In case you wish to check out my courses, here are some links: "King of the Road" 2-month online course: moto-control.shop/subscription/ BEGINNER rider video course: moto-control.shop/product/moto-control-beginner-rider-video-course/ ADVANCED rider video course ("Training Routine"): moto-control.shop/product/training-routine-video-course-ebook/
I’ve been riding since 2008. Done nearly 80,000 miles on the saddle of 4 bikes. All of them under 400cc. They’re just so nice to ride and so cheap to own, run, and maintain. I never want to upgrade to a “bigger” bike. I used to lust over 1000cc superbikes when I started riding but now that I’m older and wiser, I have come to appreciate nimble handling and ease of ownership over speed and vanity.
I ride a 350 air-cooled single. I love everything about it, but I do occasionally wish it was just a little more powerful when going up steep hills at high speed. It struggles to go over 50mph on a 10% grade, so some roads make it sketchy when an impatient driver is behind you. The average car driver thinks all motorcycles are supers fast, so they won't understand why you're going slow
@@jakel2837 damn! That is slow. I got a Yamaha MT03, only 320cc’s. But I can cruise at 80mph for long distances without getting uncomfortable. Not all bikes in the same cubic capacity are built the same. Mine is a high-revving twin cylinder that’s tuned for sports riding.
I use to have a 150 then went up to 250. because I don't ride quite often and later a new 150 model came out that looks sooo much cool and have better safety feature ie abs I sold my 250 and got that 150 until now I still enjoy it. Although sometimes I do wish I should get a bigger bike but I still love the cbr150r cause in my country most of the roads are narrow and traffic is heavy everywhere so getting a bigger bike is pointless.When I use my bike for food delivery alot of my customers envy my bike
I used to ride an Indian built ROYAL ENFIELD Meteor 350 cc. Single cylinder ‘thumper’. After two years 40,000 km all over sunny tropical Thailand. Including long rides in the rain. For example Bangkok-Phuket island 1,800 km round trip. Those nasty =RE= vibrations. I am still, suffering from stiff neck (wry neck). Physiotherapy once a month. Anyhow, enuff vibrations and a lot of up & down shifting when overtaking trucks (lorries) on the highways. I made a decision to purchase a KAWASAKI Vulcan 650 cruiser. With ABS. Deliverd to my house in Bangkok Dec 2024. Today 12,000 km on the clock. This “KAWA” Vulcan 650 Parallel-Twin is perfect me. I am also a double TKR case with reduced knee flexion. I sit flat foot, forward pegs. No Vibrations and plenty oomph, torque for overtaking (passing) be it double-decker tour buses on ten-wheel-trucks. And I love touring in the mountains of northern THAILAND. Fine roads and stunning vistas! ‘JohnnyBikeSanooK!’ The septuagenerian Kawasaki Vulcan 650 rider. My “KAWA” manufactured in Thailand.
@ 10:18 Lack of Awareness. Everyone should watch MotoStars. You can learn a lot watching why those guys crash. Everything from dogs running out, to getting rear ended at stop lights, to running wide because the new rider did not know how to counter steer and turned the bars left to try to make a 45 mph left corner.
i started riding 2 months ago. my very first time leaving my neighbourhood a dog ran out infront of me and if i hadnt practised my emergency braking and got comfortable with the ABS kicking in i likely would have hit it and come off. instead the dog tried to bite me and the pants id got stopped its teeth from hurting me causing it to slip off. i remember watching where i wanted to be stopped by and ended up looking down on the dog at that spot with a few centimeters between my front wheel and the dog. thanks for the content im learning quickly because of it
Great advice. Pay attention people!!!!!!! I had a blast on my Hodaka Ace 90 before graduating to a Yamaha 125 Enduro, then a 250 Enduro. Without those five years of experience, I never would have survived my Kawasaki Mach III. I'm now 71. I still ride. I've never had a collision. MY ADVICE: RIDE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE BECAUSE YOU USUALLY ARE.
"Ride like you are invisible" and the cars will kill you because you think you are invisible so they didn't see you and ran you over like a dog and left you on the road crying like a dog!! 😎 Siiiiiiiuuuuuuuuu
My first bike was a '75 CB 750... I also learned to ride on it. I was going to get a 400 or 450 but everyone I knew who did that bought a bigger bike the next year. A friend of mine put it best : you don't have to use all the power the engine has... that was 40 years ago. So I was very careful and meticulous about how I rode: no speeding, no stupidity and major situational awareness. One must be very disciplined on a bike... experienced or not. I have recently gotten back to riding (VStar 650) after being away for 30 years and I am approaching it as if I am a complete noob. Your videos have been very helpful in my re-acquaintance with motorcycling. Thank you! 👍👍👍👍
SImilar story here, but now I'm looking at lower displacement bikes because there's a certain appeal to just pushing a bike to its limits and still be within the realm of reasonable.
My first motorcycle is a ninja 400, I previously rode a gsr 600 at a driving school. I have more progress at 400. I don't have to struggle with that weight during slaloms and I'm learn better the basic techniques of movement on a motorcycle.
Best way to avoid getting rear ended at a stop light is to brake early and slow more than the cars around you and weave in the lane while you do it. The weaving draws attention to you and makes the driver behind you less likely to not see you. Also, stop a full car length behind the car in front to give you a safety gap.
Good idea you forgot when ya stop don't stop directly to the centre of the car in front of you but stop so yu are inline with the drivers mirror that way a slip way is created so joe not paying attention wont hit you when he brakes to late.
First time on a big bike -- the day I bought it, I arrived home and thinking it's a scooter I unmounted before extending the kick stand. This mistake was followed by a loud noise. Then while lifting it up, I pushed too hard and dropped it on the other side as well, making the same loud noise again.
