Will I die if I ride a motorcycle?

[@richardparkersmith4810]

My dad was a dedicated motorcyclist before WW2. He and his brother shared a 1932 Sunbeam 9a and loved riding it very hard. When it came to me getting interested in motorcycles, he told me 'No. Traffic today is just too dangerous, you would kill yourself!' Anyway, eventually I defied him and got a Triumph Tiger Cub. I left it in the yard so that he would see it when he got home and I would then face the music. Instead of being angry, he was thrilled, told me he wanted to take it out and disappeared on it for 30 minutes. When he came back, he was elated and complemented me on my choice and told me to keep my eyes peeled at all times, especially the ones in the back of my head. Phew! I restored and still have his and his brother's old Sunbeam.

[@johnnyblue4799]

Nice story...

[@2wheelsr2wheels39]

Don't do what I say. Do what I do! LOL.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

My life's greatest pleasure besides my family has been my life-long love of motorcycles. However, my motorcycle-hating father told me over and over that evil motorcycles had a mind of their own, and existed only to kill people. He constantly reminded me that it was therefore just a matter of time before I widowed my wife and orphaned my kids. It was as sure as if God Himself had etched it in stone. He badgered me about this almost non-stop for 46 years until he died, and the older he got, the more desperate he became to "make me understand" his perspective and turn from the wickedness of motorcycling. He never missed a chance to call me out about it in front of my family either, and paint me as an irresponsible husband and father because I obviously didn't care that I would soon die on a motorcycle and leave them to fend for themselves. He knew this disturbed me exceedingly and adversely affected our relationship, but he didn't care. It was the truth, and therefore he was right and I was wrong, and that was that. He would call and tell me every single time someone died on a motorcycle and it made the news. If I were gone, he would tell the wife, or whatever grandchild he could make contact with. We never, ever got together without him nagging me about the perils of motorcycles at least once - literally - and nothing I could say or do would even slow it down. Believe me, I tried everything. He didn't care one iota if I stormed out of the room and left because of it. It was his right as a father to protect his children, and I would just have to live with it if I wasn't going to be reasonable and see it his way. There simply would be no compromise. Eventually, though I loved him dearly, and came to understand that he obviously had some sort of obsessive disorder and simply couldn't help it, I could barely stand to be in the same room with him. I have now been an avid motorcyclist for 52 years and probably half a million miles, and nothing he continually nagged and warned me about has come to pass. In spite of it all, I do miss him and wish I could have better enjoyed his company while he was here. RIP, Dad. By the way, I have told my wife and grown kids that if I die on a motorcycle, they are to understand that I went doing what I love and there are far worse things that can happen to a person.

[@richardparkersmith4810]

@@ralphcantrell3214 Great story! Ge loved you and did not want to lose you!

[@ralphcantrell3214]

@@richardparkersmith4810 Thanks! Your story about a motorcycle-loving Dad conjured up some old memories. Unfortunately all of us bikers didn't have it as good.

[@ricks3511]

One quibble: The statement "I've always wanted to ride but it's not worth the risk" is a perfect statement for many, many people. People who have thought it through and come to this conclusion should be congratulated for their clear, rational thinking. This is not a mistake, it is what is right for them.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

That is true; just like everyone is not made to be a big rig driver or a pilot. Unfortunately LOTS of people who should not be driving cars, are driving cars, and they can kill you on a bike in a hearthbeat reguardless of your training or skill or you doing nothing wrong.

[@danielgaskell5490]

If their “risk assessment” is simply lip-service and more indicative of someone who is also undisciplined in their driving skills; we need to find a way to ascertain that before issuing them a drivers’ license for either a car or bike.

[@chris2790]

@@danielgaskell5490 we can stop splitting hairs, eh?

[@marcogpt]

Yes riding a bike is awesome, but unfortunately doesn't cure death. It will eventually happen to all of us

[@justanotherviewer52]

You can not control the "other driver". But you can control what you do to save your life. Thanks Kevin.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Thank you Kevin! One of the positive things riding has done for many of us is that it has helped us stay mentally healthy. It has helped me through my grief after my wife died and helped me not get depressed.

