So Van, it seems as though you read the post/message I left you after watching your previous video. It had more to do with you replacing or “not” replacing Isabelle’s bike. I appreciate you addressing the dangers associated with motorcycle riding, not glorifying it. 2021 is a dangerous time to ride, especially with the number of people texting and driving and/or blasting the thump thump music. Not to mention the amount of traffic these days. Inattentive driving is rampant and only getting worse. I Wish I could talk you out of replacing your woman’s bike, but that’s between you and her. Hopefully you’ll make the right choice! Take care.
I often find myself doing the voice reenactment ‘This spirited man’, when I’m walking around my house or fixing something. ‘This spirited man just fixed a door’, my wife chuckles. This spirited man thought you’d all need to know that.
I watch motorcycle crashes all the time, I want it in my head because you start to recognize patterns of behavior. Being able to see & recognize what someone is going to do, makes it that much more instinctual when you need to react to their behavior.
After years of watching your helmetless brother dart in and out of NYC traffic on an electric skateboard, this looks about as dangerous as a game of backgammon.
Slight correction from a spirited former motorcycle safety instructor: About half of all motorcycle accidents involve the use of alcohol on *SOMEONE'S* part. It's not always the motorcyclist who is drunk, though admittedly, drinking and riding motorcycles are very much culturally intertwined in the USA.
@@ellingtonpeacock1646 And I plan on keeping it that way. I'm progressively moving back to smaller bikes though. Its ironic that he was featuring a TW200 in the last video, as thats my current ride.
I’ve had my small accidents when I was between 12 and 18, since then I have rode over 60 bikes, most of them weren’t mine, butt I think I know how to drive a motorcycle now, and I’m 51 right, still alive, will lose my licence at the end of the year though, small speed issue wich got caught on camera 😄
@@marcusortelius8375 I got most of my speeding out of the way in my 20’s and 30’s. Back before the states were reciprocal. As long as you paid the fines, nothing came back to roost. So instead of three speeding tickets in a year and you are out, it was pretty much as many as you can afford when you are out of state. Pennsylvania was my favorite for that, they had billboards meant to scare you with the fine listed next to each speed in 10mph increments. No math required, I could just peg it up to the highest speed I could afford. ;-)
I’m sitting comfortably on my sofa, holding my coffee mug, and slowly leaning into those curves as though I’m on the back seat of that bike. That wasn’t dangerous at all.
As a german i can totally recommend watching "die schönsten Bahnstrecken Europas". It used to run on public television at 5'o clock in the morning. And when one got home from a Party lots of germans of my age used to switch on their TVs when they couldn't sleep and watched this show and it's the most calming thing ever. It's our version of the joy of painting. Good memories! Thanks for bringing it back, Van!
I love the moto talk Van... I've been riding for a long time on and off road. My favorite bike was a Roland Sand's redesign of a 1988 Harley that he turned into cafe racer style and Roland let me ride that bike around the coasts of LA and OC beaches for a month. I also love KTM and YZ bikes off road. Braap! Keep them coming!!
Just reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance, I have a feeling the Spirited man in this video has read it. When I first read it, last March at the start of the first Lockdown, I abandoned a long-term plan to buy a Royal Enfield and bought a little, 24 year old Honda CD90 that had been loved and treated well. Bought her in the hill country of Kandy Sri Lanka, drove her 200 Km around the hills and then back to the capital of Colombo then packed all my things on the little CD90 and moved to quiet costal town another 200 or so kilometres away from the capital. She hasn't let me down once. I don't have the money for a bigger motorcycle and little Kali Kitten isn't great for long-road trips, but I ride her daily and wouldn't trade her for a soul unless of course it was a another Spirited man or woman. Thanks for this Van. Life is rich.
As a motorcyclist myself who used to go on weekend rides, I can't find a more relatable video and emotions Van mentioned. This video is definitely inspiring me to ride again. Thanks!
I've lived in Berlin go the last 10 years where I no longer had the need to own or drive a car, and where I now only ever use my bicycle to get around. In the last couple years a small desire has been building up inside me to go the next step and buy a motorcycle. But I've sat on the fence about it for the very reasons Van mentioned about how dangerous it is. But I gotta say, watching this video has really fuelled that wish again, in a big way. It just looks absolutely liberating and total freedom. So I'm not sitting on the fence anymore. Tomorrow, this spirited man is going to buy himself a motorcycle. Thank you Van
For getting about the place in Berlin, I would suggest a scooter (preferably 125ccm). Much more practical (if similarly dangerous) in the city. Worked like a charm for me. Whichever way you go, though, have fun and be safe!
I had my first accident involving another vehicle in the start of this month, around the time these videos came out. I could not watch these videos, I hated my motorcycle for a few days. I was finally able to watch it today and I remembered why I fell in love with motorcycle. I went on my first drive this past friday and it was a smooth first drive back on the rode. 😀
This video rolled around in my head for at least a year when out of the blue an old friend asked me if I wanted his 1975 honda cb750 which was in disrepair. I took the bike, restored it, loved it, learned to ride it and really experienced a lot of joy. It is very risky, reducing speed is probably your best bet for survival. I also really enjoy the mechanical part of the bikes.
