Motorcycle Training - Learn from this crash study or else
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has released its annual report and motorcycle fatalities in the United States are down in 2018 compared to last year. What does this say about motorcycle training in the United States?
See what we can learn from these numbers and how we can use the study to make more informed decisions about how we ride.
Review the Crash Study
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More information
Motorcycle Fact Sheet
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Traffic Safety Facts Annual Report for 2017
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I started riding when I was 15 years old on roads around my home most of them gravel, I learned through the years not to drink , not too speed , not to show out, don't get in a hurry getting started, I keep learning the more I ride and I am 57 years old.
I got back on after 40 years at age 70 2 years ago. Took 2 riding courses & have a am so grateful for MC Rider
Me too.
I applaud you, sir. I'm 65 and have been riding for 40+ years but I want to keep riding well past my 70's. Actually, until I feel I no longer have the acute awareness necessary to ride safely because I really believe riding is 10% physical and 90% mental.
I can say that even just watching these videos saved my life, I had to do an emergency stop earlier this year and I heard Kevin's voice in my head, squeeze the brake, don't grab, keep the handlebars straight etc.. Guess what no accident. Once we get through the holidays I'm going to subscribe to the Patreon channel, so I can read and listen while waiting for the snow to melt. This was my first year of riding as a returning rider with a 37 year break at age 57. I took the basic riding class believing I knew nothing.
Started at 40, my brother was killed on a motorcycle at 17 when I was 25, never would get a bike while my mom was alive, thou I always had the "want to". I got my MC endorsement just months before my brothers death using his bike and his help, I'm very glad we have the internet today that being informed thru channels like and primarily MCrider, its also the fact that as older riders we should be much wiser and in tune with not hurting or selves, we have enough natural things with ageing to do that for us, that's the beginning of riding safety, first you have to care. So I have now 14 years and about 150k miles on a bike i ride about half of everywhere i go on a bike and i can say without doubt that the knowledge from this channel has made all the difference in my skill level of control and strategy they are equally critical, in saving your life and limb, so thanks Kevin for dreaming this up, and smart riding to all! and just curious Kevin why #"22" on the MCrider emblem?
i lost a brother too, i'm sorry for ur loss. i also did not get a bike until after my parents were gone. god bless u and keep u safe.
INdeed. Motojitsu channel is also an excellent moto-education choice with a really down to Earth guy ( fast eddie) who can actually back up what he teaches...and does so.
Motoryzen I’ll back that up. Greg (motojitzu is also excellent, just like Kevin.
Will have to find him as well, motojitzu, thanks rosemary.
In 1981 I was stationed at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX. My two semi serious motorcycle accidents was when I was drunk. I am smarter and wiser now
I get training as often as I can. I went through the MSF course 3 years ago. I have taken the advance course. I also have these videos and Ride Like a Pro.
One cannot have enough training.
I started riding at age 57 years old. I think all the years of driving experience has made me a better rider. Also, my 4 years of riding experience has made me a better driver.
That's great, riding has definitely made me a better driver too. My only advice is understand counter-steering and know that it's a real thing and watch intersections and those road hazards.. You'll be fine.
I started riding at 57 too! That was earlier this year (2019) after taking a really good beginner riding course and following Kevin's advice and practicing in the parking lot, I feel like a confident, beginner, rider. Love it! don't know why I did start riding sooner!
Thats great, never stop learning!!!
@@MCrider I've signed up for a course in May 2020. Mind you, it's not a street riding course but how to ride on a track. I'm sure some of those bike handling skills will transfer over to the street.
@ Gary Horn. Thanks for your post. I’m pushing 50 and I’m hoping to get my first motorcycle in the Spring. I have been a bit worried about starting this late, but you give me hope.
I returned to riding a few years ago and I'm riding now at 72 more than ever. Your advice for returning riders is spot on. I took the MSF course and have diligently followed McRider and a few other online channels that give similar advice.I watch a lot of crash videos and have concluded that most crashes could have been avoided or had injuries reduced by simply slowing down a bit, even when it was someone else's fault. Motorcycles beg to be ridden fast and it's a constant battle of wills.I like to push myself in the curves on back country roads but in traffic in town or on the highways I slow down. Thank you so much for your contribution to the sport. You are the voice of reason.
I'm 57 and have been riding every year since I was 26. Still don't consider myself a really good rider so I practice my skills in parking lots with some cones. Stay fresh it may save your own life or that if your passenger someday. Thanks Kevin for the tips.
Must share my crash ! On a two lane highway out in the country. The lady in a suv in front of me turned on her right turn signal. I Slowed down and backed off waiting for her to turn. She turned right onto a county rd. So I rolled onto the throttle to go on straight. Soon as I did she quickly whipped a u turn back onto the highway directly in front of me. I T-boned her at about 35 mph and have been healing for the last 7 months from several bad injuries to my knee, back, wrist. Thankfully I had a helmet on! It was all scuffed and shield broken. My beautiful M109r is gone! I can never ride again because I’m a small business owner and we almost lost everything because I couldn’t work for 7 months! Can’t take the risk again with my responsibilities.
