Staying ALIVE Your First Year on a Motorcycle. How I did it, even on a SUPERBIKE.

[@falka6751]

My new ducati v2 just got delivered today after riding only ninja 400. And I haven't ridden that for over a year. I'm stunned as to how amazing the v2 is. It's got so much character it's practically a new friend.❤

[@ridewithKY]

Congratulations on your new V2! That’s the Ducati magic. Now you see why people usually will continue to buy Ducati’s after their first one. The V2 is amazing how light and slim it is for how much power it has. I’ve thrown a leg over a lot of 600’s that felt heavier and bulkier than my V2. Enjoy your new bike!

[@CaptainNato]

I recently hit a curb head on at 50 on my v2... Will be fixed by next season though... My entire family loved seeing parts come in the mail for it. (Jk, they aren't happy.)

[@ridewithKY]

@CaprainNato sorry about your collision but I’m glad you are alive. Nobody is perfect, we all have to learn from our mistakes.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

I'm 50 (Something) and have been riding all my life with several trips to the hospital and the most important things I've learned is to SCAN. Like a Terminator. Constantly. And don't listen to music and most importantly pretend all cars are trying to hit you. It's like playing a video game except it can actually kill you. BUT, if you wanna be a superhero for real, it’s worth it!

[@ridewithKY]

All great advice from someone who has been around the block a few times. Thank you for sharing!

[@thedragon1322]

Another great video. I wish some KZbin personalities would realize that while yeah, they're experienced riders, the videos they put out get watched by inexperienced riders who think they can do it too and it never pans out well

[@ridewithKY]

Appreciate the view and comment! All good points. There’s nothing wrong with riding at your own pace. If you look like a noob, so what. Thanks for the support.

[@ChipZilla69]

Target fixation is real as pancakes. It becomes less over time with practice but you have to actively work on your technique.

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely a great point. It takes time and practice to avoid it.

[@660xV7]

5:03 this is the truth. When turning left, most car drivers aren’t able to predict the closing speeds of oncoming cars. It’s even more difficult for them to do that math at the speeds/rates of acceleration that bikes are capable of. Even if the bike is only doing the speed limit, most people simply don’t understand how quickly we can accelerate. Besides, having the right of way means nothing when you get taken out.

[@ridewithKY]

All great points. Regardless of what the driver was doing right or wrong, if you are dead then none of that really matters.

[@patrickstevens3721]

WASSUP KY. Bro I love your content. I've told you this before but im grabbing my first bike this year the R9. Im glad im getting my bike now rather than when I was younger. I already know at some point I'm gonna wanna have some fun with it. But I'm gonna take it easy and do EXACTLY what you said. The bike life looks fun and exciting to me. And the group rides looks fun and exciting. But the older me tells me to take things really slow this year and gain knowledge and experience. The bike life isnt going anywhere. Early morning rides is a good idea. Anyway Happy New Years bro. I love your ride along content. Hope to see more of it. Laterz

[@ridewithKY]

What’s up man? Yeah I actually do remember you commenting in my R9 video that you were planning on getting one. I’m glad you are following through with that plan. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and none of us are perfect. There’s no possible way to never ever break a traffic law, it happens. Make good decisions and you will be okay. Ever see riders who have a tinted visor riding at night? Something that simple… how dumb is that? You are willing to sacrifice your visibility for a tinted visor? Same people will split lanes at triple the flow of traffic and knock somebodies mirror off because a driver “cut them off”. You are already doing the right thing by getting your mindset right before you even get the bike. You keep that mindset you’ll have plenty of miles and years ahead of you on two wheels. Happy New Year bro 👊🏽.

[@appmania2180]

Wow I really appreciate you making this video. Wish I saw this sooner.. When I first got my dirt bike with street wheels as my first bike, reflecting on what you said about controlling your distraction/other things made me realize my first couple falls I had were purely because of the stupid decisions I made but luckily I didn’t get injured.👏 The first time a dropped my bike was at slow-mid speed, I really wanted to ride my new bike but it was raining all week but my dumbass still went out and what do you know I slip out almost instantly… Another time I screwed up was after 5months of having my bike I got comfortable and started listening to music, when you put in headphones you forget how fast your going, I was going pretty fast but didn’t realize because of the music, I was going to fast at a corner but didn’t realize until too late and I slipped out. Just broke the front fender plastic luckily & no bones. Thank you for this video. I’ll reflect on my decision making more and ride smarter 🙏

[@ridewithKY]

Hey man, nobody is perfect. The important thing is you did survive and were basically uninjured on both occasions. The great part is that you see it now and I doubt you’ll be making those same mistakes again. I want to thank you very much for sharing as you never know who will read your comment. Your comment may end up saving somebody. Take care man, ride safe.

