What is the MCrider Member Map? The Member Map is a new resource open to all Direct Members of MCrider that allows you to put your location on a map, locate other members near you, and contact the other riders via direct message on the forums. You can meet for a training session with the Field Guide, gather for meetups, go for a ride, or ask about good roads to ride in your area. The Map will help you locate local riders, the possibilities on how to utilize the map are up to you. Become a member: www.MCrider.com/Member And Check out the MCrider Member Map: www.mcrider.com/Map
Agreed. When I was learning, I killed it on a hill/turn in my neighborhood and fell down a grass hill. The neighbor watched from his deck and didn’t even ask if I needed help. 🫤
@@DaPredz my only point was people think he was as normally good as a Shaolin monk his whole life and that's a big misunderstanding. Yeah he changed later. Regardless..I wouldn't say he was humble...na...but comparing bruce lee to the humble aspect here isn't very coherent. It would be more coherent to Greg Widmar's ,aka fast Eddie from Motojitsu's channel, simple moto of " shut up and practice". 😁
I’m 64 and picking up my bike today, have not owned one in a few years. This was a blessing and great advice that I will take forward in my riding skills and development !
Enjoy the bike man. I'm almost your age and bough my first bike ever two years ago. It is a used one, and have barely been on it due to having the riders course canceled last year. I WISH I had the confidence to ride it.
@@dyates6380 can have the confidence, you won't get it if you don't ride though. Ride and practice. Perhaps you know of or can find a rider you know is good with years of experience who is willing to coach you a bit. Where are you located?
Another excellent video Kevin. 40 years ago I didn't know a friction zone from a friction plate, nor did I understand trail breaking from trail riding etc, etc. But to get my MC endorsement, I had to make 3 circles right, 3 circles left, and 3 figure 8, all without stopping or putting my feet down. Having raced Motocross for 4 years, I thought this RIDICULOUS. I was cocky. Fast forward 40 years, and now I'm GRATEFUL. GOD BLESS.
I kept stalling the bike and dropping it, riding had been a dream to me since I was a wee girl. Overthinking every single move, thinking about those watching me, being intimidated has kept me from continuing to ride. I thought I would be a natural but here I am watching this video. CAN'T GIVE UP! I started on a CVR1000 but now I'm trying on a Grom 😅 🏍
MSF beginner course was key for me when I was getting back on a bike after the kids were grown. Humility was the secret to getting the most out of the course for me. Those in the course just to get their license could not understand why an old guy that just passed the driver's test was attending. I paid enough attention to ace the written and skills tests during the three days. I learned to turn my head more! Instructer told me to speed up in the slow zone because peeps were falling over behind me. I got to play on a TW200 during the course. It was like cheating.
Your truth and honesty is refreshing for a fairly new rider who wants to learn to ride safely and with the proper technique. Your teaching style is exactly what I need to watch and learn from. As my confidence grows, it’s only because my technique and skill set have become second nature. Keep up the great work with all these great videos. God Bless you, Kevin.
After years of holding myself back, I finally got my full license this week! Your (and a couple of more people) attitude and approach to riding was and still is an inspiration. Thank you for such good quality content and knowledge.
@@motoryzen I took a Ride Like a Pro class back in 2012 and it changed my riding forever. I had to travel from Sydney to Los Angeles to do it but it was worth every penny. In order to keep practicing I bought an old Vulcan 800 and put crash bars on so I would not damage it. Now I take a parking lot workout weekly unless it's raining. I'd never push myself on my "good" bike the way I do on that old Vulcan in the parking lot.
Stopped to get some gas. Put my right foot down in a large puddle of transmission fluid while stopping at the pump. Been riding forever, and still dropped my bike. My fault. Definitely tightened up my awareness.
I’m a new rider and I just passed the MSF course this last weekend. Before the class I watched lots of good videos of yours and other instructors on UA-cam and practiced before the I took the class but some of the material didn’t make some sense. Now that I took the course it all makes sense to me now. I’ll continue to practice and use these videos to improve my skill. And I can completely back up him telling you to take the course first then use the videos. You don’t want to learn bad habits before learning to ride properly.
It is low speed skills that will build your confidence more than anything. Practice for a few minutes in a parking lot each time you go out and you'll increase your confidence across the board faster.
I just had my very first motorcycle delivered on Tuesday and took it to the local High School parking lot on Saturday morning. I did take a fall while working on getting my gear shifting smooth that left me a bloody souvenir on my right leg with some scratches. Only have the 2 days MSF course in January as recent riding experience with anything else 30+ yrs ago off road on a farm. Building up the confidence / skills to take the bike from local neighborhood riding to highway driving is my primary concern. Getting that muscle memory for shifting, emergency stopping, and everything else. As a new bike owner it really was intimidating to have the bike actually here and in my garage. Afraid to drop the bike taking it out of the garage for the first time down our slightly sloped driveway. The BMW R1250 GSA is also too large for my current skill level and experience but it also has modes to accommodate. So working on the confidence one day at a time and referring back to all the wonderful advice here on UA-cam on what I did wrong and how to improve. Thanks.
