I absolutely agree with all the tips. But, in my opinion, the most important one, is at the end. Riding your own pace is crucial. It is not a shame to slow down, when you do not feel ok with traffic, your skills. Maybe your companion is a better rider. Maybe he only thinks, he is better than you. So, for me, it is crucial rule to survive. And... maybe I would add 16th tip: you must be able to stop the bike at the distance, you see, you control. You never know, what is behind the corner... If you do not see, it is not matter of skills, it is a matter of your luck. Do not ride faster, than your patron angel can fly :) Greetings from Poland.
With Fauchi Gates and an illegitimate government turning our country into a zombie wasteland how can one not be pissed off unless you live in a state that likes the Constitution ect . That said I try and not let them live rent free in my head and I don't think about much other than the road trail ect and maybe the beautiful scenery .
Yep. If you are upset or in any way emotional riding is not wise. On the other hand you can use the ride to quickly calm by acknowledging your state and dealing with it. And the fit bit; well some commute which will mean riding in every state of health you work in. Discipline I expect is key.
Good stuff I’d add -never ride in another vehicle’s blind spot. Bikes are less visible in general & staying out of blind spots can avoid many close calls/collisions. -look ahead always be assessing & have an escape plan especially when approaching an intersection -when coming to an intersection never place the bike directly behind the vehicle in front. Line up to be slightly left or right of vehicle ahead.
About visibility - i think the part about "ride like you are invisible" deserves its own point, in traffic it might be one of the most important things. Preload brakes, leave extra room, slow down, the driver most likely is looking for a car not a bike.
#0: When you start feeling invincible, back off, slow down! I did not have many crashes in my motorcycle life, but every single time they occurred in that particular state of mind of exuberance. I did not observe the road conditions thoroughly anymore and slipped where it was totally avoidable.
It's a fine line we walk (ride) out there. "Everything in moderation, including moderation" makes one wonder if Oscar Wilde was a motorcycle rider : ) Thanks for watching and commenting.
This video should be required viewing for all motorcycle riders. I've got over 40 years experience and have had to learn most of these tips though trial and error, emphasis on "error". I've learned some new things as always from your videos. I spent almost all my off road time on dirt bikes and enduros that weighed less than 300 lbs. I purchased a KTM 390 Adventure last year and quickly learned tossing around 400 lbs is a new experience and an exercise in keeping it on two wheels - I've learned to slow down and not push the bike to its limits - you just can't recover an out of control 400 lb bike like you can on a 280lb dirt bike. Now I have the KTM 890 Adventure. I want to take this off road - I'm talking some medium difficulty single track, but after spending that much money on it, I'd like to not trash it nor my arms and legs. I'll take it easy and get the appropriate tires after I get used to it's handling. I do want to add to stay out of car's blind spots and avoid heavy traffic. I've had the most close calls with these two situations
Bill, thanks for saying so! Indeed, quite a difference between handling these single vs. twin cylinder bikes. Which is why that saying is always true: "The correct number of motorcycles a Rider should have is their current number, plus 1." RIDE on!
found this channel this week. been watching a few videos n being blown away by the quality of the content. underrated channel. I'll b here when channel hits 1 million saying i was here pre 50k
Great tips. I have ridden a BMW Safari event in Australia with some 200 riders and can honestly say riding at your own pace and keeping a reasonable separation distance was my secret. We had so many riders with little or no experience riding and crashing way over their limits. You had more chance of hitting other riders than going down in a water crossing or in sand. On one day of torrential rain 50% of us opted for a rest day at the bar. Of the other 50% wanting to test themselves in the mud, 5 of them ended up in hospital from hitting each other. Old guys Rock and hi from Oz.
That's quite a ratio of hospitalized vs. non! Glad if you kept a level-head about the pace and spacing, and avoided such a fate. Probably still had plenty of fun, too : ) --- Thanks for sharing, and greetings from Oregon, (and bring some riders up here, to check out the Pacific Northwest, eh?)
One thing I would add. When I started riding 50 years ago(sheesh), my dad really drove home the reality that " It doesn't matter if you have the right away. On a motorcycle you lose if you don't ensure your own safety. " Watch other riders, drivers, pedestrians etc.
I recieved the same advice from sailing lessons. It doesn't matter if you have right of way, just don't put your small sailing boat in the path of an oil tanker, he can't stop or turn!
Great advice, can’t think of anything to add. Perhaps if someone is driving or riding dangerously near you then put as much distance as you can between you and them.
Great tips. 100% useful content. 0% filler. It's not difficult to pretend that every vehicle on the road has a soccer mom driver who is 85% preoccupied texting and is 15% peripherally scanning for cars (not bikes) while driving her two ton land yacht SUV... because it's more often true than not. 😲
I really like the using other vehicles as blockers strategy, but I think you can expand it a bit too. For example, on a left turn at an intersection, people may not notice a motorcycle, but they'll notice a semi. Stay closer to the semi, or stay within the semi's turn, and you'll be fine because no one in the right mind is going to T-bone a tractor trailer.
Yep on both counts. I shield myself at roundabouts with other traffic, cars mostly, all the time. And yes. Ride a bike appropriate for your size skills and riding environment. I just don’t understand why anyone would want to spend the day pulling a huge ADV bike out of a bog, for example. This, “too much bike”, is what I see on TH-cam more than anything else. I have no idea if it’s representative of the riding public, I think it is. And I think it is partly due to the lack of small to medium ADV bikes on the market.
