So what is your opinion about getting a Honda VFR 800? I was thinking about getting one because all of my roads are like 60-80mph here and a lot of people go about 10 over here and I do not want to stay red lining the bike the entire time. I know the rule of thumb is to go about 5 over the people around me, but I'm not to sure if a 250cc can stay at like 90mph for am hour a day. I also want to have a bike that I can also go on the track (once I'm good enough). Any advice would be much appreciated!!
Hi Bro! Keep up the goodwork! I really appreciate your advices man! Its not about the motorcycle but its about the skills of the rider, and his mind the software! Thanks! I had saved a lot of money with this!
Don't have my own bike yet, I'm holding a friend's Zx- 636. I got your book and so far I'm on the second belt level. I can circle his bike at full handlebar lock to the frame now in the parking lot where I usually practice. I had a buddy asking how do i drive the bike better than the owner, who by the way wants to "upgrade" already to a 1000cc, and I told him because I PRACTICE. Looking forward to your next book.
Thanks...years riding doesn't mean anything, unless you continue to take high level courses and practice what is taught. MotoJitsu.com has a list of all the courses I recommend.
Damn, I was really hoping the Coolio hairdo would stick around! I fell into the trap of going too big too quickly. I started on a cheap Chinese 250 lump of carbonated dung. Rode it for a week and then jumped on a Suzuki GSXR 600. I 12 o’clocked that bad boy after 11 teeth grinding minutes of riding and it was back to the basics for me. I’ve had my MT-07 since. Had it for 2 years now and have yet to “grow” out of it. I started practicing more after finding your channel. You are the best kind of peer pressure there is my friend!
Holy wow! Bet that was scary lol good on you my friend, keep practicing....soon others will be coming to you for advice when you can do things they didn't think was possible.
I'm new to the scene and I always had the mentality to take it super slow. Glad I found this channel. I've already signed myself up for a course, bought your books, looked at a bunch of vids, and I'm on my way to buy gear (and I still haven't rode the bike I purchased). I'll definitely be shutting up and practicing!
I took the basic course and the California Superbike course with Keith Code years ago (80’s). Now in my late 50’s I also found that fitness for us old guys is very important. After decades off motorcycles I am learning to ride again.
Merry Christmas Greg! Once again, solid info for those who have ears to hear...45 years ago, it started with a Honda CB100 and loved it! Fast Forward to 2019, a lot of practice (& mistakes) later prepared me for a 650 pound Yamaha FJR1300. Baby steps in learning to ride makes you smart, not a baby.
Keep up the good work, i started on a 2 cylinder 650 last year(nightmare, can answer why if you care), swapped to a 600 naked, been practicing ever since at least once a weak. Got 2 friends to join me, and about 8 people interested who always find excuses not to come. Love the exercises, got the book, dropped the bike 3 times on brown belt, learned a lot, even saved me a few times. Got over 1 course already, next one coming in a week. Cheers !
Hi Eddie, about a month ago i bought me a CB500X. I'm 47 and it has been more then 20 years ago i have driven a motorcycle. When i picked up this brand new bike back home, i was very nervous. Luckily i have watched many videos of you beforehand and that helped me to drive safely. I practice a lot en start enjoying the short journeys. i missed biking, it is enjoyment at the highest level. I want to thank you for your tips, books and videos. I just bought a t-shirt from MotoJitsu to support and make you known in Belgium.
Semper Fi Devil Dog. Thank you for your service. I was stationed at Pendleton as well. Very informative, helpful, useful information. Please keep these vids coming.
I actually got my bike a Triumph Street Twin back in Dec. I did the exact things you're talking about. I use the roads around the corner to get used to turning, stopping, and using the turn signals. I also do parking lot drills, especially U turns to get more and more comfortable. Still haven't done any highway but taking it slow and steady. Great advice 👍
Just wanna say thanks again bro, we wont ever know for sure but you could have saved my life. I was hell bent on getting a ZX6R.. instead I ended up buying 2500 dollars in high end gear, taking classes, and getting an R3. I just passed my riders course over the weekend and purchased my R3 today, it's getting delivered friday after I get my license... then off the the parking lot with your book in hand! I dont need 600cc of death power to get to a parking lot to do 5mph drills. So like I said, theres a good chance you saved my life. Keep advocating this so we can save more riders.
Smart choices!! If you want to be faster, keep doing what you're doing...taking courses, then practicing...a faster bike won't make you any faster. I know people here in San Diego who have R3's and they're faster than mannnnyyy people on R1's. All about cornering technique.
One of the best things I learned from the MSF course was mitigating risk factors (something I learned in the Army as well). Things add up against you. Not checking tire pressure, driving at night, fog, wet roads, unfamiliar roads, gravel from constructions, rush hour traffic, driving when the bars let out, drinking -even a little, riding with a stiff neck or pulled muscle, riding when angry or upset, tired, not enough gear. Take as many factors out of the equation as you can.
This topic is so classic. I have been riding for 30 years (since high school), but I only started how to learn riding properly about 3-4 years ago. Then I realized I made so many mistakes after all those 30 years, including those mistakes you just mentioned. Till now I keep telling myself that I am still not good enough, therefore I will push myself to keep on learning & practicing. Upgrading ourselves, you said. And your videos have always been very helpful & encouraging. Thanks, Bro. PS: and I encourage my friends to watch your videos as well..
After watching your videos recently, I am grateful that I started riding with my 2 months old ktm rc 200 instead of having a triumph 675 daytona. Since watching your videos, i have been practicing on how to take corners, sharp u-turns at low speed. I did some leaning at higher speed and lower speed as well. Thank you for all your tips Sir. Regards from Malaysia.
Just started riding this year and happy I found your channel!! I want to ride and arrive alive!! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge and experience!!!
I started riding this year, watched tons of videos but most of the videos was Motojitsus! I'm glad i find this channel because it help'd me passing the driving test and i still keep on practicing. Started with kawasaki Z750 without experience but i took it slowly, watched motojitsus clutch/gas control, overstearing etc..Awesome channel
Excellent reminder of the basics. Thank you for your humility of your early days. I don’t know if you have made a video of driving on a 6 lane highway, with a median of grass dividing the 3 lanes from the other. Do you have a preferred lane strictly for safety, time not being a factor. And assuming all the drivers are acting the same that you are flowing with. So there are also side streets that people can turn right from to join the flow of the highway. Thank you Greg!
Good advice. I've been watching your videos for quite a while and actually stopped riding with the local motorcycle club as the president doesn't wear a helmet. Others don't wear proper riding gear, and still others never take any courses so their skill levels are barely above a newbee. And on their website they claim that safety is a 1st priority. What a joke! You've helped me increase my riding skills and awareness to new levels and I appreciate it. Thanks!
HAHAHA that's awesome....great example of what not to do. Unless you continue to take high level courses, you'll never be a high level rider. "president' lol
Been riding for 2 months on a motorcycle now (Honda MSX125) done 8000km in this time before this I owned a 50cc mnibike, did 16000km on that one. I practice daily. I'm already way faster than most literbikes on the street. Your video's really help me a lot. Keep up the good work. ❤️
Just started riding a few weeks ago, I’m on a Svartpilen 401 and I’m getting more comfortable every day, I waited about two weeks to get on a highway, taking everything at my own pace. I just got a bunch of road cones from Amazon to do parking lot stuff lol. Looking for some classes to sign up for, I immediately fell in love with riding 😁
Thanks Eddie. Absolutely right about getting more training. I passed my full UK licence on an SV650 and thought that was enough. But the more I rode the more I realised I was nowhere near good enough to ride a bigger bike competently. The additional training I am taking is helping me grow in confidence, particularly with cornering, throttle and brake control and slow riding. Great video - keep it coming!
I love your content. Its everything I didnt here when I got started. I ride a Yamaha R3 and like how you say to improve the software and not the hardware.
Fast Eddie good morning, You are the Man!!!! You are a good mentor to us. What you are saying will save more lives!!! I hope many new and even old riders will listen to You. Because slow manuevering and practicing it is so so important, when i bought my bike i listen to You and my first goal is to practice in a parking lot first, and on my third day i able to lean my bike, and still not planning to go too far, too soon, lol. You are a good guy to encourage us to practice First. Have a good day Fast Eddie. Henry 🇨🇦
I was given a 49cc kymco that I've been pushing as far as I can and then I moved to a very rural area and my friend gave me a Suzuki gs650g that he wiped out and it's a work in progress. I have since decided to find a smaller bike but I'm short on cash. These are great bits of advice. Thank you very much.
Love watching your videos mate, im in Sydney Australia and your videos have helped me a hell of a lot. I rode dirt bikes for 40 years and decided to get my road license. And your spot on with everything you say, i crashed last year because i went too far too soon after getting my learners permit and within 2 months went on a massive ride with riders whom have ridden for 40 years and felt like i was made to try and keep up. Big mistake i should never have been on that ride as it is for extremely experienced riders, and well yeah i crashed coming into a corner, fortunately i walked away from it but the bike didn't fair too well, im back riding because i love it and the old saying if you fall off the horse get back on and ride it.
I have a 600 as a starter and I don’t have a clue how anyone could get bored with it. Has more than enough power for me. I have only gone highway speeds on it and until I get more practice in that’s all I need.