The Craigslist thing is too true. So many liter bikes with not even a thousand miles on them with a story of “I just don’t have the time to ride anymore” lol
The problem with starting on a big bike is it's weight. Happened to me. Dropped s brand new bike luckily I managed to catch it and the dent was only tiny scratches along the decals.
Took me almost 20 years of riding to arrive at a liter-bike. Although my 2nd bike might have been a 600 GSX-R which wasn´t really that much slower than my R1, just less torgue. 🙊🙈🙉😇
No. 1 really hits home. I know a few ppl who have a liter sport bike but whenever they go on track they use an R3 or RC200 so that they can learn easier... and cheaper.
Hi Andrei, I got my first bike around 3 weeks back and learned a lot from your videos.. slowly gained confidence by practicing everyday. Today i dropped my bike for the first time! It was pretty silly, i thought i dropped something so i stopped slowly and then i looked back completely. As soon as i turned my back and head to look back, I dropped the bike! DOHH!! I didn't fall or get hurt, the bike and my ego/confidence took a small dent! I think this was a important lesson for me, am glad i dropped the bike on the side of a not so busy road but this goes to show me that i need to be more alert and surely learn more about these basics! a broken indicator/fairing and a "why did i just do that" is not a great feeling to walk away with.. although that's better than a broken bone or something i guess.
Im below average in height so couldn't reach the floor on a lot of bikes and i sat on a cafe racer 125cc which is small and nothing like i originally wanted but its the perfect size for me and i'm not having any abnormal troubles learning with it
Holy crap what a great video. Every new rider should see this!! I'd argue that the gear issue applies to experienced riders too. Everything else is spot-on. The amount of 60 year olds wearing half helmets and nothing else in my state... I cringe everytime I see it. Only protect the parts you want to keep!
I have grown to LOVE this guy!!!! When I first saw one of his videos I thought he was a joke. BUT HE IS THE BEST, BY A LONG SHOT! On every subject, particularly countersteering. SUPERB@
Very likely. I bought my bike used with low miles, so just experienced new tires for the first time a month ago and wow did it feel weird for the first 5-10 miles. I'm very glad that wasn't my very first on-street experience - I very well could have dumped too 😂
I learn so much from watching you ride; thanks! If I correctly remember, elsewhere you had an F900XR on a beginner bike list. I was shocked (perhaps I misremembered). I have one of those - great bike! But I'm really glad this wasn't my first bike.
"1. Too big of a bike" This is so true. I WANTED to get a 400 - 500 cc as my first bike but I couldnt find one used. Heavy bikes on the other hand are available a plenty. Ended up on a 650 cc - power is not the problem, I can manage, but I definetely feel the weight. I'd have an easier time correcting my mistakes on a more nimble bike.
I like the intermediate level of gear for most of my gear. Something w min of tech but enough to grow on before understanding enough to know what I need or ish. Safety first, from skateboarding to ride my motorcycle, something I’m still learning more about as I watch contents like your and put them practice. Ty for sharing the knowledge 🙏
Another video full of great information for beginners, yet still entertaining for experienced riders. As a bike rider who is also an avid photographer and guitar player, I couldn't help but laugh at the analogies 😂. It's interesting to note just how often these three hobbies go together, I've known quite a few who do all three.
I am 31 and I’m about to get my license soon. My first bike will be an MT03 and will ride with full gear! I’m so glad that I’m getting a bike now because I become wiser and since I’m driving 12y a car already I have so mucb experience in a road than when I was a “kiddo”. Your video is very informative tho and I had fun watching it
i started in a FZ6 i already knew what i was in for so i started slowly you can go 80km/h in 1st gear so yeah after a while i feel confident and the bike is very easy to ride also
I'm probably in this category. I have a drivers license for 20 years, I rented a cfmoto 650mt,and I felt confortable on it, so I am getting a 2007 R1200GS. Wish me luck!
Grew up on dirtbikes then didn't ride for 25 years. Recently bought my first street bike, a 2006 Yamaha Roadliner with a 1900 cc engine. It took me a while to get a handle on her, and I did some damage along the way. Definitely should go smaller if you're new, IMO.
First of all I want to thank you very much for all your videos :) They are amazing and you do a lot of good to these who just started their motorcycle adventure. I'm from Poland and i have my motorcycle driving license from 2011. As my first motorcycle o bought myself then Honda Hornet 600. Of course, it was too powerful for me, and I had a slip on it. I got so discouraged that I sold everything, including my clothing and helmet. Now, I've decided to come back. I took additional riding lessons to get comfortable with the motorcycle again. I have fears that someone won't see me and will crash into me, as well as fears that I'll do something wrong and simply fall over. I bought a Honda CB500F, but after watching your videos, I'm afraid I made the same mistake again and that this motorcycle is too powerful for me. Please tell me, it is a good motorcycle to learn driving? It's not very zippy, and it's used for riding lessons in Poland. I rode it well there, which is why I chose it. I go to practice areas to work on exercises from your videos, but my fears about riding on the street are not fully under control yet. When I ride with someone, I feel much more confident; for now, I only ride very short distances alone. How do I overcome this fear? I think only practice can help with this, as well as getting to know my motorcycle and being as aware of it as possible. I'm determined and really want to ride well and responsibly. Thanks to your videos, I hope I can achieve this.
I have a Honda Hornet cb600f from 2007 and I'm 190 cm. It fits me fine, but the MT07 (which I have also ridden) does not, my knees don't fit below the tank "knee cutout". It's not just the size, ergonomics matters a lot. I've heard that KTM's are also good for tall people with long legs, but I haven't ridden one.
