Riding Tips That May Save Your Life!!! | MotoVlog 8

[@johnbrown2163]

It Saved my LIFE. First week Rider. Thanks Man.

[@ShawnSmoak]

That's awesome to hear!! Thanks for watching!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks for the comment StripBolt! Unfortunately, I went down quite a few times. Got hauled away in the meat wagon a couple times and wiped out a few bikes over those years (1982~1994). It was nice here from Thur~Sun and I did the same as you, lived on the bikes! It was awesome... Even made it to the lower 70's on Sat & Sun. Thanks again, and be safe out there!

[@TheGorillatavern]

Thanks man, good advice, as a fellow Pacific Northwesterner, I can appreciate the slickness of the wet leaves.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Cool! A fellow PNW rider! Yeah, it can get slick around here in the wet... Thanks for watching and commenting +TheGorillatavern !

[@TheGorillatavern]

Yeah if your ever down in the Salem area, hit me up.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Cool, I'll do just that... Thanks!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Love the story Brian, thanks for sharing! Been caught up in some crazy weather over the years. I know where you're coming from! Can scare the hell out ya... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ethanjones5623]

Laughed my ass off at that dog!

[@genxfordguy1380]

Its called situational awareness, Ive had to learn to use it the hard way, but it works. Always ride to leave yourself a good margin of error, always wear your gear, and always respect the machine under you, and the road you're on.

[@ShawnSmoak]

That's awesome! Riding will open up an unimaginable new world for you, you'll love it! If you are really liking the Iron, you can put forward controls on that really stretches it out. You can sit on a XL1200X 'Forty-Eight' at the Harley dealer to see what the Iron would feel like with forward controls installed... You can't go wrong with the Phantom either! That's an awesome bike with legendary Honda reliability. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ACE21813]

I'm learning to ride on an 883 Iron as well. On my first day out on the road I had someone riding my ass, and since I wasn't going anywhere in particular I decided just to turn off of the road I was on to get that threat off my bumper. Unfortunately the road I was on had very tight curves. It wasn't a road I've ever driven down so I wasn't expecting it. I came into a hairpin turn hot and I downshifted, but let go of the clutch too quick. The rear wheel slid out from behind me right as I should have been starting to lean the other direction for another hairpin turn. The bike instantly evened out., and the speed dropped enough to where I could make the turn. I would have lost it if I locked up. I just remembered to look where I wanted to go. In that instance I cant remember what I did to correct that jerking motion I felt with the bike. I think I just completely let go of the throttle and held the clutch in but I honestly can't remember. I know if I hit the front breaks I would have went straight and off the road. I watched a ton of motovlogs / tutorials on youtube so maybe those lessons helped a noobie like myself in that situation. I just know I looked where I wanted to go and tried to remain calm even though I was thinking "I'm about to wipe out". As you say man, sticking with it is the best way to make it though!

[@christianhancock4019]

Thanks for the video. I always say that I have been riding all my life but in reality, I have taken the last 20 years off. I bought a 2001 Fatboy about 3 months ago and damn I am rusty. I still think like a 20 year old on a rocket! This video brought me back to reality. Thank you for the information and the reminder on how to ride safely. Being back on two wheels has changed my life. I feel that I am a better father, husband, employee and friend. Oh the wasted years! Anyway, please keep those videos rolling. Thank you!!!

[@freddieruth5579]

Thanks for tips. I am gonna ride for the time this spring so I need to know as much as possible

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks Freddie Ruth! Glad I was of some help. Planning on doing a series on riding tips this spring, so check back from time to time... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@freddieruth5579]

Okay. I know the concept of clutch on a car but it being on the handle bars is gonna be different for me! I'm probably gonna confusion it with being the brake lol And I hope I don't give too much throttle by accident! Any tips for these? Thanks Frddie

[@humidor3]

great vid. I just put a deposit down on the 883. A first timer, I'll take your advice to heart. I miss the wet coast!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Awesome! You're going to enjoy the heck out of the Iron! Lol... Wet Coast! No kidding there... Thanks for watching and commenting +humidor3 !

