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I've been riding over 50. Yrs. Never a close call. I do the posted limit. I watch everything. Everytime I throw my leg over the seat. It's as I'm learning all over again. Every ride is different than the last. Be safe
I’ve been riding on the road since 1980. Always full gear. Always super vigilant. I’ve never been down either. People say I ride like a newb. I’ll take it.
I've been riding since '80 like billfowler, always with full gear. Only been down once when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver with no license or insurance. Also perhaps 5 close calls due to others who didn't notice me but I noticed them and saved myself.
Newer rider here. Went out for a 4 hr ride in different conditions: new roads, old roads, fast, slow, gravel, sand, fog, twistys, elevation, lite traffic. So much to master.. Today was good, but always looking to improve. I have something in mind to be better at before & after every ride. My experience pool is growing nicely. Great tips. Thanks.
First off hi from an old dude in Canada but living in Dubai. I have 2 Harley’s. One here and one back home. I’ve been watching your channel for some time but I’ve never commented until now. You have an amazing channel with rockstar videos. Thank you for the great content. You said to put in the comments how I would pick poor judgement. Is that a test to see if people are stuck on themselves and think they are the best?🤣🤣My 2 cents for all is old guys is keep the 2 wheels rolling and be safe. Learn from each other and never be too old to change a bad habit. Thank you again for all you do for the riding community.
I am 78, ride a Honda adv160 in Bangkok. One needs great situational awareness, eyes in every part of your head, and go where youre not supposed to go, i.e., footpaths and wherever else to get through the traffic. But next month begin the longer rides having done my training amongst the crazys. Started ridin in Sydney when i was about 13 on everything from a 1948 side valve Norton to a '55 Arial red hunter to Triumphs. Later in lufe a BMW f650. Now my 2nd Honda scooter. Life is experience, and age is not a limitation.
Stumbled onto your vid and by the end knew I have to subscribe to your channel. Finally, a rider living in the real-world explaining what really takes to become a better rider. Here are a few things riders should do prior to Sturgis, or any rally. 1) Load your bike with all the gear, packed bags and passenger if also going and practice slow speed drills. Not only dropping a fully loaded bagger is expensive to repair, don't be the butt of jokes for years to come. 2) Go ride in grass fields and on stone roads. Every campground and most places you have to park are not pristine paved parking lots. 3) Unless you are very comfortable riding in massive traffic jams/ long times with clutch lever pulled in that happens if you go downtown, stay home. Too many times I have seen guys dump the clutch because their hand went numb from holding it pulled in and they crashed into people or parked bikes. Sadly, that is a daily occurrence. 4) Same thing for super hilly/ twisty/ off camber roads- STAY HOME. Sadly, every year somebody dies, and a few people are hospitalized. 5) Don't party and ride- park your bike and take "Da Bus".
i look back on situations, and think crips i am good...but really, it's the same reason I love to ride. when I am riding, there is no thoughts of the past, there are no worries for the distant future ...alert in the moment....riding forces me into the moment.
Situational awareness all around you. There should be no surprises. I tend to analyse each ride I do and think what mistakes I've made (if any) and how could I have done things better. Always learning.
I've been riding 40 years and sometimes I still get nervous before a ride. I think it's when you don't have any nerves or anxiety that you should be worried. The anxiety will keep you sharp and aware of your riding and technique.
I remember that feeling, and wondered if it would ever go away. I rode every day, wherever I needed to go. The problem could come back if I didn't ride for a few days. Warm up by doing intentional clutch friction zone training sessions every time you start out (if you have time). Like a barrel riding cowboy, look where you intend to go (not the ground in front of the bike). Precision going slow in full headlock turns, both turns. Once you have that clutch/throttle/brake control, you are set to handle 70% of every situation that makes beginners nervous. Again - avoid staring at the ground in front of you - look to where you are turning. Out on the road, learn trail braking in corners. Watch every video you can find on the subject. You will NEVER AGAIN take a corner too wide. I'm dead serious.
A lot of time in an open parking lot will help, handling the bike is important, so when you see the other issues on the road at least you can manage a short break or tight turn. You've seen the idiots from your car, now imagine the idiots can't see you!
Ride with the philosophy that absolutely everyone is out to get you. You will naturally create a safety bubble and gain much greater situational awareness and you then see the finer signs of potential dangers. And then of course, ride to the conditions. Great vid brother. All newbies should watch this one!!👍
As a long-time rider and truck drive, I can read traffic pretty well, and the dumb stuff people are gonna do before they do it? My guys make me lead when we go places because I watch out for everyone and make sure we stay together on long trips. If I don't lead everyone is all over and split up bad
Close calls are the main indicator for me. There are dozens of videos of people having close calls and cussing out the drivers but a blind person on the moon could have seen most of them coming. If I have a close call, I know it's my fault.
I trained in the UK police Roadcraft system. Just the fact that you are riding ‘a system’ forces you to be fully engaged, concentrated and pulling in as much information as possible. There is no time or space for drifting thoughts, road rage or laxity. I dont have experience of other systems but I imagine they would all force the same level of focus.
Yeah, it's all of that. My mantra, has always been, " ride safe, live long". I'm 66. Been riding, for about 50 years. Like most young riders back then, we cut our teeth, by riding in the dirt. Fast forward, to now, and you have to realise, that your reactions to most situations, is a lot slower. I like to think, that my decisions, good or bad, don't just affect me. Don't get me wrong, i do like to ride quick sometimes, but in situations, i know i can control. A good rider, is one,as you say, is relaxed on the bike, with his/her head in the game. My current ride, is a Triumph Tiger 1200 Gt Pro. It's my first Adventure bike, and i wan't to ride it to Cooktown next year. { i live in the Gong }. It's fair to say, we are still getting to know each other, hence the respect😏I want to be able to ride, for at least another 10 years.
72 here, been riding since 1970. Currently riding a Triumph Speedmaster, which is a perfect bike for the older rider. Still don’t feel I’m a good rider. Always trying to get better.
IV owned many many bike's since the 60s I think I'm pretty reasonable with all those riding skills I ride all year round which I believe really helps the more time spent on the bike out on the road will definitely help with your skills staying relaxed and comfortable on any bike really helps I'm 65 now so I rarely have to speed but still need to use the power if you sence something thats about to happen usually a crash is like it happens in slow motion going to fast is going to be much worse if you hit something really hard and you and the bike are going to come to a dead stop that's when you are going to be seriously hurt even if it isn't your fault slow down stay relaxed enjoy your ride even if you arrive 5 minutes later it's going to be better than never if the traffic isn't as busy You might be able to get some practice in going through a few corners but be aware of your surroundings trees road surfaces like sand drifts blown onto the roads from the wind off the beach practice in all conditions heavy traffic fog rain winds the only time IV never ridden was in the snow stay safe and upright love from Australia 🦘🌏
It is simple : Never assume they see you, never assume they give you right of way. Consider yourself to be invisible to others, while they can still collide with you. When you would arrive at a crossing at the same time as another vehicle, consider using the throttle, not only the brakes. By simply not being at that crossing at the same time you cannot collide. Scan and read the road far ahead what other drivers could plan to do actively and assume they are idiots all. Never have free space in front of you be blocked, go to the right or left of it so when this vehicle suddenly stops you will pass it unharmed before you can even touch your brakes. Driving too fast will get you killed, but driving slow will kill too, as it gives distracted drivers behind you the chance to hit you. Idiots enough that are looking on their mobile phone or in-vehicle screen and not on the road.
This is the best advice , I been riding more than 55 years , been in 2 accidents which I was not at fault . Now in my 70's I still ride ,but I stay away from main roads or hwys as I look for back roads . I live in Fla as we have the worst drivers in the world , I always now pick the time to ride and not ride on the main rodes when people are going and coming back from work . The worst times down here are from 3 pm to 7 pm as I try to avoid to ride those times . Most accidents occur at intersections as it still scares me , but I don't speed through them , as my foot is covering the brake in case I have to use it , and my hand over the clutch . I always do the speed limit or go over 5 miles over depending where I am . Always scan the mirrors to see who is racing up to you as if I see someone coming up on me to fast , I flash my brake lights , and they will slow down . Always look straight ahead and look far above when you ride . I use to ride in big groups , and sometimes I do , and I want to stay behind at the end as the Gunner , if I get caught at the light , no big deal as I will caught up to them . Another safety feature, is Visability , as I where a White Helmet , which I have a brake light attach to it , and as you come to a stop it works like a brake light . Also I have bright LED lights on the back of the bike that flashes on and off as you are coming to a stop . If I have to ride on the freeway I wear bright lime green shirt or jacket with bright green gloves so Most cars do see you as I stand out , Be Safe all of you my friends , as always before I start to get on my bike , I say a Prayer , God is Great .