The lady lied and said she had her left turn signal on. But she had right turn signal on and turned right completely off the highway before whipping the u turn in front of me.
Of course the rare occasion I had no camera with me ! I will never drive any vehicles without a camera again! And I’ll never enjoy a beautiful day of therapeutic bike riding again either! Be careful friends!!
Glad you are safe and ALIVE! BIKES CAN BE REPLACED, YOU CANNOT!!!!!
I rode for 20 years mostly British in my 20's and 30's. For whatever reason I stopped riding for 30 years.
At the ripe old age of 68 I bought my first Harley an 03 Heritage with 30,000 miles for $5,500.
Yeah when I stopped riding people didn't have cell phones. Thanks Kevin for helping keep me alive.
I'm 47 & just got my licence. Due to Christmas I won't have my 1st bike paid for til the end of Feb, but I'm looking forward to it so much. Watching a LOT of CZcams for tips, skills, safety & just generally getting a bike fix. Thanks for your videos 👍
I am 39 and got my papers this past summer.
The instructor complimented me with my calm and relaxed attitude and my adult way of riding.
He suggested a tour bike. I now ride a ST1100 and I am very happy.
My parents strongly disproved for years and this did keep me from getting my license at a younger age.
I think they were right all the way.
With years comes wisdom.
Airplane pilot rule: 12 hours bottle to throttle. Works for me.
FAA Reg is 8 hours, but it was 12 in the Air Force.
@@BloozBone That has been repeated for decades but we now know that it does not cover all situations! It does NOT mean falling-down drunk and wait 8 or 12 hours and you are good to go; wrong. That type of consumption takes at least three days and many say seven days to enable full recuperation. Even drinking in smaller amounts should take you away from riding and/or piloting for more than a full day! Me, 15,000 hour experienced pilot and avid MC rider, also "experienced" old rider. Good Rides
55 years old, just got back on last year, got a 99 XL883L, your videos are a great refresher
My Friday mornings are greatly improved by your weekly videos! Always something worthwhile and educational! Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
Thank you Rick!
Thanks Kevin! As always. I was in somewhat of a crabby mood. Boss stuff. I got home from work and watched your video and it gave me a boost. I am looking forward to tinkering with my bike this winter. Learning more and more about it. Cleaning it and loving it. I just started riding last summer at 35. I am a woman and see a lot more of us riding these days! It is nice to see. Even the ladies on the back, they are dressed in the sharpest, safest of gear and it makes me want to do the same. As I need to, to ensure my safety. I find stats interesting. It is nice to hear the fatalities are down. Sharing that information may give others incentive to keep it that way! Yes, see you on the road!
I am a returning rider but I have done that a few times. Riding age #1: 12- 21/ home built, scooter and on-off road bike. Age #2: 30-42; 750cc and '75 Goldwing. Age #3: 63-73, Goldwing '08 ABS and now 2021 Goldwing Tour DCT. I took a new riders course before the '08 GW purchase and it was humbling and much needed.
I have been practicing since and your videos have been a staple of my riding knowledge. God Bless and Good Rides
I am also a returned rider. I took the MSF course twice, once with my daughter and once with my wife so they could get their endorsements. Good times.
Wow.... many older 'returning' riders. My story is similar... had a 27 year hiatus from riding. At age 51 (56 now), I decided to get back into the sport. Took a M/C training course as a refresher. Had the 'mindset' that I was a new rider and took it 'all' in. Life is a 'Continuous Learning Experience'.
Thank you Kevin for your videos... a wealth of M/C safety information...
Ride Safe... ATGATT... and don't let your throttle hand write checks that your skill level can't cash...
Thanks so much for the insight!!!
I am a middle aged returning rider, after 30 yrs of absence.
I am always watching your videos, to gain more knowledge, as I
Endeavor to become a Cyclist.............Again. GOD BLESS.
Kevin, thanks for all the advices you have published along others in youtube, I am 64 and with all the advice it has giving me the great opportunity to be a better rider every time I am in the road! THANKS!
Interesting figures. It’ll be different here in UK, but not much I guess. I’m also a returning rider, started back aged 71 on a 125cc, now riding a 1992 XT225 Yamaha, that’s big enough for me at my age (73).. Enjoying it, but these days, need eyes in the back of your head. I got some ‘re-training’ but need some more.
Have a great Christmas Kevin, and a blessed time. Les in UK
One needs to take into account the improvements in trauma medicine which prevents fatalities while the number of accidents may stay the same or even increasing. It is not how many die, it is how often do riders have accidents and whether that number is decreasing.
