The biggest threat I face as a motorcyclist

Discussion of the dangers faced by riding a motorcycle. Sorry for the audio quality, my wireless mic setup went tits up and I had to fall back on the shotgun mic.

[@andreastomblin2137]

Totally agree with you. I was taught to ride defensively not aggressively. You are like a chess player you think 5, 7, 10 moves ahead. Awareness. Great content. Thanks.

[@user-oz5mg5mx8k]

Unfortunately it seems a lot of motorcyclists haven’t heard of this type of advice as they seem hell bent on killing themselves. No matter how fast or slow I go there is always a motorcyclist just got to get past no matter what to show he’s got a bigger bike or show off his MotoGP skills or lack of😂 I don’t care what they ride or skill set so it’s wasted on me😊 I was told to ride within my limits and like everyone is out to knock me off. And I’m still here riding and enjoying myself…

[@UncleVoodoo]

I really wasn't trying to make an "advice" video, I just wanted to share the rules I ride by as food for thought. My rules came from an epiphany I had when I realized that almost all crashes on the street can be distilled down to two major factors- A. the motorcycle left its lane (for ANY reason) and/or B. something being in motorcycle's operating space (for ANY reason, to include the motorcycle causing something to be in it's operating space). So I figure that guarding obsessively against those two things leaves little else to go wrong aside from things like stunt riding and mechanical failures.

[@justicegusting2476]

I believe riding assertively is riding defensively.

[@jude.v25]

Good advice, sir. As a "mature" rider, I look at things differently. I've learned that superior skills do not trump good judgement.

[@justicegusting2476]

Same here. 73 now driving a 2007 Harley Deuce. Riding since 15. Seems the older I got the more I wanted to live.

[@gregm9230]

Some of the best real world riding advice I've heard. Thank you! 👍

[@speedfinder1]

As a (Now Retired) British, "First Responder," who has been riding motorcycles since the 1970s, I can completely agree with you. In my experience in my working life, of attending many motorcycle incidents, including fatalities, I have seen that "Motorcycle clothing Armour," if you choose to wear it, does prevent abrasion and puncture injuries in slow speed incidents. The rest, is up to you. 👍. By the way, where I live, there are quite a lot of large flying beetles. If one of those hits you in the eye, you will be blinded or lose some teeth! ... "I wear a full face helmet!"

[@UncleVoodoo]

Ive eaten my share of bugs in my day! lol. I did get hit in the head by a bird once at 60mph, darn near knocked me off the bike.

[@prashantchutke5521]

I ride the backroads in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Full face helmet or atleast a shield in front of the half face helmet helps me not to consume the bugs on way back home later in the evenings especially in the summer or fall . In the morning and afternoon I am ok

[@NooBiker]

Best protection: avoid things going bad Sometimes you can't control that. Armour can help. No guarantees, though. Everyone should be free to choose what they do.

[@yinon500]

I see you installed a center stand on your Continental GT. Nice! Some good points in this video. Made me reconsider buying a 3/4 helmet for the hot summer days :) I took a pro-riding course and it helped me develop a better riding technique and gain confidence which is necessary in order to avoid crashes; the most important is always turn your chin in the direction you want to go to, your eyes will follow. If there is a problem, never look directly at it!

[@UncleVoodoo]

the center stand was the first thing I added, since I do all my own maintenance it makes life so much easier.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

You make some solid point, Tom. I, too, just roll with the jacket I like, armor or no armor. I'm working on the 5 things you should now before riding season gets in full swing. Which touches upon this topic. Great job!

[@UncleVoodoo]

Yeah I had to come to the realization long ago that the actual greatest threat I faced was myself, by keeping myself in check and eliminating THAT threat... I can pay more attention to avoiding the threats that I don't control. My biggest wake up call was when I realized I was willing to take more risks simply based on riding gear giving me a false sense of invulnerability.

[@clintselby5035]

If you’re on a motorcycle, accident avoidance is the name of the game!

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Great info on ATGATT. ( or not ) Stay off highway Wear hi- viz Check tire pressure every ride Never faster than 75 On the knees praying before and after every ride. Hand and ear protection is mandatory. Never rely on someone else to see you even wearing hi-viz. Bikes looks stunning!

