FYI - Here are links to my GEAR that I wear (Great deals!): Helmet = amzn.to/1L9SCfZ CE Armor Jacket = amzn.to/1f2OK1l Pants = cyclecruza.com/agvlthrpants Boots = cyclecruza.com/sidifboots Gloves = cyclecruza.com/hivisgloves Ear Plugs = amzn.to/1PE0NTn
this is the position im in if you care to comment. im 20 yrs old and my first vehicle i bought was a motorcycle, and i bought the full gear, but i live in florida, and after using it twice i figured im a dumbass because i take it off and everythings wet, the whole outside is 100 degrees and wearing full suits even when youre on the highway makes everything wet in 30-40 minutes, and if im riding around town, its instant, cause im not traveling that fast. i just drive real slow and careful around town and try to be careful on the highway. i do wear everything if its winter, or if im going real far on the highway and its not that hot out. you just cant wear a full suit in the summer man, you cant, youre sweating and its disgusting and youd be cleaning your suit all the time, and changing clothes everytime you showed up to work. people would think youre dumb for not owning a car or for riding with the suit on all the time. and im guilty of one, but since thats the position im in, i just dont wear the suit. id rather risk the road eating my ass then going through the labor of ignoring peoples comments, and putting in all that maintenance on myself. but im telling you, i drive this thing like a baby moped while other people are around, and i actually get honks all the time.
30+ years riding and racing experience here, if you can start on a dirt bike, do that. it will teach you total control when the bike moves around. if you cannot start on dirt. my list is this. 1) Ride like you are invisible to everyone. assume Noone sees you. never ride in a blind spot, when a car wants to pull out or turn in front of you, be prepared as if they are going to at the worsted possible time, know an evasive course you could take when it happens. 2) go to a bike empty parking lot and get up to a safe speed (30-40mph) and use your back brake to slow down. while you do this apply more pressure to where it locks up, then release the pressure. do this over and over until you burn it in your brain to release the back brake when it locks. then get use your front brake and rear brake together, still working on breaking in the rear enough to where it locks and you can release it but still have braking power to the rear. this will be like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time because you are using your hand for your front brake and your foot for the rear and need to process different pressures at the same time. THIS WILL SAVE YOUR BUTT!!! 3) know that in a turn when you apply the front brake, the bike wants to stand up, so inexperienced people in a turn , if they run into a problem hit the brakes and drift to either oncoming traffic, or off the pavement and crash. 4) when in a turn you see gravel, oil, leaves etc.. do not hit your brake, you will crash!! instead ease off the throttle and move your weight (head AND hips to the inside of the turn. this will stand the bike up straight while turning reducing the outside friction you tires feel in a turn. this this also keeps the side of the tires clean. once you pass through the stuff on the road, shirt you weight back and you bike will lean over on clean tires to you maintained traction. 5) CycleCruza was spot on about nervous/scared. if you climb on a bike and are trembling before you even let the clutch out. Do NOT RIDE THAT BIKE!!!!! mors than likely, you will stall it over and over, then Rev it too high, the bike will take off and you will freeze out of fear and crash. Pokey's secret tip. for those when have never operated a clutch but want to ride, you can go into most Harley Davidson dealerships and they have a motocycle strapped down to what looks like a dyno machine. you can start the motorcycle and learn how to let the clutch out with proper throttle control and shifting etc. while the bike is under load so it feels real. yet it is safely strapped stationary. I am not sure of the minimum age so call around. others like myself just had it natural and was able to start and stop with no problem. finally do not let ego's decide your bike. it is your life at stake. yeah Supersports are cool but I cannot tell you how make times I've seen those guys lose control and crash because of the power. they are faster than most exotic supercuts in Stock form. don't you think it would be stupid to toss the keys of a 1000 hp car that is a stick shift to someone that has never driven a car? and they don't have to balance either. so take your time and practice then enjoy the life of riding. it's one of the best feelings in the world!! "LET'S GO FOR A RIIIIDE"
Reread this great advice and wanted to point out in number 4 when you say it will "stand the bike up straight" you don't mean run wide as when you hit the front brake in a turn. I realize you know that...just clarifying!
my R3 vtec daily. ATGATT. ear plugs: reduces wind noise in your helmet. when sounds get loud, your vision decreases. ever notice when people hear a big bang or noise, you squint. with constant wind and engine noise you scrunch up your eyebrows like a migraine, this impairs your vision. earplugs, foam or silicon, reduces that distraction and your vision opens up to compensate what your ears are not having to deal with. and it's a calming effect. you still hear your bike, sirens, cars close by, your favorite song in your head. I feel most comfortable riding in my 1 piece. I know I know, but I feel as safe as in a car. Clothes not all flapping around, insulated from the environment. just feels solid, confidence. Yes, you the rider are in control of what YOU do. Putting yourself in blind spots, not scanning ahead or checking mirrors is relinquishing control of YOUR safety. Ahead or behind, never side by side. I like how cars think you're racing them because you want to put them behind you or out of your emergency exit strategy. Always Be Looking. Cruza, you didn't cover pre-ride checks. OIL, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Lights and Signals, Tire Pressures. A quick visual before a ride and pressure check = peace of mind. Keep up the good work Brother!
I used to be fine not wearing earplugs other than freeway rides, but recently my ears are starting to hate it at +40 MPH speeds as the season gets colder for w/e reason I don't know. Now I'm wearing earplugs in every ride, and I always keep a pair in my motorcycle pants.
After many years riding without, I more recently started liking wind earplugs. Research has proven lessened fatigue with earplugs, and I have found that they reduce wind noise so well, that I can actually hear my engine better, and even other vehicles. Learned all this just in time for California to pass a law outlawing earplugs. smh
All of that is better advice than he gives, lol. Gear? Don't do anything to crash and it doesn't matter. I live somewhere hot and I'd have to be a moron to spend 5 minutes gearing up any time I go somewhere just so I can be miserable driving. If your bike is properly maintained, and you drive it like a car, and focus all your attention on avoiding other vehicles and maintaining control...there's no need for even a beginner to wear gear. That said, it's probably a good idea for the first year or two (depending on how frequently you practice). Your helmet is an exception, if merely for the wind/sound protection. Riding scared? That is actually a good thing for most people; if it keeps them from trying shit they shouldn't. Lucky for me, I had a healthy respect/fear for the dangers until well after I had learned how to control my bikes. Now that I am comfortable (maybe too) I find myself, occasionally, doing shit I shouldn't be. Shifting? You should learn to shift at the right times. And it might not be obvious from the sound, especially if you don't know what your bike is supposed to sound like (most new riders won't). Consult your manual, and any other resource you prefer, to find out, roughly, what speeds you should be shifting at. Get used to shifting at around those speeds and you will pick up the sounds involved and eventually it will come naturally. Which break you use depends on how you need to stop, if you are just slowing down slightly (or slowly) use your rear break only. If you want to stop quickly, you use both (while going straight). And like he mentioned in the video, you use only the front break for performance. Doesn't matter which bike you start on if you drive it carefully; if you are new to motorcycles drive it like a car. That said, it won't hurt to start with something cheap, small, and easy to repair. It will just be a whole lot easier to work with.
Trevor Colby I agree with the breaking part, but always wear gear especially boots. you can be the m8st on point person on the road but some drivers will still hit you no matter what, either they dont pay attention, dont see you or just dont like riders. the boots to me are essential as if you get hit in the side from a t-bone hit, you could tear your foot off or shatter your ankle, too many videos of that happening nowadays.
I was not wearing my gear and a drunk driver hit me directly from the side on my fucking knee. Broke the femur/fibula/tibula 2 IM rods later. Just because i left my gear at home.
Zach Potter But yeah it would have broken but not this bad. They had to cut out 1.5kg muscle out of my upper leg to expose my femur so they can put the rod through.
sometimes as riders we get complacent and forget our safety lessons and that's when we get hurt or die. I am always blown away when I see riders in shorts and t-shirt. Worse when they wear no helmets at all! I know in some places it gets really hot...but I'd rather be hot than have road rash or broken bones. Stay safe!
If a rider can't take the heat in gear then they shouldn't ride that day. There is lightweight gear that flows a lot of air, like my ce armor jacket that I wear on really hot days and for pant I wear textile pants with knee/shin guards. There is no excuse for riders not to wear gear. Here in Ohio we have so many squids it's not funny and many squids get killed or maimed because of not wearing gear.
