If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

@deanpiatt4489

3 жыл бұрын

+1¹

I've been practicing in a church parking lot that's 6 blocks from my house and it's perfect as the ambulance station is 40 feet away! The EMTs stand outside and watch me sometimes wondering if they'll get some practice too I'm sure, lol

@jeannoelsandrazie1874

4 жыл бұрын

👍

@slicksnewonenow

4 жыл бұрын

I completely agree with your comment! But I'd personally change my handle to something like allpoliticiciansarecriminals... Because they obviously are.

@ironhorsetelevision2094

3 жыл бұрын

lol.

@kriswilliams5161

2 жыл бұрын

Same here 😹😹

@peterburnham1169

Жыл бұрын

Pick up the pace and more young students will watch and stay watching.

Dropping a motorcycle is a learning experience Never get embarassed, pause, reflect, always learn and improve. One thing in my life that feels good is my daughter rides a Honda CBF1000 better than me.

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@gfunk63901

4 жыл бұрын

@Last_Stach_Standing ! i was gassing up in tennessee on a rental and stand wasn't all way down. once it hit that point of no return, i was like no, no, no, no. thank goodness there was a guy on other side of pump who didn't laugh and helped me stand it up.

@dupajasiu920

3 жыл бұрын

...learning experience ? If I drop my shiny ZX14R, I will kill myself.... hahaha Rgds.

@carmelbonner9471

3 жыл бұрын

@@MCrider where is your silver rotating at I liked it so much

@carmelbonner9471

3 жыл бұрын

@@MCrider where is your motorcycle Silver Road King at i like it

Returned last year to riding after 30 years. I live in Cumbria, England, loads of little back roads and passes. My wife wasn't happy but finally agreed to me getting a motorbike under certain conditions:Bike must be new (you don't buy someone's cast off) and no pillion. I bought a Honda Cb300r in May last year. The first month I just stayed on car parks and back roads, after a month I had three hours 1:1 with an instructor. When he told me "You're all right" - dry Scottish guy, I finally ventured out. So far I have put about 6000 miles on and loved every minute of it. I start every ride with ten minutes practice - warms up the engine. I am still learning steeply but McRider and Dandan the fireman keep me right 👍 Start small, stay safe and never stop learning. Thank you so much Kevin 😊

@elektrokiste4130

4 жыл бұрын

Kannst ja gut Englisch

@DaxXx988

4 жыл бұрын

How's that little gem handling the 70-75mph on the highway? Looking to get one soonish!

@Historyfan476AD

4 жыл бұрын

Ah Old England here we have to ready all year round for rain.

@RealButcher

4 жыл бұрын

Yep, these are the better motorcycle guys!

@jensstahlschmidt2183

4 жыл бұрын

@@DaxXx988 I am not doing much highway travel but even at 70mph there is a notable thrust forward on twisting the throttle so I can't see shorter motorway commutes as a problem.

I am 55 and just bought a ninja 300 that thing is a blast ..perfect bike since i have not rode. In 25 yrs. Its all about the ride not the size of the bike

@joshuakalaniparks9084

4 жыл бұрын

_Thats what she said_ ...

@BasedYammieChad

2 жыл бұрын

@@joshuakalaniparks9084 lmao

I feel even after riding for 20 years I am still learning every day. Every time I step out to ride I learn something new.

@crp9985

4 жыл бұрын

I've been riding since the early 80's and I'm not learning anything new. Only thing I would learn new, is a new to me bike, all bikes feel different to each other.

@800tigers5

4 жыл бұрын

@@crp9985 I'm 37 years in, and took an experienced rider course in 2016. Money well spent. You sound like a "I'm smarter than you" kind of person. Kevin is all about continuous training and improvement. Why are you here?

@brianholmes936

4 жыл бұрын

@@crp9985 ...If it's true that you have absolutely nothing left to learn, for sure you are not 100% proficient in every maneuver, every situation, all the time which means you still need to practice what you have learned.

@Johnny-sj9sj

3 жыл бұрын

I’m 72 years old and I’ve been motorcycling since 16 and I’m still crap! Not really; but I’m still motorcycling and more aware of my limitations than I was when I was in my teens! That’s why I’ve made it to 72, and I’ll ride until the day I die - but hopefully peacefully in my sleep. PS: thanks Kevin for the voice of reason! Best wishes from 🇬🇧 and God bless America 🇺🇸 It did, after all, make my Ironhead.

@JohnnyRebKy

3 жыл бұрын

Amen. 20 years for me too. A wise man never stops learning. Its the very reason you become wise

My clutch problem as a new rider was because of hundreds of thousands of miles on a standard transmission car. I was conditioned to never be in the friction zone for more than a moment to keep from burning up the clutch. Even after I found out that a motorcycle clutch is made to be slipped, it took months to get that in my head and even 2 years later I still need refreshers on that.