[@keithallen3119]

John, my daughter loved riding. In her teen years we rode dirt bikes together. She got her license and proudly came home with the second best score in her training class. She promptly hopped on my Sportster and showed me her skills; they were quite good. She passed away at 24, a horrible situation for a parent to experience. I missed years of riding together, so I take her favorite necklace with me when I ride and I feel her with me. It has helped with the grief as you said. Riding helps with life.

[@AndyR4832]

Enjoy the ride! If I have to explain it to you, you probably won't understand.Well done, Kevin!!

[@TheBraveheart55]

This was an excellent video!!! Thank you!!! I bought my first motorcycle in 2013. I was 58 years old then and had never ridden a motorcycle. My motorcycle is a Honda XR 650L which is not that easy to handle. Since then I have ridden it over 34,000 miles and 8,500 of them through Mexico. For sure I don't have the best skills but I do think I have pretty good road strategy. I am always willing to learn and I need to learn a lot more. People are always telling me I'm crazy for riding a motorcycle. I just smile at them and ride off into sunset!!!

[@pilotdane1]

Nice !!! I'm 60 - Been riding since I was 5.... That's awesome !!!

[@jmkim1278]

👍

[@wildberj]

Hello Kevin, if one can conquer their fear, then they'll truly be free. People are born with only one natural fear, the fear of falling, all other fears are learned. Case in point, I can walk by a wasp nest and it doesn't bother me, others run for the spray can asap. Quite often it's the fear of failure that holds people from accomplishing their true potential. Thanks for the video, and have a great day Lt. Kevin.

[@HDVIBE]

Great stuff. I really like your intro talking about managing risk. Managed risk can bring a lot of reward in terms of enjoying the awesome experience of wind in your face and experiencing life from behind the bars on two wheels. Its an experience that non riders don't understand. Riding smart, training and being aware leads to a wonderful and rewarding riding experience. Ride safe Kevin.

[@elgringoec]

I would argue that it makes us better car drivers, too.

[@GoodLifeRiders]

Great topic! As I have gotten older & since having a pilot's license I have noticed how much different my approach is to riding. I evaluate every second on the bike to determine if my skills can handle the situation & how not to put myself in situation that are risky. Great thoughts Kevin!

[@johnpatrickbishop]

Glad I learned to ride after I learned to fly and all the risk mitigation approaches of aviation.

[@GoodLifeRiders]

@@johnpatrickbishop Definitely makes a difference in how you approach riding for sure. ☀️👍🏼⚙️👇🏻🐄🤙🏼🌞

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

My parents took me on night rides to get me to shut up and sleep back when I was an infant... Got my first electric "kiddie motorcycle" (toy version of Evel Kneivel's Roadster) when I was 4... Grew up with bikes, to mopeds... to trail bikes... to my first "grown up real motorcycle" (Honda Rebel 250) at 15... I matured on the road around 25 or 26 when I was steadily collecting gear. It was around that time that I started more of a "hang back" approach to traffic and quit the aggressive "go get some" kind of approach or philosophy. I don't know that a pilot's license would have changed me so much... I willfully let the "Helmet Laws Suck" T-shirts go and have since demanded passengers at LEAST let me gear them up to ride. If there's no gear, there's no riding... The point is... I think we have different experiences that teach us the same things as far as maturity... risk management... fear... what have you. I think most of us reach a full understanding of mitigation by planning ahead around the mid-20's just about regardless of other factors. Maybe I'm the weirdo exception, but I can't justify my life being so very peculiar or that I'm somehow a mutant. I have to consider that I'm pretty close to "average" on that kind of account... NOT that every kid grew up with a mom who'd put on a backpack frame to go riding with her infant... mind you. I had a charmed life in some ways... BUT that I still matured about the same time psychologists and neuroscientists say that the human brain is "fully developed on average" can"t be a magnificent coincidence either. ;o)

[@elgringoec]

I learned to fly and to me it wasn't nearly as rewarding as riding.