I also think older riders are more careful than younger riders as us older guys have a better appreciation of our own mortality. Signed: 'still riding at 64'
Thank you for your vids. I just started riding again after 15 years. I rode in my younger years, but didn’t have the opportunity to learn from classes or your videos. That being said, I just completed a beginners course and loved it. Will be taking more classes as I grow and learn. Thank you for your vids they have helped me greatly.
Returning rider here. I rode in Bangkok traffic as my introduction to road riding! Spent 5 years riding a 650 in some of the world's worst traffic and because I had no training, picked up bad habits.
Move on ten years and I am back in Singapore after a year on Portland OR, and I want a bike. Singapore law requires that all new riders are trained at a licensed training facility in prep for the test. That course cut out all my bad habits and prepared me for all the fun I have riding around Thailand and its amazing mountains and jungle roads.
Did off-road training with Simon Pavey and would sign up again given the chance. I'd sign up for refresher training for track, road, off-road, over-road whatever riding given the chance. Training is a good thing!
Those stats are good to hear were accidents and fatalities are down. Kevin if bikers just watch and learn from MC Rider I think those stats will improve. Your information is spot on and a great service to the riding community. I have been riding 49 years and always take something from the videos and apply it to my riding. Merry Christmas to all of you riders out there and keep the shiny side up.
NEVER....STOP....LEARNING!!!🏍👍🏾
I believe the Motorcycles Safety Schools are doing amazing job. I personally took 3 of those in the last 5 years, one being with BMW at the SC Performance School, and the things they injected into my brain is always with me while riding. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
Excellent! I started riding at age 56. Never rode a motorcycle before. So I went through the MSF course, read Hough's book and rode in parking lots and empty streets for about a year until I got confident enough. Every time I get on the bike I approach it as a first timer. And when I'm done riding, I make a point of talking about it with my girlfriend and inventorying how many dicey situations I encountered and how I dealt with them. And I put the emphasis on having seen a potential problem and how I avoided becoming a part of it (road strategy?). Thank you for your videos. Cheers!
I got back into riding at 47. Nearly 30 year span from when I rode before. My abilities are not what they used to be so I constantly train. Videos like yours, parking lot maneuvers, and riding courses. I’m glad we have all that today. We sure didn’t when I was young and crazy. It’s a wonder I survived. Lol. Thanks for the great content Kevin.
As a returning rider in my 60s, 12 years ago I had my brother in law ride my motorcycle from the dealership to my home. I decided I would not ride it until I retook the MSF course again and Am glad I did. Also finding this channel years ago has improved my riding skills and riding strategies and at 71 I’m still riding. Being a Patron of this channel is a small price to pay for the great lessons and advice That Kevin brings to us each and every week. I even use hie strategies while driving my other vehicles . I tell everyone I meet that rides a motorcycle to check out his channel as I am sure many of you do as well. I truly believe people like Kevin that are making videos and teaching people how to ride better on a motorcycle are the contributing factors to our better safety records. Keep up the great work and have a Merry Christmas Kevin and a happy New Year to you and all the subscribers, and I’ll see you on the road next year when the temps begin to rise here in Ohio.
OMG, this is so true. I know I "Should" go back and take some kind of training course. But like you said old riders are harder to train and @ 70 and been riding since the Mid-60's I probably wouldn't pay too much attention. But GREAT show...
Don't think of it as training, but as focused practice. Do the intermediate course on your heaviest bike and enjoy the course someone else set up for you!
I fit in the returning rider over the age 50. I THANK YOU! for you wisdom that you share. I will be taking the beginner training course and continue to take other courses to continue to better my skills. I have always enjoyed riding and now that I'm a little older want to safely continue ride. Thank you for your time making these videos.
Hi Kevin excellent video once again.
I started riding here in UK when I was 22 and did so for 5 years. Returned to riding in my 50s thinking I was as good as when I was young. However, I decided to have one private lesson and at the end I was told "You're not the worst rider I have taught". Was advised to have 10 lessons altogether. Then I joined a club and passed the Advanced Motorcyclists course. I then attended all the subsidised police courses for civilians, here in UK. Fantastic!
At 73 I'm still riding and refreshing my knowledge with your videos.
Finally, as regards the change in fatalities from one year to the next, 2 other factors may come into play. Changing attitudes on size and type of machine - scooters are relevant in UK. Also, if the average age is increasing, it could reduce the number of fatalities, if previously they occured up to say 20 or 25.
Yup..I started riding at 62, and my courses included riders with decades of experience. Fortunately, I only had to learn new habits, and they had to break their well learned bad habits. It was easier for me, than for them. Re: drinking... Riding reduced my drinking to about zero, as I won't drink at all on the day before riding, and in the summer I ride every day. I can't wrap my brain around people who would drink and ride...
