THE 5 Most Critical Mistakes New Riders Make

[@MCrider]

Become an Annual Pro Member of MCrider and get a printed version of the Field Guide sent to your home! www.MCrider.com/Member Once you join you will be sent an email with instructions to order your free Field Guide Book. Your Membership makes MCrider possible!!! Thank you to everyone who is already a member of MCrider and active on the forums. I love you people!!!

[@markferguson6215]

So here is a story for you, I have been riding motorbike since the age of 14 and I am 64 now and still riding. However I watch every single one of your weekly episodes, just to make sure that I stay on top of everything, and regularly practice to ensure that I have a better chance out on the road.

[@MCrider]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@Gotcha-s3z]

Same here only I started on a TM 80 Suzuki at 13.

[@trip5003]

Started at 6 years old , so been riding on and off for 60 years ;-) I wear all the gear . I also watch MCrider too . Great channel and very informative for every level of rider skills

[@accnolecpanole1680]

My wife says I'm too old to ride. I'm 84, and I still ride. I tell her that I can flat ride a motorcycle. I watch your episodes, and I learn a lot from them

[@vk3crg]

I’ve had my Learner Permit here in my state of Victoria, Australia for 3 weeks. I have a brand new 2024 CBR500R which I absolutely love. The latest CBR500R is the perfect beginner bike for me. It’s a pleasure to ride and I’ve learnt so much even over the last few weeks. I’ve gone from being scared to ride around my small town at 60kmh to riding on the freeway today at 100kmh and around my city of about 250,000 people. Everyday I make sure I ride somewhere. Every trip on the road I learn something. I’m 56yo and wish I’d done this earlier! In Australia you’re restricted for 3 years to a bike that is maximum 660cc with a power to weight restriction which I think is a good thing. The 500R is more than enough power for me at the moment. Thanks for your videos. Craig - Australia

[@alanbishop7828]

Hi Craig, Best wishes for your motorcycle journey, Alan New Zealand

[@nvanpraag]

Great video! The only thing I would add as an experienced rider is that buying a bike that's too big/powerful/advanced as your first bike is not only dangerous but actually impedes your learning progress. In other words, you will learn faster (and have more fun) on a smaller bike. Take this from a guy that had two 1000cc sport bikes as the first two motorcycles, then went "back" to an R6. Many years later I now have big bikes again but am actually equipped to ride them.

[@whocaresnotme9434]

Im 41, just got my bike and learners license in Australia, the first thing i have been learning, 1 throttle control, 2 friction point, 3 BRAKING emergency and progressive,4 counter steering. The fundamentals and i also went out spent $1000 (aud) on helmet and safety gear. Im now doing emergency braking and take off and swerve in a carpark lot with cones. Your video is probably going to tell me something i didnt think of and im going to implement in my day to day riding

[@davidpirkle6697]

Please keep the videos coming; they are a help to all of us who desire to improve our road skills and road strategy. Thank you!

[@MCrider]

I appreciate that.

[@laurenceegerton890]

Kevin, thanks My riding days are almost over yet I still want to know more!

[@Gotcha-s3z]

As long as I am married I will always ride bikes🤣

[@Cpazza]

In the UK we have to take a CBT (compulsory basic training) before we can ride and after we have completed this day training we are limited to a 125cc, or a 50cc depending on our age, until we take our full license. I am a 52 year old woman who had never been on a bike before but have driven a car for over 30 years so I understand the road but there were lots of young people on the course who have never been on the road until that day. A 125cc is still a fast bike, the young lad who paired up with me overtook a lorry on a blind bend, pulled out in front of a van and couldn't do an emergency stop yet is now out and about on the roads. Personally I feel the CBT isn't adequate for anyone new to the roads, you really have so such to think about. A 17 year old lad has just died in my local area after riding into a tree, I often think about the young lad on my CBT. I bought a Honda monkey and in no hurry for a big bike, I take my time when out and about, stay off main roads and always wear my full gear with hi vis.

[@ArtD2368]

Great advice Kevin thanks again for sharing

[@1776AxlePowerDM]

Great video, as always. Thank you for the information and work you do to help keep new and experienced riders safe. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and caring about other riders.