[@johnmacri7440]

Started riding in my 50’s. My father was always against it and was super conservative. Im the opposite. Entrepreneurial & risk is something I evaluate & embrace. Pure freedom is just that. Embracing risk & taking the steps to be safe. I got so much joy from riding. Be safe everyone.

[@DennisJPolson]

A 100% common sense approach. Great stuff, Kevin.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Dennis!

[@thehoneybadger8089]

"I train some of the happiest people on earth."

[@GaryHorn]

Thanks for this encouraging video. Sometimes I doubt the wisdom of riding at age 64 and wonder if I'm being foolish when I see so much bad car driver behavior. But I do work hard on my road skills and road strategies and feel like I'm in control of managing the risk. And I have a lot of fun!

[@2wheelsr2wheels39]

Well you've already experienced 64 years and have road experience which is invaluable. Your reaction time is not as quick as it was so take that into account and enjoy the ride.

[@elgringoec]

I'd question starting at our age, but since I've been riding my whole life, it's ingrained.

[@elgringoec]

@@2wheelsr2wheels39 Not sure you'd know how fast someone else's reaction time is who you haven't tested. I'm that age and can react as fast as anyone I know regardless of age. However, I did have my reaction time tested years ago and was an order of magnitude faster than what they were claiming was normal reaction time.

[@2wheelsr2wheels39]

@@elgringoec That's fine. Your reaction time hasn't changed in decades. No argument from me. I'm glad for you. That's not the case for most people though.

[@elgringoec]

@@2wheelsr2wheels39 It probably changes from day to day, and from morning to evening. But it's pretty good... It's gotta be when you're out riding and get knocked sideways by rocks pretty often and gotta react to maintain balance. You're allowed to doubt, though. Cheers!

[@WindyTherapy]

One of the videos that I liked the most in the last few months Kevin! Excellent points and narrative based on facts and figures. Losers will always seek for the darkness therefore the reason they’re always lost. Cheers and greetings from Canada

[@MCrider]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@6582rg]

This makes me think of Ex-Raiders Head Coach and sports commentator John Madden, who refused to fly out of fear. I can’t even imagine how many miles he spent riding around in his custom diesel pusher back and forth across the country week to week.

[@mzs114]

Imo, air travel is far less risky nowadays.

[@grantbradley5084]

My most vocal critic against me being a motorcyclist has been my Father. He’s gone as far as to offer to reward me financially if I gave up riding my motorcycle. My reply being “sorry Dad, but I would not give up riding my motorcycle for Any amount of money.” I understand his concern, however those who are consumed with the risks of riding a motorcycle obviously aren’t good candidates for doing so. The euphoria, the freedom, the adventure, those feelings can’t be conveyed to a non rider. I’m 64 years old, my Father is 90. Sure there is a risk riding a motorcycle. And I’ll continue to take that chance.

[@dgross2009]

Great video and awesome points. All I heard when I was taking up riding was all the friends they lost on Harleys. No one ever mentioned the accident that took my niece's boyfriend and 3 friends lives in a Ford Explorer when I bought my Explorer.

[@scottsellers9039]

Yes you will, but not usually because of riding a motorcycle.

[@Adriftimages]

Solid info! One thing I do to mitigate risk is not riding certain roads. Some roads have to many distractions. Example: 4 lane road with a center turning lane. Usually lots of restaurants/shops people turning in and out and stopping from all directions. … I’ll often ride more miles to avoid particular roads but If you enjoy riding who cares.

[@wayneberry811]

You are spot on. After a long time absent I started back riding and the first thing I did was take a MSF course. I have taught many to fly and after takeoff we always landed.

[@brandenwilson5586]

This is pretty much the conversation I had with my wife before I got my motorcycle. I don't drink and avoid riding at night so that lowered the risks by a Hugh percent. Now she has started to show interest in riding with me.

[@markwhatley9955]

Kevin, keep doing what you’re doing. Those of us who love motorcycling are often misunderstood. And that’s ok. What you do here is intrinsically valuable. I’m a returning rider after 30 years. Many of my friends shake their heads when they learn that I’m returning to riding. I don’t care. I’m prepared for what comes. Hope to see you on the road.

