wheel... hold the axel in both your hands and have someone spin it... while its spinning, try tilting it at an angle. In a turn, the tires on a motorcycle tilt and react the very same way. Held upright, they will turn as you want. But it will resist tilting. But while tilting, it will require pressure on the opposite side to get it to turn, But I will want to again try to return to its upright position. Now, include the rear tire... same thing. This is why bike, motorcycles are easier to ride at speeds over 10 mph. You've got (2) gyros helping you stay upright.

[@grounded7362]

My son in law was killed two weeks ago (August 27, 2021) near Pensacola when he ran into the rear of a tow truck. I went to the accident scene and it appears the tow truck driver slammed on his brakes and my son in law locked up the brakes attempting to stop from hitting him. This happened in a 60 mph speed zone. My son in law had only been riding for about a month. He was only 33 years old and left behind his wife (my daughter) and his eight year old daughter (my granddaughter).

[@joemann7971]

Its a shame to you cant filter in most of the US. That would certainly avoid the constant watching your back until you see the car stop. I can't always filter in ever situation even here in California, so, its always good to still prep myself when I can't. Sometimes cars are too close together that I can't fit between them without possibly damaging one, but in an emergency, I'm still going even if I damage their car. My life is more important than any insurance claim.

[@grumerguy]

Parking lots are the worst as far as I'm concerned. People leaving parking spaces don't look much of the time and people looking for a parking space are doing just that! They sure ain't looking for someone on a motorcycle. And it seems people want to get on that phone as soon as they get into their car! So looking at their phone and backing out of a parking space.......well let's just say it'd be nice to have eyes in the back of your head! I think that's when I'm on red alert the most!

[@thewheel2023]

Thank you good no nonsense advise

[@tonycheema4180]

Thank you! Hopefully I can come out and train with you one day.

[@motorman857]

You bet!

[@iallso1]

I wince everything I hear "look 12 seconds ahead", all road users should be looking as far up the road as possible and drawing their sight back towards them and then repeat, that way we get the maximum early warning of events ahead, while also taking in info about what's around us. If I can see a snake of lights 2 miles ahead and its stopped or going real slow, I'll use that information to approach the area with appropriate caution.

[@motorman857]

Maybe the better statement would have been, ''look at least 12 seconds ahead of your path of travel''. 12 seconds should be more than enough to recognize a potential threat and come up with a plan of action. As for your wincing, look 12 seconds ahead, look 12 seconds ahead, look 12 seconds ahead. Yes that was rather childish of me but I couldn't help myself. 🤣

[@iallso1]

@@motorman857 but the response made me smile.

[@jpaulhull948]

Excellant safety video from a highly experienced rider. I would only say, while waiting behind a stopped vehicle, there is no time to take off to the right or left, to prevent being rear-ended from a car behind. Your mirrors will never show the advancing vehicle in time. I would wait at one side of my lane, or the other, to improve the chances of the car missing me, and (hopefully not), hitting the car ahead.

[@motorman857]

As I stated in the video, if you can't take off with your front tire turned (many riders can't) get on one side or the other.

[@johnford5568]

Yep that 1% out of our control may happen but please eliminate 99% by taking riding seriously, its not like taking the car although you should be alert also in the car. Pretend traffic is trying to kill you. Pretend you are invisible. Pretend there is a 2x4 in the road. Tell yourself you can relax when home and the kick stand goes down. The challenge and danger should energize you not deplete you, that personality type keeps risk down to the 1%.

[@Weltap]

Here in Colorado the road conditions aren't always great. I went down on my sport bike last week on the highway because there was a massive crack spanning 2 lanes that I couldn't avoid. Most crashes I've witnessed here have been because of bad pavement.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Some of those mountain roads in Kentucky and West Virginia are in bad shape too.

[@robertbragg9364]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It definitely helps remind me of my training I learned in Warren, ohio. All the teachers there are great. Most are motorcycle cops ding this as a second job. I was lucky and got to ride on a rain day. That was by far my greatest fear in riding a motorcycle. I hold a class A license and I think the helps greatly I my riding safety. I'm guilty of wearing shorts and no jacket when I ride with no excuses but self comfort. I always wear all my other PPE and I know that doesn't excuse the pants and jacket, in my defense I'm 35 I know everything and ill continue to learn everyday despite knowing everything lol. Thanks again I really do appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. I use them in arguments constantly and usually you end up with a new subscriber. I ride mostly alone on my 2001 roadking because I'm not into doing any speed over 75 and I won't whip in and out if traffic. You should consider doing a traveling class even if it's just one day. If you do consider Cleveland, ohio or somewhere near there. Just a thought, you and your wife be safe riding and have a good one. 👍