My Buddy Almost Died Today...I'm Not Joking

[@MotoJitsu]

This wasn't an easy video to make but I think it was worth making because maybe it'll get through to some people...even if it's only my own buddies here in San Diego.

[@imbillybravo]

Not easy, but definitely a necessary reminder to all. Too often people let the illusion of peer pressure/ego take over and it can cost you. Glad this specific situation ended without consequence.

[@samboles3670]

You're doing more good than you realize, and you're appreciated as a flawed human being or better said. "a good man"

[@EvoFXDL]

Then I'll take the time to listen, thank you for sharing

[@laurentpochon9599]

How did your friend react to this event?

[@Denali1600]

Great advice and delivered by someone who obviously deeply cares. I know if there had been a collision they're not the primary concern, but also worth bearing in mind the the effect the riders actions would have on the oncoming driver. While possibly sending them out of control and crashing, I mean more the mental anguish they would carry around forever with them from killing someone in a head on crash, even if they were not at fault.

[@nightfury6836]

You’re a good dude bro. You do the motorcycle community a great service by running this channel. Be safe out there everyone 😉

[@MaeIstr0m]

+1 He very likely saves lives too.

[@SprSonik13]

When riding on public roads, we all have an obligation not just to get home safely, but to also ensure EVERYONE on the road gets home safely. I had a neighbor whose life changed after a 16yr old on a moto cut across a marked race track in the desert. The kid died on the windshield of his off-road rig. The fact that that kid was reckless, and didn’t care, ruined the life of a father, mother, and two children, because of the mental impact it had , and that’s not even factoring in the impact on the kid’s family and friends, We don’t have the right to make people deal with that no matter how much fun we want to have when we are out playing. Too many people do stupid things that risk changing other peoples lives. I’ve been riding the roads in this video on motorcycles and road bikes for decades. Every time I’m out there I see people doing stupid things… Don’t impose your insanely high risk threshold on other people. As Moto Jitsu says, ride your ride and make sure there’s a large margin of safety. We all deserve more days…

[@onespeedlite]

This goes for car drivers as well. I've seen young people race each other on the freeway as if it's their personal playground. Then they post videos on KZbin and become instant celebrities. It's one thing they put themselves at risk, but they put EVERY DRIVER at risk in the reckless manner they drive. When they are speeding at over 100+ mph, they just don't have the time to avoid an unsuspecting driver making a simple lane change. In manner cases, it changes someone's life forever. I don't know what the laws are. If it were up to me, anyone who drives like a maniac should have their vehicles impounded and license suspended the FIRST TIME they are caught. Driving on the road is a privilege, not a right. If you abuse that privilege, then you deserve to lose it.

[@gabrieltiso8537]

Very well said 👍

[@_skud]

This is exactly correct and important to understand. Well said.

[@LexWhay]

But he is promoting it!

[@phil4986]

Heads up to the driver of the white pickup. He saw the rider go wide and made a right move to give more space. I learned this lesson fifty years ago on bicycles. My friend and I were riding down a bike trail from Mount Vernon, Va. to Washington D.C. and he drove right off a left-hand corner on the trail, and I followed him right off into the bushes. I will never forget that. I still feel stupid about that, but it taught me a great lesson. Since then, I always back off when the rider in front of me starts moving away, forward, and I watch around them to see the road. Like you said about a thousand times in this video. Ride your own ride. Do not fixate on the rider in front of you. Watch the road always. Let him go. As long as you stay up on the bike safe, you can always catch up later.

[@LMoney4]

Thank goodness the truck driver had some awareness and some skills as well. If this was dumb/new/ or unaware driver, the motorcyclist would be dead, or the driver could have panicked and drove through the guardrail.

[@ExhibitTruth]

Thank you for putting this out. As a new rider, this video and that shot will stay with me. I'm glad this was a near miss, and not something else, and everyone is OK.

[@yvette649]

Because of you I say "the coolest thing I can do is get back home to my family" ❤ My husband takes off and I keep riding in my comfort level. Sometimes I tell him I'm going to chill today. I feel like just taking in the scenery. I've learned a lot from your videos. You can't control what everyone does. It's their choice like it's your choice. We all take that risk when we mount up. Keep teaching.

[@UncleEll74]

In my opinion this is probably the most important video you have ever made and it speaks to your purpose, thank you for sharing…I am glad that no one was injured and I hope he realizes how lucky he was on that day…that visual speaks volumes about the things that you teach with each video.

[@elilapp9907]

This is one of the most terrifying and essential videos I’ve seen. In addition to ongoing learning, “You do you” is the best advice one can offer and should be fully heeded. Well done Greg!

