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When I learned to drive, my dad taught me to look as far up the road as possible and watch the stuff between there and me with my peripheral vision. He also taught me to watch two cars ahead for brake lights, not the one in front of me. Those lessons have saved me bacon many times. Thanks, Kevin.
We must have had the same dad 😂. Mine did exactly the same and while I'm 62 now and dad is sadly long gone, it's something I remember and thank him for constantly. He drilled situational awareness into my head and I've never forgotten it. It's kept me alive many times and I taught my kids the same way.
Mind the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, f it is closing, urgent response is required. If the vehicle in front just eases of the gas that gap will rapidly shrink, if you wait for brake lights to appear it is way to late.
I’m a commercial driving instructor ; “ Aim High In Steering “ is what we call it with 18 wheelers . And with freight haulers like my company I work for we pull doubles and triples . Very important rule . It’s also part of the SMITH Driving System . Great delivery M/C Rider !
You overestimate my walking speed. But i appreciate the confidence! In a lot of ways, I ride my bike the same way i drive my kenworth. More space, more time.
Rode for 43 years. Our highways are mostly 2 lanes, 2 way traffic. Rode in 40 degree weather and hit black ice, at 60 mph. Put both feet down, hit the kill switch and skied the bike to the gravel shoulder, got traction, lost a heel on my boot! After my heart stopped beating at 100 bpm, rode the shoulder for a good ten miles, before I got back to dry pavement. Going home from work one foggy morning, there’s 8 headlights coming toward me, a semi passing another, didn’t panic, rode between them, but the backwash from both trucks were trying to suck me into a whirlwind, I pushed hard on the handle bars to keep straight. Pulled over and had a cigarette. I was 67 when I hung up my helmet. Picked up an old Honda last year, just to rebuild it…..nostalgia maybe.
Great video, buddy. I have to mention on a side note, I’d been shopping helmets a long time. Have always ridden for years with only a bandana, and without incident praise God, despite my dad always reminding me, “in the USMC they new the importance of wearing a helmet” where dad proudly served, later he always wore a helmet enjoying his Harley. I went back and rewatched your video upgrading from your RF1200 to the RF1400, followed your lead and bought the RF1400 and absolutely love it. Will take time to get used to it, but wanted to thank you for that video; put me over the edge to get mine ordered finally. Dad would have given me a fist pump👊🇺🇸😂 It’s about dang time! Thanks again buddy, love your content.
As a former roadracer and trackday enthusiast who has received track instruction over the years, looking way ahead through the corner and "staying ahead of the track" is one of the most valuable lessons one can learn. Look at photos of roadracers approaching (or within) a corner and the rider's head is clearly turned and looking through the corner. Also, when exiting a corner onto a straight, looking way down the straight while still in the corner "opens up the track" allowing you to get on the throttle earlier for a better drive down the straight. These skills are directly transferrable to street riding.
So hard to do, on a bike, in a car, or even walking. Coping with old age includes not looking at your feet when you walk. Look farther out is true there, too.
I had an experience recently that somewhat relates to this. I was in California, halfway through a 7,200 cross country from PA to CA and return, riding down a two-lane road in a fairly rural area. There was a line of cars in the opposite lane stretching a half mile or so due to road construction. I noticed a truck with its left turn signal on and a short gap in front of it where it had obviously held up traffic for a short time trying to find a gap in the traffic in my lane in order to make the left turn onto another road. I was in the lead of the cars that had just been released by the flag man and was running about 45 MPH when I saw that truck flash his headlights. Now, in most parts of the US, that means that someone is saying I see you and yield to you, but apparently not in California. I always cover my brakes and exercise extreme caution when approaching a car that is waiting to make a left turn across my lane and that paid dividends this day. Within a second or two of flashing his lights, when I was maybe 5-6 car lengths from him, the truck decided to make the left turn in front of me. Thanks to having the brakes covered, being ready for a dumb move like that, great BMW ABS brakes and years of braking practice, I was able to virtually come to a stop just as the truck was clearing my lane. I’m not bragging, but I would bet that at least 80% of the riders on the road today would have hit that truck. If you aren’t mentally expecting the stupid move and have the brakes covered and ready to go, you could easily lose half of those 5-6 car lengths just in recognition and reaction time and that would not have allowed sufficient distance for most motorcycles to stop from 45 MPH. Looking far down the road and observing what is going on and, more importantly, anticipating what might happen at any instance is a very useful survival skill for anything, but particularly for motorcycling.
Had something similar happen earlier this week. A row of cars backed up for a left turn and I was going straight. A guy in a mustang squeezed through two of the cars to turn left into a parking lot entrance. I was covering my brakes and came to a stop right as he pulled in front of me. Of course he yelled at me.
I flash and hold my brights to tell incoming cars "look out...I'm here." If I flash and release a few times it's my signal to "go ahead" and I will yield. Far from universal I know, but it seems logical enough to me.
Excellent guidance. Even when following other bikes in a group ride, I consistently slow significantly more than other riders if I can't see through the curve. Not being able to see through curves equals surprises and surprises equal problems, something to be avoided.
I see a lot of videos aimed at helping new riders “not look like a noob”. Thank you for making videos that aim to actually help us survive that critical early stage and actually become experienced riders, and not just look like experienced riders.