Expanding on the vehicle taking a left at an intersection (for riders in the States, anyways), it’s also important to be aware that the vehicle you’re using as a shield is also a visual barrier between you and the person turning left. If you’re following far enough behind your shield vehicle and the person turning left is in a hurry to get through a changing light or something, you could end up in a bad position. Think about your positioning relative to the shield vehicle and who can see what. Riding safe has a lot to do about imagining what other people can or can’t see and what they may or may not do. It becomes natural with time and makes you a better, more defensive driver when you’re on four wheels, too.
Hi, I’m in the aviation-business and you’re right on it when it comes to safety and risk-mitigation. Nice to see 👌🏼😀 And I totally agree on every single tip you gave. One thing that I always do when reaching an intersection: Instead of seeking eyecontact with the cardriver (which is tricky with a helmet and visor) is to watch their frontwheel throughout the pass. If I see any movement at all from the tire of the car I quickly understand the car is about to drive. Thanks! /Anders from Sweden
LOLed in the 1st minute 😅. Nice music taste! 😄 On a serious note: an excellent and informative video, professionally filmed/presented and sprinkeld with fine humour. Baby, baby, baby, aaaaaaa. 😁
Wish this came out earlier! Driver in oncoming traffic took a left infront of me and I ended up t boning him. Flew off the bike, over the truck, and only broke my right legs fibula and tibula. Totalled my precious 2017 KLR but I can't wait to get mobile and back on 2 wheels! Great vid Eric and stay safe 🤙
@@RIDEAdventures thanks mate, happened on the 25th so I'm finally starting to feel better. Had to have a titanium rod and some screws installed in my leg, but I got discharged a couple days ago so I'm glad to be back home.
@@hardworkingamerican8847 I pray it doesn't. It was just one of those things where I couldn't do anything to avoid the crash (motorcycle cop told me on scene of incident). Thanks for the concern and I hope you have a long and exciting riding career
DEAR SIR,WHAT A GREAT EMPHATIC ADVICE ..ITS HEART TOUCHING..YOUR LOVING GUIDANCE SPRINGS FROM YOUR PUREST SOUL..I LOVE YOU,RESPECT YOU,FEEL FORTUNATE TO BE IN THE SAME GENERATION ON THE PLANET EARTH ALWAYS APPRECITED YOUR EVERY KIND TEACHING,GUDANCE AND MOTIVATION REGARDS. YOU ARE VERY STRONG,PLEASE SUGGEST HOW A RIDER BE FIT LIKE YOU
Besides being compulsory (in my neck of the woods anyway) always ensure your headlight is on while riding during the day. Bikes, being smaller than most other vehicles, are less visible to other road users and can more easily blend in the background. Don't allow your bike to be obscured by larger vehicles ahead of you, like when approaching a side road junction and the vehicle ahead of you turns off but the driver of the vehicle pulling off cannot see you behind it. Also, riding with inadequate riding gear, e.g. hopping around on your bike to keep warm on a long trip, or trying to ride with a fogged up visor, especially at night. And lastly, a poorly maintained bike, e.g. worn tyres in the wet, poorly adjusted/bled brakes etc.
Can't agree more with riding at your own pace. I've ridden mountain bikes for 30 years and many if not most of the crashes or injuries I've seen were a result of not following this advice. Lot's of other great tips here, as I make the transition back to motorcycles and dual sport/ADV bikes. Hope to see you out on the road/trail someday.
Welcome back to that beautiful 2-wheel form that doesn't require such a dang workout : ) ---- Thanks for the note. Yea, we all need to temper our adrenaline and focus on the job at hand: Staying upright, and staying alive. RIDE on!
Thank you again from the Netherlands. I'm 68 now. Riding motorcycles for over 40 years and still learning. It never stops ,on each trip you will learn something and your advice contributes to that. But I can see the end of my motorcycle years coming up. Because of some form of rheumatism it's getting sometimes very hard to get on or off my MTS 1200S (MY 2013, to and insane expensive to buy new) which I recently bought to replace my GS 1200(MY 2007, to expensive and insane to buy new) . Just cant get my leg over it after riding it for a couple of hours. I guess I stiff up riding it?🤥 My height, 1m86, 6'12"inch isn't the problem I think. Only the stiffness in the legs? Solution: To get of. Put it on the side stand ,step on the left foot peg instead of to the ground as you are used to and dismount. Same method can be used for mounting without using the center stand but that feels very awkward like you are going to tip over while doing it.This feels very strange To mount. Get it on the center stand and use the left foot peg to mount. Or leave it on the side stand as mentioned above and use the left foot peg as extra leverage for your leg. Kind of embarrassing and doesn't feel right like the whole thing is going to tip, over your side though.