[@jeepdude65]

Your emotions regarding this incident are very sincere and appreciated. I have witnessed too many riders crash due to the same unknown reasons you described. Riders need to check the egos and maintain their own comfort levels at all times. It’s not only a risk to themselves, but to their riding friends and the public. I totally agree with your statement “I ride at my level to get home everyday”.

[@danielprescott2880]

You're a humble dude. Your advice keeps me honest on my bike. People need to understand that advanced riders can make beginner mistakes. Stay safe out there.

[@Karooseun45]

I watch your videos because you do have experience and you give advice. To me, I see you are sincere that people should ride their own ride and at the end of the day, we are each responsible for our actions. Speed is not your fault, and the rider riding too fast for their own comfort should realise this. I went up a mountain this weekend (as a new rider) remembering everything you say….it made me ride safely, watching out for cars, thinking about my approach into each corner, speed, wide to tight but not over or too near the line, off the throttle and only on the throttle when I could see clear exit. This video too serves as a lesson. Keep up the great work mate.

[@JPTulo]

In paramotoring we have a saying “don’t impress me with your flying, impress me with your decision making”. I think it can apply to many disciplines. Glad your buddy is ok. If the driver of that truck didn’t stop to scratch his butt before he climbed in the cab, this would have been a completely different video.

[@Milena_MotoInkyEsq]

I just started riding about 2 months ago, but started watching your videos way before then and started doing your parking lot drills after getting endorsed (and before going on the “street”). My husband has been riding for 25+ years and one thing you’ve instilled in me is that I should always ride my own ride. On our first street ride together I kept repeating “don’t push me” (which he doesn’t, but as a new rider it can sometimes feel that way); “ride your own ride” is on repeat in my head because of you. You left IG when I was endorsed, but I’m subscribed to your KZbin channel because I know that when you post, I will learn something new that will stick with me. My husband is a great instructor, but it’s like kids, we always tend to listen more attentively to someone else! Thank you!

[@stevestickler8961]

Every motorcyclist should watch this. Thank you for your candor & humble demeanor. Besides riding like everyone is going to hit you, this is right there as a great riding mindset.

[@act97m3]

Excellent video Greg, this footage needs to be seen and mentally processed by all riders. I too ride in the local mountains of San Diego all the time, and I am seeing these very close calls every day. It only takes a moment of distraction to end someone's life. I'm so glad he escaped tragedy here, but it wasn't just his own life that was put at risk here. The driver of the truck had to make a split-second decision to hit the rider head on or make a little more room and potentially drive his truck off the cliff. Again, thank God there was just enough room and the truck driver's awareness and quick actions prevented disaster. It's just not worth risking your life, or others like this on the street. Take care and thank you for posting this for all to learn a good lesson in humility. Thank you for what you do, we all appreciate your passion and commitment to helping the community ride responsibly.

[@radarlover77]

You sure have a heart of gold and it's obvious how much you care for others. This video is exactly why I value your wisdom and advice. A powerful message. As a newer rider I once put myself in the position to push my limits. Then I reflected on the situation on how that was not ideal for me. I now stay within my comfort limits pushing slightly for my own growth. I'm a mom, although I love this feeling of riding, at the end of the day I want to be able to hold my kids in my arms.

[@scottsigler5486]

Thank you for showing this. Honestly, I've always felt like I wasn't going fast enough with my buddies. This will help a lot of people.

[@thomasmylett298]

Great advice… but lost in this discussion is the trauma for the truck driver. Having to deal with hitting a motorcyclist head on, or God forbid he overcorrects and veers to the right, and goes over the barrier and down into the canyon. At the end of the day, we were all responsible for ourselves, but you have to consider when pushing the limits day after day in the streets where innocent people share the road with us Remember what you do to others can ruin their lives

[@CAPHOTO1961]

Holy crap, that was nuts. That guy is lucky to be alive. 😳 Its not just moto either. My daughter and I are pretty good alpine skiers. I had my nephew almost go into the trees following us. I asked him what happened. He said he was trying to keep up with us. He said he wanted to ski fast like us. I was like, we ski fast but can stop on a dime or react very fast. He was basically bombing the hill with zero control. Its like some weird human competition thing, even when there are no prizes to give out, just an ambulance ride or worse. You do You is awesome advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@0625Andy]

Nothing more humbling than reality. Thank you for your resolve to raise the riding community skills so that we all can enjoy this sport for a long time!

[@davidfalgout7304]

I road on the street to fast just like you guys do. I slowed down after almost loosing my life and others almost lost theirs. Honestly..... THERE IS NOT GOOD REASON OR EXCUSE FOR RIDING FAST ON PUBLIC ROADS!!! All one proves is that they did not run out of luck! Take it to the track, then you can prove just exactly how good you are or are not!