Crazy legislation that allows a complete NOVICE (with respect) to just go out and buy a bike of that size to learn on. And from what you say, it sounds like you were not very familiar with manual transmission vehicles either. Hmm... You posted this quite some time ago - I hope you have made it through to now without mishap. All the best from Oz, cheers. 👍🇦🇺
Always great points, that's why I keep watching. Even though I have been riding bikes for 55+ years, I have seen far too many riders that think they know it all. I have heard you mention things that I used to do, let set to the side, and after hearing you mention it, started back to doing it. Even well seasoned riders can get out of the habit for certain things. We all need to stay fresh and willing to learn, etc. Thanks for being here.
i " drop" my bike alot and ive been ridding for 45 years haha. sometime because im testing the limits of my roadking on single track or in a parking lot. sometimes its because ive ridden down a steep loose gravel roadin the mountains. if your gonna treat your bie like jewl, trailer it to Sturgis , ride it up and down the street a coupke times you'll probably never drop your bike and you can make fun of me for dropping mine but ive circumnavigated the U.S with my 85 lb pitbull on my bike. we've camped in some messed up places. ( i woke up one morning to find my bike sunk two feet in the mud) dropping your bike means one of two things: your ridding it and pushing its and your abilities. or you need a different bike.haha.
I think I've dropped them all - about a dozen. Yep, no garage queens in my world. Those guys always crack me up- they'd rather look at there bike and polish it- smh. Ride safe .
Thanks for the helpful video again. I’ll be receiving my first bike after getting my license in two days time and I’m going through all your videos, new and old. They help a lot!!
I had my Ninja 400 lowered 2” this summer. I’ve had the bike two years and didn’t know that was possible. I used to feel so uneasy tippy toe-ing at stops. Lowering made all the difference!! I’m 5’3” and now can flatfoot stops and feel more secure.
I would encourage you to watch this video. Doodle provides some great info on the subject... #TechniqueIsEverything! ua-cam.com/video/hahXig9veNE/v-deo.html
Hi I am a short female 4 ft 9 rider. I ride a Honda 500 cmx had it lowered. Bought boots had a platform put on them. I ride with confidence and respect my bike. Been away for 12morhs 1st ride was yesterday. I feel like I am learning again. At 60 I am out to enjoy and stay safe. Hello from Australia! Brilliant site thankyou
You and Motojitsu are the best on YT. There are other good ones, but coming from a trainer on my field, you guys are amazing teachers, there is always a life lesson along with riding wisdom.
As a new (old) rider who took an in-person motorcycle safety course before heading onto roads, I can vouch for your emphasis on taking in-person training. Not to take away the value of your videos, in-person training has got to be the best real world preparation.
Hello Kevin, I have adopted the mantra of look down before getting down from the motorcycle. Yes I'll admit it I have dropped it before twice in the driveway at that. I also put a magnetic switch with a flashing red light on the dash so when the kickstand is down the red light is flashing kind of looks like a burglar alarm too so it works like that as well. Thank you Kevin
This is a brilliant video,the other day I made a U turn,went down on the gas too fast...boom the bike went up,my heart stop for about 3 seconds. I need a lot of practice. Thanks Kevin!
I had a life long friend of mine that I work with who has ridden longer than I’ve been alive. He taught me a lot about how to ride, gave me a lot of tips, and continues to help me. In the three months I’ve been riding I’ve put 2,200 miles on my bike, riding every chance I get and trying to hone my basic skills. Having someone that can watch and help you grow as a rider is huge when it comes to confidence. I was petrified at first, but now that I have a bit of time under my belt I feel a lot better.
careful there man, most accidents with bikers happen when they get comftorble and extend their limits to where their skills have not reached. ride safe
Yes! Yes! And Yes! Learning the proper techniques first is the most important thing a new rider can do for themselves and everyone around them. Muscle memory associated with the proper techniques is of most importance as muscle memory is stored in the brain. Learning the wrong techniques stores the wrong muscle memory. That muscle memory never goes away. After 50+ years of riding, first learning all the wrong techniques then learning the proper ones becomes a burden at times because the wrong techniques along with the muscle memory associated with them can show up at the worst possible moments when split seconds really count.
Another amazing video. A nice dive into some of the underlying mental inaccuracies that some new riders will have to overcome and refocus on what’s important. Developing good technique will work its own magic on shortening the tape measure in maturing riding skills, be it turning, braking, cornering, swerving, or a multitude of other tasks.
i’m here because i was riding yesterday with my father and brother and i dumped the motorcycle. i got road burn all up my arms, legs, and hands. it’s embarrassing
I Enjoy riding with new riders..!! I often sort of 'gravitate' to then at local "Bike Nites"... I enjoy riding with both Sport Riders and Cruisers. So I will invite them to let me show them some very enjoyable places to ride... Whether the North GA mountains, or open country highways. I let them follow me for a while -- observing positioning (especially approaching turns), when I apply the brake(s), where I am looking... etc. Then we pull off and 'chat'... Then I follow them, to observe their stability, and all those things I mentioned... to critique their riding, and caution of any 'bad habits' I may observe... But it is ALWAYS done as "friends" riding together... Never as "ME-Expert.. You-Newby"... Our conversations are just that - conversations... Not Lectures! I have bluetooth intercom in my helmets... and IF they also have that, we can actually talk while we ride! They can ask questions, and I can comment on road conditions, or why I am doing something as I approach a section of road, or if the pace is comfortable for them... After the ride, we can stop at a Fast-Food, or just a parking lot, to have a brief chat, or plan another ride together...