[@CascadianExotics]

As an anecdote to new rider training being a gateway to learning what motorcycle you want, I had the good (mis) fortune of having mechanical failure with my assigned bike, and had to retake the test. The bike I was on was more of a standard / cruiser type, but when I retook the test, I got to ride a couple different bikes and found that the Duke 200 was what suited me best out of what was available. Needless to say, I did WAY better on the test than if I had stuck to the same bike. And, instead of trying out a bunch of different bikes when shopping for my first bike, I already knew I needed to be looking at naked and sport bikes. So, I ended up with a Z400, and have been happy ever since!

[@billparker8954]

I know a lot of guys that bought liter+ bikes for their first bike. None of them ride more than a 1000 miles a year.

[@mahmoudshojai431]

I started riding 3 years ago at 62. I had a choice between a Vulcan 900 and a v-star 650. I chose the latter. It's not overwhelming and a lot of fun.

[@jc3745]

I just got back into riding last year and started small with a KLX300. It's a great little multipurpose bike and fun as heck to ride. I'll be looking for something bigger in the coming year.

[@MCrider]

Any ideas on what you want next?

[@jc3745]

@@MCrider Actually, I'm enamored with the Kawasaki Z650RS. The "classic" look appeals to my older eyes.

[@markbird7292]

Great advice here thank you I started out on a 600 gsxr and found it really good, but you are spot on with riding positions, but now I use a honda nss350 ( forza350) also mt09 total difference machines but absolutely useable but find my self on the 350 more of the time, your are doing a great service to current and new riders thank you very much

[@wadeteach]

I rode a Rebel 450 twenty-five years ago, and took the MSF then. Sold it, took a twenty year break, just bought a new bike, and finished my second MSF course yesterday. On a GSX-8R now.

[@faisalpoordaryaei7935]

Absolutely agree, lately dropped my GS on my wife's foot. The peg would penetrate her foot if she didn't wear the proper boot.

[@seattlegrrlie]

If I can give anyone advice. Do like the English and start small. 125-250cc are light, easy to throw around, easy to pick up if it falls over, and you are less worried about damaging the bike you picked up off Craigslist. If you insist on going bigger, stay under 500cc to start. You've got your whole life to get that big boy bike if you want one and most of my friends who still ride at 45yrs old went back to the lower displacement bikes because they're just more fun to ride

[@garycordle5295]

This is so true, dress for the slide not the ride, and a MFS class is a must, never go out and buy your dream bike, I myself bought a used Sportster first and practiced and took my MFS class and I was using their smaller 500sportster to take the test and they had abs and if I was in the market to buy another one it probably would be the newer sportster with the abs, I just liked it,it was very nimble and lighter and maneuverable.👍 Kevin be safe everyone.

[@mehrdadmithra9591]

Have sold mine buy 4 years ago after buying it I had huge help from your videos to dive more safely , Many thnaks, still follow your chanel

[@jeffreyporras3839]

It’s hot in Phoenix during the summer but you still need all the gear all the time. Just think landing on asphalt that’s 150 degrees with your bare skin.

[@wflentge]

I had a friend years ago that wanted to buy and ride a M/C. I had been riding a '97 1500 SEL Goldwing for years and he wanted to join in ... I talked him into taking a M/C training class BEFORE he purchased a M/C. He agreed and on day 2 of the class he gave it up as he was not felling comfortable on 2 wheels. I was very positive about his decision to decide not to ride and we remained friends for many years. I never thought the less of him, actually I was proud of his decision not to do something he was not comfortable with. My wife took a training class a few years ago, completed the class and passed the requirements for getting a licenses. I offered to purchases a Silver Wing to ride if she wanted. She said no! I asked why did she want to take the class if she did not intent to ride, she stated I want to know how to if you get unable to ride while on a trip with me so I can get us both to help if need be. I simply smiled and said I understand and that was the last time we discussed the class and her decision.

[@chrischaney9492]

Good morning from Indiana

[@BootsandJeansRiders]

Former chapter directors of GWRRA. 100% on all points.

