My friend passed away two weeks ago after being rear ended while on his motorcycle. He was someone who always wore padding and never drove recklessly. Just mentioning this to let everyone know that you MUST drive as if you’re invisible because most of the time you really are, and that most motorcycle crashes are often the fault of the person in a car, so safety is not always guaranteed. Stay safe out there everyone
Sorry for your loss.. Riding is no joke. I lost a total of 13 friends in the past 2 years alone on bikes. Just had another last night involved in a hit and run but thank god he is okay with minor scrapes. It's one thing to lose a friend.. It's a whole other thing to lose one who rides with you.
Ryan f9 done a couple of vids on the topic and no he isnt a scumbag saying you should do something just beacause he is paid to say it rest in peace for your homeboy aswell
"hey it's been three years can we please do a video about buying a motorcycle I'm really passionate about it" "Nah we're gonna buy a bunch of dumb shit on Wish again sorry bud it's what the people want"
Hey Jeremiah and Donut! The motorcycle content on Donut is something that I have been itching for and hope it continues. I work at a motorcycle dealership in San Francisco called Scuderia West. Would love to get you guys to come up and make a video about getting into a dealership and shopping for a new or used bike or scooter. We sell new Aprilia, KTM, Royal Enfield, and Vespas! And a ton of used bikes as well. Some of the best beginner bikes in the game along with top of the line track bikes litter our showroom. I am the apparel specialist and would love to talk about that and then show you the service department and the work they do back there. I own a KTM 790 Duke I'd be happy to let you rip around SF and some of the best motorcycle roads in the world just outside of SF. Please reach out and we can talk! Thanks Joey
I'm a daily motorcycle rider and I'm so glad Jeremiah's dream of bringing motorcycles to Donut has finally come to realization. Wow! Great job creating an overview of how to get into motorcycles for people who might be considering one, you made time to talk about safety gear, and covered how to thoroughly check a used bike before you buy it, as well as how to select the right bike for you. I'm excited to see more motorcycle content from Donut.
Safety gear priorities were a bit out of order, frankly. Wrists and ankles come way before chest and legs for most new riders (Substantially more likely to drop your bike or check a curb than you are to go sliding at 130.) DR-Z is an odd choice for a new rider as well, most new riders hate bikes with high saddles. KLX would've been a better dual sport option (Rather than a fairly bloated ADV bike)
Any tips for someone looking to pick up their first bike? Dream bike is an Indian Scout. Any suggestions on something that style? Also, I'm in Utah, so I don't think daily year round riding is possible, but would appreciate any tips to ride as much as I can. Hurting at the gas pump with my Focus RS rn.
@@EsiahRodriguez I wouldn't scout for a first. Grab a budget honda Rebel 500, beat the shit out of it, drop it a bunch like most new riders and not feel bad when you turn around and sell it a couple years later. Been riding 17 years, more than half my life now, I started on a 2007 125 at 16 and increased cc's incrementally, 400 klx, 500 buell, 600f4i. Once you know the style and what ergonomically suits you depending on your size then spend 10-20g on an Indian. Inevitably it's up to you just be careful, get the training and wear the proper gear.
@@EsiahRodriguez I agree on billy Joe above me on the Honda. Rebel or Shadow maybe 600cc (if it was a sport bike don’t get that big of an engine) but the Honda cruisers don’t make any crazy power but enough to get yourself away from hazards still. I have had a variety of Honda cruisers for the last decade built between 84 to 04 and that couple decades of bike share parts and are abundant and cheap comparatively. Been endorsed for 12 years, have rode Ducati 1099’s, HD Road Kings and V-Rods, vintage rotary Norton’s, gsxr 600’s a yzf750r and an R1 at my work but still love my personal basic 01 600 Shadow! Paid $2,000 for it and it will never be worth less! Just maintenance.
Important note: DOT doesn't actually certify helmets, they just write the standard. A DOT sticker just means the manufacturer self-certifies the helmet meets the standard. There is enforcement however, DOT does random sample testing to verify compliance. If you want greater assurance of the safety level of a helmet, look for a Snell certification sticker. The Snell foundation DOES test helmets themselves before issuing a certification, and these standards are significantly higher than DOT standards(for example, DOT will certify a skullcap type helmet, but Snell will only certify one with full face coverage)
DOT/FMVSS is based on I think 1970s testing where most fastest bike are like 70hp. ECE 22.06 at least or better SNELL, SHARP, FIM is the current industry standard.
DOT and Snell aren't as focused on Motorcycles. An ECE helmet is rated for multiple impacts and specifically written with motorcycle helmets in mind. However, if you can't get ECE, Snell is still a little better than DOT using two impacts to test test the helmet. Verify the manufacturer, there are some knockoffs out there with fake rating stickers as well.
@@devinazevedo1122 there's more than you think..... Taking handlebars to clipons, brake pads, calipers, rotors, and brake lines, the clutch, master cylinders, grips, clutch and brake lever, rear sets, cowl, license plate relocater/removal of rear fender, air filter and/or removal of airbox, rims, tires, fuel injectors, spark plugs, headers, exhaust of course, you could get real deep upgrade the pistons or bore the engine, new cams, new shocks and suspension, new swingarm, frame sliders, bags, etc and that's without going tooo far into the engine.
Maybe like a "what do you actually need" regarding mods, which I guess is the concept of Hi/Low. For me personally, I'm trying to get into dual sport, light adventure riding. What mods are absolutely necessary, and which can you live without? Is it better to go light or go big depending on the trip? There are quite a few dual sport channels on TH-cam already, but most don't ever talk about cost. Maybe donut could tackle more universal riding topics, but actually go in-depth on them.
PLEASE KEEP GIVING THIS MAN MOTORCYCLE STUFF TO DO! Just bought a project bike and i prefer the visuals you all give and the simplified way Jeremiah explains things compared to what else is out there. This stuff is needed!
the emotion when he said he's been trying to get this greenlit for 3 years was too real. i might finally go back and work on my bike along side these guys
Would love to see a series where you get the crew going through their motorcycle licenses, finding bikes at a set budget, working on them fixing/adding things then go through some challenges to see who did the best. Maybe do a giveaway/raffle type thing for the winning bike, the other bikes get put back on the market, better than they were before etc. Earn the cash back or something
He does mention that they made a video or Nolan going through the paces to get his bike license, I'm definitely going to check that out next! I dig your other ideas too!
@@thomasa5619 Not always no, especially if it's an older bike restored / modded out. Or a very well maintained one. Can break even or get more than you originally paid for.
Just a heads up for those looking into riding. Softer tires last about 3000 miles and cost around $400 a set. Also bikes need a lot of upkeep as far as simple maintenance. Think chain maintenance, proper pressure in tires, close attention to the brakes, clutch cable, etc. With all that being said, it is an amazing experience.
Those are all potential issues by choice. Unless you're going to the track you don't need $400 tires. I can put a good set of tires on any of my bikes for $200 that will last over 10k miles. Belt drive has no maintenance other than making sure it's tracking properly. Motorcycle's can be as cheap or as expensive as you want them to be.
@@militarymann01 you can get longer lasting tires, but I have had pilot road 5's slip out even with low pressures. I just prefer my bike to perform well and most people I know are the same way. No way I would trust a set of $200 tires.
@@phatrides222000 i dont know why did you get that issue my Pilot road 5 are have 24325 km and still some rubber left on it ( i like it heavy on the twisties. with mt07 i usually go down to pegs. i went 170km/h in a downpour rain (after that i thinked a little, it could been worse XD, yet here i am) that tire only lack of cold grip... if you warm in them well, they just as good as any non race tire. i bet next season i will ride a pair down on a track.
that is why it is so fun it is a passion and a love not a mode of transportation. If you balk at maintenance stay off bikes, you should enjoy tinkering on bikes to own one.
Important things to note about safety gear: DOT ratings are certified by the manufacturer rather than a third party, and they're not even required to actually do the tests, just certify that the helmet could pass the rather low standard. A DOT sticker doesn't say much more than that it is legally a helmet. You're best off looking for an ECE or Snell rated helmet, since they actually require third party verification, and have more modern standards for protection, best of the best are FIM homologated helmets, which are rated for racing use. Also, gear does deteriorate over time. Sun exposure, general wear and tear, and just plain age will degrade protection over time. It's generally recommended to replace your gear every 5 years or so, more often if it sees heavy use.
@@northtexasskies7786 do NOT but a used helmet, I know that might be obvious but I had a conversation with a dude that thought a 50 dollar used helmet was good
If possible, get an Australian or European rated helmet. They're better than DOT or Snell, which aren't even legally helmets you can ride with over here.
Love the motorcycle content! I had a 2017 R3 and it was a blast. The 300cc class of sport bikes are a ton of fun cause you can go full throttle often without going to jail. The R3's engine has a lot of character and is a joy to wind out to its 12,000 rpm redline
I'm a car guy but when I started riding motorcycles, the thrill was on a whole different level and all the points you pointed out totally made them even more likable
Exactly lmao. I was a car guy for years and started riding 3 years ago, I don't even care for cars anymore. Nothing beats the fluidity and thrill of riding a bike in the canyons or on track
Only a motorcycle can make traffic fun (if you can Lane split), it turns a boring commute into something you can enjoy, even if only on mostly straight roads.
Ton of valuable information. 1 very useful piece you omitted was when you are going to check it out ask the seller to make sure it’s cold when you get there. A cold start up shows problems that a warm start up can often mask. I know this 1st hand from my 1st bike. If the temperature on the bike is already reading or above 120 degree when you initially start it it means the bike was not fully cooled down and the owner could have tried to warm it up to mask issues.
This reminds me of someone (call him Bob) who wanted to get a good budget sports car for racing, but a friend recommended that he could find plenty of affordable racing motorcycles that can beat most cars on the road. Bob found a slightly used Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa that was modified for racing (speed governor removed, high-compression pistons, improved porting, hotter cams, lighter weight mods, etc.) that was less than the stock cost of $17,000. Bob bought it, passed his motorcycle license test easily because at low speed, the Hayabusa is rather docile. Its massive 1340cc engine has so much torque that simply letting off the clutch on first gear smoothly propels you forward without incident. On top of that, it carries its weight pretty well. It doesn’t feel like you’re waddling around on a 600-pound, 197 horsepower behemoth. Bob drove around town for the first few days to wisely get acclimated to the bike and he found it very pleasant. Then Bob took the Hayabusa on the freeway to see how fast it could go. There he felt the yellow corkscrew of terror rising up his spine after he pulled back on the throttle and was thrown into a world of speed the likes of which he had never experienced before. When you twist the throttle-at any gear, at that, a sudden rush of acceleration overcomes you, similar to how a strong wave just washes you away at the beach. It feels like the ground is being pulled away beneath you. In other words, its power delivery is unlike most other bikes out there. So yeah, as a beginner, you’re most likely to be taken off guard by that much grunt, and before you know it you’re going at speeds that could land you in jail, or the morgue. Bob took his 'Busa on a racetrack, but could not shake the horror that that 220 mph modified widow-maker was going to kill him, so he sold it. Bob wanted to live.