How to build confidence... If you're a brand new rider with your first motorcycle, you need to, first and foremost have THE right attitude (safety always in mind). In this sense, watch as many Kevin's McRider videos you can prior to start riding your motorcycle. That's exactly what I did years ago. Then, after getting sense of the things, I started practicing in a calm environment, following Kevin's recommendations. Kevin, many thanks, man! Thank God for your great job with this channel. God bless you and your family. Cheers! 🇧🇷
@@MCrider And as a plus: I was very affraid of riding and having all those principles in mind, it calmed me down so I reduced my fears and was able to more confidently start and progress, slowly, but consistently. Just watching your videos and absorbing and developing a "wise rider" mindset, which, by the way, is for life. Again, thank you!
improve your balance and control. Do this by riding push pedal bicycle. When you can balance stationary for about 10 minutes, work on your slow full lock tight turns. You should aim to complete 180degree u turn on full lock without wobbling in 3 to 5 minutes. Now get an I beam about 4 inch put it on incline practice going and down slowly. When you got that sorted borrow a automatic moped and repeat the exercise. Do not practice on large bike in flat carpark. You will achieve very little.
Just dropped my bike today on my second day practicing. Was slightly embarrassing, but due to improper technique. I didn’t lean and distribute weight opposite to the weight of the turning bike. It was a gentle fall thankfully, harder on my confidence then it was my bike though.
Always sharing wisdom! Greetings from Brazil my friend! Thank you for making these videos, otherwise would be impossible for me to access this kind of information here in South America.
Hello Kevin, additional post. See my previous post. The flashing red light on the dash also lets me know if I take off and haven't put up the kickstand. Very hazardous if I take a left turn the peg may catch and throw out the rear wheel! This was a very easy modification. Thanks all for the likes. Thank you Kevin.
Humility is a key disposition. Humility is all about having a truly honest assessment of yourself. At any point in life, in any context you find yourself, you are neither less than nor greater than who you are in that moment. Always be willing to listen and learn from those of greater experience and ready to share generously what you know when you can.
This was so valuable to me being a new rider, only 2 years worth over 23 years ago, and return rider. do you have members in Australia who I could ride wit and then I’m happy to join.
Friction zone movement exercises will help. See Robert Simmons exercise "Trust and believe", Jerry Palladinos "cone weave and u turn at the end" as well as Greg Widmars Motojitsu exercises that involve parallel parking space exercises. Those all continue to help me a great deal. Keep practicing yall!
Im learning to ride at 58, hsve had to riding sessions and a class with more scheduled and trust me, im eating a lot of humble pie, let me tell you. But you gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and thats all there is to it. I told the instructor,that i understood everything that he was trying to tell me but my body isnt cooperating . LOL
After not having ridden for years, I bought a bike after moving to the Philippines. I discovered that I'm not confident in handling it on these bad roads with the terrible/dangerous drivers around here. My confidence was completely destroyed when I dropped my bike on my first ride. So, I decided that I need to practice slow-riding skills. Normally there wouldn't be any parking lots since real estate is at a premium and it wastes land to put in a parking lot. But there is an abandoned runway at the airport 7 miles away. If I leave at 5 a.m. I can avoid most of the other vehicles and the temperature won't be so bad.
Great video. I'm glad you brought up the point of finding like minded riders as there is nothing worse than starting a group ride to find that your riding style is the polar opposite of the group. For the last ten years the only group rides I do are with my buddies from the Honda Fury Forum as we all have the same bike, are similar ages, similar riding styles and similar interests off the bike. My tip for parking lot practice especially if you are a fan of Ride Like a Pro is to buy an old bike and fit it with crash bars, because you will never push yourself hard if you are worried about scratching up your "good" bike. I have lost count of the number of times I have dropped that old bike of mine as I kept reducing the size of the figure eight turns.
Humility grows if your peers are humble themselves. Being over critical/judgemental with people learning any new skills breeds a poor attitude in those who don't quit completely in that type of learning environment. Learn to laugh. Write mistakes up as a learning opportunity. Talk about it. Could apply to every aspect of life and learning.
I have been riding for many years and yet made a really elementary mistake at a very narrow T junction with stone walls on either side and poor visibility the other day. I tried to make it easier to move off by turning the bars whilst still stationery and of course the bike tipped and I only just caught it. Was really annoyed with myself, lacked confidence and rode poorly for fully 20 mins!
Thanks for sharing...anytime we stretch our skills we are setting up the potential to drop the motorcycle. But, it is better to drop the motorcycle on the parking lot where it is not life threatening than to drop on the street where it is.
@@MCrider yes agree. We set up a skills course and had about 20 bikes out last Saturday. I figure I'm not pushing to improve if I don't drop it now and again👍
I put them both down, though my left foot first as I've got my right on the brake. I'm a big guy but the bikes are as well so it's 2 feet down when I'm stopped on them 2 big beotchs. Ride safe!
Hi Kevin and viewers This is my perspective on confidence v cocky. I have experienced a level of cockiness when riding back roads I know. Then more so when I have been drinking. Since one has learnt cockiness is complacency and the last 2km from home are the most dangerous I now pay attention and become courtious. I feel one can always gain more confidence and my desire to gain it usually comes when a situation arises. upon the situation and 12seconds ahead I approach applying what I understand as best technique. So far this works. Of course best practice is practice it's self. I have to say the common technique described by online instructors very appropriate to practice. Try on to let fear kill your riding Please practice tried and true techniques at appropriate speeds. What space do you use as a time buffer folks, 12seconds?
And sometimes bikes fall over when parked on the street. This week my colleagues Suzuki Boulevard M109R was parked outside the office on the street, when the wind blew it over. The owner was truly pissed off, especially when the only other 2 bikes in the street remained upright.