[@jimsweet6574]

Thanks for that Kevin. I recently got back from a long trip, San Francisco to Key West & back, I only had maybe 1-2 "butt puckering" moments. Both essentially became non issues because of the practice I'd been doing and the training I'd gotten before I left. I even got in a little more "training" while on the road. Google maps had me on some pretty rough terrain along the way, guess that happens sometimes when you punch in "avoid highways." I wore all my gear every day. Some days that meant riding in triple digit heat with it on. The one recommendation I got from family and friends I hadn't initially though of, was to get some type of sattelite based, SOS beacon to carry along. Never had to use it but I'm glad I had it. I turned 69 on this trip and I'm looking forward to many more "adventures" in the future.

[@slothmarathonpromotions2470]

Very cool. Did you not take highways the whole trip? How long did the trip take you if you don’t mind me asking?

[@jimsweet6574]

@@slothmarathonpromotions2470 Left SF in May got back in August. Stayed with family friends along the way. It's nice being retired! Majority of the trip was along secondaries, a lot more interesting. But beware... Googly maps *might* throw you a curve every once in a while!

[@ThePigletpilot]

Earlier this year my wife crashed her Vespa on a refresher run before a training session planned for a couple of days later. A broken wrist and a very sad looking scooter was the outcome. We made the scooter secure and she hopped on the back of mine to go home. Following surgery to plate the wrist she was often asked “are you going to ride again”. Her response; “do you ask people who have been in car accidents are you going to drive again”. The quizzical looks were priceless. Insurance means there’s a replacement Vespa in the shed and training in her future.

[@got_to_roll]

I ride almost daily and practice skills often. Your videos have changed the way I see and manage my space amongst other drivers whether I'm on my bike or driving a car. I feel I minimize risk constantly. I don't yet know how to drive a plane , no flying for me.

[@omarsalgado9715]

This video should be the foundation in every riding school. New riders don't need to know how to accelerate, break or lean first; they need good assessment of what riding involves and then good judgement for every situation. The best gear and the best skills begin at brain level always. Cheers, Kevin, for such a great video.

[@trinidadtheislandman4065]

Thanks for asking the hard questions. I've taken the motorcycle safety course a few years ago, been wanting a bike for a while, and my car finally died, so I pulled the trigger. Did I get some super fast bike? No. I feel I made the right choice starting at ground level with a gentle bike - the Honda SuperCub, and I think after a year or two on it - I'll be ready to move up to more of my "dream bike." 😁🤙

[@billsconiers8306]

One of your best vids. For eight yrs The Ride has taught me life lessons I would have been better off knowing 60 yrs ago. Now I share them with my kids.

[@danielhoffman2858]

Timely video. Recovering from life threatening motorcycle accident 3 months ago. No memory of accident. Have passion for riding which I only started at age 50. Milestone was good excuse to finally get the license. Hopefully after recovery over the winter be physically able to ride again. Took the course and had gear on. Can’t control actions of others but this video is reminder to not let your guard down in terms of managing risk and doing your best to avoid a crash. I think I may had become complacent not worrying enough.

[@FortunateXpat]

Retired in Sicily with only a motorcycle as my means of transportation, I know the dangers. Yet even after having a nasty accident 4 years ago requiring a hospital visit, I’m still riding. 😀

[@lkj974]

As regards all the scenes with wives resisting husbands riding: It happens the other way too. As a young woman my Dad put so much pressure on me to change my mind when I told him I was going to follow a lifelong dream and finally learn to ride. And my husband has not been thrilled to hear I intend to start riding again at age 62, but he has settled down and been pretty cool about it. At the end of the day, I am in charge of at least a few things in my life and I am choosing to ride again.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

All the power to you sister!

[@billlovell-smith9705]

Hi Kevin, a thoughtful piece. Many of us riders have been called “Temporary New Zealanders” by the hand wringers down here where I live. No doubt you’ve heard the same sort of thing.Cheers Mate. Bill

[@danielgaskell5490]

This is by far the best video you’ve produced, Congratulations! Kudos for sharing your faith in a previous video.