Shame on u Bob! Loved the story tho. I was hopin Bob tames it n goes on to add a lil spooly snail to it. Somewhere down the line he takes it to a drag meet. There he's paired opposite someone on a sparkling green ZX14R, also with a spooly snail attached. They blast off the line.. But Bob loses by half a bike length. He's back at the pits n glances over at his opponent n the machine who stole the win from him. Bob is utterly mesmerized by the rider piloting it. There she is; *Bertha*. The "one" Bob's been looking for all these years. Bertha too glances back at Bob..her eyes twinkling. They lock eyes. Bob walks over and asks her out for a coffee. Bob n Bertha ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. The End. 🏍️ ❤️
I love Donut and love hearing Jeremiah talk about what he loves and I love motorcycles because they're just cool as hell. That's four loves, you can't argue with that. More please.
I really appreciate how informative this video is for beginner riders. I grew up at a motorcycle shop during the late 90s and heard plenty of horror stories of people reaching beyond their means. Take it slow and start with something slow to learn how people react to motorcycles and understanding safety. It’s not always “loud pipes save lives”
Another thing to take into consideration is the availability of parts for your bike. I recently started riding again and found a Buell blast pretty cheap, I figured it would be decent if my son wanted to learn on too. Problem is that I can't find parts for it easily so it's sitting around doing nothing.
Oh man, even one that was made for years and years like a Nighthawk 750 are getting really tough to find parts for. Like I needed to buy three trashed carb sets off ebay and FBMP to make one good one. The good thing is some older bikes are popular enough they make some really good knockoff electronic parts for them like coilpacks and alternator rebuild kits.
This is even important when buying cars too, I had a smart fortwo prior to the pullout of the US market & loved it so much that during pandemic I bought another one with the intent to daily drive it, but then realized many benz dealerships don't service them anymore/parts were/are hard to get due to them not being generally sold in the states, so with the fact the trans was going & the closest dealership was 3hours away I couldn't justify it anymore & had to flip it. To any potential buyers of cars/motorcycles if you plan to daily something with longevity make sure it shares multiple parts from other models or is a cult classic with a substantial userbase that won't be irrelevant for a long time.
@@anydaynow01 I ended buying a set of Murray's Carbs for the Nighthawk 750 I just built because factory carbs are hard to find, and they're mostly in crap shape. Also CV carbs generally suck. EDIT - I actually just posted a video this morning about the install for those too.
As a tall person, I'd love to see you test out some of the popular motorcycles with different rider heights, especially on super bikes and give a score on comfort. I've wanted a motorcycle for a long time but wasn't able to save up enough where I'm located because of the economy. That might change soon so a motorcycle is back on the table for me.
Try some out at a dealership or just go and look at a few and see how you fit. I went to look at a xj650 turbo and didn't buy it because I hated how it felt. Also sometimes you can get different handlebars or footpegs
As someone who also is tall with unproportional legs and arm length. You’ll be fine on most things. Supersports are definitely more uncomfortable due to the hunched over nature but anything larger than 500ccs isn’t unbearable. Obviously for comfort go for a gold wing or some shit but, don’t go crazy on a powerful bike because you think you need the size. That’s how people end up with 1000ccs and die
If your a new rider, I would add bring a more experienced rider to do the test ride for you so you don't end up buying a bike you didn't plan on from tipping it over or something. Great video, I didn't do any of that with my first bike. I got one not running and rebuilt it all and learned on it as I went. Made me appreciate it more and be ready to fix anything on the road as needed.
Yeah, sport bikes and cruisers for learners are no good. Get yourself a supermoto: big wide bars, high up enough to see what's around you, light to pick up, lots of torque to get out of a tricky situation, very easy to work on, does wheelies and stoppies all day!
Just starting my first project bike in “retirement”. Last bike was a very built 600cc Norton. Going with a Triumph triple and maybe a good timing slip. This video is going on my list of project related vids. -Matt’s dad
Something else to add when it comes to matnence of the bike: Clymer/ Haynes make excellent repair books/ manuals for practically any vehicle out there, and it explains EVERYTHING there is to about it from replacing the oil to completely disassembling the engine. The books go for around ~$40 and are worth getting if you plan on doing a ton of work on your bike.
The manufacturer's Factory Service Manual is great to have as well. I have the FSM and a Clymer for my bike, and if one of them has a section that is vague or difficult to understand, it helps to have the other one as a supplement. You can often find free pdf downloads online as well
Factory Service manual is the way to go if it's available. Even better, you can usually find them on the forums of the designated bike as a PDF download (or with some good googling).
YES!!!! I was a Car guy and watched Donut Media always. Now when I get older, I noticed that Motorcycle is my calling and not cars. Because Motorcycles are faster than Sportcars and even hypercar, they are way cheaper and affordable for what performance they can give, and looks cooler, and I always unconsciously exercising just by using them :D.... The problem is, there's no channel that have this kind of entertainment in Motorcycle world. Love that Donut media is expanding their channel... And get a Dual Sport Bike too so you get both worlds and work on your videos.
Ive been riding for 12 years or more, and this "Intro to motorcycle buying" held my attention throughout the whole vid. Loving the content and looking forward to more 2 wheel content. A High Low MC series would be dope! Fix up a pair of Suzuki Van Vans?
HiLo 'catalogue' build would also be cool. I don't want to say it... but.. you can literally build a Harley-Davidson Sportster completely out of a catalogue. I honestly don't know how many other bikes can make that claim. edit: I can already hear anyone reading my comment.. **groan** 'Not more Harleys!'
Im a motorcyclists myself, been riding for 12 years and i got to tell ya the line "a motorcyclists is just a half car guy" is absolutely true! The only downside is the amount of stuff you can carry is far less than a car, and that's really obvious
I ride a 2009 Yamaha R1. I've been riding for over 20 years. Jeremiah I am so happy and so impressed with this video! Everything you have said is perfect for newer riders and buying a bike. Really grateful for the bike love starting to grow! Ever since you did a video on the Ducati I've been waiting for more of these style videos
Hell of a job Jerry. I’ve also been riding since about 6, granted I’m 22. Great job explaining the whole checklist. I love how you went through and gave people an idea of how the fluid gauges looked. Helps the first timers. Ride on bro 😎🤙🏼
Jeremiah was always my favorite for some reason. Now I know why, we both been riding since we young. It didnt click until he rode the three wheeler and I physically saw the experience in his body positions. Very entertaining I always find myself coming back to this channel. I’d be happy with some donut motorcycle merch.
I’m getting my first bike this week and all the sudden Donut uploads a bike video about what to look for and everything about bikes. Feel like I’m living in the matrix. Can’t wait to see more bike content at the same time it riding my first bike. Please go to a motorcycle training and get all the proper gear before you ride a motorcycle. You do not need anything with over 75 hp to start I would say get something under 50hp. A 50hp bike goes 0-60 in 4 seconds that’s plenty fast for anyone especially a beginner.
50-60 rear wheel bhp is pretty much perfect for commuting and just just enough to be fun on a track day. Edit: And as OP stated: wear proper gear. You might think fashion jeans, short gloves and trainers looks cool but you'll be glad of proper motorcycle leathers or textiles WHEN, not IF you have an accident. I don't care what skills you think you have because it's not just your own stupidity out on the road.
@@pauln6803 I'd like to add that as a beginner, don't look for the perfect bike for what you're "sure' will be your riding style. Tackle not stalling at stoplights first lol. Buy an intro bike, master it, then sell it for the bike that's actually going to match your riding style.
@@shawndavis1480 I have two KTMs (2009 690, 2012 RC8R) and I can assure you that stalling at the lights is an accepted KTM feature and not my operating skills(!). Actually, post ECU remap the RC8R is golden but my 690 is an occasional embarrassment.
Two things: 1. I wish you would tell the audience (beginner orientated) that DOT approval is pretty much a joke. Minimum should really be ECE everywhere for street and SHARP is an even better third party standard to compare helmets for safety. 2. Turbo hayabusa is best starter bike
Love the motorcycle content, as for helmet certification DOT is the bare minimum but I'd recommend looking for one that's also Snell 2020 or ECE (especially 22.06) certified.
@@theycallmesuave2286 supposedly the new even 22.06 certification surpasses Snell now but they test for different things. It's much easier to find Snell certified helmets right now though, I think there are less than 15 22.06 certified helmets
I was once riding along an open stretch, about 5 mph over posted limit, when I suddenly hear a cooling fan kick on. I look behind me and this jack ass is, literally, a foot off my rear wheel. Again, open road, no traffic, could have passed me cleanly. This a-hole was tailgating me just to be an a-hole. So, remember, you're not only invisible - there are people out there actively aiming for you.
@@lidolf8168 That's what I did. It's unfortunate that he forced my hand. It was one of those situations where there's never a cop around when you need one.
@@NarwahlGaming I'm glad you're safe, but yeah it's stupid people do that. Like fuck off we know our bikes are faster than your truck or SUV is, and no we don't want to speed everytime we get on a bike. Deal with it or move on, some people really do just enjoy cruising.
Had a similar situation. Douche was tailgating me with his high beams on, in a dark rural road. I dropped a gear and hauled ass because he was following dangerously close and there was no spot to park. Then a cop pulls both of us over, thinking we were racing. I explained to cop what happened and he gave the other guy an ear beating. He let me go with a verbal warning. I was going fast enough to go to jail that night but thankfully the cop was cool.
This was a great one shot overview primer to motorcycle ownership. Before jumping into a bike for the first time I definitely recommend getting a little deeper on all the points mentioned in this video (especially helmet certs DOT covers a huge spectrum from basically garbage to track ready). Places like Revzilla and FortNine are great resources. The one area that I think Jerry glossed over too quickly though is on motorcycle boots. There are some motorcycle specific safety tech baked into nearly every moto boot that aren't common on standard shoes. The biggest one is crush protection, moto footwear will reinforce the sole so that if you dump your bike and trap your foot it wont taco and let your foot get crushed. Other big ones are malleolus protectors (the knobby bones on your ankle) inside and out, heel and toe reinforcements for crush and drag, shift pads so you don't wear a hole in the top of your boot as quickly, and either zippers or lace retainers because the last thing you want is your laces getting sucked into your chain at 70mph. If you can't afford motorcycle specific boots that's okay out the gate but it should be a priority. Just like you only have one noggin and one skin, you've only got one set of feet and fucking them up to save a buck is no bueno.
