I put 60000 yearly the only time I use my front brake is quick stops! Have since the 70s! Heavy bikes stop fine on the back only! If you're out there being Johnny rocket that's different !
@@thuss5162 I don't even have a front brake and still never have I hit any one and I have over 750 K on my 73 Sportster however on bikes with hydraulic brakes I use an adjustable proportional valve to set front and rear brakes to be applied by the foot brake and a micro lock which locks the brakes for on hill stops and lights
@@thuss5162 Right now i have an Electraglide Ultra, that rear brake only stuff will get you killed. Its a high center fo gravity, and rear brakes alone wont stop it fast enough to stop you from being a skid mark and red stain in the hills of South Dakota. I ride from south Texas to Sturgis every year, and using all of your safety and survival gear is a necessity. I also hate doing rear brakes on harleys, so fronts are easier.
@@neildewitt2869 Double front discs are just selling point I guess, just a waste of money.... or maybe some of us drive a bit faster and like to know they can stop in unforseen situations. I've only been driving heavy cruisers for 30 years so I don't know much about sportsbikes and adv's.
@@lewismingledorff6417 Exactly. Distracted (and normal) drives are more tuned into a horn than being startled by the sudden road of neighbor-hater pipes. Often times that will cause the driver, especially a distracted one to make a sudden move, maybe even right into your path.
@@joefazio4995 I'm amazed at how many people do not understand that. Just hearing a bike will not tell one where it is. It's our job to stay out of their blind spot. Does anyone really think nobody will lane change if they hear a loud bike?
Yeh, that! I'm guilty of it myself too, I had a pin come loose on my left caliper (only a locator pin, no real load on it, thankfully!) and only found out about it after some kuhnt slashed my tyre. Pin was bent from colliding with the wheel, it's got to have been loose for a good while...
I found out the hard way, low tires = no tires. I also figured out to always run mag wheels so you can use tubeless tires. Tis means you can use tire plug kit. No wreckers, no shops, carry air and a plug set will have you back on the road in minutes vs a day or more.
Check your tire pressure weekly if you are just cruising. Tire pressure has everything to do with handling, braking and performance. Also, if you notice your pressure dropped a lot over the last month, first consider the ambient temperature and if that is not drastic, you may have a leak. Tires do not stay inflated consistently period.
The gas station that I fuel up at has an air machine and I use it frequently. It's just habit of mine that a gas station isn't *just* for gas or snacks. I check tire pressure and fluids. Whenever my wiper fluid is low, they usually sell it there. Same with oil. It's also nice to give the windshield a good clean. I recently saw that Cycle Gear was selling a portable tire pump capable of getting to over 100psi. I might get one and just throw it in with my tools for the road. I think it's like $50 right now. I also keep a tire pressure gauge on me. I usually buy a bunch and give them out to my friends at Christmas 😅
I bought myself a mechanical pressure gauge and a hand pump, capable of 10 bar. With 2 nipples, one for cars and motorcycles, the other for my (push) bike. From the Netherlands.
I was unconscious for ten days after a bike crash, and someone asked me if it was because I was wearing a cheap helmet? No, because I was wearing an expensive one.
Spot on. The logic is well meaning, but completely wrong. It's like when allied planes came back riddled with holes, and the engineers wanted to strengthen those areas...until some bright spark pointed out that the planes got back with those holes rather than crashing
I’m 61 and have been driving since I was 17, I must say that I absolutely rarely use my back brake. When I do use it, it’s when I have to emergency brake in conjunction with my front brake.
Every bike I've ever had I'll learn where the pressure point is to make my rear tire slide. Sometimes I'll lock my rear up and slide to a stop at a red light 😅 Also, controlled slides are important if you're gonna learn how to drift and do something like a J-Turn. Slide that rear end out, dump your clutch and throttle out while you're in a lean. Trust that your tire will grip and let her rip!
I use my front brake far more than the rear. I use them at the same time but with more emphasis on the front. But, always be aware of the pavement conditions and adapt accordingly.
@@GordonMilliord Front brake at any time. Even a little bit of front brake can do far more than a lot of rear in a corner. Modern tyres are just so much better than even 20 or 30 years ago, and I was using front brake back in the 80s
@@GordonMilliord If you like to go fast then you need to learn how to get on your front brake when entering a turn. It compresses your suspension and tightens your wheel base, thus giving you a tighter turning radius. If you're scared of braking in turns it's probably because you don't use progressive brake pressure and just grab your lever.
I heard you say people have said don't use the front brake, I immediately thought, how the hell do you stop then!😂 I ride a zx14, if I pinned the throttle and then tried to stop with just the back brake it would take about a week to stop.😂
It's probably because they grew up watching Indian Larry build choppers with no front brake. It's all engine braking and rear brake. But that's a chopper. They look cool (if you're into that) and they ride like crap.
Gsxr rider, I never use the rear brake, I downshift and have very good discs and pads in the front. Can't remember the last time I actually used the rear
Omg , that’s insane it’s a wonder they don’t slide out on the first bit of gravel or on a slick road that’s been dry for ages & has just been rained on
Front brake has more stopping power, however you have to be careful about the surface condition that you are riding on. If you are on ice, never use your front brake, rain be judicious and if it's dry, still check for oil, gravel, etc at all times.
@@peterwilson8039 I am from Wisconsin, just over the border. Yes, you can control a motorcycle on ice. If it is below 5C, the ice is not as slick as it is at 0C. However, in any case, you just have to be very careful. Been doing it for 50 years (very carefully). Of course I have gone down a few times but less than I have stayed up.
@@jamescampolo7824 I went to a New Year’s Eve party one year. I stayed over because I was drunk. Overnight we had freezing rain, and it was wet. I made it to my driveway. When I turned into the driveway, the bike flipped out from underneath me and I landed headfirst in the ditch.
A gremlin bell is not just for safety it is to keep gremlins out of your engine so you keep running well and not breaking down, I know there just for fun but I still like the thought of someone caring enough about you to buy you one
Last October Daytona bike fest (I think they call it biketoberfest) was with my dad.. he has a 06 Honda shadow 1100, I have an 18 zx6r. He says “you want one of these bells?” I told him “uh, not really.” He explained the reasoning behind them, I still declined… now, he has one and unfortunately he hit a truck, only slid and scratched his bike… he had some personal injuries but nothing severe. I asked him “what happened with your goofy bell?” His response “well, it could have been worse.”
Weight transfer is also what makes front brakes so much more effective. The bike is putting up to 80% of its weight on that front tire when braking hard... That's a LOT more stopping distance if you use the rear only.... Using the rear only leads to myth number 7... haddalayerdown. 😅
That's pretty good advice, as far as pipes are concerned loud pipes do much more than just make people aware of us, I've ridden for over 50 years both dirt and street, the reason I have loud pipes is because it scares animals away long before I come anywhere near them, I see bear, deer, moose and other animals every time I ride and those animals are always running away from me, not into me or attacking me from being startled by a quiet exhaust, loud pipes save more than just human lives.
I can't speak to loud pipes, as I have never had them. But, at one time I did have a very loud air horn. When any biker sees a deer, or any similar animal, they immediately begin looking for the other ones; as they are never alone. One blast of that loud air horn, and ALL of the critters began to run, making them much easier to spot!
The front brake thing has to be a predominately cruiser riders thing. I don’t know how you could effectively stop a sport bike with just the back break.
@@josephbentley5799 very true. However, I was thinking about them being faster, and needing to stop from going faster. With the lean forward position, when you begin stopping traction comes off the back onto the front.
@TimRHillard my 700lb+ touring bike has a top speed of 135. It's not going to stop very well with just the rear brake either at those speeds. Your riding position is not causing the front dive when braking. It's a known sportbike technique to drag the rear brake in corners for increased stability. Using the front brake causes the nose dive because the front wheel starts to go slower than the rear shifting the center of gravity forward. It happens to every bike. Good use of the rear before the front will help minimize the fork dive. Both brakes have their purposes, and using them correctly will make every type of bike stop faster and in a more controlled manner.
@@josephbentley5799 Front dive is caused by inertia - deceleration makes the vehicle go slower BUT the centre of mass moves forward. You can get less fork dive doing three things: start braking with the rear brake first (pivot point for CoM change is rear axle), progressive braking (as opposed to hitting the picks at full tilt), and increasing the dampening of the front forks. The reverse applies with acceleration.
My youngest son used to ride steers. He he was required to wear body armor on his chest but a helmet was optional, but I made him wear one. He hated it. He wanted to wear a hat like the big boys. Well one day we were at a practice arena and a steer threw him then ran over him and stepped on his back and head. I showed him the video and told him had he not had that helmet and armor on instead of driving home wed be in the hospital praying our baby made it. He never complained about not being able to see or looking silly in his helmet again. I feel the same about motorcycle helmets. They might suck to wear but they will save my life one day im sure of it.
ooooh that's tough. I honestly had to google what riding steers means but dang that's really cool he did that. But yea, 100%, helmets truly are worth wearing. Now, I'm all for having the right to wear one or not, that should be the riders choice, not a thing governed by law, however, if we're on the topic of whether or not they are safe or worth it, I believe they are 100% worth wearing. Brain damage is not a game to be played with or taken lightly.
How often do you ride though? I ride every day to work. When I start it is cold now and when I go back it is pretty hot. I am not testing tire pressure 2 times a day every day. I check it weekly and roughly set tire pressure in between the two extremes of outside temperature.
@Shermingtan I ride frequently, but still check tire pressures before each ride. I have a compressor, takes about 10 minutes, gives me piece of mind. I'm weird that way. When I ride generally normal speed is eighty sometimes ninety.
Exactly. :-) In this sense, one of the more notorious and stupid is missing: darksiding (the belief that fitting your bike with square cage tyres is not only as good as with tyres designed for bikes, but that it is actually better... :-O
It happens at all dealerships. Many people don’t understand how their machine works. They are also to lazy to consult their owner’s manual to help them understand it. I know this because I worked at a HD dealer also.
Keep up the good work! Stopping by on accident and I can tell your heart is in the right place. I have been preaching safety for literally over 4 decades. Knocked off my bike 3 times, twice on purpose! Because I was geared up, I lived to tell the tale. Ride safe , rubber side down! ✌️
It's literally just an old tradition that stems from superstition about gremlins. Gremlins are thought to wreak havoc on travelers, causing mechanical issues *which can lead to wrecks.* These days it's usually just a novelty for riders but some still believe in the old superstitions.
I use a wireless Tire pressure monitoring system It's just putting two dust cap on the tyres And the display on your bars, Simple as that, It only cost around 50bux it's a great investment in your own safety...
Great video, always check tire pressure weekly, guardian bell is to keep gremlins from fucking with my bike, doesn't help with crashing. I wear full face helmet now, don't trust drivers!
I've always worn a full face helmet because I like my face. I did however have an accident on a scooter without a helmet and broke my jaw in 3 places. Never wrecked my bike (knock on wood) but a damn skateboard with handlebars took my ass out, and right after I said to my daughter "I feel like I should be wearing a helmet and gloves to ride this thing" and she said "Watch out for that one, it has cruise control and it sticks sometimes.." I was 6 inches from the grass but skid 3 feet on my face on the concrete! ALWAYS wear the helmet!
After having destroyed several helmets over the years I don't need convincing. That shattered outer shell would have been my cranium. Good points on all the others as well, thank you!
As a most of the time cager I like loud pipes. I can hear them coming quite a while before they arrive. But to all the distracted drivers out there. I put my phone away and don't have the stereo blasting either. Riding and driving are both full time jobs and you owe to everyone around to do it properly. To anybody who thinks they can do it all I say BS!!!
Loud pipes CAUSE distracted drivers. Distracted by earching in vain for where the annoying noise is coming from. In every direction except the one it is actually coming from. Loud pipes COST lives.