[@lyndonohue3350]

Thanks for making this video Greg. Let me just add that the place for testing limits is NOT the street, and the street is NOT anyone's personal race track. Glad the rider narrowly escaped tragedy here, but also factor in that the truck could have reacted, and caused injury or worse to the passengers in that truck, etc. When you push it on the street, it isn't just your own well being you are risking, it's also the safety and lives of people sharing the road with you. I see way too much ego and stupidity being deployed by people on bikes out on the street. This is a good reminder that the mission scope is to have fun, but get home safe and don't do any harm to anyone else either.

[@Drobium77]

i agree, and youtube, instagram and tictok are fuelling the rise of the idiot bikers 😞 Give it a few years and the government will have bikes banned because of it

[@bjb7587]

Not just riders. Lotsa high risk driving too. Raciing and weaving in traffic on highways. Running red lights and so signed. Not just riders.

[@mistert2592]

Hey man I’m a new rider and all I can say is you inspire me! I’ve always promised myself never to push it on the street, that’s what the track is for. Thank you for bringing this up, it’s a hard topic to talk about but you are doing an amazing service to all bikers.

[@trishschofield7808]

You are spot on with this video and comments. Thank you 😊 As a rural EMT this is very hard on us as well.

[@bhar92]

For motorcycle riders, this might be the most important video that exists right now. I will always think about this when I'm riding from now on. And I'm not only talking about the frightening wide line. Mainly, I am talking about the absolutely BULLSHIT need to impress ANYONE while riding. Thanks for that.

[@johnkelly9061]

This is a great video. People who ride need to see and hear this. My brother is still in rehab from going into ONE corner to hot and side swiping a trailer. They're still rebuilding his leg. My own worst crash happened while following a guy in a canyon. I didnt even realize I was trying to match his speed, I was just going. It was only afterwards that I realized I was unconsciously trying to keep pace. You always have to be checking yourself, your self awareness and your ego when riding. Especially when you're rocking out and having a great time. Which of course is when you are least likely to do it. The hardest skill to master on a motorcycle is self control. You only have to slip up once, at the wrong time. I ride every day. Those are the stakes. Act accordingly.

[@jasonuzzardo6508]

this video hits home .... I've been riding for about 4 years and I generally ride pretty hard but safe. This past week, I was on the street and came to a corner and got on the brakes. As I got into the corner, I hit the white painted cross walk and completely lost the front tire. I heard a loud squeal and immediately knew what happened. I got my right foot down on the ground to stabilize and pulled the bike up with some throttle which almost sent me into oncoming traffic. This was the first time I did something so stupid on a bike that I questioned my ability. It shook me. I wont give up riding but the street is no place to really push it. There is always someone or something out there that will try and take you out. Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Stay alive!

[@TD2253]

Man, that was really close!!! Almost smacked into that pick up truck! He went wide into the turn. I'm glad he's okay. I feel you bro, but you're videos are really helping a lot of new riders including myself, to be more aware of their ride skill level and improve them through your Motojitsu courses. Keep up the great work and ride safe Greg!

[@metalsadman]

good the truck driver had the presence of mind to swerve in time and avoided him, the second car almost hit him too.

[@amymartin5578]

I can’t believe what I just saw. Yet, I can. Early on, I took some risks I shouldn’t have and am lucky to be alive. I didn’t know any better. Needed more MotoJitsu videos (and classes)! Your channel is amazing; so grateful for this sound advice and this video. It can happen so quickly and so easily. I was fine but crashed keeping up too, which isn’t like me. I was with a group on twisty roads and hit a hair pin turn. I wasn’t trying to prove anything but just wanted to stay with the group and was going too fast for the turn. Such a great reminder. I’m so happy I’m ok but also learned a valuable lesson I’ll never forget. Please keep doing what you’re doing. I’m convinced lives have been saved!!!

[@SlowRiderDucati]

Peer pressure is deadly, always ride your ride. I've survived the mean streets of LA, San Diego, SF, and in between in CA riding for 40 years+. I now ride daily still in CA on my 2023 Ducati Diavel V4. I'm 60 and I look forward to another 30+ years of riding like my riding buddy, who is 91 years old and rides a KTM Duke 790 up here in the Northern California Sierra foothills. Slow Rider out.

[@jonkelly1920]

Dude, you're doing such good for the motorcycling community! I can say for sure my riding/street awareness is much better thanks to you 🤙

[@wiseoldman5841]

Those Armco Barriers scare the crap out of me worse than oncoming traffic. A human grater waiting to slice your body into pieces in a slide. Please slow down around those wretched structures! We all love your work, Greg. One rodent scampering across the road created a slimy mess when a friend could not avoid it. Lost the front end and a low slide into bike retirement. Thanks for another insight that may keep someone safe.