How about those pedestrians when they look directly at you and they do see you but still step straight in front of you when low speed maneuvering in car parks and service stations. You are going slow so there is no drama but you need to be aware when people around - you never know what they will do.
Im 74 when i ride a bike it becomes part of me , ive been around bikes all my life , ive been a Motorcycle Instrutor as well , i love everything about bike always have always will , stay safe everyone happy riding ❤️
Hi. I just want to thank you for all the very good info on riding. I’m rode sport bikes when I was young but let them go when I had a family to take care of. So 25 yrs later I started riding again. Yes I bought me the bike I always wanted. A Harley. And I knew I was lacking skills to be a good rider. And you my friend have helped me pick up and practice good riding skills. Just wanted to thank u for focusing on teaching good riding habits so I can confident and enjoy riding.
rode everything froom a 250 to a1340 for 40 yrs stopped for 8yrs then bought a royal enfield 350 and love it has a good engine break and dont trust anyone but yourself still love the ride just turned seventy its great to ride again
Did a group ride today from Macloud to Werribee on the freeway then from Werribee to Wallace pub on country roads and the weather was crap ,rain most of the time and the fire place got a real workout from all of us at the pub yet I still had a grin the whole ride because it tested my skills I loved it
Bin ridding motorcycles since I was 5 years old! I am 64 years old now and never have had an accident! Some people just don’t have the ability to pay attention to what they are doing at the moment! I avoid distractions! No music, no text, no phone calls! Always work at what you are doing! No one multi tasks well!
I am 72 and agree. For me ist very important to have the sixt sense, realising danger before it happens. Riding behind many slow cars, a traktor in Front. You are thinkin about overtaking but you decide not. In that moment the traktor turns left to a gravel road. Never had a serious accident
Great video for great conversation. Having 50+ years of riding two wheels and exposure to a variety road and people hazards, I can see why you might think that miles doesn’t equal experience. I learn something new with each road I travel and each time I come close to wondering if I was going to live or die. Stay positive and listen to what others have experienced.
Great video mate.....has a lot of very good and interesting points about riding! Totally agree about the judgement factor. I think every time I ride and especially with friends or in a group...I find that you have to be on heightened alert around some as you can tell they aren't truly in the zone, which makes them a higher risk to themselves and others riding along side....simply from poor judgement or silly actions. But at the end of the day, if everyone gets home safe and in one piece.....what more can you ask for! Live to ride another day!!! Ride safe mate 😎
Great discussion, well done. I've been riding for 40 years, mostly on sportsbikes, but I had a few years break and recently bought myself a new bike, my first "adventure tourer" and it's been like learning to ride all over again. It might seem strange, but I drove trucks for a while, and the same observation and planning skills that apply to safe truck driving also apply to bikes. I think my ability to anticipate what other road users might do is much better than it was when I was riding previously, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I'm a lot more patient!
Thanks for the video. I'm even older, yet still not dead 😊. I picked up riding again a few years ago after a very, very long absence. To gain experience fast, I rode and ride as much as possible, almost daily. Only not riding when there is snow and ice on the roads. I live in Europe in a small country with a lot of people. Riding fast is first of all tempered by numerous speed restrictions combined with heavy fines and secondly by the amount of traffic on the roads. In this environment fast means max 5 km/h over the speed limit. You will not be fined for that 😊. Many people, including governments and the EU, are not in favor of motorbikes so I try to ride as neat as I can in order to try not to annoy anyone. My bikes are also not very loud. We already have roads where bikes are banned on the weekends because of the noise polution. So... to me there is a 10th sign: ride with care and sense.
50 years here too. I think we are tuned in to seeing everything going on all around us much better than even an above average person. My senses are much sharper when I’m on my bike.
All round, very good advice. I have ridden bikes for 40 years including enduro and trials competitions. I always have 2 fingers covering the front brake. We as humans have a bit of what I call Reptile Reflex. Panic reaction in other words. If you don't have one or 2 fingers covering the front brake and shit hits the fan, you will reach and grab that brake lever with a lot of force which will lock up the front wheel. Yes, I come from an era of bikes without ABS... If you do cover the front brakes, you immediately have a feel for where the lever is and, if you have experience on that particular bike, you will know how much travel there is and how hard to pull. It eliminates a large part of the reptile reflex and thus give you a chance to brake more efficiently. But, that's just me. From my many years of trials riding, where you always use a combination of clutch, brakes and throttle to control the bike in very tight manoeuvres, it's washed over to my road bike riding. I ride a BMW R1200GS and a BMW R nineT on the road, and a Yamaha WR 450 enduro and a GasGas TXT 280 trials bike. Thanks for your video!
Alot of people "believe" they are a SAFE RIDER... Due to NEVER having a accident....Until their unsafe practices catch-up to them❗ Don't let your ambitions, confuse your capabilities.... Live by the 6P's... Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance ❗ May all your days be Harley days Safe travels 🙏♥️💛🐾🐾🇦🇺
Every moment is different in a certain way. Never take anything for granted. Learn every ride, keep them in your bag of tricks. Great video, Stay Old,Not Dead Forever! Cheers
Started riding at about 12 years old, now 64, best advise my Dad gave me was this… “you have to ‘drive’ every car around you, no matter how ‘in the right’ you might be, you’ll never win an argument with a car”.
I 100% agree you have to push your limits to get better, as a newer rider that seemed counter intuitive. I think you referring to intuition and judgment is also the ability to read a car’s body language and to be an overall observant person. Great video.
34 years in the saddle here in the Pacific Northwest US, I'd like to add animals to the list. Cagers are already pretty unpredictable, deer, elk, cows, dogs, squirrels... Teenagers on their phone crossing the street...
Intuition in the moment is not bad, but not everything. Becoming really good is like learning to play the violin, it takes practice and you need to be able to hear a sour note.
What an excellent video. My own personal definition of what makes a good rider has changed, matured, quite a bit over the years. And it now aligns almost perfectly with your thoughts. One thing I always do, even when riding dirt standing on the pegs, is ride with two fingers over the front brake and clutch. It feels weird not to do so. You just never know when something is gonna jump out in front of you. As for close calls, on the rare instance that I experience one, it always involves a four-legged, not four-wheeled creature. Happy trails.
When I sit on a bike that I'm not familiar with, I prioritise a mindset to be safe & boring. I may lean but never too much. Part of the confidence comes from knowing how the bike handles in tight situations.
Been riding about 11 years. I love riding in the rain. Rode a big bagger and could maneuver it anywhere but now ride a scrambler and learning off road adventure. That transition has helped with my on street riding immensely. I do miss my Harley but the scrambler is so much fun. It’s a constant learning process. I love doing slow speed maneuvers- have won some of the Harley games slow races.
I got my first dirt bike when I was 12. I am 61 now. I have bad habits like everyone else. I am to stupid to be scared. But I am seeing tons of riders in the last few years that drag there feet and take there feet of the pegs for no reason. Dozens of things that can happen when you're feet are not on the pegs. None of them are good. I have quite pointing this out to riders when I see this because of the attitude some of them give me. If even a young rider gives me advice I always thank them and actually think about it.
Good video! I am an older rider and the three things I pass on as a good rider is to expect every car/trick driver to be distracted and will change lanes or turn into your lane without looking. And when you get older, don’t buy a trophy bike that you spend time polishing instead of riding. But the most important is having a bike you can control and that fits you so that it can protect you in a fall. I had a used HD CVO that skidded on a vinyl crosswalk after it had just started to raining. I was doing less than 15mph and the 900lb bike dropped and ended up breaking 9 ribs and punctured a lung. Insurance ended up totaling the bike, but my next bike had engine guards and hard saddle bags to keep me from hitting the ground if I was in another skid.
What makes good rider is an interesting topic because the answer depends on an individuals point of view. Many will say a fast rider is a good rider, others will say a safe rider is a good rider. In my opinion Fast or slow is not a good measure, either can be a good or a bad rider. To me it is about how well the rider manages risk. Most riders will say "treat car drivers like they are trying to kill you", but when they ride their behaviour doesn't back this up. To me a good rider is someone who identifies the level of risk they are facing and put in place a plan to deal with it. Some of your comments covered this, eg entering an intersection and covering the bikes in case the car coming from your left doesn't stop. It doesn't matter if you are fast or slow if you just plough through the intersection and into the side of the car. A rider that genuiely adjusts their riding to reduce risk, whether fast of slow is a good rider.
Totally enjoyed this vlog, Aymen. I enjoy hearing the comparisons of cruisers and sports bike s, and safely riding with our own unique skill sets. Annie... OND...💀✌🏽😎
This is the most accurate video I've seen on being a good rider! The fastest (and safest) riders are the ones who have very good braking techniques. I see a lot of riders who slow down too early yet still carry too much speed into corner entry. They don't trail brake so there's no weight transfer onto the front tire to make it feel planted and stable. They then remain off throttle through the entire corner and still run wide from the apex to corner exit. It's dangerous, feels terrible and is the slowest way around the corner! I don't care if someone doesn't want to go fast but it worries me seeing them cross into the oncoming lane on corner exit!