How do you build your confidence in traffic??? I haven’t gone into traffic yet but it scares the crap out of me! I’m still practicing my shifting technique and cornering!
Love your videos Kevin. Very informative, I learn something on each and every one. Been on a few years but when I listened today I found myself wondering? How skilled am I really? I consider myself confident while at the same time keep finding little things about my riding that need improvement and more practice. So now I'm gonna join MCRider and hopefully learn even more then what I know now... Thanks Man!
Great video Kevin, I dropped mine in the garage I just couldn’t pick it up Lol I had to call some of my firemen to come assist me was I embarrassed but learned, I learned some in a course last March that was a refresher that Springfield police motors gave was a refresher for experienced riders boy did I learn a thing or two was a eye opener thanks for your videos and keep up the good work God bless and stay safe remember if it’s predictable it’s preventable
Now that I have my MCrider sticker on the back of my Valkyrie, I have all of the confidence I need (plus it adds 10hp)! Just kidding, lol. But the skills I've learned from Kevin gives me the confidence to know my limits, & I'm confident that I need to stay practiced! Thanks for all you do Kevin. Stay safe out there!
I got my CBT but I’m so scared to go on the road I’m trying back roads but I dropped the bike locked the keys in the seat and struggled to get it on the back stand fml
Great video as always, I agree with the in person training. Only downfall is that I live in the UK and there are no training academy like in the USA that I am aware of. If i'm wrong then i'm willing to be corrected, the UK sucks for the motorcycle community.
@@MCrider The only real training you get is a couple of hours in a training ground designed to get you your CBT and then after that you're taken out on the road ride for an hour and then you've got your CBT. Then to get your MOD 1 and MOD 2, you don't really get that much training, a day (if you're lucky) riding round the test centre course to get used to the course to get your licence (full). The you're own your own, there are advanced riding courses but they're all on road and don't do slow maneuvering as part of the training.
I once joined a "Spirited" ride on a Sunday thinking they were talking about getting in touch with God or Nature. I found out it meant they were popping wheelies on I-35!
What is the MCrider Member Map?
The Member Map is a new resource open to all Direct Members of MCrider that allows you to put your location on a map, locate other members near you, and contact the other riders via direct message on the forums.
You can meet for a training session with the Field Guide, gather for meetups, go for a ride, or ask about good roads to ride in your area. The Map will help you locate local riders, the possibilities on how to utilize the map are up to you.
Become a member: www.MCrider.com/Member
And
Check out the MCrider Member Map: www.mcrider.com/Map
If a person drops their bike, go help them...don't just stare. Ask me how I know...
True, ASK if they need your help. Don't take over though unless they ask for it.
Agreed. When I was learning, I killed it on a hill/turn in my neighborhood and fell down a grass hill. The neighbor watched from his deck and didn’t even ask if I needed help. 🫤
I was going to in my first mfs class as I was a first responder and they said not to there (I get that lol) but any were else always help
Excellent advice that is relevant in all aspects of one’s life… being humble, and confident vs cocky… Bruce Lee was a shining example of this…
Aaaa. You must not remember him being a bully earlier on in life up until his mid to late 20s.
@@motoryzen but he did change. So what is ur point. Not being combative just want to know what ur tryin to say
@@DaPredz my only point was people think he was as normally good as a Shaolin monk his whole life and that's a big misunderstanding.
Yeah he changed later. Regardless..I wouldn't say he was humble...na...but comparing bruce lee to the humble aspect here isn't very coherent.
It would be more coherent to Greg Widmar's ,aka fast Eddie from Motojitsu's channel, simple moto of " shut up and practice". 😁
@@motoryzen truth. Respect.
Humility is overrated. Lance Armstrong wasn’t humble
I’m 64 and picking up my bike today, have not owned one in a few years. This was a blessing and great advice that I will take forward in my riding skills and development !
Enjoy the bike man. I'm almost your age and bough my first bike ever two years ago. It is a used one, and have barely been on it due to having the riders course canceled last year. I WISH I had the confidence to ride it.
@@dyates6380 can have the confidence, you won't get it if you don't ride though. Ride and practice. Perhaps you know of or can find a rider you know is good with years of experience who is willing to coach you a bit. Where are you located?
Another excellent video Kevin. 40 years ago I didn't know a friction zone from a friction plate, nor did I understand trail breaking from trail riding etc, etc. But to get my MC endorsement, I had to make 3 circles right, 3 circles left, and 3 figure 8, all without stopping or putting my feet down. Having raced Motocross for 4 years, I thought this RIDICULOUS. I was cocky. Fast forward 40 years, and now I'm GRATEFUL.
GOD BLESS.
Great story! Thanks for sharing.
I kept stalling the bike and dropping it, riding had been a dream to me since I was a wee girl. Overthinking every single move, thinking about those watching me, being intimidated has kept me from continuing to ride. I thought I would be a natural but here I am watching this video. CAN'T GIVE UP! I started on a CVR1000 but now I'm trying on a Grom 😅 🏍
MSF beginner course was key for me when I was getting back on a bike after the kids were grown. Humility was the secret to getting the most out of the course for me. Those in the course just to get their license could not understand why an old guy that just passed the driver's test was attending. I paid enough attention to ace the written and skills tests during the three days. I learned to turn my head more! Instructer told me to speed up in the slow zone because peeps were falling over behind me. I got to play on a TW200 during the course. It was like cheating.