[@Robnord1]

Life saving info here. Showing off and trying to keep up is deadly behavior not just with motorcycling, but all the dangerous pursuits such as flying, scuba diving, and rock climbing. Well done Greg. 👍👍

[@texduramax7039]

Greg, I just passed this along for my two riding buddies to watch as a reminder. As hard as this was for you to share, you quite possibly could have saved lives by doing so. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnrowley4993]

Excellent video, you’re obviously upset about what might have happened. It’s imperative that everyone rides their own ride. Here in the UK a police motorcyclist did a video in which he spoke about being on a ride with a few of his colleagues on their day off. Also with them was this man’s father. They’d been riding all day and were heading home. They were almost home when this chap went for a safe overtake. He wasn’t exceeding the speed limit. Unfortunately his father followed him and collided with an oncoming vehicle resulting in his death. In the end it was thought that due to tiredness the father had blindly followed his son. In conclusion ALWAYS ride your own ride and if you’re tired, stop and grab a coffee Best wishes

[@DD-co1zn]

The speed limit isn't what makes an overtake safe or not. It's the oncoming traffic. Clearly the 1st guy overtook while there was oncoming traffic, but was quick enough not to meet it. You're right that you should ride your own ride though.

[@RealRickCox]

I've nearly missed a corner... BIG lesson learned. I'm glad you're using this situation to help other riders. Taking corners on a sport bike is the most challenging part of riding them.

[@shaunandy]

Thanks for this. It such a different perspective when you see such a close shave. Glad everyone is okay and we can all learn from this. Ride safe everyone❤

[@jeremiahjolley7894]

This is so worthy of being posted every month or regularly so that it can reach as wide an audience as possible. I will never forget this lesson.

[@IMakeItMakeSense]

If he didn’t shit himself I’d be surprised. Ride your own shit is the gospel here! Leave the ego at your doorstep or you might not see it again. Wow! More riders need to see what death looks like😢🤷🏼‍♀️ Well said!

[@stephenblay7352]

One of your most powerful videos. Thanks for deciding to edit it and show it, your honesty is your audiences wake up call. I love the simplicity of "your goal is to get home". Thank you.

[@danielcouts53]

Thank you for doing this video. This is the human side of it and thank you for showing how hard it is to deal with and your frustration with it. I’ve known a lot of people in motocross that are the same way with not staying within their abilities. Glad the really bad didn’t happen.

[@kristy77a]

Best, best best advice I ever got was from a biking buddy - much more experienced than me - offered back in 2007 when I was just starting out as a rider and was on my first trip, a few days heading down Hwy 1 to Cambria. I couldn't keep up. He shrugged and said, "If you gotta go slow, go slow." I've always appreciated that empowerment and liberation from peer pressure. Yes, my friends sometimes call me Captain Slow - but at the end of the day, they're supportive that I ride within my limits. (Their biggest criticism of me is how freaking long it takes me to get my gear on ... )

[@shosholozabalafon2436]

I swear i missed a heartbeat watching this ....thanks god this rider survived. A young rider in my area was burried yesterday. He collided head on with a car on the opposite lane in a turn just like in that video. You are a great asset to the worldwide rider community Greg, greetings from France and a big hug to your buddy ✌️

[@Temetnosce77]

Greg, you are far from a nobody brother. You are a legend of a man, that has helped and is helping untold motorcyclists get home everyday. I for one, along with countless others. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all you do.

[@rs8197-dms]

I can't remember for sure, but I think it was in one of your videos from a couple years back that you mentioned this the first time I heard it (ride your own ride) and on thinking about it, this made a huge impact on me. I had, for sure, prior to that done things like follow the guy ahead of me when passing a car. This can end up very badly in several ways. I do my very best not to do that any more. I try to ride my own ride. So, thanks for the message. Received and understood, with gratitude.

[@LeoMerkel]

The most important message! I wish everybody would take this to heart. I'm a returning rider after 20+ years and have been getting back to my skills since April. They're not what they were 20 years ago (I'm 69 now) and I always ride in my comfort zone. I'm just not interested in what others are doing or saying.

[@dahobbs66]

Well said. The most dangerous rider is the one who thinks they can ride faster than their ability. It is easy to be angry at the senseless deaths. Thank you for what you do to educate, challenge , and motivate the community to be better. Ride safe!

[@MitchRiedstra]

I'm so glad you made this video. Too many people die on motorcycles because they lose their head and don't ride within their skill level on the street.

[@freshelfpie]

Thanks for pounding this point, Greg. If it saves one rider serious injury or death than you ARE somebody. That's the somebody you are, your mission is giving the EMTs less carnage to deal with. Kudos.

[@JUSTIFIED-R.W.M.J.]

You are the first person I have heard who states the importance of knowing the road you ride before you see how fast you can take it comfortably. I have a suspiscion that many accidents on, say, the tail of the dragon, occur from first timers who want to see how fast they can go with no idea what to expect. Unknown roads is not the place to go all out. Glad your buddy is still there to ride with you again. A quarter of a second would have made a horrible alternate result.