Ive had my - now passed - father’s original 1991 Honda Nighthawk 750, last plated in 2001, in Honda’s infamous red screaming at my soul and mocking me for 20+ years from the 3rd car garage. In August of 2020 I cleaned her up, rebuilt the 4 carbs, only to dump her in the neighborhood on the maiden voyage just around the block due to an improper screw setting. An amateur’s mistake. The minor road rash on the arm, scar from the exhaust through the pants above the high boot, a few scratches and dents on the bike, and a bruised ego aside this spirited man will tame the beast and ride again.
The way VAN is going he’s going to beat Peter McKinnon in the fastest sub growth. Peter hit a million in a year Casey your brother is giving you a run for your money no matter you all are great
@@FreemanVashier its not just that if his content was bad no one in their right mind would be bothered to watch, not only that but if you were in his position would you express the same perspective? its ok to have a disconnect or different opinion and I'm sure people here will respect a honest and personal opinion than a trendy.
@@brainboyandthefunkybunch6516 If he pulls off another commercial disguised as a video I wont be bothering with any more. Casey had huge disclaimers on every video that was even close to being sponsored. Was this technically sponsored? Probably not, BUT was the video made to showcase the free cameras he received? That answer is Yes.
"For some people, it's the kind of thing that keeps us alive, and keeps us going" Couldn't have said it better myself. Been riding for 4.5 years and just hammered out 600 miles this weekend on my 8th motorcycle, a 2021 Street Glide.
One of my favorite things about riding is immediately understanding and having a connection with other riders. When you said "Riding is a spiritual thing" Everybody on two wheels said "Amen" and it needed to further explanation. Rubber side down. Cheers
Because of this video I went out and bought an old motorcycle and I’m learning how to be a spirited man. Best decision I’ve ever made and it all started with this video.
Bought my first bike 3 years ago when I was only 17 and still in high school, only recently got it running well enough to ride every day. Learn another rule from this spirited man: make sure your first bike actually runs when you buy it, and if you get a project bike, make sure you have another to take the edge off while you work on it.
I'd like to see the spirited man sellotape an old smartphone over it and use a GPS speedo. Bonus points for USB power. I use Geo Tracker to record the route & stats too.
I’m impressed you remembered to cancel your turn signal each time, something I forget at least once per ride. Also, that rear camera’s jerkiness and FOV makes you look like you’re in a ‘90s video game.
Grew up riding and kept up with it my whole life till recently… had a buddy pass away this year riding his gxr1000 into work on a Friday morning, wrong place wrong time small boy tractor trailer making an illegal turn. Been struggling getting back on my enduro since but this video helped me. Rest easy Rambo
Just short of fifty-years of riding a motorcycle, I still feel that it is the best and most fun thing I can do with my clothes on. You hit every nail in the head, Van, especially with not mixing drinking and riding. To me, that is what separates motorcyclists from bikers. I never ride in groups either, I don't like to wait or be distracted by always looking in my mirrors. I'd love to see you do more motorcycle content. Thank you for the awesome videos.
One of the most underrated things about these videos is the aspect ratio. I’m watching on a tv but because of the ratio it feels like I’m watching on my tube tv in my moms basement in 2004
I live in Texas but have family that live in Rancho Murieta, CA that I visit several times a year. I said that because I just got my motorcycle license and will be loading up our bikes soon to ride the roads in California! I'm beyond excited to begin my riding journey. Thanks for the video!!
David Hough wrote a book called, “Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well.” He was also a motorcycle riding instructor and writer who was instrumental in my learning to ride safer, and thus, enjoy my riding even more. Thank you for taking me along on your ride. I watched every minute of it.
I borrowed a friend's motorcycle when I was much younger... it was fun, and I got over-confident, and stupid... the moment I realized this, I slowed down, carefully got home, and called friend to return the motorcycle. During that time, I experienced road rash during my one fall at low speed into slightly gravelly mud. I experienced great joy driving across the countryside. I learned that it is much cooler when you pass through a patch of trees. It was a learning experience I will forever treasure. I am not a motorcycle man, it turns out. I do appreciate why there are motorcycle men, and women, and always try to watch out for them.
@@hobbs2005 I disagree. If you ride like a smart person, chances are you will be fine. Most of the time, it's people speeding heavily, or people that have a lack of skill (possibly due to lack of wanting to train?)
THe thing is, i really loved the view when i used to ride my scooter. i see way more things then driving a car and i was more alert vs driving car. People in car do weird shit, lots of times are staring at their phone and do bs stuff. They never watched their backs nor any of their mirrors. I loved riding that thing, its freedom, gives you high alert. I was just cruzing at about 50-60km/h still was fun.