I've seen videos of people in tennis shoes wrecking their motorcycle. They literally fly off the first time they touch the ground. At minimum I wear work boots. Even then, they aren't made for extreme abrasions or impacts.
You should DEFINITELY covered how to strap down a motorcycle and how to load one onto a pick up bed, most people I see have zero clue how to use a ratchet and people trying to ride into a pickup truck on sketchy ramps... The best thing I bought was a 4x8 trailer with a auto locking wheel chock with tie-down points. ALWAYS put the bike into gear so if you break hard, the wheels stay planted and not roll. Also turn of the gas and wrap your loose ratchet ties to prevent super nasty scratches from it whipping against your plastics
My bigger younger brother (trust me it makes sense) bought the same body bike i started on in 2006 just about 6 months ago! My first real bike was a new fresh 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6s. My Brother Bought 2003 Yami R6 and he is a far better rider than i ever was even tho i can ride! Im 37 now and hes 24 and i have no need to worry about his skills as a rider! But yes as a 10 plus year GM dealer tech, bikes are easy to work on and even my brother (while not his field) has learned SO MUCH about working on cars/bikes and is often even help to me in the gurage!
This video is awesome! As a motorcycle rider, everything here is great! Especially with the concept of graduating to faster bikes after starting small! I started on a Honda Rebel 250. Amazing beginner's platform! After a year, I switched to a Suzuki Bandit 600S and its been my baby ever since :) Looking forward to getting an electric sport bike in the near future!
Absolutely love bikes and love the absolute freedom and cheapness of them so loved this episode, but I am really glad you guys went over the obvious cons of owning a bike as it is quite real with how dangerous it can be
Ive never ridden a bike before, 2 weeks ago I decided to get into bikes, bought some gear and I started on a 2003 Honda CBR600RR, its terrifying once you're full throttle banging gears, but I know how to respect a machine like this. Just like people who go out and buy high HP cars and crash them, they dont respect the throttle. Respecting the throttle as a beginner is what lots of beginners dont think about and then they get real hurt and end up leaving the bike game. I practiced the basics in an open newly paved parking lot with an experienced friend, for 2 days. 3-4 hours at a time and now I ride with lots of confidence on the street BUT everyday is a learning day. Learn something new every time I ride it and I always practice the basics to keep me freshened up
One thing before you buy a bike is to LEARN HOW TO SAFELY RIDE!! My local community college offers free motor cycle classes which will teach you everything you need to know: how to physically maneuver the bike, road etiquette, etc. This should be the first step before you buy a bike. Pumped for this series.
I even took it again to accompany my wife as a refresher training. It helps you to remember good habits if you haven’t taken it for a while. It’s cheap and fun. Plus they will be tougher on you if you tell them you already ride and expect you to perform perfectly which is a challenge.
Now that you've mentioned it he really had a glow up now compared to his first videos during COVID. Now that he's in his element he can really show what he's got, I'm pretty happy about it
Jeremiah on the rhythm when it comes to motorcycles. All on point, never left anything on the basics. More of these kind of 2 wheel content. Probably do a build series.
Hell Yeah Jerry!! I've been waiting years for Donut to make 2 wheel content and Jerry seems soo comfortable throwing barney styled information at a camera, I cannot wait to see where this series leads, there is so much to go over!!
Now this validates my second bike after the Royal Enfield as a first choice by virtue of being born in India! The Duke 390, a small one no doubt but happy one year and 8850 kms on its all about the smile per rupee or smile per dollar in your case across the sea!
I am 19 and I have been riding motorcycles since I was 13 and I finally got my own bike this year. It's a suzuki gixxer 150 despite being a 150 it's fun and i absolutely love it.
"You can get away with any pair of normal boots" is absolutely not a true statement. Ankle/lower leg injuries literally are the most common injury with motorcycles. Certified motorcycle boots have ankle protection built in (among other reinforcements that streetwear does not include) and they are not at all like any old boot. I don't know why you guys cut off what he said after that but you contradicted the message of the whole gear section of the video. Overall I'm glad to see excellent moto content and I hope to see more. If you are a new rider and you're reading this, get proper boots.
Going with a 650 or 750 is the way to go since you can make a mistake and not die, a 250 doesn't give a good enough experience of what it is like to ride a fast bike, and a liter bike is just insanity, at least I thought so when I hoped on one for the first time. Ended up selling my 250 within a month and rode a 650 for a few years before I felt comfortable enough for a bigger bike. Of course experiences will vary, and it really, really helps to do a motorcycle safety course, seems lame but the better ones will definitely give good pointers and automatically give you your M license rating upon graduation.
Couple of things I'd add...1) Look for missing/broken clips, bolts, tabs, or misaligned front fairing/headlight/brackets 2) Make sure bike is cold when you get it if the bike is supposed to run 3) Bring a 6v/12v battery if the bike doesn't run (don't jump start from car!). 4) Also look for stacks of washers/added spacers or mismatched nuts/bolts to make things appear to fit properly 5) Above all else, NOOOOOOO home wire connectors or hand-twisted spliced wires (beware of black electrical tape!). Great guideline though, Jerry!
Tire pressures are important too. Cupping is super common and low pressures in the front will actually make the front end feel stiff at low speeds. Always check tire pressures before you ride any bike making sure the pressure matches the frame spec for whatever rider weight category you fall under most sport bikes have a sticker on the rear swing arm, same goes for street and cruisers for the most part.
I bought a 52 year old Honda Cub not running due to lack of spark because the old man I got it from reassembled the points wrong. The bike runs fine which is nice just ment I bought a bike that does run as a none running bike for 700 bucks. So I can get out more then what I paid for it and new tires and stuff if I sell it for something that isn't 72cc.
Bruh, those home wire connectors are aids. The worst thing Ive ever come across was a Triumph Speed Triple (mid 2000s model) with the wires held together by, and Im being completely serious, RTV silicone sealant. The guy came in acting beyond confused why he was having electrical issues and tried to argue with us that he did the work himself so it HAD to be good. Also, as @ThatBoiJahred said, you can definitely jump a bike with a car battery; but the car should be OFF. We use to have a large lithium car battery at our shop to use as a reserve/backup/jumper on a daily basis because the thing was a tank and would never lose power on a bike. The issue with jumping from a car isn't the battery itself, it is the alternator which puts out too much power for a bike to safely take.
@@sloreo8278 the 72 CB750 rigid a buddy gave me had Band-Aids wrapped around the wires. RTV is a new one though. I see your point about the twist connectors being aids; you know right where the problem is.
IM SO DOWN FOR THIS , decided on doing my msf course by the end of this year and get on two wheels thanks to papa yammienoob and now my favorite car channel is also doing it too is awesome.
Yes! Congrats for being able to talk about bikes, Jeremiah. Project bikes tend to be a bit more intimidating than cars because the margin for error is smaller (higher chance to get hurt if you make some mistake), but so cool either way. Just over a year ago I've gotten myself a crashed 03 Honda Hornet (599) as my second bike and first with "high" displacement. Working on her has been so rewarding and my expenses are just near the market price for that model while already having her modified to my taste and all painted and nice. Just can't wait to have her all ready so I can take her for a ride.
As I'm watching this, this is my first time in Texas, I'm from L.A. and being out here seeing people ride motorcycles with no gear not even a helmet is mind blowing to me, so crazy
I myself started as a carguy but ended up falling in love with bikes. Any bike is like a more fun miata but even cheaper to buy and own.. and the freedom of going anywhere without worrying about cash is mindblowing
I have been riding motorcycles since i was 15 and to this day every time i get on a bike i feel the same adrenalin rush and excitement and happiness. Riding is the only source of happiness in my life at this point.
Cool video. I hope this gets more people into bikes. I bought my first bike at 37 and I wish I got into it a lot sooner. Should also have mentioned that 600 and 1000 bikes are homologation bikes and are super uncomfortable for longer rides.
I recently got an FZ-07. I converted it to a keyless ignition in under an hour. I did a full vinyl wrap one evening. Washing it is a 5 minute task. I get 65MPG. It wheelies soooo easily. Bars, exhaust, levers, mirrors, etc. are suuuper easy to work on. After having owned many cars and trucks, I much prefer my motorcycle in terms of cost and simplicity.
Learned the hard way after buying a Honda that supposedly "Just needed a valve adjustment" and a YZ with a rod ready to let go. I skip any bike making ticks, whining, knocks or any mechanical sounds it shouldn't make. A loud exhaust can hide those sounds so I don't buy bikes with loud exhaust either.
Depends on the tick though. A lot of bikes especially Kawasaki's with automatic tensioners are just in between adjustments causing them to tick. But its usually pretty easy to discern whether its a cam chain tick or a rod knock.
Too true, but also know the bike. My DR350 would start ticking like hell in a handbasket every 1500 miles or so. That's how I knew it really was time to set valve lash. Otherwise she purred like a kitten.
I've been saying for a while that we should have more motorcycle content on this channel and so I'm super happy we're getting them! Cars are cool but there is just something about a motorcycle that cars just don't compare. If riding motorcycles were like riding horses, riding a car is like riding a carriage.
This video might be a bit older but I just found it, and his point about a bike being easier to work on than a car is so accurate, I've been working on my project truck for a couple years and it's not running, took 2 days to get my project bike running
I relate to Jeremiah for having a passion for motorcycles. I've been riding motorcycles since around the same age as him. Growing up riding dirt bikes I WISH this content was available sooner. FINALLY gonna get more high quality motorcycle videos 😁 can't wait for a cruiser series
Great teachings on pre purchase inspections sir. There's truly a good set of reasons to go over all these when looking at any purchase. Plus questions are a sign of interest. If someone asks a lot of questions that's a good sign. I need to do more research when looking at vehicles.
You're my favorite Donut host just for being the dedicated motorcycle guy. I've been riding for over 7 years in Louisiana (a lot of terrible weather experience), at least a few days a week. Just my two cents: If a helmet is ONLY DOT certified, skip it. DOT is a garbage "safety" standard that will NOT save you from TBI and other serious head injuries. Opt for a helmet that is also ECE certified, if not also SNELL certified. ECE - the European equivalent of DOT. More strict standard that translates to better protection for your brain. SNELL - a racing standard. Only full face helmets with no internal sun visor will qualify. FIM - brand new standard from the MotoGP governing body. The pinnacle of safety. If MotoGP says the helmet is good enough to protect their multi-million dollar riders from extreme impacts at high speeds, it will most certainly protect you from any potential brain damage in a low side crash. AGVs are a great inexpensive helmet. It's an Italian brand, so it carries the ECE certification. Also, if you're a Rossi fan, even the entry level helmets have his graphics. There are different head shapes! So go to a store and try out helmets. Arai is the only brand that makes helmets for all head shapes, Shoei is the best fitting for the vast majority of head shapes out there, and Icon is the most uncomfortable for me. Icon seems to be for people with a long oval head shape (longer front to back, narrow side to side). YOUR HELMET MUST FIT PROPERLY OR IT WILL NOT PROTECT YOU! The cheek pads should put firm pressure on your cheeks, the head pad should firmly hold the crown of your head. You should not feel pain or tension, that's obviously too small. A firm hold on your head, but not clamping down and giving you a headache. The pads will break in as you ride, and start to loosen up. Lastly: GO RIDE IN THE RAIN. Don't be a powersport princess, rain happens and you need to build confidence.