[@marekstawicki8811]

Hi Kevin, one of the best video since long time! And you know, I've watched all and every videos of yours published ever.... but 1st of all: riding the bike successfully is not always a managing the risk. the other thing is: flying the aircraft is one thing, riding is something different. The major difference is: I'm not flying while I'm riding. You know what I'm talking about, right? it's the matter of trust to myself against the trust to the others. The plane pilot holds the volant, while I hold the steering bars, the throttle and breaks... It is different. Most of us tend to think "we are better then others" so, why we should feel safer in the others hand than in our owns...??? No statistic would convince us otherwise, as no statistics provides evidence of our own acts. Hence - "okay - they may have done wrong, but hey! I'm better than this!" Statistics DON"T tells YOU what will happen to YOU. Never. it tels what is likely to happen... that's a big different. Now I am a big fan of yours, but this evidence (as above) won't convince many a would say. In my personal opinion nothing can stand against the personal experience! UNLESS you are wise enough to learn form others experiences and fails... All the best and more! from Poland, Marek

[@cathycraig1301]

You have to be the most sensible person regarding motorcycles and riding. Thanks for another thoughtful video. All your videos help us all.

[@Sam590ss]

Two great quotes and another wonderful video. Thanks Kevin!

[@ianwilliams4832]

Great video, a topic that I imagine most motorcyclists have thought about at some point. Follow this channel and then listen and learn. That will go a long way in reducing risk 👍👍

[@GixxerRider1991]

I used to be afraid of everything. Symbolically conquering that fear by getting on a motorcycle has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

[@StoneColdKrazy]

I used to think that and finally did until i crashed and can't ride again due to fear

[@MKandKCCampbell]

The existential side of MCrider! I love it! Riding for 24 plus years and someone will have to pull me off the bike for me to stop. They better be pretty tough to do it. 😂

[@johnnycashbenham1192]

Great topic here and great points made! When I got into motorcycling most if not all of my family were pretty upset with me telling me that it was dangerous, I told them all of us die but not all of us live

[@pedropaulo7922]

I’m seriously thinking of buying a bike and googled this exact question last week. Great video

[@marchingon5401]

Everyone has a personal acceptable level or risk. Skydivers, climbers, skiers, divers, race car drivers. The challenge others have is the inability to comprehend one greater than their own. I personally chose not to accept the risk while my children were young, but now they are adults, I do. It doesn't change the level of risk but it was of higher consequence then, than it is now IMO. And now? I LOVE IT! I CAN comprehend Alex Honnold free soloing and being that confident in his skill set. I would not be comfortable climbing without protection and probably would never have the mental ability to. I think some people are the same with riding, they don't have the mental ability to ride without constant fear. I have friends tell me that, and it seems like an additional factor in addition to accepting risk. "Will I die if I sit on the couch, stay inside and do nothing?" Yes, eventually. Great video!

[@lylemacdonald6672]

While at university many years ago I met a woman who, with great conviction, informed me she would never get on, let alone pilot, a motorcycle as it was a far too scary and dangerous pursuit. When I asked what her passion was she calmly replied "I'm a parachutist". Turned out she was a world class sky diver who had thrown herself out of perfectly functional aircraft literally over 1000 times and held world accuracy records. Go figure.

[@2wheelsr2wheels39]

Seems crazy. But she rationalized that she was in control of her jump. With a motorcycle she had to assume everyone else would do the right thing even pedestrians. Plus, she was crazy.

[@jhask64]

Well Kevin you’ve done it again. Another “best ever video” created by MCrider. Thought provoking topic loaded with facts, figures AND the great Dr. Ben Carson! Fear, perceived fear and constant negative media (and family) influence had me questioning if you were still talking about motorcycle safety or the “COVID plandemic?”

[@johnbateman3244]

Only found your channel recently and slowly catching up. Some great advice. I am a back to bikes guy after 35 years and loving it. I am booking a refresher course for next spring. Bike now put away for the winter.

[@pilotdane1]

Kevin - to answer the question of the title of this video, if I may...."NO, YOU WILL LIVE" !!!!!! I hope you understand what I mean by that - I am also a FAA Licensed Private Pilot - As I enjoy living life to the fullest I am capable of.... Cheers for another amazing video. Well done, as always.