My favorite thing about your videos is that they give me room to breathe. I watch a lot of TH-cam. I don't own a TV or subscribe to Netflix. I'm a copywriter so I think, I think differently about the words people say and how content is put together. And I've noticed that my favorite thing about the words and shots you are saying and showing - you give me room to breathe. Nothing shoved down my throat. No narrative you are dragging me down. I can watch and think at the same time. It's beautiful how you hold my attention without ramming my nose against the screen saying, "LOOK HERE." You have an amazing eye and process. I love watching your videos. Keep making them, please.
I bought a 2019 BMW R nineT Scrambler last August as a sophomore at TAMU. At the time I just thought it would be a badass, temporary mode of transportation while in college. However, 10 months later I’ve now realized that this lifestyle was always meant for me, and that I will most likely never stop riding. Great video, I know every single motorcycle enthusiast will love this
Inclusion of eBikes, thank you! - my eChopper only goes 30mph. I have never before driven a motorcycle, but when i sit on the bike, yeah, there is this moment of peace for as long as i ride. Driving cars used to do that to me, but traffic got denser, gas more expensive, and overall it got too hectic. But on the 30mph nugget, its different, you can go 30, but 23 is nice too, no rush, the small plate indicates you cant go fast, cars pas you, and you just, get a break from the day. I bought the eChopper as birthday gift to myself. i am 40.
I miss my bike so very much. I rode for ten years without having another form of transportation. I recently got a sur ron x and its bringing those memories back. We share quite a few motorcycle philosophies.
I rode a motorcycle for 8 years in my late teens through my mid 20s when I lived at the base of Angeles Crest. I sold my two bikes before I moved to NYC, and when I came back to CA, I never thought about buying another bike. But now I am. I miss the track days more than the canyon rides, but you have to be in pretty damn good shape to do a full track day.
This made my day. I was having headache was considering getting another coffee ( 3rd cup of the day ) - I don't need it anymore. I also LOVE the fact that those gloves are overused. It makes me want to think less of buying more things and just makes me want to use the things that I already have until it breaks down and not usable anymore. Going to take my Harley Sportster 48 for a spin after 4 months today. I have to.
Too much flex on the selfie stick. It needs to be perfectly perpendicularly below the camera to work, the more it flexes, the more it appears in the frame. Just been experimenting with my own the last week.
Love that golden Californian sunshine.I think I would enjoy having that loop nearby. When I was in college, I had a short run I’d take in my car from my apartment-a quick drop onto the I-5 via a long downhill freeway merge then an almost immediate exit via a 270 degree off ramp to the overpass crossing the freeway, then dropping back onto the freeway via another tight 270 on-ramp curve, and then another dIp down to the first exit after that that brought me back to where I started. So much fun and gear shifting in 5 mins in my old 5-speed Scirocco.
I really like that you have the "motorcycle salutation" in the USA, too. ( 4:53 ) I wonder if this is a thing everywhere one the world? In Germany, it definitely is ;)
In England we nod, I've sometimes seen a sideways nod and it looks like you're heading a ball to each other. It's a bit harder to check out their bike though. I think scooters and learners get ignored. I note here on bicycles the right lever is the front brake like a MC and we drive on the left. I've heard of the foot wave in France.
In Italy we either flash the high beams or we go for the "V" salutation with your left hand. In general I would say that 90% of the riders you find will salute you. Usually just mopeds/scooters are ignored even tho at times I salute the most hardcore ones and I personally ignore people riding wearing shorts on mountain passes.
This is a video to remind those of us who had set aside riding for other priorities. I think they really want to get back on two wheels again - this helped, thanks.
Thank you Van for creating this amazing TH-cam channel. I feel like I can really relate to what you are putting out there. It makes me feel like I am not alone in having some weird quirks. I have always somewhat felt like an outsider. And you make me feel like these things that make me somewhat of an outsider, are things that define me, things that make me a Spirited Man.
Perhaps my favorite video yet. As someone who fell in love with motorcycles in Los Angeles, and a fellow BMW bike rider, this was special for me. Thank you!
Wonderful Van, thanks. Please release the 20 min version Maybe as a quad split (or tri- split) screen? Like timecode 2000? Even if they don't sync up! Thanks!
Van, and others: I highly recommend the book Ghost Rider by the late Neil Peart. Excellent prose writing of him healing from tragedy as he travelled thousands of miles on his BMW motorcycle. Neil was indeed a very Spirited Man!
Born and raised in the valley. While I do not ride motorcycles on the street, I have ridden my bicycle on virtually every road you showed. Late one night, while in high school, my girlfriend - who would become my wife (then ex-wife) were going up Stunt road. We came around a corner to a Great Horned Owl standing in the middle of the road. I stopped, got out of the car, and the owl took off and flew right over me. It felt magical and that is my favorite memory of Stunt road. Thanks for the videos.