@@krytenLister thus the carrying too much speed into corner entry that I mentioned. If you do get in too hot and have good braking skills you can correct you mistake instead of crossing the center line!
@@RohrerBulldogs You said "They don't trail brake so there's no weight transfer onto the front tire" ...that is incorrect. That happens when coming off the throttle, so with proper throttle control you don't need to be braking into the bend. Agree its a useful skill if you have misread the corner and are still braking.
It depends on what you're riding. About the only type of bike I haven't had over the past 40 years is a chopper. I understand what you're saying when riding a sport touring bike or something similar. I've owned them. I've also had the complete opposite end of the spectrum. A tall dual sport with soft suspension, 20% street/80% dirt knobbies, low horsepower and a wide ratio 6 speed transmission isn't going to respond and feel the same when aggressively sending it into a corner. Yeah, you could ride it the way you suggest if you want to be left far behind or you can use skills and techniques to ride a slow bike fast. It's a blast and funny when guys whose bikes have more than 3x the horsepower make fun of your little dirt bike, then they can't keep up with you on the tight twisty roads.
I live in New York State (USA) and bought my first motorcycle at 55 years old - I'm 64. I had a 750 Honda Shadow Spirit (put down 26,000 miles) and now have a Harley Lower Rider (put down 25,000 miles on her so far). I trained with a friend who track-raced 750 sport bikes in his 20's, an exceptionally good rider, very skilled, and very safe. He taught me only good habits. Relative to my perspective on being cautious or careless, I see riders who are either. They never mix. #1 for me is AGATT. I've been down 3x, 42 mph, 30 mph, and another at 37 mph - in this order: deer, turn, turn. The turns were: target fixation on the Honda and then found the lean angle with my Harley floorboard brackets. In all cases, I didn't scratch myself - only a total of 7 broken ribs. Got up from both mishaps and rode home. What did I learn from the turns? A ton. Made me a much better rider. Finally, to me carefree riding kills. Ride like a Ninja. Gear up like you are going into battle whether it is 40 degrees or 90. I'd rather sweat than bleed. Wear a full-face race helmet A small car can roll over your head and you can get up and go get coffee. Buy Kevlar jeans. Someday you will wish you did. I try to ride every day since it puts me in a happy place world. Finally, to me, there are only two more dangerous things than riding a motorcycle: flying an F18 fighter jet and playing with a loaded 9MM, safety off. Be safe out there folks.
I know most everything about my bike and my limits under most conditions, sadly it hasn't rained once and the only place with snow is 400+ miles away 😢 I'd like. I have gone down on nearly every surface while learning to push and improve my skills, mud, water, sand, gravel, forest pine, leaves, oil slick, grass.
50 yrs going fast. 8 days in mountains in TN, NC & SC on my Harley last week including round trip from TX. Slayed a Rattler and a Dragon. Multiple close calls, some mine and some caused by others. I'm going to respectfully call BS on anyone who says they never had any! No crashes but floorboards and their mounts sacrificed to the gods of please get me home safe.
Mate, just found you and this video every rider needs to watch. I'm in VIC too and the stats are bad for rider deaths. If many of them followed these tips, they'd be much better off.... Subscribed!
Great video you made testing them jeans...but think you should make more as you don't slide in the upright seating position.... Need to do one dragging on one side & exposing the hips to the asphalt & another dragging laying face down & giving the knee area a good test.... Would be great content & Resurgence will surely use the results in their Research & Development Team. May all your days be Harley days Safe travels 🙏♥️💛🐾🐾🇦🇺
@@tex9280 Hey Tex, to pass C.E AAA tests it's a multi directional abrasion test, so you are correct that they need to be multi directional, which they are. So with the jeans I was wearing they are 80% lined right throughout the whole jean right down to half way on the shine. Same protection level all the way down. The cut & burst strength you must pass as well for C.E AAA rating. I believe it was 10 out of 10 for both. A New York youtuber actually crashed in Resurgence Jeans which was caught on camera. His slide was more in the hip pocket area & was fine. I actually know of a couple customers coming off at around 150 km/hr & was incredibly impressed with the jeans. I do not recommend going this fast though. Also Ash at North Coast V-Twins in Coff Harbour, NSW, principal owner coming of a tad over a 100 km/hr & was fine from the waist down. This was about 6-7yrs ago by memory. A jacket brand I wont name ripped straight off him. Hence being very confident in Resurgence & what I did with the slide vid with Matt 🙂
@tex9280 hey tex, as the jeans are 80% lined those areas are the same thickness and would have the same result. also most accidents you're never sliding in in one spot for as long as we tested. But I'm sure resurgence gear are always down for more testing in the future as they are very confident in there products ! 😁
…always learning, on every ride is the key. After you pass all the tests, after you’ve made all the mistakes yourself and self-corrected, you keep learning and always Ride Your Own Ride, not try to do it like your buddies at the bar do it! The Journey Is the Destination.
Pretty good points. I will have close calls over the year. Thankfully I cover the brake, so they never become accidents =P The best is of course never to end up in a panic situation in the first place. There is a trade off between fun and safe.
Awesome...ty for taking the time, for an excellent vid. can you please tell me where you got that awesome old school banaza helment? i love it, and want one!! NOW!
I'd score myself 8/9. I still need to work on slow speed control, specifically tight turns. Slow speed balance, not a problem, even fun. Also, I believe the elimination of bad habits is an ongoing thing. Bad habits aren't something you beat and move on. Bad habits (re)develop all the time when you're not paying attention. So we need to continuously evaluate how we're doing and work on the things we don't like when we see/realize them.
Challenge yourself to ride sharp with each outing. Grade your skills honestly. Situational awareness and execution of control management. Judgement of traffic variables and weather conditions. Excellent work my friend and endeavor to persevere.
Great video, I agree w everything you said Cept the front brake covering, I’ve done it over 40 years, I’m always ready to brake hard even if I feel like I’ve predicted all of the other points. I do not like the Danglers!! My pet peeve, raise your feet up!! I also keep wondering why you’re wearing a coat in the Summer, but you’re not w me Here in Tennessee. Have a great day mate!
I'm 59, been riding since I was 14. I've taken riding and advanced riding courses (one in a hard rain storm). The point being, train beyond a basic course. I've had a few close calls; cars running red lights, cars not stopping behind me in time, etc. I've never been down on a motorcycle. Ride defensively, be constantly alert, watch out for dangers, ride within your limits, the bikes limits and safely for the conditions. I see too many inexperienced riders going beyond their abilities. It might have helped that I started on a moped and then a Honda CB350 for the first 7-8 years.
Here in Austria we have the ÖAMTC (Austrian Car and Motorcycle Club), who have set up numerous training facilities around the country. You can book anything there, from the mandatory Safety Training that you need to complete a year after you got you license, up to personalised 1 on 1 training with a professional rider. I can only speak of them in the highest terms, their trainings really do wonders, and you can always borrow a bike from them for 60 bucks per training, if you REALLY don't wanna lay yours down
To be the best you can be, you never stop learning. Put it this way. “ better to be better than you think you are, than to think you are better than you are”
There's not too many rides where I can say there's one or two things on the ride I could have done better. Good video, all the points you make are well said.
Just sheer time driving on the road. Most truck drivers would be good riders. Having taken a couple riding classes is good too, and last being able to predict what drivers are going to do next.
Slow down (by 10kms) from your usual riding speed in the rain; lightly apply the REAR break when turning and cornering; another vehicle's BLIND SPOT is the most dangerous thing of all; consider a *_white coloured bike and white helmet_* to make you more visible to other road-users at night; use 'spacial awareness' and keep a safety buffer-zone around and AWAY from all other vehicles; never tailgate or allow others to tailgate you; wear the best protective riding gear you can afford; consider whether ABS braking is better for you; be careful carrying a pillion passenger on larger and heavier bikes unless you know you can safely handle the added weight; have a FULL FACE helmet rather than an open face helmet; practice heaps; look *_where you want to go_* rather than looking at the obstacle you're avoiding; be modest and never consider yourself an Ace rider; and be extra careful on unfamiliar roads and in unfamiliar territory. (You're a lot safer on your local streets that you ride frequently than you are in unfamiliar places.)
The panel2935, this is the best advice I've seen written anywhere, helps my 65yo brain a little bit more, after coming back to it last year, thanks mate.