A 600 cc does not say too much. I started with a 600 cc ADV with real nice and friendly throttle response. I really enjoyed riding it. I also had a 600 cc Bandit for a week while my ADV was being repaired. That bike had a real power surge at around 6000 rpm. I could handle it but I did not enjoy it. I have a clue how people can get bored with a 600 cc. I know a couple of these people. They ride for the adrenalin kick and quickly get bored with a1000 cc as well. I would not go an a ride with them.
GREAT advice for us newbies and thank you. I comment on my FB motorcycle groups trying to offer advice for other noobs and what you say is pretty much the same for me. I got my M1 about eight months ago and will turn 65 later this year. Riding safe and aware will hopefully keep me riding for years to come ...
Great Blog, In the UK we have a C.B.T. (Compulsory basic training) we have to do first then you can ride up to a 125cc bike If your over 17, you can then go for another training course and test, to ride up to a 500cc, then after you are 21 you can go for another training course and test to ride any size bike
I admire you because you inspire me. I made the same mistakes you did. I was riding liter bikes in the early to mid-80s when I had no business doing so. This is before UA-cam and before common sense at least in my case. The fact that you have survived this long means that you at least have common sense and the same goes for me. The beauty of today is we have things like UA-cam and I want to learn and I want to be better because I enjoy the sport and I don’t want to get hurt (again) I really appreciate videos like yours and all the work that you put into it. By the way I am currently riding a 2021 Z 900 RS café!! I’m taking it slow and trying to hone the skills that I do have and I’m trying to improve and I really do appreciate and respect all the work that you put into these videos. You’re probably saving somebody’s life, who knows maybe mine!! BTW this is the perfect bike for me. I just have to keep myself in check because 30+ years of “experience” doesn’t mean sh@t if you don’t have an open mind to realize that you can always improve!!
I've been riding for almost 2 years now started on a cbr125 then a 250 ninja and traded that for a KLR 650(love it btw) always wore full gear from the beginning and just started going on the highway still have another 3 years for my full M license plenty of time to practice. :) Love your videos man taught me so much.
SEMPER FI Brother (USMC 1983-1999), My 1st street bike was a 600 Hurricane in 1987, , then a 94 Suzuki GSXR 1100, had no idea what I was doing, but man could I go fast :( Lucky I'm still alive. Last sport bike was a Kawasaki GPZ 1100, Now...Harleys, but practice alot more and am a much better rider, good advice, never get complacent. Keep On Keepin On.
Hey thanks man. Planning to take my course soon then get my bike. But your advice truly helped. Especially the practise part. Looking forward to more vids and books from you as they are life saving. Keep it up man. Subscribed !
Another solid vid full of info! Always be honest with your riding, that’s how you won’t form bad habits, work on where your weak first…it can be a matter of life & death.
I've had a lot of big bikes since I passed my test, I've now settled on a fazer 800. This is more than enough power for my skill set. The speed limit is the same whatever bike your on.
Wow. On my basic training course the instructor actually said to me don’t get a 125, you’ll be bored in a week, based on the fact that I was pretty capable in their small training area and out on the road going in a straight line. I haven’t been bored on my 125, I’ve actually been scared and had real confidence issues. Not because of the bike, scared because of traffic, not feeling fully in control, corners, and my total lack of skill! Now when I’m watching your videos, I cannot believe that the instructor was who said those actual words to me. We didn’t even touch on swerving in our training, we did 2 emergency stops, apart from the slow corners in their training ground, cornering wasn’t really on the agenda..the list goes on. I’ve since ditched the friends I met on the training course, as they’re all ahead of me in terms of confidence, and I’ve started watching your videos and going out every day at times there’s not much traffic and finding places to practice the skills I’m learning from you. I’ve started enjoying the bike much more since I’ve been going out alone and the pressure to keep up has gone! I’m feeling more in control of the bike, and more happy in general on it. Today is my swerving lesson, which I’m feeling really scared to try as it looks like such a quick aggressive turn i’m worried I’m going to fall off....precisely why I clearly need to practice it!! Since watching your videos I’ve stopped worrying that I’m not as fast as my friends, that the traffic behind is getting cross because I’m not racing along, I’m going at my pace and taking it easy and safely until I’m more experienced. Thanks so much!
That proves just because someone is an instructor, doesn't mean they know what they're talking about, are good riders, or have any real knowledge beyond what they're teaching, they're like white belts teaching white belts lol. I know many people who teach who should be fired because of how bad of instructors and riders they are. You're very welcome Sarah....once you're comfortable with traffic and your bike, get into the next level course....then practice what you learned...and repeat......forever lol
I took the course and passed. I did get thrown off the bike during the bike when I slammed the front break while turning. Bought a gear and the bike 250cc. Gotta admit though I haven't practiced since. The mental fear holding me back from riding in public and getting seat time . Gotta get over that so I can enjoy the riding experience. These videos help.
XTRABIG Yup I just started in August and had the same feeling. Had to just force myself out. And like he says, I just drove up and down the streets next to where I live. Until I worked up enough confidence to be in traffic. Even then when I made myself drive out into the streets and to that first traffic light, I didn’t think I was ready lol. I was tho and you’ll quickly see you’ll be ok. Once you take off from that first traffic light, your confidence keeps going up. Obviously still take it slow and *easy and be super aware. But be confident
What's cool is you learned that lesson on slamming on the break and what can happen when that is done so abruptly....now with full confidence u know what not to do....watch more of the videos, put on that gear, get on your bike to the nearest parking lot and practice breaking...you got this...nobody will have more faith in you other then you....I believe you can do it ;)
@@carolinasoulshine8949 thank you sister for your support. And You're right just gotta fight my mind and win that battle. Similar to when I learned how to swim. Fear was paralyzing. Now im like a fish- comfortable in the water. I'll update you .
Man you just mentioned exactly what’s happening to me 3rd point I got a NINJA 400 and as you said is better upgrading software over hardware. Thanks for your videos MOTO JITSU. THE BEST VLOGS OVER THE INTERNET 👌🏼
I started on a 250 and was addicted from day dot, did track days and rode almost every day, upgraded to a 2014 cbr1000 after 2 years and man was that an upgrade haha, I went to dealerships to look at 600's and they even told me to get a 1000 because "It would be easier to ride and you wouldn't have to get to such a high rev range". I do enjoy riding the fireblade and i do want to do track days on it but i wish i had gone for something more practical like an MT09.
I’ve started 2.5 years ago with Gsxr 750 and I love it. Never regretted starting with it. Did 24k mixed miles and a track day with it. It has everything I need and I don’t want to upgrade, because there’s so much more to learn but... these HP4s are calling for me 🤯 I’m neither good enough or fast enough for one but looking at one it’s sets my heart on fire 🔥 Gonna try to hold my horses as long as I can but it’s very hard
Great advice. You can also practice being fast on a race track. I am a dirt rider. One of the premier skills is sliding a bike sideways with your feet on the pegs, especially over rough terrain. Here is an instinctual way of developing that skill without any plan or thinking... just by developing the necessary instincts/muscle memory... if anyone wants the longer version let me know and I will post it here. Your friend holds the stop watch and times each lap and holds up fingers each time you pass the marker with the lap time... instant feed back on what works and what does not work... I was sliding sideways with my feet on the pegs in less than an hour. The course needs to be varied and under 40 seconds per lap. Then just do it. You will find that what seems way way fast, a new speed record is actually slowest (that is because it actually out of control, imperfect control), and what seems snail pace slow is the fastest. One of the key secrets is to ride as slowly as possible but with absolute perfect control... in time you will be smoking the course with record lap times and it will seem so slow its boring as you are rooting rocks and dirt 20 feet into the air with your feet on the pegs sliding sideways. Its a very short, very very easy learning curve, all instinctive, no instructions or preconceived notions on how its done. Just do it. The instincts it seems are magical. --------- Here are a few remarks about how to handle a bike when you loose it into the dirt or hit gravel, sand, water or oil on the road and the brakes are 100% useless. That said MotoJitsu offers some of the best coaching Ive seen on line. What i am saying is just the inevitable exception to the world class rules and guidance he offers. Due to my hot dogging predilection I've gone wide into the weeds a few times... brakes 100% not effective over 80 or 90 mph in the dirt... I see people trying to brake in the dirt after going wide and they do not even slow down before loosing an arm or leg or their balls along a barb wire fence. You can however stop the bike in a few feet from that speed by slamming it hard into the ground, and forcefully pushing the bar end into the dirt... and staying on top of the bike as it digs mini trenches with the bar end, and pegs. (folding pegs included).... and you are dragging a leg that helps. One time I went off the Angeles Crest Highway when I hit gravel on the road at about 70 mph, into a wide dirt turnout, 1000cc Kawasaki, tuned by Freddy Spencers tuner for Ontario Motor speed way. No way to brake in the dirt at that speed with only 40 feet of room. It takes about half a second to yank the bars to the opposite direction of the lowside, lean off the bike with the low side leg way out and dragging, the bar end goes into the dirt within a tenth of a second... I stopped at the berm on the back side of the turn out. If I had tried any form of braking Id of gone off into the canyon below. I recommend the same approach in virtually all situations where you have no time to swerve or brake, or have gone off into the dirt. Regarding my skills. Those are questionable, but I did win the open class at Wilseyville (50 mile hare and hound race in 1972) 400 riders from around the world were on the start line in those days, its a world famous event, now its about double that. It is in the high sierra nevada mountains.... those skills however have gone south with age, these days at age 80 I keep the front wheel on the ground mostly. Phil Scott (96e)
thanks FYI: Do you know about my other UA-cam channel? It's a podcast where I interview interesting people, check it out and subscribe! If you already are, thank you!! :) ua-cam.com/channels/VJeRk29mNO-YRuvOJ73klQ.html
I live in Argentina and I don't know if there are or not (there probably are) courses what I know is that I bought my bike and I had no place to practice other then the streets, to top it off the "test" for getting my licence was a HUGE joke... they asked me to pass a few cones (5...6 not more then that) and that was IT, not emergency braking, no walking alongside my bike, no low speed maneuvers, no nothing... just those few cones and that's it. SO I got my licence super easy and quick.... I had to educate myself on my own on the street with common sense and thanks to your videos I also learned a lot through my first and a half year since I started riding. I think I felt confidence enough to go into freeways right about 5..7ish months after I got my bike and I also did exactly what you said just go for a lil while and exit it and do that for a while until I finally decided to take the long way. Only thing I haven't been able to afford yet is the full gear thing you would think I would AT LEAST have a jacket but not even that... m thankful enough to have a mid average helmet (agv k3 very low tier agv) and a pair of gloves. Shits so expensive where I live that it cost like 60% of my monthly salary to get a jacket (same with boots) I already crashed a few times and thankfully I came out alive and well with minus injuries and I'm fully aware that I was lucky and that I need the stuff but I just cant get it just yet which sucks. I will at least wait until I have proper gear before upgrading my cc bike and I keep using my current bike for city usage only like going to work and back home and to go to hang out with friends and that's it I haven't took any long trips with it and I certainly don't plan on doing so without fully gear up. (oh and I been practicing a lot thanks to your videos!)