Never again do I want to be so broke to not have a motorcycle. That's what keeps me going. Thumbs up for your calming videos, for this story, for your bike and for your rules. Oh, and for the German TV show. I used to love waking up to that show after getting wasted.
Thank you for a grounded and sensible view on motorcycles. I agree that they should be treated with respect and should be viewed as a more soulful activity. You see a lot of asshats on youtube doing crazy things so thank you for a normal, spirtited man ride in the twisties.
Your form and body positioning is incorrect for turns, it could be dangerous. You should be leaning into the turn along with your bike, not the opposite direction. This allows you to keep the bike more upright while you lean lower to the ground.
i know i'm not the only one, but I too enjoy the santa monica mountains regularly, I hike em and bike em 2-4 times a week. The views, the air, it's home.
I bought my first motorcycle about four years ago and its one of the best decisions I ever made. Definitely not for everyone, but the feeling of freedom when you're out on the bike is like none other.
![Why Motorcyclists Don't Need a Therapist! [4 Reasons]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1C9ik8s3lHQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Spirited Man Sweatshirts: spiritedman.com
Would like to buy a T-shirt with your logo. Any more merch coming soon?
It wasn't German I believe it was Norwegian.
I would definitely buy a hat
So Van, it seems as though you read the post/message I left you after watching your previous video. It had more to do with you replacing or “not” replacing
Isabelle’s bike. I appreciate you addressing the dangers associated with motorcycle riding, not glorifying it. 2021 is a dangerous time to ride, especially with the number of people texting and driving and/or blasting the thump thump music. Not to mention the amount of traffic these days. Inattentive driving is rampant and only getting worse.
I Wish I could talk you out of replacing your woman’s bike, but that’s between you and her. Hopefully you’ll make the right choice! Take care.
I got my sweater and as a sweater connoisseur I am impressed with the quality. Thanks.
“ Never drink and ride, not even one drink, not even one beer “. THANK YOU!!! Couldn’t agree more
I stopped drinking 3 years ago when I got my motorcycle, I only drink on vacation or if someone else is driving.
Marc Sharon, I love your music ! I live in NZ but saw you play in Squamish 2-3 years ago, the memory stays with me
Hey Sam - thanks so much. You’ve got it right, I live and play in/out of Squamish. What a place.
I like how beer is considered a separate category from drink.
The 50% reduction claim is wrong though.
I often find myself doing the voice reenactment ‘This spirited man’, when I’m walking around my house or fixing something. ‘This spirited man just fixed a door’, my wife chuckles. This spirited man thought you’d all need to know that.
I respect you for that
This spirited man does the same thing. With the smallest of things. "This spirited man just tightened this loose screw" In Van's voice
Hysterical!
Not alone on that
I’m sure he does too, in a way.
I watch motorcycle crashes all the time, I want it in my head because you start to recognize patterns of behavior. Being able to see & recognize what someone is going to do, makes it that much more instinctual when you need to react to their behavior.
Same with car dash cam videos
This spirited man is currently converting a 1978 Honda into an Electric Beast. Vintage and new tech. This video makes me feel all sorts of things.
Can't wait for the vid man!
You should check out the next ESC model coming from customwheel.shop
That sounds awesome
After years of watching your helmetless brother dart in and out of NYC traffic on an electric skateboard, this looks about as dangerous as a game of backgammon.
🤣🤌 exactly
you don't need helmets for electric skateboards unless you are just learning to ride one
@@smashyrashy Lmao, that is so completely false. But I have to admire the pure balsiness of that stupidity.
@@markvonkarlsbad9062 how fucking dare you
@@smashyrashy Right? If you get hit by a car while riding a longboard it doesn't count. You'll be ok.
Slight correction from a spirited former motorcycle safety instructor: About half of all motorcycle accidents involve the use of alcohol on *SOMEONE'S* part. It's not always the motorcyclist who is drunk, though admittedly, drinking and riding motorcycles are very much culturally intertwined in the USA.
True a sad fact. I've ridden for 40 years. Its not pretty.
In 50 years of riding, I’ve never died.
Words to live by, truly.
@@ellingtonpeacock1646 And I plan on keeping it that way. I'm progressively moving back to smaller bikes though.
Its ironic that he was featuring a TW200 in the last video, as thats my current ride.
I’ve had my small accidents when I was between 12 and 18, since then I have rode over 60 bikes, most of them weren’t mine, butt I think I know how to drive a motorcycle now, and I’m 51 right, still alive, will lose my licence at the end of the year though, small speed issue wich got caught on camera 😄
@@marcusortelius8375 I got most of my speeding out of the way in my 20’s and 30’s.
Back before the states were reciprocal.
As long as you paid the fines, nothing came back to roost.
So instead of three speeding tickets in a year and you are out, it was pretty much as many as you can afford when you are out of state.
Pennsylvania was my favorite for that, they had billboards meant to scare you with the fine listed next to each speed in 10mph increments.
