When I got my first bike, I had never ridden on ANY street....just a parking lot for my MSF course. First time on the street, I stuck to neighborhood streets...30 mph felt like 60! Haha. After that I moved up to riding through town really really late at night so I could build confidence in my riding ability on the street AND get to know my bike better WITHOUT having to worry about traffic. Then after that, I finally hit the interstate, and rode from one end of town to the other. The wind was something that I was not prepared for! I had never experienced that feeling before. I learned at my own pace, and that would be my advice to other new riders commenting here...learn at your own pace! I got teased alot by my motorcycle riding friends, but I just took my time, and didn't pay any attention to them. After I gained confidence in my ability to control my bike, traffic and higher speeds didn't bother me.
Very well presented and explained. I had a very similar situation when I got back into motorcycling last year. Back in my early 20s when I first learned to ride I don’t remember anything scaring me. Now approaching 50 and having taking the MSF course and watching 1 million UA-cam videos, things are different. When I got my shiny new bike all insured and registered I found myself almost helpless past 45 mph. Below that I was having a blast. Above, I could feel the anxiety just build. I could imagine the deer running out from the tree line. The sense of speed was so strong that I couldn’t help but think that something terrible was wrong with me. Would I be able to get over this? I loved the slow speed work and the parking lot challenges but 50 mph was terrifying. The motion the noise, the wind the uncertainty. Maybe I was just too old or too wise.? Anyways, I’m glad to say that after 30 or 40 rides of consciously making my hands not white knuckle the grips, purposefully remind myself to relax, and just slowly increase the speed, everything is fine now. I didn’t realize how much my brain was working overtime. Now that a lot of it has become muscle memory, I’m a lot more comfortable and the experience is much more enjoyable - even at 60 mph.. amazing how easier things were when we were young and dumb…
I took months to work up to highway speeds, I stuck to slower back roads and parking lots for practice until I had more confidence in my skills handling the bike. Then it was a easy transition to higher speeds and traffic. Slow and steady worked best for me.
Absolutely I’m in the same boat brother, I’m a beginner rider, my first bike 2023 GsxR 1000, when I get up to high speeds I don’t feel stable for some reason
Kevin, I need to take on what you have on offer here more seriously. I had big wake up call on the weekend! Locked the wheels up after braking, and hence dropped the bike. Came off and my head hit the road surface. The visor of the helmet had scratches from the impact. Walked away from the accident with bruising and a wrist fracture. The one thing I did right, and prevented it from being a more bad situation, was I was wearing full protective gear. This includes motorcycle jacket with armour, motorcycle gloves, proper motorcycle boots, motorcycle cargo pants made from kevlar. If I hadn't been wearing it could have been death or severe injuries. I've subscribed to your channel but only looked at a few of your videos from time to time. It's time for me get serious about what you have on offer in full.
@@alangolightly9850 Yeah, I wish I had been wearing something like that, or a helite airbag, as my torso and ribcage might not as be as sore as they are still today. If I had been a total "squid" I'd be jacked up big time with serious life threatening injuries.
Attention all riders and those that are considering hopping on the back!! I’ve been riding for 42 years and will NEVER...EVER....stop listening to a pro like Kevin and foolishly pretend I know everything. Listen to every word this man has to say and while you’re at it...tell any riding friends to watch all of these postings. Be smart!! Be safe!!👍🏾👍🏾 Dan Victoria Canada 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Yep absolutely. I’ve been riding since June of last year and been riding almost everyday for at least 3-6 hours at a time. I’ve gotten used to the wind and it doesn’t even bother me anymore, but when I first started it puckered my butt especially on a high bridge.
Same. The first time I went about 80 mph. I was scared to death from the side draft and it was difficult. But now it is nothing me and I’m glad I got over that.
Something to think about. If you're looking 20 or even 50 feet in front you your bike at 65 miles an hour all your going to see is something you are GOING to hit, you don't have enough time to avoid it. Your eyes have to be a long way down the road to have enough time to avoid something. That it decreases your sense of speed is just a bonus in my book. This is an issue lots of folk have in cars or motorcycles, they're not enough "in front" of the vehicle to be able to handle situations before they become an issue. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.
Just got my first motorcycle a couple of months ago. Took the Cali written test and got my permit. Started to practice taking off to get used to clutch and not stall. Then worked up to riding around the block in 2nd gear, going 20 to 25 mph. Finally, I had to get gas and get on the main road and go 40 to 45mph. As soon as I hit 35 to 40, I got a little scared because of wind and if I could stop at the light up ahead correctly. After that, I wondered if i could even ride. I started to explain to other riders that my anxiety kicked in the faster I went. I thought it was just me. Then I came across this video, and it explained what I went through. I'm glad to hear there are others who went through same issue. I thought i was going to have to sell the bike and the jackets I just got. LOL. I guess I just need to keep practicing riding at higher speeds. Wish me luck. Training Course at Harley in a few weeks. Stay safe!
