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At 51, I’ve learned there are a couple things that are certain. One, the older you get, the faster your life will go by. Literally, you start to feel like you are given your own time zone, and it just gets progressively faster and faster. the days months and years are some how expediently set to a faster rate than you had previously experienced in previous years. Another discovery I made was that there are things going on here on this planet , that is beyond the comprehension of even the most intelligent minds of anyone living on it. So therefore, there are some things that are completely impossible for us to have ever done anything about. I know that this one sounds out there. But most people discover this at some point, and what’s to be taken from it is how to appreciate everything you do have, and to just do the best we can. Because worrying or stressing yourself out is just a big waste of time, and it takes away from some of the most important things in life that you deserve the most. Keep on keeping on!

@SwankyCatProductions

27 күн бұрын

RIGHT??? I often think about how people 100 years ago probably thought they knew just about everything there was to know, and look at us today! Yet somehow as far as we've come, we still think we're on top of things!? Haha oh well. As you said, best to just keep calm and enjoy it while you can!!! Ride safe my friend!!!

Actually loved this video and to hear how your life is progressing. Agree 1000% with you on putting God first and staying positive through adversity, and even the highs in life - makes all the difference. I think you have a very good heart bro, keep following it and listening to His voice - that collaboration between the two is all that really matters.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Felt good to talk it all through 😂. It really is amazing how just shifting the way you look at the world and what you're really here to do can make things much easier to accept and work through. Life is most certainly a gift and as easy as it can be to forget that, it sure is great when you let go and remember! Ride safe my friend!

Front brake squish/front end dive is definitely cured with the Cogent Spring/ DDC kit. And, there are others. That's just the one I bought. It makes a world of difference in dive and brake feel. Just kinda sucks that Suzuki won't fix this on the assembly line. Gotta cut corners where they can, I guess. Enjoyed the monologue. I do that when I ride simply because find peace of mind with doing it. And, no, I'm not recording it. My best friend I use to ride with passed away several years ago and riding just hasn't been the same. I actually haven't been out this year at all. I'll find my passion again. And, thanks to you, I am starting to get the itch. Thank you, sir. Keep rolling that rock uphill, my friend. You may not have the feedback you're looking for yet, but I have a good feeling you're gonna get there.

I have a suggestion . This will cover several bases at once . Go on an adventure with your family and take a bike or 3 . Film as much of it as you want and spend some great family time out in nature . Go fishing hiking whatever all the while teaching your children and watching them experience God's amazing creation . Seems like a win win , you get to ride new areas and spend quality time with your family that will be awesome memories to have as the years go by .

Looking forward to the DR650 build up. Enjoyed the old school vlog. Glad things are working out for you.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thank you!!! Good deal, I'm glad to hear that! Parts are in to fix the forks!

I can honestly say that I really enjoy your riding vlogs. They are real and spontaneous. I really like all of your videos. As far as you worrying about the content. I understand that you want to put out the perfect content, but as long as your having fun it comes through in the videos and make them fun to watch. I like your honesty and straitforwardness it keeps the videos real, your not just spitting out stats and statistics your actually taking us along on the journey with you. Please keep up the good work and stop stressing so much I really think you have a good thing going and you that you can take a very long way. THANK YOU for all your hard work and great videos.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks man! I really, really appreciate that! I'll try to convince my crazy brain to chill out a bit more so we all get a lot more enjoyment out of this! I think once I get over the fact that it's actually going to happen it should be much easier. Just feels too unreal at this point yet I think 🤣.

Nice ride...work at my job has been so overwhelming latley, I haven't had the ambition to finish one of my old bikes to go for a ride. This was inspiring. Thanks.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Mmm yeah that's always tough! Getting something fixed and going again is always really rewarding, as are the first few rides after. But getting the head of steam up after a hard day can certainly be difficult!

Nice ride and appreciate you spreading you wisdom you learned through life… 90% of life is your outlook on it. That hit close to home. Keep up the good content dude ik you can hit 100k subs

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks man! I'm happy to hear it resonated with you!!!

No one is ready to be parents, you become parents… 🙏🏻🙏🏻

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Very, very true! I'm not sure who's taught who more at this point. I tend to think the kids win that one 😅

You're right, I didn't watch, but I enjoy listening while working!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

🤣 thanks man!!!

I really appreciate the in depth videos you’ve shared. It really distinguishes your channel, and why I subscribed. Keep up the good work, and show how you do the modifications, what you’ve learned, and how it’s worked. Good that you’re working on finding balance in your life, it’s so important to do that. You’ll be a better husband, father, and content creator. Balance makes everything better, because you can focus and be present for those in your life and work.