Kevin if I may Sir, I see way too many new riders putting a emphasis on their go-pro, the mount, the microphone, etc., only to soon after record themselves, CRASHING. My humble advice is ride for a year or at least 5000 miles before being concerned with making a video. GOD BLESS ALL THE NEW RIDERS 🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸

@JazzRadioFfm

4 жыл бұрын

not only that, but recording for a youtube channel oftentimes leads to irresponsible riding and blaming the other people on the road, in order to gain clicks, likes and subscribers. that's why i don't watch stuff like motomadness anymore; it's 95% riders being total idiots.

@crusherven

4 жыл бұрын

Newish rider here--sometimes I wish I had a camera, because sometimes I think I must be making a lot of mistakes and it would be nice to be able to look at what I'm doing or get someone else to.

@ksneia

4 жыл бұрын

Doing for money ignoring safety.

@ZombiePotatoSalad

4 жыл бұрын

I disagree. I'd like to have a camera to record my riding, not only for critiquing purposes, but also for my safety. And yes, I'd like to post videos to KZread as well. But not be like those mooks who say "YOU NEARLY KILLED ME" to a driver that pulled into their lane 75ft ahead.

@mw1606

4 жыл бұрын

@@crusherven Find a mentor if you can. Someone with GOOD experience can evaluate what you should work on in about 20 minutes of normal riding. Some places have advanced rider classes that include on-road observation by instructors. Good luck !

Also dont trust green lights! Someone might be looking at their phone and run through you...

@joemann7971

4 жыл бұрын

Just treat traffic as if you're on a bicycle, because in a way, we sort of are. If the light is turning yellow for those cars and you see a car that's not slowing down. Don't risk it and go. If you don't see any cars or if cars are stopped/stopping, it's pretty safe to go. When I'm at a red light, all I do is keep looking both ways while I'm waiting. By the time it turns green, I can usually tell if it's safe to go.

@GeneralChangFromDanang

4 жыл бұрын

@@joemann7971 I do that too. Looking left, right and behind constantly at stop lights. Probably looks like I have tourette's.

@CHEVYK10

4 жыл бұрын

Also look at there rims. it's a dead giveaway if there moving. Or starting to move. Be safe everyone

@24james

4 жыл бұрын

True. I ride with four words imprinted in my frontal lobe: they’re drunk - I’m invisible.🏍

@jessejohnson3404

4 жыл бұрын

I give it 2 beats before I proceed

Feels like I’m talking with my uncle and he’s just spitting wisdom.

Wish I would have seen this before I bought my first motorcycle a little over two years ago. Frankly, I probably wouldn't have listened because I'm hard-headed, but it is fantastic advice. Anyone that asks me about riding, I'm sending them to this video. I kind of did what you talked about in the video. For my first bike, I bought a brand new, tall, $16,000, 1000cc ADV bike because it was cool and getting great reviews online. And then I was scared to ride it in a way to learn. Later bought a $4,000 used CRF250L and learned so much riding that bike. When I got back on the $16,000 bike, every thing was much better. I should have bought the CRF250L (or similar) first and spent at least 6 months on that before considering another bike. Folks told me that back then, but I didn't listen. I try to tell folks that now, but like me, they don't want to hear it. The big powerful cool bikes are much more enticing to a new rider for some reason.

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, people are going to do what people are going to do...glad it worked out for you though.

@pilotdane1

4 жыл бұрын

Great reply - very good

@bakingcookiesandmakinglamp7169

3 жыл бұрын

Did the same thing! I bought a brand new Indian Chief Dark Horse. The bike terrified me for months. On the flip side, I feel like I can hop on just about any bike and go now. Looking back, I should have saved my money and learned on a much smaller bike that would have been much easier to master the basics. With the chief, I would ride really late with almost no one else on the road in order to gain my confidence and familiarize myself with the handling of such a heavy bike with a “mile long” wheel base.

*Why can’t motorcycles hold themselves up?* Because they are two-tired.

@jeannoelsandrazie1874

4 жыл бұрын

Lovely. 😂

@la_old_salt2241

4 жыл бұрын

Groan...

@graywolf2596

4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha.

@damianrc5322

4 жыл бұрын

XD

@robgoodsight6216

4 жыл бұрын

🤔...😳😶😐😏🤭...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I learn how to ride on a 200cc naked bike and then I bought a 400cc scooter. It is so easier to make slow speed maneuvers when you have a clutch to control you bike. I tried to do the same maneuvers I had done when I took riding exam and I cannot do that with the scooter. I am still practicing them. I made the mistake with the gear. The only thing I had bought before I bought the scooter was a helmet. Now I bought gloves and I am looking for a jacket. I am riding a scooter and the most time I am riding in my town, but I realized how important is motorcycle gear even for the scooter riders. Some people think that scooters are not the real bikes but we take the same risk as any other bike riders.

@Vessekx

4 жыл бұрын

Viking Cycle has some decent gear at affordable prices. I wear one of their jackets & a pair of their pants.

Great advice as always Kevin. Being 6'4" tall, I bought a used KLR650, rode it for a year and 7,200 miles, dropped it 5 times and sold it for $80 less than I paid. Now riding a used V-strom650 for 2 years and another 20,000 miles and continue to be very happy with it.