Your truth and honesty is refreshing for a fairly new rider who wants to learn to ride safely and with the proper technique. Your teaching style is exactly what I need to watch and learn from. As my confidence grows, it’s only because my technique and skill set have become second nature. Keep up the great work with all these great videos. God Bless you, Kevin.
After years of holding myself back, I finally got my full license this week! Your (and a couple of more people) attitude and approach to riding was and still is an inspiration. Thank you for such good quality content and knowledge.
That is awesome!
I'm betting the other two are Motojitsu's Fast Eddie aka Greg Wismar...and RideLikeAPro's jerry paladino
@@motoryzen I took a Ride Like a Pro class back in 2012 and it changed my riding forever. I had to travel from Sydney to Los Angeles to do it but it was worth every penny. In order to keep practicing I bought an old Vulcan 800 and put crash bars on so I would not damage it. Now I take a parking lot workout weekly unless it's raining. I'd never push myself on my "good" bike the way I do on that old Vulcan in the parking lot.
Stopped to get some gas. Put my right foot down in a large puddle of transmission fluid while stopping at the pump. Been riding forever, and still dropped my bike. My fault. Definitely tightened up my awareness.
I’m a new rider and I just passed the MSF course this last weekend. Before the class I watched lots of good videos of yours and other instructors on UA-cam and practiced before the I took the class but some of the material didn’t make some sense. Now that I took the course it all makes sense to me now. I’ll continue to practice and use these videos to improve my skill. And I can completely back up him telling you to take the course first then use the videos. You don’t want to learn bad habits before learning to ride properly.
It is low speed skills that will build your confidence more than anything. Practice for a few minutes in a parking lot each time you go out and you'll increase your confidence across the board faster.
I just had my very first motorcycle delivered on Tuesday and took it to the local High School parking lot on Saturday morning. I did take a fall while working on getting my gear shifting smooth that left me a bloody souvenir on my right leg with some scratches. Only have the 2 days MSF course in January as recent riding experience with anything else 30+ yrs ago off road on a farm. Building up the confidence / skills to take the bike from local neighborhood riding to highway driving is my primary concern. Getting that muscle memory for shifting, emergency stopping, and everything else. As a new bike owner it really was intimidating to have the bike actually here and in my garage. Afraid to drop the bike taking it out of the garage for the first time down our slightly sloped driveway. The BMW R1250 GSA is also too large for my current skill level and experience but it also has modes to accommodate. So working on the confidence one day at a time and referring back to all the wonderful advice here on UA-cam on what I did wrong and how to improve. Thanks.
Seriously! Your first ever bike is a BMW 1250! That's crazy
Crazy legislation that allows a complete NOVICE (with respect) to just go out and buy a bike of that size to learn on. And from what you say, it sounds like you were not very familiar with manual transmission vehicles either. Hmm...
You posted this quite some time ago - I hope you have made it through to now without mishap. All the best from Oz, cheers. 👍🇦🇺
This is the best way to start a weekend. Thank you Kevin.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always great points, that's why I keep watching. Even though I have been riding bikes for 55+ years, I have seen far too many riders that think they know it all. I have heard you mention things that I used to do, let set to the side, and after hearing you mention it, started back to doing it. Even well seasoned riders can get out of the habit for certain things. We all need to stay fresh and willing to learn, etc. Thanks for being here.
Humility, as one saying goes, "The stalk with the most rice, hangs the lowest"
i " drop" my bike alot and ive been ridding for 45 years haha. sometime because im testing the limits of my roadking on single track or in a parking lot. sometimes its because ive ridden down a steep loose gravel roadin the mountains. if your gonna treat your bie like jewl, trailer it to Sturgis , ride it up and down the street a coupke times you'll probably never drop your bike and you can make fun of me for dropping mine but ive circumnavigated the U.S with my 85 lb pitbull on my bike. we've camped in some messed up places. ( i woke up one morning to find my bike sunk two feet in the mud) dropping your bike means one of two things: your ridding it and pushing its and your abilities. or you need a different bike.haha.
I think I've dropped them all - about a dozen. Yep, no garage queens in my world. Those guys always crack me up- they'd rather look at there bike and polish it- smh. Ride safe .
Thanks for the helpful video again. I’ll be receiving my first bike after getting my license in two days time and I’m going through all your videos, new and old. They help a lot!!
I had my Ninja 400 lowered 2” this summer. I’ve had the bike two years and didn’t know that was possible. I used to feel so uneasy tippy toe-ing at stops. Lowering made all the difference!! I’m 5’3” and now can flatfoot stops and feel more secure.
I would encourage you to watch this video. Doodle provides some great info on the subject... #TechniqueIsEverything!
ua-cam.com/video/hahXig9veNE/v-deo.html
Hi I am a short female 4 ft 9 rider. I ride a Honda 500 cmx had it lowered. Bought boots had a platform put on them. I ride with confidence and respect my bike. Been away for 12morhs 1st ride was yesterday. I feel like I am learning again. At 60 I am out to enjoy and stay safe. Hello from Australia! Brilliant site thankyou
You and Motojitsu are the best on YT. There are other good ones, but coming from a trainer on my field, you guys are amazing teachers, there is always a life lesson along with riding wisdom.
Wow, thank you!
Thanks, I am new to riding.....so new that I need to take another class before I finally get on my bike.
Thanks, your youtube channel makes sense.