Yup I bought a bmw s1000r as a first bike. However I'm In Europe so I've already learnt on a 600 and have a full unrestricted licence. Very different to those in the U.S which can take a very basic test and then buy whatever cc bike they want.
I learned on a BMW F800 and own a Scrambler 900 now. Our experience just from driving school would make us veteran riders in the US from what I see and hear in these videos. I´d hate having to learn all this by myself without an instructor.
Recently I learnt that besides all the gear I already use every time I should also protect my hearing. So I ordered some earplugs, but I forgot to take them with me on a next ride. When I realised I didn't have them I thought: ah no big deal, I'll just go slow. It was supposed to be a chill saturday ride on a 125 cc bike. And even that didn't work and I found myself running away from some truck to avoid getting overtaken by it.
So much true what you're telling and what I like most that you make the claim to become a sportive rider. Only then will you be able to cope with any situation, whether you want to use your skills every day and at any time, but you just need to have them! I have been riding for 30 years and have always prioritized what you say: technical condition, appropriate gear and developing my skills every day. I'm still alive, I still have my legs and my arms... even though I suffered a few fractures... but sometimes you have to check your limits ... 😁
what do learn in basic Training? we have to have at least 18 houres of Traning 6 Traning 5 Country roads 4 Higways 3 Night time and when you doing the test u need to make a emergency braking slalom whit 30km/h slalom whit 7km/h (walking speed) evade whitout breaking 50km/h evade with breaking from 50 down to 30km/h after that u need to drive on the raod for while.
My first bike was a ZZR 600E, 1995. I think this is a great "big" bike to use. Maybe too much for some people that have absolutely zero experience ( I accidentally wheeled all the way past the; Glasgow BMW Showroom). Due to the ZZR 600 having 100bhp. It was old at the time, but ffs, it was really fuckin quick. I bought another two ZZR's after this, an 1100 and a 600. I loved the 600cc much, much more...
I am 65 years old now. I have raced off road for 25 years, ridden sport bikes and cruisers on southern California freeways, always had at least 3 bikes in the garage plus a mountain bike. I have spent 55 years on a motorcycle and consider myself relatively skilled. With that in mind I have been hit twice on the freeway (both hit and runs) the second time I got stuffed into the K rail and folded up my bike and broke and arm and a leg. As I layed there 2 CHPs drove by and didn't even stop. I called my girl and she grabbed the truck and came to get me and go to the E.R. I almost had my head taken off by some dummy who didn't secure a ladder. It ended up causing a pileup behind me. When my friends say they want to get a bike to get to work I tell them only if you want to end your life early. Skill only buys you 80% of the equation. Other dummies make up the remaining 20% and they are lethal.
Made the first mistake myself by getting a vstrom 650 right away. Can't tip it over more than 15 degrees without worrying about dropping it. Recently bought a WR250x. I feel so much more confident on it. Can't wait to practice some wheelies and donuts. No way I'd feel this way with the vstrom.
I have started on a small 300cc bike, weighing only 151 kg (336 pounds), and my weight is 90 kg (200 lbs). While bike is very light and responsive, I am continue to face problem with tense hands during low-speed manuevers, despite 2500+ km driven in the city traffic, and numerous exercizes (namely, fig-8 and circles). Seems that it is because I can easily handle the bike with my hands, it stops me from gaining correct reflexes. On higher speed turns with larger radius (public roads) my hands are usually loose (unless I have to suddenly straighten up and decrease speed to avoid crashing into car in front of me). Another problem is tense hands during traffic filtering at low speed, with often braking / speed change, that is I guess due to fact that my bike has semi-sporty riding position, foot pegs just below seat (but hips get good grip).
I'd say, heavier bike currently will make your hands to be even more tense. There might be few reasons behind that: your posture, positions and angles of your hand controls (including bars), position of your arms. Posture: See, how you are seated on a bike. You should hold your bike with your knees (as if you were riding a horse), your body with your core muscles (like, slouching a bit or having a completely straight back) and your hands just lying on the handlebars ready for any micro-movements. Hand controls: some part of discomfort bight be caused by bars being to narrow or too wide, pullback is too big or too small, levers are to high up or too low and you have to reach them. There're some good videos on YT about all that, including this channel. Arms position comes from first two points. Fix these and it will solve like 80% of the problem. other 20 - get confident and learn your and bike's limits. Bikes are like a living beast - if you are not confident, it won't obey to you
@@totoco2 Thanks for your advices! Basically, I am trying to do all you mentioned, and on speedy turns I am with loose hands, firm knee grip, etc. As I can feel, having a bike with foot-pegs located further forward would better suit my anthropometry - I actually plan my next, bigger bike to be of mild adventure type (like Kawasaki Versys 650 or CFMoto 700mt), for suspension more suitable to our city roads, wind protection, and more straight sitting position (better longitudal fixation). 90° turns I pass with loose hands, same for larger radius U-turns, but tight U-turns suffer. Probably, I need to work more on vision and head/shoulder rotation, as I get short improvement during my training sessions.
Another point that is rarely mentioned is breath control. Practice breathing deeply and slowly. It's easy to hyperventilate with realising it (e.g. shallow breathing). This will add tension to to your muscles. Also check your shoulders for tension. Tight shoulders = tight hands.
You probably got a Single or Twin Cylinder Bike. They are murder on the hands (due to vibrations). Once your skills are in order, get a 4 Cylinder and never look back.
Vibrations don't bother me much, I mostly have short rides (30-40 minutes max) around the city. But reflex from the gym to hold weights tight works against me on the bike.