I just got my first bike a month ago. As I have been on a UA-cam rampage for a year regarding everything I want to learn, I also fell into the motorcycle safety world, were you take an important role alongside with FortNine and Dan Dan the Fireman. I saw this video for the first time today, and I am glad that the only thing I miss is the mentor. Because I don't know anybody close by. My bike was 3500€, the gear was 1500€. Thanks for all the bad things I learned to avoid.
Fantastic video! Cheers. I will have my 1st bike paid off & picked up on Feb 28 (CB300r) already have an armoured jacket & pants, gloves, full-face helmet & looking at boots. Plan to do nothing but local streets for at least a month. #4 & #5 are new to me. Will take them on board 👍
Been riding myself for a little less than one month. Gave in to the pressure of the sales guy who was supposed to be a "friend" and bought a 650. I was originally looking at a 300. Figuring in the research I did that a 650 was a decent starter because you could grow into it and it wouldn't punish you for small mistakes, I forgot to research other things like cylinders and how bikes generate their power. Since this bike was an inline 4 instead of a inline twin or V twin, it doesn't make a ton of power before 4k RPM so I struggled with take offs from hills at stop lights. I'm slowly getting better at it, but a different engine would have supported my learning much, much more. Wish I would have found these along with a few other good youtubers before I would have gotten a bike. Making the best out of it, I still like the bike and it has a lot of power to keep up with traffic without having to ride the top RPMs, but wish it build a little more torque down low without so much HP. Always do WAY more research than you need!
I started on a 2 cylinder 650, it was a nightmare, at cruising rpm, it had the maximum torque ready at all times, very easy to make mistakes by nudging the throttle in corners. Swapped to a 600 inline 4, it's a blessing. no way to "make power" by mistake.
Yup, sales people don't have your best interest at heart and just because of their title, doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. Smart perspective and once you're comfortable on your bike, get into higher level courses..that's the only way you'll be a high level rider.
@@MotoJitsu already planning on taking the Advanced Riders course that the local MSF offers. Thanks for all the info you put out there. It helps a metric ton.
Having come back from a 2 year break, it's been a hard lesson to learn that I can't ride like I used to. This is a good video I think for those that take time out too
The basic course I signed up for is full until the end of October, I got my bike, I'm watching your channel and learning as much as possible on my own.
Great tips as always Eddy. Personally I think a lot of new riders skimp out on proper gear, I know I did for my first year. It's hard to gauge exactly how much riding someone will do. I ended up doubling the mileage what I thought I'd do so next year I went and revamped my gear for what I know will last me and help me. Buying the proper bike is crucial, I went 650 off the get-go simply because my comfort level and riding allowed me too, I don't recommend it to most riders but I think it was the right choice for me. I'm just finishing year 2 riding and with help from your body position videos I ended up on the toe slider inadvertently a few days ago, I feel I'm close to the knee down but still building up the confidence and working on the body position. Thanks!
Just ordered your book today will get it tomorrow thanks to Amazon! Can’t wait to get some practice with actual drills. Appreciate your channel, your vids are awesome 👏
Looking at getting my first bike and found your channel. We think a lot alike, my first priority is safety. I really want to do this in a professional manner, so I can ride for a long time. Great content.
Thanks Eddie for all the good advice. I am guilty of mistake #3 being fully conscious that the bike I recently bought (2018 triumph Speedmaster) is entirely too much bike for me (I can maybe take advantage of 10% of the bike or something, although I feel rather comfortable on it after a month of messing around. Most beginner friendly bike in its category I believe fwiw). Only reason I got it (this early) is because I got a kickass deal out of it (-2000 Euros!) that had an expiration date of 31st of July... To mitigate things though I have to add that I actually started on a 1990 Honda rebel 250 which I used to get the basics down after I first booked my learning course (it is more comprehensive here in EU) and bought all the Gear. I used the Honda to putter around the neighbourhood for 2 whole months (training on some of the stuff I've seen here and MCRider). Now I am doing the same thing with the Speedmaster .So I guess that is something... Wish me luck!
Newer rider here, enjoying your videos and channel. Recently purchased a Ninja 400 for my first bike. Have only rode within 10 miles of my houss but I'm trying to take is slow and safe. Thanks for doing what you do.
I take ly msf range course in 2 weeks. For my first bike I already bought a 2013 vulcan 900 classic lt. I wanted a Harley, but they're less forgiving, higher maintenance and twice the price lol I hear it's a great entry level cruiser, but the only issue, no abs. As far as weight, she's very easy to hold and move around for a 600lb bike. Hoping I can get it out to an parking lot a dew rines before the course to practice slow maneuvering. Figure I'd get used to my own bike, and make riding the rebel 250s the class uses much easier. We'll see of it happens though. Only 2 weeks and a couple days away from finally being legal, I cannot wait!
The “jumping out of a car” was a great analogy that really put things in context. Appreciate your content. Have learnt a lot from your videos recently.
Good video. After the basic course people are just not good enough to even know about the areas where they lack skill and knowledge. It takes courses and studies to indentify those areas. My first bike was a Honda Transalp. It had a good linear throttle response. That made it very manageable. I was not bored with it after 4 years of riding. It got totalled in an accident. So I upgraded to the Africa Twin. I fully support ATGATT. I think it literally saved my skin in my accident. I wear motorcycle jeans for rides in town or at lower speeds and leather pants for highway speeds when I might need that extra abrassion resistance.
@@MotoJitsu I am from Germany, so the courses may not be really available for me. However I attended courses around here. My perception about courses and basic training are a take away from my courses :). I am also a proud owner of the first German edition of Lee Parks´s "Full control - ..." (yep, I read it and tried to incorporate it in my riding).
Man you nailed me AND my friends... I was told a V Star 1100 wasn't gonna be fast enough on road trips. Didn't matter in hindsight anyway because i got a great deal.... But on a VTX 1800 and my experience consists of riding around Gatlinburg TN on a moped while on vacation. Bike is freaking heavy, needed new tires and bearings so it drove squishy on top of everything else that made it horrible for a beginner. I have been taking my time, dead stop tight right turns still feel funny to me.. Need to get my head up instead of looking at the line to see if I get close to it. I am 43, love my VTX dont get me wrong, but a lighter bike to learn the basics on would have been nice.