[@clemc5457]

Thanks for your video and humility. Your skill level is way above the average rider (like me) and it’s admirable. No one should be put on a pedestal yet it’s human nature to want heroes. “Ride within your comfort level.” was drilled into me when I started riding decades ago. Excellent advice that I’ve stuck to. When my friends take off, I catch up to them when I can. These days, I hear your voice in my head when riding the twisties (and that’s a good thing).

[@arbearusn]

I've subscribed since before I took the MSF. As a new rider, I've been in this situation on a couple of occassions at greatly reduced speeds all because I got over confident, forgot basics, or wanted to look cool like I knew what I was doing. Videos like this help to keep me grounded. Twist of the wrist and blink of an eye and anything can happen, not all good or enjoyable. Glad your buddy gets a chance to review.

[@ALCLCFVIS]

lesson one: never ride in a group. In 5 years riding, rode twice (it was actually ok....2 people the first time, 4 people second), but the vast majority of riders have a tendency "to follow" (me included), it's a fact. Stay off group rides or at least give enough space you don't see who's in front, so you don't "follow".

[@dave-d]

I probably wouldn't be here without your teaching. You do you very well Bro. Hard lesson for everyone this one. Thanks for the courage and honesty. Respect.

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Nobody ever wants to talk about stuff like this but it needs to be brought out. So thank you for sharing this with everyone, as painful as it was. Regardless of why it happened, people need to understand that there are things that will always be out of their control. Unintended consequences are as variable as life itself, so giving yourself just a little extra margin may just save your life someday. This guy was lucky, many were not.

[@aliclark_33]

Wow… I can only imagine how you’re feeling, Greg. Glad you’re able to post this as an educational video, rather than figuring out a way to erase a disaster out of your mind and camera. I appreciate you sharing this with us, and for everything you’ve said. Peace to you. You are appreciated.

[@zj25]

Your authenticity gives you the respect you deserve. Thank you for teaching us to be a better rider. Best wishes from Switzerland.

[@HawkSwimming]

I too am glad you posted this video. I have learned alot watching your videos. And, a few years ago I was going 110 on a Nevada road on a loaded adventure bike with 50-50 tires and almost crashed when the front tire started wobbling. Thank God I did not touch the front brake or I would not be writing this to you today. Learned my lesson - when we go that fast, we are a split second away from dying. I was lucky. So was your friend. It is a "come to jesus moment." You are absolutely right that we should ride at a speed we are comfortable at. At the same time, and you might not agree with this, the lead rider has an obligation to consider the skill level of those riding with him/her and not let them get past their skill level. Same as your days in the military, the mission leader never takes anyone into a mission if the person did not have the skill set for the mission. A year ago ,my buddy and I pulled a rider out of the woods after he missed a corner on McKenzie Highway in Oregon. The guy bragged about the number of accidents he'd had. A few minutes later, he went roaring by us making the same mistakes. We just said to ourselves the name you hear Emergency Room Nurses call motorcycle riders - "Organ Donor." You have great messages for riders if you are alive. No messages if you are dead. I, for one, would love to watch your videos for many years to come.

[@s.p.6130]

Recommend we ride OUTSIDE half of our lane---theres the safety buffer we need, whether cars swing in or we swing wider than intended. I live on a 2 mile stretch of twisties, more like 45mph tops, and all very tight twists, but issues are same: 50% of oncoming are ON the center line in the turn, the other 50% of oncoming traffic CROSSES the center line in turns, and there are a dozen such turns on this road. Mailboxes are clobbered often. In true motojitsu tradition this can be seen as a "challenge", the tighter control required to work with only outer half of a lane will make us all better riding in a group or threading needle through traffic in a crisis... as always, thank you for sharing.👍

[@MarkLAdkins01]

Love this video...keep it real. You are a human like everyone else just doing your thing. You are no more...but also no less than anyone. We do this thing together. We learn from each other. We enjoy the ride together. Keep going my friend. You have experiences ahead of you that will surely help many others. 👍👍

[@jamsloftchannel1541]

I am so glad your buddy is still with us. That's a lesson for all of us.

[@tomfoolery8393]

Keep doing what you do. It makes sense what you said too. Goes with alot of stuff when people ride and even drive. Goal is to get home. So true. Thank you

[@BravoMotoOfficial]

Very well said sir. Great topic that absolutely needs to be discussed and talked about. Would be interested to hear what was going through your buddy’s head, and if he knows what he did (TF, speed, entry, etc).