@@thepanel2935 If you’re going to rely on one brake at a time: back under 15/drag it during slow speed maneuvering, faster you can get by with front only but it depends too on cruiser vs sport bike, how the bike is loaded…
Don’t know about VIC, but up here the dual cabs / SUVs , with Amaroks swiftly climbing the leaderboard, on the M1 have been becoming a nightmare over the last 12 months. They seem to make stupid people brave 😮 I can look in the mirror and actually see them getting agitated because you are between them and their God given entitlement to be on the 3 seconds of bitumen in front of you. You really have to be on your game 100% of the time
I'm still in the process of getting my license, I'd say I'm about half way through my course for the full A license. I can definitely feel my confidence with the bike itself improving immeasurably, but when my instructor takes me out to the streets it's as though I automatically reset to learn it all again. I'm hoping it's a sign that the open road will keep me humble. My biggest fear is people running stop signs and red lights as a few friends of mine have already been in accidents due to such situations.
Looking good Aymen, liking the green on you. Enjoyed doing the slide test with Matt. It was a lot of fun. As mention to Matt I had warm buns, however not cooked. Just the way I like them 😂 You can see the smoke coming up haha. Great points as always & fantastic vid. We are all learning every day , every ride. Cheers!!
I took track classes 40 years ago and they told us to keep two fingers on the front brake. I’ve been doing it ever since. It hasn’t been a problem though
I don’t have a lot of either skill or experience at riding. Been on my current bike for a year now. What I do have is a very keen sense of judgement of other car drivers. I am aware that on my bike, I am basically invisible to almost all drivers. I know that almost all drivers are distracted in one way or another. Using their poor habits instead of giving the benefit of any doubt. I know I will get home safely.
I’ve been riding since i was 14 now 47, I believe i’m an ok rider, mainly only ride cruisers and crotch rockets, but i don’t enjoy riding in the rain, and i’ve had (2) bad crashes which both were my fought (speeding) and i agree, i rarely have near misses these days
Excellent video. Very difficult to rank the nine categories presented. If I had to pick one, and massage it a bit it would be this: slowly, very slowly, push your limits, being very aware of the conditions. Old Not Dead says this in a different way.
I have 15 years of experience from 15yo-30yo, mostly dirt roads, but also both, then no more riding, except a couple of day rides for the next 34 years. Last year bought a 200kg ADV bike, and I might as well have never ridden before, as I feel just so inexperienced , just like a learner. I do live in the bush, so hwy traveling( not motorway) is the norm for me. The only issue I have really are roundabouts at low speed ( plus a 21inch front wheel), have not got used to them at all. I have no problems on the highway not worried, but slow speed around tight roundabouts that lean to the left up here, are really hard to get used to in country towns. I don't know how I ended up losing all that experience I had in the past, but in town, I do feel like a learner again......
I absolutely love your videos. I'm a greenhorn when it comes to riding and love every time I get to ride. I just got my bike back after not riding for over a year and finally got back on it. However, I would greatly appreciate it if you would offer pocket T's in your store. Other than that I fully intend to stock up on some of your merchandise, because I am Old but Not Dead!
G’day Eamon, on point 2 ‘Close Calls’ what you really are talking about here is a thing called ‘Situational Awareness’ - SA. Pilots have this training drilled into them from day 1. I tell new riders that they must be fully conversant with all of the controls on their bike and able to activate them without looking, that’s because time spent looking for the horn, hi / low switch, indicators etc is time they are not looking at the road and/or traffic. It only takes a fraction of a second to turn a nice day out into a tragedy. Like your channel, keep up the great work Shane.
I´d like to consider every ride a mission. I make my flight-plan, I consider what roads I am going to take and I always try to consider where I can go a bit faster, where and when to slow down. I also try to always have my full attention on the road and my mirrors. You have see everything around you and enjoy the ride.
@@OldNotDead-Club You´ve got a fan! Loved your video! Very informative. Specially about the "close-calls". Like you said, if I´m getting too many close calls, it´s time to reassess my riding process.
I own a 1985 GL1200I and a 2024 Suzuki GSX-8S, tge weight difference between the two is literally night and day but I honestly started off on an 86 yamaha 250 Exciter. There's days that I am pumped up to ride my bike and then there's days that I just want to sit in my Jeep driving down the road. It's all about the mindset.
I think I'm an average rider at best, I'd like to think I'm safe (I haven't crashed yet) but I think I should do some group rides to build skills and confidence riding with other people. We can always learn from other people.
Thank you for the video! The judgement is definitely hard to judge because it depends on skill. An action may be safe for person of high skill but more risky for those less skilled, yet they often complete it. So there is a question, if I see someone ride in a risky manner, is it because they have a faulty judgement or are just more skilled than me? One of good indicators is the close calls you mention earlier as that means the rider is misjudging someone else's skill, so there's a common point. PS: Covering your brake and clutch is good, as it reduces reaction time. If you don't, you'll have to think about moving your fingers onto the lever, also you may use an incorrect numbers of fingers (such as 4 - there is no need to use more than 2 which gives you the full power on any bike, and allows you to hold your handlebar), so it is a bit suboptimal.
I think a good way to measure a rider’s judgement is not if they go fast, split traffic when you wouldn’t, or engage in any specific activity; rather, it’s when an individual decides to engage in said activities. For example, going fast on an empty stretch of highway versus in-between eighteen-wheelers (lorries?) or in a residential area, splitting alongside incoming traffic at highway speeds versus filtering to the front of a stoplight intersection, or stunting in an empty parking lot versus on a roadway during rush hour. These can easily be defined as “objectively” bad moments to engage in these behaviors regardless of risk, because they not only increase the risk of injury to oneself but also increase that risk to surrounding motorists. Put simply, if you can’t explain a reason for it being safe for people around you, then it’s probably a bad decision.
Always ride to your limitations as for the roads weren’t the taxes on fuel supposed to go for roads? Lets face it government don’t care about anyone except themselves . Live life to the fullest if you don’t ride be happy if you ride do it safely . Good work love your channel .
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You speaking about me & my Lane Splitting...??? 🤣😂🤣😂
@@tex9280 lol we are expert lane splitters!
Words to live by.
no matter how "good" we get we should always consider ourselves just an average rider who is always learning
Well said.
excellent point and as they say every day's a school day. GL
👴🏻🥃 U CANT RIDE CLOWN
I’ve been riding over fifty years and a million kilometers. Couldn’t agree more; the day I stop learning is the day I stop riding.
Staying humble is the best thing one can apply to any life situation
I've been riding over 50. Yrs. Never a close call. I do the posted limit. I watch everything. Everytime I throw my leg over the seat. It's as I'm learning all over again. Every ride is different than the last. Be safe
NEVER a close call? Find that hard to believe…because I’ve been riding 44 years, all street, all sport bikes.
I’ve been riding on the road since 1980. Always full gear. Always super vigilant. I’ve never been down either. People say I ride like a newb. I’ll take it.
Never a close call I call BS on that
“Never a close call”…are you Mr Magoo?
I've been riding since '80 like billfowler, always with full gear. Only been down once when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver with no license or insurance. Also perhaps 5 close calls due to others who didn't notice me but I noticed them and saved myself.
Newer rider here. Went out for a 4 hr ride in different conditions: new roads, old roads, fast, slow, gravel, sand, fog, twistys, elevation, lite traffic. So much to master.. Today was good, but always looking to improve. I have something in mind to be better at before & after every ride. My experience pool is growing nicely. Great tips. Thanks.
First off hi from an old dude in Canada but living in Dubai. I have 2 Harley’s. One here and one back home. I’ve been watching your channel for some time but I’ve never commented until now.
You have an amazing channel with rockstar videos. Thank you for the great content.
You said to put in the comments how I would pick poor judgement. Is that a test to see if people are stuck on themselves and think they are the best?🤣🤣My 2 cents for all is old guys is keep the 2 wheels rolling and be safe. Learn from each other and never be too old to change a bad habit.
Thank you again for all you do for the riding community.
Thank you that's greatly appreciated
I am 78, ride a Honda adv160 in Bangkok. One needs great situational awareness, eyes in every part of your head, and go where youre not supposed to go, i.e., footpaths and wherever else to get through the traffic. But next month begin the longer rides having done my training amongst the crazys. Started ridin in Sydney when i was about 13 on everything from a 1948 side valve Norton to a '55 Arial red hunter to Triumphs. Later in lufe a BMW f650. Now my 2nd Honda scooter. Life is experience, and age is not a limitation.
Stumbled onto your vid and by the end knew I have to subscribe to your channel. Finally, a rider living in the real-world explaining what really takes to become a better rider.
Here are a few things riders should do prior to Sturgis, or any rally.
1) Load your bike with all the gear, packed bags and passenger if also going and practice slow speed drills. Not only dropping a fully loaded bagger is expensive to repair, don't be the butt of jokes for years to come.