No math required, I could just peg it up to the highest speed I could afford. ;-)
Not even once, it seems. good job!
No wonder Michael reeves wants to buy a motorcycle
I’m sitting comfortably on my sofa, holding my coffee mug, and slowly leaning into those curves as though I’m on the back seat of that bike. That wasn’t dangerous at all.
What a smooth ride, Edith !
As a german i can totally recommend watching "die schönsten Bahnstrecken Europas". It used to run on public television at 5'o clock in the morning. And when one got home from a Party lots of germans of my age used to switch on their TVs when they couldn't sleep and watched this show and it's the most calming thing ever. It's our version of the joy of painting. Good memories! Thanks for bringing it back, Van!
I love the moto talk Van... I've been riding for a long time on and off road. My favorite bike was a Roland Sand's redesign of a 1988 Harley that he turned into cafe racer style and Roland let me ride that bike around the coasts of LA and OC beaches for a month. I also love KTM and YZ bikes off road. Braap! Keep them coming!!
Just reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance, I have a feeling the Spirited man in this video has read it. When I first read it, last March at the start of the first Lockdown, I abandoned a long-term plan to buy a Royal Enfield and bought a little, 24 year old Honda CD90 that had been loved and treated well. Bought her in the hill country of Kandy Sri Lanka, drove her 200 Km around the hills and then back to the capital of Colombo then packed all my things on the little CD90 and moved to quiet costal town another 200 or so kilometres away from the capital. She hasn't let me down once. I don't have the money for a bigger motorcycle and little Kali Kitten isn't great for long-road trips, but I ride her daily and wouldn't trade her for a soul unless of course it was a another Spirited man or woman. Thanks for this Van.
Life is rich.
As a motorcyclist myself who used to go on weekend rides, I can't find a more relatable video and emotions Van mentioned.
This video is definitely inspiring me to ride again. Thanks!
I've lived in Berlin go the last 10 years where I no longer had the need to own or drive a car, and where I now only ever use my bicycle to get around. In the last couple years a small desire has been building up inside me to go the next step and buy a motorcycle. But I've sat on the fence about it for the very reasons Van mentioned about how dangerous it is. But I gotta say, watching this video has really fuelled that wish again, in a big way. It just looks absolutely liberating and total freedom. So I'm not sitting on the fence anymore. Tomorrow, this spirited man is going to buy himself a motorcycle. Thank you Van
Have fun with your bike !
Just too Bad that everytime you want to have fun on a twisty road you will have to ride 3 hours to the Harz xD
@@DrKampfpudding Or 8 hours to the black forest or johanniskreuz, way done there in the wild (and south) west ;)
So many amazing roads and places to go in Europe, I did a big trip there, you will love it - rider of 7 years
For getting about the place in Berlin, I would suggest a scooter (preferably 125ccm). Much more practical (if similarly dangerous) in the city. Worked like a charm for me. Whichever way you go, though, have fun and be safe!
the licence in Germany is at least EUR 2k :(
That's a great route. Nearly the same one I would take. Kinda the "Socal Ring"
Michael Reeves brought me here, now understand how he got inspired 🏍
I had my first accident involving another vehicle in the start of this month, around the time these videos came out. I could not watch these videos, I hated my motorcycle for a few days. I was finally able to watch it today and I remembered why I fell in love with motorcycle. I went on my first drive this past friday and it was a smooth first drive back on the rode. 😀
just did the same on the east coast today, 2003 tw200
Mustie is the spirited man’s spirited man
Neil Peart rode his motorcycle a long distance to heal. He was a spirited man. RIP Neil.
Yes! I just commented on that myself!. Neil's book Ghost Rider and his 5 others are great reads, even for non-Rush fans.
If I lost my wife and my daughter I don’t know what I’d do.
@@mhks68 You would keep going. Because you would see them sooner than you would think.
This video rolled around in my head for at least a year when out of the blue an old friend asked me if I wanted his 1975 honda cb750 which was in disrepair. I took the bike, restored it, loved it, learned to ride it and really experienced a lot of joy. It is very risky, reducing speed is probably your best bet for survival. I also really enjoy the mechanical part of the bikes.
Ive had my - now passed - father’s original 1991 Honda Nighthawk 750, last plated in 2001, in Honda’s infamous red screaming at my soul and mocking me for 20+ years from the 3rd car garage.
In August of 2020 I cleaned her up, rebuilt the 4 carbs, only to dump her in the neighborhood on the maiden voyage just around the block due to an improper screw setting. An amateur’s mistake.
The minor road rash on the arm, scar from the exhaust through the pants above the high boot, a few scratches and dents on the bike, and a bruised ego aside this spirited man will tame the beast and ride again.
The best explanation of a motorcyclist's passion and self-discipline I've seen or heard-- AWESOME VIDEO!