I agree, but I find that music is more a distraction than anything else. I always wear earplugs while riding. Specially if I know that I’m going to be hitting speeds of 45+ mph. Some claim that ear plugs are a safety issue because they can’t hear what is going on around them, 100% bull! Even though it does reduce some noises, you learn to compensate through becoming more visually aware of what is going on around you. You also learn to feel your bike more. Which is a huge plus. In 34 years of riding all 900cc plus sport bikes, and now on my first adventure bike (a Tenere 700), I’ve never crashed or fallen. Have only had a handful of close calls and half of those were my fault. Which leads me to the next thing, looking cool. It’s not just the looking cool that is the problem, it’s also the sounding cool. The fools out there trying to look cool and the fools out there with loud pipes are nothing more or less attention whores. The idea that loud pipes saves lives has been debunked. I can assure you that as a medic I was for ten years and now a patrol officer, I have never been to an accident in which someone claimed to hear the biker coming before the accident. Not once! A recent European study also concluded that loud pipes do not save lives. It’s a myth. I’ve never had loud pipes on my bikes and I’ve ridden the vast majority of my years in the mean streets of Los Angeles. Also, I am tired of bikers expecting others to see them and hear them. If you expect that from others, you are an accident waiting to happen. I ride like I am invisible and others are visually impaired. For the simple fact that car drivers are visually impaired when it comes to motorcycles. They are not looking out for us and oftentimes do not expect bikers to be in the spaces many bikers position themselves because they are too impatient to wait. Oh and one more thing, really, stop acting like you own the damn road. People don’t need to move out of your way when you are lane splitting. Lane splitting is not a right of way. It’s your obligation as a rider to make sure you have enough room to go between cars. It’s not their obligation to provide you with that space. I’ve seem riders get next to cars and rev their engines, honk, and get pissed off when cars don’t or can’t move out of their way. Those are idiots that make all of us bikers look like a bunch of entitled Karens. They make all of us look like crap. And in some parts of the country, insurance companies and police notice that. Even politicians, one reason why like NY, some states have or are considering illegalizing after market pipes. Thank you “loud pipes save lives” idiots, for f@@king it up for everyone else. Oh yeah, and finally, thanks to all the impatient, I must ride as if the devil is chasing me, and I must look cool and pop wheelies show off in every way I can fools, for getting in so many accidents and raising the insurance rates for the rest of us. But hey, there is a positive side to idiots on bikes and even cars who use the streets as a race track. Their stupidity equals job security for a lot of people. Tow truck drivers, insurance adjusters, medics, cops, ER nurses and Docs, physical therapists, and all the way to medical examiners, coffin makers, the guys who dig the holes in cemeteries, morticians, and on and on. We all thank you for your business.
A couple of things I thought of: 1. Get good foot pegs, (wide, metal teeth), place your feet in a consistent point on them always, not too close to the outer edge. 2. EXPECT everyone around you to do something stupid, plan for it. Like a pilot, plan where you can go when they do it. 3. If you're riding into an intersection where your vision is partially obstructed by a big truck or something, slow down, don't expect everyone will follow the traffic laws. 4. On the (three lane)freeway, if the left lane is congested and slow, but the middle lane is open, don't go flying down the middle lane right next to all those slow cars. Use the right lane instead. Someone will inevitably get tired of the slow pace of the left lane and jerk their car into the middle lane to get out of it, and they probably won't see you. Ask me how I know (week in the hospital.) 5. Practice crashing in soft sand or grass. Concentrate on getting your leg out of the way, falling smoothly, controlled. Think about sliding down the highway on your back, at 65 mph after a bad get off. You might want to flip over on your stomach after a while to keep off one spot for too long. You'll definitely be happy you have good quality gloves, pants with knee, butt and hip protection, good jacket with kevlar, or heavy leather, back and elbow protection, a helmet, well fitting, and preferable DOT and ECS certified, and riding boots with ankle protection. Oh, you don't???? OOooo. :)
Good ones! Yea, (#4) we've all seen the impatient left-laner being held back (by people who choose to just hang-out and relax in the left lane) and I can totally picture what happened to you. Hope the recovery went/is going well. Thanks for sharing.
Agree with all of them. I'm also against listening to music while riding because of ear damage. It's very tempting to crank the volume up, especially when listening to Justin Bieber (lol), in order to overcome ambient noises like the wind. And if there are three more tips I would add - 1)Avoid heavy meals as they slow you down, and do not consume a lot of sugar at once (eg a nice croissant) because that will cause an insulin crush in an hour or so, especially on a rather empty stomach, which can be disastrous for one's attention. Leave the treat for the end of the ride. :) 2) Watch your bladder. If you have to pee, pull aside behind a tree and pee. 3) Get good sleep and do no ride when tired (especially heavy or powerful bikes as they are less forgiving)
Great video, team, I agree and try to ride by every one, although I need to be more disciplined about that 80% rule! Thanks for the work put into these great videos!
Allen, thanks for the note. You're not alone in struggling with that 80% rule. I used to be better about it, but that last 20% if just so tempting sometimes : ) ---- Eric
That's one awesome video! Perfect way to make a point, or well, 15 points actually ;) The part about the 80% rule really cracked me up (and I feel is also the most valuable general riding advice of them all)
The 80% … it’s like, we don’t want to tone-down the fun feeling, the pump of adrenaline…..but I’d rather just enjoy 80% of it for a whole lot longer :)
Hi there. New subscriber to the channel. Thanks for the great informative videos. I recently decided to join the adventure riding world and have found your videos to be very helpful and informative in almost every aspect of what my next steps would be, whether it be choosing a bike, riding, gear or whatever the topic. I taught myself to ride on a small cruiser. The cruiser was awesome, but didn't quite offer the fun I wanted. I was quite determined to get a BMW 650GS or 750GS but low and behold I am quite short and can barely touch the ground. After watching your videos I have decided to go in the totally opposite direction and am going much smaller and with something that I am comfortable with. I literally walked from bike agency to bike agency testing out seat heights, how the bike felt under me, how much of my feet could touch the ground etc. I eventually found a bike that I felt comfortable with and which didn't intimidate me. I really appreciated this video and your last point to me was fantastic. I will definitely be going at my own pace. I see it as I am not there to impress anybody, but there to have fun and enjoy my bike at my own pace.