[@ShawnSmoak]

It's crazy out there for sure! When I came up on that dog, I almost said "Look at that face, he's not a chaser". But he jumped at me before I got it out... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thank you very much Liljoejoe54. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Liljoejoe54]

I'm a new rider and just picked up my first bike last month ('13 1200C) and have found this video to be extremely helpful. So I just wanted to say thank you!

[@blackhawk2475]

Great video and advice, Shawn. As a relatively new rider (3 months) I respect your thoughts and safety tips.

[@johnwood7552]

Shawn love your videos, I'm a fairly new rider and just bought 2014 883 iron. I would love to see more riding tips as you go on some of your rides, but I do love your stories. you make me laugh on your comments on things

[@ShawnSmoak]

john wood Thanks John! Congrats on the 2014 Iron. When the riding season comes back around, I plan on doing tons of videos. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@getmartincarter]

Been riding motorcycles since 1975 in Australia and in Thailand . Found the tips on cornering useful . I ride into corners slow and accelerate out when I can see the exit point . Never dropped a bike or lost control on a corner , hit anything . Lucky

[@tonyrowland7065]

As a million mile safe driver of a semi i gave the same advice to all my student drivers. Also took them to a M.C DEALER FOR A SAFTY CLASS.Keep up the great vlogs.

[@ShawnSmoak]

It's cracks that form in the asphalt from freezing in the winter and the heat of summer. They blow the debris out with compressed air and fill them with tar. They come back through, at some point, and tar & gravel the surface of the whole road. However, until they do, the tar snakes are extremely slippery when wet or softened by heat! So slippery that it shocks me that they could legally do this... Like hitting little patches of ice! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@LarryBark]

I love watching your videos, but this one helped me the most. As a relatively new rider the comments about the stuff on the road was something I never really though about although I do try to stay out of the middle of the road when it is darker black due to oil. Anyway thanks for the advice. I would love to hear the thoughts that go through your mind in traffic, like staying out of the blind spot or sizing up a left handed turner. Just general ways you can stay safe out there that would help newbies like myself be better riders. Thanks for your videos...

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thank you very much Larry! I will do more of these, including in-town traffic tips and tricks to keep to safe... The weather up here in the Pacific Northwest will not be too favorable for riding this time of year, but I still do a couple times per week. I can certainly do a vlog on staying safe in crazy wind and rain, maybe even a little snow if I get caught in it... Could be entertaining if I get myself into trouble! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johanvanwinkel8590]

Looking far ahead is what i know as the vanishing point. The closer the slower u must go, the further the faster u can go! Thanks Shawn good points. good vid.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Very true...! Thanks for watching Johan!

[@rossgrubbs4017]

Thank you, this was a great video! As a rider getting back on the bike after a long layoff, I appreciate all the good advice I can get.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Riding Tips That May Save Your Life!!!

[@bobvog7123]

Thanks Shawn, appreciate your advice and thoughts on staying safe. We all love to ride, but we also all live with the inherent risk of riding, and like you, should always be alert and think ahead, and in the end, if something goes wrong, may the Lord have mercy on us and protect us.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks for watching and commenting dbest1a!

[@Ice_48]

I love your 883. Plan to get mines today!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Awesome! You'll be loving your own here real soon... Congratulations! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@wesjackson5182]

Thanks for the vlog. I am about to be a new rider this next spring. You have some pretty cool stuff. Wish I could get the Iron but my frame is just too long. 34" inseam and felt cramped. Taking the MSF and then finding a bike that hopefully matches my size and inexperience. Maybe a Shadow Phantom. Great info and video.

[@crankinification]

Cool video, your rambling is one of the many reasons I love your videos, I find myself rambling like that too.

[@VioletGiraffe]

Thanks for the advices! Nice scenery you're riding around. And oh my, such good roads! That road is ideal. No pits, no waves... I'm not sure there's such a good road ANYWHERE in my country :) Certainly haven't seen it yet.

[@BronxFortyEight]

Great Advise, My first slip was on a patch of leaves and rocks riding on some streets in a park. Took a curve and slip slip down i went was only 3 months riding.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks BX48! Your type of riding in the city requires a whole different skill set with cat like reflexes. Leaves and gravel can be tricky as you never know what tracktion level is there. Going down is never cool! Street bikes just don't hit the ground gracefully... Thanks for watching!