[@MrCTruck]

My only resolution coming into my first actual season of riding (and not the 450 miles I’ve put on since I got it in October) is to not crash my bike

[@ridewithKY]

That’s awesome man. It seems so simple, yet look how many riders get in a collision their first year riding. Be responsible, make good decisions and you will be fine. Just the fact that you made not crashing your new year resolution tells me you already have the right mindset.

[@rickh7864]

I appreciate your video a lot 🙏 a breath of fresh air in this community for sure. Please continue to make more informative videos for beginners 👊

[@ridewithKY]

Glad the video was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. 🫡.

[@ClutchFirst]

This is an awesome vid that speaks a lot of truths. 👍

[@ridewithKY]

Thank you! Appreciate you commenting as well 👊🏽🫡.

[@mikebomac]

Thank you for the video. Great and honest inputs and as real as it gets. I ride too, mostly for pleasure. Motorcycle scares me and its probably the best so I keep respecting it. And I work in the race track everyday.

[@ridewithKY]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Nothing wrong with riding at your own pace. If you want to just ride in the parking lot at 20 mph, that’s your business. Don’t let anybody tell you different. I see a lot of content creators forget that not everybody has aspirations to be an expert rider. A lot of people just want to relax and enjoy their bike in whatever way they enjoy it. Keep doing you bro and thank you for working at your local racetrack. Gives riders a safe place to test the performance of their machines.

[@Jrstrdr]

Love the video, especially the call out about group rides because it's not an obvious one at first. As someone who's been riding 15+ years, I still opt to avoid group rides unless it's a very small group (2, 3 max) and we all have a similar style. Nothing personal because I can chat it up with a lot of people at meet ups and have a great time but riding together, for me, is very different. Keep up the great content!

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely! All good points you’ve made there. Thank you for the support! 👊🏽.

[@Asiatic83]

Awesome video!!! Appreciate the content and keep up the valuable work!

[@ridewithKY]

Thank you so much!

[@DogMania]

First! Love your content! Keep up the great work!

[@ridewithKY]

I appreciate you! Thank you for watching! Hope you enjoy the video 👊🏽🫡.

[@DogMania]

you’re video is super relevant since dec 31st marked my first official full year riding!!! Your points were a 100% spot on!

[@ridewithKY]

Awesome man! Glad to see you made it your first year without any issues. It’s horrible when somebody loses their life over something stupid!

[@RevDice13]

Great content as usual KY. Regardless of how long some people have been riding, many can use this video as an important reminder of how things can go sideways fast. I’ve unfortunately lost friends who’ve been just starting out and those who’ve been on 2 wheels for 30 years.

[@ridewithKY]

This is so true. Experience can make people a little too confident sometimes. Experience also doesn’t necessarily mean somebody is good at something. Really appreciate the support and thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@lilaznjdawg]

100% true! everything you say is true. put your head on a swivel, especially in intersections and perpendicular streets. cars always run stops and lights to come in the lanes you’re riding in. so be prepared. never ride next to cars or in blind spots. always ride defensively and check the drivers heads in front of you and beside you. assume they’re going to come in your lane and always always always have an exit plan. great content as always! happy new years!

[@ridewithKY]

All good advice J, especially looking through the car or in their side mirror at the drivers head to the to predict what they are going to do. Appreciate you watching and sharing tips you’ve picked up during your riding career. Happy New Year bro! 🫡.

[@R2690-f3y]

Thanks man, for making this Video. I have been ridding for 20 plus and, I think you hit every point. My self as many/most, learned how to drive with our Ego's n balls. We all had those friends, classic teaching skills. "Common man dont be a pu$$%" and put our selves in really dangerous situations. I hope a lot of new and returning rider see this video. You can ride a long time, if you develop a safety routines, ride full Gear, and dont do things you are not sure how to do for trying to be cool.

[@ridewithKY]

There we go, from someone with experience. Appreciate you sharing some things you’ve learned over 20 years, all good points. Ride safe 😎.