Madeline, welcome to the Channel and thanks for subscribing, and I applaud your decision to "lean smaller" with regards to which bike you end up with. (Which bike have you decided on then?) Sounds like you've seen a bunch of our videos, and that's great because a few of them discuss low-seat bike options, comparing them against each other. We haven't covered much in the single-cylinder category yet, but the Yamaha XT250 (for example) is an EXCELLENT solution for someone who prefers a bike of such stature. Anyway, I have no doubt that a smaller bike will lead to a more relaxed feeling, more enjoyment, and more smiles. So thanks for sharing, and RIDE on! -- Eric
@@RIDEAdventures I'm going with a fairly unknown single cylinder bike as my first adv bike called a SYM NH T200. Both feet can comfortably touch the ground, which is important for me as most of the time I will be out exploring solo. The seat height is great at 210mm with a ground clearance of 140mm. Not too bad, but I figure when I'm a bit more grown up in the adv world, I will see what I feel comfortable with and maybe upgrade.
@@maddys5829, looks like a great starting point, so congrats! The other good news is: if it wasn't meant for you, most assuredly, there are other bikes out there : ) Have fun!
Good video! One good suggestion I ran across today on another channel is to check your shadow when street riding. If your shadow is in front of you, it is very likely the sun will be in the eyes of opposing traffic. Look out for the opposing left turn into your path. Question for you Eric. What do you think about tubeless kits and do you have a Mfg recommendation if reliable? I've read about the leaks, but I would think careful application would be most important... Or do the spokes work or move too much? Thanks!
Good rule to keep in mind about one's shadow! ----- About tubeless kits, honestly, we haven't experimented with any of them in so long, I don't remember the last one we did, if ever. Hope someone else can help. Thanks for watching and sharing though. --- Eric
Rehearse a possible accident situation in your mind while you are riding. What should I do if this happens……? If that situation occurs you will react better. 🇳🇱
I would add, avoid riding at night. It is harder to see road hazards and harder to judge distances. There are lots of nocturnal animals on the road, and definitely more drunk drivers. It seems like the majority of MC deaths happen at night.
Excellent point, and one we should have mentioned. Yes, I believe the statistics are definitely against us regarding riding at night. Thank for commenting.
There I thought that I was the only person, at least in South Africa that use "Blockers" and the 80% rule with no music and if my ABS engages except in an emergency I have done something wrong. My 80% rule also includes the top speed of my bike for longer engine life. I am now subscribed as you make use of my own techniques and a bit more, as I am going to buy a second off road bike.
Thanks a lot for the great tips! I really enjoyed your points on looking cool and doing tricks... I've seen a couple of these on the road and they just increase the risks to yourself and people around you.
I absolutely agree with all the tips. But, in my opinion, the most important one, is at the end. Riding your own pace is crucial. It is not a shame to slow down, when you do not feel ok with traffic, your skills. Maybe your companion is a better rider. Maybe he only thinks, he is better than you. So, for me, it is crucial rule to survive.
And... maybe I would add 16th tip: you must be able to stop the bike at the distance, you see, you control. You never know, what is behind the corner... If you do not see, it is not matter of skills, it is a matter of your luck. Do not ride faster, than your patron angel can fly :)
Greetings from Poland.
Don't ride if you are not 100% fit with body and mind. Avoid riding at night. Don't ride when you are fatigued, angry etc.
With Fauchi Gates and an illegitimate government turning our country into a zombie wasteland how can one not be pissed off unless you live in a state that likes the Constitution ect . That said I try and not let them live rent free in my head and I don't think about much other than the road trail ect and maybe the beautiful scenery .
Yep. If you are upset or in any way emotional riding is not wise. On the other hand you can use the ride to quickly calm by acknowledging your state and dealing with it. And the fit bit; well some commute which will mean riding in every state of health you work in. Discipline I expect is key.
Good stuff
I’d add
-never ride in another vehicle’s blind spot. Bikes are less visible in general & staying out of blind spots can avoid many close calls/collisions.
-look ahead always be assessing & have an escape plan especially when approaching an intersection
-when coming to an intersection never place the bike directly behind the vehicle in front. Line up to be slightly left or right of vehicle ahead.
Good ones! So much of staying safe is anticipating what "could" happen in each situation.
About visibility - i think the part about "ride like you are invisible" deserves its own point, in traffic it might be one of the most important things. Preload brakes, leave extra room, slow down, the driver most likely is looking for a car not a bike.
#0: When you start feeling invincible, back off, slow down! I did not have many crashes in my motorcycle life, but every single time they occurred in that particular state of mind of exuberance. I did not observe the road conditions thoroughly anymore and slipped where it was totally avoidable.
It's a fine line we walk (ride) out there. "Everything in moderation, including moderation" makes one wonder if Oscar Wilde was a motorcycle rider : ) Thanks for watching and commenting.