One thing to add about motorcycle helmets, get something with at least one certification on top of DOT, its the bottom of the barrel and its super outdated. There are plenty of helmets that are rated with snell or ECE that are around $300.
@@dalynferguson2582 that Shoei's a fantastic helmet though, I own one myself! Just get a good comm system to throw into the helmet and it's better than any "smart helmet" out there
Hella excited to see motorcycle content on here! One thing though, don't get your hopes up about cheaper insurance if you live in certain areas (like Toronto). I have significantly higher premiums for my bike (not a supersport) than my car even after being motorcycle licensed and insured for 7 years! Otherwise, motorcycles are the best! Haven't touched my car in nearly 4 weeks now
I am not a motorcycle guy but I did absolutely love this video and its style. Great job JerBear and I am absolutely looking forward to the rest of the installments I think it is something Donut can definitely branch out with as far as content that interests its viewers!
One important note for beginners - not all helmet safety standards are equal. You might assume they are but it’s not the case. DOT is flat out garbage. It’s a 70 year old standard that doesn’t look at real world scenarios and its super easy to pass. ECE is the more stringent European standard. Helmets that pass ECE will automatically pass DOT but the reverse is not true. Always check that your helmet is ECE as well as DOT - not just DOT. As for SNELL, well that’s a really a standard for racing applications and you’ll rarely see it on street helmets anyway because it’s not really applicable to street riding.
Absolutely love this stuff, Jerry! I'm especially digging that FT500 in the background as that is the first motorcycle my dad ever took me with him on and I learned to ride on that same bike
My first bike was an ‘83 FT I picked up in 2014, with only 3k miles on it and an ‘85 registration sticker. It was a ton of fun having a brand new old bike!
I definitely learned a few things from this video like I had no idea that they made jeans that you could have armor plates in for safety I thought those only came in leather suits or fake leather suits so that's really cool. I appreciate the information.
Got my first bike in around 2009 right out of high school (CBR 929rr) not the best choice for a high school student that's been riding dirt bikes their whole life. Been hooked since, riding is life at this point. MT-10 all day!
I’ve always had motards and a few road bikes and now I’m currently getting a husqvarna SMR501! Also guys Drz400e/s/sm are bullet proof they’ll run forever! Remember Suzuki never changed their drz’s for 20+ years If you’re shorter than a bike you want you can also get lowering links if the bike has linkage suspension if a bike like ktm that uses PDS you can get collars for your shock that also lower your bike … can also cut foam out of seat
Thank you SO much for making this video. I've been wanting to get into riding for a long time, and you guys covered just about every question and concern I've had about purchasing a new or used bike. For me personally, I'm looking at lightweight dual sports that I can use as a daily commuter that would still be capable of highway speeds and the occasional off road/trail ride. As a taller, heavier (at the moment) person, I've been looking at bikes like the Honda XR650L, Kawasaki KLR 650, Suzuki DR650, etc. One more question though: what about features like ABS? With the KLR 650, there's a small difference in price with or without ABS, and I wonder if it's worth having it for a new rider. Can ABS on a bike be aggressive enough that the rider really have to adjust to it, or is it usually consistent enough that it feels natural? In the off-road dual sport review videos I've watched, many riders often talk about ways to turn it off or disable it. I just want what's going to be safest for when I have to deal with other motorists on the road since, realistically, that's where I'll be riding like 90% of the time. Any advice here from the community is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Watch some of FortNine if you haven’t already. He has a great video on the KLR. That said, I’ve never had a bike with ABS. If you know the limits of your machine-which you should always aspire to-then you should be fine without it. There was only one time where I have ever thought having ABS would be better than not, and that was on a bit of road that was wet-and apparently had been for quite some time-and had grown a super slick coat of black algae under a thin sheen of running water. This was a road that I had ridden many times in the past, and it normally stayed dry, but that year we had a particularly wet rainy season. Came around the corner, saw water running on the road, reduced my speed and got the bike out of lean and bolt upright as quickly as I could. The unseen algae still dropped me on my ass in a sliding low-side. My friend behind me saw me fall and nearly fell, too-but he had ABS. Still didn’t stop him from falling flat on his ass when he dismounted, though hahaha. Algae got him, too, in the end. I was wearing full gear, though, and came out with nary a scratch. Whatever you do decide on, practice plenty on dirt and other less-than-ideal surfaces just as much as you do on road. Knowing how to ride when traction is lacking will keep you out of lots of trouble. And wear ALL the gear; don’t matter how hot it is!
I have the klr 650 with abs, get it rather than not having it. I’ve felt it and used it multiple times and it has never made me regret using it since it’s always activated on road in situations where I’d definetly benefited greatly. I’d rather have it and wire a switch to turn it off for off-road than not have it at all. Should also be noted that the klr has delayed abs which works out better for off-roading. I’m also tip toeing and so is my girlfriend but it’s better it be taller when riding and shorter when standing still so I’m not sure that all the bikes you named won’t work with a shorter rider but yeah you’d definetly feel like it’s sized for you.
The amount of people I see with just a helmet on is so sketchy. No gloves, riding in shorts a tee, and vans. May the riding gods help them if they fall.
Thank you for being a voice of reason in the states for getting a well sized bike for a newbie. I'm in NZ but I see on so many FB groups people getting big bikes and absolutely trashing them.
My friend passed away two weeks ago after being rear ended while on his motorcycle. He was someone who always wore padding and never drove recklessly. Just mentioning this to let everyone know that you MUST drive as if you’re invisible because most of the time you really are, and that most motorcycle crashes are often the fault of the person in a car, so safety is not always guaranteed. Stay safe out there everyone
Sorry for your loss man. Thank you for the warning
When I was a motorcycle safety instructor that was the first and last thing I told everyone that asked about motorcycles
you have to ride like everyone is a paid assassin trying to kill you
Sorry for your loss.. Riding is no joke. I lost a total of 13 friends in the past 2 years alone on bikes. Just had another last night involved in a hit and run but thank god he is okay with minor scrapes. It's one thing to lose a friend.. It's a whole other thing to lose one who rides with you.
Ryan f9 done a couple of vids on the topic and no he isnt a scumbag saying you should do something just beacause he is paid to say it rest in peace for your homeboy aswell
I am LIVING for this 2 wheeled content- let’s go Jer!
fr
Yesss
Cafe Racer boooiiiiis 🏍 🏁
"hey it's been three years can we please do a video about buying a motorcycle I'm really passionate about it"
"Nah we're gonna buy a bunch of dumb shit on Wish again sorry bud it's what the people want"
I knew it was gonna happen sooner or later
I feel like I can tell Jer is really in his element this video, like he's way more direct with info and jumping point to point efficiently
Whyle beaing really stoned :D
did he just present a 2010 tire on that motorcycle and recommended to change them every 5 years?
@@opreageorge4347 probably just purchased it and plans on making future content with it. “How to change tire, how to change oil, etc”
Well bikes are his thing. That's why he mentions he's been trying to make this video for 3 years.
@@opreageorge4347 THAT. WAS. THE. POINT.
Hey Jeremiah and Donut!
The motorcycle content on Donut is something that I have been itching for and hope it continues.
I work at a motorcycle dealership in San Francisco called Scuderia West. Would love to get you guys to come up and make a video about getting into a dealership and shopping for a new or used bike or scooter. We sell new Aprilia, KTM, Royal Enfield, and Vespas! And a ton of used bikes as well. Some of the best beginner bikes in the game along with top of the line track bikes litter our showroom.
I am the apparel specialist and would love to talk about that and then show you the service department and the work they do back there.
I own a KTM 790 Duke I'd be happy to let you rip around SF and some of the best motorcycle roads in the world just outside of SF.
Please reach out and we can talk!
Thanks
Joey
You should definitely go on their website and Instagram to reach out to them so your comment doesn't get lost.
You should email about them
I love scuderia. I used to drive past it all the time. Great shop
I'm a daily motorcycle rider and I'm so glad Jeremiah's dream of bringing motorcycles to Donut has finally come to realization. Wow! Great job creating an overview of how to get into motorcycles for people who might be considering one, you made time to talk about safety gear, and covered how to thoroughly check a used bike before you buy it, as well as how to select the right bike for you. I'm excited to see more motorcycle content from Donut.
Safety gear priorities were a bit out of order, frankly. Wrists and ankles come way before chest and legs for most new riders (Substantially more likely to drop your bike or check a curb than you are to go sliding at 130.)
DR-Z is an odd choice for a new rider as well, most new riders hate bikes with high saddles. KLX would've been a better dual sport option (Rather than a fairly bloated ADV bike)
Any tips for someone looking to pick up their first bike? Dream bike is an Indian Scout. Any suggestions on something that style? Also, I'm in Utah, so I don't think daily year round riding is possible, but would appreciate any tips to ride as much as I can. Hurting at the gas pump with my Focus RS rn.
@@EsiahRodriguez I wouldn't scout for a first. Grab a budget honda Rebel 500, beat the shit out of it, drop it a bunch like most new riders and not feel bad when you turn around and sell it a couple years later. Been riding 17 years, more than half my life now, I started on a 2007 125 at 16 and increased cc's incrementally, 400 klx, 500 buell, 600f4i. Once you know the style and what ergonomically suits you depending on your size then spend 10-20g on an Indian. Inevitably it's up to you just be careful, get the training and wear the proper gear.
@@EsiahRodriguez I agree on billy Joe above me on the Honda. Rebel or Shadow maybe 600cc (if it was a sport bike don’t get that big of an engine) but the Honda cruisers don’t make any crazy power but enough to get yourself away from hazards still. I have had a variety of Honda cruisers for the last decade built between 84 to 04 and that couple decades of bike share parts and are abundant and cheap comparatively.
Been endorsed for 12 years, have rode Ducati 1099’s, HD Road Kings and V-Rods, vintage rotary Norton’s, gsxr 600’s a yzf750r and an R1 at my work but still love my personal basic 01 600 Shadow! Paid $2,000 for it and it will never be worth less! Just maintenance.
@@EsiahRodriguez or if sport, look into “Honda Grom” for a cheap new bike
Important note: DOT doesn't actually certify helmets, they just write the standard.