The way VAN is going he’s going to beat Peter McKinnon in the fastest sub growth. Peter hit a million in a year Casey your brother is giving you a run for your money no matter you all are great
undoubtedly true all 3 are awesome and van is definitely doing well and its amazing to see
Not too hard being Casey's bro
@@FreemanVashier its not just that if his content was bad no one in their right mind would be bothered to watch, not only that but if you were in his position would you express the same perspective? its ok to have a disconnect or different opinion and I'm sure people here will respect a honest and personal opinion than a trendy.
You ain’t kidding a little over 2 months
@@brainboyandthefunkybunch6516 If he pulls off another commercial disguised as a video I wont be bothering with any more. Casey had huge disclaimers on every video that was even close to being sponsored. Was this technically sponsored? Probably not, BUT was the video made to showcase the free cameras he received? That answer is Yes.
"For some people, it's the kind of thing that keeps us alive, and keeps us going"
Couldn't have said it better myself. Been riding for 4.5 years and just hammered out 600 miles this weekend on my 8th motorcycle, a 2021 Street Glide.
One of my favorite things about riding is immediately understanding and having a connection with other riders. When you said "Riding is a spiritual thing" Everybody on two wheels said "Amen" and it needed to further explanation. Rubber side down. Cheers
Because of this video I went out and bought an old motorcycle and I’m learning how to be a spirited man. Best decision I’ve ever made and it all started with this video.
how is it going so far?!
Bought my first bike 3 years ago when I was only 17 and still in high school, only recently got it running well enough to ride every day. Learn another rule from this spirited man: make sure your first bike actually runs when you buy it, and if you get a project bike, make sure you have another to take the edge off while you work on it.
Spirited man: Ducati are cool when they work
Also spirited man: The replacement BMW speedometer part also broke.
I was thinking the same thing! No one that owns a BMW can talk about reliability...
I'd like to see the spirited man sellotape an old smartphone over it and use a GPS speedo. Bonus points for USB power. I use Geo Tracker to record the route & stats too.
I’m impressed you remembered to cancel your turn signal each time, something I forget at least once per ride.
Also, that rear camera’s jerkiness and FOV makes you look like you’re in a ‘90s video game.
@@atomicsmith well, the old non-electronic ones were. My ‘79 R65 was bulletproof.
Lol
Grew up riding and kept up with it my whole life till recently… had a buddy pass away this year riding his gxr1000 into work on a Friday morning, wrong place wrong time small boy tractor trailer making an illegal turn. Been struggling getting back on my enduro since but this video helped me. Rest easy Rambo
Just short of fifty-years of riding a motorcycle, I still feel that it is the best and most fun thing I can do with my clothes on. You hit every nail in the head, Van, especially with not mixing drinking and riding. To me, that is what separates motorcyclists from bikers. I never ride in groups either, I don't like to wait or be distracted by always looking in my mirrors. I'd love to see you do more motorcycle content. Thank you for the awesome videos.
One of the most underrated things about these videos is the aspect ratio. I’m watching on a tv but because of the ratio it feels like I’m watching on my tube tv in my moms basement in 2004
I live in Texas but have family that live in Rancho Murieta, CA that I visit several times a year. I said that because I just got my motorcycle license and will be loading up our bikes soon to ride the roads in California! I'm beyond excited to begin my riding journey. Thanks for the video!!
David Hough wrote a book called, “Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well.” He was also a motorcycle riding instructor and writer who was instrumental in my learning to ride safer, and thus, enjoy my riding even more. Thank you for taking me along on your ride. I watched every minute of it.
I borrowed a friend's motorcycle when I was much younger... it was fun, and I got over-confident, and stupid... the moment I realized this, I slowed down, carefully got home, and called friend to return the motorcycle. During that time, I experienced road rash during my one fall at low speed into slightly gravelly mud. I experienced great joy driving across the countryside. I learned that it is much cooler when you pass through a patch of trees. It was a learning experience I will forever treasure.
I am not a motorcycle man, it turns out. I do appreciate why there are motorcycle men, and women, and always try to watch out for them.
This spirited man just bought a motorcycle because of Van.
I just bought a van because of motorcycle.
Up your life insurance. Seriously. Clock's ticking for anyone who rides one of these. So unsafe. Especially in LA.
@@hobbs2005 every motorcyclist knows the risk and hates hearing it over again just FYI hella annoying
@@hobbs2005 I disagree. If you ride like a smart person, chances are you will be fine. Most of the time, it's people speeding heavily, or people that have a lack of skill (possibly due to lack of wanting to train?)
Was it a Suzuki VanVan?
THe thing is, i really loved the view when i used to ride my scooter. i see way more things then driving a car and i was more alert vs driving car. People in car do weird shit, lots of times are staring at their phone and do bs stuff. They never watched their backs nor any of their mirrors. I loved riding that thing, its freedom, gives you high alert. I was just cruzing at about 50-60km/h still was fun.