[@lionheartreviews8730]

Love your style of reviewing. You very good flow when your speaking can see why your channel and videos are so popular. Keep up the good work and i look forward to other vids from you. Hi from the UK

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@vantadventures]

Loved the dog scene! Thanks for the tips Shawn, hopefully ill be getting an Iron 883 soon and I'm not that experienced.

[@Ajen1959]

Good advice! I been riding since 1973! Also watch the drivers! if they aint looking at you ,then your not there!

[@backstabbath1986]

Bought my first bike (Harley 883 Sporster) this week. Thanks for the solid advice! You got yourself a sub!

[@Firefox131]

Some of these tips aren't explained like this in those motorcycle courses. I really liked the escape maneuvering you explained. Most of the safety courses teach so many seconds, by rote, not why you need to do it. Thanks Shawn! GW

[@loknlode]

In a period of just a couple days, I had a trailer tire explode, nearly took off my head, a buddies air cleaner fell off his chopper, nearly took off my head and that same day, had a driver come into the oncoming lane about a 1/4 mile ahead of me, cars duckin' and dodgin' all over, found myself going into the ditch, out of the ditch, a bit of motocrossing, back through the ditch and past the carnage...I parked the Night Train for a week.... ( = Ride within your skill level, look way, way ahead, and remember SIPDE....Scan (for hazards), Identify (potential hazards), Predict (what they're going to do), Decide (your evasive maneuver), Execute. Great video with lots of good advice!!!

[@ShawnSmoak]

bigdogbuc - Wow, nothing like having a couple rides like that to put things into perspective! I love the SIPDE, that's awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brianw4644]

thanks I just started this year,on a maxim xj750 love to ride and got into the best storm I have ever seen,on my way home and it was raining,filling the road with water and hit a pond in the middle of the road,scared the sh%^ out of me.Didn't drop the bike,didn't feel good but got through it ok.ride safe hope u like the story

[@JojoCrazyCat]

I do remember taking a curve leaving far for the first time, and my pegs dragged the street. I did panic, I was happy about it, because it was the first time I leaned that far on a curve. But my very first time wrecking, I was going around a curve, and a truck was on my side of the road. I was very lucky, I didn't panic, so I was able to go off the road and miss the truck, but I slid in the gravel, and went down. It ripped my pipes off. Only scraped my left arm up bad. I though my dad would not let me ride after that. But he let me get back riding, after my dad bought me some new pipes. I was 16 years old. My first bike. Only been riding for 2 days. It was a 650cc Kawasaki.

[@bikergeorge4419]

Good Vedeo on safety , I went to the Ride safety corse Harley Davidson has 5 years ago . It really helped me after being off a bike about 30 years,

[@TimothyT230]

Seems the helmet you are using doesn't vent very well ? Awesome video, thanks.

[@SouthernxLord]

Good video. New Rider. I'm sure you've been asked this alot. but what jacket are you wearing?

[@Feckoff730]

hey, I am thinking of getting a 883 superlow next year and I saw that you have the compact wind deflector, how is that working for you? I was looking at getting that very same one for my bike. is it as good as a standard size windshield? thanks.....

[@cnthunder9]

Thanks for this video. Just getting into riding.

[@KneebarBuffet]

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks KneebarBuffet! And thanks for watching & commenting too!

[@jbailey13]

It doesn't look like you're counter-steering into the curves.

[@moto238]

You are so so right! You just never know when a bad scene is going to happen,always when you don't expect it. I had my first cager caused drop a month ago,car turned left in front of me .I hit the brakes and down I went,she took off I had a retired cop as a witness. The result?....twemty six hundred damage to Ultra C and I;m still hurting....Oh well,what the hell!!

[@mikebigeasyrider]

Like the comments you made, always highten awarness when riding, been riding for some yrs also.