2) Go ride in grass fields and on stone roads. Every campground and most places you have to park are not pristine paved parking lots.
3) Unless you are very comfortable riding in massive traffic jams/ long times with clutch lever pulled in that happens if you go downtown, stay home. Too many times I have seen guys dump the clutch because their hand went numb from holding it pulled in and they crashed into people or parked bikes. Sadly, that is a daily occurrence.
4) Same thing for super hilly/ twisty/ off camber roads- STAY HOME. Sadly, every year somebody dies, and a few people are hospitalized.
5) Don't party and ride- park your bike and take "Da Bus".
Thank you
i look back on situations, and think crips i am good...but really, it's the same reason I love to ride.
when I am riding, there is no thoughts of the past, there are no worries for the distant future ...alert in the moment....riding forces me into the moment.
Situational awareness all around you. There should be no surprises. I tend to analyse each ride I do and think what mistakes I've made (if any) and how could I have done things better. Always learning.
Awesome!
I call it my spider sense.
Today i feel not so good. So no riding my motorcycle. Stay safe guys. Greetings from Germany
wise move, thanks for watching
Good judgement!!
I’m 64 and a new rider. (Better late than never!). I must admit to still being quite anxious on my rides so I appreciate the tips in your videos.
I've been riding 40 years and sometimes I still get nervous before a ride. I think it's when you don't have any nerves or anxiety that you should be worried. The anxiety will keep you sharp and aware of your riding and technique.
I'm 57. I just got my M 3 months ago, but I did have an M1 40 years ago, I just didn't finish it. Now I'm riding every day.
I remember that feeling, and wondered if it would ever go away. I rode every day, wherever I needed to go. The problem could come back if I didn't ride for a few days.
Warm up by doing intentional clutch friction zone training sessions every time you start out (if you have time).
Like a barrel riding cowboy, look where you intend to go (not the ground in front of the bike).
Precision going slow in full headlock turns, both turns. Once you have that clutch/throttle/brake control, you are set to handle 70% of every situation that makes beginners nervous.
Again - avoid staring at the ground in front of you - look to where you are turning.
Out on the road, learn trail braking in corners. Watch every video you can find on the subject. You will NEVER AGAIN take a corner too wide. I'm dead serious.
A lot of time in an open parking lot will help, handling the bike is important, so when you see the other issues on the road at least you can manage a short break or tight turn. You've seen the idiots from your car, now imagine the idiots can't see you!
Ride with the philosophy that absolutely everyone is out to get you. You will naturally create a safety bubble and gain much greater situational awareness and you then see the finer signs of potential dangers. And then of course, ride to the conditions. Great vid brother. All newbies should watch this one!!👍
Yes Agreed LOTS Mate
As a long-time rider and truck drive, I can read traffic pretty well, and the dumb stuff people are gonna do before they do it? My guys make me lead when we go places because I watch out for everyone and make sure we stay together on long trips. If I don't lead everyone is all over and split up bad
Thanks
Close calls are the main indicator for me. There are dozens of videos of people having close calls and cussing out the drivers but a blind person on the moon could have seen most of them coming.
If I have a close call, I know it's my fault.
I trained in the UK police Roadcraft system. Just the fact that you are riding ‘a system’ forces you to be fully engaged, concentrated and pulling in as much information as possible. There is no time or space for drifting thoughts, road rage or laxity. I dont have experience of other systems but I imagine they would all force the same level of focus.
Good comment thanks
Same, joined I.A.M. Did the advanced test and then did the observer test a year later. Been riding for 46 years with no intention to stop.
Yeah, it's all of that. My mantra, has always been, " ride safe, live long". I'm 66. Been riding, for about 50 years. Like most young riders back then, we cut our teeth, by riding in the dirt. Fast forward, to now, and you have to realise, that your reactions to most situations, is a lot slower. I like to think, that my decisions, good or bad, don't just affect me. Don't get me wrong, i do like to ride quick sometimes, but in situations, i know i can control. A good rider, is one,as you say, is relaxed on the bike, with his/her head in the game. My current ride, is a Triumph Tiger 1200 Gt Pro. It's my first Adventure bike, and i wan't to ride it to Cooktown next year. { i live in the Gong }. It's fair to say, we are still getting to know each other, hence the respect😏I want to be able to ride, for at least another 10 years.
Same as me 65yo want to ride for at least another 10 years if not longer, but I should have come back 10 years ago instead of last year.
72 here, been riding since 1970. Currently riding a Triumph Speedmaster, which is a perfect bike for the older rider. Still don’t feel I’m a good rider. Always trying to get better.
IV owned many many bike's since the 60s I think I'm pretty reasonable with all those riding skills I ride all year round which I believe really helps the more time spent on the bike out on the road will definitely help with your skills staying relaxed and comfortable on any bike really helps I'm 65 now so I rarely have to speed but still need to use the power if you sence something thats about to happen usually a crash is like it happens in slow motion going to fast is going to be much worse if you hit something really hard and you and the bike are going to come to a dead stop that's when you are going to be seriously hurt even if it isn't your fault slow down stay relaxed enjoy your ride even if you arrive 5 minutes later it's going to be better than never if the traffic isn't as busy You might be able to get some practice in going through a few corners but be aware of your surroundings trees road surfaces like sand drifts blown onto the roads from the wind off the beach practice in all conditions heavy traffic fog rain winds the only time IV never ridden was in the snow stay safe and upright love from Australia 🦘🌏
It is simple : Never assume they see you, never assume they give you right of way. Consider yourself to be invisible to others, while they can still collide with you. When you would arrive at a crossing at the same time as another vehicle, consider using the throttle, not only the brakes. By simply not being at that crossing at the same time you cannot collide. Scan and read the road far ahead what other drivers could plan to do actively and assume they are idiots all. Never have free space in front of you be blocked, go to the right or left of it so when this vehicle suddenly stops you will pass it unharmed before you can even touch your brakes.
Driving too fast will get you killed, but driving slow will kill too, as it gives distracted drivers behind you the chance to hit you. Idiots enough that are looking on their mobile phone or in-vehicle screen and not on the road.
This is the best advice , I been riding more than 55 years , been in 2 accidents which I was not at fault . Now in my 70's I still ride ,but I stay away from main roads or hwys as I look for back roads . I live in Fla as we have the worst drivers in the world , I always now pick the time to ride and not ride on the main rodes when people are going and coming back from work . The worst times down here are from 3 pm to 7 pm as I try to avoid to ride those times . Most accidents occur at intersections as it still scares me , but I don't speed through them , as my foot is covering the brake in case I have to use it , and my hand over the clutch . I always do the speed limit or go over 5 miles over depending where I am . Always scan the mirrors to see who is racing up to you as if I see someone coming up on me to fast , I flash my brake lights , and they will slow down . Always look straight ahead and look far above when you ride . I use to ride in big groups , and sometimes I do , and I want to stay behind at the end as the Gunner , if I get caught at the light , no big deal as I will caught up to them . Another safety feature, is Visability , as I where a White Helmet , which I have a brake light attach to it , and as you come to a stop it works like a brake light . Also I have bright LED lights on the back of the bike that flashes on and off as you are coming to a stop . If I have to ride on the freeway I wear bright lime green shirt or jacket with bright green gloves so Most cars do see you as I stand out , Be Safe all of you my friends , as always before I start to get on my bike , I say a Prayer , God is Great .
@@SalRuggiero Good advice, and a lot of this is based on the fact that there are a lot more cars on the road these days, and that they are distracted.
How about those pedestrians when they look directly at you and they do see you but still step straight in front of you when low speed maneuvering in car parks and service stations. You are going slow so there is no drama but you need to be aware when people around - you never know what they will do.
Im 74 when i ride a bike it becomes part of me , ive been around bikes all my life , ive been a Motorcycle Instrutor as well , i love everything about bike always have always will , stay safe everyone happy riding ❤️
Hi. I just want to thank you for all the very good info on riding. I’m rode sport bikes when I was young but let them go when I had a family to take care of. So 25 yrs later I started riding again. Yes I bought me the bike I always wanted. A Harley. And I knew I was lacking skills to be a good rider. And you my friend have helped me pick up and practice good riding skills. Just wanted to thank u for focusing on teaching good riding habits so I can confident and enjoy riding.
rode everything froom a 250 to a1340 for 40 yrs stopped for 8yrs then bought a royal enfield 350 and love it has a good engine break and dont trust anyone but yourself still love the ride just turned seventy its great to ride again
Youve reminded me of me old IT175 yamaha. You mixed the fuel n oil at th gas station bfore you left.😂
The good ole belray premix loved the smell of a 2 stroke Viva montessa 360H6 enduro racing i loved it @@crazyhorse2995
Did a group ride today from Macloud to Werribee on the freeway then from Werribee to Wallace pub on country roads and the weather was crap ,rain most of the time and the fire place got a real workout from all of us at the pub yet I still had a grin the whole ride because it tested my skills I loved it
Bin ridding motorcycles since I was 5 years old! I am 64 years old now and never have had an accident! Some people just don’t have the ability to pay attention to what they are doing at the moment! I avoid distractions! No music, no text, no phone calls! Always work at what you are doing! No one multi tasks well!