My first time owning my own bike, I bought a 2005 GSXR 1000. I started big bcus this is the only bike I’m gonna buy for myself. For my wife I’ll buy her an 400 or 600 which ever one she’s comfortable on.
I traded my 600cc Honda for a Husky Vitpilen 401. Best decision of my life. :D Small bikes are fun. Oh and I am 194 cm 102kg . My Vitpilen is more comfortable to ride than my Honda was due to the light weight.
People, more often than now, usually put ego first when buying a bike. When you think a smaller displacement is beneath you then that's your ego talking.
I still think I’m new rider, though I rode 125cc scooters since I was 16 and now I’m 19 I do daily deliveries of 7 hours on the road. Even 125cc seems pretty enough for me in a little city😄 I think that I’m new rider because 125cc is very little and doesn’t give any experience and it is most automatic, still struggle to ride faster, also I fell off on a turn once so, I’m afraid to lean too much.
Can you please explain how to up-shift and down-shift? I am a little confused because I heard that the throttle mustn't be released abruptly, but that's exactly what happens at shifting gears. Is the trick at squeezing the clutch at the exact same time as fully releasing the throttle?
I approach riding my bike like a fighter pilot getting into his fighter plane when I ride I keep my head on a swivel and watch for everything play three dimensional chess with before I go. I check everything pre-inspection.
Yes, that is one of the best choices. I started with an Honda XR200 25 years ago. Went to bigger bikes later after gaining the necessary balance and reaction skills. I now have 5 bikes, from 390 to 1260 cc. I still ride the KTM 390 a lot for practicing cornering on more technical roads and trails.. I also do figure 8 practice 1 Saturday a month because it only takes an hour and it makes riding is much safer.
@@briangc1972 is it ok to not use rear brakes if I just shift my weight more towards the front tyre, so that I only need to use the front brake? Ofcourse this is only for non-emergency situations. I do that on my scooter & I want to know if it's a bad habit.
i crashed on the 2nd month of learning motor cycle.. luckily I was wearing a helmet, so only broke wrist and not head. "dress for the slide not the ride"
A thrill seeker needs far more skill than the rest of us, and as such, should not be allowed near a powerful bike until they have lots of skill and time using it. Most of my thrill seeker friends died on fast bikes they weren't capable of handling. And a 650 is a powerful bike.
Wait... How long do you spend on training bikes ? Like, how many hours are put into the bike's lessons before you get your permit in your area ? Here in france, we spend a minimum of 8 hours in a closed environment learning how to steer, brake, accelerate, and swerve. And then we have to pass the first exam. Then we learn how to ride it in the road. It's a few more hours at least and another exam before we can finally get the rider's license. Just... Don't tell me your riding's license is more or less the same shit you get from a driver's license ? Aka one of the easiest car's license you can get in the world...
A work colleague of my wife bought a Harley Davidson, on the way out of the showroom he dropped it and broke his leg. He was, however, an experienced rider.
My guess is he gave it too much throttle, was tight on the bars causing it to swerve, and then he lost control….. It’s important to stay loose on bars, so that you don’t destabilize the bike.
In case you wish to check out my courses, here are some links:
"King of the Road" 2-month online course: moto-control.shop/subscription/
BEGINNER rider video course: moto-control.shop/product/moto-control-beginner-rider-video-course/
ADVANCED rider video course ("Training Routine"): moto-control.shop/product/training-routine-video-course-ebook/
"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life." Captain Jean-Luc Picard
So how to get out of that life
Leave congested shit hole cities for one.
@@girdhar3224 Experience time
@@girdhar3224just live
“I banged a green chick once”
Captain Kirk
I’ve been riding since 2008. Done nearly 80,000 miles on the saddle of 4 bikes. All of them under 400cc. They’re just so nice to ride and so cheap to own, run, and maintain. I never want to upgrade to a “bigger” bike. I used to lust over 1000cc superbikes when I started riding but now that I’m older and wiser, I have come to appreciate nimble handling and ease of ownership over speed and vanity.
I ride a 350 air-cooled single. I love everything about it, but I do occasionally wish it was just a little more powerful when going up steep hills at high speed. It struggles to go over 50mph on a 10% grade, so some roads make it sketchy when an impatient driver is behind you. The average car driver thinks all motorcycles are supers fast, so they won't understand why you're going slow
@@jakel2837 damn! That is slow. I got a Yamaha MT03, only 320cc’s. But I can cruise at 80mph for long distances without getting uncomfortable. Not all bikes in the same cubic capacity are built the same. Mine is a high-revving twin cylinder that’s tuned for sports riding.
I use to have a 150 then went up to 250. because I don't ride quite often and later a new 150 model came out that looks sooo much cool and have better safety feature ie abs I sold my 250 and got that 150 until now I still enjoy it. Although sometimes I do wish I should get a bigger bike but I still love the cbr150r cause in my country most of the roads are narrow and traffic is heavy everywhere so getting a bigger bike is pointless.When I use my bike for food delivery alot of my customers envy my bike
I used to ride an Indian built ROYAL ENFIELD Meteor 350 cc. Single cylinder ‘thumper’. After two years 40,000 km all over sunny tropical Thailand. Including long rides in the rain. For example Bangkok-Phuket island 1,800 km round trip. Those nasty =RE= vibrations. I am still, suffering from stiff neck (wry neck). Physiotherapy once a month. Anyhow, enuff vibrations and a lot of up & down shifting when overtaking trucks (lorries) on the highways. I made a decision to purchase a KAWASAKI Vulcan 650 cruiser. With ABS. Deliverd to my house in Bangkok Dec 2024. Today 12,000 km on the clock. This “KAWA” Vulcan 650 Parallel-Twin is perfect me. I am also a double TKR case with reduced knee flexion. I sit flat foot, forward pegs. No Vibrations and plenty oomph, torque for overtaking (passing) be it double-decker tour buses on ten-wheel-trucks. And I love touring in the mountains of northern THAILAND. Fine roads and stunning vistas!
