The biggest mistake riders make when they get a bigger motorcycle
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- When is the right time to get a bigger motorcycle? How do you know when you are ready for a bigger bike?
This week let's talk about it.
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Here in Europe, we're limited to 48hp for two years after having passed our A2 licence. A lot of people stay on the A2 for life. Or you can take another training course and move up to the unlimited A category bikes. I did this in November and found it very interesting and useful. Big change in handling and trajectories with a bigger, more powerful bike. Different planning needed for slow speed manœuvres. A little more thought about where to park! And an awareness of the size and weight of the bike is essential. I just sold my Tracer 700 and picked up an Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Its like moving from a Mini Cooper to a Bentley Bentayga!! Huge fun. Huge changes. But always thinking ahead.
One can practice emergency stops and swerving every time one rides…generally, the biggest challenge is the space between the headphones…
yes - when you are stopping for a light or sign check your rear view mirror - if no one is behind you get on the brakes harder than you normally do, and stop short of the sign about 20 to 40 feet - then creep up to the intersection at 2mph without putting your feet down, and you get to practice ebraking and the slow crawl in the same stop
BTW: stop short of the intersection because you are practicing - if you make a mistake stopping harder than normal you dont want to skid out into the intersection....
you dont have to get to the full "edge of a skid" power stop - just progressively stop harder than you normally do, and when the rear tire skids and surprises you, then you are close to the limit of your bike.
and you can pick ANY spot in the road ahead and swerve around it (again with no cars around so you dont freak them out)
think of yourself like a boxer in the ring, dancing from one foot to the other - ready to dodge a punch...you can be doing this every time you ride
When you practice go back to what you learned in the MSF course - go back to the fundamentals - if you have not taken a MSF course then you are just "practicing" your bad riding habits
@@kenwittlief255 - indeed👍 every time I ride
I’m forced to practice emergency braking , defensive riding and 360 degree situational awareness every time I ride. I live in Albuquerque. Nuff said…….
@@wingandhog yep, Santa Fe here…crazy stuff👍
Lots of facts in this video. Growing up in the country, a lot of us rode various sizes of dirt bikes. I started out on a 90cc and after saving enough money bought a 125 Enduro from my uncle. Fast-forward 25 years of not riding but always wanting to. In 2007, I bought my first street bike, a Suzuki Boulevard C50. 800cc and a fantastic bike. Even as a kid though, I always dreamed of having a big bike. Fast forward again to last summer when I sold that C50 and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager. 1700cc. Moving up from 542 lbs to 945 lbs was a huge step. There's a lot of relearning some things because of that weight difference. Practice definitely helps.
I did the same thing a c50 then a Vulcan, you are right the weight is a lot more.
I just did a similar thing last month. Rode as a young man, but gave it up after marriage and kids, 20+ years later, my wife and kids reluctantly supported my return to the road on a motorcycle! First thing I did was take a State/National certified motorcycle riders class from my local Harley Davidson dealer! Once I passed it all, I went out and bought the bike I always wanted…….an Indian…..Indian super chief! Honesty, I still go to a parking lot with my BMW GS 650 and practice. I follow every rule I can remember and I am still a little nervous. End of the day, I know I have to practice….if not for me, then at least for my wife and kids!
Rode when I was in my twenties and stopped. Bought a gold wing in 2019. Looking back, not smart. I can tell you, however, watching you, taking 4 riding classes in the first 4 months of ownership surely saved me from disastrous outcome. 34,000 miles later, two cross country trips, and constant training has lead to an extremely enjoyable experience. Thanks for the help! I appreciate you.
That is awesome Rich, best of luck to you on the GW!
326 miles a month isnt going to teach you anything (34k divided by 104 weeks = 326 a month). Thats week end warrior numbers on the low end. Riding is a skill that will fade if you dont do it. 81 miles a week isnt going to teach you anything.
Your no better off then if you kept riding younger then you are now only doing 81 miles a week.
@@CrypticApathy Did you read the comment? Do you think I magically stopped training? Enjoy the day, troll.
@@CrypticApathy 34k ÷ 104 WEEKS is about 327 miles per WEEK, not per month. At about 17,000 miles per year it is more miles than the average driver puts on their car using it for regular daily use. Hardly weekend warrior territory.
I hope you enjoy the GW Rich!
I started riding at 62, I went from 250 , 750, 1300, today I ride a Yamaha Raider 1850. It was the right way to go for me , especially at an older age. Glad I took the course , as well as watching videos like yours along the way, thanks for your help.
Bob, what 250 motorcycle did you begin with? I'm 62 and will be taking the basic safety rider course next month. How quickly did you move from 250cc to 750cc?
I always wanted the big Harley well my wife got me my 2012 ultra limited for my birthday. Being 67 I’m taking my time to learn to ride, your videos are a great help. I get to practice this weekend and I can’t tell ya how excited I am.
I think the one of the main things is to take into consideration when moving up is that CC is not an indicator of power , torque or how that power is delivered. Someone who rides a 600cc cruiser is going to be in for a hell of a surprise when they jump on a R6 !
True, there are more considerations than just cc's
Thank you, not only for this video, but for all of them, including the ones you haven't made yet.
You are a pleasure to watch and all your videos are informative and helpful.
👏👏👏 tipping my hat to you sir.
I rode a ‘63 Triumph 650 for years until my first kid was born. I sold it and told myself I’d get another bike when my kids are old enough to take care of themselves.