[@gladteer873]

accidents happen more often on surface roads than interstates, highways. It's the intersection that gets a lot of people

[@lomate1963]

And most importantly take a safety 💩👍🏻

[@jjnxyz4368]

Driver observancy and skill is the obvious number 1 thing to stop injuries The funny thing is that MotorGP uses airbags due to the amount of injuries, the pads weren't cutting it. I'm afraid I've seen guys survive very high speed falls due to having leathers and a good helmet so riding with regular jeans or boots to me is just stupid. You can't control everything. Also pads and sliders are different, pads are meant to absorb force and don't do much, sliders like palm sliders and ankle sliders prevent breaks and are useful.... buy gloves with sliders, decent riding boots with ankle protection, a decent leather jacket, kevlar pants and a helmet that protects your face properly (sorry but 3/4 helmets like yours won't help if you fall off face first at low speed)... even better get a Helite leather airbag jacket that can absorb 50 times the energy of a CE protector.

[@justicegusting2476]

THAT’S a club I wouldn’t want to join.

[@Rollanotheronemyfriend]

I agree with you on the armor,and yes avoiding the crash is what should be focused on. However if you ride with a open face helmet, full face helmet or no helmet is entirely ones own business. I know from personal experience a full face helmet saved my ugly mug.

[@Lee-70ish]

Lots of bang on stuff mate. Go with everything you said Been biking for a few decades now . Fell off twice as a head down ass up kid in the 70s. And regularly as a competition trials rider but at slow speeds😊 Ok since then. Defensive riding has always stood me in good stead. I treat every car in a side turning as if they will pull out on you. Saved me dozens of times.

[@MitchCrane]

I've had 3 motorcycle crashes. The first was definitely my fault for going into a curve too hot, the second was mostly me with the help of a leaky fire hydrant, and the third I t-boned a station wagon that pulled out in front of me and then panic-stopped in the middle of the road. And even the third probably could have been avoided if I had simply been more conservative in the way I was driving in that high traffic area.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I had a car do the classic turn in front of me within 2 weeks me getting my first bike. I was able to slide the bike sideways to avoid the t bone and only damaged one of my mufflers. I got initiated early!

[@verlinswarey507]

My attitude towards motorcycle safety is exactly the same as yers!

[@thesmokingburrito9097]

Cheers from Gatlinburg. I still have my Monkey ,Great Tourist Town bike. Also own a Tw200. I ride like I'm invisible here and make it solely my responsibility for accident avoidance. I never ever assume that the other person is paying attention. I always "feel" the whole motorcycle on the road and even airflow. Love your vids. Beauty of a Bike you got there.

[@RVRCloset]

I agree, too many riders think the safety gear will save them while speeding..

[@UncleVoodoo]

It was a real eye opener when I realized I was doing that.

[@josemurillo2424]

Excellent. I'm a numbers guy and those stats are very helpful. A very thought-filled segment. Thanks. Me I'm a non-skidpan guy. But sure if I fancied a jacket that had it. And it didn't cramp my vanity. That's fine too.

[@James-yv1dl]

Good video, and man does that bike sound good

[@charlesrocks]

I prefer an open face helmet. Down here in Houston, jackets get hot. I’ll wear long sleeves and leather chaps. However, going the speed limit and being proactive are the most important factors for me.

[@UncleVoodoo]

When I was delivering food on the Super Cub I would get roasted in the summertime, even a light jacket would cook me at stoplights or if I was just chilling out waiting for orders. I think my love for my open face helmets comes from there being no helmet laws back when I started riding... plus it makes getting some fluids or having a smoke easier :)

[@MalfosRanger]

I go for modular helmets in Texas. It's a compromise but one that I'm comfortable with.

[@tnetroP]

Having been knocked off my bike by a careless car driver who gave me about a second to react (insurance determined it was absolutely their fault) I am glad I was wearing full armour and full abrasion resistant clothing. I would hate to have hit that road without my armour. I would hate to have slid down the asphalt in only a tshirt and got massive scarring. I would hate to have been wearing only an open face helmet as my vace went into the side of their car. If i had then I dont think I would have a jaw anymore. Each to gheir own though.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

The biggest threat are all those parkway bugs buzzing around the camera.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Clothes have been the last line of defense against injury to the body ever since the first strategically placed fig leaf. I advise my son, who also rides, to take what people on the internet like FortNine and MotoJitsu say with a grain of salt.