I've been riding in traffic, and had a Harley three or four car spaces away from me, and the Harley is so loud that I can't even hear my own motorcycle. If I can't hear my own bike you can bet the other drivers around me can't either. In fact all they hear is the Harley. They can't hear any of the other vehicles around them. The Harley rider is attracting all the attention to himself.
When i started riding 60+years ago my dad explained that i would wear a helmet or he would take my keys. I still put on a helmet before i start the engine. I have gremlin bells on all of my bikes. Mine are all gifts from my family. They won't work if you buy your own. Thanks for the refresher.
Agree with all your comments except the loud pipes. If you’re talking about oncoming traffic then yes, they won’t hear you tell too late. I ride in Houston traffic with 8 lanes of distracted people. MANY times I would have someone coming into my lane while facebooking or putting on makeup, a rev of my bike grabs attention quick. So many times that I do not understand how you can not know this.
I respectfully disagree. As I car driver a loud motorcycle suddenly revving startles me. Equally likely a startled driver will swerve into you as away from you. As a long time motorcyclist, I focus on being predictable and visible, not loud.
@@miporsche I appreciate the respect you showed me and I extend the same. I am not speaking of running around revving this thing up, I only speak of them ACTIVELY swerving into me. In Houston there are millions of people who do not even know the rules to driving in this country. It’s absolutely crazy here. Just yesterday at a red light I had oncoming traffic pass me on the right. On shoulder! On my right, at a stop light!
@@gwoolman Obviously, revving your loud-piped motorcycle would have been extremely ineffective in preventing that idiot from flattening you at the light. I commuted in Houston for years - observing traffic patterns and staying behind or in front of traffic helped a lot. Surface streets are far more dangerous than the freeways. And on the freeways you should expect a car driver to pull into your lane even under the best of circumstances and be prepared - you cannot control their actions, but you can try to anticipate. You want to get their attention?? A semi-tractor/trailer air horn can be adapted to your bike. You will see the Fear of God in their eyes when they hear that thing.
I cannot tell you how MANY times I have seen somebody coming into my lane, not noticing me on my motorcycle, and I backed off a little to give them a little extra room.
@@miporsche By your logic, horns would be murder devices. Thankfully you are completely wrong, and NO ONE said anything about "suddenly revving". the engine actually has to be under load to be loud, all we do is throttle it a bit to make it roar a bit more. Pulling the clutch and revving an engine sounds like stupid shit gixxer kids do to show off their rice burner in a parking lot.
45 years, I've been legally riding on the streets. Loud pipes have saved me countless, COUNTLESS times from distracted drivers in traffic. My pipes you dont just hear... you FEEL as i have very loud pipes. Heads snap up from phones or take out food bags or whatever all the time when a driver is veering into my lane. I ride year round... at times my Harley of the moment was my only transportation... motorcycle horns are basically worthless and with less and less of us riding motorcycles these days (numbers are dwindling) and everyone so into their cell phones... I'll take every advantage i can get.
Animals here better than humans but just like humans there are smart animals and dumb animals even so their hearing does create a buffer before you are seen so they can leave road area also talking about not being able to hear you in vehicles I practice reveing motor just for that purpose to get their attention and also weaving back and forth so I am not a fixed point in their view motion is more easily seen people complain a lot about loud pipes that means they damn sure noticed you I do this so I am in their focus not to be annoying both my cousins that are brothers have been hit run over and forced off the road it's hard to get insurance to pay and illegals will definitely not pay your hospital bill or fix your bike keep in mind ride like your invisible take nothing for granted just because you have the right of way doesn't mean they are going to give it to you do everything to be seen and heard yes it's a joy ride but it's your responsibility to keep it from being a hell ride 😮😮
She's a DEI hire😂😂😂 Obviously she has met some very ignorant riders. 46 years of riding and always keep a VERY close check on tire pressure before I ride and of my bikes. As far as helmets, I wear a big boy hat a lot nowadays, due to other distracted drivers and deer at night. Plus, I don't like hitting June bugs. But, I prefer to ride without one, although I always wear motorcycle boots, armored jacket and pants and leather gloves. Loud pipes))))) so many times people definitely heard me, which caused them to then see me. I drive a semi and often get oassed by hight revving sports bike. They bring you to attention when they're still 100 meters or more behind you. Both my Fatboys have aftermarket exhaust. As far as gremlin bells,, they are supposed to be gifted, and, in 36 years, no one has cared about me enough to get one for me. But, aside from just part of the culture, I wonder if she feels the sane way about Christian with crosses. Note that with the loud pipes and gremlin bells, she mentions " most bikes that come in after a wreck. What about the bikes, like me mine that haven't been hit, due to louder, more noticeable pipes? Yeah, definitely a DEI hire and not a conscientious rider herself, if she even rides😂😂😂
You speak total sense. Keep going! Gremlin Guardian Bell? I've never heard this one (being from the UK), so people actually have a lucky charm instesd of learning to ride properly? Madness. Love and peace.
I take issue with myth # 5... you greatest sense of awareness outside of visual, is hearing. I've been on both sides as a driver hearing a motorcycle which alerted me to look for the motorcycle. And riding motorcycles without an aftermarket exhaust, and having people inadvertently pull into my lane because they were not aware I was there, to getting aftermarket exhaust amd never having to deal with that issue anymore. People have two natural fears from birth, (1) the fear of falling and (2) the fear of loud sounds. Otherwise, a great video.
@@MrX-dg9hm On point I agree mostly with one caviot alot (not all) of new cars have sound dampening cabins. I have a loud HD sportster and so far no close calls I can't say the same for my HD street glide (it's much quieter).
Aa devils advocate, I'm pretty confident you look for bikes specifically bcs you ride bikes. Before I started riding I never heard bikes until they were literally next to me. Unless they were in a tunnel rev bombing. That's literally the only time I would notice a bike from sound alone. Ut wasn't till after I started riding when I started hearing bike It's the same sorta thing how you don't notice a car until you own the car. Once you own the car, you see them everywhere
It would be impossible to flip over a Harley Big Twin using the front brake- too much weight in the back. Another thing to consider; it's a lot easier and cheaper to replace the front pad or pads than the back on most bikes. Front braking saves money and time in servicing as well as riding!
Loud pipes might be useful if the sound was projected forwards. That is what the horn does - but what motocyclist uses the horn? Loud pipes are heard mostly behind, after the mnotorcycle has already passed. That is like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.
That's just not true. You hear and feel it when it's beside you and in your blind spot. Blind spots are directly beside you and right behind your peripheral vision. Nobody cares if you hear the bike while it's fifty feet behind you. Some of you need to observe and think more.
As a former motorcyclest, I've paid attention to the reactions to loud pipes. You're right that they can be heard when you're next to car, but the first commenter is also right, they are not heard as well as you might want to believe while your approaching the car. So what's the big deal? I've personally been startled by a bike cracking thier engine next to me even though I saw them coming up. I personally keep control when startled, but I have to believe the most common reaction is to "jump." Personally I wouldn't want to be a biker next to a car that's about to be startled by my obnoxious exhaust. It's more for proving manliness, and less for actual safety.
@@jimbatten1927 I was painting the roof trim on my house one day. I was standing on the little platform on the very-very top of a very rickety step ladder, reaching way over my head to get at the roof trim, when some yahoo on a straight-piped Sportster, did a completely unnecessary high-RPM downshift in the street behind me. I was so startled I jumped about a foot in the air. I bet he got a good laugh out of it.
True. It's called the Doppler effect. Learning how to ride will keep you safer than loud pipes. And staying out of drivers blind spots will eliminate the need to make loud noises to get people's attention. Been riding 40 plus years with mostly stock exhausts on all my bikes and I've never once needed to alert a driver of my presence through sound.
Enjoyed the straight talk format. Looking forward to exploring your other videos. Been on 2 wheels a long time and it’s always good to hear a voice of reason. Keep up the good work.
@@bultacowally I don’t know I was something about obviously like motorcycles and I watched it after this, but I guess it didn’t catch up. Who knows sorry. See I did it one or two comments down to my comments got fucked up with what channel I was on maybe because I was watching television watching UA-cam on television and then I use my phone and it wasn’t synced up.
Very nice and truthfully information young lady. Tire pressure and tread wear are very important to keep an eye on. Helmets do save lives, it saved mine once. Loud air horns not pipes helps save lives and just plain stupid accidents. My guardian Angel rides with me not a bell. Have a great day and I hope that some riders listen to you.
I don't know anything about guardian bells, but I am absolutely convinced that the St. Christopher I wore every day when I was driving trucks saved my butt on more than one occasion.
I live in the mountains of B.C. Canada - I do not ride with what most riders would consider loud, but I did some adjustments, so as the wild life could hear at least a bit of a rumble. Compared to the Tesla's, speeding through the forested mountainous regions, without a care. It makes a difference - same as rideing an electric motorbike through the trails, compared to a two-stroke dirt bike. I have heard many stories of people (mountain biking and or riding an electric motorbike) and almost running into people and nature. I bought my Husky over an electric for that one reason, I dont want to be running into a grizzly or hurt anyone on the trail. I kind of think it is commom sense. Thank you for the vid.
in my experience Loud Exhaust serve a good purpose in city trafic only. They suck in highways, its a pain in the ears. But in city centers car drivers going slow hear u coming and usualy make way. Also, they get annoyed by the loud noise so they tend to let you through more easily and keep a safe distance from you.
I like modular helmets but I find that for me the peripheral vision sucks. Im 70 yrs old and have had my neck fused many years ago so turning my head to see behind me can be difficult. Yes Im always checking my mirrors but I don’t rely on them 100%. Backing up can be one of the hardest things to do when you can’t turn your head completely to keep from backing into someone. Ive been on the hunt for a quality modular for a very long time but with no success. Good video and spot on with braking.
Using the front brake can get you in trouble if not used properly. It takes a learning process, but when mastered I used both front and rear all the time.
I always check my tires and tire pressure before I go for a ride in the pre-trip inspection. I always wear a helmet and riding gear. I use my mirrors but always turn my head and look. I always use front and rear brakes together. Loud pipes are just annoying and attractive the attention of law enforcement. I’m 66 years old now never been in accident on my bike. Ride smart and stay safe and enjoy the ride.
I used to race motorcycles when I was younger and my wife said one day to me why when you go dirt bike racing or just trail riding you wear all that gear but when you ride your street bike which is more dangerous you wear the minimum gear, got me thinking so I wear it all now and feel safer
Being an owner of a 22 road glide limited, I have a tire pressure monitoring system that allows me to check my tire pressure, i check it before I depart every morning. I can leave it on and watch the tire pressure increase as I ride and the tire heats up. This constant heating and cooling of your tires will cause the tires to lose a few psi. So you need to have an air pump at your house , if you ride to a gas station the tire pressure has already gone up and will not be the normal pressure. As mentioned in the video low pressure will cause handling problems and tire wear.
To clarify, been riding for over 45 years, 400,000 miles. Ridden motocross, flat track on the county fair circuit. Currently ride bagger, hardtail chopper and Vespa 150. To control any bike is a combination of front/rear brakes and using the gearbox. Every bike is different. I believe the Vespa’s abs left handle is 60/40 rear bias and the right is 100% front. If you decide to take a full dresser into a tight corner and only use the front brake you will get an ugly amount of front fork compression, and about 900 pounds worth of inertia trying to swing out. Whenever you see a biker pulling up to a stop sign and tapping down 3 or 4 gears it’s a sign they aren’t using all the tools to keep the bike under control. Anyone downshifting after they enter a curve is an indication they haven’t put all the pieces together. Since there is no logic to hardtail choppers the reason any of us that rides them is… not sure why, since every basic thing you do to them is counter intuitive to handling performance. There is no one answer…. Sorry academia, just one old rider’s opinion.
I ride a Guzzi with linked brakes. Once you get used to them, you probably wouldn't have it any other way. Going into a corner too hot, actuating the rear back will simultaneously actuate ONE of the front discs and with less force than if you used the grip actuator, and helps the bike settle down both front and rear and take the turn much better and safer.