There is Kevlar mesh gear that flows a lot of air and is just as good as leather in a fall. So no excuses. Yeah, I cringe too when I see people in shorts and t shirts and sneakers. :-(
"Use both brakes. Unless you have combined-*sees mustang* Ahhhhh shieett! *revs up to 110mph and blows Ford muscle car outta the water with pure Japanese precision*
i 100% agree with his dirtbike statement! i always tell people riding on dirt teaches you throttle control, breaking, shifting and to keep control when shit hits the fan! started riding when i was 5 (50cc 2 stroke) now here i am 17 with a CBR900RR
Yoooo im following your footsteps. I have a minibike 250cc right now, learning how to control it, and sooner or later ima upgrade to some kawasaki. Im 16 btw
I disagree when people say to start with a 250cc. I started on a Ninja 650R solely because my commute to college is all highway miles, 56 miles round trip and typically traffic moves no less than 70mph. I do agree people shouldnt start on a 1000cc but my 650R is very practical for why I need it. If I would've gotten a 250cc I'd be running that thing on 6th close to top speed which would wear the engine quicker. With the 650R it's like I'm derating the engine cause I'm not going through the full powerband. I think the purpose behind the motorcycle should also determine what to start out with.
Mainly because you can gear a bike for top speed. Power band like you said but you can get it so it's less stress on motor. Track riders gear their bikes for maximum stress on their motors but experience track riders gear the bike for momentum.
No. Professional riders gear their bikes for the particular track they are riding on that day. A tight, twisty track (the Indianapolis road course, for instance) requires a different gearing than a large, "horsepower" track such as the old Daytona course. The object is not to go as fast as you can. It is to get around the track as quickly as you can.
Don't ride in the dead zone...accelerate past. Speed is not the cure for everything. Make sure you can brake fast to zero mph from all speeds you ride. You will need thousands of miles for decent experience, not just 50. Be careful who you ride with; ride at your level! Take the motorcycle safety course and get your motorcycle license!
I was in a blind spot once with a cop right behind me. So I didn't accelerate into a safe spot and sure enough, truck came over and clipped my front tire. Looking back I should have accelerated, a ticket would have been a far better "fucked up day".
Hey Cycle Cruza, I had a dual sport, YZF-R6 with mods to get more power, and also had a 2014 Harley Street glide with a few bells and wistles. Now I have a 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 and I want to tell you this is the most fun bike I have had. I love the low end torque it has and with a top speed of say 120-125mph that is way fast. I went fast when I had my R6. The FZ-07 is truly a great bike. It is the best of all in biking. You have somewhat of a super sport, you have a cruiser feel, and the nakedness of a dual sport. As I said before I like this bike over all others I have had and with about 20 years on the road with bikes I can't be happier with my FZ-07
Casey I have the xsr900(mod of FZ-09) and I totally agree. Your standard/naked bikes are great and have a lot of room to change it to your personal style of riding. However in yamaha's case they need an FZ-04 or 05 due to the fact that the 07 and 09 are really really torqued and "jumpy". This leading to no forgiveness for beginners.
gear is #1 on my list, many riders get into it and dont realize the cost of good gear and then cant affors it. doesnt take much of a slide or highside to really mess you up in a tshirt and jeans or shorts!
I'm going for my Bike license this month, I can't wait to get on a bike. I have gone to a bike shop, sat on a few bikes, chose the bike I want, and have organised a budget for my gear. One of the guys at this Yamaha dealer showed me photos of him when he crashed without gear... not a pretty sight... He say he rocks full gear all the time now. He also reccomended that I buy the gear take the courses and lessons, and buy the bike later, so you use the bikes given to you at the course first before you potentially wreck your own.
Not gonna lie, I just got my bike a day ago and this video is super helpful. I am starting out with a 07 Ninja 250 and everything this guy is saying makes so much sense so if you are new to riding I would listen to everything he says in this video!
Thank you CycleCruza for the time you take to help people have confidence, ride smart and stay safe. I'm 52, I personally, have years of motocross and enduro experience. However, I have zero street riding experience. I just acquired a 2004 zx636 for almost nothing. It wouldn't turn over for the guy. After a few hours of troubleshooting, i discovered that the aftermarket alternator cover was binding the starter motor. It actually runs GREAT !! Now i'm getting the few little things it needs and it will be street worthy. To make along story short, i've been listening to a lot of your videos, and your information will help keep me safe. I will be riding the streets soon but I will be taking all of your good advice, meaning taking the motorcycle safety course, getting quality gear, and riding smart. i just want to thank you for caring. No street Rossi here. haha.
The first thing I did after I got my license was to go on a training course on a track that had instructors that rode infront of you and showed you the right way to drive, like throttle control, taking the turns and how and when to break. It was an all day course and I really learned alot!
Great videos bro. Nice first person perspective while discussing essential riding skills, etc. Been riding myself for over 20 years and it's still good sense hearing what you're saying. Always good mental mind set, common sense, and defensive driving. Have fun and ride safe man. I can imagine it could be a little distracting going over the info while being attentive to the road and other drivers.
Great video with the exception of rule number 5. I am a firm believer in, and proponent of, buying the motorcycle you want to ride first, and learning on it. This insane idea that 1000 cc bike is drastically different in terms of power from a 600 is a complete myth and has no basis in fact. Where these bikes mainly differ in power is in the top end range. The idea that at a stop or in a low speed corner a simple extra touch on the throttle will send you flying is completely ridiculous. Extra power when needed is a much bigger positive than a negative. The extra braking power is a huge positive. An idiot will kill himself just as quickly on a 600 as a 1000. In fact, they can easily tell themselves "it's only a 600. I'll be fine" when they would be more careful on a larger bike. The differences between these two machines is almost completely immaterial for the average street rider. Most people don't have the money to make an incremental run up to the bike they eventually want. This leaves the Ryder disappointed with their current bike. That's not a good feeling and is not conducive to a good riding experience. Listen to 1-4, but ignore 5 and buy the bike you want first, and learn on that. A 1000 will go just as slow as a 600. Bikes are inanimate objects. One is no more dangerous than another. The most important safety feature of any bike is always the same- the brain of its rider.
Supersport provide little room for error unlike non-supersports. You will gain confidence much faster with less errors on a slower bike. Valentino Rossi did not start on a liter bike, you have to crawl before you can walk. Also, everybody does not have the same skill starting out. There is a reason why supersports have the highest insurance rates out of all motorcycles, because many riders get hurt or killed on them, mostly due to their lack of experience on them.
CycleCruza What does that mean? "Less room for error?" It's just a buzz phrase that has no meaning in real life. The difference between a 600 CC sport bike and 1000CC bike are negligible, and that's just a fact. Buy the bike you want first. Be careful. Learn slowly and reasonably, just like you should on a 250 or a dirt bike.
Sounds like some good advice. I am thinking about getting my first motorcycle and I want to have all of the knowledge I can acquire before I ride. I have just retired and always wanted a bike but of course with raising a family, getting the kids their cars, purchasing homes over the years, I could never really afford a bike. Now the kids are grown and gone, home paid for so its finally time for me. But I want to live long enough to enjoy it. Did I mention that being a mortician, I have seen first hand what motorcycles can do or rather what the wrong use of cycles can do. Thanks for the video and I will watch the rest of the ones you have. Thanks again.
One of biggest mistakes that I always come across new and experience riders is that they wear helmets that do not fit snug and fit properly. A lot of riders wear helmets that are way to big for their heads. 95% of riders fail to realize that your helmet should fit like nice and snug in order to work at it's fullest potential during an accident.
Worse, we don't all have the same shaped heads. Most helmets are shaped for the "Neutral" to "Slightly Narrow" range. Shoei's, for example, fit that range. Bell's tend to run slightly round. A VERY good place to start if you are shopping for a new helmet is www.webbikeworld.com .
Good video, you taught me a couple really important things. I've been riding dirt bikes majority of my life but I am new to street bikes. About a month ago I got a 2003 zx6rr and I'm definitely going to be watching your channel like a new born in a hazardous environment.
i use front brake and i got an r1 for first bike. lol but i dont let sr's (survival reactions) cause me to mash on the front brake by its seft and ive ridden since i was a teenager (im 34). i see these vlogs all the time and think to myself if ppl are too uncoordinated to ride and to scared to ride without letting their sr's take over then they shouldn't be on a motorcycle. use your head ppl. if you've never ridden a bike i agree with cyclecruza buy a 250 dual sport. i think everyone should get some dirt bike experience and lean how to control throttle and trail brake before gettin out here on these crazy streets on a supersport. you gotta be able to ride and keep your head on a swivel and that takes riding time to be able to not put your full concentration on the bike and pay attention to the traffic around you. alwats trust you gut feelings and be safe out there on these streets. your here one min but could be gone the next or worse so fucked up u never walk again or something. bikes aint for the faint of heart and loke cyclecruza said u cant be out here riding scared and let sr's take over cause sr's will make u have a fucked up day on a bike
" . . . and to scared to ride without letting their sr's take over . . . " Nonsense. When things drop in the crapper, the survival reactions will ALWAYS take over. That is why we call them "survival reactions". You are going to react the way you trained.