@TShepard

3 жыл бұрын

I just got a V-Strom 650 as bike number 4 and I love it. Very awesome bikes to ride and they seem happy to go anywhere,

@ChubakaSteven

3 жыл бұрын

New rider, got the V Strom 1050xt. After an hour of riding around my neighborhood, all my neighbors know the sound of my low-frequency lawnmower. I learned to drive on a stick-shift Ford Explorer, what a joy the V Strom is to ride. MSF course in 1 month.

@xghostxgaming7297

2 жыл бұрын

I almost bought a klr650, I ended up getting an 09 Versys 650 for 3146 out the door literally today I'm a new rider raced 125s as a kid but it's been qbout 12 years. Never rode a 650 before and spent around 700$ on gear in total noru leather padded priced at $250 but manager gave me a solid discount @$109for buying the motorcycle from them paid around $65 for some alpine stars glove, helmet is a senici something 2🤣 comes with a Bluetooth attachment made by sena sounds phenomenal great for music idk about calls cause I haven't ridden it my bike yet so I don't know how it is with wind. Overall fitment is fantastic paid around $380 for that helmet (w/ extra visor). Also bought some senici riding boots about $100 a bag for my gas tank which was another 80$ I'm excited to be apart of the community!

@got_to_roll

2 жыл бұрын

@@xghostxgaming7297 Congrats on your new bike! Please watch Kevin's technique and road strategy videos and practice. Kevin is a great resource to keep you safe on the street. 😎👍🏻

@xghostxgaming7297

Жыл бұрын

@@got_to_roll unfortunately I got into a motorcycle accident last month on the 25th. A lady pulled in front of me and I hit the side of her car going 40. I was wearing my gloves helmet riding shoes and a Hoodie walked away with a broken wrist mobility is coming back surprising considering how hard I hit her and I flew about 150 feet. Thankful to be walking still. Bikes done for the front end basically snapped in half. But I'll be back on either later this season or I may just have to wait till next

Although I rode a small Honda when I was 19, I started again at at the age of 60 in 2014 and bought a 2002 Yamaha Virago 250 for $1100. Now in 2020, I am still riding that bike. I can get it to near 70 mph with a good tail wind. It has plenty of power for the rural country roads I am riding and it is a blast to ride. It's easy to manhandle in our tight garage and I have no fear getting it up or down our steep driveway. I can pick it up by the handle bars if I drop it, which I have done at least 6 times or so. It had 5,700 miles on it when I bought it, and now has over 16,000 miles on it. All in all, I have not regretted buying a 250 Virago...And I saved a lot of money. And I suppose it helps that I weigh only about 130 lbs. I may get a bigger bike eventually...maybe a 500 or so. But today I am still riding that Virago and loving it. And you're right, I spent near the same amount of money on gear which can follow me to any other bike I may or may not buy in the future.

@got_to_roll

4 жыл бұрын

It's great to want what you've got. I'm equally content with my used V-strom650.

@scottbalsai

4 жыл бұрын

@@got_to_roll Yes, indeed !

@scottbalsai

4 жыл бұрын

@Himmarshee Street Live The living room and patio....Sheeze. That's dedication. I don't even keep any of my bicycles in my living room....although I used to when I was younger. Ride on.

@jseden

3 жыл бұрын

I ride a rebel250 and have no real desire to upgrade either.. it's fast enough, super easy to work on and I still greatly enjoy riding it.

@scottbalsai

3 жыл бұрын

@@jseden Yes, I was looking at those too when I bought the Virago. (I have to admit, I have been a little partial to V twins.) But now, if I ever do buy a "bigger" bike, the new Rebel 500 is a strong candidate. But again, like you I still love my 250.

Take that Motorcycle Safety Course, and when you're done, continue practicing what you learned in the course, find you a big empty parking lot and practice. And practice those emergency stops. My safety course class was a lot of fun, met some real nice folks. But it's important to continue practicing what you learned in those few days. Practicing my emergency stops, helped save me from what surely would have been a collision. And tuning into some of the great Motorcycle youtube channels devoted to rider safety, like this one, only helps you be more prepared. Ride Safe !

This may be the most important video that you've made. It should be required viewing for everyone even thinking of getting into riding. Thanks for doing it.

I buy used always. I am 66 years old and I have never bought a new car truck or motorcycle in my life. Of the seven Harley's and two Indians I had only one my 02 FLSTC was running and not a basket case when I got it. I learned to ride on a 1938 Indian scout our neighbor had in the 60's with a foot s clutch. It was a right hand shift like my dad's 66 Chevy pick up truck was with three on the tree so it was easy for me. .Good video you always explain thing in a easy to understand fashion. I watch because no matter how long you been riding reviewing this is a good thing

Thanks for another great video Kevin. God bless and stay safe.

Thanks for the video, it all makes a lot of sense!👍

Another great video! As a new rider I appreciate all the help I can get. I've been out a few times now and slowly getting the hang of it. The little mistakes are getting less. Lucky no big mistakes yet!!

You said it well. Love taking training classes. It raises my enjoyment of riding each time. I am assisting a new rider right now. Your channel was my first advice.