‘JohnnyBikeSanooK!’ The septuagenerian Kawasaki Vulcan 650 rider. My “KAWA” manufactured in Thailand.
@ 10:18 Lack of Awareness. Everyone should watch MotoStars. You can learn a lot watching why those guys crash. Everything from dogs running out, to getting rear ended at stop lights, to running wide because the new rider did not know how to counter steer and turned the bars left to try to make a 45 mph left corner.
1. Too big of a bike
2. Lack of gear/ppe
3. Lack of training
4. Lack of awareness
5. Lack of maintenance
6. Lack of moto control course.
Seriously tho
In my day, a long time ago, we broke all those rules, got a learners permit and off we went. Survival was pure luck.
i started riding 2 months ago. my very first time leaving my neighbourhood a dog ran out infront of me and if i hadnt practised my emergency braking and got comfortable with the ABS kicking in i likely would have hit it and come off. instead the dog tried to bite me and the pants id got stopped its teeth from hurting me causing it to slip off. i remember watching where i wanted to be stopped by and ended up looking down on the dog at that spot with a few centimeters between my front wheel and the dog. thanks for the content im learning quickly because of it
Great advice. Pay attention people!!!!!!! I had a blast on my Hodaka Ace 90 before graduating to a Yamaha 125 Enduro, then a 250 Enduro. Without those five years of experience, I never would have survived my Kawasaki Mach III. I'm now 71. I still ride. I've never had a collision. MY ADVICE: RIDE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE BECAUSE YOU USUALLY ARE.
Ride like you are invisible makes it sound kinda fun, tbh. Like you're trying to sneak around on a motorcycle or something.
"Ride like you are invisible" and the cars will kill you because you think you are invisible so they didn't see you and ran you over like a dog and left you on the road crying like a dog!! 😎
Siiiiiiiuuuuuuuuu
Best motorcycle channel on TH-cam. I've been riding 32 years and yes I'm still learning.
My first bike was a '75 CB 750... I also learned to ride on it. I was going to get a 400 or 450 but everyone I knew who did that bought a bigger bike the next year.
A friend of mine put it best : you don't have to use all the power the engine has... that was 40 years ago.
So I was very careful and meticulous about how I rode: no speeding, no stupidity and major situational awareness.
One must be very disciplined on a bike... experienced or not.
I have recently gotten back to riding (VStar 650) after being away for 30 years and I am approaching it as if I am a complete noob.
Your videos have been very helpful in my re-acquaintance with motorcycling.
Thank you!
👍👍👍👍
SImilar story here, but now I'm looking at lower displacement bikes because there's a certain appeal to just pushing a bike to its limits and still be within the realm of reasonable.
My first motorcycle is a ninja 400, I previously rode a gsr 600 at a driving school. I have more progress at 400. I don't have to struggle with that weight during slaloms and I'm learn better the basic techniques of movement on a motorcycle.
Best way to avoid getting rear ended at a stop light is to brake early and slow more than the cars around you and weave in the lane while you do it. The weaving draws attention to you and makes the driver behind you less likely to not see you. Also, stop a full car length behind the car in front to give you a safety gap.
Good idea you forgot when ya stop don't stop directly to the centre of the car in front of you but stop so yu are inline with the drivers mirror that way a slip way is created so joe not paying attention wont hit you when he brakes to late.
Just bought my first bike last week. A trusty Yamaha DT125. Loving your channel and trying to take in all the advice you give 🙏🏼
My first set of two wheels was 50cc Suzuki scooter. I ride a zx10 now and wouldn’t be here now if it was my first bike. Have fun ride safe!!!!
First time on a big bike -- the day I bought it, I arrived home and thinking it's a scooter I unmounted before extending the kick stand. This mistake was followed by a loud noise. Then while lifting it up, I pushed too hard and dropped it on the other side as well, making the same loud noise again.
The Craigslist thing is too true. So many liter bikes with not even a thousand miles on them with a story of “I just don’t have the time to ride anymore” lol
Big bike can bi intimidating for new rider
The problem with starting on a big bike is it's weight. Happened to me. Dropped s brand new bike luckily I managed to catch it and the dent was only tiny scratches along the decals.
0:36 I am 1,94 tall and I drive a CB 650 R. It's not too overpowered but still very strong bike for a beginner. And it's rather tiny.
That ain't tiny.... you are humongous dude😂
cb650r gang represent
Some light dual sports have very high seat height, but you gotta go with what moves you
@@rohinthb9942 From my point of view, 80% of the bikes are too small. :P
Took me almost 20 years of riding to arrive at a liter-bike.
Although my 2nd bike might have been a 600 GSX-R which wasn´t really that much slower than my R1, just less torgue. 🙊🙈🙉😇
No. 1 really hits home. I know a few ppl who have a liter sport bike but whenever they go on track they use an R3 or RC200 so that they can learn easier... and cheaper.
Hi Andrei, I got my first bike around 3 weeks back and learned a lot from your videos.. slowly gained confidence by practicing everyday. Today i dropped my bike for the first time! It was pretty silly, i thought i dropped something so i stopped slowly and then i looked back completely. As soon as i turned my back and head to look back, I dropped the bike! DOHH!! I didn't fall or get hurt, the bike and my ego/confidence took a small dent! I think this was a important lesson for me, am glad i dropped the bike on the side of a not so busy road but this goes to show me that i need to be more alert and surely learn more about these basics!
a broken indicator/fairing and a "why did i just do that" is not a great feeling to walk away with.. although that's better than a broken bone or something i guess.