Garth Howe
And to think a large successful North Texas Harley Davidson dealership entertains on Fridays and a weekend quite often with up to free 3 beers per customer. Absolutely amazing this hasn’t come back to hurt them.
@@roadglide That is true of a Harley dealer in South Barre Vermont. They have a few gatherings/shows, where they have a beer booth, which I don't participate, not because I don't drink, but I don't pay 4 or 5 dollars for a 50 cent beer. Of course I refrain from drinking while driving anway!
@@roadglide To me it is mind-blowing that a motorcycle dealer would also be a bar. I guess the dealership gets more repairs and replacement bike purchases that way. Maybe the same guy owns the funeral home in town.
I won't drink the day before a ride either, and I ride to work every day it's not snowing or raining too hard, and recreational rides on Saturday. OK, not drinking at all, but never missed it.
I'm one of those returning riders. I took the MSF course, and it was great. I will take the course again next summer. I started again so I could ride with my son. It's a great time together, but I want to make sure he is safe too.
Kevin- your stats resonated with me. I got back on after 24 years; my first bike was at 22 and I rode until the mid-1990's. Returned to the saddle two years ago....after about 25 years of not. My current bike I bought while still post-op from having a hip replaced (Not from an accident)....that was 1.5yr. ago. I bought a low miles '87 BMW K75C and have put almost 5000mi. on it since. Oh- and no ABS.
I passed my m/c test, both portions, at 100%....with only 4 weeks practice. For me, the rust came off pretty fast....and at 64, I'm no longer on crotch rockets. Or riding like it. I've always felt that the best braking philosophy is.....ANTICIPATION.
With north of 50,000 total miles, I've been down ONCE. Which is embarrassing...because I was in 2nd. gear, no traffic, weather not an issue....NO EXCUSES, but my front tire found a divot in the pavement, locked the front wheel, and flipped me and the bike completely over. My head hit the concrete curb- the helmet saved me. So did the US West telephone van/driver who pulled the bike off me.
HOW did this happen? Well, part of it was my fairing obstructing what was immediately in front/below me, and the other was over confidence: two days prior, I had just returned from an epic 2900mi. trip.....from Seattle to Tempe, AZ., "canyon carving" on my '85 Yamaha Seca Turbo 650. I did a round trip in 5 days, 12hr. days in the saddle, and top speeds of 145. It was a blast!
And a wake-up call: You ALWAYS have to be "locked on". For me, there's some days where I notice I'm just not "with it"....and that's before a ride. So....I DON'T! I LISTEN to myself and only go out when feeling 100%, well rested, etc.
THANK YOU for all your efforts.
I started riding in high school and I'm 71 now. Been riding most of that time with two breaks of a couple of years. I can say that I'm lucky to have survived without an accident my younger habit of riding and drinking. It seemed an acceptable thing to do at the time, but I now see that I was living on borrowed time. I can't tell anyone else how to ride, but for me training, temperance, and full gear have saved my behind more than once since my younger years. Thanks for your website.
Thanks for sharing brother!
Staying open to new ideas is a great piece of advice. I am a returning rider of 5yrs now and every time I get on my bike I tell myself I'm "growing into it". I have a number plate that from a distance that looks as though it reads 'BEWARE' I was even asked if it was a custom plate but no, I just got lucky. Even luckier to have free advice from channels such as MC Rider which inform me every time I get on my bike.
I am 76 years old. My first bike was a 125 CZ when I was 12. I now ride a Suzuki Hayabusa. Please listen to Kevin. He knows how to stay safe. I am still learning from Kevin. I have never drank alcohol.
Motorcycle sales have bombed! Less new riders. Way less young/teen riders. A big chunk of the statistics is demographics. You are correct about cycles being vastly different now. I gave up cycles while raising a family, last ride was 1976 on Suzuki 750 "water buffalo". Got a 2002 Goldwing in 2003 after 27 years of no riding. WOW what a difference in vastly improved machine. WOW was I a lousy rider at first. My current bike is EXACTLY like yours and WOW what a difference in an improved machine! I have to continue to work to maintain skills, especially in springtime.
started riding at 59. I share with other riders stuff I learn on this channel.
wow terry keeter said it all. my story is much like his except i'm a newbie at this. i too am grateful for all the sensible advice and reliable information that u give us. god bless you for all ur efforts to help us be safer, more knowledgeable riders.
Started riding in the UK aged 16 and got a full motorcycle licence at 28. Stopped at age 40 when my kids were little. Started riding again aged 58 and I make a habit of watching this channel every week, to learn something new and remind myself about strategies I have forgotten. I've not had a lesson in over 30 years but I know I need to get into a regular habit each year of refreshing. And I will, because Kevin keeps nagging that I should. Thank you Kevin for the vids. PS. I was riding today and in the UK at the moment its cold, wet and windy. I keep seeing vids of people saying that wet roads are not much less grippy than dry but I had a real fright on a slippery roundabout today when the front went sideways a couple of inches. Can you provide any tips what to watch out for and when one bit of asphalt might be slippier than the next? Thank you.