A DOT sticker just means the manufacturer self-certifies the helmet meets the standard.
There is enforcement however, DOT does random sample testing to verify compliance.
If you want greater assurance of the safety level of a helmet, look for a Snell certification sticker. The Snell foundation DOES test helmets themselves before issuing a certification, and these standards are significantly higher than DOT standards(for example, DOT will certify a skullcap type helmet, but Snell will only certify one with full face coverage)
DOT/FMVSS is based on I think 1970s testing where most fastest bike are like 70hp. ECE 22.06 at least or better SNELL, SHARP, FIM is the current industry standard.
DOT and Snell aren't as focused on Motorcycles. An ECE helmet is rated for multiple impacts and specifically written with motorcycle helmets in mind. However, if you can't get ECE, Snell is still a little better than DOT using two impacts to test test the helmet. Verify the manufacturer, there are some knockoffs out there with fake rating stickers as well.
ECE is the standard for Europe
Better is the ECE
I agree but looking for ECE is as good if not better to see on your helmet.
I'd love too see a hi vs low on motorcycles. I think it would be a cool series
There really wouldn't be much to add that would give an everyday rider much benefit
@@devinazevedo1122 yeah but they make it a track bike. There could be some there.
Honda Grom vs Tao Tao Hellcat
@@devinazevedo1122 there's more than you think..... Taking handlebars to clipons, brake pads, calipers, rotors, and brake lines, the clutch, master cylinders, grips, clutch and brake lever, rear sets, cowl, license plate relocater/removal of rear fender, air filter and/or removal of airbox, rims, tires, fuel injectors, spark plugs, headers, exhaust of course, you could get real deep upgrade the pistons or bore the engine, new cams, new shocks and suspension, new swingarm, frame sliders, bags, etc and that's without going tooo far into the engine.
Maybe like a "what do you actually need" regarding mods, which I guess is the concept of Hi/Low. For me personally, I'm trying to get into dual sport, light adventure riding. What mods are absolutely necessary, and which can you live without? Is it better to go light or go big depending on the trip? There are quite a few dual sport channels on TH-cam already, but most don't ever talk about cost. Maybe donut could tackle more universal riding topics, but actually go in-depth on them.
PLEASE KEEP GIVING THIS MAN MOTORCYCLE STUFF TO DO! Just bought a project bike and i prefer the visuals you all give and the simplified way Jeremiah explains things compared to what else is out there. This stuff is needed!
the emotion when he said he's been trying to get this greenlit for 3 years was too real. i might finally go back and work on my bike along side these guys
havent watched yet but, can already tell its finally back to actual donut content at least for one video
It's great to see Jerry get this kind of show, excited to see how this goes!
How do u put the little dude picture in ur nickname
@@daigosaito888 press the Join button and become a channel member
Hold up, Jer is only 21, nah, I dont belive it
Would love to see a series where you get the crew going through their motorcycle licenses, finding bikes at a set budget, working on them fixing/adding things then go through some challenges to see who did the best. Maybe do a giveaway/raffle type thing for the winning bike, the other bikes get put back on the market, better than they were before etc. Earn the cash back or something
He does mention that they made a video or Nolan going through the paces to get his bike license, I'm definitely going to check that out next! I dig your other ideas too!
@@jonnymac8925 yeah i noticed that vid was highlighted at the end of this one. Pretty cool if it goes in that direction.
“Earn the cash back”
I thought prices always went down when you spent money on bikes
I would love this. Would be another series similar to money pit!!! This would be great
@@thomasa5619 Not always no, especially if it's an older bike restored / modded out. Or a very well maintained one. Can break even or get more than you originally paid for.
Just a heads up for those looking into riding. Softer tires last about 3000 miles and cost around $400 a set. Also bikes need a lot of upkeep as far as simple maintenance. Think chain maintenance, proper pressure in tires, close attention to the brakes, clutch cable, etc. With all that being said, it is an amazing experience.
Those are all potential issues by choice. Unless you're going to the track you don't need $400 tires. I can put a good set of tires on any of my bikes for $200 that will last over 10k miles. Belt drive has no maintenance other than making sure it's tracking properly. Motorcycle's can be as cheap or as expensive as you want them to be.
@@militarymann01 you can get longer lasting tires, but I have had pilot road 5's slip out even with low pressures. I just prefer my bike to perform well and most people I know are the same way. No way I would trust a set of $200 tires.
@@phatrides222000 i trust my $200 tires enough to leave bits of my pegs on the pavent. And that was on my KLR.
@@phatrides222000 i dont know why did you get that issue my Pilot road 5 are have 24325 km and still some rubber left on it ( i like it heavy on the twisties. with mt07 i usually go down to pegs. i went 170km/h in a downpour rain (after that i thinked a little, it could been worse XD, yet here i am) that tire only lack of cold grip... if you warm in them well, they just as good as any non race tire. i bet next season i will ride a pair down on a track.
that is why it is so fun it is a passion and a love not a mode of transportation. If you balk at maintenance stay off bikes, you should enjoy tinkering on bikes to own one.
I need a series like this where Jeremiah goes in depth on motorbikes.
I wanna know more about bikes
Yes I agree!!!
Long live Tekkadan
Subscribe to Yammy noob, cycle cruza, spites corner or revzilla
Fortnine makes great video essays on anything bike related
Seconded on FortNine. They're a motorcycle channel with high enough production value to maintain even a non-rider audience.
Important things to note about safety gear: DOT ratings are certified by the manufacturer rather than a third party, and they're not even required to actually do the tests, just certify that the helmet could pass the rather low standard. A DOT sticker doesn't say much more than that it is legally a helmet. You're best off looking for an ECE or Snell rated helmet, since they actually require third party verification, and have more modern standards for protection, best of the best are FIM homologated helmets, which are rated for racing use.
Also, gear does deteriorate over time. Sun exposure, general wear and tear, and just plain age will degrade protection over time. It's generally recommended to replace your gear every 5 years or so, more often if it sees heavy use.
This 100%
Thanks for this! I'm looking to get my first bike soon but I want to get the gear first.
@@northtexasskies7786 do NOT but a used helmet, I know that might be obvious but I had a conversation with a dude that thought a 50 dollar used helmet was good
Snell rated is king
If possible, get an Australian or European rated helmet. They're better than DOT or Snell, which aren't even legally helmets you can ride with over here.
More motorcycle content!!!! Us bikers are also motor-heads, don’t forget about us. Donut needs to start a motorcycle series.
High low chopper series
heck ya!!! cheep and fun
Love the motorcycle content! I had a 2017 R3 and it was a blast. The 300cc class of sport bikes are a ton of fun cause you can go full throttle often without going to jail. The R3's engine has a lot of character and is a joy to wind out to its 12,000 rpm redline
Cheaper and insurance is getable and like you said about lower power they are bullet proof but still faster than most cars to 100
I'm a car guy but when I started riding motorcycles, the thrill was on a whole different level and all the points you pointed out totally made them even more likable
I've been a car guy for years and I'm just starting to get into motorcycles so I'm glad they made this video now
Exactly lmao. I was a car guy for years and started riding 3 years ago, I don't even care for cars anymore. Nothing beats the fluidity and thrill of riding a bike in the canyons or on track
Only a motorcycle can make traffic fun (if you can Lane split), it turns a boring commute into something you can enjoy, even if only on mostly straight roads.
This is DEFINITELY the type of content we are all wanting more of! Definitely more things like the Money Pit & High/Low shows.
i’ve always loved and watched donut but if y’all start adding more bike stuff i will be here for it even more, it’s about damn time!
They're really out of ideas lol... I miss the good old days of cool car content and informational videos. Dude Science Garage was mint
Glad I’m not the only one saying it!
Ton of valuable information.
1 very useful piece you omitted was when you are going to check it out ask the seller to make sure it’s cold when you get there. A cold start up shows problems that a warm start up can often mask. I know this 1st hand from my 1st bike.
If the temperature on the bike is already reading or above 120 degree when you initially start it it means the bike was not fully cooled down and the owner could have tried to warm it up to mask issues.
A good indicator is when the seller grabs the exhaust header himself when showing the bike off.
This reminds me of someone (call him Bob) who wanted to get a good budget sports car for racing, but a friend recommended that he could find plenty of affordable racing motorcycles that can beat most cars on the road. Bob found a slightly used Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa that was modified for racing (speed governor removed, high-compression pistons, improved porting, hotter cams, lighter weight mods, etc.) that was less than the stock cost of $17,000. Bob bought it, passed his motorcycle license test easily because at low speed, the Hayabusa is rather docile. Its massive 1340cc engine has so much torque that simply letting off the clutch on first gear smoothly propels you forward without incident. On top of that, it carries its weight pretty well. It doesn’t feel like you’re waddling around on a 600-pound, 197 horsepower behemoth. Bob drove around town for the first few days to wisely get acclimated to the bike and he found it very pleasant. Then Bob took the Hayabusa on the freeway to see how fast it could go. There he felt the yellow corkscrew of terror rising up his spine after he pulled back on the throttle and was thrown into a world of speed the likes of which he had never experienced before. When you twist the throttle-at any gear, at that, a sudden rush of acceleration overcomes you, similar to how a strong wave just washes you away at the beach. It feels like the ground is being pulled away beneath you. In other words, its power delivery is unlike most other bikes out there. So yeah, as a beginner, you’re most likely to be taken off guard by that much grunt, and before you know it you’re going at speeds that could land you in jail, or the morgue. Bob took his 'Busa on a racetrack, but could not shake the horror that that 220 mph modified widow-maker was going to kill him, so he sold it. Bob wanted to live.
Bike Fast=/= Car Fast
Shame on u Bob! Loved the story tho. I was hopin Bob tames it n goes on to add a lil spooly snail to it. Somewhere down the line he takes it to a drag meet. There he's paired opposite someone on a sparkling green ZX14R, also with a spooly snail attached. They blast off the line.. But Bob loses by half a bike length. He's back at the pits n glances over at his opponent n the machine who stole the win from him. Bob is utterly mesmerized by the rider piloting it. There she is; *Bertha*. The "one" Bob's been looking for all these years. Bertha too glances back at Bob..her eyes twinkling. They lock eyes. Bob walks over and asks her out for a coffee. Bob n Bertha ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. The End. 🏍️ ❤️
I love buying cheap bikes from guys like Bob
Bob's a wussy
Bob sounds like the kind of guy who comes up to me at gas stations and tells me to "be careful on that thing I used to ride you know" ok thanks bob
I love Donut and love hearing Jeremiah talk about what he loves and I love motorcycles because they're just cool as hell.
That's four loves, you can't argue with that.
More please.
4 loves and a cool. should be enough.