This video should be required viewing for all motorcycle riders. I've got over 40 years experience and have had to learn most of these tips though trial and error, emphasis on "error". I've learned some new things as always from your videos. I spent almost all my off road time on dirt bikes and enduros that weighed less than 300 lbs. I purchased a KTM 390 Adventure last year and quickly learned tossing around 400 lbs is a new experience and an exercise in keeping it on two wheels - I've learned to slow down and not push the bike to its limits - you just can't recover an out of control 400 lb bike like you can on a 280lb dirt bike. Now I have the KTM 890 Adventure. I want to take this off road - I'm talking some medium difficulty single track, but after spending that much money on it, I'd like to not trash it nor my arms and legs. I'll take it easy and get the appropriate tires after I get used to it's handling. I do want to add to stay out of car's blind spots and avoid heavy traffic. I've had the most close calls with these two situations
Bill, thanks for saying so! Indeed, quite a difference between handling these single vs. twin cylinder bikes. Which is why that saying is always true: "The correct number of motorcycles a Rider should have is their current number, plus 1." RIDE on!
found this channel this week. been watching a few videos n being blown away by the quality of the content. underrated channel. I'll b here when channel hits 1 million saying i was here pre 50k
Thanks so much for saying so, it’s comments like that which keep us producing more. Thanks! See you at and beyond the 1 million mark :)
Great tips. I have ridden a BMW Safari event in Australia with some 200 riders and can honestly say riding at your own pace and keeping a reasonable separation distance was my secret. We had so many riders with little or no experience riding and crashing way over their limits. You had more chance of hitting other riders than going down in a water crossing or in sand. On one day of torrential rain 50% of us opted for a rest day at the bar. Of the other 50% wanting to test themselves in the mud, 5 of them ended up in hospital from hitting each other. Old guys Rock and hi from Oz.
That's quite a ratio of hospitalized vs. non! Glad if you kept a level-head about the pace and spacing, and avoided such a fate. Probably still had plenty of fun, too : ) --- Thanks for sharing, and greetings from Oregon, (and bring some riders up here, to check out the Pacific Northwest, eh?)
One thing I would add. When I started riding 50 years ago(sheesh), my dad really drove home the reality that " It doesn't matter if you have the right away. On a motorcycle you lose if you don't ensure your own safety. " Watch other riders, drivers, pedestrians etc.
Good one, dad was right! Thanks for sharing.
I recieved the same advice from sailing lessons. It doesn't matter if you have right of way, just don't put your small sailing boat in the path of an oil tanker, he can't stop or turn!
Such a truly excellent set of common sense tips. Best video I’ve seen!
Great advice, can’t think of anything to add. Perhaps if someone is driving or riding dangerously near you then put as much distance as you can between you and them.
Right on, Maintain More Space definitely applies when someone else requires more of their own. Thanks for commenting.
Great tips. 100% useful content. 0% filler.
It's not difficult to pretend that every vehicle on the road has a soccer mom driver who is 85% preoccupied texting and is 15% peripherally scanning for cars (not bikes) while driving her two ton land yacht SUV... because it's more often true than not. 😲
Stay hydrated.
1% dehydration is 10% concentration, grasshopper.
Good one! Let's stay sharp and fast.
Three Amigos salute, FTW! :)
Awesome tips mate thanks for helping every 1 who loves bikes to stay safe. Very good coverage
I really like the using other vehicles as blockers strategy, but I think you can expand it a bit too. For example, on a left turn at an intersection, people may not notice a motorcycle, but they'll notice a semi. Stay closer to the semi, or stay within the semi's turn, and you'll be fine because no one in the right mind is going to T-bone a tractor trailer.
Yep on both counts. I shield myself at roundabouts with other traffic, cars mostly, all the time. And yes. Ride a bike appropriate for your size skills and riding environment. I just don’t understand why anyone would want to spend the day pulling a huge ADV bike out of a bog, for example. This, “too much bike”, is what I see on TH-cam more than anything else. I have no idea if it’s representative of the riding public, I think it is. And I think it is partly due to the lack of small to medium ADV bikes on the market.
Expanding on the vehicle taking a left at an intersection (for riders in the States, anyways), it’s also important to be aware that the vehicle you’re using as a shield is also a visual barrier between you and the person turning left. If you’re following far enough behind your shield vehicle and the person turning left is in a hurry to get through a changing light or something, you could end up in a bad position. Think about your positioning relative to the shield vehicle and who can see what. Riding safe has a lot to do about imagining what other people can or can’t see and what they may or may not do. It becomes natural with time and makes you a better, more defensive driver when you’re on four wheels, too.
Hi,
I’m in the aviation-business and you’re right on it when it comes to safety and risk-mitigation. Nice to see 👌🏼😀 And I totally agree on every single tip you gave.
One thing that I always do when reaching an intersection: Instead of seeking eyecontact with the cardriver (which is tricky with a helmet and visor) is to watch their frontwheel throughout the pass. If I see any movement at all from the tire of the car I quickly understand the car is about to drive.
Thanks! /Anders from Sweden
Outstanding reminder of safe riding habits. Tried listening to music once 25 years ago and it really messed up my technique and awareness.
And great that it works for some people, but yeah, it just might not be worth it for the rest of us. Thanks for the note.
I agree plus listening to your bike is one of the pleasures of riding.
A symphony within itself!
LOLed in the 1st minute 😅. Nice music taste! 😄 On a serious note: an excellent and informative video, professionally filmed/presented and sprinkeld with fine humour. Baby, baby, baby, aaaaaaa. 😁
Love me some Biebs! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Wish this came out earlier! Driver in oncoming traffic took a left infront of me and I ended up t boning him. Flew off the bike, over the truck, and only broke my right legs fibula and tibula. Totalled my precious 2017 KLR but I can't wait to get mobile and back on 2 wheels! Great vid Eric and stay safe 🤙
Sorry to hear bud but happy to hear you’re on the recovery path. Thanks for the note :)
@@RIDEAdventures thanks mate, happened on the 25th so I'm finally starting to feel better. Had to have a titanium rod and some screws installed in my leg, but I got discharged a couple days ago so I'm glad to be back home.
@@Bruce-Wayne717
Hope you heal up quick and that doesn't happen again .