I started riding at the age of 33. I get a lot of helpful advice from your videos and I thank you for them.
Thanks Jarrod
61 yrs old next month. Been riding for 50 odd years. LOVE It.
I am STILL LEARNING. I mean it.
Thanks Kev.
I'm 63 and have been riding a similar amount of time. Agree: STILL LEARNING. But thankful for the years of experiences on the road!
Thank you Kevin, excellent training. Anyone who drinks even if just one is only deceiving themselves that they are in control. Motor skills diminish and so does our reaction time. Thanks Buddy for contributing to the riding community you knowledge and experience.
Thanks for caring enough to share education!! Your weekly video helps me renew my vow to my wife, ride safe and come home alive. Thanks Kevin, have a safe Happy Holiday!
Good news and as always, great info. I really would like to know if ridership has gone up or are the numbers skewed because many of the current riders own more than 1 bike. I’ve seen this topic on several moto forums wherein there seem to be less and less younger riders. In any event, it’s still good too hear that there is a positive change in motorcycle riding. I know your channel has improved my skills and attitude. Thank you Kevin.
I am 66 been riding since 1969 all my bikes were p Flatheads Panheads and Shovelheads all had drum brakes all but one was a tank shift bike. I am not in the habit of using the front brake except at lights or a hill while stopped and if it is raining well. I bought a 2002 FLSTC with disc brakes and was shocked at how hard these brakes grab and have had to go practice using them before I will ride my wife with me. We still have the 72 FLH if she wants to go ride., You are never too old to learn.
Great video. I have witnessed a few bike crashes after riding for 40 plus years. Gear is key for survival. Because of gear these riders all survived. Helmet , training, and no booze have been in my riding mantra for years. I am 65 riding 40 plus years. I’m an Old rider but not a bold rider thus still alive. I still have my 1974 Honda cb 4.
I'm 58 and all ways learn from your videos. Thanks
Happy Holidays MCrider. Thanks for your videos. I just started riding motorcycles early last year at 61. So I'm a sponge for every channel with good advice. I look forward to all your videos. Keep up the great work!
I don’t believe the typical new rider will be as good as an experienced rider after a weekend of riding classes. Learning to ride as an adult is like learning a new language as an adult. It’s hard. I’m 61 and started at age 8 and when I hit gravel in a corner or have to avoid a car, which rarely happens, I don’t think about the last book I read or video I watched, I just react. That being said, these days I read and watch everything I can get my hands on about motorcycle safety to enhance what I learned as a kid in the school of hard knocks of motorcycle riding.
Not the "typical" new rider but I saw many new riders who were more prepared for the road than some "experienced" riders.
I'm 49 and haven't ridden since my 20, but I'm really wanting to now. Definitely going to start from scratch with training, proper gear, and a smaller used bike. Then I'll work my way up to a new Goldwing ( my dream bike)!
Just got hit hard in Puerto Rico. No riding safety courses and not allowed to practice in parking lots because the property insurance company's won't cover injuries that may occur on the property parking lot. Security guards are instructed to kick you off the property. So I guess you just put it in first gear and gain experience while riding. I watch most of your videos. I catch myself doing what you advise. Thank You for your help.
Preach brother, Preach. As a Police Officer I see it all too much and as a rider it makes me sad to pull up on a bike wreck. I’m older and just started back and its a whole new game compared to what it was way back when.
Hey Kevin, fantastic to see the numbers and that there is a difference with the wider spread of safe riding and road skills.
ABS has made a huge difference for me
One thing I hadn't thought of before is the motorcycle dealers that hold bike nights where they invite all their customers to ride their bikes to the store, then feed them free beer. I'm not going to use the same dealer again because the one I bought my bike from does that. I'll have to do some research when I buy my next bike (or buy it used from private sale).
I had a sobering experience. I was on a country road and the car in front of me was going under the speed limit. I was looking to pass because, as most riders, I don't like being behind cars. When I passed the car I looked in my mirror to see the car turned left and didn't use a flasher as soon as I had passed. I then realized that when a vehicle is going slow, I must assume they are looking for a Civic address and will turn, possibly left. I still am not sure when to pass but I have learnt to be more patient, wait longer and expect the car to turn left onto a driveway without using flashers.
I restarted riding at 56 after 30 years. I started on a Road King 😎😎
I'm surprised I'm part of a trend, returning at 64. Wish I had the MSC back when. We did a reaction time test with a ruler which showed me I'm half as fast as a young man. (ruler drop test) Scary. I do the speedlimit 99% of the time. Or less. One day I got cocky and went into town and back real fast. The SV 650 could have gone faster, and it was crazy fun. But it is a used bike in not 100% tune, and just legal speeds are fun enough. Then another day I was on a side street and practicing a righthand U-turn, and dropped it. Forgot to look where I wanted to go, looked at some big rocks I really wanted to miss, and didn't have enough RPMS, "Clunk". Not so cocky after!