I would love to see money pit and b2b come back, but keep doing what your doing, I will watch you guys regardless!
Yeah more build videos would be awesome, and they don't even have to be over the top like Low / High, money pit was a really good one.
I wanna see money pit for a stunt bike. I hope they do an episode teaching the guys around the shop clutch wheelies lol. Easier than drifting a car
@@anydaynow01 agreed
I really appreciate how informative this video is for beginner riders. I grew up at a motorcycle shop during the late 90s and heard plenty of horror stories of people reaching beyond their means. Take it slow and start with something slow to learn how people react to motorcycles and understanding safety. It’s not always “loud pipes save lives”
Loud pipes get tickets and never saved one damn life ever that is harley fools bs line
Another thing to take into consideration is the availability of parts for your bike. I recently started riding again and found a Buell blast pretty cheap, I figured it would be decent if my son wanted to learn on too. Problem is that I can't find parts for it easily so it's sitting around doing nothing.
Oh man, even one that was made for years and years like a Nighthawk 750 are getting really tough to find parts for. Like I needed to buy three trashed carb sets off ebay and FBMP to make one good one. The good thing is some older bikes are popular enough they make some really good knockoff electronic parts for them like coilpacks and alternator rebuild kits.
@@anydaynow01 other than that though the bike is simple as he'll to work on. Can do piston rings in less than an hour
This is even important when buying cars too, I had a smart fortwo prior to the pullout of the US market & loved it so much that during pandemic I bought another one with the intent to daily drive it, but then realized many benz dealerships don't service them anymore/parts were/are hard to get due to them not being generally sold in the states, so with the fact the trans was going & the closest dealership was 3hours away I couldn't justify it anymore & had to flip it. To any potential buyers of cars/motorcycles if you plan to daily something with longevity make sure it shares multiple parts from other models or is a cult classic with a substantial userbase that won't be irrelevant for a long time.
I have a buell blast I might part out for you. What do you need?
@@anydaynow01 I ended buying a set of Murray's Carbs for the Nighthawk 750 I just built because factory carbs are hard to find, and they're mostly in crap shape. Also CV carbs generally suck.
EDIT - I actually just posted a video this morning about the install for those too.
As a tall person, I'd love to see you test out some of the popular motorcycles with different rider heights, especially on super bikes and give a score on comfort. I've wanted a motorcycle for a long time but wasn't able to save up enough where I'm located because of the economy. That might change soon so a motorcycle is back on the table for me.
Try some out at a dealership or just go and look at a few and see how you fit. I went to look at a xj650 turbo and didn't buy it because I hated how it felt. Also sometimes you can get different handlebars or footpegs
As someone who also is tall with unproportional legs and arm length. You’ll be fine on most things. Supersports are definitely more uncomfortable due to the hunched over nature but anything larger than 500ccs isn’t unbearable. Obviously for comfort go for a gold wing or some shit but, don’t go crazy on a powerful bike because you think you need the size. That’s how people end up with 1000ccs and die
Also dirt bikes are so amazingly comfortable, since they sit tall and tend to have very absorptive suspension
I'm 6'5" and I just plain don't fit on modern Superbikes. The most comfortable one I've been on (I put 20,000 miles on it) is a cbr954rr.
@@kumaclimber the firebird is the bike for “super bikes” I’ve been able to fit on the best, same size
If your a new rider, I would add bring a more experienced rider to do the test ride for you so you don't end up buying a bike you didn't plan on from tipping it over or something. Great video, I didn't do any of that with my first bike. I got one not running and rebuilt it all and learned on it as I went. Made me appreciate it more and be ready to fix anything on the road as needed.
Got pinned under a 600lb bike during my first test ride, was not fun lol.😵💫
Yeah, sport bikes and cruisers for learners are no good. Get yourself a supermoto: big wide bars, high up enough to see what's around you, light to pick up, lots of torque to get out of a tricky situation, very easy to work on, does wheelies and stoppies all day!
Every new motorcyclist needs a mentor
@@shawndavis1480 I got an 82 GS 650 to start so wasn't too heavy and learned a ton putting it back together.
Just starting my first project bike in “retirement”. Last bike was a very built 600cc Norton.
Going with a Triumph triple and maybe a good timing slip.
This video is going on my list of project related vids.
-Matt’s dad
6 months later how’s it coming?
I love seeing Uncle Jerry showing us new riders the ropes! You guys should think about doing a money pit series on a bike!!
This should have more likes 👍🏻
I just bought a motorcycle last week, guys! Glad to be on this journey with y'all ✌️ ♥
nice, what kinda bike did you get
Something else to add when it comes to matnence of the bike: Clymer/ Haynes make excellent repair books/ manuals for practically any vehicle out there, and it explains EVERYTHING there is to about it from replacing the oil to completely disassembling the engine. The books go for around ~$40 and are worth getting if you plan on doing a ton of work on your bike.
The manufacturer's Factory Service Manual is great to have as well. I have the FSM and a Clymer for my bike, and if one of them has a section that is vague or difficult to understand, it helps to have the other one as a supplement. You can often find free pdf downloads online as well
Factory Service manual is the way to go if it's available. Even better, you can usually find them on the forums of the designated bike as a PDF download (or with some good googling).
@@mmuller199 My Clymer book for Air Head BMWs has pictures showing how to disassemble the stuff.
@@GrumpyIan yea so does mine (1882 KZ550), but they're in black and white, so they're not always crystal clear
YES!!!! I was a Car guy and watched Donut Media always. Now when I get older, I noticed that Motorcycle is my calling and not cars. Because Motorcycles are faster than Sportcars and even hypercar, they are way cheaper and affordable for what performance they can give, and looks cooler, and I always unconsciously exercising just by using them :D.... The problem is, there's no channel that have this kind of entertainment in Motorcycle world. Love that Donut media is expanding their channel... And get a Dual Sport Bike too so you get both worlds and work on your videos.
Ive been riding for 12 years or more, and this "Intro to motorcycle buying" held my attention throughout the whole vid. Loving the content and looking forward to more 2 wheel content. A High Low MC series would be dope! Fix up a pair of Suzuki Van Vans?
HiLo 'catalogue' build would also be cool. I don't want to say it... but.. you can literally build a Harley-Davidson Sportster completely out of a catalogue. I honestly don't know how many other bikes can make that claim.
edit: I can already hear anyone reading my comment.. **groan** 'Not more Harleys!'
High low bike would be sooooo good
Im a motorcyclists myself, been riding for 12 years and i got to tell ya the line "a motorcyclists is just a half car guy" is absolutely true!
The only downside is the amount of stuff you can carry is far less than a car, and that's really obvious
I ride a 2009 Yamaha R1. I've been riding for over 20 years. Jeremiah I am so happy and so impressed with this video! Everything you have said is perfect for newer riders and buying a bike. Really grateful for the bike love starting to grow! Ever since you did a video on the Ducati I've been waiting for more of these style videos
Ahh yes its 2029 i see
Please- fA. A14
@@HiHowYouDoi you ever have the thought he may have owned bikes before the manufacture date of his current motorcycle.
@@HiHowYouDoi did you go to school or nah
Hell of a job Jerry. I’ve also been riding since about 6, granted I’m 22. Great job explaining the whole checklist. I love how you went through and gave people an idea of how the fluid gauges looked. Helps the first timers. Ride on bro 😎🤙🏼
Jeremiah was always my favorite for some reason. Now I know why, we both been riding since we young. It didnt click until he rode the three wheeler and I physically saw the experience in his body positions. Very entertaining I always find myself coming back to this channel. I’d be happy with some donut motorcycle merch.
I’m getting my first bike this week and all the sudden Donut uploads a bike video about what to look for and everything about bikes. Feel like I’m living in the matrix. Can’t wait to see more bike content at the same time it riding my first bike.
Please go to a motorcycle training and get all the proper gear before you ride a motorcycle. You do not need anything with over 75 hp to start I would say get something under 50hp. A 50hp bike goes 0-60 in 4 seconds that’s plenty fast for anyone especially a beginner.
50-60 rear wheel bhp is pretty much perfect for commuting and just just enough to be fun on a track day.
Edit:
And as OP stated: wear proper gear.
You might think fashion jeans, short gloves and trainers looks cool but you'll be glad of proper motorcycle leathers or textiles WHEN, not IF you have an accident.
I don't care what skills you think you have because it's not just your own stupidity out on the road.
@@pauln6803 I'd like to add that as a beginner, don't look for the perfect bike for what you're "sure' will be your riding style. Tackle not stalling at stoplights first lol. Buy an intro bike, master it, then sell it for the bike that's actually going to match your riding style.
@@shawndavis1480
I have two KTMs (2009 690, 2012 RC8R) and I can assure you that stalling at the lights is an accepted KTM feature and not my operating skills(!).
Actually, post ECU remap the RC8R is golden but my 690 is an occasional embarrassment.
I actually just picked up a bike almost a month ago, definitely a nice change of pace and really easy to modify for cheap. And that gas mileage 👌
Don't vote Democrat and save on gas year round
Voting is free
@@dr.floridaman4805 But if you vote Republican you’ll spend a lot more on healthcare. 🤷♂️
Two things:
1. I wish you would tell the audience (beginner orientated) that DOT approval is pretty much a joke. Minimum should really be ECE everywhere for street and SHARP is an even better third party standard to compare helmets for safety.
2. Turbo hayabusa is best starter bike
Love the motorcycle content, as for helmet certification DOT is the bare minimum but I'd recommend looking for one that's also Snell 2020 or ECE (especially 22.06) certified.
Ece at minimum and Snell if you can afford it. (Some cheaper Snell helmets are fine but features and comfort are lacking)
@@theycallmesuave2286 snell is worse than ECE
@@theycallmesuave2286 supposedly the new even 22.06 certification surpasses Snell now but they test for different things. It's much easier to find Snell certified helmets right now though, I think there are less than 15 22.06 certified helmets
DOT doesn't certify helmets.
@@ryanturner3432 they trust the companies to self report that they pass the dot standard
I was once riding along an open stretch, about 5 mph over posted limit, when I suddenly hear a cooling fan kick on.
I look behind me and this jack ass is, literally, a foot off my rear wheel.
Again, open road, no traffic, could have passed me cleanly.
This a-hole was tailgating me just to be an a-hole.
So, remember, you're not only invisible - there are people out there actively aiming for you.
The cooling fan was probably for his giant alpha male testicles.
That's when you drop a gear, and yeet
@@lidolf8168 That's what I did.
It's unfortunate that he forced my hand.
It was one of those situations where there's never a cop around when you need one.
@@NarwahlGaming I'm glad you're safe, but yeah it's stupid people do that. Like fuck off we know our bikes are faster than your truck or SUV is, and no we don't want to speed everytime we get on a bike. Deal with it or move on, some people really do just enjoy cruising.