Awesome Barbara, best of luck with your adventure on two wheels.
As a new (old) rider who took an in-person motorcycle safety course before heading onto roads, I can vouch for your emphasis on taking in-person training. Not to take away the value of your videos, in-person training has got to be the best real world preparation.
Hello Kevin, I have adopted the mantra of look down before getting down from the motorcycle. Yes I'll admit it I have dropped it before twice in the driveway at that. I also put a magnetic switch with a flashing red light on the dash so when the kickstand is down the red light is flashing kind of looks like a burglar alarm too so it works like that as well. Thank you Kevin
thats crazy, ive never forgetten the stand its just second nature, if u dont mind i dont think its safe to be riding anymore at your age haha
Keviin, A very sincere thank you. Fifty years of riding & still glad to get reminders of best practices from those that know.
After 53 years of riding I’ve learned more from you in the last 3years then I’ve learned from anyone else.
Awesome! Thank you.
The more you learn, the more you realize there is much to learn! Thanks kevin.
This is a brilliant video,the other day I made a U turn,went down on the gas too fast...boom the bike went up,my heart stop for about 3 seconds.
I need a lot of practice.
Thanks Kevin!
Maybe this will help.
www.mcrider.com/u-turn/
Excellent advise, given in very professional manner. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I had a life long friend of mine that I work with who has ridden longer than I’ve been alive. He taught me a lot about how to ride, gave me a lot of tips, and continues to help me. In the three months I’ve been riding I’ve put 2,200 miles on my bike, riding every chance I get and trying to hone my basic skills. Having someone that can watch and help you grow as a rider is huge when it comes to confidence. I was petrified at first, but now that I have a bit of time under my belt I feel a lot better.
careful there man, most accidents with bikers happen when they get comftorble and extend their limits to where their skills have not reached. ride safe
Yes! Yes! And Yes! Learning the proper techniques first is the most important thing a new rider can do for themselves and everyone around them. Muscle memory associated with the proper techniques is of most importance as muscle memory is stored in the brain. Learning the wrong techniques stores the wrong muscle memory. That muscle memory never goes away. After 50+ years of riding, first learning all the wrong techniques then learning the proper ones becomes a burden at times because the wrong techniques along with the muscle memory associated with them can show up at the worst possible moments when split seconds really count.
Another amazing video. A nice dive into some of the underlying mental inaccuracies that some new riders will have to overcome and refocus on what’s important.
Developing good technique will work its own magic on shortening the tape measure in maturing riding skills, be it turning, braking, cornering, swerving, or a multitude of other tasks.
Good point, thanks Liam.
Great advice, a bit of humility can really improve a lot of aspects of your life. So true.
Kevin you do a great job. Whenever I can I always endorse your channel to encourage riders to gain better road strategy. Thank you for what you do!
I appreciate that!
i’m here because i was riding yesterday with my father and brother and i dumped the motorcycle. i got road burn all up my arms, legs, and hands. it’s embarrassing
I Enjoy riding with new riders..!! I often sort of 'gravitate' to then at local "Bike Nites"... I enjoy riding with both Sport Riders and Cruisers.
So I will invite them to let me show them some very enjoyable places to ride... Whether the North GA mountains, or open country highways.
I let them follow me for a while -- observing positioning (especially approaching turns), when I apply the brake(s), where I am looking... etc. Then we pull off and 'chat'... Then I follow them, to observe their stability, and all those things I mentioned... to critique their riding, and caution of any 'bad habits' I may observe... But it is ALWAYS done as "friends" riding together... Never as "ME-Expert.. You-Newby"...
Our conversations are just that - conversations... Not Lectures!
I have bluetooth intercom in my helmets... and IF they also have that, we can actually talk while we ride! They can ask questions, and I can comment on road conditions, or why I am doing something as I approach a section of road, or if the pace is comfortable for them...
After the ride, we can stop at a Fast-Food, or just a parking lot, to have a brief chat, or plan another ride together...
I have just had a free counselling session on top of learning how to safer ride a motorbike.
Thank you.
I took my first highway ride last week with some MC guys. The next day I rode from Houston to San Antonio. I gained a lot of confidence on that ride.
Much needed advise. Humility builds measured confidence. Thanks for this.
Been riding 30 years, I've dropped my bikes a few times, come to realise it only seems to happen when you have a audience 😄
100%…almost dumped my bike right on the RTE 66 sign painted on the intersection in Winslow AZ. I blame it on spectators : )
Another great video Kevin! For many of us, learning enough skills to gain confidence was the key to really growing with the sport
I’m on the map! 😁 Thank you for providing this vast set of resources for us, Kevin.
Awesome! I see you on the map Jo!
www.mcrider.com/home-1/member-map/
How to build confidence...
If you're a brand new rider with your first motorcycle, you need to, first and foremost have THE right attitude (safety always in mind). In this sense, watch as many Kevin's McRider videos you can prior to start riding your motorcycle.
That's exactly what I did years ago. Then, after getting sense of the things, I started practicing in a calm environment, following Kevin's recommendations.
Kevin, many thanks, man! Thank God for your great job with this channel. God bless you and your family.
Cheers! 🇧🇷
That is great to hear Ayrton!!! Glad to help you on your journey on two wheels.
This post made my day. ;)
@@MCrider And as a plus: I was very affraid of riding and having all those principles in mind, it calmed me down so I reduced my fears and was able to more confidently start and progress, slowly, but consistently. Just watching your videos and absorbing and developing a "wise rider" mindset, which, by the way, is for life.