That is one advantage of learning to ride as a pre-teen. One learns to adapt to speed early on while the brain is still in heavy learning mode and I believe that has served me well. I know several riders who came to motorcycle later in life and they never seem to attain the skills and comfort on a motorcycle that I take for granted. Not that a later in life rider can’t attain those skills, but I suspect it is much harder and it seems that many never get there.
It's not the age, it's the experience. If you don't challenge yourself you won't evolve. It's a lot like learning to play an instrument. It takes practice for the brain to adapt and grow. The key to driving any kind of vehicle is learning how to process information. The faster you can do that and sort what's important the faster you can go without any real effort. At 20 we are immortal. 40 years later we are very aware of our own mortality. This means we are a lot more comfortable with taking risks at 20 than at 60. It's insane because we have a lot more to lose at 20 than at 60 but I never said we were smart. If we were smart we wouldn't be on bikes in the first place and I've been riding for 45 years. If I ride with others I always let the less experienced take the lead because otherwise they will try to keep up and it's painful to watch from behind.
@@Explorer273 It is also the age as I said. It is well-known in the world of psychiatry that the young brain learns faster than the older brain. Children can learn a new language or learn to play an instrument much faster and more easily than a 50 year old. That is simply a fact.
@@LTVoyager Young but not pre teens. They don't have brains advanced enough to handlle the input. And be careful about stating facts. The world of psychiatry is not really relevant if you talk about physical development. I'm not saqying you are wrong but I know from experience that bikers who don't challenge themselves won't be able to safely go faster no matter what age they are.
One of the first things I learned as a newly minted "street legal" motorcycle rider was, to look ahead. The basic idea of the lesson was to look further down the road, to focus on where you're going rather than where you are. This gives you more time to react to obstacles in the road, changes in the condition of the road surface, other drivers and so on. I was in the military at the time and living on base so, we had to go through an 8 hour motorcycle safety course before being allowed to ride on base. They covered all the basics.........low speed maneuvers, emergency braking while going straight, emergency braking in a curve, the slow poke race, etc. I think the most difficult part though, was having to do 2 complete figure 8's inside a 16'x20' area without touching your feet to the ground. I was fortunate enough to be riding a small, nimble 200cc dual sport at the time. The guys on the big cruiser bikes had the most trouble with that one.
Vision strategy, YES!! As a young rider, fresh out of the MSF course required by the base on which I was stationed, I went for nice day ride with some more seasoned riders. One of the older gents in the group came up to me at a break and tole me he noticed I was squaring off the curves (like the 50-Pense example), and told me that's one thing the MSF did not teach - how to scan the road and look through the turns. He walked me through a few examples and on returning to the road, I immediately noticed an improvement in my turning techniques - simply by looking ahead as far as I could see through the turns. I practice this technique to this day - some 40 years later. Thanks!
Downhill the braking distance gets longer. Don't just practice brake on the level. Uphill is reduced. Get the speed off on the part with the best gradient. Camber also. Downhill bends often have a camber that isn't in favour if you go in too quick.
I can't count how many times, here in TN, I have been in a lean in a blind curve...only to find a deer, or bear, or farm tractor, or stalled vehicle, I even have had a bull that broke out of the fence standing in my lane. Had I been going too fast for the visibility, or panicked, I may likely not be here to agree with your videos all the time. When talking technique with new riders, I always refer them to your videos, since it is what YOU do.
I like using the vanishing point. I practice it every time I drive, track days are great for learning to look far ahead and trusting the motorcycle’s capabilities.
I don't know if all your viewers know this, but you mentioned it in a video quite some time ago, that you had lost the use of one of your eyes. I think it's the left eye, and that must make it much more difficult to navigate on the road, as your dept perception is hindered by having only one functioning eye. I have to give credit where it's due. I salute your committment to remain riding motorcycles and sharing your knowledge with the riding community. Thank you for your campaign for motorcycle safety!
Love the videos!! Great content... as a new rider, 41 years old, these videos are so valuable to me, they keep my interest, even some funny moments, to the point good and professional advise... thank you!!
You make excellent points here. My earlier motorcycle riding was done without looking far ahead and sometimes I wonder how I survived. The training videos, especially yours, taught me to overcome my natural instinct to focus on what is close ahead and to rather focus on what is far ahead. This has also translated into what I believe is my much better and less stressful car and truck driving with many fewer "surprises" that I have to anxiously react to. One thing, and motorcycling helps here, is to always, always stay focused. Do not permit yourself to "daydream" or be distracted by things off to the sides of the road (or your instruments) while driving (or riding).
Even when driving in a car, I like to look as far as possible down the road past the cars ahead of me. It is easier on a bike because I sit higher and the width can put me in a position where I can see past the cars ahead. When traffic begins to come to a stop, I often know about it before the driver in front of me.
One of your most valuable videos for me was the 'Vanishing Point" vid you did quite some time ago, covering this topic. I live in a semi-rural area with many curvy roads, and I've used that technique religiously to this day. Thanks Kevin! Cheers from Oz. 👍🇦🇺
What a great video! My favorite of yours in a long time, I watch them all. So much great information and a good analogy to start with. This will really help some newer riders and it's good to hear these now ingrained tips again. One last thought, "see everything, look at nothing".