Thanks MC! Your stop & go, slow speed turns and clutch feathering drills have helped me a lot. I practice them at 6am every Saturday and Sunday. 👏🏼💯👍🏼🏍🙏🏼

Thank you for your content. I always learn something from your videos.

New to the biking family and to this wonderful page . I was gifted a awsome helmet about 6 years ago and gloves. I took my riding class in 2021 and purchased my 1st bike this year in 2022 a 2000 Vs800gl Intruder used for 1700... I love my intruder. I highly suggest a smaller bike to anyone who is just beginning. Humble yourselves folks we will all work our way up

@MCrider

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, welcome!

Hi Kevin, thank you for all your solid advice I am definitely a newbie . But I am also a mom and I find your advice to be very logical and practical . Before I viewed this video I nailed all the used gear and getting ready for my msf class in a few days. I've been prepping by watching all your videos and they are helping me and taking away much of my fear of the unknown . Thank you for taking your time to help us on our journey of learning to ride better. God bless you!

Greetings from eastern Europe! I'm about to start my first riding course next week, and your channel has been really great for me, even though there are differences between European and American MC courses (they are much longer here, and empty parking lots are not a thing in my country :)) ) So thank you and keep up the good work!

Nice video. Great drone shots!

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

10:00 whats insane to me as a European (where we MUST learn manual shifting in driving school), was hearing that in america you DONT need to learn a manual tranmission to get your driving license. That is just mindblowing to me. It's like getting an airplane licence but not needing to learn how to use the flaps...

Thanks Kevin. Valuable tips for riders of all experience levels.

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Kevin your videos are always informational.. Thank You! I have been riding for 40+ years and learn EVERY time I watch a video, be it from you or other MC Instructors. I took a MSF course 2 years ago just to repeat my skills again, improved my riding skills yet again. I am Road Capt for local HD Dealship, must keep my skills fresh and share with new riders. I refer your Channel for them to view and educate themselves. Thank You for sharing YOUR knowledge to an open audience ....

Fresh! I LOVE THIS INSTRUCTOR ! He actually gave in details the information I have been looking for 4 years . I simply adore this channel.

Just bought my first bike last month. It's a 2004 Yamaha v star 1100 with 19k miles on it. Excited to be part of the rider family

Great video. I think I've watch nearly all your videos in the last two weeks. Just returned to bikes after 20 years. Had a Triumph Tiger 955 and Honda VFR800 back then. Bought a cb500f which is more of a quiet machine but suits better again as I'm very rusty. Your videos are great and I'm practising and learning every day. Thanks

Oh yeah, forgot to mention on your last video I watched, new subscriber! Again, thanks for your time and knowledge!!

Loving this channel. Last time I rode was 8 years ago on a CBR. I recently rebuilt a 97 vulcan 500 from the ground up and got all new gear. I am slowly Re-learning how to ride again and break every bad habit I had heard ago on the rockets. Thank you MCrider for all these videos.

I had ridden larger bikes in the past but, the very first motorcycle that I purchased was, a used 1984 Honda XL200R dual sport that I got for $500. It was only 4 years old but, needed some parts. I had to replace both tires & tubes, all the brakes, the clutch cable and the dust boots for the front shocks. Additionally, I had to buy all my gear because I didn't already have it. So all in all, I had invested roughly $1500 before I ever rode it. I was in the military at the time and living on base so after I got my learner's permit, I had to attend a safety course before I was allowed to ride the bike on base. This consisted of 4 hours in the classroom and another 4 hours of practical training. We had to ride a figure 8 inside a 16' by 20' rectangle without our feet touching the ground, practice straight and curved road emergency stops (stopping as quickly as possible without skidding either tire), obstacle avoidance and the "slow poke" race.......ride as slowly as possible without putting our feet down and could not exceed 3 MPH. At some point during the training, we had get up to about 15 MPH, then jam on the rear brake and cause the rear tire to skid without losing control of the bike. We were also taught not to focus on the road directly in front of us but rather, down the road several yards ahead of us (look where you're going, not where you are). This makes avoiding road debris much easier because you have more time to react. After all that was done, I still had to complete the state sponsored MC safety course off base before I could even take the riding test to get my permanent license. I know a lot of new riders today won't want to go through all that just to be able to ride but in my opinion, it was worth every minute.

If you grow up riding your bike on and off road like a lot of us did. When you finally jump on your first motorcycle I feel like counter steering and leaning was already deeply ingrained in my mind

You are the most down to earth and sensible rider I've seen here on KZread - and I commend you for it! Thanks for this.

Great video Kevin. I got my gear first then bike. I did spend a little more on my 2017 Rebel 300, but I absolutely LOVE IT!!! 5100 instead of 3500, but still a great investment. I also have a family friend who rode most of her life who basically gave me the good advice you are giving. She was shocked that HD starts you out on a 500. A lot of times, I have you and DanDanTheFireman in my head. Keep up the good work.

kevin, i just wanted to tell you I got the stickers day before yesterday. Thank you so much & ty for the note as well. See you on the road

Got a great deal on a Low milage Harley Davidson Heritage Classic because the rider just didn't want to ride anymore. :) thanks for all the great videos !