Well, here I am. I put together a basket case Harley shovelhead, and it sure took some getting used to. Much heavier than the old Triumph. I practiced a lot in an empty parking lot (panic braking, swerves, u-turns, friction zone with clutch and rear brake). That cantankerous old Harley is second nature now. I agree with everything you said. Sometimes I still practice that stuff for fun.
I think any bike can become like an extension of the rider if you feel a connection with it and practice, practice. At this point you're probably safer on that old shovelhead than a modern bike because you know it so well.
I would also like to add, that people of smaller stature as myself 5'5" with a 26" inseam! Will always be better off to stay away from bigger and heavier motorcycles. I got myself an Indian scout 60 and this bike is a Dream come true! Because it is a lower in height motorcycle and it is also easier to maneuver and manage because of its lower weight. Their are many different Brands of motorcycles, and costs! So shopping around is really important, especially for your budget at the time of purchase. Many people buy motorcycles that are not appropriate for them only because of peer pressure to get what everyone else has, and that is dangerous. So! Buy what you can afford and comfortably handle! Don't please others, please yourself! Ride safe and enjoy this beautiful lifestyle on motorcycles 🏍👍🏻💪🏻🙏🇺🇸👍🏻
I would disagree. Technique can overcome that fairly well. I’m just a little taller, 5’ 7”, 30” inseam. But I’m easily able to handle a Road Glide Limited. I know those 4” in the inseam is a substantial difference, so I’m not discounting that. But if your technique is solid, a big motorcycle can be easily managed. You just have to adapt. If you adapt, the wonderful world of big bikes can be open to you.
Words of wisdom. Never let others talk you into riding a bike that is wrong for you, just because they like it better than your current ride. Most of them think they are being helpful, but they are not.
Ditto! Totally agree with you, Kevin. Now here in Houston totally different than small towns I'm from. Safe braking and 180-360° look & observation on a bigger bike is way different, & practice! Ride safe and keep alert!👍🏍
Great advice. My motorcycle history started late in life . I didn't start riding until after kids were raised and out of house. First bike was a Honda PCX150 scooter. Quickly traded that in on a BMW 650GT scooter. Next up an Africa Twin. That bike too tall for me and I knew I would never be riding off road so traded in for a Goldwing DCT. Thought that would be my last bike. But now at age 67 nd riding solo and mostly around town, thinking of selling that and going with a Honda NC750X. Much smaller and lighter bike. Would meet my needs, provide all the power and capabilities I need and easier to push around the garage and pick up if I happen to drop it. I am seeing this as the full cycle of bikes. Start small to learn, upgrade to get the bigger bikes, and then downsize so you can still ride as you age. Just my approach and sure there are others. I just won't go to a trike. Might as well get a convertible sports car at that point.
@HahrtDood Both great choices. The Ninja is in a different class. I think I'm sold on the DCT so Honda my option. And, I like the quasi adventure capabilities of the NC.
@HahrtDood Surprised the NC750X would be too tall, but guess that depends on your height. It is not a true adventure bike but can handle gravel/dirt roads. Probably benefit from different tires and a real back plate of doing serious time off road. The NT is a pretty big bike by comparison. I don't need all the power or size (or I'd keep my Goldwing). Thinking the 750 would provide enough power for my needs but have not test ridden it yet. Too cold and snowy here right now to do a test ride. Not a good time to try and sell my Goldwing either so looking around for the next month or so before getting serious.
As I watched I kept thinking of the emergency braking practice.
Learning at 20mph and building up is great, making a panic stop from 60mph without ever having practiced, not so great.
Just experienced that
I went right to a big bike after not riding for 15 years and never having ridden a big bike before. It was fine for me and I didn't have the option of buying a smaller bike and moving up. The only way I was getting any bike is if it was big enough for my wife to also go with me comfortably. I've never dropped the bike and this will probably be the only bike I buy.
Just bought a Harley-Davidson dyna super glide custom after 9 years of not riding and previously had a srad.riding is fine but confidence is low how was it for u
@@gavinhendrikse258 i didn't let anyone ride with me for a month or so while I spent my weekends and afternoons in an empty parking lot getting used to moving a 900lb bike around. Over 25 mph wasn't a problem for me, it was low speed because you can't just throw the bike around like a smaller bike.
@@jeremym311 I think that's what I will do this weekend. The handling I'm okay, the braking at a spead is an issue. Approached an intersection a week ago where the light turned amber, I could make it but a car was turning so u slammed the breaks instead of going above. Bike skidded but kept it under control, didn't drop the bike but that hit my confidence hard
@@gavinhendrikse258 I my bike has some nanny controls on it with linked braking which helped me, but I did also practice emergency braking which came in handy one morning when a deer jumped out in front of me while on a blind turn one morning.
Well said. I took the basic rider course and practiced on and off for 2 years before purchasing a road king special. I rode many different bikes before making the decision...Then, I spent many hours practicing in a parking lot before riding. I was told by many to start with a smaller bike and progress towards the larger frame, but ended up starting with the bike I wanted from the start.
One thing I'd like to add is that the bike has to fit you in order for you to feel confident on it. I'm a relatively tall guy and couldn't get comfortable on a sportster or even some of the softail frames.
How did you practice for 2 years before buying a motorcycle, and say you started with the bike you wanted from the start?!
Most people dont have someone else's motorcycle handy to practice on for 2 years.