I am glad he added that "yo-yo" thing. In a car I have ridden with drivers that don't do either. They only look at the taillights of the car ahead of them and they hit every pothole in the road. Tunnel vision is a bad habit and can be very costly. As a rider I HAVE to look everywhere, all the time! The car in front of me, the cars two, three, four lengths ahead. Every intersection both directions even if I have the green light or the right-of-way. The pavement directly in front of me for potholes, rocks, car parts, oil or ice, dead animals... And yes, even in my rear-view mirror for anyone getting too close for comfort. Riding a motorcycle is not for the clueless or the lazy driver... or the impaired driver.
That is the TRUTH when you are riding/driving/flying... I am teaching it to my sons right now as they become young drivers and riders. STAY AHEAD of things, and the best way to do that is to slow down a little.
As odd as this may sound, my experience in SIM racing has helped me immensely with this discipline. You have to keep your eyes up and focused where you intend to place your vehicle. If you are reacting with the controls to what's directly(short sighted) in front of you, its too late and it lends to all of the symptoms you've explained.
Great video Kevin, well explained, I’m aware I don’t look far enough thru a curve and I’m always consciously trying to improve. That looked like the Tx hills to me but I’ve become spoiled to Colorado. Till next time……..
Plan your ride! These videos are awesome and looking way up the road is excellant advice even for cagers! But the beggining of the video reminded me of something I noticed about a month ago that I had never noticed before! I rode to see a buddy on a Saturday and one way 100 miles and of course 100 miles home. But probably shouln't took that ride cuz I was tired and Dehydrated besides. I kept stopping drinking water and snacking etc. All day deal. When I was couple miles from home I stopped at the grocery store for supplies that night. As I was walking accros the parking lot to the store at a normal pace it felt like I was moving in slow motion. I was tired and that feeling quickly wore off. But not the same at 70 mph as it is walking around the block. Brain sees it diferant...
When approaching a bend always look at the vanishing point. If the bend keeps opening in front of you it's user friendly. If the view suddenly stops opening, back off, as it's usually an indication the bend is tightening.
I was riding dirt bikes at 11-12 years old, at 14-15 I was seriously getting into the Martial Arts and the "main ingredient" of both sets of skills (i.e., riding motorcycles and personal self-defense), is to "ALWAYS BE AWARE of your surroundings!" As an older guy now, and riding motorcycles on the streets for over 50 years, being fully aware of your situation and surroundings has literally saved me from what "could have been a tragedy" many times! When I'm riding my eyes are constantly scanning the terrain! On dirt bikes we called that "Learning to Read the Trial!" On street bikes you also have to "Learn to Read the Trail," but you have the added "Disadvantage" of having a LOT of "obstacles" to get in your way, and many of those "obstacles" move around in different directions. On the dirt you didn't have to worry about any of those trees or rocks "moving & jumping around" to contend with. On the streets you have so MANY "Obstacles" (people, in cars, on mopeds, walking, riding those hover boards, ETC) that are constantly moving and usually they all want to "be first" so they're in a hurry to get where they're going. And they will "Jump right in front of you" and you better know the best way to avoid and/or prevent that from happening. Otherwise, you're NOT going to like the outcome! So, BEING AWARE of your surroundings and the situations that "could arise" is the absolute best DEFENSE in every aspect of our lives! Whether you're in a social situation such as a party or event, or you're cruising some scenic ride up and down a curvy windy road through the mountains, or hiking down a familiar trial… your BEST DEFENSE is ALWAYS being FULLY AWARE of your surroundings and situations!
As an old guy who’s been riding since the 60’s (and still do to this day), I’ve known too many guys that balked at “road strategies”. Sadly, I still put coins on their headstones twice a year.
This is off topic but I watching a previous video about rough road surfaces. ( ridges in the road, pavement surface layer scraped off to get it ready to be repaved). I was going down a highway ( 401 in southern ont. Canada) probably the busiest road in Canada) all the sudden the road surface was scraped off, no construction sign saying this was coming up. It went from smooth to full of ridges. Last year was my first year riding in 41 yrs ( I'm 61) I tried keeping my grip loose but I kept thinking I was gonna crash. Are motorcycles capable of riding on this kind of surface for a prolonged period with highway speeds? In Canada highway speed limit is 100 kilometers an hour ( 60 miles an hour ) I currently am to scared to go back on any highway because of this. Thx. For all the video your are a great coach Kevin!
Looking aa far up the road as you can is important. You suggest a lot of tips to tell if we're not looking far enough up the road such as frequent braking, forced adjustments, quick adjustments and so on. I agree with all your points but I think also the story you told about almost running into the SUV illustrates a good point. We can do everything correctly but there are things beyond our control such as the behaviour of stupid, thoughtless or clueless drivers who don't think about the motorcyclists on the road.
50 Pencing don't recall that term however I'm a bit guilty at times i believe because it clicked a light bulb on with description as always thanks for sharing your experience, Ride on
Another great and informative video, Kevin 👍 Loved the 50p analogy! I'm live in the u.k. but was surprised to hear you refer to a British coin. Always love your videos and especially when you share your faith in Christ Jesus!
The "Smith System". Adopted by the trucking industry, it was created for motorcyclists. -AIM high (look down the road) -GET the big picture -KEEP your eyes moving -LEAVE yourself an out -MAKE sure they see you.