[@sproesser1]

IMO "riding your own ride" is a skill like any other, it must be developed. It requires some experience to really grasp the concept and put it to use. Some egos are more tempted than others to keep up, or impress. It requires discipline. My pace each day factors in that day's level of focus, mood, conditions, how fresh I am to the road, how clean the surface is, etc. All of these factors affect my emotional state and focus. When I make a mistake, including touching the center lines, I take a moment and re-evaluate my pace. If I touch the center line or make another small mistake that day, I back off my pace and enjoy a bit of a cruise. This is in part due to breaking 5 ribs and my hand on my dirtbike a couple years ago.(experience!)

[@Rugratt_]

Chills.. gut wrenching to watch. I appreciate you and feel that frustration just want to say thank you for having a heart and a passion for wanting to help others like myself to be better and thank you for always sharing and being real. It's rarity. God bless you.

[@wendycosh5249]

I feel your pain, upset and heartache. This video is a must see and listen for new and many so called 'experienced' riders. Your KZbin channel is a blessing to your viewers who want to have great reliable professional knowledge. Unfortunately it is clear your buddy was trying to catch you up and was completely over his skill level for the speed he was carrying into the corner, panicked and probably let off the throttle and of course the bike starts to stand up and he went wide. Way too much speed for his skill level. Thankfully he survived and hopefully a life lesson never to be forgotten. Many thanks for your wisdom and sharing a video that will undoubtedly make new and experienced riders think again before letting their egos take over and remember 'your words Ride your own Ride' Take care Greg All the best Joe Salmon (London England)

[@mikell510]

Man... that was soooo close. Reminds me of a tragic story my uncle told. He's in his 60's and when he was in his 20's (he still rides) him & his buddies all rode choppers with their "old ladies" on the back. On one of those rides, through some twisties I presume, his buddy got too close to the center divider & the vehicle coming the other way clipped him (or vice versa) and he lost his leg. They also didn't wear helmets back then & I guess his 'lady' wasn't on the back that day which makes it even luckier that he's still here to talk about it. Love your channel, thanks for all you do brother!!

[@richie3602]

definitely one of the finest and most important videos on the moto topic; and definitely one of your very best, mate. i don’t regularly ride with others, or in a group, and i’m very comfortable being my own boss in terms of pace, so to speak, but this sort of information, clearly and simply put out, is crucial - especially for newer and younger riders. as a last point, i really liked to hear your final comment about your own unimportance in the grand scheme of things. it’s well worth repeating time and again, since we are all the masters of our own destiny far more than in many other sports/disciplines/activities. very sorry to learn you don’t 1-2-1 anymore for reasons like this, though; rest assured plenty learn amazing things from you. if you’re ever in italy around rome and want a chilled ride in the hills, i’ll be happy to lead or follow….at any pace. keep up the great work 💪

[@mjfalcon007]

I just started following you after passing the first day of the basic riding course to get my learners permit here in South Australia. I watched a few of your videos from 4 years ago and learnt a lot! Thank you for your tips and you humble attitude! I hope this video helps others to see how dangerous riding outside of their comfort zone can be. Looking forward to learning this sport at my own pace and returning home to my family every day! Thank you

[@rosstoolfan]

This made me tear up. Lucky to be alive. Glad you're here with us rider!

[@Fret-knot]

This is one of those videos that new riders need to see... and old riders, sometimes, just as a reminder.

[@MotorbikeCoach]

Good job sharing this mate - The best way to encourage people to get regular training is to review the close calls, and worse. He's a very lucky lad to still be breathing.

[@alvaroruiz9831]

Oh my... i hope he is ok. A truck just appears at one corner , you´re going a little too fast or too wide, and you look at it... it always can happen. Thankyou for your teachings and videos like this one. Unpleasant, scary... but helpful and absolutely necessary.

[@shalmariewilson3230]

Wow! Crazy footage and so glad your buddy was given that 1/2 sec! Something to consider though when it comes to "knowing the roads like the back of your hand"... you know the road and the next corner, but you don't know the newly fresh patch or gravel or the deer that is about to pounce or the driver in the oncoming lane is going to go wide and into your lane. No matter what speed you're "comfortable" with, riders need to consider their TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE and no matter how good you are at breaking, you still have to have the distance to do all the things like see what's happening, the brain computes what's happening and then to communicate the brain to hands and feet on what to do and then tires on the road to do their thing. That's a lot going on and the higher your speed, the more distance you're going to need to scrub things down to a manageable level. Whether you're needing to stop or simply have the room to make a maneuver to avoid something, the faster you go, the more room you need, not to mention you needing to ability to THINK faster as well. Love your videos as they have a lot of good information! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@nearlypastit2385]