Do you, man! You've got a great, interesting personality. I love watching your personal interest videos as well as your educational, product related videos. Don't be afraid to bring your family into the videos. I love the videos with your dad. Would love to see the progression introducing your kids into the sport. Get your wife on a bike! It's all good. It helps us all relate. Enjoy what you do. It will all work out!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks Jeff! I'm glad to hear you enjoy both sides of the channel! My dad and I have been talking about taking my little guy up north to some low traffic land where we can all ride together. Just need to get him a little more comfy on his bike and it should be a blast! I think my dad is really looking forward to it!

Great video. I actually really enjoy moto vlogs when you're just being open and honest about life. You have to be the real YOU when trying to make it on KZread, because people can see a fake personality a mile away nowadays. Also, I know what it's like to turn your passion into your day job, and it does change everything. Once your passion becomes your only job, it becomes less fun and way more stressful. I turned my side hustle as a professional photographer/videographer into a full time job doing creative work for one of the largest automotive companies in the world, and the grind of corporate deadlines and constant travel across the United States wore me out. You're doing the right thing. Just follow your own path. Thanks for sharing!

Enjoyed the video! While it was DorkInTheRoad who got me into ADV riding last year (he's local, so the familiar terrain was a draw), you really helped me narrow in on the KLR. I did my first tire replacement just a couple months back, and had a few videos pulled up in tabs on my laptop the whole time. Bret Tkacs's one-handed video, your tire change video, and a couple of other random contributors (mostly for alternate camera angles). Couldn't have done it without you, since I got critical tidbits from all of those sources. Great job making the channel work for you and your family, too! Doing so without a category of product sponsorships, or 100k+ subscribers, is awesome!

@SwankyCatProductions

18 күн бұрын

Thanks man! I'm really glad to hear my videos helped you out a bit with the KLR and the tire change. Hearing that is my favorite part of this gig!

Great video.I am so glad everything is working out for you! Putting God first in life is the key to everything keep it up man ❤

@SwankyCatProductions

29 күн бұрын

Thank you!!! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! It's pretty amazing how much God can change both your outlook, and life in general! Ride safe my friend!!!

I like the variety of different vlogs. Rides, builds and reviews are all fun to watch.

I really enjoy your videos. I consider you a regular guy that any of us watching could hang out with. Thanks for doing this and I hope you get a million subscribers. I put stiffer springs from ProCycle up front. The springs were shorter, so you cut a PVC spacer that they include to match the length of the original. The difference is night and day. With stock springs, just the merest hint of front brake would cause the front end to dive. The stiffer springs completely fix that issue. I can now brake without radically changing the attitude and shifting the weight of the bike. I didn't do the drop-in cartridges, figuring I could add those at a later date if necessary, and I am glad I made that decision. The suspension is there when I need it. Where I live, out in the sticks north and east of Kansas City, the stiffer suspension helps on our janky roads and gravel roads.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks man! I'm glad to hear that! I think a million might be a bit too stressful though 🤣. As long as I can comfortably pay the bills I really couldn't really ask for anymore! In regards to the DR, I think that's exactly what I'm going to do, so I'm really glad to hear it made such a big difference! No sense in throwing everything at it without trying things one step at a time right? Ride safe my friend!!!

@patring620

27 күн бұрын

@@SwankyCatProductions When you order the springs, they'll be rated for your weight. I'd suggest going heavier than they recommend, as you may put on a larger tank, carry some gear, etc. Go to the next level up. I think that would make a great video, too. It's a pretty common upgrade and you would do it well.

God and family first! Great content and videos, I look forward each week on your DR/XR comparisons. I suggest an easy, cheap mod on your DR is drop the forks about 3/4 in. in the triple clamps and change the pin in the rear to lower the linkage and I think you will really like the DR. I am looking forward to more of the XR/DR upgrades and reviews. I also like your dad's opinion on these bikes, he is closer to my age, so I am getting a prospective from someone that may have mellowed a bit. You are doing a great job, keep it up.

And yet, I did watch it. Glad things are working out for you, Ben! Really like this channel.

I really enjoy the DR/XR comparison and modifications. I think more of those would be really interesting. I appreciate your content.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Glad to hear it! More on the way soon!

Proverbs 3:5-6 👍 I have always enjoyed your content and perspective. I started watching you when I was on my KLR. I found 6th gear in my 690 Enduro. I grew up in the country, spent time in big cities, returned to the country to raise our kids. May God continue to bless you and your family. May you find His peace and comfort as He leads you. May you find time to quiet your heart and mind so you can hear the still small voice of the Spirit as He leads you through life’s challenges.

Not for nothing, but my therapist told me that the reason I am calm in bad situations and anxious in regular life is because I'm always in emergency mode. Once an emergency arrives, it just feels normal.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Mmmm, yeah that sounds awfully familiar! It's like I don't know what to do with my thoughts when things are going well. So my mind just tries to figure out how to solve all the problems that haven't happened yet, but since they aren't actual problems yet and there's nothing to solve, I just drive myself nuts...for no reason. Any tips on that?