I agree 100% with using both brakes, I was out riding 2 days ago and I come past a corner going almost 90 and there was a cop standing in the middle of the road and I grabbed all front brake and locked up the front and almost ate shit, I'm going to work on using more back brake now
I swore I would always wear my jacket when I got my bike. But I live in Florida and for some of the summer months its ride in a tshirt, or don't ride at all. You will get heat stroke out there if you wear a jacket. I know its a really bad idea, but I'm not going to park it for the summer months either. I try to get my rides in really early when its cool enough to wear my jacket.
I live in South Texas and Houston. The summer weather here is just as bad and humid as it is Florida, but I managed to find ways to stay cool. One thing I did was I would soak my t-shirt in COLD water and wear it under my jacket, which keeps me cool and eventually dries off after two hours. Also jackets are pretty hot, but if you don't wear one you end up with heat stroke or hypothermia much quicker without that protective layers on.
Same here. I live in the DFW area. Last July, I crossed the Great Salt Lake in July. Temps were 115F - 120F. Long sleeve UnderArmor T-shirt under mesh gear. Stopped about every hour for a drink and to pour about a liter of water over my T-shirt until I got out of the area into Colorado. It wasn't fun, but it also wasn't that bad.
If I ride for pleasure when its middle of summer I do it early morning and wear jacket, but when I ride to work, being sweaty, or wet, really isn't an option.
I started on a 1000cc cbr, it's about self control I've never rode a bike before and I've been conservative on throttle and very attentive to detail when it comes down to it. It's not about the bike it's about the Rider.
I'm a new rider and got a used gsxr600 and it's more than enough power for my first bike. Good advice on the points you made. My motorcycle school said the exact same things you said in your video.
Preach it Cruza! I don't know if it was just because you were on the highway and had to talk loud because of wind noise but you sounded passionate about what you were talking about. Great video!
Sounds like good advice. I am about to become a new rider and nice to have some clearcut and to-the-point advice. Like the "don't ride scared", anybody can be a potential danger, but be defensive (like a soldier, I thought it was a bit cheesy to say in the vid, but makes sense when you think about it, be aware of the dangers, be ready to tackle them, but don't be afraid of them) and keep your head straight, so that you don't add to the potential danger. Being too nervous can result in poor judgment, I feel that is true in life in general. On the note of bike sizes. I guess the advice is more applicable to people like those in the US, where you can pretty much jump onto a 1000cc bike straight away. Whereas here in the UK, I have to pass a CBT (which I've got mine on Thursday) and you cannot go higher than 125cc until you pass your license and there are different stages to it as well (A1, A2, A), so you cannot just jump onto a 1000cc and then end up getting experience on smaller cc bikes first. However, maybe to add to the advice, if you are wanting to ride a higher CC bike in the end, but thinking of cost. There are finance options available. This is what I am doing, I'll be getting my CB125F delivered and it's on Honda finance and the dealership will allow me to trade my bike in at a later date to a higher CC when I've got the relevant license to do so. They just take the old bike as deposit, if need be i pay the difference and they'll adjust what I pay back. Obviously with financing, read your terms and conditions and make sure you can pay what you agree to pay before you commit and make sure you're not shooting yourself in the foot...or getting scammed by a dodgey dealership.
CycleCruza! Man thanks for all your videos! I just started riding this summer for the first time in my life, I'm 38 years old. Started with a Honda Grom and now I'm riding a Yamaha R3. You give great advice! Some of these other you tube vids will give you some bad habits!! Keep up the good work!!!
I agree about being alert and that also goes for driving in cars. I teach my kids to expect the unexpected and know where all cars are at all times, use the mirrors.
dude ur right about everything especially for the gear.. i crashed recently and i was not wearing anything but helmet.. if i was wearing full gear i probably would survive unscathed. Now i have to endure the pain of stitches and burning and scratches... i wish i had full gear the moment of the crash.. i will go buy for sure.!
MSF course should be number 6 on your list. I think every person starting completely new to riding should take an MSF course. Don't rely on what your next door neighbor who rides in jeans and a t-shirt and a brain -bucket helmet tells you.
This isn't true. You can take the written and riding exam and still get your license. Going to the MSF however, exempts you from those exams and all you do is pay for the endorsement. I know, I've recently completed the MSF and got my endorsement. Yes, I live in Texas.
Brandon Pierce Oops. You are right. I also live in Texas. I have had a motorcycle endorsement since I started riding. And to compound the "oops", I took the Texas MSF course as a refresher a couple of years ago. You DO have a choice, but I think most places make the logistics hard enough that the MSF course is simpler.
The MSF is indeed the easier route and honestly, why wouldn't you go to the course? Not only does it teach you good techniques but it also lowers your insurance premium. Even though I've ridden before, though not extensively, I think the course taught me a lot of good techniques. I used the Harley course since it was free to veterans, active duty, and first responders.
Nice video, good advice for new riders. I myself had a recent get off, low sided around a sharp corner, across other lane of traffic. Car coming around corner too fast couldn't hold his lane and came into mine, forcing me to go into oncoming lane. Luckily, there was no other cars in the oncoming lane, and I missed a steel railroad crossing sign post by inches. I had no helmet on or safety gear other thane my Dainese trq boots. Ironically, the only injury I sustained was to my ankle, go figure. This experience really woke me up and made me realize just how human I am on my bike. I had gone almost a decade with no get offs. I decided it's time for me to revisit the basics and start wearing atgatt. Subbed
hey man, just got my first bike last monday, and thank you so much for your videos, they helped me even before i started riding and the will still continue to help me learn i've got a yamaha diversion 600 cc '98 but its tuned down to 25 kW ( 34 HP ) because of my age and the motorcycle license restrictions in the netherlands due to my age, but for me its fast enough for now, even with 34 hp it's faster than almost any car that drives around in the netherlands
I've been riding for over a decade and my gear consists of a helmet an gloves (when it's cold). I've never had an accident and I've never even dropped a bike. I'm not going to wear all that shit. I like riding comfortable. If something happens it happens.
it could happen one day though... might not be your fault but a cagers... then you will wish you had full gear on. not with the risk imho. i won't get on the bike to ride round the corner without full gear personally.
I hate to admit that being ATGATT hinders my ability to enjoy the scenery with my ride by not feeling the cool wind flowing through me as much, but it's still worth the sacrifice to maximize protection.
I almost made the "too much bike" mistake... test rode a Honda cb919 and I was giggling with joy after feeling all that power (had some experience dirt biking but I don't consider myself experienced because of that). Thank goodness prudence won out and I got a 2017 Ninja 650 with ABS. Great decision. Has all the power someone of my experience needs.
thanks a lot cycle cruza I'm a new rider and was thinking g of getting g a new ninja 600cc now I'm gonna do more research and getting the proper bike for myself
I started off on a ninja 300 and just moved up to a gsxr 600 and I've been riding dirt bikes for a long time still think it's smart to start on a smaller bike
great video. i personally made mistake #5 and bought a harley fatboy 1800cc screamin eagle as my first motorcycle. next thing i know, i whiskey throttle it, hit the curb and get my leg crushed under it. luckily the bone did not break but i have extensive damage to my calf muscle and needed skin grafts on it after they did surgery on it to relieve pressure. i learned the hard way and have almost a year ahead of me before i fully recover.
I totally agree on this video except the braking part, I went to heavy on my rear brake once and lost the back side. What you're saying on new riders starting on heavy bikes is true, you have to build up the experience. I'm riding a 650 but now I'm on the look out for a bandit 1250 or a gsx 1400 because I know I have teh experience now.
Thanks for all the useful information, i have watched other youtube motovlogers but this is the first time i am hearing these. I do not own a bike but considering getting one.
I'm just seeing this video now. I actually crashed my 636 about 4 days before this video got uploaded. Thankfully I had my work boots, jeans, plated motorcycle jacket and gloves. They jacket definitely save me from getting hurt more even though I broke my collarbone. The bike ended up being completely totaled. But I'm healing back from it and thinking about getting back into riding once I'm ready. But I'm thinking either like a 300 or maybe a middleweight 600, like a Yamaha FZ6R.