[@andreasstoegner4613]

Great Video. From the topic and context point of view, as well as the production. One of the best so far.

[@williamwintemberg]

Outstanding Video! Beautiful assembly as well! It looks like you have stepped things up a few notches Kevin.

[@seankearney6915]

Excellent thought provoking video. As a retuning biker at 62, I find myself having to defend my actions to family members. We each have to find our own level. Fortunately unlike my early years on a bike when it was my only transport, I don't have to use it as I have other options. So for me avoiding commuter traffic, night time, and not setting out in appalling weather immediately alters things to the level I am comfortable with. I like you videos as you are one of the few who cover road strategy as well as skills.

[@johnnyblue4799]

I don't have to defend my riding in front of family members, but if I had to, I'd just tell them to mind their own business.

[@coplock6689]

Yes, this video was very thought provoking and I absolutely agree with you. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikesykes173]

Excellent video Kevin. A motorcycle talk that transcends to all aspects of life. Perhaps your best ever...and that's saying a lot considering the quality presentations you're known for.

[@ZediMaster]

Gr8 vid, kevin. Ride safe, god bless u.

[@caseyw.8325]

Gotta love Ben Carson! He is a really great person

[@jeffmannes6079]

As always....Thanks Kevin! I wear complete gear on the road from head to toe, fully body armor with spine protector, etc.. An individual who said she was a trauma nurse said she gets guys (like me) coming in all the time wearing armor. She said they're still all busted up and many die. I asked her "how many don't you see because they got up and walked away?" No answer! Thanks again and God Bless.

[@mdeyab]

It is worth the risk ... the joy and fulfillment you get from riding is unmatched. I don't think of any activity I did my entire life that gave me this much joy for this many long. I am now more than 2 years into riding, and I still waiting for my next ride as if I got my bike yesterday. Just do it correctly. Get a bike that is aligned with your skill level. Take it step by step, Practice in empty parking lots, attend courses, join a Gymkhana club, have some track days.

[@tnwilliamson]

One of your better episodes, Kevin. Thanks.

[@AW8UK]

I agree with much of the content & sentiment in this video, however... Asking critical or concerned commentators specific questions about the rider ability of a lost loved one is not easy without causing offence. A rider with high accquired skill & restraint can hugely reduce their own risk assuming they are not hindered by variables that make a collision genuinely unavoidable. Thanks for the thought provoking video. Great channel (already subscribed). Stay safe

[@maskedavenger2578]

I have been riding on the road for 50 years .The only way to survive is to treat every other road user as if they are out to kill you ,because judging by the way many of them drive ,many of them are .

[@josephlarmor550]

Excellent observations Kevin. As you say, people have strange perceptions of risk. If someone tells me that they like to go skiing, mountaineering or horse-riding, I would never think of offering them an uninvited warning of the very high risks of injury associated with their chosen sport. Yet I've had to listen to people who ski, climb moutains and ride horses explain to me, without being asked, how dangerous and stupid it is to ride a motorcycle (which is actually less risky).

[@allans7281]

Excellent video!! I’ve had this line of thinking for many years

[@4loyal]

Hello Kevin, that was a great video, very thought provoking, thanks!!

[@vigneshwaran7437]

Mcrider made me a better rider and better person so everybody can improve themselves.

[@Trickhorn]

Excellent essay. Spot on assessment.

[@paulabend614]

Great video. I really hate flying and most amusement park rides. But I ride motorcycles and even go into burning buildings as a Firefighter. For me it's not about the risk vs reward that makes me afraid it's the perceived lack of control. Once you make the decision to get on the plane or the ride your choices are over. There is nothing left to do but sit back and wait for what is about to happen.

[@rogercohn]

Glad I started riding when I was 14 off road. Before I had any sense, wasn't afraid of anything and had the reflexes that are only a distant memory now. I still ride because I always have. No breaks, no time off while in Thailand or Viet Nam or Netherlands. Always a bike. Love it. I hope I always will despite 8 level back fusion

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Hey Kevin, not sure how I missed this one but quite a good topic I can relate to and agree with.