My favorite thing about your videos is that they give me room to breathe. I watch a lot of TH-cam. I don't own a TV or subscribe to Netflix. I'm a copywriter so I think, I think differently about the words people say and how content is put together. And I've noticed that my favorite thing about the words and shots you are saying and showing - you give me room to breathe. Nothing shoved down my throat. No narrative you are dragging me down. I can watch and think at the same time. It's beautiful how you hold my attention without ramming my nose against the screen saying, "LOOK HERE." You have an amazing eye and process. I love watching your videos. Keep making them, please.
I bought a 2019 BMW R nineT Scrambler last August as a sophomore at TAMU. At the time I just thought it would be a badass, temporary mode of transportation while in college. However, 10 months later I’ve now realized that this lifestyle was always meant for me, and that I will most likely never stop riding. Great video, I know every single motorcycle enthusiast will love this
Inclusion of eBikes, thank you! - my eChopper only goes 30mph.
I have never before driven a motorcycle, but when i sit on the bike, yeah, there is this moment of peace for as long as i ride.
Driving cars used to do that to me, but traffic got denser, gas more expensive, and overall it got too hectic.
But on the 30mph nugget, its different, you can go 30, but 23 is nice too, no rush, the small plate indicates you cant go fast, cars pas you, and you just, get a break from the day.
I bought the eChopper as birthday gift to myself.
i am 40.
I miss my bike so very much. I rode for ten years without having another form of transportation. I recently got a sur ron x and its bringing those memories back. We share quite a few motorcycle philosophies.
Love his way of describing the motorcycle life.
I rode a motorcycle for 8 years in my late teens through my mid 20s when I lived at the base of Angeles Crest. I sold my two bikes before I moved to NYC, and when I came back to CA, I never thought about buying another bike. But now I am. I miss the track days more than the canyon rides, but you have to be in pretty damn good shape to do a full track day.
You keep making these and we’ll make sure you never have to lose Motorcycle privileges ever again!
I love your ability to say matter of fact things in the middle of a video without any immediate context or follow-up, and still make them enthralling.
This made my day. I was having headache was considering getting another coffee ( 3rd cup of the day ) - I don't need it anymore. I also LOVE the fact that those gloves are overused. It makes me want to think less of buying more things and just makes me want to use the things that I already have until it breaks down and not usable anymore. Going to take my Harley Sportster 48 for a spin after 4 months today. I have to.
Too much flex on the selfie stick. It needs to be perfectly perpendicularly below the camera to work, the more it flexes, the more it appears in the frame. Just been experimenting with my own the last week.
The flex did make the bike look faster, though.
I have absolutely no part of my life that resembles this in the slightest.
Same
Simple solution. Buy a motorcycle. All you need is $2k for gear/bike
😁
@@normanparthiban4383 You don't say.
Love that golden Californian sunshine.I think I would enjoy having that loop nearby. When I was in college, I had a short run I’d take in my car from my apartment-a quick drop onto the I-5 via a long downhill freeway merge then an almost immediate exit via a 270 degree off ramp to the overpass crossing the freeway, then dropping back onto the freeway via another tight 270 on-ramp curve, and then another dIp down to the first exit after that that brought me back to where I started. So much fun and gear shifting in 5 mins in my old 5-speed Scirocco.
Agreed! Riding is a spiritual awakening. Few things compare to the joy it brings. Thanks for the great film. I’m a huge fan of your work.
My favourite motorbike was my Ducati Monster S4 ex race bike with a full Termignoni exhaust. The sound with a K&N air filter was just amazing.
I really like that you have the "motorcycle salutation" in the USA, too. ( 4:53 )
I wonder if this is a thing everywhere one the world? In Germany, it definitely is ;)
I think in England they use the foot.
In England we nod, I've sometimes seen a sideways nod and it looks like you're heading a ball to each other. It's a bit harder to check out their bike though. I think scooters and learners get ignored.
I note here on bicycles the right lever is the front brake like a MC and we drive on the left. I've heard of the foot wave in France.
In Italy we either flash the high beams or we go for the "V" salutation with your left hand. In general I would say that 90% of the riders you find will salute you.
Usually just mopeds/scooters are ignored even tho at times I salute the most hardcore ones and I personally ignore people riding wearing shorts on mountain passes.
Rarely from a Harley to a sport bike, but often from a sport bike to a Harley.
The little “Eeevvvaaa” got me😌
This spirited man lives in Nova Scotia! Glad you could visit our beautiful province. Sorry you crashed...
I’ve been wanting to get a motorcycle for years. I think I’m gonna pull the trigger. First step, motorcycle riding course. Thanks Van!
MSF course lowers your costs, too.
Trying to lift my spirit because of this spirited man.
Sending goodvibes from a tiny island in the Philippines. 😊❤️
Sending good vibes back from a tiny island in the Pacific
@@nermo.artist Thank you😊
nice content as always even without no stunts or nothing
This is a video to remind those of us who had set aside riding for other priorities. I think they really want to get back on two wheels again - this helped, thanks.