Thanks, I'm a military vet. and like to hear it like it is. I'm getting ready to jump on a 390 duke after riding a zuma 50 for a few years. My plan was to drop $1000 on gear, I thought I was crazy...not any more thanks again this vid. just opened my eyes.
12:59 !!!! COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE!!! I started on a 110 dirt bike, moved to a 250 Ninja, now I have an XT 250 Dual sport. I LOVE ripping the twisties on my dual sport. I can really CRANK the throttle and its FUN!
Here are some more mistakes: 1. Leaving turn signals on 2. Dragging feet on ground when moving off 3. Taking hand(s) off handlebars 4. Speeding 5. Undertaking
Just found this channel and I’m loving every video. I am a new rider looking to get a bike and everyone is telling me to get a 700cc or 800cc because otherwise I will get bored too quick, but after watching your videos I think I may get the WR250R as my first bike for all the reasons you mentioned
A little birdie at track training yesterday told me to try and use my front brake as much as possible on track at all times. And after that I crashed and broke my rear brake. After that I was forced to use my front brake at all times :').
Cyclecruza, two things, first I really like your new editing style with clips at the beginning. Second, be careful passing people in the right lane like that brotha!
in response to getting too much bike: I started on an Aprilia Shiver 750 and I knew it would be a good bit of power but I wanted to skip the 300 class. I set the throttle to touring mode to smooth my throttle response for the first couple weeks while I got used to it, then I kicked into sport mode and left it there rain or shine(bike also had a rain mode) so if the bike has power modes, you might be able to start on a bigger bike and just go with a lesser power mode to start,
I like how you don't spend too much time cruising along near or next to other automobiles on the road...smart :-) Cruising along next to other vehicles and expecting them to notice you is dangerous.
My biggest mistake was not getting proper tyres, meant I dropped my bike fairly often in the wet, the tyres were just too hard. Another early mistake was not looking over my shoulder when changing lanes.
Bro!!! When I went down I had a Alpinestars Jacket on, and still got road rash. Dislocated my shoulder, tore my labrum and rotator cuff and fractured my humorous. That road rash hurt more then everything else. I totally agree WEAR GEAR BRO!!!
Took my first ride today!! Full gear? Check. Scared? A little, but I owned it. Listen to the bike? Check. Braking? relied on the front brake. Noob. Too much bike? Hell no. Took your advice and got a CBR250R! Thanks for your badass self, CycleCruza.
thanks buddy , i have a on/off road bike ..and im in love with riding ..looking to get a ZX6R kawasaki for my firts super bike ..and I totally agree with you ...#BikeLife
I've owned 7 different bikes from supermotos, dirt, standard, superbikes, and cruisers and its all about practice and building skills. I started on a ninja 250 and now ride a 750magna cruiser; you can have fun on any bike. I wish I had started on a bigger bike, but that extra speed would have put me in a bad position quicker.
hey thanks a lot for this man i have been strongly considering getting a motorcycle and this really is some awesome advice and i intend on looking at that playlist of yours, thanks a ton again
This video is dead on. I made the error of dropping my bike at low speed wearing only a T-shirt. I had road rash my on forearm and cuts on my knuckles. Now I am all about ATGATT. Period. No exceptions. Second, is the scared part (especially on the highway). I went with two of my buddies on a little trip and after 40 minutes they pulled over to basically give me a pep talk. They said I was going way too slow because I was scared to go faster. After that I went quicker and kept up with the flow of traffic with no problems. Also, he makes a great point about checking your RPMs. It is a mistake that I admit I am still in the habit of doing. On the highway I learned very quickly on the little CBR300 that looking down for even half a second is a distraction. As for the braking, the MSF course said to use both so I use both and haven't ever stopped without using both breaks. My friend says using both is a mistake but I don't care. All in all, these videos are awesome for us new riders.
I used to ride with a shirt and shorts but helmet and gloves, I barely went down and it didn't end well haha, now I wear everything all the time, and it recently saved my life
Hey man you're my favorite motovlogger out here. I love the straight from the heart shit and you say it like its supposed to be. No sugar coating bullshit. Thanks for your videos man and you've inspired me to start my channel.. although I suck now but I swear I will get better. LOL
so really excellent advice. I went from a 50cc through 125,400 and now 750. the 1000 really are a bit too much for the road, my 750. The equipment is most certainly your best point. In the UK you have to wear a helmet by law.. cant understand why USA hasnt followed?
Finding XXXL gear is a challenge for sure! Wearing leather in 34C temperature is torturous! There are some decent CE rated mesh jackets that help protect you. I wear lots of hi-vis colors. Yes, I look like a traffic cone but people see me!
FYI - Here are links to my GEAR that I wear (Great deals!):
Helmet = amzn.to/1L9SCfZ
CE Armor Jacket = amzn.to/1f2OK1l
Pants = cyclecruza.com/agvlthrpants
Boots = cyclecruza.com/sidifboots
Gloves = cyclecruza.com/hivisgloves
Ear Plugs = amzn.to/1PE0NTn
pants, boots, glove website doesn't work.
I just clicked on all of the links and they all work for me.
a
did you race the mustang at 8:45
this is the position im in if you care to comment. im 20 yrs old and my first vehicle i bought was a motorcycle, and i bought the full gear, but i live in florida, and after using it twice i figured im a dumbass because i take it off and everythings wet, the whole outside is 100 degrees and wearing full suits even when youre on the highway makes everything wet in 30-40 minutes, and if im riding around town, its instant, cause im not traveling that fast. i just drive real slow and careful around town and try to be careful on the highway. i do wear everything if its winter, or if im going real far on the highway and its not that hot out. you just cant wear a full suit in the summer man, you cant, youre sweating and its disgusting and youd be cleaning your suit all the time, and changing clothes everytime you showed up to work. people would think youre dumb for not owning a car or for riding with the suit on all the time. and im guilty of one, but since thats the position im in, i just dont wear the suit. id rather risk the road eating my ass then going through the labor of ignoring peoples comments, and putting in all that maintenance on myself. but im telling you, i drive this thing like a baby moped while other people are around, and i actually get honks all the time.
30+ years riding and racing experience here, if you can start on a dirt bike, do that. it will teach you total control when the bike moves around. if you cannot start on dirt. my list is this.
1) Ride like you are invisible to everyone. assume Noone sees you. never ride in a blind spot, when a car wants to pull out or turn in front of you, be prepared as if they are going to at the worsted possible time, know an evasive course you could take when it happens.
2) go to a bike empty parking lot and get up to a safe speed (30-40mph) and use your back brake to slow down. while you do this apply more pressure to where it locks up, then release the pressure. do this over and over until you burn it in your brain to release the back brake when it locks. then get use your front brake and rear brake together, still working on breaking in the rear enough to where it locks and you can release it but still have braking power to the rear. this will be like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time because you are using your hand for your front brake and your foot for the rear and need to process different pressures at the same time. THIS WILL SAVE YOUR BUTT!!!
3) know that in a turn when you apply the front brake, the bike wants to stand up, so inexperienced people in a turn , if they run into a problem hit the brakes and drift to either oncoming traffic, or off the pavement and crash.
4) when in a turn you see gravel, oil, leaves etc.. do not hit your brake, you will crash!! instead ease off the throttle and move your weight (head AND hips to the inside of the turn. this will stand the bike up straight while turning reducing the outside friction you tires feel in a turn. this this also keeps the side of the tires clean. once you pass through the stuff on the road, shirt you weight back and you bike will lean over on clean tires to you maintained traction.
5) CycleCruza was spot on about nervous/scared. if you climb on a bike and are trembling before you even let the clutch out. Do NOT RIDE THAT BIKE!!!!! mors than likely, you will stall it over and over, then Rev it too high, the bike will take off and you will freeze out of fear and crash.
Pokey's secret tip. for those when have never operated a clutch but want to ride, you can go into most Harley Davidson dealerships and they have a motocycle strapped down to what looks like a dyno machine. you can start the motorcycle and learn how to let the clutch out with proper throttle control and shifting etc. while the bike is under load so it feels real. yet it is safely strapped stationary.