In ROTC in college and later in the infantry we were often reminded by the DIs that you look 30 feet ahead as you march commontime and double that on doubletime. No discharge on the ground soldier. My wife stares at her feet as she walks or runs....she falls a lot.
Very good lesson today. I've always tried to look 10x the speed ahead in feet. 50mph is at least 500 feet, then scan close, left flank, 500ft out, right flank ....repeat
The problem in my area is that a lot of curves are not smooth and even. A lot of them start wide but get tighter randomly, or the other way around. Between that and a lot of dips and poor road maintenance even the most advanced riders around here have to make constant little adjustments. When we get out of town a little bit and start to hit even and smoother roads, it feels like a gift. Lol
Was Riding to work this morning in a truck was going just as fast as me if not faster as I passed a few slow cars and when I went into the curb I looked back to see where that truck was and tried to readjust to see the curve and had to slow down to make the curve know exactly what you're talking about
Excellent advice Kevin. I use target fixation to my advantage, I look where I want the bike to be (as far as practical) , and the bike goes there. Looking down at only the next 10m is a hard habit to break.
Only time riding is like walking is while moving slowly, slow drag, walking speed or less. One the road is just likke driving a car or at least it should.
Hi Kevin. That is good advice because that is the one thing that could of made the story better, if I left a car and a half distance I could have beeped my horn and she would of stopped before hitting me , but if I practiced this style of driving I would probably die from a gunshot wound 🥹
Go across them as vertical as is safely possible, and hopefully not braking or accelerating. Pretty much like going over any potentially slippery surface like a mud slick or puddle on a painted surface or a steel manhole cover.
Having raced cars before I did a lot of bike riding I find that I try to look at least two to three miles ahead of me at all times. I also slowdown in traffic and curvy areas. Not everyone does this and I have seen many riders who go around some notoriously dangerous corners (one is called Deadmans corner and lives up to its name each year). I often wonder if they are going to be a statistic due to a car cutting the curve, deer coming off the hill on the inside, or someone overshooting the inside corner.
Sipde aa much as possible! But remember to a lawyer- it's always the riders fault to prove. Model your response to how we search, identify, predict,decide execute ! Ride safe!!
This is why I dislike traffic circles. When you're in the circle, you are making a left turn, so you should turn your head and look to the left, but the cars that might enter the circle and crash into you are to your right. Hard to make a smooth left turn while also having to look right to make sure that incoming car is actually going to stop.
If there is one thing every rider must do, it’s not listen to anyone on TH-cam telling you how to ride your bike. The fact that they think they know better than anyone else is a good indication they don’t understand the majority of bike riders are now older and at least as experienced and knowledgeable as they are or maybe even have a better understanding of how to control their own machines. Advising people of a way you do it is great, telling them they have been doing it wrong is just arrogance.
They're trying to help new riders and those who need refreshers. If you don't need the information keep it moving. You'd know that being older and experienced right.
@@AstroChamp5657I’m probably getting jaded with all of those short on experience themselves trying to pass what little they know on to people who would be much better served joining their local club or just riding with local riders. These videos are more about self promotion and expanding viewership. Some do have safety points that are always worth reminding even older riders like me about, but in general give nothing that people riding about don’t get from their fellow riders or good qualified riding teachers face to face. A rider training qualification noted to your viewers would always be a good place to start before you start giving tips. I know I should move on from these types of video as they are prolific even if well meaning, but sometimes shouting into the air is all you can do and is therapeutic if only for the momentary release of frustration that these types of video logs keep being thrust at me by TH-cam despite me selecting don’t show these videos to me again.
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My girlfriend’s Dad said “ Better late in this world than early in the next”.
I continue to believe that this is the most valuable motorcycle channel on TH-cam!
Wow, thanks!
I agree
When I learned to drive, my dad taught me to look as far up the road as possible and watch the stuff between there and me with my peripheral vision. He also taught me to watch two cars ahead for brake lights, not the one in front of me. Those lessons have saved me bacon many times. Thanks, Kevin.
We must have had the same dad 😂. Mine did exactly the same and while I'm 62 now and dad is sadly long gone, it's something I remember and thank him for constantly. He drilled situational awareness into my head and I've never forgotten it. It's kept me alive many times and I taught my kids the same way.
Mind the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, f it is closing, urgent response is required. If the vehicle in front just eases of the gas that gap will rapidly shrink, if you wait for brake lights to appear it is way to late.
For me, when it comes to blind corners I always say: when I can’t see 👀around, slow the bike down, then once I’m in the clear, hit a higher gear! 👍
10-4 !!!!
@@pilotdane1 4-10 good buddy! 👍
I’m a commercial driving instructor ;
“ Aim High In Steering “ is what we call it with 18 wheelers . And with freight haulers like my company I work for we pull doubles and triples . Very important rule . It’s also part of the SMITH Driving System .
Great delivery M/C Rider !
You overestimate my walking speed. But i appreciate the confidence!
In a lot of ways, I ride my bike the same way i drive my kenworth. More space, more time.
And at 64 years old, he probably overestimated my running speed!
Road strategy is important, it also requires awareness.