Whatever bike you currently have, the KEY is taking it to higher level courses....or take a course where they provide the bike. MotoJitsu.com has a list of all the courses to get into :)
@@MotoJitsu as long as there is info like what you and guys like MC Rider provide with measurments for the drills and techniques .. Watching these videos ARE my courses and many others I am sure. The single thing I picked up from you that helped the most was putting weight on the opposite side in a sharp turn from a stop. Seems simple to an experienced rider i am sure but for a guy that didnt even know to keep his wrists up .. I halfway thought I needed to be leaning WITH the turn.. Seat time is all important, but these videos make it a lot quicker to make sense of things once you do get some seat time... It has for this noob anyway.. Many thanks
I live in Finland, so our season for driving motorcycles is rather 4 months a year, max of 6 months. I'm totally newbie with motorbikes, but feels like I'm starting to learn everything again when the spring comes. It's so much easier if you can drive all year. I started last autumn, so didn't even get a lisence yet. Didn't feel ready. I've mostly trained on parking lots, a little bit on public roads with a teacher, but was hard to get lessons, I would have needed them more often than was possible. But I want to learn the basics by heart, so just waiting for the spring and the snow and ice to melt away 😅
Excellent video and those are all great points. In particular, I couldn't agree with you more regarding proper equipment. It irks me to no end to have someone pull up next to me at an intersection on a motorcycle wearing no helmet, no gloves, a tee-shirt, shorts, and flip flops (yes, flip flops). Just as a friendly public service announcement, I wanted to mention air bag vests for motorcycles in case there are folks who are not familiar with these (as I was until about 6 month ago). Yes, it's another piece of gear to deal with and they're not exactly cheap and I totally get that a lot of people would say it's a bit overkill, but if a piece of equipment can potentially prevent or minimize what would be an otherwise serious injury (or worse), I'm all about it. There are several manufacturers to choose from and plenty of info online. I wear mine every time I ride and I don't care if people think I'm a dork. To each his or her own, but other than the initial cost, there's no downside in my opinion. Just asking people to check them out if they're so included. Thanks
Thank you for these videos, I certainly appreciate this advice. My ONLY driving experience was a 2 day course. The last thing my instructor said was ‘don’t go jump on the road- go to a lot and practice’. So I did. It took me a few weeks of lot-driving and 1 mile trips before I went 5 miles to the park and another month before I got on the busier roads in town. Now I’ve got some confidence but I’m well aware of low skill level. It’s time to grow some more, I need to get back to the lot.
6:37 Truer words have honestly never been spoken. And I mean that from the bottom of my soul. You are so correct. Believe it or not, after 30+ years of blah blah blah, you actually taught me something about counter steering that I never knew. Thank you because now that I know it it makes sense and now I can practice!!! Leave the ego out of the equation. Enjoy the sport and practice your skills would be the best advice and the best take away. Thank you sir for potentially saving my life and I truly mean it
Like promised. Just Bought Fast Eddie's first book. After I read it, i'll pass it on to my mates. Ride safe everyone. Being a newcomer, and having bought a used a 600cc, I feel I need everything I can get my hands on on tips and skill, practice a lot, and this gives me a lot of exercises to practice my manoeuvring. I have Helmet, moto Jacket (shoulder and elbow CE armour), moto Gloves, I have leather boots (better than nike lol ) . I can't afford any other gear at the moment, I'm saving money to buy kevlar pants and boots and a back protector.
6:10 I can’t tell you how critical this is. Im a conservative rider so no matter what bike I’m on I’m not going over 70-75 on the highway, turns at 40-50. That’s why I have a touring bike.
After not riding for 35 years, I bought a 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250cc. I am so very glad I did not get a sport bike (Ninja). Thanks for helping me to first learn how to crawl safely; I can now almost walk. You speak the truth. Thanks
Hi, I’m buying myself a scooter, same one you had the bmw c400x (this is actually how I bumped into this great channel of yours)… I never drove anything on two wheels .. so I’ll be going to get my driving license for bikes starting next week … I have no interest (as of now) in proper bikes, I just want something to be more flexible and enjoyable in the city in the warmer part of the year… you made me wonder now.. should I buy serious gear to go 3-4km to work or to the beach which will be most of my rides.. and I’m general what skills you recommend practicing the most for somebody with a scooter going around town mostly and occasionally to nearby places 10-15-20km away tops.
I’ve been practicing and one thing I do often use practice breaking. And doing it properly getting the reflexes down is so awesome when you put it to use. I’ve had to make hard stops sometimes and it makes it seem normal to where a newer rider or someone who panic breaks would easily crash.
Fantastic video as always. My boyfriend wants his first bike to be something that's way out of his skill range, having never ridden a bike before. Definitely showing him this video!
I learned a lot about riding bikes by seeing all the motorcycle wrecks during bikes blues and bbqs when I lived in Eureka Springs Arkansas. There was one year a dude came into town that caught the wheel weight of a tire in his helmet on the free way. If he wasn't wearing that helmet he likely wouldn't have made it to town to show off his helmet that still had it embedded in it.
Another excellent video! Great job man! Keep it up. What pants do U use for daily riding?? I can’t seem to find pants I really like or are good quality. Thanks for any info! 👍
Thanks! share with others who need to hear! I made a post about them in the Community section of this channel....Klim K Fifty 1 I think they're called.
You're my mentor, man. My uncles have said to me all the things that errors. They mocked of me because I spent money in a basic course and gear (not all gear I need to say). Also, I really need to find a good parking lot to practise. In Mexico, all the things you teach must be a law. Sadly, it is difficult to find people like you. Anyway, I')) shut up and practise.
Great video! I wish I had this guy for my MSF course. If I was taking any more riding courses and he was teaching I'd definitely sign up. The guy I had was sarcastic and easily annoyed. Finished up not feeling that confident on a bike.
Don't worry about it...that's just the basic course...you're not going to be confident after 2 days going 15mph in parking lot...it's like an 8th grade education. Once you start taking higher level courses like the ones on my website, you'll be taught with people who know wayyyy more and have the knowledge and experience to teach.
@@MotoJitsu Thanks! I took the course and got my license last December and haven't been on a bike since because I'm indecisive on a cruiser or a street bike. I'll definitely look into what's available on your website.
I've never taken a course BECAUSE I CAN'T find ANYONE that offers MSC around here except Harley Davidson company that sells only Harleys and my bike isn't a Harley it's a 1996 Suzuki Savage.
@@donnafagan2830 The course with Harley Davidson is supposed to be pretty good. The skills and knowledge they teach are similar to the community college MSF course I took. The difference is HD's course was like $125.00 more. Might want to still looks into it. I heard they actually take you out on the open road, there's more riding involved.
I started out on a 88 ninja 750 in 2010. I took the class. If I didn't I woukd have ate the dirt a few times. My second bike was a GS500 and I had the most fun ever on that bike. I'm 6'4 and 275. Yes it was small but it was fun. Loved that bike. Put some Pirelli doable corsa tires on it and she stuck like glue
I appreciate you being the voice of reason for me and others a lot of us have no one to teach us I believe because of you I've avoided really hurting myself or possibly dieing thank you keep up the good work.
3, 2, 1....SUBSCRIBE! Come on, you can do it....click and you're done. Ready, go! :) MotoJitsu.com
So what is your opinion about getting a Honda VFR 800? I was thinking about getting one because all of my roads are like 60-80mph here and a lot of people go about 10 over here and I do not want to stay red lining the bike the entire time. I know the rule of thumb is to go about 5 over the people around me, but I'm not to sure if a 250cc can stay at like 90mph for am hour a day. I also want to have a bike that I can also go on the track (once I'm good enough). Any advice would be much appreciated!!
Just past the msf gonna go out this week get the Honda rebel 500 ur e book n have some fun man🙌👍✌️
Just subscribed and ordered your book ...... :-)
Hi Bro! Keep up the goodwork! I really appreciate your advices man! Its not about the motorcycle but its about the skills of the rider, and his mind the software! Thanks! I had saved a lot of money with this!
Thomas Yu thanks!
Don't have my own bike yet, I'm holding a friend's Zx- 636. I got your book and so far I'm on the second belt level. I can circle his bike at full handlebar lock to the frame now in the parking lot where I usually practice. I had a buddy asking how do i drive the bike better than the owner, who by the way wants to "upgrade" already to a 1000cc, and I told him because I PRACTICE. Looking forward to your next book.
Thank you!! Keep practicing!
These vids are great! Even for someone riding almost 30 years.
Thanks...years riding doesn't mean anything, unless you continue to take high level courses and practice what is taught. MotoJitsu.com has a list of all the courses I recommend.
@@MotoJitsu yea I wish more stuff was around here.
Damn, I was really hoping the Coolio hairdo would stick around!
I fell into the trap of going too big too quickly. I started on a cheap Chinese 250 lump of carbonated dung. Rode it for a week and then jumped on a Suzuki GSXR 600. I 12 o’clocked that bad boy after 11 teeth grinding minutes of riding and it was back to the basics for me. I’ve had my MT-07 since. Had it for 2 years now and have yet to “grow” out of it. I started practicing more after finding your channel. You are the best kind of peer pressure there is my friend!
Holy wow! Bet that was scary lol good on you my friend, keep practicing....soon others will be coming to you for advice when you can do things they didn't think was possible.
I'm new to the scene and I always had the mentality to take it super slow.
Glad I found this channel. I've already signed myself up for a course, bought your books, looked at a bunch of vids, and I'm on my way to buy gear (and I still haven't rode the bike I purchased).
I'll definitely be shutting up and practicing!
Thank you!! You're on the right track:)
I took the basic course and the California Superbike course with Keith Code years ago (80’s). Now in my late 50’s I also found that fitness for us old guys is very important. After decades off motorcycles I am learning to ride again.
Merry Christmas Greg! Once again, solid info for those who have ears to hear...45 years ago, it started with a Honda CB100 and loved it! Fast Forward to 2019, a lot of practice (& mistakes) later prepared me for a 650 pound Yamaha FJR1300. Baby steps in learning to ride makes you smart, not a baby.
Thankfully my mistakes have happened during practice on empty parking lots so far. I learn and build from each error.
Thanks for the great vids☺
you're welcome!