I am not sure of the minimum age so call around.
others like myself just had it natural and was able to start and stop with no problem.
finally do not let ego's decide your bike. it is your life at stake. yeah Supersports are cool but I cannot tell you how make times I've seen those guys lose control and crash because of the power. they are faster than most exotic supercuts in Stock form.
don't you think it would be stupid to toss the keys of a 1000 hp car that is a stick shift to someone that has never driven a car? and they don't have to balance either.
so take your time and practice then enjoy the life of riding. it's one of the best feelings in the world!!
"LET'S GO FOR A RIIIIDE"
oh and don't talk with your hands
good tips!
Thank you for sharing your valuable tips. My sentiments exactly about the supercar analogy.
Nice! I watch the supercar crash vids on TH-cam for entertainment...usually too much gas at the wrong time!
Reread this great advice and wanted to point out in number 4 when you say it will "stand the bike up straight" you don't mean run wide as when you hit the front brake in a turn. I realize you know that...just clarifying!
#6, not canceling your signals. 😁
LOL I do that all the time
when I took the class I left the turn signal on for a few hours on the second day and nobody told me until we turned the bikes off
Auto canceling is nice to have. :-)
not going to get that on a CHINESE SCOOTER
Landon Stovall .Nope. Got it on my Harley.
my R3 vtec daily. ATGATT. ear plugs: reduces wind noise in your helmet. when sounds get loud, your vision decreases. ever notice when people hear a big bang or noise, you squint. with constant wind and engine noise you scrunch up your eyebrows like a migraine, this impairs your vision. earplugs, foam or silicon, reduces that distraction and your vision opens up to compensate what your ears are not having to deal with. and it's a calming effect. you still hear your bike, sirens, cars close by, your favorite song in your head. I feel most comfortable riding in my 1 piece. I know I know, but I feel as safe as in a car. Clothes not all flapping around, insulated from the environment. just feels solid, confidence. Yes, you the rider are in control of what YOU do. Putting yourself in blind spots, not scanning ahead or checking mirrors is relinquishing control of YOUR safety. Ahead or behind, never side by side. I like how cars think you're racing them because you want to put them behind you or out of your emergency exit strategy. Always Be Looking. Cruza, you didn't cover pre-ride checks. OIL, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Lights and Signals, Tire Pressures. A quick visual before a ride and pressure check = peace of mind. Keep up the good work Brother!
I used to be fine not wearing earplugs other than freeway rides, but recently my ears are starting to hate it at +40 MPH speeds as the season gets colder for w/e reason I don't know. Now I'm wearing earplugs in every ride, and I always keep a pair in my motorcycle pants.
What are you, a mobile QVC? lmao
After many years riding without, I more recently started liking wind earplugs. Research has proven lessened fatigue with earplugs, and I have found that they reduce wind noise so well, that I can actually hear my engine better, and even other vehicles.
Learned all this just in time for California to pass a law outlawing earplugs. smh
Ride like you're the only sane person in a mental institution!
This is actually the best example i've ever seen! You mind if I use this as my motto from now on!?
DutchMastermind This blew my fucking mind. hahaha
DutchMastermind you're fucking brilliant. I'm stealing this.
#6 Keep both hands on the handle bars.
#7 don't go 20 mph over the speed limit
That 20+mph "super-size me" is at least $200 to start.
#8 Focus on driving, not vloggig
All of that is better advice than he gives, lol.
Gear? Don't do anything to crash and it doesn't matter. I live somewhere hot and I'd have to be a moron to spend 5 minutes gearing up any time I go somewhere just so I can be miserable driving. If your bike is properly maintained, and you drive it like a car, and focus all your attention on avoiding other vehicles and maintaining control...there's no need for even a beginner to wear gear. That said, it's probably a good idea for the first year or two (depending on how frequently you practice). Your helmet is an exception, if merely for the wind/sound protection.
Riding scared? That is actually a good thing for most people; if it keeps them from trying shit they shouldn't. Lucky for me, I had a healthy respect/fear for the dangers until well after I had learned how to control my bikes. Now that I am comfortable (maybe too) I find myself, occasionally, doing shit I shouldn't be.
Shifting? You should learn to shift at the right times. And it might not be obvious from the sound, especially if you don't know what your bike is supposed to sound like (most new riders won't). Consult your manual, and any other resource you prefer, to find out, roughly, what speeds you should be shifting at. Get used to shifting at around those speeds and you will pick up the sounds involved and eventually it will come naturally.
Which break you use depends on how you need to stop, if you are just slowing down slightly (or slowly) use your rear break only. If you want to stop quickly, you use both (while going straight). And like he mentioned in the video, you use only the front break for performance.
Doesn't matter which bike you start on if you drive it carefully; if you are new to motorcycles drive it like a car. That said, it won't hurt to start with something cheap, small, and easy to repair. It will just be a whole lot easier to work with.
Trevor Colby I agree with the breaking part, but always wear gear especially boots. you can be the m8st on point person on the road but some drivers will still hit you no matter what, either they dont pay attention, dont see you or just dont like riders. the boots to me are essential as if you get hit in the side from a t-bone hit, you could tear your foot off or shatter your ankle, too many videos of that happening nowadays.
Not wearing gear will set you up for a real fucked up day!
ATGATT, bro. Cooler than losing your smooth, beautiful skin.
I was not wearing my gear and a drunk driver hit me directly from the side on my fucking knee. Broke the femur/fibula/tibula 2 IM rods later. Just because i left my gear at home.
well your shit probably still woulda been broken even if you had gear but still definitely wear gear all the time man
Zach Potter My gear has Kevlar like protection on the side of my legs.
Zach Potter But yeah it would have broken but not this bad. They had to cut out 1.5kg muscle out of my upper leg to expose my femur so they can put the rod through.
sometimes as riders we get complacent and forget our safety lessons and that's when we get hurt or die. I am always blown away when I see riders in shorts and t-shirt. Worse when they wear no helmets at all! I know in some places it gets really hot...but I'd rather be hot than have road rash or broken bones. Stay safe!
If a rider can't take the heat in gear then they shouldn't ride that day. There is lightweight gear that flows a lot of air, like my ce armor jacket that I wear on really hot days and for pant I wear textile pants with knee/shin guards. There is no excuse for riders not to wear gear. Here in Ohio we have so many squids it's not funny and many squids get killed or maimed because of not wearing gear.
Sweat or bleed, and see how many squids can argue against that.
There is Kevlar mesh gear that flows a lot of air and is just as good as leather in a fall. So no excuses. Yeah, I cringe too when I see people in shorts and t shirts and sneakers. :-(
....or with flip flops !
Amandine Barrera I would hate to see the aftermath of that
"Use both brakes. Unless you have combined-*sees mustang* Ahhhhh shieett! *revs up to 110mph and blows Ford muscle car outta the water with pure Japanese precision*
i 100% agree with his dirtbike statement! i always tell people riding on dirt teaches you throttle control, breaking, shifting and to keep control when shit hits the fan! started riding when i was 5 (50cc 2 stroke) now here i am 17 with a CBR900RR
Yoooo im following your footsteps. I have a minibike 250cc right now, learning how to control it, and sooner or later ima upgrade to some kawasaki. Im 16 btw
Cool Raptor right on bro! You learn alot of skills to use on the road.
I disagree when people say to start with a 250cc. I started on a Ninja 650R solely because my commute to college is all highway miles, 56 miles round trip and typically traffic moves no less than 70mph. I do agree people shouldnt start on a 1000cc but my 650R is very practical for why I need it. If I would've gotten a 250cc I'd be running that thing on 6th close to top speed which would wear the engine quicker. With the 650R it's like I'm derating the engine cause I'm not going through the full powerband. I think the purpose behind the motorcycle should also determine what to start out with.
👌
started on my 2003 r1
been riding for a month (under 65 mph) around town
Mainly because you can gear a bike for top speed. Power band like you said but you can get it so it's less stress on motor. Track riders gear their bikes for maximum stress on their motors but experience track riders gear the bike for momentum.
No. Professional riders gear their bikes for the particular track they are riding on that day. A tight, twisty track (the Indianapolis road course, for instance) requires a different gearing than a large, "horsepower" track such as the old Daytona course.
The object is not to go as fast as you can. It is to get around the track as quickly as you can.
+John Casteel do you race at all? Anything of that matter?
Don't ride in the dead zone...accelerate past. Speed is not the cure for everything. Make sure you can brake fast to zero mph from all speeds you ride. You will need thousands of miles for decent experience, not just 50. Be careful who you ride with; ride at your level! Take the motorcycle safety course and get your motorcycle license!
what is a dead zone?
Riding in a car's blind spot. Really dangerous at night!