You are the best instructor man I'm watching from South Africa I want to learn how to ride
Im below average in height so couldn't reach the floor on a lot of bikes and i sat on a cafe racer 125cc which is small and nothing like i originally wanted but its the perfect size for me and i'm not having any abnormal troubles learning with it
Holy crap what a great video. Every new rider should see this!!
I'd argue that the gear issue applies to experienced riders too. Everything else is spot-on. The amount of 60 year olds wearing half helmets and nothing else in my state... I cringe everytime I see it.
Only protect the parts you want to keep!
I have grown to LOVE this guy!!!! When I first saw one of his videos I thought he was a joke. BUT HE IS THE BEST, BY A LONG SHOT! On every subject, particularly countersteering. SUPERB@
2:34 He crashed it only because the tires where slippery, covered in oil used for making tires looking good.
Very likely. I bought my bike used with low miles, so just experienced new tires for the first time a month ago and wow did it feel weird for the first 5-10 miles.
I'm very glad that wasn't my very first on-street experience - I very well could have dumped too 😂
@@thefaboo I'm pretty sure as I've seen somewhere 'whole clip' about it.
i've started on a cfmoto 450sr and no way that's too small for a beginner with at least a trace of self-preservation instinct
I learn so much from watching you ride; thanks! If I correctly remember, elsewhere you had an F900XR on a beginner bike list. I was shocked (perhaps I misremembered). I have one of those - great bike! But I'm really glad this wasn't my first bike.
"1. Too big of a bike" This is so true. I WANTED to get a 400 - 500 cc as my first bike but I couldnt find one used. Heavy bikes on the other hand are available a plenty. Ended up on a 650 cc - power is not the problem, I can manage, but I definetely feel the weight. I'd have an easier time correcting my mistakes on a more nimble bike.
I like the intermediate level of gear for most of my gear. Something w min of tech but enough to grow on before understanding enough to know what I need or ish. Safety first, from skateboarding to ride my motorcycle, something I’m still learning more about as I watch contents like your and put them practice. Ty for sharing the knowledge 🙏
Another video full of great information for beginners, yet still entertaining for experienced riders.
As a bike rider who is also an avid photographer and guitar player, I couldn't help but laugh at the analogies 😂. It's interesting to note just how often these three hobbies go together, I've known quite a few who do all three.
I am 31 and I’m about to get my license soon. My first bike will be an MT03 and will ride with full gear! I’m so glad that I’m getting a bike now because I become wiser and since I’m driving 12y a car already I have so mucb experience in a road than when I was a “kiddo”. Your video is very informative tho and I had fun watching it
i started in a FZ6 i already knew what i was in for so i started slowly you can go 80km/h in 1st gear so yeah after a while i feel confident and the bike is very easy to ride also
I'm probably in this category. I have a drivers license for 20 years, I rented a cfmoto 650mt,and I felt confortable on it, so I am getting a 2007 R1200GS. Wish me luck!
"If we don't do it, how can we learn it?" TRUTH.
I truly enjoy all your videos and your manner of explaining things. Bravo.
2:08
What did u do right when you go down dirt??
Him: FREEZE
Stalling is a common mistake every amateur rider do💯
Brilliant! Astutely explained, weighing on various nuances and their pros and cons.
Grew up on dirtbikes then didn't ride for 25 years. Recently bought my first street bike, a 2006 Yamaha Roadliner with a 1900 cc engine. It took me a while to get a handle on her, and I did some damage along the way. Definitely should go smaller if you're new, IMO.
Your vid’s are good and I have ridden 30 years or so always learn something yea I didn’t get first liter bike after like 4 or 5 bikes
First of all I want to thank you very much for all your videos :) They are amazing and you do a lot of good to these who just started their motorcycle adventure. I'm from Poland and i have my motorcycle driving license from 2011. As my first motorcycle o bought myself then Honda Hornet 600. Of course, it was too powerful for me, and I had a slip on it. I got so discouraged that I sold everything, including my clothing and helmet. Now, I've decided to come back. I took additional riding lessons to get comfortable with the motorcycle again. I have fears that someone won't see me and will crash into me, as well as fears that I'll do something wrong and simply fall over.
I bought a Honda CB500F, but after watching your videos, I'm afraid I made the same mistake again and that this motorcycle is too powerful for me. Please tell me, it is a good motorcycle to learn driving? It's not very zippy, and it's used for riding lessons in Poland. I rode it well there, which is why I chose it. I go to practice areas to work on exercises from your videos, but my fears about riding on the street are not fully under control yet.
When I ride with someone, I feel much more confident; for now, I only ride very short distances alone. How do I overcome this fear? I think only practice can help with this, as well as getting to know my motorcycle and being as aware of it as possible. I'm determined and really want to ride well and responsibly. Thanks to your videos, I hope I can achieve this.
Go ahead. Love from BANGLADESH!
I have a Honda Hornet cb600f from 2007 and I'm 190 cm. It fits me fine, but the MT07 (which I have also ridden) does not, my knees don't fit below the tank "knee cutout". It's not just the size, ergonomics matters a lot. I've heard that KTM's are also good for tall people with long legs, but I haven't ridden one.
It’s true, KTM are for tall people.
I’m 5’9” and even the Super Duke was high for me.
Won’t mention the Super Adventure.
7:00 you're talking about a poissant distribution, which doesn't take into account all the time you didn't crash
Thank you for making this video! As a new rider, the concept to cover extremely helpful.
Getting a 125cc this year to start this adventure!