Hello MJ. : - ) for your videos. I'm in my mid 70's and retired and I live in the UK. I still ride a motorcycle (have recently changed my mount to a Triumph Bonneville Speedtwin 900). I do own and drive a car but I ride my 'bike purely for pleasure in the country lanes of Hampshire in the south of England. I'd like to add a comment following on from something you said in your video commentary. My comment isn't directed at your good self, as you mention always being prepared for the unexpected when riding. My comment here is more for riders new to the pleasure who like to benefit from your online tutorials. You mention in your commentary being familiar with the road you are riding before 'pushing the envelope' (my phrasing) and getting more spirited with the ride. This is where I'd like to add a 'red flag' ........ Riders should heed your advice that at all times be prepared for the unexpected. It is all too easy to become blase on a known road and revert to 'autopilot' on a familiar route. I can't provide actual figures, as I read some years ago that here in the overcrowded UK quite a few traffic accidents happen close to a motorists home. The only logical explanation for some of these mishaps (based on a balance of probabilities) is that many of the drivers and riders involved had slipped into 'autopilot' mode, so weren't enacting your advice to 'always be prepared for the unexpected' and stay alert (the principle applies wherever you are, obviously). I could easily tell by your demeanour in your presentation how traumatic for you the incident you have posted about was. You'll obviously not forget about the effect of seeing the video, but I trust the rawness of your nerves will mellow in the fullness of time. Stay safe. Kind regards from a very wet UK.

[@JUSTIFIED-R.W.M.J.]

My buddy does an anual trip to Big Bend, TX (awesome ride by the way). The first time I went, we had a guy who just bought a new bike and was inexperienced (this is NOT a beginners road). He was white knuckleing it the whole way. First stop, I told him I would let him lead and just go and enjoy the road and the scenery etc... 4-5 of us fell way behind the group but to watch him visibly relax and actually enjoy the trip was very rewarding to see. And guess what, I had an absolute blast on the trip too and made a really good friend.

[@geraldjlemoine]

A lot of people died in Alberta this season. Highest ever on record. I just started street-riding at 56 now 60 a 2019 C50 for three full seasons. I had a few close calls with cars and pickups cutting me off in traffic at speed limits. The thing is they saw me and did not care. Most cagers are respectful. I had a few who would speed up and follow for many miles even when I would slow down to let them pass they would just hang back to follow until I would pull over.

[@bernardofidalgo1808]

Great message. It's such a natural thing to put yourself in a horrible situation for all the wrong reasons.

[@DirtZen]

That was haunting. This should be mandatory viewing for all street riders, especially new riders. Thank you for posting this.

[@georgebrowne5935]

I appreciate your Honesty. Slow car park techniques, etc etc.are great instruction for all bikers, but I would never try school anyone on Road Speed techniques, just for the same reason of the video you shared. We all had motorcycle friends now dead sadly.

[@brittonjordan6347]

I’ll be an example here. Went through the twisties with a buddy of mine and I’m a new rider. Even after all of the ryor I heard, and as much as I’ve KNOWN to ride my own ride, I took a corner too fast trying to keep up and luckily I was able to slow myself down to a low enough speed that I only laid the bike down with minor cosmetic damage and some bruises. Luckily I was wearing my full gear. It was a wake up I needed to remind me that I don’t need to keep up with anybody other than myself and getting home. I love riding and though it did shake me up, I’m still going strong. Please heed his advice. If I was going any faster or didn’t slow down enough in time I could’ve been seriously hurt. Thanks @motojitsu for making these videos.

[@gerrycout7845]

I said the same thing to my friend riding an unfamiliar road with me being very familiar with that road. Ride at your speed. BUT him being too proud, he tried to keep up with me anyway and crashed. An older, wiser friend of mine said it right; “you should have been the bigger man and slowed down for him”. Now he was right, the quality of a true good leader is too set the pace according to the experience of the people you are riding with. You talk like me buddy, a guy who has only been riding for 30 years… still a lot to learn.

[@johnmeglio4585]

I feel for you man. I ride with a friend of mine who has been riding a lot longer than me and he leads most of the time and is always telling me to try to keep up and I tell him I'm not going to do that because I'm not comfortable with his speed. 😎🏍👍

[@alanzappa266]

Go to a track day with your more experienced friend and try to push yourself on the closed circuit track to keep up. Race/compete with your friends on the track, ride with safety as the priority on the streets/canyons with your friends. It’s a million times easier to die on the street.

[@jeffmarchand1635]

Dude…crazy. It’s good you showed it because it happens ALL the time. I’ve done it more than once in my 30+ years on the road and it makes me shiver just thinking about it. Ride your ride and slow the f down until you can handle it. Dang.

[@open_water2411]

I made a similar mistake in the 80s getting myself on the wrong side of the road on a tight turn. Shortly after that I did the same thing getting my speed and braking wrong on another tight bend on trip to Ireland. Luckily on both occasions nothing was coming the other way but I still think today…what if something was coming the other way? I was young and stupid but they’re probably the most important lessons I’ve learned ever and they still form the basis of my respect for road riding nowadays. Thanks for posting.