Had a similar situation. Douche was tailgating me with his high beams on, in a dark rural road. I dropped a gear and hauled ass because he was following dangerously close and there was no spot to park. Then a cop pulls both of us over, thinking we were racing. I explained to cop what happened and he gave the other guy an ear beating. He let me go with a verbal warning. I was going fast enough to go to jail that night but thankfully the cop was cool.
This was a great one shot overview primer to motorcycle ownership. Before jumping into a bike for the first time I definitely recommend getting a little deeper on all the points mentioned in this video (especially helmet certs DOT covers a huge spectrum from basically garbage to track ready). Places like Revzilla and FortNine are great resources.
The one area that I think Jerry glossed over too quickly though is on motorcycle boots. There are some motorcycle specific safety tech baked into nearly every moto boot that aren't common on standard shoes. The biggest one is crush protection, moto footwear will reinforce the sole so that if you dump your bike and trap your foot it wont taco and let your foot get crushed. Other big ones are malleolus protectors (the knobby bones on your ankle) inside and out, heel and toe reinforcements for crush and drag, shift pads so you don't wear a hole in the top of your boot as quickly, and either zippers or lace retainers because the last thing you want is your laces getting sucked into your chain at 70mph. If you can't afford motorcycle specific boots that's okay out the gate but it should be a priority. Just like you only have one noggin and one skin, you've only got one set of feet and fucking them up to save a buck is no bueno.
I've seen videos of people in tennis shoes wrecking their motorcycle. They literally fly off the first time they touch the ground. At minimum I wear work boots. Even then, they aren't made for extreme abrasions or impacts.
Taco foot, haha!
You should DEFINITELY covered how to strap down a motorcycle and how to load one onto a pick up bed, most people I see have zero clue how to use a ratchet and people trying to ride into a pickup truck on sketchy ramps... The best thing I bought was a 4x8 trailer with a auto locking wheel chock with tie-down points. ALWAYS put the bike into gear so if you break hard, the wheels stay planted and not roll. Also turn of the gas and wrap your loose ratchet ties to prevent super nasty scratches from it whipping against your plastics
My bigger younger brother (trust me it makes sense) bought the same body bike i started on in 2006 just about 6 months ago! My first real bike was a new fresh 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6s. My Brother Bought 2003 Yami R6 and he is a far better rider than i ever was even tho i can ride! Im 37 now and hes 24 and i have no need to worry about his skills as a rider! But yes as a 10 plus year GM dealer tech, bikes are easy to work on and even my brother (while not his field) has learned SO MUCH about working on cars/bikes and is often even help to me in the gurage!
This video is awesome! As a motorcycle rider, everything here is great! Especially with the concept of graduating to faster bikes after starting small! I started on a Honda Rebel 250. Amazing beginner's platform! After a year, I switched to a Suzuki Bandit 600S and its been my baby ever since :) Looking forward to getting an electric sport bike in the near future!
@OFFLINE YT 😂😂
Absolutely love bikes and love the absolute freedom and cheapness of them so loved this episode, but I am really glad you guys went over the obvious cons of owning a bike as it is quite real with how dangerous it can be
Ive never ridden a bike before, 2 weeks ago I decided to get into bikes, bought some gear and I started on a 2003 Honda CBR600RR, its terrifying once you're full throttle banging gears, but I know how to respect a machine like this. Just like people who go out and buy high HP cars and crash them, they dont respect the throttle. Respecting the throttle as a beginner is what lots of beginners dont think about and then they get real hurt and end up leaving the bike game. I practiced the basics in an open newly paved parking lot with an experienced friend, for 2 days. 3-4 hours at a time and now I ride with lots of confidence on the street BUT everyday is a learning day. Learn something new every time I ride it and I always practice the basics to keep me freshened up
One thing before you buy a bike is to LEARN HOW TO SAFELY RIDE!!
My local community college offers free motor cycle classes which will teach you everything you need to know: how to physically maneuver the bike, road etiquette, etc. This should be the first step before you buy a bike.
Pumped for this series.
I even took it again to accompany my wife as a refresher training. It helps you to remember good habits if you haven’t taken it for a while. It’s cheap and fun. Plus they will be tougher on you if you tell them you already ride and expect you to perform perfectly which is a challenge.
Damn lucky bro mine was $240
Knowledge and presentation ability well beyond his years. Definitely a value add to the team and the viewers.
Lol there's no way he's 21. Pretty sure that was a joke
@@misterscottintheway oh no he is
Now that you've mentioned it he really had a glow up now compared to his first videos during COVID. Now that he's in his element he can really show what he's got, I'm pretty happy about it
Love when Jermiah does motorcycle content, awesome to see Donut get a bit more into the motorcycle world!
Jeremiah on the rhythm when it comes to motorcycles. All on point, never left anything on the basics. More of these kind of 2 wheel content. Probably do a build series.
Hell Yeah Jerry!! I've been waiting years for Donut to make 2 wheel content and Jerry seems soo comfortable throwing barney styled information at a camera, I cannot wait to see where this series leads, there is so much to go over!!
I would LOVE to see Jeremiah’s full bike and car collection… the man has taste🔥
Now this validates my second bike after the Royal Enfield as a first choice by virtue of being born in India! The Duke 390, a small one no doubt but happy one year and 8850 kms on its all about the smile per rupee or smile per dollar in your case across the sea!
I am 19 and I have been riding motorcycles since I was 13 and I finally got my own bike this year. It's a suzuki gixxer 150 despite being a 150 it's fun and i absolutely love it.
"You can get away with any pair of normal boots" is absolutely not a true statement. Ankle/lower leg injuries literally are the most common injury with motorcycles. Certified motorcycle boots have ankle protection built in (among other reinforcements that streetwear does not include) and they are not at all like any old boot. I don't know why you guys cut off what he said after that but you contradicted the message of the whole gear section of the video. Overall I'm glad to see excellent moto content and I hope to see more. If you are a new rider and you're reading this, get proper boots.
This!
ATGATT brigade at it again
@@p-funk5562 Yeah, I was like that till I lost all movement in my ankle due to a drunk driver, so yes, ATGATT.
I'm not a bike person, but very interested in a series on bike builds
so glad there is more and more bike content, im really interested in buying one but need to do some research!!
Go check out some of Yammie Noob's videos in addition to all of these videos coming out. They do a ton of content reviewing and testing bikes.
Going with a 650 or 750 is the way to go since you can make a mistake and not die, a 250 doesn't give a good enough experience of what it is like to ride a fast bike, and a liter bike is just insanity, at least I thought so when I hoped on one for the first time. Ended up selling my 250 within a month and rode a 650 for a few years before I felt comfortable enough for a bigger bike. Of course experiences will vary, and it really, really helps to do a motorcycle safety course, seems lame but the better ones will definitely give good pointers and automatically give you your M license rating upon graduation.
@@Hynnar Thnx!
@@anydaynow01 will keep that in mind, thank you!
I would go to a dealership and go sit on all there bikes. The ergos of bikes are way different when it comes to sport bikes vs a dual sport.
Couple of things I'd add...1) Look for missing/broken clips, bolts, tabs, or misaligned front fairing/headlight/brackets 2) Make sure bike is cold when you get it if the bike is supposed to run 3) Bring a 6v/12v battery if the bike doesn't run (don't jump start from car!). 4) Also look for stacks of washers/added spacers or mismatched nuts/bolts to make things appear to fit properly 5) Above all else, NOOOOOOO home wire connectors or hand-twisted spliced wires (beware of black electrical tape!).
Great guideline though, Jerry!
Tire pressures are important too. Cupping is super common and low pressures in the front will actually make the front end feel stiff at low speeds. Always check tire pressures before you ride any bike making sure the pressure matches the frame spec for whatever rider weight category you fall under most sport bikes have a sticker on the rear swing arm, same goes for street and cruisers for the most part.
I bought a 52 year old Honda Cub not running due to lack of spark because the old man I got it from reassembled the points wrong. The bike runs fine which is nice just ment I bought a bike that does run as a none running bike for 700 bucks. So I can get out more then what I paid for it and new tires and stuff if I sell it for something that isn't 72cc.
You can jump start from a car but MAKE SURE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF
Bruh, those home wire connectors are aids. The worst thing Ive ever come across was a Triumph Speed Triple (mid 2000s model) with the wires held together by, and Im being completely serious, RTV silicone sealant. The guy came in acting beyond confused why he was having electrical issues and tried to argue with us that he did the work himself so it HAD to be good.
Also, as @ThatBoiJahred said, you can definitely jump a bike with a car battery; but the car should be OFF. We use to have a large lithium car battery at our shop to use as a reserve/backup/jumper on a daily basis because the thing was a tank and would never lose power on a bike. The issue with jumping from a car isn't the battery itself, it is the alternator which puts out too much power for a bike to safely take.
@@sloreo8278 the 72 CB750 rigid a buddy gave me had Band-Aids wrapped around the wires. RTV is a new one though. I see your point about the twist connectors being aids; you know right where the problem is.
IM SO DOWN FOR THIS , decided on doing my msf course by the end of this year and get on two wheels thanks to papa yammienoob and now my favorite car channel is also doing it too is awesome.
Love knowing there's more people out there that love cars and bikes! Stop that rivalry. Keep it going guys!
Uploaded 10 seconds ago we here for it
3 minutes later, we here for it
@@thewaxdoinks6489 4 mins later we here for it
@@vishu498 5 minutes later we are here for it.
5 minutes ago lol
10 min ago we got it
Yes! Congrats for being able to talk about bikes, Jeremiah. Project bikes tend to be a bit more intimidating than cars because the margin for error is smaller (higher chance to get hurt if you make some mistake), but so cool either way. Just over a year ago I've gotten myself a crashed 03 Honda Hornet (599) as my second bike and first with "high" displacement. Working on her has been so rewarding and my expenses are just near the market price for that model while already having her modified to my taste and all painted and nice. Just can't wait to have her all ready so I can take her for a ride.
As I'm watching this, this is my first time in Texas, I'm from L.A. and being out here seeing people ride motorcycles with no gear not even a helmet is mind blowing to me, so crazy
I myself started as a carguy but ended up falling in love with bikes. Any bike is like a more fun miata but even cheaper to buy and own.. and the freedom of going anywhere without worrying about cash is mindblowing
I’ve been riding for 35+ years and I am all in for the two wheeled content. 👏
Agreed! 25+ year rider here as well ✋🏻✊🏻
I have been riding motorcycles since i was 15 and to this day every time i get on a bike i feel the same adrenalin rush and excitement and happiness. Riding is the only source of happiness in my life at this point.
Cool video. I hope this gets more people into bikes. I bought my first bike at 37 and I wish I got into it a lot sooner.