@@kenwittlief255 My Uncle let me practice on his Harley. The local shop also let me test ride a bunch of different ones. Then, I saved up and bought the bike that I wanted.
Here in NZ we are limited to LAMS approved bikes while on learners or restricted licenses. I started with a Hyosung GV250 (Dropped it when I forgot to confirm the kickstand was locked down) but it was physically too cramped and small for me, so just before I sat my restricted permit, I bought a Yamaha vStar 650 (No drops, a couple of emergency manoeuvres). I rode that for over a year, and sat my full licence test on it, then rode and fell in love with a 2007 Suzuki M50 (800cc) (Dropped this stopping with the handlebar turned doh!) and it now been about 18 months, and I am just about to pull the trigger on a trade up to a Suzuki M109R 8) Enjoying the upgrades so far.
Thanks Kevin,
My Lady was a designated passenger for all her life. Now she has decided to learn. For our trips this will be a great help.
Teaching anyone to ride always helps my riding skills. I practice all slow speed maneuvers before taking anyone to a parking lot to practice. Your videos are this winter's assignment for my Lady until it warms up here in north west Iowa. I appreciate your techniques and tutorials, Thank You.
You are in my prayers
Hoka Hey
I rode a 2008 Suzuki 650F from 2009 and bought a 2020 Yamaha FJR 1300es in 2020. I love it so much. I am taking a course From Jerry Paladino (ride like a pro) in April. He is a retired motorcycle officer and teaches low speed skills. Even with all of my experience, I know that I will always learn something new. My slow speed skills are decently good but I know that I always have room for improvement. Especially since I don’t use them all of the time. If ya don’t use it, you lose it.
Thank you for your videos bud and keep up the great work! 👍😇🙏🏻
I hope that it was ok that I mentioned Jerry.
My experience has been that you can practice emergency maneuvers until you turn blue in the face but when an actual emergency situation arises - where there is literally no time to think - instinct takes over and, for example, your hand automatically squeezes the break fast and hard . . . and down you go - fast and hard - if your bike doesn't have ABS. Similarly for swerving - there is simply no time to check that the way is clear to safely swerve into the next lane . . . etc. etc. etc. I have spent countless hours practicing these maneuvers but when a real emergency situation arose, instinct took over and my body reacted before I could even consciously think of what to do . . . and the reaction was NOT what I had practiced. Others have told me they've had the exact same experience.
This is something that I think about all the time. Worrying how I would react in a real emergency breaking situation.That initial reaction we have when driving a car and something causes us to ‘slam’ on the breaks, and generally that’s ok because we have 4 wheels.
I do my very best to ride very defensively, using good road strategy to limit emergency situation.
Perhaps you are correct. Perhaps your practice was not as thorough as you thought. Perhaps professional training would help. ChampU talks a lot about the initial 5% and final 5% of braking. Also about keeping the brake lever covered. In emergencies, we revert to our training. Without training, we revert to instinct. With poor training, we still revert to that training. Practicing bad habits only reinforces the original error.
This was absolutely me, went from a small naked bike to a giant ADV bike, oh yeah all those habits I picked up riding that naked did not fly on a top-heavy ADV with another 1.5 inches of seat height. Luckily the bike came fitted with crash guards so no damage but it was humbling. I took that giant bike into a parking lot and kept practicing my evasive maneuvers, u turns and clutch control (it was much heavier than my old naked)
Practice makes you that much closer to perfect , never ever stop striving for perfect , even if you think your so-called perfect . Be safe and enjoy your ride .
I've been an MSF RiderCoach since 2006 teaching the Basic and Advanced courses. I recommend your videos to all my students. Always great content and you explain things well.
Amen, you are spot on. I grew up on bikes and my daily rider is a 790cc motorcycle. I know the skill set, but I let myself get lazy with a bike with so much forgiveness. When we purchased out 2015 Triumph Rocket 3 Touring my basic skills came back and got applied immediately. Big Bikes do keep you honest. By the way, the Rocket is the first motorcycle I have owned over 1000cc. I am 64. My America sees many more back roads.
Lol...started with a Goldwing DCT...learned lessons good, fast and expensive...then Africa Twin DCT....then Rebel 1100 DCT....no problems learning top down....just have a good job and a little skin and blood to spare :)
Only watched the beginning, but have to agree. My first bike was 6 months ago. I got a 1982 Yamaha xj750 maxim. I practiced in the parking lot until I could comfortably do tight circles, figure eights, u turns in 2 parking stalls, hard stops without sliding the rear tire, correcting a rear slide, etc etc. Bought a 1983 Yamaha venture 1200 full dressed touring bike within 4 months of getting the xj, and it's easy to ride, u turns included.
The hardest part of learning to ride has been countering incorrect instinct, so when stuff happens, my immediate reaction is the correct one. I already had the majority of the planning ahead and road strategy down from how I drive a car, minor adjustments were all I needed. And I'm mechanically inclined and work on my stuff, which I believe helps a lot in knowing how to run equipment of any kind, motorcycles included.
I attended the "advanced" rider training course twice. This is the one that you use your own bike. I did it once with my 440cc and again with my 1100cc. While I practiced with my 440, the bigger bike was much wider and taller. It was helpful to have a trainer who was watching my body position and giving advice while riding the big bike.