Keep up the good work, i started on a 2 cylinder 650 last year(nightmare, can answer why if you care), swapped to a 600 naked, been practicing ever since at least once a weak. Got 2 friends to join me, and about 8 people interested who always find excuses not to come. Love the exercises, got the book, dropped the bike 3 times on brown belt, learned a lot, even saved me a few times. Got over 1 course already, next one coming in a week. Cheers !
Thank you so much! Awesome...courses, practice, repeat!! :)
Hi Eddie, about a month ago i bought me a CB500X. I'm 47 and it has been more then 20 years ago i have driven a motorcycle. When i picked up this brand new bike back home, i was very nervous. Luckily i have watched many videos of you beforehand and that helped me to drive safely. I practice a lot en start enjoying the short journeys. i missed biking, it is enjoyment at the highest level. I want to thank you for your tips, books and videos. I just bought a t-shirt from MotoJitsu to support and make you known in Belgium.
You're welcome and thank you for the support!!!
Semper Fi Devil Dog. Thank you for your service. I was stationed at Pendleton as well. Very informative, helpful, useful information. Please keep these vids coming.
Thanks for the video Greg, you are like a big brother looking after his siblings , much appreciated.
You're welcome RJ, share with others!
My first bike is CBR250R. I've been riding for a year and your videos helped me alot. I just passed the Brown belt!
Sweet bike! Knowledge questions too?
damn i envy you, can't find a proper tarmac parking lot to better practice body position and knee down stuff :/
I actually got my bike a Triumph Street Twin back in Dec. I did the exact things you're talking about. I use the roads around the corner to get used to turning, stopping, and using the turn signals. I also do parking lot drills, especially U turns to get more and more comfortable. Still haven't done any highway but taking it slow and steady. Great advice 👍
Just wanna say thanks again bro, we wont ever know for sure but you could have saved my life. I was hell bent on getting a ZX6R.. instead I ended up buying 2500 dollars in high end gear, taking classes, and getting an R3. I just passed my riders course over the weekend and purchased my R3 today, it's getting delivered friday after I get my license... then off the the parking lot with your book in hand! I dont need 600cc of death power to get to a parking lot to do 5mph drills. So like I said, theres a good chance you saved my life. Keep advocating this so we can save more riders.
I was in the exact same boat a few months ago. Welcome to the r3 club.👊✊
Smart choices!! If you want to be faster, keep doing what you're doing...taking courses, then practicing...a faster bike won't make you any faster. I know people here in San Diego who have R3's and they're faster than mannnnyyy people on R1's. All about cornering technique.
@@yamahaha235 yeah dude I wanna be a good rider. And the R3 is an amazing machine. Good luck out there and ride safe
One of the best things I learned from the MSF course was mitigating risk factors (something I learned in the Army as well). Things add up against you. Not checking tire pressure, driving at night, fog, wet roads, unfamiliar roads, gravel from constructions, rush hour traffic, driving when the bars let out, drinking -even a little, riding with a stiff neck or pulled muscle, riding when angry or upset, tired, not enough gear. Take as many factors out of the equation as you can.
Just wait til you take higher level courses wayyyy above and beyond the MSF and see what you learn motojitsu.com/courses
I had a 250 for years. The only time my mates could get away from me was on the straights, but I’d catch them again on the next couple of bends.
Exactly! No one cares about straight line speed...cornering is where the skill is :)
This topic is so classic. I have been riding for 30 years (since high school), but I only started how to learn riding properly about 3-4 years ago. Then I realized I made so many mistakes after all those 30 years, including those mistakes you just mentioned. Till now I keep telling myself that I am still not good enough, therefore I will push myself to keep on learning & practicing. Upgrading ourselves, you said. And your videos have always been very helpful & encouraging. Thanks, Bro.
PS: and I encourage my friends to watch your videos as well..
After watching your videos recently, I am grateful that I started riding with my 2 months old ktm rc 200 instead of having a triumph 675 daytona. Since watching your videos, i have been practicing on how to take corners, sharp u-turns at low speed. I did some leaning at higher speed and lower speed as well. Thank you for all your tips Sir. Regards from Malaysia.
smart! :) Follow me here for more content too if you're not already :) instagram.com/motojitsuclub/
Just started riding this year and happy I found your channel!! I want to ride and arrive alive!! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge and experience!!!
You're welcome! Share with others :)
I started riding this year, watched tons of videos but most of the videos was Motojitsus! I'm glad i find this channel because it help'd me passing the driving test and i still keep on practicing. Started with kawasaki Z750 without experience but i took it slowly, watched motojitsus clutch/gas control, overstearing etc..Awesome channel
Thanks! Share with others Mario :)
Excellent reminder of the basics. Thank you for your humility of your early days.
I don’t know if you have made a video of driving on a 6 lane highway, with a median of grass dividing the 3 lanes from the other. Do you have a preferred lane strictly for safety, time not being a factor. And assuming all the drivers are acting the same that you are flowing with. So there are also side streets that people can turn right from to join the flow of the highway.
Thank you Greg!
Thanks! I have videos called Road Strategy...you see those?
MotoJitsu Yes, I will have to go back and review. Thank you.
#6 Not watching MotoJitsu videos religiously
ahahhahaaha
Good advice. I've been watching your videos for quite a while and actually stopped riding with the local motorcycle club as the president doesn't wear a helmet. Others don't wear proper riding gear, and still others never take any courses so their skill levels are barely above a newbee. And on their website they claim that safety is a 1st priority. What a joke!
You've helped me increase my riding skills and awareness to new levels and I appreciate it. Thanks!
HAHAHA that's awesome....great example of what not to do. Unless you continue to take high level courses, you'll never be a high level rider. "president' lol
Been riding for 2 months on a motorcycle now (Honda MSX125) done 8000km in this time before this I owned a 50cc mnibike, did 16000km on that one. I practice daily. I'm already way faster than most literbikes on the street. Your video's really help me a lot. Keep up the good work. ❤️
Thanks Liam!
Just started riding a few weeks ago, I’m on a Svartpilen 401 and I’m getting more comfortable every day, I waited about two weeks to get on a highway, taking everything at my own pace. I just got a bunch of road cones from Amazon to do parking lot stuff lol. Looking for some classes to sign up for, I immediately fell in love with riding 😁
new viewer, new to biker life ... looking forward to hitting the blacktop ... absolutley love these videos .,.. highly informative :)
Thanks Eddie. Absolutely right about getting more training. I passed my full UK licence on an SV650 and thought that was enough. But the more I rode the more I realised I was nowhere near good enough to ride a bigger bike competently. The additional training I am taking is helping me grow in confidence, particularly with cornering, throttle and brake control and slow riding. Great video - keep it coming!
That's awesome!! Keep at it Phil!
I love your content. Its everything I didnt here when I got started. I ride a Yamaha R3 and like how you say to improve the software and not the hardware.
Thanks! :)
Why does everyone say get a 600, yo I barely know how to turn 😂
people are dumb
Fast Eddie good morning, You are the Man!!!! You are a good mentor to us. What you are saying will save more lives!!! I hope many new and even old riders will listen to You. Because slow manuevering and practicing it is so so important, when i bought my bike i listen to You and my first goal is to practice in a parking lot first, and on my third day i able to lean my bike, and still not planning to go too far, too soon, lol. You are a good guy to encourage us to practice First. Have a good day Fast Eddie. Henry 🇨🇦
Thanks :)
I was given a 49cc kymco that I've been pushing as far as I can and then I moved to a very rural area and my friend gave me a Suzuki gs650g that he wiped out and it's a work in progress. I have since decided to find a smaller bike but I'm short on cash. These are great bits of advice. Thank you very much.
You're welcome! Share with others :)
Love watching your videos mate, im in Sydney Australia and your videos have helped me a hell of a lot. I rode dirt bikes for 40 years and decided to get my road license. And your spot on with everything you say, i crashed last year because i went too far too soon after getting my learners permit and within 2 months went on a massive ride with riders whom have ridden for 40 years and felt like i was made to try and keep up. Big mistake i should never have been on that ride as it is for extremely experienced riders, and well yeah i crashed coming into a corner, fortunately i walked away from it but the bike didn't fair too well, im back riding because i love it and the old saying if you fall off the horse get back on and ride it.
Thanks! Hopefully you seek out and attend higher level courses asap :)
Ive booked myself into a course next month cant wait.
I have a 600 as a starter and I don’t have a clue how anyone could get bored with it. Has more than enough power for me. I have only gone highway speeds on it and until I get more practice in that’s all I need.
No one can if you keep taking high level courses to learn how to be a better rider...only people who can't ride say things like that.
A 600 cc does not say too much. I started with a 600 cc ADV with real nice and friendly throttle response. I really enjoyed riding it. I also had a 600 cc Bandit for a week while my ADV was being repaired. That bike had a real power surge at around 6000 rpm. I could handle it but I did not enjoy it.
I have a clue how people can get bored with a 600 cc. I know a couple of these people. They ride for the adrenalin kick and quickly get bored with a1000 cc as well. I would not go an a ride with them.
Max Lutz they are the non gear wearing guys lol 600 is more than enough
GREAT advice for us newbies and thank you. I comment on my FB motorcycle groups trying to offer advice for other noobs and what you say is pretty much the same for me. I got my M1 about eight months ago and will turn 65 later this year. Riding safe and aware will hopefully keep me riding for years to come ...