@@hardworkingamerican8847 I pray it doesn't. It was just one of those things where I couldn't do anything to avoid the crash (motorcycle cop told me on scene of incident). Thanks for the concern and I hope you have a long and exciting riding career
I agree about all.. recently even stopped listening to music while im riding.. keep up
Love the humour! :)
DEAR SIR,WHAT A GREAT EMPHATIC ADVICE ..ITS HEART TOUCHING..YOUR LOVING GUIDANCE SPRINGS FROM YOUR PUREST SOUL..I LOVE YOU,RESPECT YOU,FEEL FORTUNATE TO BE IN THE SAME GENERATION ON THE PLANET EARTH ALWAYS APPRECITED YOUR EVERY KIND TEACHING,GUDANCE AND MOTIVATION REGARDS.
YOU ARE VERY STRONG,PLEASE SUGGEST HOW A RIDER BE FIT LIKE YOU
Besides being compulsory (in my neck of the woods anyway) always ensure your headlight is on while riding during the day. Bikes, being smaller than most other vehicles, are less visible to other road users and can more easily blend in the background.
Don't allow your bike to be obscured by larger vehicles ahead of you, like when approaching a side road junction and the vehicle ahead of you turns off but the driver of the vehicle pulling off cannot see you behind it.
Also, riding with inadequate riding gear, e.g. hopping around on your bike to keep warm on a long trip, or trying to ride with a fogged up visor, especially at night.
And lastly, a poorly maintained bike, e.g. worn tyres in the wet, poorly adjusted/bled brakes etc.
Can't agree more with riding at your own pace. I've ridden mountain bikes for 30 years and many if not most of the crashes or injuries I've seen were a result of not following this advice. Lot's of other great tips here, as I make the transition back to motorcycles and dual sport/ADV bikes. Hope to see you out on the road/trail someday.
Welcome back to that beautiful 2-wheel form that doesn't require such a dang workout : ) ---- Thanks for the note. Yea, we all need to temper our adrenaline and focus on the job at hand: Staying upright, and staying alive. RIDE on!
Good advices!👍
Good stuff, as usual. Stay safe Eric.
100% agree...
Hahahahahahaha Love your videos. To the point, concise, informative and funny
Thanks for saying so. Our comeback video posts this weekend, and it's good to be back : )
Thank you again from the Netherlands. I'm 68 now. Riding motorcycles for over 40 years and still learning. It never stops ,on each trip you will learn something and your advice contributes to that. But I can see the end of my motorcycle years coming up. Because of some form of rheumatism it's getting sometimes very hard to get on or off my MTS 1200S (MY 2013, to and insane expensive to buy new) which I recently bought to replace my GS 1200(MY 2007, to expensive and insane to buy new) .
Just cant get my leg over it after riding it for a couple of hours. I guess I stiff up riding it?🤥 My height, 1m86, 6'12"inch isn't the problem I think. Only the stiffness in the legs? Solution: To get of. Put it on the side stand ,step on the left foot peg instead of to the ground as you are used to and dismount. Same method can be used for mounting without using the center stand but that feels very awkward like you are going to tip over while doing it.This feels very strange
To mount. Get it on the center stand and use the left foot peg to mount. Or leave it on the side stand as mentioned above and use the left foot peg as extra leverage for your leg. Kind of embarrassing and doesn't feel right like the whole thing is going to tip, over your side though.
I agree, but I find that music is more a distraction than anything else. I always wear earplugs while riding. Specially if I know that I’m going to be hitting speeds of 45+ mph. Some claim that ear plugs are a safety issue because they can’t hear what is going on around them, 100% bull! Even though it does reduce some noises, you learn to compensate through becoming more visually aware of what is going on around you. You also learn to feel your bike more. Which is a huge plus. In 34 years of riding all 900cc plus sport bikes, and now on my first adventure bike (a Tenere 700), I’ve never crashed or fallen. Have only had a handful of close calls and half of those were my fault.
Which leads me to the next thing, looking cool. It’s not just the looking cool that is the problem, it’s also the sounding cool. The fools out there trying to look cool and the fools out there with loud pipes are nothing more or less attention whores. The idea that loud pipes saves lives has been debunked. I can assure you that as a medic I was for ten years and now a patrol officer, I have never been to an accident in which someone claimed to hear the biker coming before the accident. Not once! A recent European study also concluded that loud pipes do not save lives. It’s a myth. I’ve never had loud pipes on my bikes and I’ve ridden the vast majority of my years in the mean streets of Los Angeles.
Also, I am tired of bikers expecting others to see them and hear them. If you expect that from others, you are an accident waiting to happen. I ride like I am invisible and others are visually impaired. For the simple fact that car drivers are visually impaired when it comes to motorcycles. They are not looking out for us and oftentimes do not expect bikers to be in the spaces many bikers position themselves because they are too impatient to wait.
Oh and one more thing, really, stop acting like you own the damn road. People don’t need to move out of your way when you are lane splitting. Lane splitting is not a right of way. It’s your obligation as a rider to make sure you have enough room to go between cars. It’s not their obligation to provide you with that space. I’ve seem riders get next to cars and rev their engines, honk, and get pissed off when cars don’t or can’t move out of their way. Those are idiots that make all of us bikers look like a bunch of entitled Karens. They make all of us look like crap. And in some parts of the country, insurance companies and police notice that. Even politicians, one reason why like NY, some states have or are considering illegalizing after market pipes. Thank you “loud pipes save lives” idiots, for f@@king it up for everyone else.