Thank you Van for creating this amazing TH-cam channel. I feel like I can really relate to what you are putting out there. It makes me feel like I am not alone in having some weird quirks. I have always somewhat felt like an outsider. And you make me feel like these things that make me somewhat of an outsider, are things that define me, things that make me a Spirited Man.
I was almost one of those deaths in 2018 for that reason this spirited man counts his blessing and sticks to bicycles for the time.
Shoutout Michael Reeves
Perhaps my favorite video yet. As someone who fell in love with motorcycles in Los Angeles, and a fellow BMW bike rider, this was special for me. Thank you!
Do you know what kinda bike it is in this video?
@@Edgar-iq8zc Maybe an F700 with some mods.
in Indonesia, we ride motorcycle on daily basis. literally everyday is a motorcycling day
Interesting, as a motorcycle tourer I love watching crash videos! Reminds me to stay safe
Wonderful Van, thanks.
Please release the 20 min version
Maybe as a quad split (or tri- split) screen?
Like timecode 2000?
Even if they don't sync up!
Thanks!
It was a Norwegian TV show. Come to Norway!
This is by far the best video that speaks to every rider and why we ride. Well done and thank you Van!
Casey and you inspired me to start a channel, I‘m forever grateful, from a Spirited man to the spirited man himself - thank you! Munich.
Spent a little time riding in LA and these 2 videos really took me back. Thanks for making them.
'' just the good bits ''
....
While grilling a STOP sign 😜
I'm from and live in "flat congested Miami" and I really enjoyed and appreciated the ride through those hills and mountains.Thanks for the ride.
I had dual GPR exhaust on my Triumph street triple. I love the bass grunt of the GPR exhaust. Great choice.
Van, and others: I highly recommend the book Ghost Rider by the late Neil Peart. Excellent prose writing of him healing from tragedy as he travelled thousands of miles on his BMW motorcycle. Neil was indeed a very Spirited Man!
Born and raised in the valley. While I do not ride motorcycles on the street, I have ridden my bicycle on virtually every road you showed. Late one night, while in high school, my girlfriend - who would become my wife (then ex-wife) were going up Stunt road. We came around a corner to a Great Horned Owl standing in the middle of the road. I stopped, got out of the car, and the owl took off and flew right over me. It felt magical and that is my favorite memory of Stunt road.
Thanks for the videos.
after riding a motorcycle for 3+ years this video captured the feeling of riding one ! thanks Van!
Never again do I want to be so broke to not have a motorcycle. That's what keeps me going.
Thumbs up for your calming videos, for this story, for your bike and for your rules. Oh, and for the German TV show. I used to love waking up to that show after getting wasted.
Dude, great bike. I'm on a F650GS from 2005, changed everything and now it has an X650 engine.
Captured the Spirit of what riding is all about. Sound advise from The Spirited Van! Thanks 🙏🏻
Thanks, pal. Just bought my first motorcycle at the age of 45! LOVE IT!!!!
Great video but man that cornering body position makes me nervous
Watching from coastal Nova Scotia. Sweet! Come back for another ride:) Welcome anytime.
Man, the description is like a added bonus, so cool
here from michael reeves' video
Awesome, loved it! Got rid of my ‘not started for 10 years ‘ bike last year. Now I’d like something a bit like yours.
I'm not a motorcycle person. Thanks for giving me the view without the fear of death 💀
its best to stay home with your cats.
@@northvanwan7428 cats are nice, but I don't have any pets... odd guess 🤔
these kind of videos are the best man ! such an inspiration for the need of freedom
Great episode. I worked on an old 1975 Honda cb500t and it gave me great joy in fixing it when the previous owner gave up on it.
Thank you for a grounded and sensible view on motorcycles. I agree that they should be treated with respect and should be viewed as a more soulful activity. You see a lot of asshats on youtube doing crazy things so thank you for a normal, spirtited man ride in the twisties.
your level of creativity and talent is inspiring, thank you.
Love this video. As a 62 years old motorcycle guy I concurre with your recommendations even though I still ride at night
Safety First my Brother!
Your form and body positioning is incorrect for turns, it could be dangerous. You should be leaning into the turn along with your bike, not the opposite direction. This allows you to keep the bike more upright while you lean lower to the ground.
Another great one! I am one of the non Motorcycle people,meaning I don't ride on,but love the trip we were taken on..
wow! that rear cam view is trippy after a couple of bong hits
i know i'm not the only one, but I too enjoy the santa monica mountains regularly, I hike em and bike em 2-4 times a week. The views, the air, it's home.
I had a Honda 125 as a teenager. My parents rode bikes. Thanks for the film.
Velcros smartphone next to written directions... I love the Spirited Man!
I bought my first motorcycle about four years ago and its one of the best decisions I ever made. Definitely not for everyone, but the feeling of freedom when you're out on the bike is like none other.
This guy discovered a new form of moto vlogs 😳
You need to lean INTO the turns Van, not against them!