Same here. I’ve been riding since June of last year. I try to go out anytime it’s decent outside for 3-6 hours at a time. The first time I went 50mph was on my first day of riding which I had to go down the road at 50mph by accident. I nervous as hell I think I barley got up to 50. Now every around me seems to go so slow and I tend to go a little too fast so I have to pay closer attention to my speed.
Most people do not understand that a motorcycle is self balancing at speed. Unless there is something seriously wrong with your bike, it cannot just fall over at road speeds. Relax and let the motorcycle do what its designed to do: go straight and level and balance by itself. When you need to speed up or slow down, or turn then use the braking and countersteering methods you learned in the MSF course, and be confident that the bike will do exactly what you command it to do, with incredible precision. Also wearing all your gear makes you feel more secure. Riding in a tee shirt, shorts and sneaker with a half helmet you should be afraid, because you are in danger of serious injury in a minor spill.
I also like to practice swerving during normal rides when in an uncongested area and no traffic. I will look ahead for a tar snake, spot of dirt or oil or something else in my lane and then swerve around it. Start out easy with gentle swerves and then gradually swerve more aggressively by waiting until the obstacle is closer before swerving and making a wider swerve. This teaches the feel of both initiating the swerve and also terminating it efficiently as both require countersteering. And it is good to practice both swerving to an offset line which you hold (two countersteers) or swerving to a temporary offset and then back to the original line (four countersteers). And living in hill country with curvy roads, when I am stuck on a long straight in the Midwest, I often will just start swerving from the left side of my lane to the right side in ever decreasing arcs. Gives one a good feel for the dynamics of the bike at speed and breaks the monotony. Obviously, don’t do this around traffic or a police officer or you may end up taking a sobriety test. 😁
Looking far ahead is but one part of situational awareness: See as further up in time and distance as you can, not just in front of you, but around you as well.
@@caseyw.8325 you are aware that most ear plugs don’t affect hearing sirens and horns? What they do help with is wind noise that can cause loss of hearing in long term.
@@Kris5344 Haven't heard of earplugs that are able to discriminate one noise over another... Interesting! I thought they just reduced noise overall? I will do some research. Thanks for the tip! I have been riding for over 30 yrs and never needed earplugs, this is a new thing. I will look into it more. Very interesting that an earplug can discriminate like what you say they do.... Must be very costly.
@@caseyw.8325 cheap foam ear plugs you get 50 for $5 are actually pretty good at it. It has to do with frequency of sound waves. Ryan at FortNine has awesome video review about ear plugs for motorcycle riders... he actually starts by eliminating one type that mutes too much. I been riding for ~3 months but been using ear plugs at work and around laud tools for over 10 years. I can still hear forklift horns, beeps and even have normal conversation but at the same time I don’t have massive headache at the end of the shift caused by machine noise.
I started to learn riding a motorcycle about the same time that my oldest child was learning how to drive a car. I think this really helped me out. One of the things that I noticed was that many of the struggles I was having learning how to ride a motorcycle were reflected in my son. (And, I was able to better empathize with him and his struggles.) One of those issues that we both had was driving at the speed of traffic, and one of my biggest issues (and his, too) was looking too much at the instrumentation. I was obsessed with making sure that I wasn't exceeding the speed limit. The truth of the matter is that is rarely an issue (I think) for new new riders and drivers. In a motorcycle, though, it is a bit exacerbated by the fact that, as shown in the video, when you are looking down at the instruments, you see the pavement zipping by in the background, which exaggerates the speed. Of course, with time, you begin to have a feel of the speed you're going without looking at the speedometer.
I remember when I first got my license and went for a ride when it was a little windy. Only went up to 90km/h but the wind noise really surprised me and the buffeting made me grab the bars and feel really uncomfortable. Part of me wondered if I had made a mistake haha I havent owned a car in 3 years
In a similar situation, i took my BRC in 2020, I had practiced prior to the class and practiced afterwards but what i found very helpful was not moving up to the next level of speed until I felt I couldn't make a mistake. I probably did my first 100-200 miles in a parking lot and riding to said parking lot. All the roads between being residential roads that i could do no more than 30mph on. Once I had the skills in-grained for 30mph I moved on to 40mph and saw that my SOS wasn't causing me to panic, I had already gotten used to looking far up the road, all my other "tools" to ride a motorcycle safety were already pre-tuned and made making smaller step ups in speed easier. Likewise the first time I reached 60mph (in a 55mph zone) I did notice i needed more lean for through a curve, but I didn't panicked, why? I had experienced that same sensation at lower speeds making the adjustment easier and (in fact) my muscle memory took over without me needing to think about it. I pushed on my left grip, the bike leaned left, I continued on my way keeping up with the flow of traffic.