Very good video! But as someone who had to spend many hours in German driving school and has driven over 10,000km every year since 1999, this video sounds like a beginner's guide to me. (This is not against you Dasha, just my impression) Checking tire pressure regularly is the absolute minimum you should do on your motorcycle. The fact that there is even a need to explain to people that helmets are not a bad thing is almost ridiculous. The same thing with the subject of brakes, in that same driving school you are taught which brake to use and when. You have to demonstrate emergency braking and evasive maneuvers with prior braking, otherwise you won't get a driving license in Germany. But despite everything: “Loud pipes save lives” is also a popular motto here. ;)
I can understand why Myth 3 exists. On some bikes, the weight distribution is biased to the rear i.e. cruisers. So the impression is real-only braking is just fine most of the time under normal circumstances, especially with ABS and the engine braking of a fat low-revving v-twin. Most of the weight is on the rear wheel, which makes rear wheel-only braking feel effective. That is until the time comes when the rider needs to brake hard and fast. This is when he learns the hard way about dynamic weight transfer physics. Some bikes also have linked brakes, where the brake system automatically compensates and applies brake pressure to both brakes even when only 1 brake is used. Again, this has the effect of demotivating the rider from learning about dynamic weight transfer under hard braking. I like to change my brake pads as a complete set (less hassle), so I use both brakes so that they all wear out together. Traditionally, you'll have to taper off the rear as the weight shifts to the front to prevent the rear from locking up but these days it's less of a problem with ABS, so it's quite easy to use both as long as you remember not to stomp on the right pedal (habit from driving cars). For low speed maneuvering and u-turns, yes... stay off the front brake and use the rear. Using the front brake during a tight u-turn is a surefire way to drop the bike.
You should master the rear brake. Start at a low speed and then jam the rear brake hard enough to get your rear tire to break loose, just make sure you stay in a straight line. It's good to know so that if you have to make an emergency brake you can utilize both front and rear and you'll be more familiar with how much rear brake you can give it *before* it slides. If you only use front brakes, pay attention what it does to your front end. It pushes all of the weight of your bike forward and compresses your front suspension, leaving you with little give on your forks, should you hit a bump or something. Adding a little bit of rear brake balances that out by not making your front end do all of the work. When the rear brake is used it mitigates the complete transfer of weight to the front end.
Spot on about tire pressure. As far as helmets I wear full face or modular when doing long rides (more than 100 miles), shorter rides half helmet. If I haven't done a lot of long distance rides I will do some training so my neck muscles firm up, which consists of over 100 miles with half helmet because the half helmet in my experience catches more wind and this will strengthen my neck muscles. You have to use your front brake in tandem. I've saved myself a lot of grief by using both brakes. You must do some training when using front brakes in slow speeds and turning. I don't know if it saves lives but I enjoy my load pipes. Gremlin bells are silly but I do have gremlin bells on my rides. Not bad I just wish there had been internet with so knowledgeable people to talk to about riding when I first started riding back in the mid to late '70s. Good job.
FOBO 2 sensors on eBay are a great way for any bike to have a tire pressure monitor system. They even monitor your tire pressure and temperature as you ride. The one thing I don’t like about helmets is not that they take away vision, it’s that they take away sound. I have two V Rod’s, one with the factory exhaust and the other with two into one competition pipes. I love them both. The only thing that saves lives out there is, being fully aware in humble that anybody in a car can ruin your day.
Myth 5 isn't a myth. Loud pipes DO save lives, just not the way most people think. Animals, like deer, stay away from my bike instead of jumping in front of it.
Your comments or opinions to most of the points you raise is correct enough with nothing else requiring mention. Interesting however is no mention made on how helmets save your eyes from anything traveling through the air from stones; and other debris floating or falling; to bugs in the air traveling towards you even up to the size of 4 to 5 inch long grasshoppers. Even wearing glasses is not enough. Only the protection of full face coverage is enough to save eyes or skin from a brutal impact that can feel hard through a leather jacket but worse to poorly protected eyes of face. But the big one that really gets to me is the simple fact that making noise appeals to one of the senses that can alert a person to danger. I have ridden almost silent bikes and louder bikes for 55 years and quiet bike riders find themself dodging some errant/ignorant vehicle driver several times a week depending on how much they ride. When a silent bike is coming up behind people often some of those people are blissfully ignorant of the presence of the bike and will change their position on the road to cut off or run into the bike. That is a simple fact and no amount of denial can change that. They do not mean to cause danger to the bike rider {mostly} they are just ignorant of its presence. Louder exhausts gives those ignorant people a audible alert that is often helpful to avoid a situation from occurring. It has even alerted me at times of a bike I had not noticed whether I am riding or in a car; and I am trying to always be aware. It is worse when people just do not care to look around. However I would dearly love riders to have a moderately loud bike rather than obnoxiously loud bike. Some riders call it controlled noise. They can make a bit more noise with a stab of the throttle but can ride with a bit more care in the suburbs to not be bothersome to residents. They are the respectable riders. The obnoxiously loud riders make people hate all bikes that are a bit loud and that just generates animosity. Where I live some bike riders like to thrash around the suburbs between midnight and 2am just to wake everyone up. Never a cop around when people desperately need to be put off the road. Sure a good rider can avoid the ignorant car/vehicle drivers who will drive onto them or into their path but with a bit of not unreasonable noise most of those situations just do not happen because the audible warning of bike presence was enough to avoid the situation. Perhaps you need a few more years of riding in city traffic to see just what a big difference it can make to the day of a bike between quiet and loud. Experienced riders will always agree with me and not with you on that subject and actually making a video does not make your opinion correct. But of course you are welcome to have your opinion and voice it; but the true evidence does not support you. {And I am one of thousands of very experienced riders who share the same opinion I have given.}.
A very good video! I think an important factor is having exceptional lighting on your bike , front and back . I have a modulator for my taillight from Custom Dynamics and it really does get folks attention while either braking or sitting in traffic and alerting the approaching vehicle coming up from behind
I use it on everything. It's simple physics, braking causes the centre of gravity to move forward, so most of the braking force should be at the front wheel.
I use front and rear at the same time typically when slowing from a descent speed, BUT, I stay away from the front brake in slow speed turning. Quick way to dump the bike. Using rear only can cause the rear to lock up....not good. When the rear locks up, it actually travels faster and starts to slide out and overtake the front tire. Weird but true. I check my tire pressure occasionally, and I also check my lights and turn signals almost every time. I'm 65 and I want to ride well into my 70's.
A TPMS makes checking tyre pressure super easy. Also gives early warning of punctures. I think theyre pretty standard on the more expensive bikes nowadays.
I just smile when I see people doing their tires at gas stations and having no tire gauge or trusting the pump. Harbor freight sells cheap stuff to do it at home when tires are cold. Never go on a ride without checking air ,oil ,etc.
Wow!! That's the first time I've heard them called that!!! Thank you... Once I preferred to call them goblin bells, and was profusely corrected. " They are gremlin bells" I had to claim freedom of speech with this viewer. I tried to explain to me gremlin is a car produced in the past and I cannot fathom a hatchback causing my bike mechanical issues. More likely a goblin could ( a mythical creature). To me it just makes more sense
@@janeprescott980 yes in the mid-19 seventies to 1980 there was a car manufacturer known as American motors. One of their compact cars it was very popular back then was called a gremlin. They had two different versions of the gremlin the standard gremlin and then the gremlin X, which was a sport model.
Use 75% of pressure on your front brake,and 25% of pressure on your rear brake when stopping in dry conditions and 50% of pressure on both brakes in wet conditions, using less pressure or not using either brake will drastically reduce your stopping distance.
Tire psi is number one on the checklist, as a mechanic, 80% of the bikes I worked on had low tires and on a big bike that’ll get you in big trouble. And wear your gear, the more professional you are the longer you’ll last. Start out on dirt so riding the bike and letting it work and knowing control placement becomes a reflex action. Honestly I won’t ride on the street anymore, it was hard enough without people driving the way they do now.
Tire pressure: One of my scariest moments riding was due to very low tire pressure on my front tire. Almost washed out and went off a mountain. The tire was at 16PSI when it should have been 35. I felt the tire rolling the sidewall in corners and that is SCARY!! Helmets: Helmets save lives, PERIOD. The study quoted said 1000 riders that were hospitalized...I wonder just how many never made it to the hospital because they didn't have a helmet on when they crashed? And yeah - I realize this was about NECK injuries, but does it matter if you're neck is injured if you're already dead?? As for 'blocking your vision': if your helmet is blocking your vision, you either have it on backwards or are not human. Front brakes: She's SPOT ON about this!! If you're not using front brakes, you're an accident waiting to happen!! Loud pipes: When driving a cage, I can HEAR motorcycles much better than they can be seen - especially in tight traffic. And I've had loud pipes save my bacon when riding, too!! They DEFINITELY help! Certainly, while cruising at highway speeds, loud pipes are nearly worthless until you're right next to a cage, but the rest of the time I find them quite beneficial. The key is don't be CONSTANTLY OBNOXIOUS with your pipes!!!! Things like rev-bombs do NOTHING to help the riding community - EXCEPT WHEN YOU'RE IN DANGER. I HATE it when ppl rev-bomb while sitting at a stoplight just to be 'cool'. Or are overly obnoxious with their riding just to see how loud they can be... Those 'Guardian Bells': nothing but superstition...They look nice and all, but...If your ride is gonna suck, no bell's gonna help... Thanks for a great overall video!
Gremlin bells should come with a warning "works best when used with proper riding gear, riding within your limits and the law, and keeping your bike's maintenance up to date".
Before the disc front brakes were installed on the front end of motorcycles. Not using your front brakes was taught. Oh may the way I enjoy your input.🫡 Cin-Cin and Salute.
Just a thing about the pipes. Same comment I made on Doodle 's video about the same thing. Either audio signals work or they don't. Either loud pipes gets you noticed or horns need removed.
2 things- I always wear a full face helmet and it does restrict my above average peripheral vision somewhat. I have no doubt that loud pipes do save *some* lives but I prefer and run more quiet stock pipes.
Ha.. Gremlin Bell made your list. I have 2 on my Triumph. One was from my Police bike, always had one, and the other was from my Goldwing. I had a friend point out my 2 bells and laugh. I said, "laugh all you want but do you see any gremlins"? :)
Loud pipes could help, as a truck driver, I might see a bike most times, I definitely hear loud mufflers on bikes and cars, so I think it does help. Screw the studies because you can slant a study any way you want. I am going by 44 years of truck driving experience.
I have somewhat loud pipes, simply because I love the sound of my Harley. My pipes face the wrong way if they are to save my life. I'd be better off wiring my horn to blow continuously as soon as I start my engine... "they'd" definitely hear me then. So... "loud horns save lives". As for my Gremlin bell, given to me by my family : works like a charm (or prayer, same-same). Despite owning one, I do my maintenance regularly😉
On a bicycle (you know, the ones with peddles) if you use your front brakes for hard braking, you can easily go over the handlebars. But that is because the primary weight is that of the rider and that weight sits high on the frame. Conversely, the primary weight of a motorcycle is the engine, and that weight sits low in the frame.
On my BMW S1000XR I have their RDC system, which constantly monitors tire pressure and I have it displayed on my bike's screen at all times. Gremlin bells or not, the one superstition that I have is to never mount my bike from the right. I also never ever mounted my horse from the right in my horse-riding days.
@@HawgRiderBC I currently have the 2022 model of the S1000XR, which I bought end of 2021. Last year I almost bought the M1000XR, but then I discovered that these 5 items were missing: 1) centre stand 2) hand protectors for the grips 3) intelligent emergency call 4) auxiliary LED side lights 5) the horrific brake-fluid reservoir on the handle bar is DEFINITELY a deal breaker I am now thinking of possibly buying the new S1000XR with the 200mm rear tyres.
@marcos.1771 You missed one, which really affects me, no luggage option. I want the shift cam engine, but not at the cost of the other things. Especially the lack of center stand and especially the lack of luggage option.