Again, thank you!
improve your balance and control. Do this by riding push pedal bicycle. When you can balance stationary for about 10 minutes, work on your slow full lock tight turns. You should aim to complete 180degree u turn on full lock without wobbling in 3 to 5 minutes. Now get an I beam about 4 inch put it on incline practice going and down slowly. When you got that sorted borrow a automatic moped and repeat the exercise. Do not practice on large bike in flat carpark. You will achieve very little.
Just dropped my bike today on my second day practicing. Was slightly embarrassing, but due to improper technique. I didn’t lean and distribute weight opposite to the weight of the turning bike. It was a gentle fall thankfully, harder on my confidence then it was my bike though.
This one resonated with me. It's important to never get cocky.
Always sharing wisdom! Greetings from Brazil my friend! Thank you for making these videos, otherwise would be impossible for me to access this kind of information here in South America.
Hello Kevin, additional post. See my previous post. The flashing red light on the dash also lets me know if I take off and haven't put up the kickstand. Very hazardous if I take a left turn the peg may catch and throw out the rear wheel! This was a very easy modification. Thanks all for the likes. Thank you Kevin.
Humility is a key disposition.
Humility is all about having a truly honest assessment of yourself. At any point in life, in any context you find yourself, you are neither less than nor greater than who you are in that moment. Always be willing to listen and learn from those of greater experience and ready to share generously what you know when you can.
Thanks Kevin. Technique and practice. Essentials.
You bet!
Pure common sense. Jerry Palladino mentioned your site as "one of the good ones". I can see why😁 God bless ya brother, and keep saving lives!!
Always help when you're safe to do so! That's my learning from mc rider!!!!
This was so valuable to me being a new rider, only 2 years worth over 23 years ago, and return rider. do you have members in Australia who I could ride wit and then I’m happy to join.
Friction zone movement exercises will help. See Robert Simmons exercise "Trust and believe", Jerry Palladinos "cone weave and u turn at the end" as well as Greg Widmars Motojitsu exercises that involve parallel parking space exercises. Those all continue to help me a great deal. Keep practicing yall!
Yes, lots of good information out there for the rider that knows what to look for.
thank you for this. alot. great video and well out together
I've dropped a motorcycle on more than one occasion. I wouldn't buy a sport bike because I already like to go fast and I'd probably kill myself.
Im learning to ride at 58, hsve had to riding sessions and a class with more scheduled and trust me, im eating a lot of humble pie, let me tell you. But you gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and thats all there is to it. I told the instructor,that i understood everything that he was trying to tell me but my body isnt cooperating . LOL
After not having ridden for years, I bought a bike after moving to the Philippines. I discovered that I'm not confident in handling it on these bad roads with the terrible/dangerous drivers around here. My confidence was completely destroyed when I dropped my bike on my first ride. So, I decided that I need to practice slow-riding skills. Normally there wouldn't be any parking lots since real estate is at a premium and it wastes land to put in a parking lot. But there is an abandoned runway at the airport 7 miles away. If I leave at 5 a.m. I can avoid most of the other vehicles and the temperature won't be so bad.
Great video. I'm glad you brought up the point of finding like minded riders as there is nothing worse than starting a group ride to find that your riding style is the polar opposite of the group. For the last ten years the only group rides I do are with my buddies from the Honda Fury Forum as we all have the same bike, are similar ages, similar riding styles and similar interests off the bike.
My tip for parking lot practice especially if you are a fan of Ride Like a Pro is to buy an old bike and fit it with crash bars, because you will never push yourself hard if you are worried about scratching up your "good" bike. I have lost count of the number of times I have dropped that old bike of mine as I kept reducing the size of the figure eight turns.
I agree to a point... You need to learn how to do it on your primary ride too!
@@caseyw.8325 Once you have an exercise down pat, then you can switch over to your "good" bike and be confident you won't drop it.
I am actually considering a beater bike right now that I can push the limits on. There is not much protection for my Goldwing or Rocket 3,
@@MCrider Do it Kevin. That old bike is money well spent. Cheers from Sydney
Great video, thanks for your constant encouragement with videos for new and existing riders👍🏾
My pleasure!
Very good advice Kevin!
Humility grows if your peers are humble themselves. Being over critical/judgemental with people learning any new skills breeds a poor attitude in those who don't quit completely in that type of learning environment.
Learn to laugh. Write mistakes up as a learning opportunity. Talk about it. Could apply to every aspect of life and learning.
Excellent info as always. The map idea is a good one.
Glad you think so!
Love watching - great info
Thanks Kevin!
Thank you
Kevin I have always believed that you never stop learning
Very sage advice! Really enjoy and benefit from your thoughtful videos.
Excellent topic…good info/advice well delivered. Thanks Kevin
Glad it was helpful!
Good advice as always. Have a safe weekend.
Thanks, you too!
I have been riding for many years and yet made a really elementary mistake at a very narrow T junction with stone walls on either side and poor visibility the other day. I tried to make it easier to move off by turning the bars whilst still stationery and of course the bike tipped and I only just caught it. Was really annoyed with myself, lacked confidence and rode poorly for fully 20 mins!
It is amazing the mental toll that a simple mistake can have on your confidence.
Lmao- know how you feel. I'll do something dumb and it invariably throws me off for awhile. Ride safe.
Thanks Kevin
You bet!