Great tips steve
I was in a blind spot once with a cop right behind me. So I didn't accelerate into a safe spot and sure enough, truck came over and clipped my front tire. Looking back I should have accelerated, a ticket would have been a far better "fucked up day".
Almost no one here in Texas has an M license
Anyone else keep getting distracted by that key tag swinging?
Hey Cycle Cruza, I had a dual sport, YZF-R6 with mods to get more power, and also had a 2014 Harley Street glide with a few bells and wistles. Now I have a 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 and I want to tell you this is the most fun bike I have had. I love the low end torque it has and with a top speed of say 120-125mph that is way fast. I went fast when I had my R6. The FZ-07 is truly a great bike. It is the best of all in biking. You have somewhat of a super sport, you have a cruiser feel, and the nakedness of a dual sport. As I said before I like this bike over all others I have had and with about 20 years on the road with bikes I can't be happier with my FZ-07
Casey I have the xsr900(mod of FZ-09) and I totally agree. Your standard/naked bikes are great and have a lot of room to change it to your personal style of riding. However in yamaha's case they need an FZ-04 or 05 due to the fact that the 07 and 09 are really really torqued and "jumpy". This leading to no forgiveness for beginners.
Honestly you just changed my mind about wearing full gear and armor. Legit I am saving up for full gear from now on.
gear is #1 on my list, many riders get into it and dont realize the cost of good gear and then cant affors it. doesnt take much of a slide or highside to really mess you up in a tshirt and jeans or shorts!
IronicRebound I got a new bike paid the insurance today but I'm not going out because I haven't got trousers. it takes a lot of restraint lol
I'm going for my Bike license this month, I can't wait to get on a bike. I have gone to a bike shop, sat on a few bikes, chose the bike I want, and have organised a budget for my gear. One of the guys at this Yamaha dealer showed me photos of him when he crashed without gear... not a pretty sight... He say he rocks full gear all the time now. He also reccomended that I buy the gear take the courses and lessons, and buy the bike later, so you use the bikes given to you at the course first before you potentially wreck your own.
Not gonna lie, I just got my bike a day ago and this video is super helpful. I am starting out with a 07 Ninja 250 and everything this guy is saying makes so much sense so if you are new to riding I would listen to everything he says in this video!
Skyler Wierenga hows it going now 3 months later?
Dacyn Reynolds He ded
Thank you CycleCruza for the time you take to help people have confidence, ride smart and stay safe. I'm 52, I personally, have years of motocross and enduro experience. However, I have zero street riding experience. I just acquired a 2004 zx636 for almost nothing. It wouldn't turn over for the guy. After a few hours of troubleshooting, i discovered that the aftermarket alternator cover was binding the starter motor. It actually runs GREAT !! Now i'm getting the few little things it needs and it will be street worthy. To make along story short, i've been listening to a lot of your videos, and your information will help keep me safe. I will be riding the streets soon but I will be taking all of your good advice, meaning taking the motorcycle safety course, getting quality gear, and riding smart. i just want to thank you for caring. No street Rossi here. haha.
Excellent video Awesome advise I'm a new rider oh 2 months I'm still taking classes on riding and throttle control it helps
Best of luck!
try riding a dirt bike n fields or dirt roads. when u start dogging out the dirt bike then u should b ready 4 a street bike.
Pop sum fuckin wheelies
Yes, indeed. That lets you do one thing at a time: learn the mechanics of riding, THEN learn to survive on the street, not both at once.
You're a good dude man, I'm going for classes next month and appreciate listening to your input before I actually go. Thanks for the advice sir.
crazy you'd upload this video the week after I completed the msf course lol. thanx for the advice and keep up the good work.
That is very crazy
The first thing I did after I got my license was to go on a training course on a track that had instructors that rode infront of you and showed you the right way to drive, like throttle control, taking the turns and how and when to break.
It was an all day course and I really learned alot!
Thank you CycleCruza, the advice about be a soldier on the streets is great!
Love see'ing local roads, Ive been considering buying a bike(new rider) its nice to see a skilled rider throwing out honest straight forward advice.
Are you assuming my power mode usage!!!?
Great videos bro. Nice first person perspective while discussing essential riding skills, etc. Been riding myself for over 20 years and it's still good sense hearing what you're saying. Always good mental mind set, common sense, and defensive driving. Have fun and ride safe man. I can imagine it could be a little distracting going over the info while being attentive to the road and other drivers.
Great video with the exception of rule number 5. I am a firm believer in, and proponent of, buying the motorcycle you want to ride first, and learning on it. This insane idea that 1000 cc bike is drastically different in terms of power from a 600 is a complete myth and has no basis in fact. Where these bikes mainly differ in power is in the top end range. The idea that at a stop or in a low speed corner a simple extra touch on the throttle will send you flying is completely ridiculous. Extra power when needed is a much bigger positive than a negative. The extra braking power is a huge positive. An idiot will kill himself just as quickly on a 600 as a 1000. In fact, they can easily tell themselves "it's only a 600. I'll be fine" when they would be more careful on a larger bike. The differences between these two machines is almost completely immaterial for the average street rider. Most people don't have the money to make an incremental run up to the bike they eventually want. This leaves the Ryder disappointed with their current bike. That's not a good feeling and is not conducive to a good riding experience. Listen to 1-4, but ignore 5 and buy the bike you want first, and learn on that. A 1000 will go just as slow as a 600. Bikes are inanimate objects. One is no more dangerous than another. The most important safety feature of any bike is always the same- the brain of its rider.
Supersport provide little room for error unlike non-supersports. You will gain confidence much faster with less errors on a slower bike. Valentino Rossi did not start on a liter bike, you have to crawl before you can walk. Also, everybody does not have the same skill starting out. There is a reason why supersports have the highest insurance rates out of all motorcycles, because many riders get hurt or killed on them, mostly due to their lack of experience on them.
i agree with your comment
CycleCruza What does that mean? "Less room for error?" It's just a buzz phrase that has no meaning in real life. The difference between a 600 CC sport bike and 1000CC bike are negligible, and that's just a fact. Buy the bike you want first. Be careful. Learn slowly and reasonably, just like you should on a 250 or a dirt bike.
Sounds like some good advice. I am thinking about getting my first motorcycle and I want to have all of the knowledge I can acquire before I ride. I have just retired and always wanted a bike but of course with raising a family, getting the kids their cars, purchasing homes over the years, I could never really afford a bike. Now the kids are grown and gone, home paid for so its finally time for me. But I want to live long enough to enjoy it. Did I mention that being a mortician, I have seen first hand what motorcycles can do or rather what the wrong use of cycles can do. Thanks for the video and I will watch the rest of the ones you have. Thanks again.
One of biggest mistakes that I always come across new and experience riders is that they wear helmets that do not fit snug and fit properly. A lot of riders wear helmets that are way to big for their heads. 95% of riders fail to realize that your helmet should fit like nice and snug in order to work at it's fullest potential during an accident.
I made that mistake before too. Good tip!
Worse, we don't all have the same shaped heads. Most helmets are shaped for the "Neutral" to "Slightly Narrow" range. Shoei's, for example, fit that range. Bell's tend to run slightly round.
A VERY good place to start if you are shopping for a new helmet is www.webbikeworld.com .
I just bought an ARAI helmet last month, and it fits perfectly.
Good video, you taught me a couple really important things. I've been riding dirt bikes majority of my life but I am new to street bikes. About a month ago I got a 2003 zx6rr and I'm definitely going to be watching your channel like a new born in a hazardous environment.
I was going to start on a 650 but hmm might reconsider and do a 300.... eh I'm on the fence
I bought a 300 ABS and I love it!!!!
I started on a 600cc but I'm a man with a much bigger brain.
Thank you! I'm a new rider and I found this video so helpful!
i use front brake and i got an r1 for first bike. lol but i dont let sr's (survival reactions) cause me to mash on the front brake by its seft and ive ridden since i was a teenager (im 34). i see these vlogs all the time and think to myself if ppl are too uncoordinated to ride and to scared to ride without letting their sr's take over then they shouldn't be on a motorcycle. use your head ppl. if you've never ridden a bike i agree with cyclecruza buy a 250 dual sport. i think everyone should get some dirt bike experience and lean how to control throttle and trail brake before gettin out here on these crazy streets on a supersport. you gotta be able to ride and keep your head on a swivel and that takes riding time to be able to not put your full concentration on the bike and pay attention to the traffic around you. alwats trust you gut feelings and be safe out there on these streets. your here one min but could be gone the next or worse so fucked up u never walk again or something. bikes aint for the faint of heart and loke cyclecruza said u cant be out here riding scared and let sr's take over cause sr's will make u have a fucked up day on a bike
bought a r1 yesterday, going to be my first time on a motorcycle.
good luck with that
" . . . and to scared to ride without letting their sr's take over . . . "
Nonsense. When things drop in the crapper, the survival reactions will ALWAYS take over. That is why we call them "survival reactions". You are going to react the way you trained.
thats part of riding. u gotta learn to control you sr's. look it up
+Workout Baby So how's it going?
