My Origin Story: Why I Started Riding a Motorcycle

I've alluded to how I got into riding in previous videos, but I never talked about it in depth. This video is the first of two that dive into how I started riding and why. The first video discusses my history with riding and how I had to approach it differently from others. The second video will be about how I currently ride differently from others.
What is your origin story? How did you get started riding? Tell me in the comments!

Пікірлер: 39

  • @RebelCowboysRVs
    @RebelCowboysRVs Жыл бұрын

    One handed rider here. I cant use my right hand. Just found your channel. I search youtube for riders like me all the time but this poped up as a suggestion after watching a few first time rider videos. Anyway... Somewhere around 1992, 14-year-old me was riding a bicycle down the road an was hit from behind by a car. Not long after that I made the comment to my dad that I was done with bicycles an wanted a motorcycle so I could keep up with traffic. He told me I would never be able to ride a motorcycle. It pissed me off. My brother didnt like that either. I dont remember how but we aquired a little 100cc street-legal trail bike from the 70s. I assume my brother found it an my grandmother bought it for me. My brother put all the controls on the left side for me, an taught me how to ride it. Bike lasted me about 6 months. It was junk to start with so... 1999, I was working for walmart an had money burning a hole in my pocket. Coworker was riding an 85 Rebel. I sat on it an decided it was time to get another bike. I bought one off the proverbial girl next door. Brother swapped the controls over for me again an off I went. 24 years later, I have rode off an on. Today I ride a 2009 CF-Moto V5 automatic. I bought it 3 years ago when the DMV gave me problems about riding manuals. I got that taken care of but still have the automatic bike for now. Though I have been looking hard at the Royal Infield Classic 350. Subscribing an I am going to watch your other videos.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story! It sounds like you've been on this journey longer than I have. I can certainly relate to your pissed off moment, because I feel like that sense of defiance has driven me to pursue things I never would have considered otherwise, like learning to ride a motorcycle. Safe riding, and I hope you get your Royal Enfield!

  • @scooty67
    @scooty67 Жыл бұрын

    This is cool and glad your successful. Inspiration to others I'm certain! looking forward to see more!!

  • @The333
    @The333 Жыл бұрын

    Wow, super impressive how you have not allowed a physical limitation to prevent you from enjoying the awesomeness of riding. Also cool to know that the Rebel 1100 comes in a DCT model (Honda DCT is amazing). Great channel. Subscribed.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    It sounds like you have some experience with the DCT. Do you have a DCT as well? I know there are a few Honda models out there with one, like the NC750X. If I got into biking just a year later than I did, I'd probably have a Navi as a first bike instead, but the Rebel 1100 (from my limited experience) is way more fun!

  • @jasonetters4092
    @jasonetters4092 Жыл бұрын

    Great story, thanks for sharing. As a prior MSF RiderCoach, I’m so happy to hear your positive experience with the e-bike on the basic course, fantastic outcome. I just found your channel and I’m going to catch up with your other videos. Throwing some 👍 your way.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! The only reason I am able to ride was because of the e-bike and the very understanding and supportive instructors. I owe them a debt of gratitude for getting me started on this journey. I'm sure you've heard many stories and motivations for learning to ride in your tenure as an MSF Rider Coach. I appreciate what you do for us newbies!

  • @richardr.waithe1301
    @richardr.waithe1301 Жыл бұрын

    Great to see you're still riding!

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    I am! I'll keep on riding for as long as I can. It's a great way to spend a sunny afternoon from time to time ☀️🏍😎

  • @got2kittys
    @got2kittys Жыл бұрын

    I like your story. My experience is starting on smaller machines, learning on trails, getting used to controlling the machine , before getting a larger motorcycle. That makes a seamless, much safer transition. Large machines can hurt new riders. If you can do this, your skills will grow, and you'll also miss trail riding,(it's fun) when you get that road machine.