[@sarahd3182]

This video was pretty good in all. The one thing that I felt should have been mentioned are the painted lines in the wet. These can and often are as slippery as a bar of soap in the shower. You mentioned looking ahead as opposed to fixing right in front of you, which I totally agree with but getting a "read" takes time and experience. I've enjoyed other vids simply because they're basic information. Thanks

[@gregulm7507]

Would you suggest an iron to a new rider? And same for a taller person, about 6'2"??? Thank you, I really enjoy your videos!

[@simongoetz1387]

would you recommend a vrod as my first bike?

[@MrAugustococo]

you said that its xtremely importat to look far away infront of you, but what happen whetn you are on a curve and you cant see enfront of you? like youre just seeing the paint lines while in to the curve?

[@ShawnSmoak]

YO CERCH I know the scenario you're talking about... You simply keep you eye's trained on the turn, almost like your trying to see around it. This will help you judge your corner speed and not come in too hot or miss the apex. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MrAugustococo]

sorry if it was hard to understand me, im mexican, im about to get a motorcycle but i still dont know wich one, im between harley iron 883 2012 or yamaha r6 2009 or honda cbr600rr 2009 grafitti edition. im 19yo its legal here to ride since 17yo

[@ShawnSmoak]

Not hard to understand you at all... If you are looking to go racing around with the speed and performance of an R6 or CBR, you won't like the Iron at all. You can go fast on an Iron, but it will never keep up with one of those 600's. The Iron is more of a kick back and enjoy the ride kind of bike. I just don't want you to end up with the wrong bike... Be sure to ride them and decide what you like the most.

[@IstanbulRider]

those tar snakes, are they a result of the road surface splitting in the summer heat or the actual surface layer of gravel wearing off? I am assuming as its tar thats a lot more slippy in the wet and sticky in the summer?

[@philbrenner2567]

Unrelated question. How do the turned mirrors work for you? Still enough visibility? Knees not in the way??

[@cherubrock7988]

Where are you ? I live in oregon & it looks like the Pacific North West but not sure !

[@Mathos1]

Awesome advice man, thank you! Ride safe brother!

[@TakManHarleyBoy]

Great video my friend!

[@lucasbrown712]

im looking in to getting my first bike and i really want a 2015 iron 833, any tips? is this a bad idea? btw this would be my first vehicle i just turned 16.

[@StarWars5691]

I'm also 16, gonna be 17 in May. I also want the 883 as my first bike; however, learning on a new 883 cc engine may not be the best idea, for a dual sport is much more forgiving because it can be dropped a few times, can go pretty much anywhere, and it's probably going to have less power. I know this, yet I still want that sportster, you can really start out on anything, you just need the correct discipline and mindset to learn successfully.

[@_drewmin]

+Lucas Brown Just keep this in mind, a bike will only go as fast as you make it go.

[@SideStrafed]

+Thomas Sava I'm 17, 18 in October. I also really want the 883 to be my first bike. it's just such a beauty

[@grimr550]

U r a pro!!!!! Stay safe out there man.

[@MrJeepleo]

Hey Shawn, how is the Iron at night?

[@karsonhuff5699]

Thx for tips but love the Harley I hate the bikes that have those huge console bikes your bike amazing love it

[@lpmmxvii7422]

I have a question does knowing how to ride a bike help at all with a bike like this mentally i mean or physical?

[@TroubleMakerVlogs]

Lol i do the same thing. Thang god im not the only one! I think its cuz were riding and paying attention to the clutch,traffic,breaking, so we lose focus

[@unionpride525]

Those road conditions look exactly like mine in the country west of Portland. Then you said mount saint helens then I knew we road the same country roads. Wet leaves suck!

[@unionpride525]

And I ride the same bike with the mirrors flipped the same.

[@geddstock]

My advice would be to go and practice counter steering until you can turn on a dime,when the "situation" arises you will naturally just turn your head Through the bend and crank it over,most bike will outperform the rider. Also start to read the roads even starting with road signs/road markings etc is a confidence giver.. Ride fast but ride people👍

[@213dwb]

Great advice thank you sir

[@charlespetsch2167]

thanks for the tips great advice

[@glasgowharleyrider]

Wise advice brother !

[@ShawnSmoak]

Drummerdigger - Thanks man!