I ran across an article that gave three rules for a first bike: only two cylinders, maximum of 900cc, and nothing Italian. I started out on a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero 750cc. It was a great first bike, but when I started riding with others, that 750cc was just in over its head. So I moved up to a VTX 1800. I love it, but I'm *really* grateful I cut my teeth on the Aero. The VTX 1800 is a fantastic machine, but it is unquestionably not a starter bike.
We started with wide tire/mesh metal foot board with Sears 3hp.. Then moved up too vespa neighbors threw out, then Honda shop open within walking! We went through step through 50s, 90s, then 150cc, 160cc, 250cc, 305 scrambler, 750cc, 750sabre, Yamaha Venture Royale, Harley sporty, Harley Dyna fxdx, now 1500GL Goldwing. I took motorcycle safety, advanced riding course, instructor program. Motorcycles have always been in my life! Mom showed me picture of her pregnant with me while riding on back of brothers triumph, said I was riding before I was born! Take training an be serious with it! Learn too watch everyone around you, practice all skills esp. counter steering! Ride Safe! (P.S. don't go too Sturgis Not Knowing How Too Ride!)
I've been riding for 30 years... my wife started just last year. We got her a rebel 500, trained like crazy in parking lots with cones, rode in the winter, rode in the rain, rode in the mountains, rode in the city.... and this year got her a nicer Triumph Speedmaster and she feels much more comfortable on the bigger bike. She's not ready for my Goldwing or Rocket 3, but she's been progressing very well.
This is one of the best and fundamentally important videos I've watched Kevin, especially for new riders to watch and take seriously. Thank you Kevin. I'll be sharing this link and encouraging my son and others to do so. Kids know better aye... hmm. So easy to over estimate ones own abilities until it's too late, although there are exceptions where some have good sense and insight. I could have done have done with some of that when I was younger.
I hope everyone who's watched this video will share it with others, especially those who have not yet bought a bike - to provoke sensible thinking before purchasing their first bike, and to get some fundamental training and practice. Thanks again so much.
Never had a bike, road a friends Honda 50 maybe 30 years ago, always wanted one. Without knowing any better grabbed a brand new 2019 BMW R1250 GSA off the showroom floor. Had to ask the salesman the correct way to get on it. A week later took the class for an endorsement, a week after that took the state exam. 22,000 miles later I only stop riding when the ground is frozen or snowing. Appreciate the advice and other videos people post, but I just had to comment on how buying a big first bike has been a great experience.
I went from a Suzuki Intruder VS800 to a beastly Honda Valkyrie 1500 overnight. It took me over a year to get really used to that big bike. I love that bike !
Ok I listened to this video and few others prior to me purchasing my first motorcycle after obtaining motorcycle training class. Well 3 years ago I purchased a 14 street glide. I took my bike to the school when it closed and I practiced. Before I actually rode it on the street. Took a ride like a pro class, practiced. I’m extremely confident, things will happen just don’t panic and stay smooth. Oh and look at Mc rider videos too.
You're right Kevin, it really boils down to the individual and their willingness to put in the time to train, and to continue that training no mater what size bike they ride. I make it a point to pull into a parking lot and practice at least 15 to 20 minutes every time I ride. There are exceptions to that, but not very often. The key is to practice, practice, practice. That's the only way to keep your skills sharp. Especially when you get up there in age like me. Praying for an early spring up here in Massachusetts so I can get my bikes out of hibernation. 🥶
Hi Larry, I live in Spfld MA...I took my bike out twice so far this month. I'll ride as long as it's at least in the upper 20s, but there has to be no snow or ice. I was riding a lot in Dec, but stopped the first week of Jan due to snow. We finally got a thaw last week and this week for about a day each. It sure was nice getting out there. Due to it being work days I only got about 80 miles last week and 60 miles yesterday, but I'll take it! I ride a 2014 Harley Sportster 1200T, what do you ride?
@@assistanttothetravelingsec8301 My hat's off to you on being able to ride in the cold weather. My personal minimum temp for riding is 50 degrees. I use to brave the colder temps when I was younger. The warmer weather the last couple of days has finally gotten rid of most of the snow up here in Gardner, but it's taken in toll on the roads. Lots of pot holes and frost heaves. I have a 1994 Honda Goldwing and a 2000 Honda Valkyrie Interstate. Ride safe!
@@larryritchey8557 I found that I could bundle up and ride down into the 30s, but it got so bulky that it wasn't that comfortable. So I bought a heated liner and gloves and now I'm quite comfortable into the 20s with a lot less bulk. Nice bikes you have, enjoy!
Been subscribed for sometime now and followed the proper techniques and advices from this channel. Made a routine to be able to apply/practice the techniques/skills in every single daily ride in a 110cc non high end japanese scooter until they were second nature. Bought a 650cc naked city bike a few weeks ago after watching this video. I was torn between progressing with smaller to bigger vs jumping directly to the higher displacement bikes in the mid segment category prior the purchase. This video gaved me the courage to choose the latter. The transition was surprisingly but pleasantly smooth. Kevin was spot on accurate so far.
My progression since i was 12 was, 5 years on a 50cc another 10 years on a 300 and now I have a 1000cc and it fits me perfectly
I started on an '06 ZX-10R, I was in my early 30's and not as immature or stupid as I was in my 20s. I think starting out on the 10R was great. I had to learn control quickly which has translated well into riding any other bike I've gotten on. I didn't pick up the bad habits that you get away with on smaller bikes. When new riders ask me about what bike they should start with I always tell them that depends on their maturity level and how responsible they are, but ultimately it comes down to what they're comfortable with. Go sit on a bunch of bikes, take it off the side stand, if it feels too much at that point go smaller. If it feels too small, check out something bigger. If it feels right go for it. Then practice, practice, practice and when you think you're done; practice some more.