[@josephdigi9373]

Great job brother! 👏

[@murraykriner9425]

I can only hope that more folks would take into account your thoughts on this activity. Too often its peer pressures that result in poor choices about riding or what they purchase from the start. Seen far too many inexperienced owner's buying bikes that really don't suit their skill level. Witnessed buyer's spending every last dime on that dream machine and not thinking about proper protection while they are riding. Hope people heed your words of reason.

[@andydix]

Excellent advice Kevin. Thank you

[@KenSaunderson]

best episode yet! On very many levels.

[@kenkaufmann]

really well done. essential questions

[@ph0t0g56]

When i'm old,, I don't want to look back at my life and discover that I never really lived.

[@gelfyd1]

Kevin, thank you for pointing out safe vs. sorry! I prefer to leave and come home in one piece!

[@francosmith6190]

I recently lost a friend on his birthday. Motorcycle accident. Car skipped the traffic light and then it just happend. I have his leather jacket he wore every single day (He didn't pass away in the jacket). It tears me up that I don't have the balls to buy a motorcycle and drive with that same leather jacket on. I am 25 and lost 2 friends due to Motorcycle accidents. Something I always wanted to do but the risk in South Africa is just way to great and I can't imagine passing away the same way and leaving my family to deal with it. RIP Brothers.

[@lanegustafson929]

Kevin you've done it again! A most excellent video full of forethought and wisdom. Thank you very much. I've bookmarked this video and will be sharing it with others. I would however like to know about the video that you took to get Ben Carson's comments. I'd like to see the whole thing please.

[@MCrider]

Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpawoKqidr58mdU

[@Lookatthebottom]

Thank you for your awesome thoughtfulness!

[@nighttrainist]

Thank you for this video! All my life, I've been shown that nothing worthwhile can be achieved without risk and effort. Every time I swing a leg over my Harley, I'm challenged to make the right decisions, no guarantee of a second chance, my life and the lives of others in my hands. For that risk and effort I receive the finest experience I could have. There is no word "gress" in the English language; I'm either progressing or regressing. With all that's at stake. I need to progress. The suggestions and advice I've found here are a huge help.

[@kenwittlief255]

you digress

[@nighttrainist]

@@kenwittlief255 How so?

[@nighttrainist]

@@kenwittlief255 OK, OK, how dumb can I be? 😄😄

[@Robocline]

It's funny. I've had those same conversations with people in multiple different ways. The motorcycle talk is one thing but I'm a truck driver too so I get the "My uncle got run off the road by a truck once" talks also. I have learned to shrug off the obvious implications that I'm stupid, reckless, and possibly even evil. I figured out long ago that when you do something that's not normal mundane life people will have the stories of woe that go along with that activity. Riding a motorcycle is a risk but if you can act like an adult on a motorcycle the rewards outweigh the risks considerably.

[@himydad1499]

Indeed, reaching your real potential is basically, overcoming you fears. But fear is so subconsciously embedded, that it's one of the hardest things to overcome. Hence we develop a coping style that leads us away from ourselves. So, lots of courage everyone.... everyday you can make a choice.

[@twmclean1]

Well said Kevin. Reinforced how I think. Thanks for that.

[@noidreculse8906]

Great video on putting perspective on risk. Statistics explain, Emotions constrain.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I remember a doctor when I was growing up that had a sign on the wall of his examine room that said, "buy your son a motorcycle for his last birthday."

[@lelandmarshall9688]

My dad used to ride. He told me when I was younger that I would not be allowed to have a motorcycle, because of the dangers, while he was alive. I’m on the fence now that he has passed. Looking into maybe sometime in a couple years. Get all the gear and take the class.

[@mmickle6191]

Be smart - know you don't know everything. Be smart - know you'll always need to learn something else to make you better.

[@brianwilmoth2512]

Focusing on the process always leads to better results!