@@HawgRiderBC The missing luggage option does not concern me any longer. For personal reasons I had to put an end to my travel plans. But I believe special cases are available for the MXR, either directly by BMW or third-party suppliers.
@@marcos.1771I don't know about 3rd party manufacturers, but BMW does not have it as an option. I leave my saddle bags on all the time. One side serves as my carry space, extra clothes, gloves, water, etc. The other side is my emergency gear, first aid kit, tire pump, and patch kit. The luggage isn't as much as my saddle bags on my Harley, where I also carry all of the above, plus some rudimentary tools.
I found myself always using just my front brake for most stops, because front brake pads are easier to replace. So I have to push myself to use both brakes in advance at the same time instead most of the time, so both of them are preloaded and I'm at the ready on both of them. And at very low speeds, again remind myself, only use my back brakes, not the front one. I was really stabbing that front brake to come to a final stop, and it was causing me all kinds of problems on a new bike. On my old bikes, which were more forgiving, no problem, but my newer heavier bike is a lot less forgiving.
I am a firm believer in ATGATT. Two weeks ago I had a minor crash. Relatively low speed, leaning too far and then decided to shift down to accelerate out because I am a moron. Speed dropped after pulling the clutch - and so did I. Slid across the ground some, same for the bike. Crash bar and kick stand took all the damage on the bike. I had zero injuries. None. Not even a scratch or a slight bruise. I was just pissed at my own stupidity. My visor had some pretty gnarly scratches tho. Those would have been on my face if I hadn’t had a helmet on. And I have never ever had any issues with visibility from the helmet. If you do, your next trip should be to the dealer to get a helmet fitted properly. If your head can move around inside it while someone holds it stationary, it’s too big. It should be a snug, tight fit with very little play. Get your helmet at a brick and mortar store where you can try different models on and find the one that fits you best. Wear it for like 15 minutes or so. Take your time. And don’t get hung up on brands. For instance, Nolan helmets are just not for me. I always get a painful pressure point on my forehead in them (also, I get tons of wind noise in them at higher speeds but that is purely a “me” issue). If I go one size up, there is too much space on the sides. For me, HJC and Schuberth are a perfect fit. Your mileage will vary. Try them all. Arai, AGV, Shark, Nolan, you name them. Some dealers will let you try it out for a few days so you can figure out if it’s for you. Remember: If you can’t imagine wearing your helmet for hours on end without it becoming uncomfortable, it’s probably not the right one for you. There should be no pressure point or anything. Also accommodate for a balaclava. As for “don’t use front brakes”: this is just pure BS. You learn that in driving school. I have no idea where people are getting this idea from. Even being an Oldtimer is no reason for this. Decades ago most bikes had drum brakes in the back, and sometimes also in the front. Those were abysmal in performance compared to modern hydraulic brakes.
When I rode, I used to go over my bike every weekend, after washing, waxing/polishing it. This meant checking oil, tires... Hell, you're already on your knees polishing the chrome spokes/rim. As for a helmet, in Michigan, it used to be law to wear a helmet. I never found it a nuisance. Now, onto braking. My front brake was the primary brake. As you brake, the weight transfers forward, even if all you use is the rear brake. In my opinion, this makes it more likely to lock up, then your bike wants to go sideways. Using the front brake, the weight transfer, will help you stop with more control. Myself, I used "some rear brake" but rely on the front. The only time I had an issue was braking real hard, once, when a traffic light went red. Everything was cool until the front wheel hit a concrete road seam, that due to summer heat, had broken and raised up. My front wheel locked as it hit that. On loud pipes, I left the stock exhaust pipes on (mine was a 4 cylinder Honda). When I changed from 4 separate exhaust pipes to a 4 into 2 setup I had pipes that exited to the sides. Even with a helmet the sound did not make for an enjoyable ride. I switched to a 4 into 2 that exited to the rear. Quieter and more enjoyable. Uh, Gremlin guardian bells? I relied on my skills, from years of riding, besides gremlins were actually mischievous imps (not protectors). Just some info from an old fart 😃 of 73 years. Ride safe!
I'm a bicycle mechanic and I see the same thing with tire pressure. Everyone thinks once it's inflated it stays that way. I'm a Wing rider and commuting every day I did not check every day but I knew my machine and checked when I checked it over later. I had a GL1200 with aluminum rims and those things leaked while you were riding - right out through the porous aluminum. I checked those tires every couple of days.
I agree with all but the loud pipes comment. If someone thinks keeping headlights on helps you to be noticed they should consider loud pipes. When you ride with loud pipes there are 2 reactions. One is "Where is the cool bike I hear." The other is "Where is the a$$hole on the loud bike?" I'll take either. They look for you. I don't care if they like me or not. I care that they look for me and not say, "I didn't see you." I see people checking their mirrors and looking around every time I ride.
"Loud pipes"; They're illegal (although the law is never enforced) and very irritating to everyone but the dude on the bike. If you really believe that they're improving your safety (which there're not), why don't you just learn how to ride your damn bike? I've been ridding for 55 years and never once had the need or desire for loud pipes to stroke my ego.
When I'm in the car and I hear a loud motorcycle I say to the passengers "there goes another obnoxious rider out "saving lives". They always laugh when I tell them why they're called lifesavers. When I'm on my bike and one of the "lifesavers" rides up I think to myself, "I hope no one thinks this asshole is riding with me"....
@@FrankDank-ik7ic One of these days the "loud pipes save lives" crowd (lifesavers) may realize that riding safety has nothing to do with noise and everything to do with knowledge and skill.....,oh, who am I kidding, it ain't gonna happen..
@@FrankDank-ik7ic OK Karen, who said anything about ego? Or having illegally loud pipes? Loud pipes does save lives, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. it's a statistically proven fact from insurance companies that silent bikes gets into more accidents because cars don't notice them. I know this as an indisputable FACT from working at a benchmark insurance claims retailer for 7 years. It's become increasingly obvious since electric bikes came on the market.
I've been riding motorbikes on British roads since 1970. Not a month goes by without checking my tyre pressures. And if I'm clocking up 200 or 300 miles in one day, I check my tyres before setting off the next day. It's an unbroken habit I got into from more experienced riders while I was just 14 years old.
I agree with everything except the loud pipes. On my Harley you can see people looking around for the LOUD bike. I NEVER get cut off on the freeway on the Harley. On my silent BMW no one looks around and they make all kinds of stupid moves in traffic. So I have to be far more diligent on the BMW. 40 years riding experience.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is hardest thing to maintain on my HD custom cast aluminum wheels. Bike can lose tire pressure just sitting a week. I thought it was just me having tire problems, but for 2 things: consistent tire pressure problems with all bikers talk too. Second: I still have tire pressure problems with new tires! I must be abscessed! I check tire pressure once a week or each ride when long than week sitting. I built an engine Jack to take weight off tires too.
Tubeless tires can lose pressure in a few days if the tire beads or the rim or both are not clean or not lubricated with a suitable lubricant when the tires are being fitted.
My thoughts on gremlin bells: they work! At least in my case. My mom bought me mine. I ride a dual-sport, and the bell never really starts ringing until I am off-road. I hear the bell. I think of my mom, and how it would affect her if something happened to me. I immediately tone-down my enthusiasm.
I will still maintain loud pipes can save lives. I've owned (and currently own) both. From personal experience, I've had better luck alerting clueless drivers to my existence with a loud exhaust note, than a horn. Especially motorbike horns as they are kind of pathetic. You don't have statistics of avoided accidents, which is the actual number thats needed here. Everything else is spot on
Tyres LEAK!!! Sometimes quickly. They make small, light battery-powered compressors now. Just have one on you. Keep it in a pannier. Check before you ride. Check before every ride, until you're happy that they're not leaking very quickly. Then check weekly.
Old school, l check tyre pressures every time l go out, a few pounds either way can make a huge difference in handling.. If you don't check your tyre pressures on a ( very) regular basis then should you be riding ?
Anytime I hear someone say I don’t use my front brakes. I realize immediately they don’t ride that much.
I put 60000 yearly the only time I use my front brake is quick stops! Have since the 70s! Heavy bikes stop fine on the back only! If you're out there being Johnny rocket that's different !
We didn't have front brakes when I started riding! Get a clue before making a statement like that.
@@thuss5162 I don't even have a front brake and still never have I hit any one and I have over 750 K on my 73 Sportster however on bikes with hydraulic brakes I use an adjustable proportional valve to set front and rear brakes to be applied by the foot brake and a micro lock which locks the brakes for on hill stops and lights
@@thuss5162 Right now i have an Electraglide Ultra, that rear brake only stuff will get you killed. Its a high center fo gravity, and rear brakes alone wont stop it fast enough to stop you from being a skid mark and red stain in the hills of South Dakota. I ride from south Texas to Sturgis every year, and using all of your safety and survival gear is a necessity. I also hate doing rear brakes on harleys, so fronts are easier.
@@neildewitt2869 Double front discs are just selling point I guess, just a waste of money.... or maybe some of us drive a bit faster and like to know they can stop in unforseen situations. I've only been driving heavy cruisers for 30 years so I don't know much about sportsbikes and adv's.
If loud pipes save lives, imagine what learning to ride the thing could do!
@233kosta now that's funny!!!
Loud horns help too.
@@lewismingledorff6417 Tbh that one sounds a lot more useful
@@lewismingledorff6417 Exactly. Distracted (and normal) drives are more tuned into a horn than being startled by the sudden road of neighbor-hater pipes. Often times that will cause the driver, especially a distracted one to make a sudden move, maybe even right into your path.
@@joefazio4995 I'm amazed at how many people do not understand that. Just hearing a bike will not tell one where it is. It's our job to stay out of their blind spot. Does anyone really think nobody will lane change if they hear a loud bike?
We have failed our youth about teaching them the importance of pre-trip inspections not only on motorcycles but on cars too.
*visible confusion*
I haven't failed anybody. Smart people seek to learn and do smart things. Idiots fall for the aforementioned myths.
Yeh, that!
I'm guilty of it myself too, I had a pin come loose on my left caliper (only a locator pin, no real load on it, thankfully!) and only found out about it after some kuhnt slashed my tyre. Pin was bent from colliding with the wheel, it's got to have been loose for a good while...
I found out the hard way, low tires = no tires. I also figured out to always run mag wheels so you can use tubeless tires. Tis means you can use tire plug kit. No wreckers, no shops, carry air and a plug set will have you back on the road in minutes vs a day or more.
no one taught me i educated myself
Check your tire pressure weekly if you are just cruising. Tire pressure has everything to do with handling, braking and performance. Also, if you notice your pressure dropped a lot over the last month, first consider the ambient temperature and if that is not drastic, you may have a leak. Tires do not stay inflated consistently period.
I have a gps that gives me the tire pressures, looks like I lose 1 psi every 5 days
Absolutely imperative, I always tell people look, it’s you and the road that’s it.
The gas station that I fuel up at has an air machine and I use it frequently. It's just habit of mine that a gas station isn't *just* for gas or snacks.
I check tire pressure and fluids. Whenever my wiper fluid is low, they usually sell it there. Same with oil. It's also nice to give the windshield a good clean.
I recently saw that Cycle Gear was selling a portable tire pump capable of getting to over 100psi. I might get one and just throw it in with my tools for the road. I think it's like $50 right now.
I also keep a tire pressure gauge on me. I usually buy a bunch and give them out to my friends at Christmas 😅
all good safety tips that every motorcyclist should adopt... after all, you are not in an iron cage like in a car
I bought myself a mechanical pressure gauge and a hand pump, capable of 10 bar. With 2 nipples, one for cars and motorcycles, the other for my (push) bike. From the Netherlands.
I was unconscious for ten days after a bike crash, and someone asked me if it was because I was wearing a cheap helmet? No, because I was wearing an expensive one.