Whatever decision the buyer ultimately makes PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND THEN SOME MORE PRACTICE might minimize damage to his person. Getting training is critical but practicing newly learned skills is paramount. great video.
The bigger the bike, the heavier they get, the less nimble they get, and the less fun they become.
Compared to my Honda Shadow 750 which I regret buying and drives like a freight train.... my Honda Rebel 250 is an absolute blast that can dodge around the the road like a hummingbird. But between both of them, my Honda CM450 is the real workhorse and my daily driver.
Moving to a bigger bike will force you to have to learn to become a better rider... if you recognize that fact, and realize you have to learn more to safely ride this beheamoth that is indeed less forgiving of everything... bad technique you didn't even know you were doing wrong, and otherwise. It amplifies your faults and deficiencies.
Nail on the head.
Start with a suitable size and learn the proper techniques. Then continuously practice.
Whether a bike weighs 900 pounds or 250 pounds, the techniques will work.
So true. All you have to do is go practice to find out"seat time" doesn't cover it unless a good portion of seat time is practicing. My clutch hand is sore from practicing friction zone, trail braking U-turns yesterday. Need to go back.
I can attest that bigger bikes are less forgiving, especially at low speed. I went from a 650 Triumph to a Harley-Davidson Ultra-Classic and dropped it 2 or 3 times before I learned that at slow speed you simply don't lean a big bike, you simply steer it while remaining upright. On the Triumph I could muscle it around but with the Ultra that wasn't possible. I also encourage anyone who gets a big bike to learn how to pick it up by yourself if you drop it. there won't always be someone around to help you. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.
So true! Worth mentioning: In a safe location, practice different ways of picking up your new heavier bike so you'll feel confident about practicing your slow-speed skills in a parking lot. Cuz you know you're gonna drop it when you start carving those 18-foot circles!
You should also consider when it is time to downsize your motorcycle. After 60 years of long distance cross country riding on big Harleys I found out last year it was time to downsize. I dropped my UltraClassic about 4 times in a month on a trip last year. At 75, I found out I had balance issues while horsing around a absolutely overloaded bike on a trip. Once I finally got home a month later I took several rides on "smaller" bikes at the Harley shop and bought a new Road King. It is 100 pounds lighter empty, all of the lost weight was high up on the bike. I also promised myself I would pack a lot lighter leaving the kitchen sink home in the garage. The side benefit is considerable more power to weight ratio and acceleration. I have since done a few week long ventures and as of today have not found myself with weight issues or on the way down.
I bought a 16 year old 883xlc sportster two years ago, which i have put close to 3 thousand miles on. Turns out it was converted to 1200 before i bought it. When i started riding it would have intimidated me now i just love it.
Your videos are like dopamine for my brain 😍🤤
I started on bicycle 10Kg. and when i learned correctly all the techniques, I bought my Harley 270kg to find my self noob, then first i went to school 😉 to learn how to ride a heavy bike. now i feel the 270Kg bike is lighter than my 10kg bike 😅
Ugh... just push your limits whenever you feel comfortable with that and just be sure not to endanger anyone around you. Just play and enjoy. That's why you've started riding in the first place, most likely. But don't be stupid
Sound advice. But going back to the beginning of your video- I feel stepping up to a slightly larger size bike is a smart choice rather than just going all in on a bike that you feel you won't outgrow. At least that's how I feel about it. Might be a little more costly in the long run, but a more sensible choice all the same I'd say. That way you're not biting off more that you can chew 😉
Awesome video on point. Been riding an Indian Scout a little over 2 years. Just upgraded to an Indian Chieftain. Your absolutely right already dropped my bike its less forgiving. Back to the school parking lot for drills.
the first time i road a motorcycle was when i was 10 it was a cb750. contrary to popular belief theres no deep dark secrets to riding a bike and even a ten year old can do it. like with a guitars get one that is comfortable to you that makes you want to practic. when i was a kid motorcycles didnt ride themselves. you had to learn how to ride and interact with the bike but now you can ride down the road watching tv enjoying your favorite beverage while riding. thats whats killing bikers is displacency from both the dummy in the car shaving and eating their happy meal while texting and the rider not knowing how to ride. it has nothing to do with the size of the bike.
I went with a 500lb Suzuki VStrom 650 and absolutely love it.
I practice a few times a month doing the same manoeuvres I had to do in the mandatory training course you’re required to do where I live.
I’m now just as agile with it as I was with the tiny rebel 250’s the school used.
It took time to get to that level on my bigger bike and it was worth it.
This is a good life lesson that can be applied to just about anything. Motorcycling is more critical than many other activities, so the consequences of failure can be more severe. But just putting in "seat time" without working on developing good habits/skills is a very slow way to get good at anything.
I've had a few dualsport bikes and a few street only bikes. I improved my technique the most trying to ride single-track on a KLR650 (the MSF Dirt Bike course helped too). The KLR is a top heavy bike in the woods and does a lot to highlight bad habits! I still have lots to learn, but the low speed balance and control I learned on the KLR has served me well on my former GW and my current Honda Valkyrie.
Thanks for the videos!