HER: Do it slowly, it's my first time
ME: 6:35
😂
Yup I bought a bmw s1000r as a first bike. However I'm In Europe so I've already learnt on a 600 and have a full unrestricted licence.
Very different to those in the U.S which can take a very basic test and then buy whatever cc bike they want.
I learned on a BMW F800 and own a Scrambler 900 now. Our experience just from driving school would make us veteran riders in the US from what I see and hear in these videos. I´d hate having to learn all this by myself without an instructor.
This gives me a big happy smile to hear what I like. 😁
Recently I learnt that besides all the gear I already use every time I should also protect my hearing. So I ordered some earplugs, but I forgot to take them with me on a next ride. When I realised I didn't have them I thought: ah no big deal, I'll just go slow. It was supposed to be a chill saturday ride on a 125 cc bike. And even that didn't work and I found myself running away from some truck to avoid getting overtaken by it.
What's that funny looking pipe thing on the shelf beside your helmet? :P
It's a claw for gopro, mounts nicely on handlebars or crash bars.
So much true what you're telling and what I like most that you make the claim to become a sportive rider. Only then will you be able to cope with any situation, whether you want to use your skills every day and at any time, but you just need to have them! I have been riding for 30 years and have always prioritized what you say: technical condition, appropriate gear and developing my skills every day. I'm still alive, I still have my legs and my arms... even though I suffered a few fractures... but sometimes you have to check your limits ... 😁
what do learn in basic Training?
we have to have at least 18 houres of Traning
6 Traning
5 Country roads
4 Higways
3 Night time
and when you doing the test u need to make a
emergency braking
slalom whit 30km/h
slalom whit 7km/h (walking speed)
evade whitout breaking 50km/h
evade with breaking from 50 down to 30km/h
after that u need to drive on the raod for while.
Always enjoy watching your videos. 👍
My first bike was a ZZR 600E, 1995.
I think this is a great "big" bike to use. Maybe too much for some people that have absolutely zero experience ( I accidentally wheeled all the way past the; Glasgow BMW Showroom). Due to the ZZR 600 having 100bhp. It was old at the time, but ffs, it was really fuckin quick.
I bought another two ZZR's after this, an 1100 and a 600. I loved the 600cc much, much more...
Thank you for your wisdom
Had a highway rock bruise my leg pretty bad. Shit hurt bad.
Great advice & tips 😝👍🕺🥤
I am 65 years old now. I have raced off road for 25 years, ridden sport bikes and cruisers on southern California freeways, always had at least 3 bikes in the garage plus a mountain bike. I have spent 55 years on a motorcycle and consider myself relatively skilled. With that in mind I have been hit twice on the freeway (both hit and runs) the second time I got stuffed into the K rail and folded up my bike and broke and arm and a leg. As I layed there 2 CHPs drove by and didn't even stop. I called my girl and she grabbed the truck and came to get me and go to the E.R. I almost had my head taken off by some dummy who didn't secure a ladder. It ended up causing a pileup behind me. When my friends say they want to get a bike to get to work I tell them only if you want to end your life early. Skill only buys you 80% of the equation. Other dummies make up the remaining 20% and they are lethal.
Excellent content!
Practicing is highly recommended, it will achieve "the proper bike", the one that suit for you, specially the one that choose you to be the master.
Great video!
Made the first mistake myself by getting a vstrom 650 right away. Can't tip it over more than 15 degrees without worrying about dropping it.
Recently bought a WR250x. I feel so much more confident on it. Can't wait to practice some wheelies and donuts. No way I'd feel this way with the vstrom.
Great points
Excellent video.
I have started on a small 300cc bike, weighing only 151 kg (336 pounds), and my weight is 90 kg (200 lbs). While bike is very light and responsive, I am continue to face problem with tense hands during low-speed manuevers, despite 2500+ km driven in the city traffic, and numerous exercizes (namely, fig-8 and circles). Seems that it is because I can easily handle the bike with my hands, it stops me from gaining correct reflexes. On higher speed turns with larger radius (public roads) my hands are usually loose (unless I have to suddenly straighten up and decrease speed to avoid crashing into car in front of me).
Another problem is tense hands during traffic filtering at low speed, with often braking / speed change, that is I guess due to fact that my bike has semi-sporty riding position, foot pegs just below seat (but hips get good grip).
I'd say, heavier bike currently will make your hands to be even more tense. There might be few reasons behind that: your posture, positions and angles of your hand controls (including bars), position of your arms.
Posture: See, how you are seated on a bike. You should hold your bike with your knees (as if you were riding a horse), your body with your core muscles (like, slouching a bit or having a completely straight back) and your hands just lying on the handlebars ready for any micro-movements.
Hand controls: some part of discomfort bight be caused by bars being to narrow or too wide, pullback is too big or too small, levers are to high up or too low and you have to reach them. There're some good videos on YT about all that, including this channel.
Arms position comes from first two points. Fix these and it will solve like 80% of the problem. other 20 - get confident and learn your and bike's limits. Bikes are like a living beast - if you are not confident, it won't obey to you
@@totoco2 Thanks for your advices! Basically, I am trying to do all you mentioned, and on speedy turns I am with loose hands, firm knee grip, etc. As I can feel, having a bike with foot-pegs located further forward would better suit my anthropometry - I actually plan my next, bigger bike to be of mild adventure type (like Kawasaki Versys 650 or CFMoto 700mt), for suspension more suitable to our city roads, wind protection, and more straight sitting position (better longitudal fixation). 90° turns I pass with loose hands, same for larger radius U-turns, but tight U-turns suffer. Probably, I need to work more on vision and head/shoulder rotation, as I get short improvement during my training sessions.