[@roberthounsell1718]

Agree with your thoughts. Makes sense.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I try to keep it simple and take responsibility for my own safety. Just being on a motorcycle means Im going to lose any fight with a car, so I purposely stay away from cars. I'll take side / roads less travelled in a heartbeat just to separate me from traffic. The chances of accidents that are beyond my control increase as traffic increases.

[@GurrasGarage]

Good points 👍

[@jlrutube1312]

I ride super defensively. My main goal is to avoid the accident in the first place. I almost never ride very fast. The public streets are not a race track. Now with regards to helmets, I wear an open face helmet. I just don't enjoy riding with a full face one. However, I do wear a mesh jacket with armor. I just cannot stand the thought of sanding my skin off. Also leather gloves. I must confess though, I just wear regular pants in the summer. I try to wear boots but sometimes in the summer I just wear tennis shoes cause I hate hot feet. We all just make certain choices. Everyone sees the question about safety a little different.

[@brucebenioff]

After nearly 50 years of riding on the street without abs and still no wrecks no rash, I'm just lucky right!? Well no I'm careful, I keep air all they way around me. I ride in a lane in a way to be seen. I use the mirrors a lot. And sometime I just find a flat road and practice breaking and brake swerve maneuver. Check the air pressure a lot. Just replaced the tires. Now they are ROUND again and turn much better. My whole town is replacing all the water and drain lines so there is spilled dirt and gravel everywhere. I do ride a bicycle almost everyday so I'm physically in better shape than most seniors And when no one is looking I still love to role the throttle and that sound always makes me smile.

[@UncleVoodoo]

There is a lot to be said for just simply riding in a reasonable manner. Thanks for watching.

[@Retromansite]

Great info for all riders even the confident ones. Stay in your lane, in control, and stay (extremely) aware.

[@ianspoetry9751]

Great basic sound advice my friend. Safe riding.

[@critterIMHO]

Exactly right.

[@MsDenver2]

Wow your bike sounds amazing 😊👍🏍️

[@UncleVoodoo]

Thanks, it has dethroned my Ducati as my favorite sounding bike.

[@DD-lc5ts]

There are bold riders and there are old riders. But, not many bold riders make it to being an old rider.

[@peterrussell798]

It’s not an either/or situation. You can strive to ride defensively and wear all the gear all the time. Yes, riders are often are own worst enemy. Cooking a corner, riding impaired, being overly aggressive with speed and lean angle, riding at 10/10 of one’s ability, etc. And that GT sounds great.

[@blueridge_ogre1714]

Didnt get to ride much up there last year due to work but I always like going up there during the weekdays in the mornings, I can ride at a comfortable pace or play around slightly to an extent without much worry. Just because its a twisty mountain range doesn't mean its track riding worthy and alot can go wrong up there just as fast as riding in town with traffic. All the gear in the world wont do much to help an over inflated ego and something you didnt expect when you went full tilt into that blind corner. Hopefully I'll have more opportunity to ride up there this year, might even see you along the way. Greetings from the eastern side of the mountain.

[@UncleVoodoo]

My wife doesn't ride and hears about all the motorcycle accidents up there and assumes its a dangerous place to ride... what she doesn't realize is that the overwhelming majority of the mc accidents up there... are bikers overcooking the curves. Just simply keeping my ego / thrill seeking in check vastly reduces the chances of things going bad.

[@blueridge_ogre1714]

@@UncleVoodoo exactly, the set speed limit up there is plenty fast enough for the majority of the parkway. Ive had only one close call up there and that was due to someone trying to pass a line of 10 pedal bikers of the spandex club. Im always looking out for them and what could be passing them. There are slight dips in the curves up there for water drainage, random rocks that have fallen, and walnuts/ acorns later in the year to be mindful of. Its a beautiful place to ride, but alot of places to launch yourself several hundred feet off the mountain side where nobody will know where you landed at unless they where behind you to see it. I've seen more attempts at knee dragging on 501 vs the parkway though. I hope everyone that rides up there this year keeps the rubber side down and enjoys their ride.