I am 72 and agree. For me ist very important to have the sixt sense, realising danger before it happens. Riding behind many slow cars, a traktor in Front. You are thinkin about overtaking but you decide not. In that moment the traktor turns left to a gravel road.
Never had a serious accident
Great video for great conversation. Having 50+ years of riding two wheels and exposure to a variety road and people hazards, I can see why you might think that miles doesn’t equal experience. I learn something new with each road I travel and each time I come close to wondering if I was going to live or die.
Stay positive and listen to what others have experienced.
Great video mate.....has a lot of very good and interesting points about riding! Totally agree about the judgement factor. I think every time I ride and especially with friends or in a group...I find that you have to be on heightened alert around some as you can tell they aren't truly in the zone, which makes them a higher risk to themselves and others riding along side....simply from poor judgement or silly actions. But at the end of the day, if everyone gets home safe and in one piece.....what more can you ask for! Live to ride another day!!! Ride safe mate 😎
I always cover the front brake. It’s about reaction time.
Same.
Great discussion, well done. I've been riding for 40 years, mostly on sportsbikes, but I had a few years break and recently bought myself a new bike, my first "adventure tourer" and it's been like learning to ride all over again. It might seem strange, but I drove trucks for a while, and the same observation and planning skills that apply to safe truck driving also apply to bikes. I think my ability to anticipate what other road users might do is much better than it was when I was riding previously, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I'm a lot more patient!
Thanks for the video. I'm even older, yet still not dead 😊. I picked up riding again a few years ago after a very, very long absence. To gain experience fast, I rode and ride as much as possible, almost daily. Only not riding when there is snow and ice on the roads. I live in Europe in a small country with a lot of people. Riding fast is first of all tempered by numerous speed restrictions combined with heavy fines and secondly by the amount of traffic on the roads. In this environment fast means max 5 km/h over the speed limit. You will not be fined for that 😊. Many people, including governments and the EU, are not in favor of motorbikes so I try to ride as neat as I can in order to try not to annoy anyone. My bikes are also not very loud. We already have roads where bikes are banned on the weekends because of the noise polution. So... to me there is a 10th sign: ride with care and sense.
I'm still alive, 50 years in the saddle. Does that count?
50 years here too. I think we are tuned in to seeing everything going on all around us much better than even an above average person. My senses are much sharper when I’m on my bike.
Yep.50. Retired now, last 25yrs vtwins,last 14 yrs 2v Ducati. Survived n thrived.
Indeed it does.
On a serious note people.... Never doubt your own intuition.....
Great comment
All round, very good advice.
I have ridden bikes for 40 years including enduro and trials competitions.
I always have 2 fingers covering the front brake.
We as humans have a bit of what I call Reptile Reflex. Panic reaction in other words.
If you don't have one or 2 fingers covering the front brake and shit hits the fan, you will reach and grab that brake lever with a lot of force which will lock up the front wheel. Yes, I come from an era of bikes without ABS...
If you do cover the front brakes, you immediately have a feel for where the lever is and, if you have experience on that particular bike, you will know how much travel there is and how hard to pull.
It eliminates a large part of the reptile reflex and thus give you a chance to brake more efficiently.
But, that's just me. From my many years of trials riding, where you always use a combination of clutch, brakes and throttle to control the bike in very tight manoeuvres, it's washed over to my road bike riding.
I ride a BMW R1200GS and a BMW R nineT on the road, and a Yamaha WR 450 enduro and a GasGas TXT 280 trials bike.
Thanks for your video!
Alot of people "believe" they are a SAFE RIDER... Due to NEVER having a accident....Until their unsafe practices catch-up to them❗
Don't let your ambitions, confuse your capabilities....
Live by the 6P's...
Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance ❗
May all your days be Harley days
Safe travels 🙏♥️💛🐾🐾🇦🇺
Thanks Tex, good comment well said
Good advice up until the Harley days bit … 😂
Pat Parelli said this.
Every moment is different in a certain way. Never take anything for granted. Learn every ride, keep them in your bag of tricks.
Great video, Stay Old,Not Dead Forever!
Cheers
Thank you
Ya Never Know! Lesson number one, Thank God for keeping you safe! And the rest is Pay attention,learn and most of All RIDE-ON Brothers
Started riding at about 12 years old, now 64, best advise my Dad gave me was this… “you have to ‘drive’ every car around you, no matter how ‘in the right’ you might be, you’ll never win an argument with a car”.
I 100% agree you have to push your limits to get better, as a newer rider that seemed counter intuitive. I think you referring to intuition and judgment is also the ability to read a car’s body language and to be an overall observant person. Great video.
34 years in the saddle here in the Pacific Northwest US, I'd like to add animals to the list. Cagers are already pretty unpredictable, deer, elk, cows, dogs, squirrels... Teenagers on their phone crossing the street...
Intuition in the moment is not bad, but not everything. Becoming really good is like learning to play the violin, it takes practice and you need to be able to hear a sour note.
@@TheGreenHeartofItaly-fl3wv well said!
What an excellent video. My own personal definition of what makes a good rider has changed, matured, quite a bit over the years. And it now aligns almost perfectly with your thoughts. One thing I always do, even when riding dirt standing on the pegs, is ride with two fingers over the front brake and clutch. It feels weird not to do so. You just never know when something is gonna jump out in front of you.
As for close calls, on the rare instance that I experience one, it always involves a four-legged, not four-wheeled creature. Happy trails.
It’s a bad habit to be riding with fingers on the levers. Things rarely, if ever, randomly jump out in front of you …
When I sit on a bike that I'm not familiar with, I prioritise a mindset to be safe & boring. I may lean but never too much. Part of the confidence comes from knowing how the bike handles in tight situations.
Been riding about 11 years. I love riding in the rain. Rode a big bagger and could maneuver it anywhere but now ride a scrambler and learning off road adventure. That transition has helped with my on street riding immensely. I do miss my Harley but the scrambler is so much fun. It’s a constant learning process.
I love doing slow speed maneuvers- have won some of the Harley games slow races.
To the point! Let me add: leave your ego at home at all times! Y'all ride safe!
Yes! Thank you!
I got my first dirt bike when I was 12. I am 61 now. I have bad habits like everyone else. I am to stupid to be scared. But I am seeing tons of riders in the last few years that drag there feet and take there feet of the pegs for no reason. Dozens of things that can happen when you're feet are not on the pegs. None of them are good. I have quite pointing this out to riders when I see this because of the attitude some of them give me. If even a young rider gives me advice I always thank them and actually think about it.
Good video! I am an older rider and the three things I pass on as a good rider is to expect every car/trick driver to be distracted and will change lanes or turn into your lane without looking. And when you get older, don’t buy a trophy bike that you spend time polishing instead of riding. But the most important is having a bike you can control and that fits you so that it can protect you in a fall. I had a used HD CVO that skidded on a vinyl crosswalk after it had just started to raining. I was doing less than 15mph and the 900lb bike dropped and ended up breaking 9 ribs and punctured a lung. Insurance ended up totaling the bike, but my next bike had engine guards and hard saddle bags to keep me from hitting the ground if I was in another skid.
Totally. “Super thanx” Aymen.
Safe rides 👍🤜
Thanks ✌️
Been covering my clutch and brake with 2 fingers since I was 8. 😁
What makes good rider is an interesting topic because the answer depends on an individuals point of view. Many will say a fast rider is a good rider, others will say a safe rider is a good rider. In my opinion Fast or slow is not a good measure, either can be a good or a bad rider. To me it is about how well the rider manages risk. Most riders will say "treat car drivers like they are trying to kill you", but when they ride their behaviour doesn't back this up. To me a good rider is someone who identifies the level of risk they are facing and put in place a plan to deal with it. Some of your comments covered this, eg entering an intersection and covering the bikes in case the car coming from your left doesn't stop. It doesn't matter if you are fast or slow if you just plough through the intersection and into the side of the car. A rider that genuiely adjusts their riding to reduce risk, whether fast of slow is a good rider.
Totally enjoyed this vlog, Aymen. I enjoy hearing the comparisons of cruisers and sports bike s, and safely riding with our own unique skill sets.
Annie...
OND...💀✌🏽😎
Thanks Annie, appreciated
This is the most accurate video I've seen on being a good rider!
The fastest (and safest) riders are the ones who have very good braking techniques.