Another point that is rarely mentioned is breath control. Practice breathing deeply and slowly. It's easy to hyperventilate with realising it (e.g. shallow breathing). This will add tension to to your muscles. Also check your shoulders for tension. Tight shoulders = tight hands.
You probably got a Single or Twin Cylinder Bike.
They are murder on the hands (due to vibrations).
Once your skills are in order, get a 4 Cylinder and never look back.
Vibrations don't bother me much, I mostly have short rides (30-40 minutes max) around the city. But reflex from the gym to hold weights tight works against me on the bike.
Would a hd street bob be an acceptable size first bike for an average size construction worker in your opinion
What eaxctly happened at 7:09 ?? Can somebody explain??
Looked he hit a pot hole full of water, then slipped on the wet road during the recovery.
Thank you so much...
Came for the tips, stayed for the accent.
2:19 new shiny tires
First mistake I made was going too far, too soon and for too long.
My first time owning my own bike, I bought a 2005 GSXR 1000. I started big bcus this is the only bike I’m gonna buy for myself. For my wife I’ll buy her an 400 or 600 which ever one she’s comfortable on.
I traded my 600cc Honda for a Husky Vitpilen 401. Best decision of my life. :D Small bikes are fun. Oh and I am 194 cm 102kg .
My Vitpilen is more comfortable to ride than my Honda was due to the light weight.
1:52 Blink twice if you need help!
My firs bike was 125cc i learned how to ride and react properly then I've bought 650cc and i own it to this days
Got to admit never seen that many on a bike here lol. 4 adukts and 5 of family common but 9 😂.
Started riding again after 3 decades on a ZX9R. Lol worked well.
Thank you sir😅😁!!
Good video.
5:14 had the rider stood up on the pegs a bit, think he would have been okay?
Btw where is the rider, exactly?
Me sipping my Macchiato waiting for my new Ducati scrambler to be delivered 😅
Can someone please tell me is bmw f800gt 2014 speedometer compatible with bmw f800gs 2013???
People, more often than now, usually put ego first when buying a bike. When you think a smaller displacement is beneath you then that's your ego talking.
I still think I’m new rider, though I rode 125cc scooters since I was 16 and now I’m 19 I do daily deliveries of 7 hours on the road. Even 125cc seems pretty enough for me in a little city😄
I think that I’m new rider because 125cc is very little and doesn’t give any experience and it is most automatic, still struggle to ride faster, also I fell off on a turn once so, I’m afraid to lean too much.
Can you please explain how to up-shift and down-shift? I am a little confused because I heard that the throttle mustn't be released abruptly, but that's exactly what happens at shifting gears. Is the trick at squeezing the clutch at the exact same time as fully releasing the throttle?
Sure, I have a video about it, it's called "Shifting like a pro" iirc
"How To Shift Gears like a Pro" is the correct name😁
Black dude on a scooter with that backpack and goggles was a view to behold
I approach riding my bike like a fighter pilot getting into his fighter plane when I ride I keep my head on a swivel and watch for everything play three dimensional chess with before I go. I check everything pre-inspection.
Is 200-250cc ok for beginners?
I'm talking single cylinder engines, not inline 4s.
No way, you'll get launched to the moon as soon as you touch the throttle
Yes, that is one of the best choices.
I started with an Honda XR200 25 years ago. Went to bigger bikes later after gaining the necessary balance and reaction skills. I now have 5 bikes, from 390 to 1260 cc. I still ride the KTM 390 a lot for practicing cornering on more technical roads and trails.. I also do figure 8 practice 1 Saturday a month because it only takes an hour and it makes riding is much safer.
@@KristianKumpula 😂
@@briangc1972 is it ok to not use rear brakes if I just shift my weight more towards the front tyre, so that I only need to use the front brake? Ofcourse this is only for non-emergency situations.
I do that on my scooter & I want to know if it's a bad habit.
Sure!
i crashed on the 2nd month of learning motor cycle.. luckily I was wearing a helmet, so only broke wrist and not head.
"dress for the slide not the ride"
대단히 감사합니다.ㅎ
Поздравляю с соткой.
Start on a 400-650cc 👍
400 if you are not a thrill seeker, otherwise 650
A thrill seeker needs far more skill than the rest of us, and as such, should not be allowed near a powerful bike until they have lots of skill and time using it. Most of my thrill seeker friends died on fast bikes they weren't capable of handling. And a 650 is a powerful bike.
In India, they still have room for the family cow.
Yes, they are big hearted people ❤
1000cc as first bike 😎
Wait... How long do you spend on training bikes ? Like, how many hours are put into the bike's lessons before you get your permit in your area ? Here in france, we spend a minimum of 8 hours in a closed environment learning how to steer, brake, accelerate, and swerve. And then we have to pass the first exam. Then we learn how to ride it in the road. It's a few more hours at least and another exam before we can finally get the rider's license.
Just... Don't tell me your riding's license is more or less the same shit you get from a driver's license ? Aka one of the easiest car's license you can get in the world...
In Russia it's like you ride for 8 hours some "exam" exercises on 150cc, then get your exam and boom, you're ready for your H2R😁
A work colleague of my wife bought a Harley Davidson, on the way out of the showroom he dropped it and broke his leg. He was, however, an experienced rider.
i started with a 900cc
5:15 wtf seriously 🤣
Can you or someone else explain how that guy in the first clip managed to crash his gsxr ? I am a soon to be rider btw.
My guess is he gave it too much throttle, was tight on the bars causing it to swerve, and then he lost control…..
It’s important to stay loose on bars, so that you don’t destabilize the bike.
I live in Colorado and there is no mandatory helmet law, it blows my mind 🤯