[@UncleVoodoo]

ugh..those darned walnuts!

[@robertclark9]

My state has no helmet laws. But I wear an open face helmet anyway. Being 66 I take it slow, and don’t zone out. When I ride, I do it with the full expectation that the drivers around me are going to do something stupid. And I’m usually right. Nice RE!

[@thenexthobby]

I try to stay visible despite my brown bike and black helmet. I have Holley's Retro headlight and that's the best $200 I ever blew on anything. It's amazing. In the rear I added an inexpensive flasher ... every tap of the brake flashes the rear brake like a few times before staying solid. I sometimes use it if someone is coming up quick behind me to let them know I "might" be braking. Haven't had anyone run up near my tailpipe yet. Back on topic, my helmet, jacket, and motorcycle shoes are all OK. But I freely admit my street jeans and lightweight moto gloves are worthless and I'd peel skin if I went down.

[@olliechristopher467]

I advocate for all the best protective gear I can afford. That's me though. I'm 63 and have been riding since I was about 8 years old. Simple tip over with good gear can be the difference from walking away or a foot peg through my leg or a broken bone. I just ride as I'm invisible and everyone can see and trying to kill the invisible man.

[@ccclll987]

Im learning to ride on this same bike. The only thing I would argue about is that motorcycle clothes (with armor) cost the same as regular branded clothes, sometimes even less. So from now on every pair of pants and jacket I will buy will be motorcycle gear. Armor is often also removable and you can use those clothes as regular clothes, nut they are actually better (more durable) than regular clothes. One question: why not putting the pillion seat cowl on your bike? I have it on mine and it looks do much better. You can take it off with just 2 screws if you need to.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I considered the seat cowl but I strap things to the seat pretty often, also I may be swapping out the seat at some point and if I do the cowl wouldn't anyways,.

[@painsrides3616]

I ride both off and on road. When I'm off-road, mostly slow speed enduro, I literally wear a suit of armor. Besides MX boots, helmet & gloves, I have knee braces, hip pads and a fully armored upper body protector. Without a doubt this protection has saved me many injuries, many times from the slow speed incidents that happen off road. My on-road riding is mostly longer distance touring, my gear is more about comfort and weather protection. I always wear a helmet, boot and gloves. Beyond those I wear a leather jacket or mesh riding shirt and jeans or touring pants. Like you, I believe I'm the one that has to protect me on the road. I do it by paying attention to my surroundings, anticipation of situations and not riding outside of mine or my bike's capabilities.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I suit up fully off road as well, the chances of me going down become much greater when off roading.

[@painsrides3616]

@@UncleVoodoo ... that and the armor actually protects form impacts at the speed we ride on the trails. At road speeds(at least mine 🤔) armor probably won't do much be it sure is an extra layer in a slide. I had front Tubliss let go riding my old Husky TE and shuttling between trails on the road at 30mph... The bike came out from under me, I slid 15-20ft on asphalt. My clothes were shredded but I basically surfed it out on my elbow, knee and boot armor. I didn't have scratch on me.

[@petersheppard6085]

Bike sounds good,.....as regards to "armour", I've always thought that all the safety devices fitted to modern cars makes drivers feel invincible....if the steering column was actually a spear, you'd drive with a little more care and attention....LOL

[@UncleVoodoo]

LOL, so true!

[@wesleycardinal8869]

Thats a great sounding bike, you have put some effort into recording the sound and video.👍This makes me regret selling my CGT 650 :(. Your comments move the discussion on from rules and statistics to wisdom, something that usually only comes from surviving into a good age. Unfortunately too many do not survive, you and I are among the lucky ones. Riding with a group has got to be one of the top risks for young or old riders. I won't do it, at least not with most of the guys I know who ride. Ride your own ride, ride to the speed limit and the conditions, whichever is lower. Stay in your lane is great advice, keep your head on a swivel and let tailgaters pass.