[@Bavenbushcraft]

Fantastic message and as an ex police officer these are often words I say to others. And you can bet that almost all of the motorcycle crashes I went to.... rider fault was most frequently at the heart of it, even with cars infringing the right of way, most often the motorcyclist was riding too fast, in dark clothes and although ultimately the car driver got the blame, the motorcyclist never gave the driver a chance of seeing this small dark target approaching far faster than anyone would expect. I would love to see a survey of bike types and clothing worn involved in crashes. Quick question... What's the music score backing this video... it's so soothing and spiritual... God bless Dale

[@gregcorder828]

In my 50's now,been riding on and off road since I was a kid.I enjoy your videos and have learned new things from them,never too old or experienced to learn,I ride a Harley spirtglide,so I dont usually wear all the riding gear,usually a jacket,gloves and always a helmet, even in states that dont require one,mostly a full face helmet.I've taken the rider safety course and I do practice road strategy and staying alert. All that being said I still will not fly in a plane,for one I'm no pilot and two I have no control of anything on that plane and if it crashes it won't matter if I'm wearing my helmet!😎 I love riding my bike on and off road.People say to me,you ride a motorcycle and your afraid to fly? No I'm not afraid to fly its crashing that bothers me!🙂

[@thomasleonard1521]

Kevin I thank you for explaining the issue of motorcycle riding TJ from Florida.

[@davidcrute3423]

Brilliant message thanks Kevin!

[@MrSkriv-ku7ng]

I used to explain in detail how I manage the risk. You who follow MCrider know. Follow distance, sight lines, be where you can see and be seen, practice emergency stops, etc. Non-riders don’t get it so now I just say I believe most motorcycle accidents can be avoided and don’t elaborate further.

[@kc5hgv]

Well said Kevin. I had a Motorcycle riding license before I had a I had a Regular Drivers License in my younger years. Risk in life and death can come in any ways...

[@davidbreen4727]

great food for thought video. i wanted a bike for a lot of years. always family how dangerous, ya, ya,. any way all the years of driving everything but motorcycles, i just bought a Honda Rebel 500, being 66 years old, i am a very defensive driver. i don't trust anyone out on the streets today. the looking down the road helps a lot, a little bit of fright, until i start rolling, then it's by the book loads of fun!!

[@jamesross4593]

I've wanted to ride a motorcycle since I was 17 but never have because other people didn't want me to. I'm now 30. The last couple of years have been rough and I've had some really low points. I've decided I'm going to get a motorcycle and start enjoying life again whilst managing the risks properly. To me it's worth it. My father rode, my grandfather rode, my great grandfather rode, and my fathers brothers, uncle, and counsins all rode. None of them died on a motorcycle. I'm sick of this modern philosophy of 100% safety at all times at the expense of actually living life.

[@geepers100]

“Isn’t motorcycle riding dangerous?” “Not the way I do it”

[@minigmac1]

Thank you. Well said. I get tremendous joy from riding my 2021 Honda CBR1000RR and am always aware of the risk. Life is risk!

[@rooster3019]

Even as a trycycle riding tot, I was intrigued by motorcycles. Riding since age 13 and one of my then many joys of life. Raising a family, I sacrificed that enjoyment; but returned as my family aged and were on secure footing. Now, later in life, cycling is way up high on my list of joys. Risk? If I crash and burn today I am ahead of the "game". Life sans joy is misery.

[@vigneshwaran7437]

Iam a REPSOL HONDA fan forever. I can't live without motorcycles. Motorcycles are marvelous machines. It's a art of excitement and pleasure. Don't confuse with accidents because motorcycles can't make mistakes. Check your motorcycle before you ride and enjoy your life with beautiful motorcycles 😘. I am 25 yr old and I love to race and battling with other greatest riders and I will not quite. Always following dreams. ONE HEART

[@seniorrider9337]

Kevin, a good comeback on your distant relative saying you train some of the dumbest people on earth would be, " no, the ones I or another instructor don't train are the dumb ones. The ones I and other instructors train are the smart ones, the ones who know how dangerous the sport is and want to improve their skills and chances for a safe and an accident free ride."

[@NofaceCat]

I live in Chicago and I see that monstrosity that Picasso made downtown. That quote sums up everything about his artwork. Picasso second quote was “I’m almost there but not quite yet”.