Started on a Honda 750 then moved to a victory vision after 6months. Still on that love it.
One important aspect to consider in choosing a new bike is the wheel-base, ie the distance between the front and rear axle. In general the shorter the wheel base the quicker the bike will turn into a corner and it will also be more nimble in slow speed maneuvers. The longer the wheel base the steadier the bike will be in a straight line. Touring bikes and cruisers have longer wheelbases. Choppers would be an extreme example. Naked, adventure and sport bikes have short wheelbases. So if you do a lot of road trips on the interstate a long wheelbase touring bike will be more comfortable but if you ride curvy roads or in the city a short wheelbase bike will be much more nimble. Another thing to consider is actually getting a lighter bike as you get older. I quit doing long road trips and traded my Harley for a Kawasaki Z900Rs. As I'm getting older the lighter weight and better handling will hopefully allow me to keep riding longer.
Bought my first Goldwing with 20 years riding under my belt. 40 years old at the time. Past bikes included HD panhead GS 850 Suzuki, Z1 Kawasaki among others. So I was used to big bikes. Or so I thought. Even with that, the Wing was a whole different animal! Scared the joojoo out of me. But I had enough sense to realize it. Took the whole summer to acclimate to the power and weight. Since I respected the beast while acknowledging my personal limits, we became fast friends. (Pun intended) On my third Wing now. Still riding at 70 years young.
There is no shame in learning and practicing on a smaller bike. Here in Australia we have what are called LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) motorcycles, which covers bikes with modest power to weight ratios from 50cc to 650cc. My son being 6'4" tall chose the Kawasaki Vulcan 650 as his learner bike and he's very happy with it. Every other weekend we hit the parking lot for low speed exercises to keep ourselves sharp. I take a beat up Kawasaki Vulcan 800 to practice on so I don't worry about damaging my 2010 Honda Fury or my 2012 Honda Goldwing. Changing between the bikes is a real eye opener as each of them feel vastly different. I guess the main thing is not to feel pressured into riding a big bike if your not ready for it. Some of my riding buddies laugh at me practicing on a Vulcan 800 and call it a girls bike but I don't care. I guess I'll have the last laugh in an emergency situation.
I noticed I was turning the handlebars at a stop. Worked on that bad habit last season. It’s been below freezing so I have to take that up again when the riding season starts.
Well my first bike was going to be a 550-650 and a friend said I would need a bigger bike in a month or two. So I got a 79 GL 1000. 1986 WHEN I picked it up and he was right. I put over 100k on that bike. Sold it in 92. Next was the Valkyrie Interstate in 99 but I only put 20k on it and sold it in 05. Didn't ride for 12 years. Now I ride a 14 FJR AND I luv it. I like long haul. Ready for Tennessee road trip. Luv your videos and I often watch your good old riding tip vids. Note to self SAY IN MY COMFORT ZONE. 😎. Peace
I went from a 1971 honda cl350 to a 2001 BMW r1150, and I definitely had bad habits form riding such a forgiving bike. I grabbed a handful of brakes when someone stopped abruptly in front of me went for a nice slide. Good thing I wear full gear!
Kevin, a few months ago riding home at night a raccoon came out of nowhere and I hit him dead on. Fortunately my big touring motorcycle plowed right thru with no issue. The problem is it happened in a split second (two frames of my driving camera) and I reacted by lifting my feet off the floor boards. It was my uncontrolled reaction and I hate to admit it! That response still bothers me. Maybe you could post a video about how one should train to remain in control of their reactions in these split millisecond scenarios. Love you videos. BTW I have the video if you want to see it
As a guy on a Honda 300 this is good info as I learn. Thanks
I wanted a 1500GL Goldwing, but man! Did it look massive? Earlier I owned 86' Yamaha Venture Royale riding America! So I made a list of measurements of both Venture an GW an laid them out in front of me too compare! I found venture is 47" wide, GW is 47" wide. They both have same wheels but different tires, wheel base on GW only 3" longer. I found so many similar stats that when I drive GW home from neighbors tree farm, I felt okay with bike. Then I did same thing with both motorcycle control configuration, drew out on paper laid in front of me! I memorized every button/knob/lighted displays while checking all functions. So, by time I felt bike road ready, I was also familiarize with all functions. (There is a lot of control knobs on GW! I wondered if I needed a pilot licence?) Garbage dump on my block, so first thing I do is go weight bike an bike with me, so I know GVWR, too organize what I want on bike like tools, etc! (Every year women at scales kid me if I'd gained weight from yr too yr!)
I think it was in one of your videos Kevin that you made the distinction between years of riding experience versus one year of riding experience repeated many times. I've kept that in mind with the three years that I had on my ninja 300 before also adding an FZ-10 to the stable. Glad to say that all the of the basics I actively went out to develop on the more forgiving 300 made the transition to the 1000 much easier and I felt way more confident despite only being able to barely tip toe on one leg at a stop.
From time to time I hop on the 300 and go refresh those skills in a parking lot.
Still on my first bike. I get my training out in the streets, and only dropped my bike once in 4 years. And that was when i was testing the front suspensions bounce, off the bike first day i got it 😅. And you are right, i am so focused on my riding that i never had any experience with emergency braking and evasive maneuvers. I'de say i am quite good at riding (thx to you). So i think i will have to practice on evasive maneuvers in the parking lot first chance i get.