Spot on. The logic is well meaning, but completely wrong. It's like when allied planes came back riddled with holes, and the engineers wanted to strengthen those areas...until some bright spark pointed out that the planes got back with those holes rather than crashing
Better to be unconscious ten days than dead.
Great reply. Glad you made it back.
Had two concussions myself on the track. My helmets are why I’m here writing this.
Could have ended badly and be wheelchair bound drooling on yourself and don’t know where you are
I’m 61 and have been driving since I was 17, I must say that I absolutely rarely use my back brake. When I do use it, it’s when I have to emergency brake in conjunction with my front brake.
I'm 71 and I've been riding since 69, and like you the only time I use the back brake is when I absolutely have to,
Every bike I've ever had I'll learn where the pressure point is to make my rear tire slide. Sometimes I'll lock my rear up and slide to a stop at a red light 😅
Also, controlled slides are important if you're gonna learn how to drift and do something like a J-Turn. Slide that rear end out, dump your clutch and throttle out while you're in a lean. Trust that your tire will grip and let her rip!
I use my rear brake just to put the brake light on
@CefaCat . last time I had a bike that didn't have a brake light switch on the front brake was about 1974
Trail braking is something every rider should be doing.
I use my front brake far more than the rear. I use them at the same time but with more emphasis on the front. But, always be aware of the pavement conditions and adapt accordingly.
Front brake in a straight line
@@GordonMilliord Front brake at any time. Even a little bit of front brake can do far more than a lot of rear in a corner. Modern tyres are just so much better than even 20 or 30 years ago, and I was using front brake back in the 80s
@@GordonMilliord If you like to go fast then you need to learn how to get on your front brake when entering a turn.
It compresses your suspension and tightens your wheel base, thus giving you a tighter turning radius.
If you're scared of braking in turns it's probably because you don't use progressive brake pressure and just grab your lever.
@@headkicked It also creates more grip.
👍👍
I heard you say people have said don't use the front brake, I immediately thought, how the hell do you stop then!😂 I ride a zx14, if I pinned the throttle and then tried to stop with just the back brake it would take about a week to stop.😂
a week and two days
Front brake is "your ass"...rear brake is just to prolong the life of the front brake. Can I get a "Hubba hubba?"
Those people must never open the throttle period 😂
It's probably because they grew up watching Indian Larry build choppers with no front brake. It's all engine braking and rear brake.
But that's a chopper. They look cool (if you're into that) and they ride like crap.
Gsxr rider, I never use the rear brake, I downshift and have very good discs and pads in the front. Can't remember the last time I actually used the rear
I work on bikes, and it's common to find HDs and other cruisers that have no rear brake pads left, and like new front pads.
Says a lot about harly rider skills
Omg , that’s insane it’s a wonder they don’t slide out on the first bit of gravel or on a slick road that’s been dry for ages & has just been rained on
@@TheDigger06 Those are car drivers that own a Harley.
I bought a Harley in the 70s. The advice given in the owner's manual was "you don't need to use your front brake."
SMH!
What a surprise! Harley knuckleheads.
Front brake has more stopping power, however you have to be careful about the surface condition that you are riding on. If you are on ice, never use your front brake, rain be judicious and if it's dry, still check for oil, gravel, etc at all times.
As I Canadian my experience is that it is impossible to control a motorcycle on ice.
@@peterwilson8039 I am from Wisconsin, just over the border. Yes, you can control a motorcycle on ice. If it is below 5C, the ice is not as slick as it is at 0C. However, in any case, you just have to be very careful. Been doing it for 50 years (very carefully). Of course I have gone down a few times but less than I have stayed up.
@@jamescampolo7824 I went to a New Year’s Eve party one year. I stayed over because I was drunk. Overnight we had freezing rain, and it was wet. I made it to my driveway. When I turned into the driveway, the bike flipped out from underneath me and I landed headfirst in the ditch.
You'll have to pry my Gremlin guardian bell from my cold, dead hands.
@RedlineFeline especially if they're a gift, I've got some my friends have given me and they were really happy to see them on my bike
A gremlin bell is not just for safety it is to keep gremlins out of your engine so you keep running well and not breaking down, I know there just for fun but I still like the thought of someone caring enough about you to buy you one
^ THIS ^
Last October Daytona bike fest (I think they call it biketoberfest) was with my dad.. he has a 06 Honda shadow 1100, I have an 18 zx6r. He says “you want one of these bells?” I told him “uh, not really.” He explained the reasoning behind them, I still declined… now, he has one and unfortunately he hit a truck, only slid and scratched his bike… he had some personal injuries but nothing severe. I asked him “what happened with your goofy bell?” His response “well, it could have been worse.”
Where just for fun???
Weight transfer is also what makes front brakes so much more effective. The bike is putting up to 80% of its weight on that front tire when braking hard... That's a LOT more stopping distance if you use the rear only.... Using the rear only leads to myth number 7... haddalayerdown. 😅
And weight transfer is why the back brake locks up easily.
Most of the Yamahas I've owned were capable of 100% weight transfer to the front wheel, lifting the back tire during hard front brake applications. 😊
That's pretty good advice, as far as pipes are concerned loud pipes do much more than just make people aware of us, I've ridden for over 50 years both dirt and street, the reason I have loud pipes is because it scares animals away long before I come anywhere near them, I see bear, deer, moose and other animals every time I ride and those animals are always running away from me, not into me or attacking me from being startled by a quiet exhaust, loud pipes save more than just human lives.
I can't speak to loud pipes, as I have never had them.
But, at one time I did have a very loud air horn.
When any biker sees a deer, or any similar animal, they immediately begin looking for the other ones; as they are never alone.
One blast of that loud air horn, and ALL of the critters began to run, making them much easier to spot!
The front brake thing has to be a predominately cruiser riders thing. I don’t know how you could effectively stop a sport bike with just the back break.
The weird thing is that sports bikes typically have better rear brakes and weight far less than most cruisers.
@@josephbentley5799 very true. However, I was thinking about them being faster, and needing to stop from going faster. With the lean forward position, when you begin stopping traction comes off the back onto the front.
@TimRHillard my 700lb+ touring bike has a top speed of 135. It's not going to stop very well with just the rear brake either at those speeds. Your riding position is not causing the front dive when braking. It's a known sportbike technique to drag the rear brake in corners for increased stability. Using the front brake causes the nose dive because the front wheel starts to go slower than the rear shifting the center of gravity forward. It happens to every bike. Good use of the rear before the front will help minimize the fork dive. Both brakes have their purposes, and using them correctly will make every type of bike stop faster and in a more controlled manner.
@@josephbentley5799 Front dive is caused by inertia - deceleration makes the vehicle go slower BUT the centre of mass moves forward. You can get less fork dive doing three things: start braking with the rear brake first (pivot point for CoM change is rear axle), progressive braking (as opposed to hitting the picks at full tilt), and increasing the dampening of the front forks.
The reverse applies with acceleration.
@stephenlitten1789 did you not read my comment. Exactly what I said.
My youngest son used to ride steers. He he was required to wear body armor on his chest but a helmet was optional, but I made him wear one. He hated it. He wanted to wear a hat like the big boys. Well one day we were at a practice arena and a steer threw him then ran over him and stepped on his back and head. I showed him the video and told him had he not had that helmet and armor on instead of driving home wed be in the hospital praying our baby made it. He never complained about not being able to see or looking silly in his helmet again. I feel the same about motorcycle helmets. They might suck to wear but they will save my life one day im sure of it.
ooooh that's tough. I honestly had to google what riding steers means but dang that's really cool he did that. But yea, 100%, helmets truly are worth wearing. Now, I'm all for having the right to wear one or not, that should be the riders choice, not a thing governed by law, however, if we're on the topic of whether or not they are safe or worth it, I believe they are 100% worth wearing. Brain damage is not a game to be played with or taken lightly.
It’s actually more comfortable for me to wear a helmet, especially if it rains, but it is quieter and keeps rocks and bugs out of my face.
0:55 tyre pressures should always be checked weekly end of 👍🏻
Anybody riding a motorcycle should know how to trail break. Prior to every ride, I check tire pressures. It's plum ignorant not to,my pov.
How often do you ride though? I ride every day to work. When I start it is cold now and when I go back it is pretty hot. I am not testing tire pressure 2 times a day every day. I check it weekly and roughly set tire pressure in between the two extremes of outside temperature.
@@Shermingtan that's good enough.
@Shermingtan I ride frequently, but still check tire pressures before each ride. I have a compressor, takes about 10 minutes, gives me piece of mind. I'm weird that way. When I ride generally normal speed is eighty sometimes ninety.
Solid take
@@Shermingtantry daily, but look at your tires before you head home. Ever get a flat on the way to work, or pick up a nail on the way to work?
6 myths in America... Not in Europe.
Exactly. :-)
In this sense, one of the more notorious and stupid is missing: darksiding (the belief that fitting your bike with square cage tyres is not only as good as with tyres designed for bikes, but that it is actually better... :-O
Rule #2: Dressing like an 18th-century pirate is not mandatory.
harr...😮💨
It's the entire reason for riding.
Very true. But wearing an Apollo moonsuit is not mandatory either.
You oddly have met the worst riders at your dealership.
Just peruse the motorcycle videos on youtube - you'll observe an amazing variety of idiot riders.
she is dramatising everything to get an audience.
Well, it *was* a Harley dealership.
It happens at all dealerships. Many people don’t understand how their machine works. They are also to lazy to consult their owner’s manual to help them understand it. I know this because I worked at a HD dealer also.
Keep up the good work! Stopping by on accident and I can tell your heart is in the right place. I have been preaching safety for literally over 4 decades. Knocked off my bike 3 times, twice on purpose! Because I was geared up, I lived to tell the tale. Ride safe , rubber side down! ✌️
Whether or not to wear a helmet is dictated primarily by what value a rider puts on their head.
Have a $10.00 head? Buy a $10.00 helmet.
My head my business helmets very safe wear in your car
$20 helmets are for $20 heads! No helmet are free and worth every penny for some. 😅
Or the quality of its contents.
@@leftoverporkchop9972 Nope, buy a $20 helmet!
Guardian bells are to ward off mechanical issues. They have nothing to do with wrecks.
Guardian bells are a Christmas tree trinket that does FA. Checking your oil chain tyres and listening out for new sounds; that’s sensible precautions.
Yes, but a bell never hurts 😂
@@miporsche unless its embedded in your thigh because you landed on it
It's literally just an old tradition that stems from superstition about gremlins. Gremlins are thought to wreak havoc on travelers, causing mechanical issues *which can lead to wrecks.*
These days it's usually just a novelty for riders but some still believe in the old superstitions.
I thought guardian bells were designed to identify whackos. Handlebar streamers, on the other hand....
I use a wireless
Tire pressure monitoring system
It's just putting two dust cap on the tyres
And the display on your bars,
Simple as that,
It only cost around 50bux it's a great investment in your own safety...
Gremlin bells are the equivalent of thoughts and prayers. They do absolutely nothing
They do,they fall off and whack the rider behind, trust me i know
Great video, always check tire pressure weekly, guardian bell is to keep gremlins from fucking with my bike, doesn't help with crashing. I wear full face helmet now, don't trust drivers!
I've always worn a full face helmet because I like my face. I did however have an accident on a scooter without a helmet and broke my jaw in 3 places. Never wrecked my bike (knock on wood) but a damn skateboard with handlebars took my ass out, and right after I said to my daughter "I feel like I should be wearing a helmet and gloves to ride this thing" and she said "Watch out for that one, it has cruise control and it sticks sometimes.." I was 6 inches from the grass but skid 3 feet on my face on the concrete! ALWAYS wear the helmet!
After having destroyed several helmets over the years I don't need convincing. That shattered outer shell would have been my cranium. Good points on all the others as well, thank you!
Number one is alarming news to me. Wow! I cant believe anyone would think you never need to check tire pressures.