I agree 100% with using both brakes, I was out riding 2 days ago and I come past a corner going almost 90 and there was a cop standing in the middle of the road and I grabbed all front brake and locked up the front and almost ate shit, I'm going to work on using more back brake now
what was the cops reaction?
He didn't see me so he didn't do anything
I swore I would always wear my jacket when I got my bike. But I live in Florida and for some of the summer months its ride in a tshirt, or don't ride at all. You will get heat stroke out there if you wear a jacket. I know its a really bad idea, but I'm not going to park it for the summer months either. I try to get my rides in really early when its cool enough to wear my jacket.
I live in South Texas and Houston. The summer weather here is just as bad and humid as it is Florida, but I managed to find ways to stay cool. One thing I did was I would soak my t-shirt in COLD water and wear it under my jacket, which keeps me cool and eventually dries off after two hours. Also jackets are pretty hot, but if you don't wear one you end up with heat stroke or hypothermia much quicker without that protective layers on.
Same here. I live in the DFW area. Last July, I crossed the Great Salt Lake in July. Temps were 115F - 120F. Long sleeve UnderArmor T-shirt under mesh gear. Stopped about every hour for a drink and to pour about a liter of water over my T-shirt until I got out of the area into Colorado.
It wasn't fun, but it also wasn't that bad.
Here in Sacramento, CA (100+°F some summer days) they sell cooling vests. Wet it and wear a good mesh jacket!
If I ride for pleasure when its middle of summer I do it early morning and wear jacket, but when I ride to work, being sweaty, or wet, really isn't an option.
ride in Florida, full gear no matter the heat. stop being a bitch and embrace the suck,
I started on a 1000cc cbr, it's about self control I've never rode a bike before and I've been conservative on throttle and very attentive to detail when it comes down to it. It's not about the bike it's about the Rider.
Bruh you're like a motorcycle riding HodgeTwin or something lmfaooooo. "Fucking suicide bombers and shit" had me DYING
Shawn Lewis hahaha dude, that's exactly what i was thinking. I thought i was the only one. Specially at 6:56 that's some Hodgetwin action right there
I'm a new rider and got a used gsxr600 and it's more than enough power for my first bike. Good advice on the points you made. My motorcycle school said the exact same things you said in your video.
Mate you hit every point spot on. Much respek
Put some Respeck up on it, out here in these streets
Preach it Cruza! I don't know if it was just because you were on the highway and had to talk loud because of wind noise but you sounded passionate about what you were talking about. Great video!
makes a beginner video and then speeds the whole time and have to pass a car that isn't even paying attention to you..lawl
Sounds like good advice. I am about to become a new rider and nice to have some clearcut and to-the-point advice. Like the "don't ride scared", anybody can be a potential danger, but be defensive (like a soldier, I thought it was a bit cheesy to say in the vid, but makes sense when you think about it, be aware of the dangers, be ready to tackle them, but don't be afraid of them) and keep your head straight, so that you don't add to the potential danger. Being too nervous can result in poor judgment, I feel that is true in life in general.
On the note of bike sizes. I guess the advice is more applicable to people like those in the US, where you can pretty much jump onto a 1000cc bike straight away. Whereas here in the UK, I have to pass a CBT (which I've got mine on Thursday) and you cannot go higher than 125cc until you pass your license and there are different stages to it as well (A1, A2, A), so you cannot just jump onto a 1000cc and then end up getting experience on smaller cc bikes first.
However, maybe to add to the advice, if you are wanting to ride a higher CC bike in the end, but thinking of cost. There are finance options available. This is what I am doing, I'll be getting my CB125F delivered and it's on Honda finance and the dealership will allow me to trade my bike in at a later date to a higher CC when I've got the relevant license to do so. They just take the old bike as deposit, if need be i pay the difference and they'll adjust what I pay back. Obviously with financing, read your terms and conditions and make sure you can pay what you agree to pay before you commit and make sure you're not shooting yourself in the foot...or getting scammed by a dodgey dealership.
i always thought that back brake was best I never ever use front brake even on a bikecycle
CycleCruza! Man thanks for all your videos! I just started riding this summer for the first time in my life, I'm 38 years old. Started with a Honda Grom and now I'm riding a Yamaha R3. You give great advice! Some of these other you tube vids will give you some bad habits!! Keep up the good work!!!
this vid is funny as hell 😂😂🙇🏿🙇🏿
I agree about being alert and that also goes for driving in cars. I teach my kids to expect the unexpected and know where all cars are at all times, use the mirrors.
Good video bro...🇯🇲
dude ur right about everything especially for the gear.. i crashed recently and i was not wearing anything but helmet.. if i was wearing full gear i probably would survive unscathed. Now i have to endure the pain of stitches and burning and scratches... i wish i had full gear the moment of the crash.. i will go buy for sure.!
MSF course should be number 6 on your list. I think every person starting completely new to riding should take an MSF course. Don't rely on what your next door neighbor who rides in jeans and a t-shirt and a brain -bucket helmet tells you.
In Texas, if you are going to ride on the street, you have no choice.
This isn't true. You can take the written and riding exam and still get your license. Going to the MSF however, exempts you from those exams and all you do is pay for the endorsement. I know, I've recently completed the MSF and got my endorsement. Yes, I live in Texas.
Brandon Pierce
Oops. You are right.
I also live in Texas. I have had a motorcycle endorsement since I started riding. And to compound the "oops", I took the Texas MSF course as a refresher a couple of years ago.
You DO have a choice, but I think most places make the logistics hard enough that the MSF course is simpler.
The MSF is indeed the easier route and honestly, why wouldn't you go to the course? Not only does it teach you good techniques but it also lowers your insurance premium. Even though I've ridden before, though not extensively, I think the course taught me a lot of good techniques. I used the Harley course since it was free to veterans, active duty, and first responders.
jake black v
Nice video, good advice for new riders. I myself had a recent get off, low sided around a sharp corner, across other lane of traffic. Car coming around corner too fast couldn't hold his lane and came into mine, forcing me to go into oncoming lane. Luckily, there was no other cars in the oncoming lane, and I missed a steel railroad crossing sign post by inches. I had no helmet on or safety gear other thane my Dainese trq boots. Ironically, the only injury I sustained was to my ankle, go figure. This experience really woke me up and made me realize just how human I am on my bike. I had gone almost a decade with no get offs. I decided it's time for me to revisit the basics and start wearing atgatt. Subbed
I wear full gear all the time even when I was on a 50cc
gunerman58 😂😂😂 good boy. Ain't nothing like riding safe.
hey man, just got my first bike last monday, and thank you so much for your videos, they helped me even before i started riding and the will still continue to help me learn
i've got a yamaha diversion 600 cc '98 but its tuned down to 25 kW ( 34 HP ) because of my age and the motorcycle license restrictions in the netherlands due to my age, but for me its fast enough for now, even with 34 hp it's faster than almost any car that drives around in the netherlands
I've been riding for over a decade and my gear consists of a helmet an gloves (when it's cold). I've never had an accident and I've never even dropped a bike. I'm not going to wear all that shit. I like riding comfortable. If something happens it happens.
Be prepared for a lot of PAIN and SCARING, if you aren't CRIPPLED. Good luck. lol
it could happen one day though... might not be your fault but a cagers... then you will wish you had full gear on. not with the risk imho. i won't get on the bike to ride round the corner without full gear personally.
I hate to admit that being ATGATT hinders my ability to enjoy the scenery with my ride by not feeling the cool wind flowing through me as much, but it's still worth the sacrifice to maximize protection.
If you were really worried about your safety, you wouldn't be riding a motorcycle.
lmao if something happenes it happens till it fking happens then you will have ass hair growing all over your body
I almost made the "too much bike" mistake... test rode a Honda cb919 and I was giggling with joy after feeling all that power (had some experience dirt biking but I don't consider myself experienced because of that). Thank goodness prudence won out and I got a 2017 Ninja 650 with ABS. Great decision. Has all the power someone of my experience needs.