[@terayon]

where do you live? man thats some beautiful country!

[@IFoundMyUsername]

White pedestrian lanes are the worst. Specially when it is raining and the marks are new.

[@chauffeurmarco]

I from the old school but when I first ride bikes I was looking far away but when you hit pothole you get fedup and start to look down more often. Here in Canada, Quebec province we have as much of them as every dollar of the most world richest people. Here it is not a good place to drive or ride. It cost more for us to have a car because repairs than down in the US.

[@JorgeRivera-yn6gb]

What kinda windshield is that

[@Hazardhemi]

Hey man having your mirrors upside down make the rear vison better? I also have a sportster. And i cant see shit. And yes stay the eff away from gravel wet leafs hell i busted my ass just walking on wet leafs.

[@roguemoto8262]

The dog was just telling u how much he liked ur sporty!

[@frank09busa]

my brother, I enjoy your videos but I noticed that you ride your Harley like a bicycle when you're turning. do you not know how to countersteer?

[@libertyrebel91]

Shawn, you've been around bikes for a while. A family friend of mine has a 82 Honda CM450C that he's willing to sell me for less than $1000. From my knowledge it'll be a pretty reliable but want your opinion on it as a first bike.

[@ShawnSmoak]

That would make an awesome first bike! Easy to ride, plenty fast if you need that and stone reliable...! Thanks for watching and commenting dre5491!

[@libertyrebel91]

No, thank you for the feedback! It just sucks Im buying it now. I don't have any winter gear lol.

[@ShawnSmoak]

dre5491 That's a bummer about the time year, but your getting a nice bike!

[@semicolon101]

Shawn Smoak made me want a Harley so bad.

[@dheller777]

Right on brother!

[@AkDeluxeRider]

Safe advise for everyone, my friend. I've always had two basic rules. 1. You'll go where you're looking. 2. When in doubt gas it. I'd say 95% that's worked. Of course a few times that gas it philosophy has bit me. Lol, ride safe, bro.

[@thedon008]

That "You'll go where you're looking" I think applies to ATVs too, cause i was riding one on a bumpy forest road without ever doing it before and a couple of times I could feel myself going almost off the road because of actually looking towards the ditch after avoiding some holes. It really messes with your head.

[@Jorge_DaSilva]

What are the prices for these bad boys going? Used?

[@ironboley]

"What the hell is this in the Road".... AHHHHH I can't stop laughing It's a goat!!!! hahahahahahaha aaaa bless you brother

[@dawnrobb8809]

Great vid I liked the angle of the camera. LOL I bet that dog waits all day long to chase motorcycles. I crashed a lot in my younger days dirt biking ( before they called it motocross) only once on the road. An idiot cager purposely ran me off the freeway & I landed in the ice plant.I only bent the brake pedal & lever & got a few scratches on the tank

[@dbest1aVlogs]

I fully agree. Love the video , as always . Been riding for 1 whole year ... Lmao ..

[@apx5777]

sound advise

[@jasonelliott9762]

gah, that road looks scary. It just screams " deer jumping out in front of you"

[@davidwatson3944]

nice ride

[@leonoff89]

how do you avoid wildlife? bad drivers ok, but deer how they're stupid and unpredictable

[@Christianlvm22]

Don´t like the point view of the video and how you take curves, it doesn´t look like you're counter-steering. But nice advices and truly cool bike, bless.

[@spambryan17]

Damn dog chaser! We got lots of those back home. They even come in packs wtf!

[@ShawnSmoak]

Lol, yeah that's never good when they come in packs... Damn coyotes do that around or house. Makes we wonder if they might get brave and come in for the kill some day... Lol Thank man!

[@JojoCrazyCat]

Don't do crack when riding a bike, crack kills.

[@AGTsakumis]

How bout this for advice: SLOW THE FUCK DOWN! You're in a rural area. ANYTHING can happen. ANYTHING can spring infront of you. How bout not taxiing through a stop sign? Unbelievable. And you're giving safety advice? I've been riding for 25 yrs and wouldn't dare speed like that. Beyond belief.

[@ShawnSmoak]

Thanks for watching and commenting!