Really want to do the Experienced rider class, which is done with your own bike this spring. Going through the carbs and all this winter, but the thing is pretty good actually. It just has an annoying popping at idle, and poor mileage. And a small gas leak somewhere.
Not into intoxicants much, don't count caffeine. Do you?
Cafe racers look cool, but I see them parked in front of bars, in pictures. Which allways had me scratching my head. But riding from coffee cafe to coffee cafe I can see. Maybe that's what they're doing in Europe.
I returned to riding at 45 I'm 47 now it seems alot more dangerous now more cars on the road and less people paying attention I decided on a Yamaha xj600 over the Suzuki 1200 for the same price just because I had been out of it for 20 years and ride with safety in mind I love riding and am not looking to die doing it
Wow thanks for bringing up the XJ600! Precursor to the Seca II economy Yamaha that I had back in the day. Your next bike try to get one about the same size but with modern brakes and ABS. They have doubled the horsepower for the 600 now, you will be surprised! Yamaha MT-07 is the economy model now. And it's awesome.
I have the same motorcycle you do, White DCT tour. It is my first big bike. I took the advanced rider course on it and it really helped. The bike is amazingly agile for an 800 pound bike. It takes some courage to lean it over at low speed if you have no experience at it.
Wow! Big bike for your first one.
Not my first bike, my first big one. First was a drz 400. Much more sensible and easier to pick up.
It's too cold to ride now but I'm still watching!
What do you call " too cold."? Because unless it's in the teens...and/or it's 33F AND it has rained the night before, it's not too cold.
Layer up
Get some heated gloves ( I'm getting a pair of Highway 7v battery powered gloves for Christmas)
Get a decent balaclava
clean that faceshield gently and well, then spray some shavying cream on it, gently spread it to a thin layer, wait 30 minutes or more, then buff it off with a clean very soft ( micro fiber perhaps) towel,
Get a windshield for your bike if you don't have one already.
Now...no excuses.
The only exception I make is if the roads have ice on them or way too much potention for it ( aka under 34 F that morning and it rained the night before and/or was currently raining that morning)
MCrider is saving lives everyday I am quite sure of it. I have adopted your skills/tips in my riding and I practice them before I need them. They have to be automatic when you need it. Came from Dirt bikes years ago the road strategies you provide are a game changer if you implement them for sure. I am also a all the gear every time advocate, dress for the slide not the ride.
Hello Kevin wishing you & family a great fun Christmas
Merry Christmas, Mark!
Agree on the returning rider class. I took it knowing I sucked; I hadn't ridden in 30 years even though I kept my CY endorsement on my license. But I had been doing parking lot practice based on Kevin's Field Guide and other sources, and right off the bat I was riding better than a couple of the guys who had been riding their HDs for 20+ years. They DID get a lot better in just 5 hours on the parking lot but I was surprised how unskilled they were at the start. I heard someone say, it doesn't take much skill to ride in a straight line, and that's all that most people ever do, so when there's an emergency they have no skills to call on.
Riding is a life long class. I am glad to have started my schooling in the dirt on a 5hp mini bike without breaks. I learned quickly the meaning of anticipation and planning. Many people never get to learn from their mistakes on a bike nowadays. To much power, to fast, to many bullshit movies and shows showing a stuntman doing insane stunts.
I like statistics! Being informed is a better rider. I still say an experienced returning rider is better off as long as they are willing to adopt the right mindset of learning more and being patient with becoming re-acclimated.
Great advice as usual thanks.
I received the same instruction years ago about never using the front brake. I think it may have been a carry over from the days of dirt roads. It's as wrong today as it was back then. Choosing the correct source for training is really a life and death matter! Way too many deaths and injuries can be traced to poor training.
Who you listen to is important.
Extreme switchbacks really make me nervous.. Can you PLEASE do a weekly video on how to practice and approach the turns/switchbacks, entering the turn, gear, techniques, incline, decline, and etc. Thank you in advance....
Practicing in actual switchbacks will give you confidence. Studying the physics of riding in curves is very important. I was asking experienced riders how to do it and getting nowhere. I highly recommend two books to riders of all experience. Total Control by Lee Parks, and Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. I was braking mid curve and changing my direction constantly in curves. The key is to know the optimum line to follow and where to apex, and especially how to prepare for the deadly decreasing radius curve. Be aware some authors will call curves by the word corner. Now it's not even close to any corners, those are on a square or intersection, but that is a regional/country thing and it confused me at first.