Oh yeah, and finally, thanks to all the impatient, I must ride as if the devil is chasing me, and I must look cool and pop wheelies show off in every way I can fools, for getting in so many accidents and raising the insurance rates for the rest of us. But hey, there is a positive side to idiots on bikes and even cars who use the streets as a race track. Their stupidity equals job security for a lot of people. Tow truck drivers, insurance adjusters, medics, cops, ER nurses and Docs, physical therapists, and all the way to medical examiners, coffin makers, the guys who dig the holes in cemeteries, morticians, and on and on. We all thank you for your business.
Very good list. One more, don’t sit in a vehicle’s blind spot. Sit back or go past. Cheers
Very good advice! Ride safe.
Love the supporting video of the 80% Rule - hilarious! Good video!
Glad if you enjoyed it, thanks for saying so : )
A couple of things I thought of:
1. Get good foot pegs, (wide, metal teeth), place your feet in a consistent point on them always, not too close to the outer edge.
2. EXPECT everyone around you to do something stupid, plan for it. Like a pilot, plan where you can go when they do it.
3. If you're riding into an intersection where your vision is partially obstructed by a big truck or something, slow down, don't expect everyone will follow the traffic laws.
4. On the (three lane)freeway, if the left lane is congested and slow, but the middle lane is open, don't go flying down the middle lane right next to all those slow cars. Use the right lane instead. Someone will inevitably get tired of the slow pace of the left lane and jerk their car into the middle lane to get out of it, and they probably won't see you. Ask me how I know (week in the hospital.)
5. Practice crashing in soft sand or grass. Concentrate on getting your leg out of the way, falling smoothly, controlled. Think about sliding down the highway on your back, at 65 mph after a bad get off. You might want to flip over on your stomach after a while to keep off one spot for too long. You'll definitely be happy you have good quality gloves, pants with knee, butt and hip protection, good jacket with kevlar, or heavy leather, back and elbow protection, a helmet, well fitting, and preferable DOT and ECS certified, and riding boots with ankle protection. Oh, you don't???? OOooo. :)
Good ones! Yea, (#4) we've all seen the impatient left-laner being held back (by people who choose to just hang-out and relax in the left lane) and I can totally picture what happened to you. Hope the recovery went/is going well. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic video bud
Thanks for saying so : )
Thanks Eric
Thanks for sharing your experience I am sure it will save lives Cheers
Great video but with only 10k views and less than 800 likes makes me wonder wether humans are indeed intelligent beings.
Ahh, yea, probably a matter of SO many videos being made these days. But thanks for noticing and watching.
Agree with all of them. I'm also against listening to music while riding because of ear damage. It's very tempting to crank the volume up, especially when listening to Justin Bieber (lol), in order to overcome ambient noises like the wind.
And if there are three more tips I would add -
1)Avoid heavy meals as they slow you down, and do not consume a lot of sugar at once (eg a nice croissant) because that will cause an insulin crush in an hour or so, especially on a rather empty stomach, which can be disastrous for one's attention. Leave the treat for the end of the ride. :)
2) Watch your bladder. If you have to pee, pull aside behind a tree and pee.
3) Get good sleep and do no ride when tired (especially heavy or powerful bikes as they are less forgiving)
All good points, especially the insulin crush one. A disastrous concoction perhaps: adrenaline and insulin. Thanks!
Your videos are very informatic. Love to keep watching them.
Thanks for saying so : )
Great video, team, I agree and try to ride by every one, although I need to be more disciplined about that 80% rule! Thanks for the work put into these great videos!
Allen, thanks for the note. You're not alone in struggling with that 80% rule. I used to be better about it, but that last 20% if just so tempting sometimes : ) ---- Eric
I got the call in the middle of the night. My son had done a wheelie and gone done (on road). Broke his wrist and now has a plate in there.
Bummer to hear that, hope he healed up fine, but yea ..... both tires on the ground seems to be the safest. Thanks for watching and sharing.
Good advice . I will take into account. Thank you.
Looks like you guys had fun filming this vid. Good job!
Lots of fun, thanks for noticing. Some of these skits just pop into mind on the spot, so we make due with what we have on set then. Thanks!
Well said sir . Thank you.
I mean, I know I look cool at all times, so I skipped that one........hmmmmmmm. More importantly, thanks for another great video .
Ha, ha, check that one off the list! : )
That's one awesome video! Perfect way to make a point, or well, 15 points actually ;)
The part about the 80% rule really cracked me up (and I feel is also the most valuable general riding advice of them all)
The 80% … it’s like, we don’t want to tone-down the fun feeling, the pump of adrenaline…..but I’d rather just enjoy 80% of it for a whole lot longer :)
I just don’t see u listening to Bieber Eric 🤣 nice one
Love Biebs! 😂 or whatever you call it
I really love your videos & your advices; thanks; cheers from Montreal.
Thanks for watching and saying so, hello up north there!
Adjust for the conditons. Weather, darkness whatever.
Definitely true, pick your pace according to the situation. Thanks for commenting.
Spot on! Thanks, Eric!
Thanks, and glad if the info helps anyone stay safe.
Related to the first point, listening to music (especially if you are riding canyons and twisty's) can cause vertigo and loss of balance.
Yikes, the mish-mash of vibrations and frequencies in such a setting....... good one. Thanks for sharing.
Great stuff as always 👍
Probably the most important advice I can give about Colombia is, don’t get distracted by the hotties while crossing the street. Lol but no srsly.