[@R2690-f3y]

@ Thanks likewise, the one thing not ultimately necessary but I did follow this way of learning back in the none ABS or electronic era was to start in a 250cc n moved up to the next level 6 months to a 500cc and so on..almost 2 years later. I was Willing my R1.. 🤣🤣 but it felt as easy as my first 250cc

[@HBChandler]

I appreciate your Vlogs bro. I’m a fairly seasoned rider. It seems like all these vlogs now days are dudes just showing triple digits on a freeway for 3-5min strait. Hopefully we can ride some day! Stay blessed.

[@ridewithKY]

Thank you for the comment. That would be great to get to ride together some day for sure! Take care, thanks for the support.

[@HBChandler]

Yew!

[@illuminated_destiny]

Learn traffic patterns, Stay Alert and scan and dont cruise with traffic actually ride and keep it pushing thats how i got ahead

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely all good points. Scanning and looking ahead is probably one of the most important things!

[@MoremoneythansenseV4]

"I don't think it's very fun to be dead." -KY Truer words have never been spoken.

[@ridewithKY]

😂😂😂. I could have articulated that better but that’s just what came to mind.

[@rav3nst33l]

Great video man! I agree with 99% of everything you mentioned here except the part about positioning etc. If you form good habits early in your riding, it’s just going to positively contribute to being safer on the road as opposed to getting “comfortable” but actually doing things that may be wrong or actually unsafe. Love your videos and content, keep it up!👍🏼💯

[@ridewithKY]

All good points as well. Appreciate it and thank you for the support!

[@whoshot_allen]

Lot of good advice here. Especially the distracted riding part.

[@ridewithKY]

Appreciate the feedback/comment. Ride safe! 👊🏽.

[@gavinoc493]

Awesome video ✌️

[@ridewithKY]

Appreciate it, thank you!

[@guzziman]

Everything related to safety on the road and the impact on your body is non-linear when it comes to speed.... 10% increase in speed is NOT 10% increase in risk, but a multiple of that.

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely. That is such a great point. I see it all the time in the work that I do.

[@zr2917]

Need more XSR900 videos!!

[@MrCTruck]

I think a lot of issues can be boiled down to speed. You exponentially decrease the reaction time for every mile an hour you’re speeding. It decreases reaction time, increases the forces during an impact and makes things deadly unfortunately. Speed variability is a huge statistical factor in any accident

[@ridewithKY]

I agree. There are those just freak accidents, but from my experience you are correct. Vast majority of time, collision could have been completely avoided if the rider was traveling at a reasonable speed.

[@oscarmurillo8472]

In your opinion, what's funner and more enjoyable, cars or bikes? Since you also have an Aston

[@ridewithKY]

I find cars to be more interesting if I’m being honest. There’s simply more to cars. They are a more complicated machine, therefore, they can take on personalities better than motorcycles do. There are a lot more engine configurations for cars too. Motorcycles you are stuck with a handful of engine configurations and that’s it. Handling characteristics also vary greatly between cars, motorcycles you either have a planted one or you don’t. Yeah, some bikes turn in better than others and so forth, but cars do a better job of displaying their handling distinction if that makes any sense. Cars are also easier to share with others. I can give almost any 8 year old a ride in my Aston Martin. There’s very few 8 year olds I can take with me on any of my bikes. I do find I enjoy motorcycles more in the way that they are a lot more affordable to obtain and use. When people talk about major service on a Ducati, then you are talking a couple thousand dollars. That’s not nothing, but a major service on an exotic car is tens on thousands of dollars. Somebody pushes over your Ducati, that sucks but you just replace the fairing, lever, whatever. Somebody takes a key to your Lamborghini, yeah good luck getting that looking 100% factory ever again. I guess what I’m saying is motorcycles are a little less stressful to use. I know people who like bikes more than cars and I know people who like cars more than bikes. I think I’m the latter if I had to pick one. Hope that helps, take care man.

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

nothing wrong with a v2. hey did you have any issues with your red seat on your aprilia? I have a black one on mine but I have heard people have a difficult time keeping them clean.