[@carpenterhillstudios8327]

I'm an old guy who is doing last miles. I will say the one thing that runs through every video of yours is the insistence on knowing your own limits. You give an insane amount of skills training and video examples. You put up with no crap. That said, two things I've found out about myself- when I first started riding I felt I had to keep up. I had some close calls (nothing like your vid). The second thing is once the helmet goes on, nobody knows who or which one you are really. You automatically do your ride. and you can feel when you are trying to be another rider. Maybe it's because I'm where I am in my riding arc. Thanks for making the video and putting your blunt honest self out there for teh community.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

So very true, and as an experienced mature rider, I have learned this lesson and really don't care if I am the last rider in, especially when riding in unfamiliar territory, I ride to my comfort level, and enjoy the ride. This may have been one of your more important videos produced. Thank you for sharing. BTW, I recently dowloaded your app, and even though I am a long time rider, the exercises have been an excellent way to challenge myself to better handle my bike at all speeds.

[@jadudar]

I like your stuff. I am an experienced motorcyclist and aircraft pilot. I learn from your reports, like reading ntsb accident reports. I will have an accident perhaps, just not that accident.

[@ducati1100red]

Hi mate , please keep strong, could see this was very upsetting for you to make and the shock of seeing the guy nearly killing him self too…. Ride ya own ride are the best words ever said to me . Thanks for just being you 🙏🏻

[@remember8440]

Your friend almost died, but a friend of mine died with his girlfriend. It could have been worse. I understand how you feel. ride safe, take care.

[@thomasgentile9310]

Im glad I can leave comments again on your videos. This is a very good/important video. That image of them going wide turned my stomach. You are right on about just missing by one second. As far as riding with you, that would never happen. I definitely would not be able to keep up and I would end up just riding by myself :). I'm wise (old) enough to not be pressured to ride above my comfort level. Thanks for the video.

[@ricardogarciagiron248]

I’m with you!!! Completely right!!! Helping bikers too get home safely!!! That was the reason I wrote you time ago from Spain… hope you remember!!! You make such a good job that deserves been shared with the world!!!

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks :) instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@rustyspiker3569]

Best heart to heart from you. I ride with my friend who is 3 times and years more experience but I always ride my own ride. Although my own ride is much faster or I should say safer as I learn from him. I’am 80/20 off road and road rider but I use your video’s all the time. Do I think your a motorcycle god? No. just a great instructor who puts his pants on the same as me. So keep teaching you save riders allot of heartache. Don’t get frustrated. We have all learned from you. 😁

[@jonathanschmidt4985]

I can't believe they didn't give you a heads up at the end of the ride and discuss it with you. Must of freaked you out a bit once you saw the video, if your angry or annoyed with that person, good, not sharing that with you goes against what I have seen you are all about, sharing experiences so that they learn and other riders do as well, to try and improve us all and keep us safe. Well done on sharing this, much appreciated. P.S. I have not ridden in years and I am thinking about starting again, your videos are excellent and have encouraged me to not just jump back in the saddle but take the time to relearn the skills i had and the new ones you have shown as well.

[@collinclark6086]

I had my first low side the other day. It was all my fault and that was the biggest lesson for me to learn. Had I just slowed down by like 5mph I would have been fine. Luckily there was no one else around, and it was a very slow corner, but it doesn't excuse my riding. Also, the second lesson is to relax on a cruiser. It isn't a knee dragging machine, lol. Thanks for all that you do man, you're a true mentor.

[@marcosramos5117]

Yikes man that was really close that truck swerved a little over too -so relieved to see they are OK. Stay safe out there everyone!

[@randymcnaught5583]

Greg, I am so thankful that your buddy was on the right side of the time clock. I think at one time or another, we have all pushed the envelope too much. As a retired LEO, with 31 years experience (24 on motos) I will never be able to legally justify these speeds on public roads. This riding should be only on the track. There are too many uncontrollable factors on the streets. Having said that, I glad that no one was injured or died in this event. Be Safe!

[@cathb5684]

OMG, I am in Australia, I just did a professional breaking and cornering course yesterday, always learning and just watched this, gave me goosebumps, felt ill, It was defineatly worthwhile you making this, sooooooooo many riders need to see this, it may save one of their lives, thank you for sharing.

[@lexwaldez]

It's more than your buddy putting his life at risk too... if he hits that truck head on who knows what happens to that poor driver. That's terrifying to watch. I have a feeling that if you want to impress Mr. Moto you ride safely and responsibly. Thank you for sharing. Great lesson for everyone.

[@Haveablesseddaytoday]

I watched that close call in .25% speed. Scary. Hes also luckily that there wasn't another vehicle behind the pickup. Glad he ok.