As a most of the time cager I like loud pipes. I can hear them coming quite a while before they arrive. But to all the distracted drivers out there. I put my phone away and don't have the stereo blasting either. Riding and driving are both full time jobs and you owe to everyone around to do it properly. To anybody who thinks they can do it all I say BS!!!
Loud pipes CAUSE distracted drivers. Distracted by earching in vain for where the annoying noise is coming from. In every direction except the one it is actually coming from. Loud pipes COST lives.
@@wmason1961 That's your opinion and you are entitled to it. I disagree with your position on the subject though.
I've been riding in traffic, and had a Harley three or four car spaces away from me, and the Harley is so loud that I can't even hear my own motorcycle. If I can't hear my own bike you can bet the other drivers around me can't either. In fact all they hear is the Harley. They can't hear any of the other vehicles around them. The Harley rider is attracting all the attention to himself.
@peterwilson8039 distracting other drivers from where they should be giving their limited attention.
Bullshit!!! You CAN NOT hear loud pipes coming at you until they are right on you from a car/truck. NFW....
No long intro, straight to the good stuff that you want to hear… great vid!
When i started riding 60+years ago my dad explained that i would wear a helmet or he would take my keys. I still put on a helmet before i start the engine.
I have gremlin bells on all of my bikes. Mine are all gifts from my family. They won't work if you buy your own. Thanks for the refresher.
They won't work regardless of who buys them.
"Maintain proper tire pressure."
I feel attacked.
😂😂😂
For years I didn't wear a helmet, now I wear one. Just good common sense.
2 nights in an ICU and 3 months off work convinced me to buy and wear a good helmet.
Glad you're still with us mate. Stay up right. @JohnTOutlander
Agree with all your comments except the loud pipes. If you’re talking about oncoming traffic then yes, they won’t hear you tell too late. I ride in Houston traffic with 8 lanes of distracted people. MANY times I would have someone coming into my lane while facebooking or putting on makeup, a rev of my bike grabs attention quick. So many times that I do not understand how you can not know this.
I respectfully disagree. As I car driver a loud motorcycle suddenly revving startles me. Equally likely a startled driver will swerve into you as away from you. As a long time motorcyclist, I focus on being predictable and visible, not loud.
@@miporsche I appreciate the respect you showed me and I extend the same. I am not speaking of running around revving this thing up, I only speak of them ACTIVELY swerving into me. In Houston there are millions of people who do not even know the rules to driving in this country. It’s absolutely crazy here. Just yesterday at a red light I had oncoming traffic pass me on the right. On shoulder! On my right, at a stop light!
@@gwoolman Obviously, revving your loud-piped motorcycle would have been extremely ineffective in preventing that idiot from flattening you at the light. I commuted in Houston for years - observing traffic patterns and staying behind or in front of traffic helped a lot. Surface streets are far more dangerous than the freeways. And on the freeways you should expect a car driver to pull into your lane even under the best of circumstances and be prepared - you cannot control their actions, but you can try to anticipate. You want to get their attention?? A semi-tractor/trailer air horn can be adapted to your bike. You will see the Fear of God in their eyes when they hear that thing.
I cannot tell you how MANY times I have seen somebody coming into my lane, not noticing me on my motorcycle, and I backed off a little to give them a little extra room.
@@miporsche By your logic, horns would be murder devices. Thankfully you are completely wrong, and NO ONE said anything about "suddenly revving". the engine actually has to be under load to be loud, all we do is throttle it a bit to make it roar a bit more. Pulling the clutch and revving an engine sounds like stupid shit gixxer kids do to show off their rice burner in a parking lot.
45 years, I've been legally riding on the streets. Loud pipes have saved me countless, COUNTLESS times from distracted drivers in traffic. My pipes you dont just hear... you FEEL as i have very loud pipes. Heads snap up from phones or take out food bags or whatever all the time when a driver is veering into my lane. I ride year round... at times my Harley of the moment was my only transportation... motorcycle horns are basically worthless and with less and less of us riding motorcycles these days (numbers are dwindling) and everyone so into their cell phones... I'll take every advantage i can get.
Animals here better than humans but just like humans there are smart animals and dumb animals even so their hearing does create a buffer before you are seen so they can leave road area also talking about not being able to hear you in vehicles I practice reveing motor just for that purpose to get their attention and also weaving back and forth so I am not a fixed point in their view motion is more easily seen people complain a lot about loud pipes that means they damn sure noticed you I do this so I am in their focus not to be annoying both my cousins that are brothers have been hit run over and forced off the road it's hard to get insurance to pay and illegals will definitely not pay your hospital bill or fix your bike keep in mind ride like your invisible take nothing for granted just because you have the right of way doesn't mean they are going to give it to you do everything to be seen and heard yes it's a joy ride but it's your responsibility to keep it from being a hell ride 😮😮
I have crack pipes and they set off car alarms😂
@@RobertRodriguez-rl1rpThought you might need a few of these. ..........
She's a DEI hire😂😂😂 Obviously she has met some very ignorant riders. 46 years of riding and always keep a VERY close check on tire pressure before I ride and of my bikes. As far as helmets, I wear a big boy hat a lot nowadays, due to other distracted drivers and deer at night. Plus, I don't like hitting June bugs. But, I prefer to ride without one, although I always wear motorcycle boots, armored jacket and pants and leather gloves.
Loud pipes))))) so many times people definitely heard me, which caused them to then see me. I drive a semi and often get oassed by hight revving sports bike. They bring you to attention when they're still 100 meters or more behind you. Both my Fatboys have aftermarket exhaust.
As far as gremlin bells,, they are supposed to be gifted, and, in 36 years, no one has cared about me enough to get one for me. But, aside from just part of the culture, I wonder if she feels the sane way about Christian with crosses.
Note that with the loud pipes and gremlin bells, she mentions " most bikes that come in after a wreck. What about the bikes, like me mine that haven't been hit, due to louder, more noticeable pipes?
Yeah, definitely a DEI hire and not a conscientious rider herself, if she even rides😂😂😂
@@danielmart7940 all well said, be careful out there on 2 wheels or 18. 👊
You speak total sense. Keep going!
Gremlin Guardian Bell? I've never heard this one (being from the UK), so people actually have a lucky charm instesd of learning to ride properly? Madness.
Love and peace.
I take issue with myth # 5... you greatest sense of awareness outside of visual, is hearing. I've been on both sides as a driver hearing a motorcycle which alerted me to look for the motorcycle. And riding motorcycles without an aftermarket exhaust, and having people inadvertently pull into my lane because they were not aware I was there, to getting aftermarket exhaust amd never having to deal with that issue anymore.
People have two natural fears from birth, (1) the fear of falling and (2) the fear of loud sounds.
Otherwise, a great video.
@@MrX-dg9hm On point I agree mostly with one caviot alot (not all) of new cars have sound dampening cabins. I have a loud HD sportster and so far no close calls I can't say the same for my HD street glide (it's much quieter).
Ah yeah, loud pipes save lives! I remember that one. At least you didn’t have to lay it down to keep from crashing! Lol
Aa devils advocate, I'm pretty confident you look for bikes specifically bcs you ride bikes.
Before I started riding I never heard bikes until they were literally next to me. Unless they were in a tunnel rev bombing. That's literally the only time I would notice a bike from sound alone.
Ut wasn't till after I started riding when I started hearing bike
It's the same sorta thing how you don't notice a car until you own the car. Once you own the car, you see them everywhere
@@phased3941 I concur, only occasionally saw a Tacoma until I started driving one then they were everywhere.
It would be impossible to flip over a Harley Big Twin using the front brake- too much weight in the back. Another thing to consider; it's a lot easier and cheaper to replace the front pad or pads than the back on most bikes. Front braking saves money and time in servicing as well as riding!
Loud pipes might be useful if the sound was projected forwards. That is what the horn does - but what motocyclist uses the horn? Loud pipes are heard mostly behind, after the mnotorcycle has already passed. That is like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.
That's just not true. You hear and feel it when it's beside you and in your blind spot.
Blind spots are directly beside you and right behind your peripheral vision.
Nobody cares if you hear the bike while it's fifty feet behind you.
Some of you need to observe and think more.
As a former motorcyclest, I've paid attention to the reactions to loud pipes. You're right that they can be heard when you're next to car, but the first commenter is also right, they are not heard as well as you might want to believe while your approaching the car. So what's the big deal? I've personally been startled by a bike cracking thier engine next to me even though I saw them coming up. I personally keep control when startled, but I have to believe the most common reaction is to "jump." Personally I wouldn't want to be a biker next to a car that's about to be startled by my obnoxious exhaust. It's more for proving manliness, and less for actual safety.
@@jimbatten1927 I was painting the roof trim on my house one day. I was standing on the little platform on the very-very top of a very rickety step ladder, reaching way over my head to get at the roof trim, when some yahoo on a straight-piped Sportster, did a completely unnecessary high-RPM downshift in the street behind me. I was so startled I jumped about a foot in the air. I bet he got a good laugh out of it.
True. It's called the Doppler effect. Learning how to ride will keep you safer than loud pipes. And staying out of drivers blind spots will eliminate the need to make loud noises to get people's attention. Been riding 40 plus years with mostly stock exhausts on all my bikes and I've never once needed to alert a driver of my presence through sound.
Enjoyed the straight talk format. Looking forward to exploring your other videos. Been on 2 wheels a long time and it’s always good to hear a voice of reason. Keep up the good work.
Dude, you are the most legit bike channel. I’ve ever seen on UA-cam dude we agree on a lot of things. Keep up the good work.
DUDE??? What video you watching??? That ain't no dude that I am watching. Well on second thought I guess you never know these days....
@@bultacowally I don’t know I was something about obviously like motorcycles and I watched it after this, but I guess it didn’t catch up. Who knows sorry. See I did it one or two comments down to my comments got fucked up with what channel I was on maybe because I was watching television watching UA-cam on television and then I use my phone and it wasn’t synced up.
I’m with you 100% on all that except the front brake myth. I’m 110% on agreement with that. I don’t know how many times I’ve argued that point.
Very nice and truthfully information young lady. Tire pressure and tread wear are very important to keep an eye on. Helmets do save lives, it saved mine once. Loud air horns not pipes helps save lives and just plain stupid accidents. My guardian Angel rides with me not a bell. Have a great day and I hope that some riders listen to you.
I don't know anything about guardian bells, but I am absolutely convinced that the St. Christopher I wore every day when I was driving trucks saved my butt on more than one occasion.
I live in the mountains of B.C. Canada - I do not ride with what most riders would consider loud, but I did some adjustments, so as the wild life could hear at least a bit of a rumble. Compared to the Tesla's, speeding through the forested mountainous regions, without a care. It makes a difference - same as rideing an electric motorbike through the trails, compared to a two-stroke dirt bike. I have heard many stories of people (mountain biking and or riding an electric motorbike) and almost running into people and nature. I bought my Husky over an electric for that one reason, I dont want to be running into a grizzly or hurt anyone on the trail. I kind of think it is commom sense. Thank you for the vid.
in my experience Loud Exhaust serve a good purpose in city trafic only. They suck in highways, its a pain in the ears.
But in city centers car drivers going slow hear u coming and usualy make way.
Also, they get annoyed by the loud noise so they tend to let you through more easily and keep a safe distance from you.
I like modular helmets but I find that for me the peripheral vision sucks. Im 70 yrs old and have had my neck fused many years ago so turning my head to see behind me can be difficult. Yes Im always checking my mirrors but I don’t rely on them 100%. Backing up can be one of the hardest things to do when you can’t turn your head completely to keep from backing into someone. Ive been on the hunt for a quality modular for a very long time but with no success. Good video and spot on with braking.
Using the front brake can get you in trouble if not used properly. It takes a learning process, but when mastered I used both front and rear all the time.
40 years of riding & my front brake never got me in trouble through the 80s 90s & 2000s
Maybe users should learn to just not use them when cornering
@@emvdhout You can use the front brakes in corners too. Saying you can't or shouldn't is another myth.