Much appreciated I bought a new but inexpensive DF250 RTR very beautiful and just right for starters. Glad I found this channel

I haven't rode in about 4 years but I am about to move back to Florida and I already have a bike lined up to buy when I get there. Watching these videos is really helping to remind me of what I need to do to be a safe and responsible rider. I am planning to retake the beginners course at the local Harley dealership just to refresh myself on the basics. I'm really looking forward to getting back in the saddle again and your videos are really helping me remember the basics!

First bike was a kh 400 kaw. Three-hole two stroke. Great starter bike. A little small for my 6' 2" frame, but lots of snot and no fear of dropping it. Didn't have it long, but I wish I had the thing now!! Would be a lot of fun to modify!

You do great videos

Daughter started with Harley Davidson street rod. Perfect, same as the 500 that were used in the free classes with the bike. The only new rider who never tipped over. I still don't think she has ever reved it past 6000 rpm. It's very tolerant of lugging, low rpm riding.

Another good one Kevin,I have been following your videos for about 4 years now, what you are saying about good gear and proper motorcycle areso true. We can easily see the riders that have never dropped a bike,they are the ones riding in t shirts,shorts and sneakers. Greetings from Nova Scotia,Canada

@RealButcher

4 жыл бұрын

steve russell LOL, I have dropped my bike about 3 times / accident (not my fault) , slipping over a pineapple and letting it slip out of my hand when holding it on a trailer. And drive with t-shirt and sneakers, when the weather is nice. . It's a 2002, BMW C1-200, 176 CC. (LOL) Sad thing is, here in Holland they think it's a 45 km/hr scooter-buzz-bike and not a true motorcycle. I understand that. Parked once next to 2 guys with BMW 1200's in full gear and me in t-shirt and sneakers. Said hello, they were nice, it was fun.

Hi Kevin I really enjoy your you tube MC RIDER videos, I've been riding bikes more years than I care to remember, but always open to new information, especially when it comes to Safety and your channel is excellent for that. I have a comment of the above video, with regard to holding the clutch in until you stop the bike and shift down to 1st gear, surely there is less control as opposed to a combination of engine and normal breaking, releasing the clutch each time you shift down. Love to hear your feedback. Sean, Wexford, Ireland.

Learning a lot from your channel 👏🏼 great work, and information share 🔥 Subscribed 🤟🏽

Great as always, thank you !

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

You are the first in KZread calling them common instead of stupid mistakes. I am appreciated sir.

Kevin, so true in one of your views on buying a new bike and afraid to practice because of fear and dropping it and scratching the paint... or worse. It took me awhile to get over it. I just bought a new Sportster “few years ago” and didn’t like the looks of the crash bars so I rode without them “and still do” , yes, I realize the safety of them! But for the longest time I wasn’t utilizing the ability of the bike and and the control that I should have known. Because of fear of dropping the bike. With the MSF course and weekly practices and video’s from you and Jerry Palladio’s video’s I have come along ways and continue to do so. Thanks again for getting me throw so much!.... by the way, you would have made an excellent Pastor.

Not so sure about the last part where you seem to describe changing down several gears whilst ‘coasting’ to a stop (not really advisable), but the rest was good.

@Outlaws28

4 жыл бұрын

Good point

Just bought 2012 softail slim, been riding just a year. Thankful I have uncle’s that helped me choose this bike,, enough power when I need it. Still playing catch up with my gear ! Thanks for the info

Thank you so very much, i didnt know i could keep the clutch in the whole time as i shift gears down when slowing down.

Great analogy about the clutch friction zone being like a volume knob. I’ve taught many people how to ride motorcycles, and moving forward, I will use this analogy; it doesn’t get much more clear or understandable than this. Thank you.

Your teaching style is what motivates me to be safer, learn more, and help others.

Good video , thanks for sharing

It was a 1976 Vw bug for me out in the field next to my house. That was a lot of fun.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to become a new rider, I passed my online MSF course and I'll be taking the riders course this Labor Day weekend through The Ranch Harley-Davidson in College Station, TX. Mt wife's cousin's husband is going to lend me a helmet and mesh jacket for the course, then when I pass and get the class M added to my license, he'll lend me his 1970 Honda Trail 90 for practice ride time around town, here in Brenham, TX. I can't wait, you have awesome learning videos. Keep up the he good work, I'll keep watching. Thank you.

This has been such a messed year between the covid virus, my hubby's lay-off and my elderly mama falling in December and breaking her leg, my plans of taking the msf course and buying a smaller motorcycle haven't panned out. I decided in the winter that I needed a smaller bike to aid in my learning. I've got a sportster but I find it quite intimidating and I believe its really hindering my learning. It's paid for so we are keeping it. My hubs did alot of customizations on it so it fits me. My hubs did get called back to work so we have started looking for a used honda rebel 250. We've missed 3 so far. They sell so fast. If you aren't checking Craigslist a couple times a day then you will miss them. We had planned to get it earlier in the year but for the reasons I mentioned earlier we have just now started looking.

@ericx7476

4 жыл бұрын

Carrie Flynn’s a sportster intimidating?