New member because of this addition. Always great information. See you on the road. F1Chef
That’s great! Say hi on the forums, see you there.
👍🏻 Again: mentally and psychologically interesting considerations and thoughts. Thanks.
I watch a mix of all motorcycle channels on here. Having a hard time finding an advanced training class in my area.
Advanced classes can be hard to find. Search Pro Rider or Ride Like a Pro, you might have to travel some to find a class.
Dropped my last weekend doing a slow speed offset slalom skill course. Let off the throttle and down she went.
Thanks for sharing...anytime we stretch our skills we are setting up the potential to drop the motorcycle. But, it is better to drop the motorcycle on the parking lot where it is not life threatening than to drop on the street where it is.
@@MCrider yes agree. We set up a skills course and had about 20 bikes out last Saturday. I figure I'm not pushing to improve if I don't drop it now and again👍
So Left foot down or Right foot down at a red light? Always interesting and informative, thanks!
Both in south dakota
I put them both down, though my left foot first as I've got my right on the brake. I'm a big guy but the bikes are as well so it's 2 feet down when I'm stopped on them 2 big beotchs. Ride safe!
Always sound advice thank you.
Hi Kevin and viewers This is my perspective on confidence v cocky. I have experienced a level of cockiness when riding back roads I know. Then more so when I have been drinking. Since one has learnt cockiness is complacency and the last 2km from home are the most dangerous I now pay attention and become courtious. I feel one can always gain more confidence and my desire to gain it usually comes when a situation arises. upon the situation and 12seconds ahead I approach applying what I understand as best technique. So far this works. Of course best practice is practice it's self. I have to say the common technique described by online instructors very appropriate to practice. Try on to let fear kill your riding Please practice tried and true techniques at appropriate speeds. What space do you use as a time buffer folks, 12seconds?
Enjoyed another great video.
Thanks again!
Kevin you hit the nail right on the head. Thanks 👍🇨🇦
You bet
And sometimes bikes fall over when parked on the street. This week my colleagues Suzuki Boulevard M109R was parked outside the office on the street, when the wind blew it over. The owner was truly pissed off, especially when the only other 2 bikes in the street remained upright.
That happened to my buddy recently.
How do you build your confidence in traffic??? I haven’t gone into traffic yet but it scares the crap out of me! I’m still practicing my shifting technique and cornering!
Wise words.
Great info., great channel sir, I'm happy to see how you've progressed, keep up the great work. Keep the rubber side down.🇺🇸
wonderfully said!
Love your videos Kevin. Very informative, I learn something on each and every one. Been on a few years but when I listened today I found myself wondering? How skilled am I really? I consider myself confident while at the same time keep finding little things about my riding that need improvement and more practice. So now I'm gonna join MCRider and hopefully learn even more then what I know now... Thanks Man!
not all in person training go into the level of detail that is available on you tubes best instructors.
Great video Kevin, I dropped mine in the garage I just couldn’t pick it up Lol I had to call some of my firemen to come assist me was I embarrassed but learned, I learned some in a course last March that was a refresher that Springfield police motors gave was a refresher for experienced riders boy did I learn a thing or two was a eye opener thanks for your videos and keep up the good work God bless and stay safe remember if it’s predictable it’s preventable
Thanks for sharing Chief!
Is a motorcycle clutch set up able to operate with normal wear in the friction zone?
I’m just trying to figure out when I will have confident to ride on the highway by myself any tips?
Cheers
How to build confidence on a motorcycle --> just ride a lot
Now that I have my MCrider sticker on the back of my Valkyrie, I have all of the confidence I need (plus it adds 10hp)!
Just kidding, lol. But the skills I've learned from Kevin gives me the confidence to know my limits, & I'm confident that I need to stay practiced! Thanks for all you do Kevin. Stay safe out there!
Go Valkyrie! I have a 97
I used to have a 99 Valkyrie, great bike!!!
@@MCrider I was very sad when you got rid of your Valkyrie, right after I got mine, lol!
The map is awesome I’ll be using it thanks buddy 👍👍🔥🤘🏼✊🚀❤️❤️🎥☝️🏍🤩🙏🏽🙏🏽
Awesome, glad you like it. Now we just need the entire membership on there...that would be exciting. ;)
@@MCrider I will spread the word here in my community
how do you join the group because am in african am usE TW125
I got my CBT but I’m so scared to go on the road I’m trying back roads but I dropped the bike locked the keys in the seat and struggled to get it on the back stand fml
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking less in yourself.
I have taken the intermediate training here in the Dallas are twice, but ready to get more. What is some good training that is available to us Texans?
Pro Rider Dallas
Great video as always, I agree with the in person training. Only downfall is that I live in the UK and there are no training academy like in the USA that I am aware of. If i'm wrong then i'm willing to be corrected, the UK sucks for the motorcycle community.
I always thought there was a lot of training over there since the requirements are so high to get a license.
@@MCrider The only real training you get is a couple of hours in a training ground designed to get you your CBT and then after that you're taken out on the road ride for an hour and then you've got your CBT. Then to get your MOD 1 and MOD 2, you don't really get that much training, a day (if you're lucky) riding round the test centre course to get used to the course to get your licence (full). The you're own your own, there are advanced riding courses but they're all on road and don't do slow maneuvering as part of the training.
I once joined a "Spirited" ride on a Sunday thinking they were talking about getting in touch with God or Nature. I found out it meant they were popping wheelies on I-35!
😂