I see a lot of riders who slow down too early yet still carry too much speed into corner entry. They don't trail brake so there's no weight transfer onto the front tire to make it feel planted and stable. They then remain off throttle through the entire corner and still run wide from the apex to corner exit. It's dangerous, feels terrible and is the slowest way around the corner! I don't care if someone doesn't want to go fast but it worries me seeing them cross into the oncoming lane on corner exit!
Thank you
You dont need to trail brake on the road - sign of poor corner assessment
@@krytenLister thus the carrying too much speed into corner entry that I mentioned. If you do get in too hot and have good braking skills you can correct you mistake instead of crossing the center line!
@@RohrerBulldogs You said "They don't trail brake so there's no weight transfer onto the front tire" ...that is incorrect. That happens when coming off the throttle, so with proper throttle control you don't need to be braking into the bend. Agree its a useful skill if you have misread the corner and are still braking.
It depends on what you're riding. About the only type of bike I haven't had over the past 40 years is a chopper. I understand what you're saying when riding a sport touring bike or something similar. I've owned them. I've also had the complete opposite end of the spectrum. A tall dual sport with soft suspension, 20% street/80% dirt knobbies, low horsepower and a wide ratio 6 speed transmission isn't going to respond and feel the same when aggressively sending it into a corner. Yeah, you could ride it the way you suggest if you want to be left far behind or you can use skills and techniques to ride a slow bike fast. It's a blast and funny when guys whose bikes have more than 3x the horsepower make fun of your little dirt bike, then they can't keep up with you on the tight twisty roads.
I live in New York State (USA) and bought my first motorcycle at 55 years old - I'm 64. I had a 750 Honda Shadow Spirit (put down 26,000 miles) and now have a Harley Lower Rider (put down 25,000 miles on her so far). I trained with a friend who track-raced 750 sport bikes in his 20's, an exceptionally good rider, very skilled, and very safe. He taught me only good habits.
Relative to my perspective on being cautious or careless, I see riders who are either. They never mix.
#1 for me is AGATT. I've been down 3x, 42 mph, 30 mph, and another at 37 mph - in this order: deer, turn, turn. The turns were: target fixation on the Honda and then found the lean angle with my Harley floorboard brackets. In all cases, I didn't scratch myself - only a total of 7 broken ribs. Got up from both mishaps and rode home.
What did I learn from the turns? A ton. Made me a much better rider.
Finally, to me carefree riding kills. Ride like a Ninja. Gear up like you are going into battle whether it is 40 degrees or 90. I'd rather sweat than bleed. Wear a full-face race helmet A small car can roll over your head and you can get up and go get coffee. Buy Kevlar jeans. Someday you will wish you did.
I try to ride every day since it puts me in a happy place world.
Finally, to me, there are only two more dangerous things than riding a motorcycle: flying an F18 fighter jet and playing with a loaded 9MM, safety off. Be safe out there folks.
I know most everything about my bike and my limits under most conditions, sadly it hasn't rained once and the only place with snow is 400+ miles away 😢 I'd like. I have gone down on nearly every surface while learning to push and improve my skills, mud, water, sand, gravel, forest pine, leaves, oil slick, grass.
50 yrs going fast. 8 days in mountains in TN, NC & SC on my Harley last week including round trip from TX. Slayed a Rattler and a Dragon. Multiple close calls, some mine and some caused by others. I'm going to respectfully call BS on anyone who says they never had any! No crashes but floorboards and their mounts sacrificed to the gods of please get me home safe.
Mate, just found you and this video every rider needs to watch. I'm in VIC too and the stats are bad for rider deaths. If many of them followed these tips, they'd be much better off.... Subscribed!
Thanks appreciated, say hello if you see me on the road
Cracking video as always mate ! how good is resurgence gear !!!! Thanks for the shout out too
Thanks Matt, hope the channel is going well!
Great video you made testing them jeans...but think you should make more as you don't slide in the upright seating position....
Need to do one dragging on one side & exposing the hips to the asphalt & another dragging laying face down & giving the knee area a good test.... Would be great content & Resurgence will surely use the results in their Research & Development Team.
May all your days be Harley days
Safe travels 🙏♥️💛🐾🐾🇦🇺
@@tex9280 Hey Tex, to pass C.E AAA tests it's a multi directional abrasion test, so you are correct that they need to be multi directional, which they are. So with the jeans I was wearing they are 80% lined right throughout the whole jean right down to half way on the shine. Same protection level all the way down. The cut & burst strength you must pass as well for C.E AAA rating. I believe it was 10 out of 10 for both. A New York youtuber actually crashed in Resurgence Jeans which was caught on camera. His slide was more in the hip pocket area & was fine. I actually know of a couple customers coming off at around 150 km/hr & was incredibly impressed with the jeans. I do not recommend going this fast though. Also Ash at North Coast V-Twins in Coff Harbour, NSW, principal owner coming of a tad over a 100 km/hr & was fine from the waist down. This was about 6-7yrs ago by memory. A jacket brand I wont name ripped straight off him. Hence being very confident in Resurgence & what I did with the slide vid with Matt 🙂
@tex9280 hey tex, as the jeans are 80% lined those areas are the same thickness and would have the same result. also most accidents you're never sliding in in one spot for as long as we tested. But I'm sure resurgence gear are always down for more testing in the future as they are very confident in there products ! 😁
😎👍
Big thumbs up for the channel...
Great video as always...
Thanks 👍 as always
LOOKING IN MIRROR IS THE SMARTEST ANSWER
Solves a lot of problems for everyone
Especially when stopped at a traffic signal watching for others who didn't notice the signal you are stopped at.
…always learning, on every ride is the key. After you pass all the tests, after you’ve made all the mistakes yourself and self-corrected, you keep learning and always Ride Your Own Ride, not try to do it like your buddies at the bar do it! The Journey Is the Destination.
Don't matter how good you are. The dangerous people are the ones not you. Watch the other's on the road.😊
Thanks Aymen , your advice over the past year has definitely made me a better rider ! Keep up the awesome content! Thank you 😀
Thanks Karyn, much appreciated
Yes agreed - All Points
Cheers Lots for Putting it into Words - and lets Hope EVERY Newbie watches this Vid too
Onya !
Thank you
Pretty good points. I will have close calls over the year. Thankfully I cover the brake, so they never become accidents =P
The best is of course never to end up in a panic situation in the first place. There is a trade off between fun and safe.
Awesome...ty for taking the time, for an excellent vid.
can you please tell me where you got that awesome old school banaza helment? i love it, and want one!! NOW!
It's an old Shoei from the ninties
I'd score myself 8/9. I still need to work on slow speed control, specifically tight turns. Slow speed balance, not a problem, even fun. Also, I believe the elimination of bad habits is an ongoing thing. Bad habits aren't something you beat and move on. Bad habits (re)develop all the time when you're not paying attention. So we need to continuously evaluate how we're doing and work on the things we don't like when we see/realize them.
Good point thanks
Challenge yourself to ride sharp with each outing.
Grade your skills honestly.
Situational awareness and execution of control management. Judgement of traffic variables and weather conditions.
Excellent work my friend and endeavor to persevere.
Good advice thanks
Respect the road and Respect the machine you're riding never overconfident and you will be just fine
Great video, I agree w everything you said Cept the front brake covering, I’ve done it over 40 years, I’m always ready to brake hard even if I feel like I’ve predicted all of the other points. I do not like the Danglers!! My pet peeve, raise your feet up!! I also keep wondering why you’re wearing a coat in the Summer, but you’re not w me
Here in Tennessee. Have a great day mate!
Thank you, it's freezing here atm.
This might sound wired. But I love riding my motorcycle in the rain.
it can be a lot of fun if you have the right gear on and no pressure to get anywhere fast
I'm 59, been riding since I was 14. I've taken riding and advanced riding courses (one in a hard rain storm). The point being, train beyond a basic course. I've had a few close calls; cars running red lights, cars not stopping behind me in time, etc. I've never been down on a motorcycle. Ride defensively, be constantly alert, watch out for dangers, ride within your limits, the bikes limits and safely for the conditions. I see too many inexperienced riders going beyond their abilities. It might have helped that I started on a moped and then a Honda CB350 for the first 7-8 years.
Here in Austria we have the ÖAMTC (Austrian Car and Motorcycle Club), who have set up numerous training facilities around the country.
You can book anything there, from the mandatory Safety Training that you need to complete a year after you got you license, up to personalised 1 on 1 training with a professional rider.
I can only speak of them in the highest terms, their trainings really do wonders, and you can always borrow a bike from them for 60 bucks per training, if you REALLY don't wanna lay yours down
Wow that sounds really good and just what we need here
To be the best you can be, you never stop learning.
Put it this way. “ better to be better than you think you are, than to think you are better than you are”
There's not too many rides where I can say there's one or two things on the ride I could have done better. Good video, all the points you make are well said.