@@taterlysaladman9377 Thank you Taterly, The fact that you would slow down and take a minute to address my concern is pretty special. I live in the mountainous area and all of the great rides, including the Needles and Iron Mountain at Sturgis have extreme 5 mile an hour switchbacks. I try to practice monthly with slow turn maneuvers, but i have to admit that I jerk a little when a car comes barreling around the corner the opposite way and catches me by surprise, and I have even found myself distracted by the height and view and my motorcycle when straight instead of preparing for the corner. I imagine the road width is about 10-12 feet and best to enter the switch back from the outside corner and in first gear with no braking and constant acceleration. However, one rider told me that he pulls in the clutch and lets it out throughout the turn like a typical street turn. I love learning and will listen and buy everything out there is out there. At 59, riding a cruiser is really the only thing that I am passionate about and brings me joy. But I have to be safe for me and others around me. Thanks again for the advice.
bought first bike last y
year also Gary, at 55. i think it made me a better driver also. more aware
Always good advice. I've been riding since I was 8, currently 62, and I ride year round here in TN. Thank God that the only wrecks I have had were on the dirt, never the roads. KEVIN, I had something happen while riding for the first time in over 50 years of riding, it could have been deadly. I would like your input, have you ever seen, heard of, or has it happened to you? I posted the video on my channel. If it can save one person from having a serious, or even fatal, crash, bonus.
WOW! I watched your video...nerves of steel is all I can say. Good job keeping the bike upright and getting home safe. It gave me butterflies watching it.
If anyone else is interested here is V. Viking's video: czcams.com/video/RSmMiL82t5k/video.html
I posted a link to it in the MCrider forums as well.
@@MCrider Man, it was SCARY. If that would have happened on one of the much sharper curves, or happened to a new rider, or had I panicked, etc...easily could have been game over. That's why I always tell people, keep practicing, never think you have learned it all or you might let your guard down at the wrong time and...bye. Have you ever had that happen to you, or heard of it, I checked my wiring, must have just been a faulty fuse. Thanks for watching, brother Kevin. If we don't hear from y'all before...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
The new lighting and selective focus adds a professional look to your video. Although the Audio sounds a bit far off. Great job.
Mentioned before I crashed my XS750 Special drunk, ran into a chain link fence between me and it when I got up to check the bike; could have been turned into a girl. When I started back in 2016, only motorcycles, I bought a Grom and then a TU250X. I have lots to learn. I would like to wear them out, do as much maintenance as I can, and then go bigger.
Mr. Morris, don't believe the hype. Any commentator who says they don't need this type of beginner or refresher riding instruction is fooling him or herself (& I'll bet the majority are male riders). Their ego is what is convincing them that they are complete. I recommend any of those commentators to come down to Miami Dade County & do some solo riding through these streets & see how long they last, without training or safety gear, before they find themselves rubber side up. Once again sir thanks for what you do for us riders, have a wonderful holiday, & always keep the rubber side down. 🇺🇸
I still can't believe how many people not only drink and ride but are totally bombed drunk. I went to a veterans charity bike event last summer and they had beer trucks at it. People were slamming pitchers of beer and basically just sitting around drinking all day. The event ended at 9PM but I left at 8 and there were still about 90% of bikers still hanging out drinking. Lordy, what are they thinking?
Do you offer advsnced classes?
Friends and I would like to challenge/learn and understand more.
We really enjoyed the video on leaning our bikes, degree and road type and conditions.
Thanks Kevin I look forward to your weekly video and one day I want to go to Texas maybe during our long cold winters I will come and get an advance training course from you. I am one of those classic old farts but feel 20 when riding again haha, that owned a bike in my early 20s actually while living In Perth W. A. and almost 40 years later bought my dream bike a 2008 gold wing. Yep I dropped her first ride out it could have been really bad but was barely crawling so thank the good lord I was ok and my dream girl well barely a scratch. I have to agree with all you have had to say here about your subject on training, train , train, so important and of course put it to practice. I have friends not interested in learning or listening to your expert advice to bad it might save their life some day. Thanks for the wonderful knowledge you share each and every week its a pleasure to listen to all you have to say, as they say down under Cheers Mate...
Another great video, thank you Kevin!
of the impaired deaths what brand bike? .... just curious.
This is a good question. There are many different bikes, and personalities that go with the bike. Some riders are high risk takers, group riders with egos, and the alcohol probably connects well with that culture. Also, these riders don't respect training, because they already know everything.
One big mistake I see is older guys buying way to much bike for them to handle. They had small bikes when they were young and couldn't afford a big or fast bike. Now they can. I talked a 70 year old man out of buying a bike. Came down to this. He hadn't ridden a bike since the 60's and decided that he going to buy a decked out Harley. The guy owns a plane and many cars so he was going to start out with a Harley that costs a bunch of money which equals heavy, fast and exactly what a 70 year old should be riding for a "first" bike. He didn't end up buying a bike because he didn't want a smaller bike and I think I scared him by what I said to him.