@JohnSmith-rp8uh

28 күн бұрын

@@SwankyCatProductions Go get on a bike and ride. Leave the camera at home. Just enjoy the ride.

@RedneckGeek357

28 күн бұрын

​@@SwankyCatProductions if I ever figure it out, I'll let you know. Motorcycling helps.

You have some good viewers. I read the first five or six comments by some of your viewers... Excellent stuff. I have to admit, I love your journey. Your ability to chit chat about life is warming. I typically ride my motorcycles along, especially off-road, giggling. You string together complete sentences about your life's moments and lessons learned, the best I can do is giggle. I must be senile, but I appear to be enjoying my senility as I ride my motorcycle. I enjoy your motorcycle mechanic content and your walk through this life. Your family is blessed. "Texas on the prairie"

Well done Ben !!!!! You’re getting there.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thank you!!!

Love your videos man! Keep it going!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thank you!!!

Loving the content!! I like seeing that Midwest landscape!! I like that XR you got

@SwankyCatProductions

21 күн бұрын

Thank you! Yeah, it's nothing like the mountains or ocean views, but I just can't get enough of it! Thanks, yeah as much as I like me DR, the XR is just COOL!

Amen brother 👊 I've really enjoyed watching the progression of the channel and in some aspects your life well done well said keep up the great work

Praise God for his goodness and blessing and congratulations on your successes!

Keep it up man love the content

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thank you!!!

Hey man. I live in a smallish city just outside New Orleans. I am still on my starter bike. It is a cruiser style. Would love for my second bike to be a dual sport, but due to arthritis i dont know if it will ever happen. I will continue to live vicariously through you and other dual sport KZreadrs lol. Thank you man.

Seems like a long road to get where you are. People always watch review videos….sigh, I wish more people were into adventure videos. I did enjoy hearing about your journey and challenges, as I would like to do the same thing. Amazing how selfish we are. God first always! Keep it up.

Keep it up bud. Good channel!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thank you!!! Will do!

I live a fun, adventurous life, scuba diving, hiking, treasure hunting and riding motorcycles. People keep saying that I should have a KZread channel and I've looked into it, but I don't want my fun life to turn into a job. I have a neighbor who lives out of country so I maintain his property for him. He was always trying to pay me for this and I always refused. Telling him that "I like to have some work to do, but I don't like to have to do some work"

@airadaimagery692

28 күн бұрын

I can relate. I have so many hobbies myself. And when I get into them, I go deep. I love scuba diving so much, I went through all the levels until I made instructor. It was a way to enjoy the hobby and get better at it at the same time. I love to fish, I fish at least once a week, sometimes more. I wish I rode my bike more than I do, but my passion is riding in the dirt, and unfortunately the trails are nowhere near my house. I have the commercial drone pilots cert, I hunt during hunting season,, I went white water rafting recently for the first time recently. Highly recommended that. But the list just goes on and on. But I feel like if I had a KZread channel, my life would suddenly be focused in going in one direction, and some of the things I love to do, I wouldn’t be able to do them as much. At least that’s the way I think...

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

That sounds awesome!!! Cameras and editing can definitely take some of the enjoyment out of the adventures, but it's also kind of cool to have the videos to look back at afterwards! What ever works best for you!

miss these styes of videos man, keep up the amazing work. you should make a skanky cat Vlog channel where you just ride and get stuff of your chest.

@SwankyCatProductions

24 күн бұрын

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! I've thought about it, but all I'd have to talk about is how stressed I am about this channel 🤣

Thank you for this ❤

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!!! 😊

Mr. Cat, Hang in there, God’s way is the best way!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Haha, thanks man! Yes, indeed he is!

I like the fact that you give the Lord credit for your blessings. Love your videos

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Definitely! I owe it all to him!!! Thank you!!!

My daughter is 20 now. They grow fast. I still need to drive up and meet you for lunch at least.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

I can't believe how long ago 20 feels 😂. It sure didn't feel like it then! Yeah, let's figure something out!

Good to hear you are going to slow down to enjoy life to be able to spend quality time with wife & kids. Look forward to content with DR650 & XL650 - 2 old school bikes that aren't reviewed much lately compared to all the other current "high tech" models.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks! I think it'll be much better in the long run for everyone and will hopefully make the videos more enjoyable. Honestly I'm not sure why I didn't think about doing this sooner, but it all just sort of fell into place and couldn't be happier with my choice in bikes right now. These old thumpers definitely deserve some attention and I'm really glad everyone's as excited about them as I am!

I've been watching Motomission with Brock Gill. Its good stuff.

I always watch!!

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks man! That means a lot!!!!