[@UncleVoodoo]

Thanks, I'll be testing a new mic setup for onboard audio (my old mic went tits up), so there will be a lot of POV footage with bike sounds coming up. I tend to hang back from other riders if Im in any sort of group. In fact my first mc was totaled when a friend borrowed my bike (without my permission) and collided with another rider when riding side by side.

[@Theshybiker]

Some great points mate. I’m against the all the gear all the time mob, I’ll dress to the conditions and ride accordingly. As you say, my philosophy has always been to ride to avoid the slide. I’m not saying I don’t think it will happen to me, but the chances are slim, especially since my last off was in the late 80’s Example, a few years back I had a Harley 1200 sportster. Riding some single track lanes in Wales in my tee shirt, taking it easy. Load of sport bikes came tearing past, all geared up, but who was more likely to have an incident?

[@davidshaffer4649]

All good advice.my friends used to say come on man,your getting old.they are absolutely right,I am getting old because I have become smarter.most of them have crashed,some bad and have given up riding,a few no longer with us.truly a shame when all you had to do was ride smarter not harder.

[@johnsampey344]

You make a lot of sense & have good tastes in bike choice.

[@peterwilson8039]

A critical thing is a hostile attitude towards cars. If somebody wants your lane, let them take it. It’s not worth dying over. Watch the traffic around you. Anticipate people making mistakes, and don’t put yourself at risk. Even then you can still die. And yes, at 150 mph, you go a mile in 24 seconds. Situations can develop very quickly.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I drive a car all day in city/hwy traffic for a living and I see all manner of nutty things people do. When Im on my my bike I'll give way to cars every time as it keeps them away from me, which is where I want them. I see too many bikers inviting road rage which does nothing but put themselves in harms way. It doesn't matter who's "fault" an accident is,.. if you're dead.

[@smalltimeadventures_usa]

Thanks! Press On!

[@UncleVoodoo]

Thank you!

[@Papawcanner]

All those chain grease marks on your arms are bad ass .

[@ew1743]

Thank you 👍👍

[@NooBiker]

That sounds like the type of club I wouldn't want to join...

[@UncleVoodoo]

I actually didn't join after thinking about what I was getting myself into, as I said... Ive grown up a lot since then (25 years ago). I was new to the area and was just happy to be meeting fellow riders but soon realized I was better off not riding with a group like that.

[@NooBiker]

@@UncleVoodoo good on you!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I knew there was a reason why I don't join clubs! It requires a deep swallow of acceptance to admit that accidents are largely going to be my fault rather than those nasty, cell phone texting drivers. Lack of skill, of road strategy, drinking, speed, and stupidity congregate around accidents. KZbin is full of videos that cause me to shake my head in disbelief. As far as gear goes, my thinking about crashes focus more on flesh and bone being ground away on pavement than impact injuries. So I tend to always have my skin, head, hands, and ankles covered. A good video reminder that much of my risk and safety is my responsibility. No helmet at 150 mph. I've been hit by big bees in the chest at 40mph and thought someone shot me. I can't image a bee, pebble, or bird at that speed. Woot!

[@UncleVoodoo]

That was the first and only club I ever considered joining, some guys at my new job saw the bike and invited me to go riding with their group... only did the one ride and declined. I took a bird to the helmet once, darned near knocked me off the bike!

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

Real wise words there

[@tonycat721]

00:44 OH that flipping exhaust note i could hear that all day long.....

[@BlueRidgeRider]

Ride the bike you like. Wear the gear that you feel comfortable with. I’m on the Asheville end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I firmly believe there is a huge hole in motorcycle training. They teach most basics in new rider courses but the thing they don’t teach is braking while cornering. They can’t teach it in a parking lot so the official MSF position is “don’t do it”. The first time a rider discovers a decreasing radius turn they are screwed. There is a mental game that long time motorcycle riders and pilots play. “What’s the worst that could happen?” Imagine what you will do and have a plan. People I refuse to ride with act as if everything will always be perfect.

[@FTStratLP]

Thank you so much for pointing this out. The statistics for my home country Austria are mostly the same. Here 80% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2023 have been the riders fault. Also interesting is, that the vast majority, nameley 56%, of the riders killed by an accident has been between 45 and 64 years of age. Does this indicate that the youngsters are not that reckless as commonly thought or are they just better riders or is the majority of motorcycle riders generally within the above age group?