  • @ninahodge5093
    @ninahodge5093 Жыл бұрын

    Don't know if you got risers on your bike yet, but I'm 5'4" and had to put Rox 4" risers on my bike. Rox are awesome because without much fuss once installed, you can still rock the handlebars further away, or closer to you. Personally, I wouldn't go any shorter than 4" risers. It puts me in a very nice upright position, a nice relaxed bend at the elbows. The Rebel 1100 didn't require any cable extensions like my starter rebel 300 did. The cables will just have to be rerouted, per KZread video By On The Rebel 11. Does fantastic job showing the 4" risers install on his dct. We ordered our risers from Revzilla. Just saw you mention wanting risers eventually, and as a short rider I can't imagine using a Riser any shorter than 4" (plus rox of course allow for the hight & pull back toward the rider). Ride safely, and God bless!🏍🏍🏍🤗

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes I do and I can't wait to put them on! Like you, I am assuming I'll feel a lot more comfortable on the bike once they're on, hopefully in time to take advantage of some of these nice summer days. Once I get them on, I'll let you know how it feels 😃🏍

  • @michaeljameslawrence2965
    @michaeljameslawrence2965 Жыл бұрын

    Hi I see lots of honeys riding pillion. This is great getting back into motorcycling I have done the same with my first scooter two years ago. I love green laneing and exploring the town. Please ride safe and in the United Kingdom if you are not still fully confident you can take what is known as advanced rider training type courses for motorcycles and scooters for extra experience

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Riding pillion is sometimes better, because you get to enjoy the ride with none of the worry! I'm glad that's how I got started so I could experience both being a passenger and the driver (as it were). I heard getting your motorcycle license in the UK is more intensive than in the US (which is good!). That means you're more prepared to tackle the open road once you get it 🏍 🛣

  • @michaeljameslawrence2965

    @michaeljameslawrence2965

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mostdefjeff_ thanks for the reply, maybe I have not looked into international licenses too 😆, I did get the chance to ride pillion on my uncles Harley, that was fun and true what you say

  • @michaeljameslawrence2965

    @michaeljameslawrence2965

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mostdefjeff_ thank you for the reply I would sincerely hope do it is so expensive. Just have a two year compulsory basic training certificate for a 125cc scooter 🛵 so in the long run it would make sense to get the full license. I have no idea how the international licenses work but I am studying my theory and driving vetches standards agency safer driving for life books both paper back and on my iPad I also have their DVSA application for the theory tests on my iPhone 📲 but I have cycled for 32 years of my life and and pleasantly surprised to still learn things I can take to cycling on my bicycle too 😝

  • @stevebrighttheblackguitar653
    @stevebrighttheblackguitar653 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jeff for sharing your story. It is about what i expected to hear from you. 🎉 you Shaw the courage and fortitude to succeeding. I love my life of cycling too. I am 76 and just got back to riding a couple of years ago. I bought a Shadow 750. I couldn't find a rebel at the time. I recently came across a 2022 Rebel dct and found it to be lighter, faster and more agile than the shadow. It's a great hobby for an old man like me as it is for a young woman like you! I ride a lot and love every mile i am out there. Love hearing about your experience on the road. Life Ain't Easy, but we can make it FUN! Ride On!

  • @lstavenhagen
    @lstavenhagen Жыл бұрын

    I got into riding when I was in high school in the late 70's. We lived out in the country and my father had the idea of a motocycle as an inexpensive way to commute to town. He got a very used Honda CB175, and later a CB360. Both were total deathtraps (like all such bikes in the late 70's were) but somehow I learned to ride on those bikes without any "incidents". My dad did finally go down on the 360 one day - he was drunk as he always was/is and wearing no PPE, got scraped up really bad so he quit. But I never did go down somehow and just rode those things all over the place. Later in the 90's, I was motorcycle-only when I lived in Austin, TX, but that was mostly sitting in traffic, getting cooked alive in the heat and sun. So I went back to cars to be able to carry things around and I wanted air conditioning in the summer. Fast forward to now, I got back into riding to ease the pain of high gas prices. But I can't stay off my two current bikes (Honda Super Cub and Piaggio Beverly 400) - I go somewhere on practically a daily basis. I worry I'm going to wear them out! For me, I guess riding is one of those things that I "am", not just something that I "do". I've learned that such things find a way to get us to keep doing them, more so than the other way around. So hopefully I'll stick with it this time LOL.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    It sounds like you had quite a journey in your early days of riding! I've heard that riding is more of a way of life than simply an activity from a lot in the motorcycling community. It is something that takes skills, guts, and maybe a little insanity (at least in my case). Even days you don't ride, you still feel like you're part of the community of riders. I'm glad you're enjoying your bikes, stay safe out there and have fun!