Love the channel, but I really wanna see more on the XR. Had friends with smaller models and looked like the best trail. Ike if you arent interested in motocross tracks.

Love your faith. God is good. Bless up!

@SwankyCatProductions

21 күн бұрын

Yes, he most certainly is! The best!!!

I know time is relative. Take a trip across the country. It will feel like a year in a month. The best you can do for your kids is put work in the first ten years when the kids are young and get set for the second 10 years when they need the father and the money the most. The mom can take care of the first decade. Seems natural that way.

Take care of your wife and kids. Run the business and enjoy; don't let the business run you

Quality of quantity, do what ya have to guy.

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks man!

@MontanaDirtRoads

28 күн бұрын

Ya gotta remember that you have a life off the tube and we are Second to your family, and I'd guarantee most are like us and have more to then enough to watch on the tube.

My DR650 is down with a flat. The second pinch flat in two months with the Shinko 244. I am going with a heavier tire. I have been running heavy duty tubes. I am also going to slow down just a bit over the chug holes and sharp rocks.

@SwankyCatProductions

29 күн бұрын

Oh no! That really stinks! I had that happen on my Gen2 back in the day and have always been waiting for it to happen again. What tire pressure were you running?

@robbieandbeckie

29 күн бұрын

@@SwankyCatProductions about 28psi cold. May have been more with the heat. There was a lot of sharp gravel and big potholes. I was running up to 70, way to fast. I ordered a Dunlop Trailmax Mission. I want to try that tire out. Will not run it on the slick stuff

@nseric1233

28 күн бұрын

I have dented the rims on my klr and pinch flatted the dr650 with 25psi in the front tire even with stiffer tires. I just leave the tires at 30-35psi now.

@robbieandbeckie

28 күн бұрын

@@nseric1233 Thanks

It seems to me - you could make some good money, and content installing mods and/or maintenance work on other peoples bikes. I would trust you to work on my bike, from what I have seen so far. Good Luck to You!

@SwankyCatProductions

26 күн бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate the confidence! I have thought about doing that, maybe some day!

Two videos a week is awesome . Love the videos quality just do one quick video and one longer video. Any reason you went with KZread member over patreon?

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

I'm glad to hear that! I think you're right, that's what I should be trying for. Yeah, KZread membership just kind of streamlines things a bit for me where Patreon was an added step. I also ran into situations where I'd forget to remove ads or add them back on when it was time to release the video to everyone else. Do you prefer Patreon?

@DiveTrainerDan

28 күн бұрын

@@SwankyCatProductions Patreon I guess just because I use it for other creators. Though I will try out KZread.

Good video, how do you like the Tusk tank bag on the DR? I was thinking about getting the same one

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Thanks! It's a little too soon to say for sure. Might get in the way a bit when I stand up off road, but so does the one on my XR and it definitely doesn't bother me enough that I wish I had the small one. I've got one (a small) on my 701 and it works, but the extra space is pretty nice!

👍👍👏

If you could choose between the DR650 and the XR650L, If you could only have one... which would you choose and why? and which one would last the longest with higher milage

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

That's a tough one. I think I honestly like the XR more at the moment just because of the sound and snappy throttle response. Long term though, once they both have a few small performance mods, the DR has upgraded suspension and both have more open exhausts, I think the DR will be my pick. Long term, with it's oil cooler and easier going engine, I think the DR will also be the winner. We'll see though!

I watched

@SwankyCatProductions

16 күн бұрын

Thank you!!!

A swanky cat vid i wont watch. Alright bet

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

🤣

Liked the old klr vids better

So you sold your old and got a dr

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

I traded the old KLR for this DR actually! I'll be picking up a Gen 1 as soon as I find a good stock one though!

There’s no review of the DR 650 in this review of the DR 650. Maybe just change the title so people don’t watch it expecting you to say anything about the bike.

@SwankyCatProductions

7 күн бұрын

Ahhh, I'm not sure what you mean? A "motovlog" is just a video where someone rides around on a motorcycle and talks about random things. It's less common now, but it's how I got started making videos years ago.

And we know that fnGod causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. And sometimes I look at my wife of 30 years and think the same thing you did, lol how did we get here 😁

@SwankyCatProductions

28 күн бұрын

Definitely!!! Haha, we just hit 9 years this summer. I'm glad to hear that, that doesn't change after 21 more! That's awesome!

It's old-fashioned, NOT old fashion. A common mistake, but a mistake. You should fix it, if you want to appear credible.

@SwankyCatProductions

26 күн бұрын

Changed it now, thank you!!!

What camers are you using? Grear views and video

@SwankyCatProductions

26 күн бұрын

The helmet camera is a Hero 9 and one in front of the bike is an older insta 360. Everything else is actually filmed with a higher end Motorola phone. It's not quite as good as an iPhone camera, but it's always in my pocket, which is invaluable!