[@UncleVoodoo]

When we think about people going fast on motorcycles the natural thought is "younger rider on a sport bike", but in reality cruisers and baggers just don't corner well at speed and those riders get in trouble in a heartbeat. The ground clearance, weight bias and riding position make those bikes great for going down the highway but in the twistys they're awful. Most accidents here on the Blue Ridge Parkway (where this video was shot) are from touring bikes trying to corner too fast. The age bracket you mention is the prime market for cruisers and baggers. Also when we think of new riders we jump to the conclusion that its a young guy starting out, but a pretty high number of new riders are older gents having a mid life crisis, finally getting around to buying their bike or retiring and wanting to go on an adventure. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for watching.

[@BugsyZuki]

great looking bike

[@charlesbarnett2724]

I think intersects and juctions are the big ones. As riders we have to be super vigilant of those other road users at junctions. With the best will in the world, they simply don't see us as quickly as we'd like.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I would've said the same thing once, but when I started digging into accident report studies I found that when we zoom out and look at the big picture the overwhelming majority of mc accidents actually don't involve cars at all. That doesn't mean cars aren't a danger, but if we ride sensibly and eliminate the biggest dangers (stated in the video) we can spend more time focusing on the rest of the dangers like intersections etc.

[@louisdriscoll2580]

Make sure you buy a bike that you can easily maneuver thru the worst situations imaginable…dirt bike experience is key to learning to avoiding a crash

[@southernrebel]

Chrome gas tank is georgous!!!!!!!

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

Good video and cool bike. I love the classic look. Do you still deliver on a Super Cub?

[@UncleVoodoo]

Actually I traded the Super Cub for this bike.

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

@@UncleVoodoo I thought you were doing deliveries full time. Apparently you are doing different work now.

[@UncleVoodoo]

@@serious_in_seattle6917 Im still delivering full time. I did a test the first year with the Super Cub vs my Prius and found that while the operating costs of the Super Cub were obviously cheaper... the Prius passed the SC once the car was able to apply its mileage tax credits that the motorcycle doesn't get. So once all was said and done the Prius beat the Super Cub as the better vecle to use from a business standpoint.

[@tkggk]

0:56 650 may be loved sleeping after punch

[@UncleVoodoo]

gotta let them know who's boss every now and then :)

[@fullthrottle2008]

Having been down the road on my face I would recommend wearing a full face helmet. The nurse who treated me said ‘oh thank God it’s you and not the guy who ground his face off’ … apparently the other biker who slid down the road on the same day wasn’t so fortunate 😬

[@louisdriscoll2580]

He is right about defensive driving

[@frederickking1660]

Had someone creeping up into my blind spot today . I rolled it on and left him in the dust. Find a open spot on the highway and stay there. I wave people around on 2 lane highways too. I am on the same page as you sir.

[@UncleVoodoo]

It's amazing how just riding with some sense removes you from the crowd that ends up being statistics. Since posting this video Ive been watching crash compilation videos and Im stunned at how many crashes occurred due to the rider simply putting themselves in a bad spot and being blissfully unaware of the world around them. Happy riding!

[@amitchodankar1989]

Absolutely agree with you 👍

[@LiamE69]

The RE CGT might be the best looking bike on sale these days, despite being FAR from the most expensive.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I approve of this message!

[@billgraham4630]

Right on!.

[@steve00alt70]

But airbag vest will defo help u survive hitting hard things up to a certain point. Manufacturers really need to produce next gen armour so any hard object will deflect away from you.

[@edjones2110]

Love that exhaust sound , what watch are you wearing today ?

[@UncleVoodoo]

That’s a G-Shock Rangeman modified to accept 24mm straps, it’s wearing an orange Panerai rubber strap in this video. 👍

[@jhackett9482]

Duran Duran song love it!

[@justicegusting2476]

Nice Royal Enfield.

[@heyoldtime8969]

Everyone makes mistakes. ATGATT is for those mistakes. Mistakes hurt like hell and it may not be the riders mistake.

[@prashantchutke5521]

Yup , The Hospital food and Jellos are No Bueno !