  • @lstavenhagen

    @lstavenhagen

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mostdefjeff_ I guess to me it's mainly the adventure of it in what's otherwise a kind of mundane life LOL. Doing a 100 miler on my Honda Super Cub, where it's just you on this tiny little motorcycle that only goes about 45-50 mph. And all on only about 1 gallon of gas... I think that's what I get out of it. But whatever our motivation is, if we're on two wheels, it's always a good day :P

  • @jaykaydee5772
    @jaykaydee5772 Жыл бұрын

    I recently got the rebel 1100 and had the same apprehension in learning to ride it because of its’ size and power. Kudos to you as you’ve become an ambassador for big challenges!! Go get ‘em girl . . .

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    How long have you had your Rebel now? I will say it gets easier with time, and I forced myself to get on my bike when I was scared of it, even if I never left the driveway that day. Now, I'm so glad I got the 1100 because it grows with me and I feel like I'll never grow out of it. Cheers and safe travels on your 1100!

  • @jaykaydee5772

    @jaykaydee5772

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mostdefjeff_ Got it may 12 and I’ve had to force myself to at least go to parking lots to practice!! But I love it as an aspirational machine . . . Skills and familiarity are increasing. Best choice ever!!

  • @srenhjort7215
    @srenhjort7215 Жыл бұрын

    I think you are super cool and love your story. keep sharing your process. 💯👌💜

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! How are you liking your Rebel? It's warming up so I've been trying to go for more rides lately.

  • @jasons8458
    @jasons8458 Жыл бұрын

    Happy Memorial Day! I'm glad to hear your voice. The weather seems to be nice there in Maryland (correct?). In LA, we just had a sunny day today 1st time after a few weeks of mostly gloomy gray days. I plan to take a wind therapy tomorrow. Have a nice long weekend.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Wind therapy is always good, and it's a great feeling when you're able to hop on your bike after a long pause from riding. It's such a fun activity! Cheers and safe riding out there.

  • @max30888
    @max30888 Жыл бұрын

    Welcome back beautiful ❤ Shining as always ✌️🌟💯

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @lstavenhagen
    @lstavenhagen Жыл бұрын

    PS: I mentioned flying once in the past I believe - that's another activity that doesn't require taking "no" for an answer. I know of airline pilots with monocular vision and there are number of pilots with all varying levels of ability. I've heard of one pilot who was born without arms; she flies a Cessna with only her feet. In fact, there's a formal process called the SODA (Statement Of Demonstrated Ability) that the FAA has promulgated for pilots with differing levels of ability to get their certificates. Basically, show the FAA that you can fly the plane and perform all the functions necessary for flight and you're good to go! Anyway, just another data point for if flying might happen to be a bucket list item for you too. Tons of options and avenues there too.

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info! And it definitely is on my bucket list. I heard about the woman you're talking about; I looked her up in case I wanted to start taking lessons and needed an example to make my case to the instructor.

  • @lstavenhagen

    @lstavenhagen

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mostdefjeff_ A good CFI should be willing and able to accommodate your situation. Another option that, IMO, is easy to fly with one hand is powered weight-shift aircraft (AkA "trikes"), which I flew for a few years. They have the throttle on the right foot like a car, which makes manipulating the flight controls and the throttle at the same time a snap with one hand alone. They're also a ton of fun to fly and a bit easier to navigate legally than general aviation. There are slightly less expensive options with them too if you want to own one. Anyway, another idea to look into...

  • @BlakesPipes
    @BlakesPipes Жыл бұрын

    Here in Norfolk. Va

  • @mariusz4208
    @mariusz42088 ай бұрын

    👍😀

  • @blazmazr
    @blazmazr Жыл бұрын

    What dealer did you end up getting your bike from? I think you may have bought the one I was looking at!

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    Жыл бұрын

    OMG how crazy would that be if I was the one who took your bike. If so, I'm sorry but I do try to take good care of Rosa the Rebel. I bought her from a dealership out of Pueblo in late 2021.

  • @motardsquid
    @motardsquid8 ай бұрын

    so strange seeing riders ride the same roads i ride

  • @mostdefjeff_

    @mostdefjeff_

    6 ай бұрын

    Lol then I'm sure we've passed each other from time to time 🏍

  • @sarahpettyYTSUX
    @sarahpettyYTSUX Жыл бұрын

    OMG You Don't Sound like Dylan.... but.... I hope you don't Endorse Buttlite!