Great mentality
Great Blog, In the UK we have a C.B.T. (Compulsory basic training) we have to do first then you can ride up to a 125cc bike If your over 17, you can then go for another training course and test, to ride up to a 500cc, then after you are 21 you can go for another training course and test to ride any size bike
thanks
I admire you because you inspire me. I made the same mistakes you did. I was riding liter bikes in the early to mid-80s when I had no business doing so. This is before UA-cam and before common sense at least in my case. The fact that you have survived this long means that you at least have common sense and the same goes for me.
The beauty of today is we have things like UA-cam and I want to learn and I want to be better because I enjoy the sport and I don’t want to get hurt (again)
I really appreciate videos like yours and all the work that you put into it. By the way I am currently riding a 2021 Z 900 RS café!! I’m taking it slow and trying to hone the skills that I do have and I’m trying to improve and I really do appreciate and respect all the work that you put into these videos. You’re probably saving somebody’s life, who knows maybe mine!!
BTW this is the perfect bike for me. I just have to keep myself in check because 30+ years of “experience” doesn’t mean sh@t if you don’t have an open mind to realize that you can always improve!!
I hope so!! :)
Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.
Only past my cbt yesterday,,from the uk watching your vids,,you speak huge sense,,keep up the good work over there
I've been riding for almost 2 years now started on a cbr125 then a 250 ninja and traded that for a KLR 650(love it btw) always wore full gear from the beginning and just started going on the highway still have another 3 years for my full M license plenty of time to practice. :)
Love your videos man taught me so much.
Smart!! Keep getting into higher level courses :)
SEMPER FI Brother (USMC 1983-1999), My 1st street bike was a 600 Hurricane in 1987, , then a 94 Suzuki GSXR 1100, had no idea what I was doing,
but man could I go fast :( Lucky I'm still alive. Last sport bike was a Kawasaki GPZ 1100, Now...Harleys, but practice alot more and am a much better rider,
good advice, never get complacent. Keep On Keepin On.
Hey thanks man.
Planning to take my course soon then get my bike. But your advice truly helped. Especially the practise part. Looking forward to more vids and books from you as they are life saving. Keep it up man. Subscribed !
Another solid vid full of info!
Always be honest with your riding, that’s how you won’t form bad habits, work on where your weak first…it can be a matter of life & death.
I've had a lot of big bikes since I passed my test, I've now settled on a fazer 800. This is more than enough power for my skill set. The speed limit is the same whatever bike your on.
But the weight and power is not
@@MotoJitsu
That's so true sir.
You're the best mate keep it coming!
Wow. On my basic training course the instructor actually said to me don’t get a 125, you’ll be bored in a week, based on the fact that I was pretty capable in their small training area and out on the road going in a straight line. I haven’t been bored on my 125, I’ve actually been scared and had real confidence issues. Not because of the bike, scared because of traffic, not feeling fully in control, corners, and my total lack of skill! Now when I’m watching your videos, I cannot believe that the instructor was who said those actual words to me. We didn’t even touch on swerving in our training, we did 2 emergency stops, apart from the slow corners in their training ground, cornering wasn’t really on the agenda..the list goes on. I’ve since ditched the friends I met on the training course, as they’re all ahead of me in terms of confidence, and I’ve started watching your videos and going out every day at times there’s not much traffic and finding places to practice the skills I’m learning from you. I’ve started enjoying the bike much more since I’ve been going out alone and the pressure to keep up has gone! I’m feeling more in control of the bike, and more happy in general on it. Today is my swerving lesson, which I’m feeling really scared to try as it looks like such a quick aggressive turn i’m worried I’m going to fall off....precisely why I clearly need to practice it!! Since watching your videos I’ve stopped worrying that I’m not as fast as my friends, that the traffic behind is getting cross because I’m not racing along, I’m going at my pace and taking it easy and safely until I’m more experienced. Thanks so much!
sarah mchugh same here! exactly the same. my yamaha mt 125 is just perfect to me. although....i dream of ducati street fighter ☺️
That proves just because someone is an instructor, doesn't mean they know what they're talking about, are good riders, or have any real knowledge beyond what they're teaching, they're like white belts teaching white belts lol. I know many people who teach who should be fired because of how bad of instructors and riders they are. You're very welcome Sarah....once you're comfortable with traffic and your bike, get into the next level course....then practice what you learned...and repeat......forever lol
Hi Sarah, I relate to your story! Are you in Australia too?
I took the course and passed. I did get thrown off the bike during the bike when I slammed the front break while turning. Bought a gear and the bike 250cc. Gotta admit though I haven't practiced since. The mental fear holding me back from riding in public and getting seat time . Gotta get over that so I can enjoy the riding experience. These videos help.
Explore your neighborhood...take it slow.
XTRABIG Yup I just started in August and had the same feeling. Had to just force myself out. And like he says, I just drove up and down the streets next to where I live. Until I worked up enough confidence to be in traffic.
Even then when I made myself drive out into the streets and to that first traffic light, I didn’t think I was ready lol. I was tho and you’ll quickly see you’ll be ok. Once you take off from that first traffic light, your confidence keeps going up.
Obviously still take it slow and *easy and be super aware. But be confident
What's cool is you learned that lesson on slamming on the break and what can happen when that is done so abruptly....now with full confidence u know what not to do....watch more of the videos, put on that gear, get on your bike to the nearest parking lot and practice breaking...you got this...nobody will have more faith in you other then you....I believe you can do it ;)
:) smart
@@carolinasoulshine8949 thank you sister for your support. And You're right just gotta fight my mind and win that battle. Similar to when I learned how to swim. Fear was paralyzing. Now im like a fish- comfortable in the water. I'll update you .
Man you just mentioned exactly what’s happening to me 3rd point I got a NINJA 400 and as you said is better upgrading software over hardware. Thanks for your videos MOTO JITSU. THE BEST VLOGS OVER THE INTERNET 👌🏼
YES! Thank you :)
I started on a 250 and was addicted from day dot, did track days and rode almost every day, upgraded to a 2014 cbr1000 after 2 years and man was that an upgrade haha, I went to dealerships to look at 600's and they even told me to get a 1000 because "It would be easier to ride and you wouldn't have to get to such a high rev range". I do enjoy riding the fireblade and i do want to do track days on it but i wish i had gone for something more practical like an MT09.
I’ve started 2.5 years ago with Gsxr 750 and I love it. Never regretted starting with it. Did 24k mixed miles and a track day with it. It has everything I need and I don’t want to upgrade, because there’s so much more to learn but... these HP4s are calling for me 🤯 I’m neither good enough or fast enough for one but looking at one it’s sets my heart on fire 🔥 Gonna try to hold my horses as long as I can but it’s very hard
More courses, more practice.
Great advice. You can also practice being fast on a race track. I am a dirt rider. One of the premier skills is sliding a bike sideways with your feet on the pegs, especially over rough terrain. Here is an instinctual way of developing that skill without any plan or thinking... just by developing the necessary instincts/muscle memory... if anyone wants the longer version let me know and I will post it here.
Your friend holds the stop watch and times each lap and holds up fingers each time you pass the marker with the lap time... instant feed back on what works and what does not work... I was sliding sideways with my feet on the pegs in less than an hour. The course needs to be varied and under 40 seconds per lap. Then just do it. You will find that what seems way way fast, a new speed record is actually slowest (that is because it actually out of control, imperfect control), and what seems snail pace slow is the fastest. One of the key secrets is to ride as slowly as possible but with absolute perfect control... in time you will be smoking the course with record lap times and it will seem so slow its boring as you are rooting rocks and dirt 20 feet into the air with your feet on the pegs sliding sideways. Its a very short, very very easy learning curve, all instinctive, no instructions or preconceived notions on how its done. Just do it.
The instincts it seems are magical.
---------
Here are a few remarks about how to handle a bike when you loose it into the dirt or hit gravel, sand, water or oil on the road and the brakes are 100% useless. That said MotoJitsu offers some of the best coaching Ive seen on line. What i am saying is just the inevitable exception to the world class rules and guidance he offers.
Due to my hot dogging predilection I've gone wide into the weeds a few times... brakes 100% not effective over 80 or 90 mph in the dirt... I see people trying to brake in the dirt after going wide and they do not even slow down before loosing an arm or leg or their balls along a barb wire fence. You can however stop the bike in a few feet from that speed by slamming it hard into the ground, and forcefully pushing the bar end into the dirt... and staying on top of the bike as it digs mini trenches with the bar end, and pegs. (folding pegs included).... and you are dragging a leg that helps.
One time I went off the Angeles Crest Highway when I hit gravel on the road at about 70 mph, into a wide dirt turnout, 1000cc Kawasaki, tuned by Freddy Spencers tuner for Ontario Motor speed way. No way to brake in the dirt at that speed with only 40 feet of room. It takes about half a second to yank the bars to the opposite direction of the lowside, lean off the bike with the low side leg way out and dragging, the bar end goes into the dirt within a tenth of a second... I stopped at the berm on the back side of the turn out. If I had tried any form of braking Id of gone off into the canyon below. I recommend the same approach in virtually all situations where you have no time to swerve or brake, or have gone off into the dirt.
Regarding my skills. Those are questionable, but I did win the open class at Wilseyville (50 mile hare and hound race in 1972) 400 riders from around the world were on the start line in those days, its a world famous event, now its about double that. It is in the high sierra nevada mountains.... those skills however have gone south with age, these days at age 80 I keep the front wheel on the ground mostly.