Yup... I'd like to add my best piece of advice... As you "graduate" to the larger bike(s), KEEP A SMALL BIKE AROUND... This sounds a bit silly, but there's a couple caveats with it, and if you think about it, it can make a lot of sense...
First, the caveats... The terms "big bike" and "little bike" become a bit more relative as you grow and evolve in motorcycling. Having grown up around powered, two-wheeled vehicles, I was first impressed with 120-ish cc mopeds and mini's... and my first street legal bike was a 250 Rebel... same as a lot of people. Now, I have no problem keeping something like that around, even that I most consistently and currently ride a Suzuki 650... BUT even a 300 or 400 would be a "small bike" to me for practice purposes and track-time... SO relax, before you gripe angrily that you want to graduate UP and not have to keep the "tiniest thing ever" when you're "grown up" enough to get a bigger bike... That's not what I'm advocating...
Now... the purpose...
There's more to riding that just handling the basics of the street... or being able to handle a big beefy machine on two wheels down the highway across the country. There's different terrain and all the different kinds of roadways, surfaces, and situations you can find yourself in when you're out "adventuring" about this wonderful country and many others... As time goes by, you're likely to find places where skills that you don't know you need might be very useful or even mandatory...
Most of the time, on the public streets (for instance) you should NEVER need to trail-brake. The "Slow, Look, Press, and Roll" method preached to beginners is sufficient to negotiate 99.999% of the roads and traffic situations in the U.S. at the very least. Add a bit of experience to season your eyes and reflexes, and some road strategy to ride conservatively when in unfamiliar surroundings, and trail braking is more like a clever parlor trick than a useful motorcycle skill...
HOWEVER... For those of us who actually understand trail-braking and all the different ways we can apply it to real-world scenarios, motorcycling WITH that skill is a LOT more fun and safer than the same old "Slow, Look, Press, and Roll" method preached in every MSF course and Beginning Riding session the world over... It CAN even save you from a horrible accident when you've mis-judged and unfamiliar stretch of unfamiliar road, or made another poor judgment (as happens to the best of us occasionally, don't lie) and you're coming into a curve TOO HOT...
There are a great many skills that are either seldom used, or rarely needed on the road, and they get overlooked even by the seasoned riders among us, so they diminish if we don't practice regularly... AND a "little bike" is cheaper and easier to repair and keep up than dropping your "big beefy daily rider" in a hurry so you can commute to work on Monday after low-siding in the twisties Sunday afternoon.... OR it's just easier to really "push" a little bike to its absolute limits on track day, and if you blow the engine, a laughable expense while you and your buddies pour out a beer in her honor at the end of the day... A new engine is easier to afford... AND a whole new "little bike" might just be easier than the classic Liter Super-moto that rich kids get with Daddy's money...
Nothing wrong with the liter bikes, and nothing wrong with having a Suped-up" track-bike, either... BUT for practicing "harder skills" and really tuning your technique to get the most out of any bike, it's awfully nice to have a cheap little machine you can kick around for getting started... or pushing outside your "comfort zone"... Then you can fine tune it, as your judgment grows, and be able to apply the skill(s) you've learned to the big bike when and as the time comes...
So the "short-short" bit of advice is "The second biggest mistake people make in graduating to a bigger bike is getting rid of the smaller ones." ;o)
I wanted a bike to commute, up to 200 miles a day year round in any weather here in central europe, that could support my 6'3", 250lbs figure and was easy to lane filter with, so I started on the BMW S1000XR. Now after 2 years, I still don't feel any need for a larger bike.
But then with all the rider aids (cornering abs and tc, wheelie control, rider modes and a fantastic quickshifter) there was less need for riding technique which left me more 'brainspace' for road strategy.
Thank you for your advice on this MCR. (with DDTF)
I don’t see the GSA in the screen shot. I hope it’s still in the barn somewhere. Thanks for thought provoking content. Ride safe and ride often. ATGATT.
Just don't drive like a maniac and pay attention. I started with a 400 years ago and then I took a break. I got a new 250 rebel in 2008 when gas was expensive. I kept that for 10yrs and then I got a 1200 sportster. You're right the weight of the heaver bike is much more noticeable especially when I have my wife on the back. I would like to get a electric glide since my wife would be more comfortable on the back. Whenever we go for a ride she doesn't like the highway since the foot pegs aren't that big and she feels like she's going to fall off. I also had some dirt bikes when I was growing up a cr 500 and a YZ 496 and a cr 125. What was fun about the cr 125 is you could turn much easier.
Being a big guy i didn't have the choice of riding a smaller bike. Bought a new Yamaha roadliner 1900 in 08. Just took my time and learned as i went. Never dropped it.
Forgive me, but practice is practice and ridin is practice!!!…if you ride/drive and you are forward plannin around you then you are progressin your skills..in my humble opinion….great video…
Anytime you change bikes, up down or sideways, you need to go run drills with that bike
A Ninja 500R, a Suzuki 650 Savage, and a Yamaha xs1100 all handle differently
I went from a F700GS (sold it) to a 390Adv (still have this one) then to an FTR1200S (I still ride the 390Adv more than the FTR1200). And I like to practice riding in parking lots.