[@malcolmpatton9314]

I have only crashed 2 times one was my stupid fault I had removed the baffles from my 2 stroke motorcycle and was checking the sound and smoke when I turned to look in the forward direction as was travelling I had already mounted the pavement and was heading for the hedge after picking myself up I was stood next to a power pole if I had hit this I wouldn’t be typing this statement. The second incident was during uk winter heavy snow my only means of transport was my motorcycle I had travelled round a bend and to avoid ice at the bottom of a hill had to move out of my lane as I did so a car approached me I had no option but to move back into my lane as I did so the motorcycle went down both these incidents where in the 1980 wax cotton was the order of the day no protection pads to my knowledge. I am now 65 and wear full face helmet like I did in the 1980 and always wear proper clothing with protective pads etc I wouldn’t dream of riding without the correct gear. I have stopped filtering between cars and it’s legal in my country I always assume other vehicles have not seen me I always look for an escape route if the vehicles behind don’t appear to be slowing down behind me,I always try to make eye contact with the vehicle waiting to join my lane if I am unable to make eye contact I will slow down and watch if the wheel of the vehicle is creeping into my path. I never ride when tired and I never rush my journey and have pulled over if a local who knows the roads better than me needs to pass.

[@igorkozar7663]

You ever get caught in a death wobble? If so, how’d you manage that? Happened to me & I was lucky to not overreact & get out of it.

[@UncleVoodoo]

Ive only experienced it once, all I did was hold on and let off the throttle (using no brakes) and the bike settled down almost immediately.

[@jamesharvey44]

Most of the wrecks in my local area are a result of speeding, including the pulled out in front of the bike wrecks. Everyone around here thinks I-95 is the speed limit and no one wants to be second. Slow down folks.

[@UncleVoodoo]

ive seen soooo many videos where the bike is creating its own problem by simply moving much faster than the surrounding traffic. People riding like knobs skew the accident numbers to make motorcycle seem much more dangerous than it really is.

[@corychartier7961]

USA and Europe definitely true. I just got hit by a truck last month however in India. He was definitely on my side so it fits under the second but in India you are going to have people in your space

[@scottytoohotty7617]

I'm fond of the saying "Ride like you're invisible" ...it's about the most defensive you can be. That said, I caught a fast leak in my front tire and it became noticeable right before a 90° corner, in a country subdivision near my home, so I was maybe doing 30 mph, still too fast, when I leaned in I immediately went into a tank slapper and high sided. I landed on my side, slamming my shoulder on the ground. I was wearing gear with shoulder armor. My shoulder hurt for around a month but it got better. There's a small clicking sound when I rotate my arm but otherwise it's fine.Im not positive, but I'm pretty sure that if I wasn't wearing the armored jacket, I would have taken much more damage. It's a very strong feeling. For whatever it's worth. Good video brother, rubber side down.

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

The first thing I do when I buy new Kevlar Jeans in remove the knee and hip pads because they are uncomfortable. I keep the armour in my jackets and move the spine protector from one jacket to another. I had a slow speed accident. The armour didn't help when the bike fell on top of me. I'm buying another bike soon and will want to show it off in a video straight away, but I can't ride it fast. I have to build up my skill in riding that bike or I'll have an accident.

[@UncleVoodoo]

My biggest epiphany was when I realized that riding gear was giving me a sense of invulnerability, which lead to me riding in a more aggressive manner. Armor is fine and all but keeping myself in check is vastly more valuable. Thanks for watching.

[@bigboystation8498]

The obsession with gear seems to come from a need to create content for youtube rather than the actual needs of normal riders. Some channels spend 80% of their content talking about fashion and gear imo.

[@MsDenver2]

I think the airbag jackets etc are the best , at least would help?

[@UncleVoodoo]

I don't have any experience with those. Everyone should wear what they feel they need to stay safe.

[@MalfosRanger]

The most important advantages of airbags are protecting the spine and stabilizing the neck without limiting your ability to look around like a neck brace.