@@emvdhout You can use both during cornering, carefully. Rear brake used carefully can help tighten your line through a corner.
Wow!
I always check my tires and tire pressure before I go for a ride in the pre-trip inspection. I always wear a helmet and riding gear. I use my mirrors but always turn my head and look. I always use front and rear brakes together. Loud pipes are just annoying and attractive the attention of law enforcement. I’m 66 years old now never been in accident on my bike. Ride smart and stay safe and enjoy the ride.
I was told to check it before every ride. You are connected to the road by two very small patches on the tires.
Been riding 50yrs & never heard of gremlin bells.
Mostly the only time I don't use my front brake is on a loose surface.
I used to race motorcycles when I was younger and my wife said one day to me why when you go dirt bike racing or just trail riding you wear all that gear but when you ride your street bike which is more dangerous you wear the minimum gear, got me thinking so I wear it all now and feel safer
Being an owner of a 22 road glide limited, I have a tire pressure monitoring system that allows me to check my tire pressure, i check it before I depart every morning. I can leave it on and watch the tire pressure increase as I ride and the tire heats up. This constant heating and cooling of your tires will cause the tires to lose a few psi. So you need to have an air pump at your house , if you ride to a gas station the tire pressure has already gone up and will not be the normal pressure. As mentioned in the video low pressure will cause handling problems and tire wear.
To clarify, been riding for over 45 years, 400,000 miles. Ridden motocross, flat track on the county fair circuit. Currently ride bagger, hardtail chopper and Vespa 150. To control any bike is a combination of front/rear brakes and using the gearbox. Every bike is different. I believe the Vespa’s abs left handle is 60/40 rear bias and the right is 100% front. If you decide to take a full dresser into a tight corner and only use the front brake you will get an ugly amount of front fork compression, and about 900 pounds worth of inertia trying to swing out. Whenever you see a biker pulling up to a stop sign and tapping down 3 or 4 gears it’s a sign they aren’t using all the tools to keep the bike under control. Anyone downshifting after they enter a curve is an indication they haven’t put all the pieces together. Since there is no logic to hardtail choppers the reason any of us that rides them is… not sure why, since every basic thing you do to them is counter intuitive to handling performance. There is no one answer…. Sorry academia, just one old rider’s opinion.
My first ride to Sturgis was on a rat bike and it didn't even have back brakes
I ride a Guzzi with linked brakes. Once you get used to them, you probably wouldn't have it any other way. Going into a corner too hot, actuating the rear back will simultaneously actuate ONE of the front discs and with less force than if you used the grip actuator, and helps the bike settle down both front and rear and take the turn much better and safer.
Hellman's can cause neck injuries.
Very good video!
But as someone who had to spend many hours in German driving school and has driven over 10,000km every year since 1999, this video sounds like a beginner's guide to me.
(This is not against you Dasha, just my impression)
Checking tire pressure regularly is the absolute minimum you should do on your motorcycle.
The fact that there is even a need to explain to people that helmets are not a bad thing is almost ridiculous.
The same thing with the subject of brakes, in that same driving school you are taught which brake to use and when.
You have to demonstrate emergency braking and evasive maneuvers with prior braking, otherwise you won't get a driving license in Germany.
But despite everything:
“Loud pipes save lives” is also a popular motto here. ;)
I can understand why Myth 3 exists. On some bikes, the weight distribution is biased to the rear i.e. cruisers. So the impression is real-only braking is just fine most of the time under normal circumstances, especially with ABS and the engine braking of a fat low-revving v-twin. Most of the weight is on the rear wheel, which makes rear wheel-only braking feel effective. That is until the time comes when the rider needs to brake hard and fast. This is when he learns the hard way about dynamic weight transfer physics.
Some bikes also have linked brakes, where the brake system automatically compensates and applies brake pressure to both brakes even when only 1 brake is used. Again, this has the effect of demotivating the rider from learning about dynamic weight transfer under hard braking.
I like to change my brake pads as a complete set (less hassle), so I use both brakes so that they all wear out together. Traditionally, you'll have to taper off the rear as the weight shifts to the front to prevent the rear from locking up but these days it's less of a problem with ABS, so it's quite easy to use both as long as you remember not to stomp on the right pedal (habit from driving cars).
For low speed maneuvering and u-turns, yes... stay off the front brake and use the rear. Using the front brake during a tight u-turn is a surefire way to drop the bike.
Me never use my rear brake, only the front but I ride like a granny my friends tell to me. 🤷
You should master the rear brake. Start at a low speed and then jam the rear brake hard enough to get your rear tire to break loose, just make sure you stay in a straight line.
It's good to know so that if you have to make an emergency brake you can utilize both front and rear and you'll be more familiar with how much rear brake you can give it *before* it slides.
If you only use front brakes, pay attention what it does to your front end. It pushes all of the weight of your bike forward and compresses your front suspension, leaving you with little give on your forks, should you hit a bump or something.
Adding a little bit of rear brake balances that out by not making your front end do all of the work. When the rear brake is used it mitigates the complete transfer of weight to the front end.
Spot on about tire pressure. As far as helmets I wear full face or modular when doing long rides (more than 100 miles), shorter rides half helmet. If I haven't done a lot of long distance rides I will do some training so my neck muscles firm up, which consists of over 100 miles with half helmet because the half helmet in my experience catches more wind and this will strengthen my neck muscles. You have to use your front brake in tandem. I've saved myself a lot of grief by using both brakes. You must do some training when using front brakes in slow speeds and turning. I don't know if it saves lives but I enjoy my load pipes. Gremlin bells are silly but I do have gremlin bells on my rides. Not bad I just wish there had been internet with so knowledgeable people to talk to about riding when I first started riding back in the mid to late '70s. Good job.
FOBO 2 sensors on eBay are a great way for any bike to have a tire pressure monitor system. They even monitor your tire pressure and temperature as you ride. The one thing I don’t like about helmets is not that they take away vision, it’s that they take away sound. I have two V Rod’s, one with the factory exhaust and the other with two into one competition pipes. I love them both. The only thing that saves lives out there is, being fully aware in humble that anybody in a car can ruin your day.
Just my opinion and your milage may vary but I think gremlin bells are just another way to sell you something you don't need.
you are not supposed to buy your bell, it is presented from another rider to you.
Myth 5 isn't a myth. Loud pipes DO save lives, just not the way most people think. Animals, like deer, stay away from my bike instead of jumping in front of it.
Your loud pipes need to be pointed forwards, the direction you are travelling if you think they are effective warning anything...
@@dennissorensen9320since I'm not traveling at 761mph, it really doesn't make a whole lot of difference.
Your comments or opinions to most of the points you raise is correct enough with nothing else requiring mention. Interesting however is no mention made on how helmets save your eyes from anything traveling through the air from stones; and other debris floating or falling; to bugs in the air traveling towards you even up to the size of 4 to 5 inch long grasshoppers. Even wearing glasses is not enough. Only the protection of full face coverage is enough to save eyes or skin from a brutal impact that can feel hard through a leather jacket but worse to poorly protected eyes of face.
But the big one that really gets to me is the simple fact that making noise appeals to one of the senses that can alert a person to danger. I have ridden almost silent bikes and louder bikes for 55 years and quiet bike riders find themself dodging some errant/ignorant vehicle driver several times a week depending on how much they ride. When a silent bike is coming up behind people often some of those people are blissfully ignorant of the presence of the bike and will change their position on the road to cut off or run into the bike. That is a simple fact and no amount of denial can change that. They do not mean to cause danger to the bike rider {mostly} they are just ignorant of its presence. Louder exhausts gives those ignorant people a audible alert that is often helpful to avoid a situation from occurring. It has even alerted me at times of a bike I had not noticed whether I am riding or in a car; and I am trying to always be aware. It is worse when people just do not care to look around.
However I would dearly love riders to have a moderately loud bike rather than obnoxiously loud bike. Some riders call it controlled noise. They can make a bit more noise with a stab of the throttle but can ride with a bit more care in the suburbs to not be bothersome to residents. They are the respectable riders. The obnoxiously loud riders make people hate all bikes that are a bit loud and that just generates animosity. Where I live some bike riders like to thrash around the suburbs between midnight and 2am just to wake everyone up. Never a cop around when people desperately need to be put off the road.
Sure a good rider can avoid the ignorant car/vehicle drivers who will drive onto them or into their path but with a bit of not unreasonable noise most of those situations just do not happen because the audible warning of bike presence was enough to avoid the situation. Perhaps you need a few more years of riding in city traffic to see just what a big difference it can make to the day of a bike between quiet and loud. Experienced riders will always agree with me and not with you on that subject and actually making a video does not make your opinion correct. But of course you are welcome to have your opinion and voice it; but the true evidence does not support you. {And I am one of thousands of very experienced riders who share the same opinion I have given.}.
I have never heard don’t use the front brake that’s just crazy. I roadraced and we didn’t use our rear brakes.
Rear works light touch off
A very good video! I think an important factor is having exceptional lighting on your bike , front and back . I have a modulator for my taillight from Custom Dynamics and it really does get folks attention while either braking or sitting in traffic and alerting the approaching vehicle coming up from behind
i ONLY use the front brakes on tarmac more or less...if you dont dare to use your front brake, then dont ride
I use it on everything. It's simple physics, braking causes the centre of gravity to move forward, so most of the braking force should be at the front wheel.
I use front and rear at the same time typically when slowing from a descent speed, BUT, I stay away from the front brake in slow speed turning. Quick way to dump the bike. Using rear only can cause the rear to lock up....not good. When the rear locks up, it actually travels faster and starts to slide out and overtake the front tire. Weird but true. I check my tire pressure occasionally, and I also check my lights and turn signals almost every time. I'm 65 and I want to ride well into my 70's.
Thanks for the great videos. You have a wonderful way about you. Very kind and respectful. Keep up the great work!
A TPMS makes checking tyre pressure super easy. Also gives early warning of punctures. I think theyre pretty standard on the more expensive bikes nowadays.
I just smile when I see people doing their tires at gas stations and having no tire gauge or trusting the pump. Harbor freight sells cheap stuff to do it at home when tires are cold. Never go on a ride without checking air ,oil ,etc.
Gaurdian bells for me were more of a ward off mechanical problems and maybe even a reminder to do maintenance. Just me.
Wow!! That's the first time I've heard them called that!!! Thank you... Once I preferred to call them goblin bells, and was profusely corrected. " They are gremlin bells" I had to claim freedom of speech with this viewer. I tried to explain to me gremlin is a car produced in the past and I cannot fathom a hatchback causing my bike mechanical issues. More likely a goblin could ( a mythical creature). To me it just makes more sense
@@janeprescott980 yes in the mid-19 seventies to 1980 there was a car manufacturer known as American motors. One of their compact cars it was very popular back then was called a gremlin. They had two different versions of the gremlin the standard gremlin and then the gremlin X, which was a sport model.
Use 75% of pressure on your front brake,and 25% of pressure on your rear brake when stopping in dry conditions and 50% of pressure on both brakes in wet conditions, using less pressure or not using either brake will drastically reduce your stopping distance.
Tire psi is number one on the checklist, as a mechanic, 80% of the bikes I worked on had low tires and on a big bike that’ll get you in big trouble. And wear your gear, the more professional you are the longer you’ll last. Start out on dirt so riding the bike and letting it work and knowing control placement becomes a reflex action. Honestly I won’t ride on the street anymore, it was hard enough without people driving the way they do now.
Tire pressure: One of my scariest moments riding was due to very low tire pressure on my front tire. Almost washed out and went off a mountain. The tire was at 16PSI when it should have been 35. I felt the tire rolling the sidewall in corners and that is SCARY!!
Helmets: Helmets save lives, PERIOD. The study quoted said 1000 riders that were hospitalized...I wonder just how many never made it to the hospital because they didn't have a helmet on when they crashed? And yeah - I realize this was about NECK injuries, but does it matter if you're neck is injured if you're already dead??
As for 'blocking your vision': if your helmet is blocking your vision, you either have it on backwards or are not human.