@dixiedoo5876

4 жыл бұрын

@@ericx7476 lol! I've heard this before. Yes, if you are just learning it can be. I'm 5'2" 110lbs so it does seem big to me. My hubs thinks that buying a smaller bike is unnecessary but he's willing to if, it will help me learn and gain my confidence. 😊

@ericx7476

4 жыл бұрын

Carrie Flynn go with a v star 250.

@jamesringler987

4 жыл бұрын

Honda nighthawk 250 has the same engine great little bike to or like the other guy said Yamaha Vstar 250

@dixiedoo5876

4 жыл бұрын

@mld Thanks, I've never heard of a Serow. I'll have to check them out.

I wish I watched this earlier! Thank you for sharing your wisdom Kevin

Hi Kevin, I've been riding on the street since the early eighties (not counting minibikes, mopeds and dirt bikes). A friend in his early 20's asked about learning to ride and without thinking about it, I told him pretty much the same thing as this video. You should add one more thing to your list, "not subscribing to MCrider!" I'll be sending him this link. Anyway, I did question one of your techniques for stopping. You referred to stopping by, "braking while holding in the clutch and downshifting" but not letting out the clutch in each gear. I've been told since the 80's, you (rev-match) downshift and let the clutch out in each gear while smoothly braking with both brakes. This accomplishes two things, engine braking to help slow the bike, and if you get into trouble that requires acceleration, you are already in the correct gear and can just roll throttle and go. This was reinforced in an advanced rider class a couple of years ago at the local HD dealer. They had us practice hard stopping in straight lines and curves using this technique. TBH I was taught to drive a standard trans car like this too. Is this your recommendation for just new riders? Please elaborate. Thanks

@ironhorsetelevision2094

3 жыл бұрын

Similar to being trained in firearms....whichever you method you train / practice - when if and /or when that emergency ever appears - you're only 1/2 as good as your training. These guys to teach moto safety...well, I'm glad they have these forums.

all good points...training and gear are extremely important... keep the gear up to date and continue to take training and coaching from the pros.. whether that is track, street or off road.. my wife and I do all three...there is always something to learn and get better at...read books, watch videos and practice the important skills for the type of riding you do...

I so agree with your comments on buying the right bike to start with. I'd been away from motorcycling for 52yrs and just got back into it last ear. I bought a 250cc Suzuki TU250X and am thrilled that it's "age appropriate" in that it only weighs 300lbs. But it can accelerate and keep up with traffic under almost all circumstances, although freeways are a bit more of a challenge. At my age (76) I don't think I'll be moving up to bigger bike!

Nice demo on ex. two - good posture

Learning to ride a dirt bike first made me a master on the street and saved my life more then once after a car pulls out on you then freezes . Riding in the dirt is way harder as you have to have your weight in the right spot while driving though mud puddles and loose sand. Don’t have it right and that back end will slide out from underneath you. And hitting jumps 20-40 ft perfectly just may be the best feeling on earth!

*MCrider - Motorcycle Training* I really like your video my friend keep it up

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I will

Hi Kevin, video like this should be mandatory for all who wish to ride a bike. Watching can save money, embarrassment AND your skin /life. Look forward to each and every episode.

Kevin, I can’t agree with you more about smaller bikes. I too own an XT250. It is the bike I got back into riding on. I became quite skilled at low speed maneuvers on it and still practice with it regularly. It is a flawless bike for what it was designed to do. I also own an FZ 09. As fun as the FZ is, I still find myself riding the XT more often due to my love for riding off road. I can flog the heck out of that thing and never feels intimidating. Can’t do that so much with the FZ 09. Thanks for all you do for the riding community. You are a difference-maker.

Thx m.c I've got to say my first bike was a Honda xl100 ,got my license at 16 ,that was a loooong time ago ,now I'm doing a 21 harley rglide special ,thx for the vids

I am a new rider🤪 got a used 2007 low mile Honda rebel and I still think it is too big me. Overall great video, love the drone shot

I bought my first bike before I took the course . The bike I got is a 2006 Yamaha 650 VStar. At first I was afraid of the bike until I went through the course. Now I find that riding in my neighborhood seems easy to ride even though I’m a newbie. Watching lots of videos and practicing close to home on backstreets and parking lots. Your videos are very good and detailed. Thank you for making them.

@infernoram

Жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a vstar 1100. And it's a blast, very good looking and reliable motorcycles. I put 9000 miles in the first 1 .5 year. Awesome machine

My hubby bought me a used Honda Rebel 250. He rode it 168 miles home for me getting odd looks from people along the way. But it is perfect for my height and tiny self. Lol. I have drove a manual transmission for years so it wasn't much of a jump to figuring the clutch out. 1st thing he taught me was working the clutch like you mentioned. I went and got a motorcycle permit so I can legally ride since our DMV isn't doing motorcycle road tests right now and no safety classes are open till August. I have been watching your videos and practicing the things you talk about. He bought it a week ago and I have already put 205 miles on it. Love it.

Thanks!

I got my license last summer, bought an old Honda CX500, had a blast, and am now selling it to a friend getting into riding. Looking forward to riding with my friend and to upgrading bikes.