Rode for 43 years. Our highways are mostly 2 lanes, 2 way traffic. Rode in 40 degree weather and hit black ice, at 60 mph. Put both feet down, hit the kill switch and skied the bike to the gravel shoulder, got traction, lost a heel on my boot! After my heart stopped beating at 100 bpm, rode the shoulder for a good ten miles, before I got back to dry pavement. Going home from work one foggy morning, there’s 8 headlights coming toward me, a semi passing another, didn’t panic, rode between them, but the backwash from both trucks were trying to suck me into a whirlwind, I pushed hard on the handle bars to keep straight. Pulled over and had a cigarette. I was 67 when I hung up my helmet. Picked up an old Honda last year, just to rebuild it…..nostalgia maybe.
"Drive at a speed that allows you to get the motorcycle to a stop within the distance you can see."
Thanks Kevin.
Great video, buddy. I have to mention on a side note, I’d been shopping helmets a long time. Have always ridden for years with only a bandana, and without incident praise God, despite my dad always reminding me, “in the USMC they new the importance of wearing a helmet” where dad proudly served, later he always wore a helmet enjoying his Harley. I went back and rewatched your video upgrading from your RF1200 to the RF1400, followed your lead and bought the RF1400 and absolutely love it. Will take time to get used to it, but wanted to thank you for that video; put me over the edge to get mine ordered finally. Dad would have given me a fist pump👊🇺🇸😂 It’s about dang time! Thanks again buddy, love your content.
It’s a great helmet. Got mine with a special on Cardo Packtalk Edge. So I got both.
As a former roadracer and trackday enthusiast who has received track instruction over the years, looking way ahead through the corner and "staying ahead of the track" is one of the most valuable lessons one can learn. Look at photos of roadracers approaching (or within) a corner and the rider's head is clearly turned and looking through the corner. Also, when exiting a corner onto a straight, looking way down the straight while still in the corner "opens up the track" allowing you to get on the throttle earlier for a better drive down the straight. These skills are directly transferrable to street riding.
So hard to do, on a bike, in a car, or even walking. Coping with old age includes not looking at your feet when you walk. Look farther out is true there, too.
I had an experience recently that somewhat relates to this. I was in California, halfway through a 7,200 cross country from PA to CA and return, riding down a two-lane road in a fairly rural area. There was a line of cars in the opposite lane stretching a half mile or so due to road construction. I noticed a truck with its left turn signal on and a short gap in front of it where it had obviously held up traffic for a short time trying to find a gap in the traffic in my lane in order to make the left turn onto another road. I was in the lead of the cars that had just been released by the flag man and was running about 45 MPH when I saw that truck flash his headlights. Now, in most parts of the US, that means that someone is saying I see you and yield to you, but apparently not in California. I always cover my brakes and exercise extreme caution when approaching a car that is waiting to make a left turn across my lane and that paid dividends this day. Within a second or two of flashing his lights, when I was maybe 5-6 car lengths from him, the truck decided to make the left turn in front of me. Thanks to having the brakes covered, being ready for a dumb move like that, great BMW ABS brakes and years of braking practice, I was able to virtually come to a stop just as the truck was clearing my lane. I’m not bragging, but I would bet that at least 80% of the riders on the road today would have hit that truck. If you aren’t mentally expecting the stupid move and have the brakes covered and ready to go, you could easily lose half of those 5-6 car lengths just in recognition and reaction time and that would not have allowed sufficient distance for most motorcycles to stop from 45 MPH.
Looking far down the road and observing what is going on and, more importantly, anticipating what might happen at any instance is a very useful survival skill for anything, but particularly for motorcycling.
Had something similar happen earlier this week. A row of cars backed up for a left turn and I was going straight. A guy in a mustang squeezed through two of the cars to turn left into a parking lot entrance. I was covering my brakes and came to a stop right as he pulled in front of me. Of course he yelled at me.
I flash and hold my brights to tell incoming cars "look out...I'm here." If I flash and release a few times it's my signal to "go ahead" and I will yield. Far from universal I know, but it seems logical enough to me.
@@JackTRyan The problem is that there is no universal understanding here and that makes flashing lights worse than doing nothing at all.
TO: @LTVoyager: You're absolutely Correct!
Excellent guidance. Even when following other bikes in a group ride, I consistently slow significantly more than other riders if I can't see through the curve. Not being able to see through curves equals surprises and surprises equal problems, something to be avoided.
Very good comment! Also looking "thru a corner" makes it easier to tilt the bike enough for a smooth turning.
High speed cornering almost seems in slow mo when you watch the far spot. Much more control, composure and confidence in cornering.
This! When you’re looking through the corner your body/brain does everything subconsciously. You end up we’re you’re looking.
I see a lot of videos aimed at helping new riders “not look like a noob”. Thank you for making videos that aim to actually help us survive that critical early stage and actually become experienced riders, and not just look like experienced riders.
That is one advantage of learning to ride as a pre-teen. One learns to adapt to speed early on while the brain is still in heavy learning mode and I believe that has served me well. I know several riders who came to motorcycle later in life and they never seem to attain the skills and comfort on a motorcycle that I take for granted. Not that a later in life rider can’t attain those skills, but I suspect it is much harder and it seems that many never get there.