Phil Scott (96e)
thanks
FYI: Do you know about my other UA-cam channel? It's a podcast where I interview interesting people, check it out and subscribe! If you already are, thank you!! :)
ua-cam.com/channels/VJeRk29mNO-YRuvOJ73klQ.html
I live in Argentina and I don't know if there are or not (there probably are) courses what I know is that I bought my bike and I had no place to practice other then the streets, to top it off the "test" for getting my licence was a HUGE joke... they asked me to pass a few cones (5...6 not more then that) and that was IT, not emergency braking, no walking alongside my bike, no low speed maneuvers, no nothing... just those few cones and that's it. SO I got my licence super easy and quick.... I had to educate myself on my own on the street with common sense and thanks to your videos I also learned a lot through my first and a half year since I started riding.
I think I felt confidence enough to go into freeways right about 5..7ish months after I got my bike and I also did exactly what you said just go for a lil while and exit it and do that for a while until I finally decided to take the long way.
Only thing I haven't been able to afford yet is the full gear thing you would think I would AT LEAST have a jacket but not even that... m thankful enough to have a mid average helmet (agv k3 very low tier agv) and a pair of gloves. Shits so expensive where I live that it cost like 60% of my monthly salary to get a jacket (same with boots) I already crashed a few times and thankfully I came out alive and well with minus injuries and I'm fully aware that I was lucky and that I need the stuff but I just cant get it just yet which sucks.
I will at least wait until I have proper gear before upgrading my cc bike and I keep using my current bike for city usage only like going to work and back home and to go to hang out with friends and that's it I haven't took any long trips with it and I certainly don't plan on doing so without fully gear up. (oh and I been practicing a lot thanks to your videos!)
I'm glad the videos are so helpful! Thank you so much!
You’re a class act and a benefit to riders everywhere! Keep up the great work!
Thanks!! :) teespring.com/stores/fast-eddie-gear
I just got my first bike a month ago. As I have been on a UA-cam rampage for a year regarding everything I want to learn, I also fell into the motorcycle safety world, were you take an important role alongside with FortNine and Dan Dan the Fireman. I saw this video for the first time today, and I am glad that the only thing I miss is the mentor. Because I don't know anybody close by. My bike was 3500€, the gear was 1500€. Thanks for all the bad things I learned to avoid.
You're welcome!!
Fantastic video! Cheers. I will have my 1st bike paid off & picked up on Feb 28 (CB300r) already have an armoured jacket & pants, gloves, full-face helmet & looking at boots. Plan to do nothing but local streets for at least a month. #4 & #5 are new to me. Will take them on board 👍
Awesomeness!!
Been riding myself for a little less than one month. Gave in to the pressure of the sales guy who was supposed to be a "friend" and bought a 650. I was originally looking at a 300. Figuring in the research I did that a 650 was a decent starter because you could grow into it and it wouldn't punish you for small mistakes, I forgot to research other things like cylinders and how bikes generate their power. Since this bike was an inline 4 instead of a inline twin or V twin, it doesn't make a ton of power before 4k RPM so I struggled with take offs from hills at stop lights. I'm slowly getting better at it, but a different engine would have supported my learning much, much more. Wish I would have found these along with a few other good youtubers before I would have gotten a bike. Making the best out of it, I still like the bike and it has a lot of power to keep up with traffic without having to ride the top RPMs, but wish it build a little more torque down low without so much HP. Always do WAY more research than you need!
I started on a 2 cylinder 650, it was a nightmare, at cruising rpm, it had the maximum torque ready at all times, very easy to make mistakes by nudging the throttle in corners. Swapped to a 600 inline 4, it's a blessing. no way to "make power" by mistake.
Yup, sales people don't have your best interest at heart and just because of their title, doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. Smart perspective and once you're comfortable on your bike, get into higher level courses..that's the only way you'll be a high level rider.
@@MotoJitsu already planning on taking the Advanced Riders course that the local MSF offers. Thanks for all the info you put out there. It helps a metric ton.
You're welcome!
Having come back from a 2 year break, it's been a hard lesson to learn that I can't ride like I used to. This is a good video I think for those that take time out too
Get into more courses when you can :)
I've been riding for 50 years but I've still learned some things from you. Thanks
more courses! MotoJitsu.com/courses
If you haven't already, check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.
The basic course I signed up for is full until the end of October, I got my bike, I'm watching your channel and learning as much as possible on my own.
👍🏼👍🏼
Great tips as always Eddy. Personally I think a lot of new riders skimp out on proper gear, I know I did for my first year. It's hard to gauge exactly how much riding someone will do. I ended up doubling the mileage what I thought I'd do so next year I went and revamped my gear for what I know will last me and help me. Buying the proper bike is crucial, I went 650 off the get-go simply because my comfort level and riding allowed me too, I don't recommend it to most riders but I think it was the right choice for me. I'm just finishing year 2 riding and with help from your body position videos I ended up on the toe slider inadvertently a few days ago, I feel I'm close to the knee down but still building up the confidence and working on the body position. Thanks!
Thanks!! Get into more courses with that 650!
Just ordered your book today will get it tomorrow thanks to Amazon! Can’t wait to get some practice with actual drills. Appreciate your channel, your vids are awesome 👏
thank you!!!!
Looking at getting my first bike and found your channel. We think a lot alike, my first priority is safety. I really want to do this in a professional manner, so I can ride for a long time. Great content.
Thanks Eddie for all the good advice.
I am guilty of mistake #3 being fully conscious that the bike I recently bought (2018 triumph Speedmaster) is entirely too much bike for me (I can maybe take advantage of 10% of the bike or something, although I feel rather comfortable on it after a month of messing around. Most beginner friendly bike in its category I believe fwiw). Only reason I got it (this early) is because I got a kickass deal out of it (-2000 Euros!) that had an expiration date of 31st of July...
To mitigate things though I have to add that I actually started on a 1990 Honda rebel 250 which I used to get the basics down after I first booked my learning course (it is more comprehensive here in EU) and bought all the Gear. I used the Honda to putter around the neighbourhood for 2 whole months (training on some of the stuff I've seen here and MCRider). Now I am doing the same thing with the Speedmaster .So I guess that is something... Wish me luck!
Your'e welcome! No need for luck, take more high level courses on that bike and get into dirt training as well to be a better rider.
@@MotoJitsu Thanks, will try. Although I have yet to find anything like that here in Greece.
Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Newbie rider here from the town Teresa, Rizal Philippines
You’re welcome!
As a newbie your comments really hit home. Thank you for all the advice.
Your'e welcome Jerry!
Newer rider here, enjoying your videos and channel. Recently purchased a Ninja 400 for my first bike. Have only rode within 10 miles of my houss but I'm trying to take is slow and safe. Thanks for doing what you do.
thanks!!! Cool bike :)
Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.
I take ly msf range course in 2 weeks. For my first bike I already bought a 2013 vulcan 900 classic lt. I wanted a Harley, but they're less forgiving, higher maintenance and twice the price lol I hear it's a great entry level cruiser, but the only issue, no abs. As far as weight, she's very easy to hold and move around for a 600lb bike. Hoping I can get it out to an parking lot a dew rines before the course to practice slow maneuvering. Figure I'd get used to my own bike, and make riding the rebel 250s the class uses much easier. We'll see of it happens though. Only 2 weeks and a couple days away from finally being legal, I cannot wait!
The “jumping out of a car” was a great analogy that really put things in context. Appreciate your content. Have learnt a lot from your videos recently.
thanks!!
Good video. After the basic course people are just not good enough to even know about the areas where they lack skill and knowledge. It takes courses and studies to indentify those areas. My first bike was a Honda Transalp. It had a good linear throttle response. That made it very manageable. I was not bored with it after 4 years of riding. It got totalled in an accident. So I upgraded to the Africa Twin. I fully support ATGATT. I think it literally saved my skin in my accident. I wear motorcycle jeans for rides in town or at lower speeds and leather pants for highway speeds when I might need that extra abrassion resistance.
Thanks! Get into higher level courses asap motojitsu.com has the ones I recommend :)
@@MotoJitsu I am from Germany, so the courses may not be really available for me. However I attended courses around here. My perception about courses and basic training are a take away from my courses :). I am also a proud owner of the first German edition of Lee Parks´s "Full control - ..." (yep, I read it and tried to incorporate it in my riding).
Man you nailed me AND my friends... I was told a V Star 1100 wasn't gonna be fast enough on road trips. Didn't matter in hindsight anyway because i got a great deal.... But on a VTX 1800 and my experience consists of riding around Gatlinburg TN on a moped while on vacation. Bike is freaking heavy, needed new tires and bearings so it drove squishy on top of everything else that made it horrible for a beginner. I have been taking my time, dead stop tight right turns still feel funny to me.. Need to get my head up instead of looking at the line to see if I get close to it. I am 43, love my VTX dont get me wrong, but a lighter bike to learn the basics on would have been nice.