I remember my state motorcycle manual said something like push left, go left and thinking that has to be a typo, but once I saw the test I realized I had to regurgitate what it says even if I think it must be wrong. I decided the topic needed more research. Understanding counter steering before I started riding was the hardest thing, it took weeks of searching to find a video which really shows it. I think it was one of yours MCrider. Later I found various physics based explanations which helped too. The next hardest thing after that was understanding and trusting that just turning the bars can take the bike out of a turn and flip it to vertical without any kind of special weight shifting or throttle manipulation, that it is all done with steering and everything else is just optimization. Next would be how the motorcycle can just hold a turn once it's leaned in and doesn't need to be held into the lean, with the even harder concept that the bike won't fall over in a turn as long as it keeps moving faster than about 5 mph. I'm still getting used to that last one and its been two years.

Ive only been riding for a few years and ive been enjoying the almost empty roads. Its easy to socially distance on my dual sport Yamaha tw200.

That was good thanks

Here in the UK, there is a multi stage testing and licensing process, starting at age 17, which begins with a Compulsory Basic Training course which you have to pass to be allowed on the road with a provisional licence, and you have to go through another 3 levels of licence to ride an unlimited capacity machine, taking several years. It was simpler back in the seventies when I started: you got a provisional licence at 16, allowing you to ride anything up to 250cc (or unlimited with a sidecar), then once you passed a single driving test you could ride anything.

Started with a SusukiC50t. Kept it 2 months. It was great experience. Sold it for what I paid for it. Bought a friend's 01 HD Fatboy. 1450 cc 700lbs. It's perfect for me. I love riding it. Been 9 months riding now. I'm 61. CCRider was and is a go to channel for me. It's why I solidified the plan I followed above.

6’6 250 a touring bike was my first bike, jumping on a small “beginner bike” not always the correct choice.

I bought my gear first, then went to the MSF. I bought the bike after I got my license. Went with a brand new Ducati Monster as a first bike. Spicy learning curve. ;) I've been practicing a lot, and am now pretty comfortable, but not cocky.

Agreed... Do your trade and understanding on little then build up 👍

When I hear people say that you shouldn't get a small displacement bike, my only reaction is to scoff at that idea. I ride a 2018 Yamaha WR250R. I can guarantee you, no one needs more power than it's capable of for the roads, with one exception; highway riding or touring. If you want to travel long distances, then a larger displacement bike will suit your needs but most people don't need a 100+ HP monster for the street. I've seen countless crash compilations of people that have no business even being on a motorcycle in the first place, riding these types of motorcycles while lacking all - not just some - of the skill required to handle them. If you're the kind of person that feels pressured to buy a large displacement bike because you don't want to look like a "wimp" in front of your friends, then get new friends or don't even get on a bike. It could save your life, and people that don't care about your safety are not your friends.

@Vessekx

4 жыл бұрын

Most 250cc bikes (outside of sport bikes) boast top speeds which make them *at best* marginally safe on an interstate. You’ve got one of the exceptions. There’s also a whole *world* of bikes between 250cc & 100+hp monsters.

The very first motorcycle I ever rode was a Suzuki 80 dirt bike in a field. A few years later the next bike I rode was a Norton Commando, I nearly dumped it because I didn't lean far enough and kissed a curb with the left side of the motorcycle. I kept the bike up but I also learned that leaning is your friend. Part of my problem was that I was riding a bicycle a lot at the time and the lean angle is much less on a bicycle. I think it is where a lot of folks go wrong when first riding a motorcycle, you have to lean a motorcycle probably twice as far as a bicycle. Anyway, lesson learned, and I have not even come very close to dumping a motorcycle at speed in the 47 years since that day. That said, I don't ride aggressively and I watch where I'm going, and probably most importantly I watch the road surface. Keep the good stuff coming in Kevin.

Thanks for the terrific advice and video! The parking lot you are using is awesome! A lot better than the gravel lot I use, hehe. I suppose this may be one up-side of the Covid-19 restrictions; more empty parking lots.

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

You bet!

I got my first bike 22 years after I got my license - a used Honda CTX700 with a dual clutch transmission. Couldn't be happier :)

Thanks Kevin.

EXCELLENT!

As a new rider, it is important to get training but that is just the start. Riding a motorcycle is a life-long learning process and part of the fun of being a motorcyclist. If you are a new rider and want to continue to learn there are training exercises in the Field Guide that you can practice on your own, you also get access to the forums with riders from all over the world that are willing to answer questions and help you develop as a rider. More details at www.MCrider.com/support

@lorenzomcnichols8962

4 жыл бұрын

Hello fellow SBU .. HOPE ALL IS WELL.. BEARCAT BASKETBALL 86

@MCrider

4 жыл бұрын

Did you play in 86? I was there 85 to 89.

@lorenzomcnichols8962

4 жыл бұрын

Yes sir.. played 84- 86... me and my 2 buddies.. Franklin Buckley..Thomas Hawkins.. sorry for the late reply jus made it overseas on deployment

@stacyodom1746

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Kevin. I remember a few years ago you promoted the HJC helmet brand. I think they were around $130 to $150. In this video, you suggest spending $300 on a helmet. I bought Sedici from cycle gear that was $199 plus taxes. Is $300 the minimum for a good helmet?