It's not the age, it's the experience. If you don't challenge yourself you won't evolve. It's a lot like learning to play an instrument. It takes practice for the brain to adapt and grow. The key to driving any kind of vehicle is learning how to process information. The faster you can do that and sort what's important the faster you can go without any real effort. At 20 we are immortal. 40 years later we are very aware of our own mortality. This means we are a lot more comfortable with taking risks at 20 than at 60. It's insane because we have a lot more to lose at 20 than at 60 but I never said we were smart. If we were smart we wouldn't be on bikes in the first place and I've been riding for 45 years. If I ride with others I always let the less experienced take the lead because otherwise they will try to keep up and it's painful to watch from behind.
@@Explorer273 It is also the age as I said. It is well-known in the world of psychiatry that the young brain learns faster than the older brain. Children can learn a new language or learn to play an instrument much faster and more easily than a 50 year old. That is simply a fact.
@@LTVoyager Young but not pre teens. They don't have brains advanced enough to handlle the input. And be careful about stating facts. The world of psychiatry is not really relevant if you talk about physical development. I'm not saqying you are wrong but I know from experience that bikers who don't challenge themselves won't be able to safely go faster no matter what age they are.
One of the first things I learned as a newly minted "street legal" motorcycle rider was, to look ahead. The basic idea of the lesson was to look further down the road, to focus on where you're going rather than where you are. This gives you more time to react to obstacles in the road, changes in the condition of the road surface, other drivers and so on. I was in the military at the time and living on base so, we had to go through an 8 hour motorcycle safety course before being allowed to ride on base.
They covered all the basics.........low speed maneuvers, emergency braking while going straight, emergency braking in a curve, the slow poke race, etc. I think the most difficult part though, was having to do 2 complete figure 8's inside a 16'x20' area without touching your feet to the ground. I was fortunate enough to be riding a small, nimble 200cc dual sport at the time. The guys on the big cruiser bikes had the most trouble with that one.
Vision strategy, YES!! As a young rider, fresh out of the MSF course required by the base on which I was stationed, I went for nice day ride with some more seasoned riders. One of the older gents in the group came up to me at a break and tole me he noticed I was squaring off the curves (like the 50-Pense example), and told me that's one thing the MSF did not teach - how to scan the road and look through the turns. He walked me through a few examples and on returning to the road, I immediately noticed an improvement in my turning techniques - simply by looking ahead as far as I could see through the turns. I practice this technique to this day - some 40 years later. Thanks!
I needed this. I'm so guilty of not looking far enough up the road. Thanks for the words of wisdom and knowledge.
Stay safe, brother Kevin
Glad to help
Downhill the braking distance gets longer. Don't just practice brake on the level. Uphill is reduced.
Get the speed off on the part with the best gradient. Camber also.
Downhill bends often have a camber that isn't in favour if you go in too quick.
I can't count how many times, here in TN, I have been in a lean in a blind curve...only to find a deer, or bear, or farm tractor, or stalled vehicle, I even have had a bull that broke out of the fence standing in my lane. Had I been going too fast for the visibility, or panicked, I may likely not be here to agree with your videos all the time. When talking technique with new riders, I always refer them to your videos, since it is what YOU do.
Back in the day, before power steering and power brakes, you had to look much further up the road while driving.
That limit point thing in _the good book_ is extremely useful.
I like using the vanishing point. I practice it every time I drive, track days are great for learning to look far ahead and trusting the motorcycle’s capabilities.
Thanks Kevin---one of your best instruction videos
I don't know if all your viewers know this, but you mentioned it in a video quite some time ago, that you had lost the use of one of your eyes. I think it's the left eye, and that must make it much more difficult to navigate on the road, as your dept perception is hindered by having only one functioning eye. I have to give credit where it's due. I salute your committment to remain riding motorcycles and sharing your knowledge with the riding community. Thank you for your campaign for motorcycle safety!
Love the videos!! Great content... as a new rider, 41 years old, these videos are so valuable to me, they keep my interest, even some funny moments, to the point good and professional advise... thank you!!
You make excellent points here.
My earlier motorcycle riding was done without looking far ahead and sometimes I wonder how I survived. The training videos, especially yours, taught me to overcome my natural instinct to focus on what is close ahead and to rather focus on what is far ahead. This has also translated into what I believe is my much better and less stressful car and truck driving with many fewer "surprises" that I have to anxiously react to. One thing, and motorcycling helps here, is to always, always stay focused. Do not permit yourself to "daydream" or be distracted by things off to the sides of the road (or your instruments) while driving (or riding).
Even when driving in a car, I like to look as far as possible down the road past the cars ahead of me. It is easier on a bike because I sit higher and the width can put me in a position where I can see past the cars ahead. When traffic begins to come to a stop, I often know about it before the driver in front of me.
I remember when you explained this in the past and you can't cover this too much. Thanks.
Road Guide Purchased
Exlant road advice great video I watch your videos every week thanks for your knowledge
One of your most valuable videos for me was the 'Vanishing Point" vid you did quite some time ago, covering this topic. I live in a semi-rural area with many curvy roads, and I've used that technique religiously to this day. Thanks Kevin! Cheers from Oz. 👍🇦🇺
Great to hear!
Helpful perspective regarding the distance we become used to as walkers as opposed to the distance we need to become aware of as riders.
What a great video! My favorite of yours in a long time, I watch them all. So much great information and a good analogy to start with. This will really help some newer riders and it's good to hear these now ingrained tips again. One last thought, "see everything, look at nothing".