Just sheer time driving on the road. Most truck drivers would be good riders. Having taken a couple riding classes is good too, and last being able to predict what drivers are going to do next.
Another spot on video. Good work.
Thanks again!
Slow down (by 10kms) from your usual riding speed in the rain; lightly apply the REAR break when turning and cornering; another vehicle's BLIND SPOT is the most dangerous thing of all; consider a *_white coloured bike and white helmet_* to make you more visible to other road-users at night; use 'spacial awareness' and keep a safety buffer-zone around and AWAY from all other vehicles; never tailgate or allow others to tailgate you; wear the best protective riding gear you can afford; consider whether ABS braking is better for you; be careful carrying a pillion passenger on larger and heavier bikes unless you know you can safely handle the added weight; have a FULL FACE helmet rather than an open face helmet; practice heaps; look *_where you want to go_* rather than looking at the obstacle you're avoiding; be modest and never consider yourself an Ace rider; and be extra careful on unfamiliar roads and in unfamiliar territory. (You're a lot safer on your local streets that you ride frequently than you are in unfamiliar places.)
The panel2935, this is the best advice I've seen written anywhere, helps my 65yo brain a little bit more, after coming back to it last year, thanks mate.
Rear brake under 15mph.
@@jimstenlund6017 *_only_* when travelling below 15 mph?
@@thepanel2935 If you’re going to rely on one brake at a time: back under 15/drag it during slow speed maneuvering, faster you can get by with front only but it depends too on cruiser vs sport bike, how the bike is loaded…
@@jimstenlund6017 thanks, but is the FRONT brake safe when *_cornering_* if the bike is not ABS equipped? Won't the bike lock-up?
Don’t know about VIC, but up here the dual cabs / SUVs , with Amaroks swiftly climbing the leaderboard, on the M1 have been becoming a nightmare over the last 12 months. They seem to make stupid people brave 😮
I can look in the mirror and actually see them getting agitated because you are between them and their God given entitlement to be on the 3 seconds of bitumen in front of you.
You really have to be on your game 100% of the time
Thats why I say you have to ride faster than the traffic, to get away temporarily.
I'm still in the process of getting my license, I'd say I'm about half way through my course for the full A license. I can definitely feel my confidence with the bike itself improving immeasurably, but when my instructor takes me out to the streets it's as though I automatically reset to learn it all again. I'm hoping it's a sign that the open road will keep me humble.
My biggest fear is people running stop signs and red lights as a few friends of mine have already been in accidents due to such situations.
Congrats, think positive and focus on the good. Just ride defensively in this situations
Great video, thank you!
Looking good Aymen, liking the green on you. Enjoyed doing the slide test with Matt. It was a lot of fun. As mention to Matt I had warm buns, however not cooked. Just the way I like them 😂 You can see the smoke coming up haha. Great points as always & fantastic vid. We are all learning every day , every ride. Cheers!!
Awesome test of your jeans!! Shows how great they are.
Value yourself and ride accordingly
Good point but how do you value yourself?
I took track classes 40 years ago and they told us to keep two fingers on the front brake. I’ve been doing it ever since. It hasn’t been a problem though
Racers don’t even do this. A bad idea for sure …
A good rider is aware the grim reaper is waiting for him during that split second his attention is distracted.
EVERYTHING'S *_MY_* RESPONSIBILITY!
Spot on
I don’t have a lot of either skill or experience at riding. Been on my current bike for a year now. What I do have is a very keen sense of judgement of other car drivers. I am aware that on my bike, I am basically invisible to almost all drivers. I know that almost all drivers are distracted in one way or another. Using their poor habits instead of giving the benefit of any doubt. I know I will get home safely.
*_Downhill Cornering_** is my pet-hate!*
Yep I can understand that, I'm not a fan either
I am always trying to be a better rider still at 5 yrs on. I want to feel as confident and in tune with my machine as I do with a car. Not reckless.
5 years on a bike is nothing, mate …
I’ve been riding since i was 14 now 47, I believe i’m an ok rider, mainly only ride cruisers and crotch rockets, but i don’t enjoy riding in the rain, and i’ve had (2) bad crashes which both were my fought (speeding) and i agree, i rarely have near misses these days
Excellent video. Very difficult to rank the nine categories presented. If I had to pick one, and massage it a bit it would be this: slowly, very slowly, push your limits, being very aware of the conditions. Old Not Dead says this in a different way.
Thank you from Brazil
I have 15 years of experience from 15yo-30yo, mostly dirt roads, but also both, then no more riding, except a couple of day rides for the next 34 years. Last year bought a 200kg ADV bike, and I might as well have never ridden before, as I feel just so inexperienced , just like a learner. I do live in the bush, so hwy traveling( not motorway) is the norm for me. The only issue I have really are roundabouts at low speed ( plus a 21inch front wheel), have not got used to them at all. I have no problems on the highway not worried, but slow speed around tight roundabouts that lean to the left up here, are really hard to get used to in country towns. I don't know how I ended up losing all that experience I had in the past, but in town, I do feel like a learner again......
I absolutely love your videos. I'm a greenhorn when it comes to riding and love every time I get to ride. I just got my bike back after not riding for over a year and finally got back on it. However, I would greatly appreciate it if you would offer pocket T's in your store. Other than that I fully intend to stock up on some of your merchandise, because I am Old but Not Dead!
Thank you
Looking good in the new green riding shirt. Great content & vid as always. Cheers
Thanks again Aaron
G’day Eamon, on point 2 ‘Close Calls’ what you really are talking about here is a thing called ‘Situational Awareness’ - SA.
Pilots have this training drilled into them from day 1. I tell new riders that they must be fully conversant with all of the controls on their bike and able to activate them without looking, that’s because time spent looking for the horn, hi / low switch, indicators etc is time they are not looking at the road and/or traffic.
It only takes a fraction of a second to turn a nice day out into a tragedy.
Like your channel, keep up the great work
Shane.
Thanks and spot on, great point
I´d like to consider every ride a mission. I make my flight-plan, I consider what roads I am going to take and I always try to consider where I can go a bit faster, where and when to slow down. I also try to always have my full attention on the road and my mirrors. You have see everything around you and enjoy the ride.
Thanks good advice
@@OldNotDead-Club You´ve got a fan! Loved your video! Very informative. Specially about the "close-calls". Like you said, if I´m getting too many close calls, it´s time to reassess my riding process.
@@JoseAngelFlores Thank you
Covering your brakes is a good habit.
True when necessary
Cover your brakes with 2 fingers only
I own a 1985 GL1200I and a 2024 Suzuki GSX-8S, tge weight difference between the two is literally night and day but I honestly started off on an 86 yamaha 250 Exciter. There's days that I am pumped up to ride my bike and then there's days that I just want to sit in my Jeep driving down the road. It's all about the mindset.
I think I'm an average rider at best, I'd like to think I'm safe (I haven't crashed yet) but I think I should do some group rides to build skills and confidence riding with other people. We can always learn from other people.
True, you always learn from others
Train and Train more because you use it or loose it
Thank you for the video!
The judgement is definitely hard to judge because it depends on skill. An action may be safe for person of high skill but more risky for those less skilled, yet they often complete it. So there is a question, if I see someone ride in a risky manner, is it because they have a faulty judgement or are just more skilled than me? One of good indicators is the close calls you mention earlier as that means the rider is misjudging someone else's skill, so there's a common point.
PS: Covering your brake and clutch is good, as it reduces reaction time. If you don't, you'll have to think about moving your fingers onto the lever, also you may use an incorrect numbers of fingers (such as 4 - there is no need to use more than 2 which gives you the full power on any bike, and allows you to hold your handlebar), so it is a bit suboptimal.
I think a good way to measure a rider’s judgement is not if they go fast, split traffic when you wouldn’t, or engage in any specific activity; rather, it’s when an individual decides to engage in said activities.
For example, going fast on an empty stretch of highway versus in-between eighteen-wheelers (lorries?) or in a residential area, splitting alongside incoming traffic at highway speeds versus filtering to the front of a stoplight intersection, or stunting in an empty parking lot versus on a roadway during rush hour. These can easily be defined as “objectively” bad moments to engage in these behaviors regardless of risk, because they not only increase the risk of injury to oneself but also increase that risk to surrounding motorists. Put simply, if you can’t explain a reason for it being safe for people around you, then it’s probably a bad decision.
Yes you could argue that successfully but its still subjective
When do we get Old not Dead riding gear Amazon store then ?
Always ride to your limitations as for the roads weren’t the taxes on fuel supposed to go for roads? Lets face it government don’t care about anyone except themselves . Live life to the fullest if you don’t ride be happy if you ride do it safely . Good work love your channel .
Perfect practice makes perfect