@leon12897

4 жыл бұрын

@@stacyodom1746 In my opinion you should not care about the price, but it need to have Snell rating or it has to be ECE approved. if it has either of these, you know it`s a safe helmet, even if it costs next to nothing. If it costs 1000, and doesn´t have either, it´s a no go. Both those markings means it has been tested by a non profit party dedicated to improving helmet safety. With more money you can get more comfort and and all kinds of other nice things like better ventilation, helmet being more quiet and so on. You should find the corresponding sticker somewhere in the helmet. Make sure the helmet fits also you correctly, if it is one size too big the rating does not matter DOT: Standards determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The DOT rating currently in effect is federal standard FMVSS 218, and any helmet with the DOT sticker should meet these standards (this is the most basic of the ratings, and are tested by hired independent contractors, and many helmets labeled DOT may not actually pass the standards, and testing is worse than ECE and SNELL, these helmets are usually quite heavy, and the grading is old.) ECE: Standards determined by the Economic Commission for Europe. This multinational standard is used by more than 50 countries in Europe, and any helmet with this sticker must meet the current ECE 22.05 standard. ( these are crash tested, but with different methods than SNELL, SNELL uses harder force on sharper point, while ECE tests need the helmet to spread the G-forces more) SNELL: Standards determined by the Snell Memorial Foundation. This is a voluntary testing procedure, and is only required by certain race bodies. The current standard is SNELL M2020 for street use. (Mostly considered the gold standard, but there has been a bit of a problem for their testing to promote too hard EPS liners which is not good. Also SNELL rated helmets have usually much higher cost, and testing is race oriented, and their test uses harder force on sharper point, while ECE tests need the helmet to spread the G-forces more) FIM: A relatively new standard, the FIM rating is used for helmets that meet safety criteria established by motorcycling's global racing organization for track use.( I do not know anything about these) SHARP: Uses European crash data. if it has good rating it is safe, rating system gives consumer more information than simple pass or fail. My old helmet years ago was 4 stars sharp rated helmet, and ECE approved, cost me about 250€, was loud as hell, but weighed only 1300g, my current one is ECE approved Modular helmet that cost 280€, discounted from 700€. you can buy really expensive safe helmet much cheaper if you buy an older model after a release of a new model, or if there is going to be newer model released soon

I bought my 2005 Vstrom 650, decked out with luggage, crash bars, decent tires, new chain and sprocket, phone mount, aux lights, full set of gear that fit me and some more little things for $2750. New scared riders are great to buy from!

Very good video. Welcome to all new riders out there! I also made the mistake of buying my first bike brand new - paid 6.5K for it as well and soon found myself yearning for a bigger /faster /different bike. I did keep it though, put 33K miles on it in 4 years and sold it for little over 2k when trading it in for a versys 1000, worked out to about 1K for the bike per year. As for biking gear... I started cheap and took my time to learn what is good value for money and then upgraded to gore-tex etc... As for training, in the UK to get a full bike license you've got to pass basic training and then do a full riding license course afterwards, really spending about 1.3K on that altogether. I don't regret that though as they teach you good habits and you can learn more and more from there.

Always a thumbs up.

i got a yamaha xv250 second hand, all the student riders at my riding class were complaining about how much money they were having to spend on insurance for their bikes, when it was my turn in the circle to talk, i just said: "i just bought a bike so cheap it wasnt worth insuring". I bought a small bike, and modified it to be faster, from 110 top speed, to about 135, plenty for me. I follow the same principle with my pickup truck, i have a half ton truck and abuse the crap out of it, and get made fun of by people with 1 ton trucks or SUVs that never use the beds of their trucks that are worth 10 times what mine is. What you say about riding a slow bike fast i can definitely relate to.

I LOVE my little 2002 VStar 650. Been on it for near 3 years and roughly 13k miles. I really would love my dream bike of a Road King but my issue is I am not sure if I am ready.

I started on a 84 v45 sabre, then went and got a v65 sabre after 20k or so miles... didnt keep it long was to much ! Got a gs500 now and its my favorite. Slow to me but so much fun and light

I agree with all of these tips, definitely about buying used for first bike. New riders don't actually know what they want. I know I was looking for a bike based on what I thought looked good. Ended up getting something completely different because I got a steal on the price but now realize I wouldn't have liked my first choice and would have spent much more

Hey Kevin, I appreciate your use of the drone. With the "sky view", your verbal explanation of the procedure makes complete sense. I get that a 650cc motorcycle may be a bit on the "big" side for a "beginner's practice motorcycle" and I shouldn't feel embarrassed to be "seen" on a 250cc or a 300cc MC to start on. It'll put me miles ahead of those twits-who "think"(yes, this is a word play, and intended) they're"hot sh!t" when the truth is-they're a "cold turd" when it comes to safe motorcycle riding. I know you are busy and may never see, it, respond to this text message. Thanks for the work you do to help motorcycle riders be the best they can be! Doug🤓🏍️🦁🏍️👍🐻