[@emilymeyerding3392]

The worst kind of protective gear is the gear that cost a lot and sits in your closet because you never wear it! And when you've been off your bike for the winter, plan on taking a training class first thing in the Spring before you start riding. In England, you have to take your test on the motorcycle you're going to be riding. That makes a lot of sense. Believe yourself. If you feel uncomfortable or afraid, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Never be hesitant to slow down.

[@marycrittenden1210]

Good morning from Oklahoma!

[@allred53]

Hey Kevin. Good info in your videos. Thank you. I live on east side of Dallas. I think you’re in Dallas area also. Would like to meet you sometime. Ride some. Stop for lunch

[@stevewilson8752]

Knowledge is NOT a Burden 😊👍🏍🕺

[@toltod]

if your first sport street bike is gotta be 1000c go for a Naked , Standard or semi naked bike with sit up and beg position. My FZ1 first gen was great for a taller fella like me and it was very versatile for commuting, romping around with crotch rocket friends on the weekend and some light touring. Or I always recommend a dual sport bike because they are built to be dropped on trails and very easy to resell.

[@glennmiddleton5634]

Kevin, Thanks again. After 50 plus years of riding, I admit I didn't get the requirements in the right order. Started with small bikes in rural UK. Helmet day one, training was not available in my area. So I had a few scarey moments & then spent time in parking lots to practice. When Manitoba did not require helmets in the early 80's, my buddies & I went without a helmet. Didn't last long as we all felt "naked" without a helmet on! Any thoughts on a Spyder? I now own a Spyder RT & a Honda ST1300.

[@marksmallman4572]

I also started riding at 16, 50 years ago, in the UK, no training, moped and learn by mistakes, now on my 13th bike, Trident 660 in Mallorca, luckily still upright...

[@rgiskardrentlav]

Twenty years on a motorcyce and I still wouldn't want a CBR1000. LOL. 600cc is more than enough around this area on a sport bike, for me. and unless I'm going 2up I think 1200cc on a cruiser is plenty, although it seems if you want a comfortable ride for long trips you have to get something much larger.

[@dugbucky3298]

Great advice from an experianced man.

[@jamesbrouse9257]

At 52 I bought a Suzuki gs450, bought gear and took the Total Control class. Rode that for 2 seasons than sold it for about what I paid and bought a little bigger cruiser. Lots of inexpensive mc out there, dont buy a brand new starter bike, buy someone elses.

[@RONALD-oh1gr]

The Hurt Report found that riders with dirt bike experience are far less likely to die in a crash.

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

If I had a channel I’d call it MCchicken. Thanks for great advise

[@vladislavkalina2039]

I'd like to point out that if someone commutes 20x in a month by car and the 21st day the person commutes on a motorcycle, the chances of dying in car and on motorcycle are approximately same. That's the "20x more likely" ratio. I don't judge whether it is a lot or a little. Just saying. Many of my friends believe they are immortal in their cars (while speeding, not keeping space cushion, some even not afraid to drink...) while motorcycle is sheer suicide in their opinion. In my opinion the multiplier "20x more likely" is not unimaginably distant and we can do A LOT to make it much more friendly for ourselves by strict following safety basic rules: those 5 mentioned in this video and few others.

[@eddcurry501]

ATGATT

[@jc3745]

I'm with you, 100%

[@JeanRoi]

There's no motorcycle training in my country of residence. You learn on your own.

[@danstevens2204]

55% of fatal accidents the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet…

[@-JohnSmith-]

What's up with the bot chick comments 😂

[@1776AxlePowerDM]

Dude they hit his videos as soon as he posts them. I just report them right away to try and get them knocked off his videos. It's annoying isn't it.

[@MCrider]

A CONSTANT battle. I go in and delete them, report them, ban them...it does not matter. As soon as a video goes live I am instantly "admired" by several "online personalities"

[@-JohnSmith-]

@@MCrider 😂

[@davidsnell3726]

You forgot don't ride wasted.

[@johnnylightning1491]

New rider, helmets are too expensive. Grizzled old biker, how much is your head worth? Nuff said.

[@JeanRoi]

There's no motorcycle training in my country of residence. You learn on your own.