Thanks Kevin. As always your information is spot on. I ride a 980 pound Goldwing. AND IT IS NOT FORGIVING when making low speed mistakes. I love the weight of the bike, but one must use good technique for sure. Thanks again for your videos. Your voice in my head is a welcomed partner while riding. God bless, Peter
It's not coincidence that so many Harley riders are big dudes. Yeah a highly skilled woman can handle an Electra Glide with ease but she's way more skilled than the average person. A bigger person can use strength and weight (on the pegs) to really ride a dresser better. I have videos that show the importance of clutch and rear brake and throttle control but it's still a lot more effort for a smaller rider.
I kinda jumped into the deep end right off the bat. My first bike the weekend after taking the MSF was a Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 adventure bike. Even for a top heavy adventure bike it is one of the heaviest and hard to handle. The only upside to the large adventure bikes is crash bars for the eventual drops. My next two bikes were a little smaller and then I bought a large cruiser which is considerably heavier than the Super Tenere but is a lot easier to handle! I don’t recommend this progression but it’s the one I took!
In my country you have to start on a 50cc and after that you can take a license on any size
I rode my 1971 Yamaha R5 (350 cc) for 37 years before moving up to my current Victory Kingpin (92 ci / 1507 cc). (Wife wanted to go along.)
i went from a 2021 iron 1200 to a 2021 street glide in under 3 months...if you can ride it don't matter they all weigh the same when you're moving
Just bought my first 50cc moped... gonna get my licence in November and getting a R1 or gsxr 1000 after Christmas.
I already know I'm gonna die in a car or bike crash, may as well do it in style. Not gonna die on a 50cc speedfight 😂
I started with a Yamaha XS1100 SG. Sort of. I have ridden dirtbikes in the past and have been around streetbikes all my life (the riders of which helped give me tips etc). However, I practiced skills on the XS a lot, along with taking an MSF course. I wanted to do it right. Oh yeah, I also did not want to wind up dead.
I'd say riding time is not totally worthless, it's much better to ride regularly, than it is to wait for 72°F weather, and only riding on those days. I think a lot of motorcycle accidents come from a rider having very little confidence, as they just got their battery off the charger after 6 months of storage. Then it's rode trip time with friends. Think William H. Macy in, "Wild Hogs".
I'm not arguing, because I'm sure you're correct. BUT...... When coming to a stop on my klr 650 I always (if I think about it) steer slightly right at the last second so that the bike will lean left. I do this so I always put my left foot down and keep my right foot on the brake. It seems like if I steer straight, it's a 50/50 chance on which foot I have to put down. I'm 6'2 but still have trouble putting both feet on the ground around this monster.
You are exactly right Kevin thanks for the video.
Love from Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
In my experience, bike size doesn't matter when you forget to put the kickstand down, they all fall down just the same :(
I started on a 750. Then went up to a 96 Harley. Wasn't a hard adjustment but the amount of torque can be tricky if your hand slips ok the throttle. I'm 250 but getting moved back on the seat was a jolt of adrenaline.
I started on a 2020 Harley Low Rider S and loving every minute of it! I tend to pick up on things pretty quick though!
Same here. First bike 2021 LRS
Been riding 20 years, only now when I started teaching my wife how to ride I realized I have deficiencies of my own despite the years of seat time I had. So now as much as I'm teaching her, I'm teaching myself too.
My first bike is a Honda Shadow spirit 1100. It might be a little too big. I've dropped it twice. Last time was on my way to a parking lot to practice my turns and braking. Not giving up even though I broke my foot in 3 places. Got to keep practicing.
I started on 1200 GS BMW
key get hold of the back wheel and lift it up clear of the ground and turn the bike 360 if you cant it too heavy for you get in a tight spot on a hill or very rough ground and drop your bike can you pick it up and turn it to a open space ? even a small person can pick up a heavy bike on flat even ground
My first bike: 1100 v star classic. Never rode a (real) motorcycle till then. Aced top of my class with no previous experience. Luck/skill? Just comes naturally to some. I did forget to put the kickstand down once but caught the bike before it fell over.
Once.
I think that starting on a smaller bike is a great idea. But once you have the basics donw, you should be able to jump from a 250 to whatever.
LOL It appears I'm going to be starting on a slightly larger bike than I might have intended... purely economic decision, as I have an opportunity to pick up a Shadow 750 for next to nothing. This is also going to add a couple of challenges to my learning curve, as in addition to being an older 500+ lb. bike, it also lacks ABS and has a rear drum brake. However, I'm an older guy whose hot-rodding days are well behind him, a trained defensive driver (former security patrol supervisor with tens of thousands of miles driving experience) and a firm believer in training, training, and more training... I'm pretty sure I'll be all right.
Very true! Thank you so much for the advices!
When trying to practice low or high speed manoeuvring, I get what I call "Drop anxiety". The fear of dropping and damaging my bike prevents me from getting enough lean angle. When the cops show us how to do it, it's 'easy' for them. Their Harleys can take a beating, have crash bars, and they don't have to pay to fix them anyway.
Any helpful advice would be most welcome!
Take the MSF beginners course.. If you are afraid of your bike its because you dont really know how to ride.
Just upgraded to a HD ultra limited. Coming off a VTX1800 so not too much change.
Im a new rider and just bought a Harley Davidson Road King. The next day I found your channel and am now not sure I should be riding it. I'm 6'6, 275 and the bike feels good to me. If I spend the first few weeks mastering the maneuvers in your course in a parking lot, do you feel I could be a safe rider? I bought the smallest motorcycle I felt comfortable on.
I started on a goldwing 1100 found it very easy to ride its a big bike but all the weight down low so made it quite nimble