I am glad he added that "yo-yo" thing. In a car I have ridden with drivers that don't do either. They only look at the taillights of the car ahead of them and they hit every pothole in the road. Tunnel vision is a bad habit and can be very costly. As a rider I HAVE to look everywhere, all the time! The car in front of me, the cars two, three, four lengths ahead. Every intersection both directions even if I have the green light or the right-of-way. The pavement directly in front of me for potholes, rocks, car parts, oil or ice, dead animals... And yes, even in my rear-view mirror for anyone getting too close for comfort. Riding a motorcycle is not for the clueless or the lazy driver... or the impaired driver.
That is the TRUTH when you are riding/driving/flying... I am teaching it to my sons right now as they become young drivers and riders. STAY AHEAD of things, and the best way to do that is to slow down a little.
As odd as this may sound, my experience in SIM racing has helped me immensely with this discipline. You have to keep your eyes up and focused where you intend to place your vehicle. If you are reacting with the controls to what's directly(short sighted) in front of you, its too late and it lends to all of the symptoms you've explained.
Thanks Kevin.
GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC GREAT VIDEO THANKS FOR DOING IT.🇺🇸🏍️
Great video Kevin, well explained, I’m aware I don’t look far enough thru a curve and I’m always consciously trying to improve. That looked like the Tx hills to me but I’ve become spoiled to Colorado. Till next time……..
Very good video. Thanks
Best advice ever. Thank you for your videos.
Plan your ride! These videos are awesome and looking way up the road is excellant advice even for cagers! But the beggining of the video reminded me of something I noticed about a month ago that I had never noticed before! I rode to see a buddy on a Saturday and one way 100 miles and of course 100 miles home. But probably shouln't took that ride cuz I was tired and Dehydrated besides. I kept stopping drinking water and snacking etc. All day deal. When I was couple miles from home I stopped at the grocery store for supplies that night. As I was walking accros the parking lot to the store at a normal pace it felt like I was moving in slow motion. I was tired and that feeling quickly wore off. But not the same at 70 mph as it is walking around the block. Brain sees it diferant...
Good wisdom! I'm trying to build this "long look" habit
When approaching a bend always look at the vanishing point. If the bend keeps opening in front of you it's user friendly. If the view suddenly stops opening, back off, as it's usually an indication the bend is tightening.
I was riding dirt bikes at 11-12 years old, at 14-15 I was seriously getting into the Martial Arts and the "main ingredient" of both sets of skills (i.e., riding motorcycles and personal self-defense), is to "ALWAYS BE AWARE of your surroundings!" As an older guy now, and riding motorcycles on the streets for over 50 years, being fully aware of your situation and surroundings has literally saved me from what "could have been a tragedy" many times!
When I'm riding my eyes are constantly scanning the terrain! On dirt bikes we called that "Learning to Read the Trial!" On street bikes you also have to "Learn to Read the Trail," but you have the added "Disadvantage" of having a LOT of "obstacles" to get in your way, and many of those "obstacles" move around in different directions.
On the dirt you didn't have to worry about any of those trees or rocks "moving & jumping around" to contend with. On the streets you have so MANY "Obstacles" (people, in cars, on mopeds, walking, riding those hover boards, ETC) that are constantly moving and usually they all want to "be first" so they're in a hurry to get where they're going. And they will "Jump right in front of you" and you better know the best way to avoid and/or prevent that from happening. Otherwise, you're NOT going to like the outcome!
So, BEING AWARE of your surroundings and the situations that "could arise" is the absolute best DEFENSE in every aspect of our lives! Whether you're in a social situation such as a party or event, or you're cruising some scenic ride up and down a curvy windy road through the mountains, or hiking down a familiar trial… your BEST DEFENSE is ALWAYS being FULLY AWARE of your surroundings and situations!
Sir, you’re excellent
Good advice.
Look-up "limit point" this is, I think, what is being discribed.
As an old guy who’s been riding since the 60’s (and still do to this day), I’ve known too many guys that balked at “road strategies”.
Sadly, I still put coins on their headstones twice a year.
Tuning my riding skills actually makes me a better driver as well
This is off topic but I watching a previous video about rough road surfaces. ( ridges in the road, pavement surface layer scraped off to get it ready to be repaved). I was going down a highway ( 401 in southern ont. Canada) probably the busiest road in Canada) all the sudden the road surface was scraped off, no construction sign saying this was coming up. It went from smooth to full of ridges. Last year was my first year riding in 41 yrs ( I'm 61) I tried keeping my grip loose but I kept thinking I was gonna crash. Are motorcycles capable of riding on this kind of surface for a prolonged period with highway speeds? In Canada highway speed limit is 100 kilometers an hour ( 60 miles an hour ) I currently am to scared to go back on any highway because of this. Thx. For all the video your are a great coach Kevin!
Looking aa far up the road as you can is important. You suggest a lot of tips to tell if we're not looking far enough up the road such as frequent braking, forced adjustments, quick adjustments and so on. I agree with all your points but I think also the story you told about almost running into the SUV illustrates a good point. We can do everything correctly but there are things beyond our control such as the behaviour of stupid, thoughtless or clueless drivers who don't think about the motorcyclists on the road.
50 Pencing don't recall that term however I'm a bit guilty at times i believe because it clicked a light bulb on with description as always thanks for sharing your experience, Ride on
Excellent lesson. Thank you!!!