That popping and cracking in your mic is very annoying bro.
wind noise, reason why I don't usually go fast in my vlogs but that day I was juiced to ride faster than normal at the expense of the mic.
Understandable. Just wanted to make sure you were aware of it. Great subject on the vid btw.👍
get ya mic outta the wind lol
I noticed that the popping noise only occurred when his keys were flying around, it wasn't his mic it was the key.
thanks a lot cycle cruza I'm a new rider and was thinking g of getting g a new ninja 600cc now I'm gonna do more research and getting the proper bike for myself
I started off on a ninja 300 and just moved up to a gsxr 600 and I've been riding dirt bikes for a long time still think it's smart to start on a smaller bike
went from moped (49cc)for 13 years NOW a 150cc) scooter have helmet jacket jeans boots reflective vest still learning LIL steps :)
great video. i personally made mistake #5 and bought a harley fatboy 1800cc screamin eagle as my first motorcycle. next thing i know, i whiskey throttle it, hit the curb and get my leg crushed under it. luckily the bone did not break but i have extensive damage to my calf muscle and needed skin grafts on it after they did surgery on it to relieve pressure. i learned the hard way and have almost a year ahead of me before i fully recover.
This guy has the most common sense i've ever seen. Thank you for the videos and keep making them. They help!
I totally agree on this video except the braking part, I went to heavy on my rear brake once and lost the back side. What you're saying on new riders starting on heavy bikes is true, you have to build up the experience. I'm riding a 650 but now I'm on the look out for a bandit 1250 or a gsx 1400 because I know I have teh experience now.
Thanks for all the useful information, i have watched other youtube motovlogers but this is the first time i am hearing these. I do not own a bike but considering getting one.
I'm just seeing this video now. I actually crashed my 636 about 4 days before this video got uploaded. Thankfully I had my work boots, jeans, plated motorcycle jacket and gloves. They jacket definitely save me from getting hurt more even though I broke my collarbone. The bike ended up being completely totaled. But I'm healing back from it and thinking about getting back into riding once I'm ready. But I'm thinking either like a 300 or maybe a middleweight 600, like a Yamaha FZ6R.
Thanks, I'm a military vet. and like to hear it like it is. I'm getting ready to jump on a 390 duke after riding a zuma 50 for a few years. My plan was to drop $1000 on gear, I thought I was crazy...not any more thanks again this vid. just opened my eyes.
12:59 !!!! COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE!!! I started on a 110 dirt bike, moved to a 250 Ninja, now I have an XT 250 Dual sport. I LOVE ripping the twisties on my dual sport. I can really CRANK the throttle and its FUN!
I became your fan. I'm from India. i ride 113cc scooter. you explained stuffs like my brother. thanks man keep up the good work.
Here are some more mistakes:
1. Leaving turn signals on
2. Dragging feet on ground when moving off
3. Taking hand(s) off handlebars
4. Speeding
5. Undertaking
Just got my first bike, a 2002 750 Honda Shadow. Glad the guy that taught me how to ride drilled all of this into my head.
Thanks for putting out this video. I've been riding for 42 years and I agree with the points you've made here. Great advice!
Thanks for the tips, been looking into getting a bike. Kind of awesome to see you riding on roads that I drive all of the time!
Awesome Video! I can't wait to get my first bike! I snowmobile and a lot of your tips help in that arena as well. Thanks CycleCruza!
Just found this channel and I’m loving every video. I am a new rider looking to get a bike and everyone is telling me to get a 700cc or 800cc because otherwise I will get bored too quick, but after watching your videos I think I may get the WR250R as my first bike for all the reasons you mentioned
A little birdie at track training yesterday told me to try and use my front brake as much as possible on track at all times. And after that I crashed and broke my rear brake. After that I was forced to use my front brake at all times :').
I love that you compared the bike whining to the lady in your life screaming at you. This is a win, IMO
Cyclecruza, two things, first I really like your new editing style with clips at the beginning. Second, be careful passing people in the right lane like that brotha!
Great advice im taking all of it. Getting my M1 this weekend
in response to getting too much bike: I started on an Aprilia Shiver 750 and I knew it would be a good bit of power but I wanted to skip the 300 class. I set the throttle to touring mode to smooth my throttle response for the first couple weeks while I got used to it, then I kicked into sport mode and left it there rain or shine(bike also had a rain mode) so if the bike has power modes, you might be able to start on a bigger bike and just go with a lesser power mode to start,
I like how you don't spend too much time cruising along near or next to other automobiles on the road...smart :-)
Cruising along next to other vehicles and expecting them to notice you is dangerous.
Getting Bike Advice and Relationship advice in 1 video ! respect
I like how he says in the end. do wtf you want to do. It's your life. my advice would be to crawl before you walk. walk before you run. bravo
I'm only 16 and really digging this stuff. I went ahead and subscribed, and hopefully in a year or so, I will be able to be out there riding!
My biggest mistake was not getting proper tyres, meant I dropped my bike fairly often in the wet, the tyres were just too hard. Another early mistake was not looking over my shoulder when changing lanes.
Bro!!! When I went down I had a Alpinestars Jacket on, and still got road rash. Dislocated my shoulder, tore my labrum and rotator cuff and fractured my humorous. That road rash hurt more then everything else. I totally agree WEAR GEAR BRO!!!
Pretty good video. I'm biased about starting on a liter bike because a fire blade was my first bike, but overall I completely agree
Great advice and cool commentary....
All about being alert and riding again...another day!!
Thanks
Took my first ride today!! Full gear? Check. Scared? A little, but I owned it. Listen to the bike? Check. Braking? relied on the front brake. Noob. Too much bike? Hell no. Took your advice and got a CBR250R! Thanks for your badass self, CycleCruza.
thanks buddy , i have a on/off road bike ..and im in love with riding ..looking to get a ZX6R kawasaki for my firts super bike ..and I totally agree with you ...#BikeLife
I've owned 7 different bikes from supermotos, dirt, standard, superbikes, and cruisers and its all about practice and building skills. I started on a ninja 250 and now ride a 750magna cruiser; you can have fun on any bike. I wish I had started on a bigger bike, but that extra speed would have put me in a bad position quicker.
hey thanks a lot for this man i have been strongly considering getting a motorcycle and this really is some awesome advice and i intend on looking at that playlist of yours, thanks a ton again
I started on a liter bike 4 days ago and I have never ridden a bike before. I learned everything from TH-cam.
This video is dead on. I made the error of dropping my bike at low speed wearing only a T-shirt. I had road rash my on forearm and cuts on my knuckles. Now I am all about ATGATT. Period. No exceptions.
Second, is the scared part (especially on the highway). I went with two of my buddies on a little trip and after 40 minutes they pulled over to basically give me a pep talk. They said I was going way too slow because I was scared to go faster. After that I went quicker and kept up with the flow of traffic with no problems.
Also, he makes a great point about checking your RPMs. It is a mistake that I admit I am still in the habit of doing. On the highway I learned very quickly on the little CBR300 that looking down for even half a second is a distraction.
As for the braking, the MSF course said to use both so I use both and haven't ever stopped without using both breaks. My friend says using both is a mistake but I don't care.
All in all, these videos are awesome for us new riders.
Thanks for sharing your experience! You sound like a wise rider. I wish the best for you out on the streets, have a great 2017!
I used to ride with a shirt and shorts but helmet and gloves, I barely went down and it didn't end well haha, now I wear everything all the time, and it recently saved my life
Hey man you're my favorite motovlogger out here. I love the straight from the heart shit and you say it like its supposed to be. No sugar coating bullshit. Thanks for your videos man and you've inspired me to start my channel.. although I suck now but I swear I will get better. LOL
Good video. I'm trying to talk myself into getting one. My biggest fear is Speed Wobble. It's like a mental block, now.
Thanx for the advise i started on a aprillia 125rs and then went to a 250rs and thinking of getting a 650 er6n kawaski
so really excellent advice. I went from a 50cc through 125,400 and now 750. the 1000 really are a bit too much for the road, my 750. The equipment is most certainly your best point. In the UK you have to wear a helmet by law.. cant understand why USA hasnt followed?
Im going to start on a ninja 650 and I can't wait thanks for the tips man
Brandon Roche me too. I'm thinking of a 2014 or 15
I listened to some of your advice, it`s really useful! Thanks man! It even helped me on my first fucked up day.
Finding XXXL gear is a challenge for sure! Wearing leather in 34C temperature is torturous! There are some decent CE rated mesh jackets that help protect you. I wear lots of hi-vis colors. Yes, I look like a traffic cone but people see me!