Haha yeah, we know. 😶
Hi there. New subscriber to the channel. Thanks for the great informative videos. I recently decided to join the adventure riding world and have found your videos to be very helpful and informative in almost every aspect of what my next steps would be, whether it be choosing a bike, riding, gear or whatever the topic. I taught myself to ride on a small cruiser. The cruiser was awesome, but didn't quite offer the fun I wanted. I was quite determined to get a BMW 650GS or 750GS but low and behold I am quite short and can barely touch the ground. After watching your videos I have decided to go in the totally opposite direction and am going much smaller and with something that I am comfortable with. I literally walked from bike agency to bike agency testing out seat heights, how the bike felt under me, how much of my feet could touch the ground etc. I eventually found a bike that I felt comfortable with and which didn't intimidate me.
I really appreciated this video and your last point to me was fantastic. I will definitely be going at my own pace. I see it as I am not there to impress anybody, but there to have fun and enjoy my bike at my own pace.
Madeline, welcome to the Channel and thanks for subscribing, and I applaud your decision to "lean smaller" with regards to which bike you end up with. (Which bike have you decided on then?) Sounds like you've seen a bunch of our videos, and that's great because a few of them discuss low-seat bike options, comparing them against each other. We haven't covered much in the single-cylinder category yet, but the Yamaha XT250 (for example) is an EXCELLENT solution for someone who prefers a bike of such stature. Anyway, I have no doubt that a smaller bike will lead to a more relaxed feeling, more enjoyment, and more smiles. So thanks for sharing, and RIDE on! -- Eric
@@RIDEAdventures I'm going with a fairly unknown single cylinder bike as my first adv bike called a SYM NH T200. Both feet can comfortably touch the ground, which is important for me as most of the time I will be out exploring solo. The seat height is great at 210mm with a ground clearance of 140mm. Not too bad, but I figure when I'm a bit more grown up in the adv world, I will see what I feel comfortable with and maybe upgrade.
@@maddys5829, looks like a great starting point, so congrats! The other good news is: if it wasn't meant for you, most assuredly, there are other bikes out there : ) Have fun!
Good video!
One good suggestion I ran across today on another channel is to check your shadow when street riding. If your shadow is in front of you, it is very likely the sun will be in the eyes of opposing traffic. Look out for the opposing left turn into your path.
Question for you Eric.
What do you think about tubeless kits and do you have a Mfg recommendation if reliable? I've read about the leaks, but I would think careful application would be most important... Or do the spokes work or move too much?
Thanks!
Good rule to keep in mind about one's shadow! ----- About tubeless kits, honestly, we haven't experimented with any of them in so long, I don't remember the last one we did, if ever. Hope someone else can help. Thanks for watching and sharing though. --- Eric
excellent video, thank you
You are welcome!
Rehearse a possible accident situation in your mind while you are riding. What should I do if this happens……? If that situation occurs you will react better. 🇳🇱
I like to look at the ditch or shoulder now and then and think about whether there is an escape option over there.
Great Tips ! ⚡️🍻🤘🏼
Thanks!
Hi Eric, how are you . A very useful and great advice 👍 . Hi from yaakob 🇸🇬😁
Glad if the info helps, thanks for the note, and hello from Oregon!
I’m sure Eric’s favourite music is Justin Bieber! 😁
Love me some Biebs!
Not sure if I missed it but stay away from drinking and drugs . ATGATT .
I would add, avoid riding at night. It is harder to see road hazards and harder to judge distances. There are lots of nocturnal animals on the road, and definitely more drunk drivers. It seems like the majority of MC deaths happen at night.
Excellent point, and one we should have mentioned. Yes, I believe the statistics are definitely against us regarding riding at night. Thank for commenting.
Awesome video & tips Eric, thanks for sharing all your knowledge and helping others!! 👍👍
..and if you must listen to Metallica make sure it's the early stuff.
Those first 4 albums are legendary.
Where was the Oregon footage filmed.
Most of the footage was from Eastern Oregon. Steens Mountain area.
👍👍👍
Is that a portable toilet seat around old mate's neck 😂
What's the thing around his neck and what purpose does it serve ?
Neck brace by Alpinestars, definitely not a toilet seat as some have thought : ) Prevents extreme neck movement in the event of a crash.
@@RIDEAdventures lol @ toilet seat. Appreciate the reply
tip #16 maybe never listen to justin bieber on or off the bike?
Ha was that move from the three Ameigos?
You got it : )
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast" Eleanor Roosevelt
There I thought that I was the only person, at least in South Africa that use "Blockers" and the 80% rule with no music and if my ABS engages except in an emergency I have done something wrong. My 80% rule also includes the top speed of my bike for longer engine life. I am now subscribed as you make use of my own techniques and a bit more, as I am going to buy a second off road bike.
Great advices for routes and everyday driving. Most important is always be aware and ready. Great video!! Greetings from Chile!
Gracias, y como estai, Chile! ?
@@RIDEAdventures todo muy bien! Esperando a que la situación mejore para poder pasear. Gracias! Have a good day!!
Thanks a lot for the great tips! I really enjoyed your points on looking cool and doing tricks... I've seen a couple of these on the road and they just increase the risks to yourself and people around you.
Good point, it's not just about keeping ourselves safe....
Brilliant video. It's mostly common sense, but sometimes we need it pointed out. I particularly like your 80% rule.
Thanks for saying so. That 80%, I credit with getting me a long way on a motorcycle in this world.
Great vid Eric. Look forward to riding with y’all one day soon.
Thanks, and RIDE with you soon!