I took about a 16 year break in riding. I started on trail bikes then an endro then off to faster and faster bikes. I was getting married and needed a house so the bike got sold of and pretty much anything I didn't need so I could build a house. I was broke for a while. Then we had a couple kids so bikes were out. The point of this story is I decided it was time to ride again and I thought my sport bike days are done so I started looking at stats for cruisers. I ended up buying a 1100 Shadow very used. I may hate cruisers and be done with that. Shadows are very light for a cruiser. 1100 had enough power to ride two up which my wife likes to ride. If I did't like it in a 1000 miles the Shadow is gone, what I told my wife. I also said I need to go practice on this before I have a passenger. That's what I did and it turns out I'm liking cruisers. Year later I bought something faster and heavier because it is a better longer distance cruiser. It would have been a bad idea to start with a bigger cruiser and figure it out along the way. Start at a lower level than work your way up. A 1100 Shadow isn't a beginner bike but for me it was.
The helmet is the first line of defense? I hope not! 😱
Probably just a slip of the tongue. 😉Thanks for your videos, Kevin!
ooops
College in 1986. Yer a spring chicken, MCrider. I was in college when Shep was a pup.
Up here in western Canada the number of riders are way down. Plus we only get to ride for 4 months.
Good video
Where can I attend a riding course? I started riding in 1977 but I like to see what's new. I read all the safety books in the beginning and race legend I believe Kenny roberts (?), about how to manuver going into turns. I live in pa.
Thanks for all you do. You are a part of the solution.
Thanks Marcus, I try.
Just an observation - NADA says the "average" motorcycle is used between 2,000 and 3,000 miles a year, with mileage on touring bikes in the 5,000 to 6,000 mile range. Given someone rides say 3,000 miles per year, is that enough mileage to maintain adequate skills over a period of time or is there a skills drop off point? Like all skilled activities, over time is there a "use it or lose it" proposition at play?
For many of us the winter brings a break from riding. I live in the south US and we can only ride about twice a week, some weeks not at all. Each spring I have to focus on retraining for a month or more. I think we constantly lose skills unless we constantly practice. Emergency stops and U turns practice every time you ride, and if you have trouble with them, you know your other skills are rusty, too. Observation and anticipation skills I can keep honed in the car.
ABS is a must
Thanks. Full gear not just a helmet.
Thank you for another great video. Just curious. What data is the average rider age based on? If it is based on the number and ages of licensed drivers who have motorcycle endorsements, it might be artificially high because licensed drivers keep their endorsements long after they stop riding motorcycles? I rode in my 20s and 30s and stopped for a long time before riding again. Rider courses were few and far between when I started, and I taught myself. I took an advanced course when I started again. Keep up the nice work.
My dad hasn't ridden in 30 years but still renews his M endorsement in case he gets another bike someday.
Interesting comment, I don't know the answer to that.
@@kickerpunter That is about what I did. I won a Vespa in a raffle a few years ago, but having owned a Harley in the past, a Vespa would not do much for me. So I gave the Vespa back to the organization. The story I tell is that when I went to the Vespa dealer to pick up my prize, I missed the exit and ended up in a Harley Davidson dealership a few miles down the road and left with a contract. In Connecticut, the M endorsement stays on your license. I wonder if your dad would be interested in visiting a dealership.
The numbers are getting because I really think less and less people are actually riding. Even though more people are getting in to it, there are many that used to ride that are no longer riding and more and more people think that riding is "crazy" at least from my experience.
I don't understand the need to drink while out. I drink occasionally but I just don't like the taste of most drinks, and even if I do like the drink I am fine with getting a coke or something instead.
"ABS saves lives"
Sad but true
Why SAD? Based on 50 years teaching parachuting and flying etc. I saw in the short term an improvement with newer "Automatic devices" but in the long term an increase in other type accidents
WHY, As we emphasize safety equipment Human Nature allows us to forget the human responsibility aspects
We become dependent on "Equipment" and in those split seconds after "Oh S#%& we are wondering about equipment rather than acting based on acquired SKILLS.
I 've long argued "Better training" saves lives and I thank YOU And several other SKILLS Sites who give this Old Returning rider tools to practice and have saved my life during a split second situation.
I'm 40, just got my first bike. Cant afford to take classes but I'm going through a lot of the local DOT requirements here, getting the measurement to do the drills. Think I'm gonna challenge the other 5 riders around my nieghborhood, get them to do the MSF drills and some Ride like a Pro drills, show them why they keep having to lay their bikes down due to very little skill.
Save some money and take a course. Practicing on your own is good but a trained eye watching you ride is worth the investment.
Yes save up and take several of the MSF courses. Thanks for bringing up Ride Like a Pro drills. Love that stuff! You are on the right track, read all the motorcycle skills books, take some courses, show those guys how to ride!