[@ridewithKY]

Yeah the red does stain for sure. I never ride with dark colored pants on when I’m on the Aprilia. Truth be told, the replacement seats aren’t that expensive so if it gets really bad it can be changed to a fresh one without putting too much strain on the pocketbook. I will say though, the material is kind of a strange color. It’s not really red even though it looks that way on camera. In person it’s an orangish red which sometimes I personally don’t care for. Take care man, thanks for commenting.

[@TheDesroster]

PREACH!!!❤

[@ridewithKY]

Appreciate you. 🫡👊🏽.

[@joreyllagas]

do u have a steering damper on your ducati

[@ridewithKY]

I do. I just have the standard one that came with the bike.

[@TroyStephens-j1w]

New tires can be very slippery and old tires with tread can be deceiving.

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely great advice! I just changed the tires in my V4 and have been very cautious the last few hundred miles or so.

[@johnharris3335]

Always be hyper vigilant! Don’t be lalalalaing around.

[@ridewithKY]

Absolutely. Only takes one time!

[@jeffchan2869]

very good advsie ,

[@ridewithKY]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ASBP12]

One thing that keeps me from doing anything dumb is asking myself “would I do that in a car?” If not, then it’s probably dumb and I shouldn’t do it lol. Doesn’t apply to everyone but I’m a pretty safe driver 😂 so it helps me. I wouldn’t be trying to beat every yellow light, ride/drive in blind spots, speed everywhere I go, ride/drive like a douche, etc. For some reason when people get on motorcycles confidence shoots up and logic gets thrown out of the window. They have a victim mindset and blame every “cager” on the road for cutting them off but in reality they didn’t see em because they were lane splitting or riding too fast. Just gotta make better choices man.

[@ridewithKY]

All good advice honestly. Missing that yellow light ain’t so bad if you think of the alternative. Everybody wants to be macho bro. The dumber you ride, the more macho you are. Ever meet somebody who brags about how many crashes they’ve been in? That’s the type of stupidity we are dealing with here. 😂.

[@ASBP12]

@@ridewithKY 😂 I’ve met a couple dudes that immediately tells me how many crashes they’ve been in and then follow it up with “it’s not a matter of IF, but when you crash” I know we all go down at least once but damn dude. I don’t think it’s normal to rear end someone twice in a year 😂

[@ridewithKY]

😂😂😂. Insurance rates 📈. IQ 📉.

[@Thadopeera]

I learned how to ride in San Francisco. It would probably be on expert level if it was a video game 🤣 If you can ride here you can ride anywhere 💯

[@ridewithKY]

😂😂😂. You aren’t kidding about the city that’s for sure.

[@MoremoneythansenseV4]

A huge reason I don't like to get cool lean angles on the street is gravel. Just a little and your day/week/month/year/life is ruined.

[@ridewithKY]

Exactly right. When you are all the way leaned over on the side of the tire and you hit anything at all in the roadway (sand, gravel, leaves, liquid, tar strip) you are crashing. It’s just a dumb reason to end your life or somebody else’s. I’ve literally seen people drive past the racetrack to go to the “twisties” and end up in a fatal collision. I don’t want to be disrespectful to those who have passed, but think about how dumb that is.

[@Rothbardy]

You’re absolutely right on the rider being the most important part of the learning process, it isn’t the bike. You’re still going to get screeching gremlins in the comments insisting that everyone has to start on a 300/400 🤣

[@ridewithKY]

100%. There always has to be that one guy. 😂. Thank you for the support as always!

[@d2nt3]

he's a cop lol

[@ixibladeixi2639]

Damn , I didn’t know having a motorcycle will get you killed in 1 year.

[@ridewithKY]

Now you know.

[@ixibladeixi2639]

You’re so amazing you really Amazing so amazing . What an intellectual person you are. Compare to ants and turtles. Oh do you know that turtle can fly? I bet you didn’t know that huh?

[@ridewithKY]

At least I can spell. 😂🫡.

[@ridewithKY]

Here is a link to a website where you can learn to read and write properly for free: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/free-english-lessons-mobile Give it a shot. That way when you try to insult me, everybody can understand what you are trying to say. 🫰🏽😂.

[@ixibladeixi2639]

@@ridewithKY obviously you’re answering me, so you do understand me. You’re so insecure and you keep saying the same topic. If that’s all you got? You need to finish school and start being positive to these people instead of telling everyone they will die in 1 year. You deserve to be insulted. You do realize you sound massively ignorant? Yesssss🤣 you really deserve the insults and that’s me being nice.