Front brakes: She's SPOT ON about this!! If you're not using front brakes, you're an accident waiting to happen!!
Loud pipes: When driving a cage, I can HEAR motorcycles much better than they can be seen - especially in tight traffic. And I've had loud pipes save my bacon when riding, too!! They DEFINITELY help! Certainly, while cruising at highway speeds, loud pipes are nearly worthless until you're right next to a cage, but the rest of the time I find them quite beneficial. The key is don't be CONSTANTLY OBNOXIOUS with your pipes!!!! Things like rev-bombs do NOTHING to help the riding community - EXCEPT WHEN YOU'RE IN DANGER. I HATE it when ppl rev-bomb while sitting at a stoplight just to be 'cool'. Or are overly obnoxious with their riding just to see how loud they can be...
Those 'Guardian Bells': nothing but superstition...They look nice and all, but...If your ride is gonna suck, no bell's gonna help...
Thanks for a great overall video!
Gremlin bells should come with a warning "works best when used with proper riding gear, riding within your limits and the law, and keeping your bike's maintenance up to date".
I've gone from wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and a beanie helmet to being an ATGATT guy, lol. Must be the old age.
Before the disc front brakes were installed on the front end of motorcycles. Not using your front brakes was taught. Oh may the way I enjoy your input.🫡 Cin-Cin and Salute.
Just a thing about the pipes. Same comment I made on Doodle 's video about the same thing. Either audio signals work or they don't. Either loud pipes gets you noticed or horns need removed.
2 things-
I always wear a full face helmet and it does restrict my above average peripheral vision somewhat.
I have no doubt that loud pipes do save *some* lives but I prefer and run more quiet stock pipes.
Ha.. Gremlin Bell made your list. I have 2 on my Triumph. One was from my Police bike, always had one, and the other was from my Goldwing. I had a friend point out my 2 bells and laugh. I said, "laugh all you want but do you see any gremlins"? :)
Loud pipes could help, as a truck driver, I might see a bike most times, I definitely hear loud mufflers on bikes and cars, so I think it does help. Screw the studies because you can slant a study any way you want. I am going by 44 years of truck driving experience.
I have somewhat loud pipes, simply because I love the sound of my Harley. My pipes face the wrong way if they are to save my life. I'd be better off wiring my horn to blow continuously as soon as I start my engine... "they'd" definitely hear me then. So... "loud horns save lives".
As for my Gremlin bell, given to me by my family : works like a charm (or prayer, same-same). Despite owning one, I do my maintenance regularly😉
On a bicycle (you know, the ones with peddles) if you use your front brakes for hard braking, you can easily go over the handlebars. But that is because the primary weight is that of the rider and that weight sits high on the frame. Conversely, the primary weight of a motorcycle is the engine, and that weight sits low in the frame.
On my BMW S1000XR I have their RDC system, which constantly monitors tire pressure and I have it displayed on my bike's screen at all times.
Gremlin bells or not, the one superstition that I have is to never mount my bike from the right.
I also never ever mounted my horse from the right in my horse-riding days.
I've got a 2016 XR, which unfortunately doesn't have that feature. I still love the bike and plan to get the M1000XR in a year or 2.
@@HawgRiderBC I currently have the 2022 model of the S1000XR, which I bought end of 2021.
Last year I almost bought the M1000XR, but then I discovered that these 5 items were missing:
1) centre stand
2) hand protectors for the grips
3) intelligent emergency call
4) auxiliary LED side lights
5) the horrific brake-fluid reservoir on the handle bar is DEFINITELY a deal breaker
I am now thinking of possibly buying the new S1000XR with the 200mm rear tyres.
@marcos.1771 You missed one, which really affects me, no luggage option. I want the shift cam engine, but not at the cost of the other things. Especially the lack of center stand and especially the lack of luggage option.
@@HawgRiderBC The missing luggage option does not concern me any longer.
For personal reasons I had to put an end to my travel plans.
But I believe special cases are available for the MXR, either directly by BMW or third-party suppliers.
@@marcos.1771I don't know about 3rd party manufacturers, but BMW does not have it as an option. I leave my saddle bags on all the time. One side serves as my carry space, extra clothes, gloves, water, etc. The other side is my emergency gear, first aid kit, tire pump, and patch kit. The luggage isn't as much as my saddle bags on my Harley, where I also carry all of the above, plus some rudimentary tools.
I found myself always using just my front brake for most stops, because front brake pads are easier to replace.
So I have to push myself to use both brakes in advance at the same time instead most of the time, so both of them are preloaded and I'm at the ready on both of them.
And at very low speeds, again remind myself, only use my back brakes, not the front one. I was really stabbing that front brake to come to a final stop, and it was causing me all kinds of problems on a new bike. On my old bikes, which were more forgiving, no problem, but my newer heavier bike is a lot less forgiving.
I am a firm believer in ATGATT. Two weeks ago I had a minor crash. Relatively low speed, leaning too far and then decided to shift down to accelerate out because I am a moron. Speed dropped after pulling the clutch - and so did I. Slid across the ground some, same for the bike. Crash bar and kick stand took all the damage on the bike.
I had zero injuries. None. Not even a scratch or a slight bruise. I was just pissed at my own stupidity. My visor had some pretty gnarly scratches tho.
Those would have been on my face if I hadn’t had a helmet on. And I have never ever had any issues with visibility from the helmet. If you do, your next trip should be to the dealer to get a helmet fitted properly. If your head can move around inside it while someone holds it stationary, it’s too big. It should be a snug, tight fit with very little play. Get your helmet at a brick and mortar store where you can try different models on and find the one that fits you best. Wear it for like 15 minutes or so. Take your time. And don’t get hung up on brands. For instance, Nolan helmets are just not for me. I always get a painful pressure point on my forehead in them (also, I get tons of wind noise in them at higher speeds but that is purely a “me” issue). If I go one size up, there is too much space on the sides. For me, HJC and Schuberth are a perfect fit. Your mileage will vary. Try them all. Arai, AGV, Shark, Nolan, you name them. Some dealers will let you try it out for a few days so you can figure out if it’s for you. Remember: If you can’t imagine wearing your helmet for hours on end without it becoming uncomfortable, it’s probably not the right one for you. There should be no pressure point or anything. Also accommodate for a balaclava.
As for “don’t use front brakes”: this is just pure BS. You learn that in driving school. I have no idea where people are getting this idea from. Even being an Oldtimer is no reason for this. Decades ago most bikes had drum brakes in the back, and sometimes also in the front. Those were abysmal in performance compared to modern hydraulic brakes.
When I rode, I used to go over my bike every weekend, after washing, waxing/polishing it. This meant checking oil, tires... Hell, you're already on your knees polishing the chrome spokes/rim. As for a helmet, in Michigan, it used to be law to wear a helmet. I never found it a nuisance. Now, onto braking. My front brake was the primary brake. As you brake, the weight transfers forward, even if all you use is the rear brake. In my opinion, this makes it more likely to lock up, then your bike wants to go sideways. Using the front brake, the weight transfer, will help you stop with more control. Myself, I used "some rear brake" but rely on the front. The only time I had an issue was braking real hard, once, when a traffic light went red. Everything was cool until the front wheel hit a concrete road seam, that due to summer heat, had broken and raised up. My front wheel locked as it hit that. On loud pipes, I left the stock exhaust pipes on (mine was a 4 cylinder Honda). When I changed from 4 separate exhaust pipes to a 4 into 2 setup I had pipes that exited to the sides. Even with a helmet the sound did not make for an enjoyable ride. I switched to a 4 into 2 that exited to the rear. Quieter and more enjoyable. Uh, Gremlin guardian bells? I relied on my skills, from years of riding, besides gremlins were actually mischievous imps (not protectors). Just some info from an old fart 😃 of 73 years. Ride safe!
I'm a bicycle mechanic and I see the same thing with tire pressure. Everyone thinks once it's inflated it stays that way.
I'm a Wing rider and commuting every day I did not check every day but I knew my machine and checked when I checked it over later. I had a GL1200 with aluminum rims and those things leaked while you were riding - right out through the porous aluminum. I checked those tires every couple of days.
I agree with all but the loud pipes comment. If someone thinks keeping headlights on helps you to be noticed they should consider loud pipes. When you ride with loud pipes there are 2 reactions. One is "Where is the cool bike I hear." The other is "Where is the a$$hole on the loud bike?" I'll take either. They look for you. I don't care if they like me or not. I care that they look for me and not say, "I didn't see you." I see people checking their mirrors and looking around every time I ride.
"Loud pipes"; They're illegal (although the law is never enforced) and very irritating to everyone but the dude on the bike. If you really believe that they're improving your safety (which there're not), why don't you just learn how to ride your damn bike? I've been ridding for 55 years and never once had the need or desire for loud pipes to stroke my ego.
When I'm in the car and I hear a loud motorcycle I say to the passengers "there goes another obnoxious rider out "saving lives". They always laugh when I tell them why they're called lifesavers. When I'm on my bike and one of the "lifesavers" rides up I think to myself, "I hope no one thinks this asshole is riding with me"....
@@FrankDank-ik7ic One of these days the "loud pipes save lives" crowd (lifesavers) may realize that riding safety has nothing to do with noise and everything to do with knowledge and skill.....,oh, who am I kidding, it ain't gonna happen..
@@FrankDank-ik7ic OK Karen, who said anything about ego? Or having illegally loud pipes? Loud pipes does save lives, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. it's a statistically proven fact from insurance companies that silent bikes gets into more accidents because cars don't notice them. I know this as an indisputable FACT from working at a benchmark insurance claims retailer for 7 years. It's become increasingly obvious since electric bikes came on the market.
@@doylegaines1319 Factually FALSE.
Gremlin bells are a great gift. I don’t think you can put one on your bike unless it was a gift but they’re just decoration and giggle.
I've been riding motorbikes on British roads since 1970. Not a month goes by without checking my tyre pressures. And if I'm clocking up 200 or 300 miles in one day, I check my tyres before setting off the next day. It's an unbroken habit I got into from more experienced riders while I was just 14 years old.
I agree with everything except the loud pipes. On my Harley you can see people looking around for the LOUD bike. I NEVER get cut off on the freeway on the Harley. On my silent BMW no one looks around and they make all kinds of stupid moves in traffic. So I have to be far more diligent on the BMW. 40 years riding experience.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is hardest thing to maintain on my HD custom cast aluminum wheels. Bike can lose tire pressure just sitting a week. I thought it was just me having tire problems, but for 2 things: consistent tire pressure problems with all bikers talk too. Second: I still have tire pressure problems with new tires! I must be abscessed! I check tire pressure once a week or each ride when long than week sitting. I built an engine Jack to take weight off tires too.
Tubeless tires can lose pressure in a few days if the tire beads or the rim or both are not clean or not lubricated with a suitable lubricant when the tires are being fitted.
My thoughts on gremlin bells: they work! At least in my case.
My mom bought me mine. I ride a dual-sport, and the bell never really starts ringing until I am off-road.
I hear the bell. I think of my mom, and how it would affect her if something happened to me. I immediately tone-down my enthusiasm.
I tend to hear my bells when I'm pick the bikes up to get on them. Riding is as much psychological as it is physical.
I will still maintain loud pipes can save lives. I've owned (and currently own) both.
From personal experience, I've had better luck alerting clueless drivers to my existence with a loud exhaust note, than a horn. Especially motorbike horns as they are kind of pathetic.
You don't have statistics of avoided accidents, which is the actual number thats needed here.
Everything else is spot on
Tyres LEAK!!! Sometimes quickly.
They make small, light battery-powered compressors now. Just have one on you. Keep it in a pannier.
Check before you ride. Check before every ride, until you're happy that they're not leaking very quickly. Then check weekly.
Old school, l check tyre pressures every time l go out, a few pounds either way can make a huge difference in handling.. If you don't check your tyre pressures on a ( very) regular basis then should you be riding ?