Should also have mentioned that 600 and 1000 bikes are homologation bikes and are super uncomfortable for longer rides.
Yay! More 2 wheel content! I love you guys and it's great to see more cycle stuff. Excited to see more.
I recently got an FZ-07. I converted it to a keyless ignition in under an hour. I did a full vinyl wrap one evening. Washing it is a 5 minute task. I get 65MPG. It wheelies soooo easily. Bars, exhaust, levers, mirrors, etc. are suuuper easy to work on.
After having owned many cars and trucks, I much prefer my motorcycle in terms of cost and simplicity.
Learned the hard way after buying a Honda that supposedly "Just needed a valve adjustment" and a YZ with a rod ready to let go. I skip any bike making ticks, whining, knocks or any mechanical sounds it shouldn't make. A loud exhaust can hide those sounds so I don't buy bikes with loud exhaust either.
Depends on the tick though. A lot of bikes especially Kawasaki's with automatic tensioners are just in between adjustments causing them to tick. But its usually pretty easy to discern whether its a cam chain tick or a rod knock.
Too true, but also know the bike. My DR350 would start ticking like hell in a handbasket every 1500 miles or so. That's how I knew it really was time to set valve lash. Otherwise she purred like a kitten.
I've been saying for a while that we should have more motorcycle content on this channel and so I'm super happy we're getting them! Cars are cool but there is just something about a motorcycle that cars just don't compare. If riding motorcycles were like riding horses, riding a car is like riding a carriage.
So happy we got some motorcycle content, please more
This video might be a bit older but I just found it, and his point about a bike being easier to work on than a car is so accurate, I've been working on my project truck for a couple years and it's not running, took 2 days to get my project bike running
Great video! Jerry's a great host and its great to see him sharing what he loves. MORE MOTORCYCLE CONTENT!!
If you do buy a helmet, do not buy one that is only DOT. ECE should be the minimal requirement you should look for.
I have my IBT motorbike training this weekend. Perfect timing Donut as always!
I relate to Jeremiah for having a passion for motorcycles. I've been riding motorcycles since around the same age as him. Growing up riding dirt bikes I WISH this content was available sooner. FINALLY gonna get more high quality motorcycle videos 😁 can't wait for a cruiser series
Great teachings on pre purchase inspections sir.
There's truly a good set of reasons to go over all these when looking at any purchase. Plus questions are a sign of interest. If someone asks a lot of questions that's a good sign. I need to do more research when looking at vehicles.
You're my favorite Donut host just for being the dedicated motorcycle guy.
I've been riding for over 7 years in Louisiana (a lot of terrible weather experience), at least a few days a week. Just my two cents:
If a helmet is ONLY DOT certified, skip it. DOT is a garbage "safety" standard that will NOT save you from TBI and other serious head injuries. Opt for a helmet that is also ECE certified, if not also SNELL certified.
ECE - the European equivalent of DOT. More strict standard that translates to better protection for your brain.
SNELL - a racing standard. Only full face helmets with no internal sun visor will qualify.
FIM - brand new standard from the MotoGP governing body. The pinnacle of safety. If MotoGP says the helmet is good enough to protect their multi-million dollar riders from extreme impacts at high speeds, it will most certainly protect you from any potential brain damage in a low side crash.
AGVs are a great inexpensive helmet. It's an Italian brand, so it carries the ECE certification. Also, if you're a Rossi fan, even the entry level helmets have his graphics.
There are different head shapes! So go to a store and try out helmets. Arai is the only brand that makes helmets for all head shapes, Shoei is the best fitting for the vast majority of head shapes out there, and Icon is the most uncomfortable for me. Icon seems to be for people with a long oval head shape (longer front to back, narrow side to side).
YOUR HELMET MUST FIT PROPERLY OR IT WILL NOT PROTECT YOU! The cheek pads should put firm pressure on your cheeks, the head pad should firmly hold the crown of your head. You should not feel pain or tension, that's obviously too small. A firm hold on your head, but not clamping down and giving you a headache. The pads will break in as you ride, and start to loosen up.
Lastly: GO RIDE IN THE RAIN. Don't be a powersport princess, rain happens and you need to build confidence.
One thing to add about motorcycle helmets, get something with at least one certification on top of DOT, its the bottom of the barrel and its super outdated. There are plenty of helmets that are rated with snell or ECE that are around $300.
Damn shoei rf-1400 chillin at $600😭. I want a forcite smart helmet so bad. $1300 but it’s the coolest helmet you’ll ever see and it’s safe af.
@@dalynferguson2582 that Shoei's a fantastic helmet though, I own one myself! Just get a good comm system to throw into the helmet and it's better than any "smart helmet" out there
@@dalynferguson2582 dont buy a forcite unless you get premeasured somewhere. they won't accept a return if it's too tight or too big.
my Rurocs are all great, i have 4, each for a different bike.
@@tfr6 oh shit that’s scary. I’m a new rider so it’s probs gonna be a bit but I will try one before I buy
Hella excited to see motorcycle content on here! One thing though, don't get your hopes up about cheaper insurance if you live in certain areas (like Toronto). I have significantly higher premiums for my bike (not a supersport) than my car even after being motorcycle licensed and insured for 7 years! Otherwise, motorcycles are the best! Haven't touched my car in nearly 4 weeks now
I am not a motorcycle guy but I did absolutely love this video and its style. Great job JerBear and I am absolutely looking forward to the rest of the installments I think it is something Donut can definitely branch out with as far as content that interests its viewers!
One important note for beginners - not all helmet safety standards are equal. You might assume they are but it’s not the case.
DOT is flat out garbage. It’s a 70 year old standard that doesn’t look at real world scenarios and its super easy to pass.
ECE is the more stringent European standard. Helmets that pass ECE will automatically pass DOT but the reverse is not true. Always check that your helmet is ECE as well as DOT - not just DOT.
As for SNELL, well that’s a really a standard for racing applications and you’ll rarely see it on street helmets anyway because it’s not really applicable to street riding.
Absolutely love this stuff, Jerry!
I'm especially digging that FT500 in the background as that is the first motorcycle my dad ever took me with him on and I learned to ride on that same bike
Noticed the ft too! I just got a vt500 ascot running. Sweet to see those bikes pop up
My first bike was an ‘83 FT I picked up in 2014, with only 3k miles on it and an ‘85 registration sticker. It was a ton of fun having a brand new old bike!
I definitely learned a few things from this video like I had no idea that they made jeans that you could have armor plates in for safety I thought those only came in leather suits or fake leather suits so that's really cool. I appreciate the information.
Got my first bike in around 2009 right out of high school (CBR 929rr)
not the best choice for a high school student that's been riding dirt bikes their whole life.
Been hooked since, riding is life at this point.
MT-10 all day!
Can we get a motorcycle series ?? Like moding them and build or reviews .
hi-bike/low-bike
@@SpaceMissile yah i agree
money pit bikes!!
Tbh, I want donut to make a mini series about their own project cars and how they've dealt with building it, just like Jame's AE86
2 words: High Bike Low Bike.
Fuck. Yes.
I’ve always had motards and a few road bikes and now I’m currently getting a husqvarna SMR501!
Also guys Drz400e/s/sm are bullet proof they’ll run forever! Remember Suzuki never changed their drz’s for 20+ years
If you’re shorter than a bike you want you can also get lowering links if the bike has linkage suspension if a bike like ktm that uses PDS you can get collars for your shock that also lower your bike … can also cut foam out of seat
Thank you SO much for making this video. I've been wanting to get into riding for a long time, and you guys covered just about every question and concern I've had about purchasing a new or used bike. For me personally, I'm looking at lightweight dual sports that I can use as a daily commuter that would still be capable of highway speeds and the occasional off road/trail ride. As a taller, heavier (at the moment) person, I've been looking at bikes like the Honda XR650L, Kawasaki KLR 650, Suzuki DR650, etc. One more question though: what about features like ABS? With the KLR 650, there's a small difference in price with or without ABS, and I wonder if it's worth having it for a new rider. Can ABS on a bike be aggressive enough that the rider really have to adjust to it, or is it usually consistent enough that it feels natural? In the off-road dual sport review videos I've watched, many riders often talk about ways to turn it off or disable it. I just want what's going to be safest for when I have to deal with other motorists on the road since, realistically, that's where I'll be riding like 90% of the time. Any advice here from the community is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Watch some of FortNine if you haven’t already.
He has a great video on the KLR.
That said, I’ve never had a bike with ABS. If you know the limits of your machine-which you should always aspire to-then you should be fine without it.
There was only one time where I have ever thought having ABS would be better than not, and that was on a bit of road that was wet-and apparently had been for quite some time-and had grown a super slick coat of black algae under a thin sheen of running water. This was a road that I had ridden many times in the past, and it normally stayed dry, but that year we had a particularly wet rainy season. Came around the corner, saw water running on the road, reduced my speed and got the bike out of lean and bolt upright as quickly as I could. The unseen algae still dropped me on my ass in a sliding low-side. My friend behind me saw me fall and nearly fell, too-but he had ABS. Still didn’t stop him from falling flat on his ass when he dismounted, though hahaha. Algae got him, too, in the end. I was wearing full gear, though, and came out with nary a scratch.
Whatever you do decide on, practice plenty on dirt and other less-than-ideal surfaces just as much as you do on road. Knowing how to ride when traction is lacking will keep you out of lots of trouble. And wear ALL the gear; don’t matter how hot it is!
I have the klr 650 with abs, get it rather than not having it. I’ve felt it and used it multiple times and it has never made me regret using it since it’s always activated on road in situations where I’d definetly benefited greatly. I’d rather have it and wire a switch to turn it off for off-road than not have it at all. Should also be noted that the klr has delayed abs which works out better for off-roading. I’m also tip toeing and so is my girlfriend but it’s better it be taller when riding and shorter when standing still so I’m not sure that all the bikes you named won’t work with a shorter rider but yeah you’d definetly feel like it’s sized for you.
Anyone else shocked he’s 21😂👀
Wait what?!
Looks 30
The amount of people I see with just a helmet on is so sketchy. No gloves, riding in shorts a tee, and vans. May the riding gods help them if they fall.
Thats the legal requirement thats why aha people only care about that and only that
Thank you for being a voice of reason in the states for getting a well sized bike for a newbie.
I'm in NZ but I see on so many FB groups people getting big bikes and absolutely trashing them.
0:20 so that’s what they meant 😭
And they went and did the video again on big time
Uhh Jer is only 21?!?
Don't know how I missed this video but this is amazing more content like this please
My wish came true. I have been asking for bike content for like 3 years, and its finally here. so so so so happy right now
Yes! More motorcycle content! The motorcycle fans you have want more of this