Whatever bike you currently have, the KEY is taking it to higher level courses....or take a course where they provide the bike. MotoJitsu.com has a list of all the courses to get into :)
@@MotoJitsu as long as there is info like what you and guys like MC Rider provide with measurments for the drills and techniques .. Watching these videos ARE my courses and many others I am sure. The single thing I picked up from you that helped the most was putting weight on the opposite side in a sharp turn from a stop. Seems simple to an experienced rider i am sure but for a guy that didnt even know to keep his wrists up .. I halfway thought I needed to be leaning WITH the turn.. Seat time is all important, but these videos make it a lot quicker to make sense of things once you do get some seat time... It has for this noob anyway.. Many thanks
You're welcome
Love this channel. Waited my whole life to ride, it's my first season and learning about something I love is amazing. Keep it up Jitsu!
Thanks Jordan!
Mentor idea is spot on
I live in Finland, so our season for driving motorcycles is rather 4 months a year, max of 6 months. I'm totally newbie with motorbikes, but feels like I'm starting to learn everything again when the spring comes. It's so much easier if you can drive all year. I started last autumn, so didn't even get a lisence yet. Didn't feel ready. I've mostly trained on parking lots, a little bit on public roads with a teacher, but was hard to get lessons, I would have needed them more often than was possible. But I want to learn the basics by heart, so just waiting for the spring and the snow and ice to melt away 😅
Thanks for watching ❤️ Share it with others 😁 MotoJitsu.com for my App, Books, Merch, Discounts, etc. 👍🏼
Excellent video and those are all great points. In particular, I couldn't agree with you more regarding proper equipment. It irks me to no end to have someone pull up next to me at an intersection on a motorcycle wearing no helmet, no gloves, a tee-shirt, shorts, and flip flops (yes, flip flops). Just as a friendly public service announcement, I wanted to mention air bag vests for motorcycles in case there are folks who are not familiar with these (as I was until about 6 month ago). Yes, it's another piece of gear to deal with and they're not exactly cheap and I totally get that a lot of people would say it's a bit overkill, but if a piece of equipment can potentially prevent or minimize what would be an otherwise serious injury (or worse), I'm all about it. There are several manufacturers to choose from and plenty of info online. I wear mine every time I ride and I don't care if people think I'm a dork. To each his or her own, but other than the initial cost, there's no downside in my opinion. Just asking people to check them out if they're so included. Thanks
Thanks! Yup, all good examples of what not to do.
Thank you for these videos, I certainly appreciate this advice. My ONLY driving experience was a 2 day course. The last thing my instructor said was ‘don’t go jump on the road- go to a lot and practice’. So I did. It took me a few weeks of lot-driving and 1 mile trips before I went 5 miles to the park and another month before I got on the busier roads in town. Now I’ve got some confidence but I’m well aware of low skill level. It’s time to grow some more, I need to get back to the lot.
You're welcome! Smart path! Yes, keep practicing and when you're able, take your bike to a higher level course!
6:37 Truer words have honestly never been spoken. And I mean that from the bottom of my soul. You are so correct. Believe it or not, after 30+ years of blah blah blah, you actually taught me something about counter steering that I never knew. Thank you because now that I know it it makes sense and now I can practice!!!
Leave the ego out of the equation. Enjoy the sport and practice your skills would be the best advice and the best take away.
Thank you sir for potentially saving my life and I truly mean it
you're welcome!!! :)
Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.
Like promised. Just Bought Fast Eddie's first book. After I read it, i'll pass it on to my mates. Ride safe everyone.
Being a newcomer, and having bought a used a 600cc, I feel I need everything I can get my hands on on tips and skill, practice a lot, and this gives me a lot of exercises to practice my manoeuvring.
I have Helmet, moto Jacket (shoulder and elbow CE armour), moto Gloves, I have leather boots (better than nike lol ) .
I can't afford any other gear at the moment, I'm saving money to buy kevlar pants and boots and a back protector.
Thanks!! Smart choice!
Congrats on the near 100k brother, you'll get it in no time! Thank you for your dedication.
Thanks & you're very welcome!! Keep sharing!
My first bike today at 53 a Harley Iron 883 I love it and great teaching
nice :)
6:10 I can’t tell you how critical this is. Im a conservative rider so no matter what bike I’m on I’m not going over 70-75 on the highway, turns at 40-50. That’s why I have a touring bike.
I bought my 09 Ninja 250R. I love it, great bike, great flicking abilities and easy on gas and insurance.
I want to upgrade to a 600 in the future.
See my video of when to upgrade your bike?
After not riding for 35 years, I bought a 2008 Honda Nighthawk 250cc. I am so very glad I did not get a sport bike (Ninja). Thanks for helping me to first learn how to crawl safely; I can now almost walk. You speak the truth. Thanks
You’re welcome!
Hi, I’m buying myself a scooter, same one you had the bmw c400x (this is actually how I bumped into this great channel of yours)… I never drove anything on two wheels .. so I’ll be going to get my driving license for bikes starting next week … I have no interest (as of now) in proper bikes, I just want something to be more flexible and enjoyable in the city in the warmer part of the year… you made me wonder now.. should I buy serious gear to go 3-4km to work or to the beach which will be most of my rides..
and I’m general what skills you recommend practicing the most for somebody with a scooter going around town mostly and occasionally to nearby places 10-15-20km away tops.
I'm 58 and taking the MSF course in April. I never been on a motorcycle. How would I find a mentor? I'm grateful for all of your videos. Thank You.
Brilliant content well articulated. Thanks a lot for the content
Thanks
I’ve been practicing and one thing I do often use practice breaking. And doing it properly getting the reflexes down is so awesome when you put it to use. I’ve had to make hard stops sometimes and it makes it seem normal to where a newer rider or someone who panic breaks would easily crash.
Improper braking technique causes many riders to crash, especially not spending enough time practicing.
These vids help out a lot. On my way to my first motorcycle course class in October! Then hopefully, my license!
Sweet!! :)
Fantastic video as always. My boyfriend wants his first bike to be something that's way out of his skill range, having never ridden a bike before. Definitely showing him this video!
Thanks!!
I learned a lot about riding bikes by seeing all the motorcycle wrecks during bikes blues and bbqs when I lived in Eureka Springs Arkansas. There was one year a dude came into town that caught the wheel weight of a tire in his helmet on the free way. If he wasn't wearing that helmet he likely wouldn't have made it to town to show off his helmet that still had it embedded in it.
Another excellent video! Great job man! Keep it up. What pants do U use for daily riding?? I can’t seem to find pants I really like or are good quality. Thanks for any info! 👍
Thanks! share with others who need to hear! I made a post about them in the Community section of this channel....Klim K Fifty 1 I think they're called.
You're my mentor, man.
My uncles have said to me all the things that errors. They mocked of me because I spent money in a basic course and gear (not all gear I need to say). Also, I really need to find a good parking lot to practise.
In Mexico, all the things you teach must be a law. Sadly, it is difficult to find people like you. Anyway, I')) shut up and practise.
I’m glad my videos are helpful :)
Absolutely brilliant. Excellent content and very professionally presented.
Thank you :) Check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, etc. Thanks for watching
Not always what we really want is what we really need. Thank you for reminding me to get back to basics.
You're welcome! Share with others!
Thank you for all this awesome information. Keep up the great work!
you're welcome!!
MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links, discounts, etc.
Great video! I wish I had this guy for my MSF course. If I was taking any more riding courses and he was teaching I'd definitely sign up. The guy I had was sarcastic and easily annoyed. Finished up not feeling that confident on a bike.
Don't worry about it...that's just the basic course...you're not going to be confident after 2 days going 15mph in parking lot...it's like an 8th grade education. Once you start taking higher level courses like the ones on my website, you'll be taught with people who know wayyyy more and have the knowledge and experience to teach.
@@MotoJitsu Thanks! I took the course and got my license last December and haven't been on a bike since because I'm indecisive on a cruiser or a street bike. I'll definitely look into what's available on your website.
I've never taken a course BECAUSE I CAN'T find ANYONE that offers MSC around here except Harley Davidson company that sells only Harleys and my bike isn't a Harley it's a 1996 Suzuki Savage.
@@donnafagan2830 The course with Harley Davidson is supposed to be pretty good. The skills and knowledge they teach are similar to the community college MSF course I took. The difference is HD's course was like $125.00 more. Might want to still looks into it. I heard they actually take you out on the open road, there's more riding involved.
Thank you for these type of videos … it really help new riders not to do these beginners mistakes ! Specially with gears !
I started out on a 88 ninja 750 in 2010. I took the class. If I didn't I woukd have ate the dirt a few times. My second bike was a GS500 and I had the most fun ever on that bike. I'm 6'4 and 275. Yes it was small but it was fun. Loved that bike. Put some Pirelli doable corsa tires on it and she stuck like glue
Dude, you rock. I love your approach. have been watching your vids for a few months. im here in SoCal. hope to run into you sometime.
Thanks! I do practice sessions once a week on Thursdays, come on out!
Just picked up your book, Motojitsu. Thanks for putting your time into making these videos.
thanks!!
Thanks for watching ❤️ MotoJitsu.com for my App, Books, Merch, Discounts, etc. 👍🏼
I appreciate you being the voice of reason for me and others a lot of us have no one to teach us I believe because of you I've avoided really hurting myself or possibly dieing thank you keep up the good work.
thanks
www.patreon.com/motojitsu
Great vid! If your a big/tall guy I recommend a 650
Appreciate you man very comforting vid