[@karlsquire8148]

I have been saying this for years, how dangerous motorcycles are is up to the Rider. Ride as if your invisible, if you do that, you will not put your self or do stupid things that will harm you and you will always assume you can not been seen. I have been riding for 50 years if you include the time riding dirt bikes as a kid. I see posts on FB saying "spring is hear watch for motorcycles", that's nice and that is good but Motorcycle riders have to KNOW, their safety is not up to the car driver or others (that's putting your life in other peoples hand, NO fucking thank you) Motorcycles riders need to know 100% their safety is their own responsibility and no amount of Leather or armor will change that, I ride the way I did in the 80's, jeans and T-shirt and runners, no Amour back then, people say to me "that's all you where" as they look down on me for being irresponsible" I just say I don't plan on coming off my bike and I ride according. Armor false sense of protection, that's it, that's all. Motorcycles riders biggest threat, IS them selves.

[@paulbrook2459]

Great advice , I completely agree👍 I think Testosterone is the thing that kills us men , young men can’t help it but they have to much 😏now I’m older I realise I’m not invincible and that’s because I have a lot less testosterone 😉 bikes are completely safe at road speeds . Great story’s , keep them coming 👍

[@UncleVoodoo]

Im as guilty as anyone when comes to having let my ego and testosterone get the better of me in my younger days,... but actually- a very high number of the crashes are "older" riders on cruisers and baggers (at least in my area). A lot of new riders are older guys having a mid life crisis or just finally getting around to getting their first bike. So we end up with a very high number of inexperienced riders on bikes that are less than ideal for navigating twisty sections and they get themselves in trouble before they even realize it. Thanks for watching! :)

[@thealternativevlog]

I think some people are just accident prone. Be it driving a car, truck, commercial truck or motorcycle.

[@UncleVoodoo]

That a real possibility, I have 2 kids and I would try extremely hard to prevent one of them from ever buying a motorcycle.

[@tanker2051]

I have to say this. 80% of turning on a motorcycle is because the rider didn’t trust the bike. 80% it’s not the bike it’s the rider the bike, tires could do it they brings us to number 1,,, number 1 never ride beyond YOUR capability… is a few MPH worth your life? No

[@waltermatthews1155]

This is what I’ve always said, spend money on extra training.

[@goodoleme747]

Got my subscription.

[@UncleVoodoo]

Thanks!

[@WARweezy]

I'm a young guy, only been riding 30 years :D but I recently became a rider coach for the military over in Japan. One of the things I give the guys the last day of training before they can go off base and ride, don't try to take curves as fast as they possibly can, especially at first. It's what takes out most people that do. It's fun to take it at a chill speed and speed up out of the curve too and 100 times safer.

[@user-fv1576]

New subscriber

[@UncleVoodoo]

Yay! Thank you!

[@OnlyRoyalEnfieldFans]

I enjoy your videos! I have the OnlyRoyalEnfieldFans channel. From my perspective excessive speed for the conditions is the real killer

[@jvillain9946]

Have you not seen a moto gp wreck? You sayin you could walk away from a highside at 100+mph without armor? I think you mean shitty riding gear doesn't protect you.

[@UncleVoodoo]

Of course I’ve seen it, armor is designed for the race track. Im talking about riding on the street where you have things like road signs, telephone poles, trees, oncoming traffic etc. If you’re in danger of 100+mph highsides on the street.. you have bigger problems than soft armor.

[@davysanders2441]

Those of us that ride all no it's not if it's when and how bad it's gona be I've been down 5 times in 35 years still riding your theory could be right but it's more revelant to wear you live texting dui drugs that's our problem we get away from traffic at all cost that requires speeding sure sometimes I would rather pay a ticked than stay in a meat grinder let's try this always ride to you're comfort level not someone else's

[@Leftycraig48]

What is the mortality rate for your stupid motorcycle club? Any organization that not only condones, but requires breaking of traffic laws is automatically out of the question. I'm not a "club type" anyhow. From experience they become political and it eventually becomes an internal power struggle among members for leadership in what is basically a totally meaningless organization. Yes, I ride and yes I once foolishly crested 150mph on a GXR1000. That was in my younger reckless days and has never been repeated since. But to needlessly risk my life to "qualify" for membership in anything? Pass, thank you.

[@UncleVoodoo]

Dont know, only rode with them the one time. I did see one them a few months later on crutches.