More great information. Keep the great content coming Kevin.
Me pushing a shiopping trolley in the supermarket - lots of close calls, micro adjustments, having to rect to challenging conditions.
Another great and informative video, Kevin 👍
Loved the 50p analogy! I'm live in the u.k. but was surprised to hear you refer to a British coin.
Always love your videos and especially when you share your faith in Christ Jesus!
Excellent insight
The "Smith System".
Adopted by the trucking industry, it was created for motorcyclists.
-AIM high (look down the road)
-GET the big picture
-KEEP your eyes moving
-LEAVE yourself an out
-MAKE sure they see you.
In ROTC in college and later in the infantry we were often reminded by the DIs that you look 30 feet ahead as you march commontime and double that on doubletime. No discharge on the ground soldier.
My wife stares at her feet as she walks or runs....she falls a lot.
Very good lesson today. I've always tried to look 10x the speed ahead in feet. 50mph is at least 500 feet, then scan close, left flank, 500ft out, right flank ....repeat
This goes for automobiles as well. Practice these suggestions no matter what you drive and you will become a better driver/rider all around.
good advice , many thanks
Greater understanding equals safer riding
The problem in my area is that a lot of curves are not smooth and even. A lot of them start wide but get tighter randomly, or the other way around. Between that and a lot of dips and poor road maintenance even the most advanced riders around here have to make constant little adjustments. When we get out of town a little bit and start to hit even and smoother roads, it feels like a gift. Lol
Was Riding to work this morning in a truck was going just as fast as me if not faster as I passed a few slow cars and when I went into the curb I looked back to see where that truck was and tried to readjust to see the curve and had to slow down to make the curve know exactly what you're talking about
Excellent advice Kevin. I use target fixation to my advantage, I look where I want the bike to be (as far as practical) , and the bike goes there. Looking down at only the next 10m is a hard habit to break.
Only time riding is like walking is while moving slowly, slow drag, walking speed or less. One the road is just likke driving a car or at least it should.
I am guilty of riding through the twisties expecting the road ahead will be clear. It is impossible to see around right hand switchbacks.
I have the opposite problem. I'm always looking far up the road and miss the small obstacles and debris that aren't visible from that distance.
That is the reason for the Yo Yo technique I talk about in the video.
Hi Kevin what would be your advice if the car in front of you stops then you stop but suddenly she reverses at you ?
That is a tough one. Best advice I have is to leave plenty of space at stops if possible.
Use your horn 📯. Is an option.
But like Kevin said leave plenty of space..
Hi Kevin. That is good advice because that is the one thing that could of made the story better, if I left a car and a half distance I could have beeped my horn and she would of stopped before hitting me , but if I practiced this style of driving I would probably die from a gunshot wound 🥹
Any tips for crossing cattle guards?
Go across them as vertical as is safely possible, and hopefully not braking or accelerating. Pretty much like going over any potentially slippery surface like a mud slick or puddle on a painted surface or a steel manhole cover.
Having raced cars before I did a lot of bike riding I find that I try to look at least two to three miles ahead of me at all times. I also slowdown in traffic and curvy areas.
Not everyone does this and I have seen many riders who go around some notoriously dangerous corners (one is called Deadmans corner and lives up to its name each year). I often wonder if they are going to be a statistic due to a car cutting the curve, deer coming off the hill on the inside, or someone overshooting the inside corner.
Ditto Whiskeyshots. 👍
Those comparison🤣🤣🤣
Sipde aa much as possible! But remember to a lawyer- it's always the riders fault to prove. Model your response to how we search, identify, predict,decide execute ! Ride safe!!
great to have common sense reinforced, thanks
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This is why I dislike traffic circles. When you're in the circle, you are making a left turn, so you should turn your head and look to the left, but the cars that might enter the circle and crash into you are to your right. Hard to make a smooth left turn while also having to look right to make sure that incoming car is actually going to stop.
This is another instance where peripheral vision comes into play. Lots of roundabouts where I live, too.👍
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WuZuP?
You're off a little on the top speed for humans the average speed taken in 100 m is a little over 28 mph
I think you learned that from driving a car
If there is one thing every rider must do, it’s not listen to anyone on TH-cam telling you how to ride your bike. The fact that they think they know better than anyone else is a good indication they don’t understand the majority of bike riders are now older and at least as experienced and knowledgeable as they are or maybe even have a better understanding of how to control their own machines. Advising people of a way you do it is great, telling them they have been doing it wrong is just arrogance.
They're trying to help new riders and those who need refreshers. If you don't need the information keep it moving. You'd know that being older and experienced right.
@@AstroChamp5657I’m probably getting jaded with all of those short on experience themselves trying to pass what little they know on to people who would be much better served joining their local club or just riding with local riders. These videos are more about self promotion and expanding viewership. Some do have safety points that are always worth reminding even older riders like me about, but in general give nothing that people riding about don’t get from their fellow riders or good qualified riding teachers face to face. A rider training qualification noted to your viewers would always be a good place to start before you start giving tips.
I know I should move on from these types of video as they are prolific even if well meaning, but sometimes shouting into the air is all you can do and is therapeutic if only for the momentary release of frustration that these types of video logs keep being thrust at me by TH-cam despite me selecting don’t show these videos to me again.