Thanks Kevin, from CT, USA. I remember the instructor from the MSF class "keep your head up!" And don't be distracted by that GPS or other on your bar, I'll be moving mine up. My MC license was cobbled by mistake and non-use over the years, and the difference in taking the class in the 1980s and again in 2016 was night and day. Additionally from experience riding is at least 50% more dangerous today, therefore I wear more gear than most. Plug to Helite and their vest. God speed to Texas and its citizens.
Mine was a stop on a grade with incline to the right onto another road. I must have stalled a dozen times, and I could not figure it out and had to practice a lot.
I'm only have about 30 hours experience road riding ( in the UK) and for me doing 50-65 in flowing traffic never bothered me, riding even slowly around our very narrow twisty country lanes not knowing what's round the corner and with a car right on your tail scares me much more.
Make a complete stop, load your clutch without any brake use one or 2 feet to hold the motorcycle from moving foward. Look where you want to go, turn your steering in that direction than, counterweight, let the bike lean under you.
Hi Kevin. Here in England CBT ( compulsory basic training) is the course new riders have to pass , one day 6-8 hour course with 5 elements concluding with 2 hours on the road covering 30 mph 40 mph & 50 mph speed limit roads in my case and you are encouraged before getting to this element to use the speed limits ( obviously if safe to do so ) in comms with an instructor, personally I think this is good for new riders to experience 'normal' road speeds on a bike for the first time and the 2 hour session provides time to get a feel for the road on a bike under supervision.
I'm 53 and started riding last August after taking my MSF course. I put about 400 miles on the bike between August and December which was more than i was expecting to put on but the speed still freaks me out some. I prefer around 30.....getting used to 40 but 50 seems insanely fast. I am really hoping this is going to change this season (at least for the 50 mph)...I still feel the wind is trying to knock me off the bike !
Practice. Practice. Practice. Your confidence will increase a little every time you ride. I routinely return to the location of my BRC and run the exercises. I finally was able to do "the box" with no problem. It took me a while to adjust to the weight of my motorcycle (Triumph T120) from the TW used in the BRC. On the road, look as far down the road as possible, especially when cornering - look all the way through the corner. And, all the things Kevin mentioned early on - cross traffic at an intersection, am I in the right gear, etc. - it really does become second nature. I have been riding for just over a year and there is always something to learn. Stay well within your skills. Keep a safe distance (Kevin, I still count the seconds from the car in front of me as it passes a sign). This last one I have found to be an invaluable tip. Give yourself time to react to traffic, but road debris and hazards.
Good suspension is important. Many times you are hitting the highway when you're loaded up for a trip. Extra weight on the rear will make the steering sqwirly at high speed and give you the dreaded death wobble if you grip the bars. Shift forward on the seat, loosen up your grip on the bars. Think about reducing the weight you carry and secure the load low and forward where possible. Also, ear plugs will help you feel more comfortable riding at high speed.
I'll never forget riding my 2018 Scout home from the dealership. I had to take the freeway in Phoenix. I was a nervous wreck. It's only a 550 Lb bike so the wind can toss it around a bit. A piece of advice I always give people is, don't look DOWN at the road. Don't even look at the road directly in front of your bike. If you think about it, you don't look down at the highway lines beside your car and you don't look at the road directly if front of your car; you're looking at where you're going...up the road! It takes away that feeling of speed somewhat. Some might argue; well shouldn't I look for road hazards? Well, if you spot a road hazard right beside your bike or 10 feet in front of you, it's too late to react at 65 MPH. You should be scanning around you, much like in a car, look for brake lights a quarter mile down the road. Look for road hazards 50 yards ahead of you and further. If you know what the traffic in front of you is doing, you'll have more than enough time to adjust and it won't be an issue. Also, I always made an effort to "notice" my counter-steering when going around a curve. Some folks who have been riding for years didn't realize they were counter-steering because it just felt natural. I wanted to see and feel the results myself. Once you see it in action and know that it works and understand it, it can build confidence.
Practice, I haven't been able to find a training course any place near by.but I ride as often as possible and practice most every day. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
I know that SOS can be terrifying for new *passengers* as well. I tell them to NOT look down at the ground in corners if they're afraid of falling, but rather to look farther ahead thru the corner, as I do.
Thanks Kevin, I took a motorcycle safety class last year I can relate what you are saying, I had to get my safety gear on took my Harley out in the country and took it up to 50 on a straight away in held it, everything seemed to get better,but I have done a lot of practice, the main thing is putting the work in and confidence will come.
I've always thought of SOS as Sense Of Survival. For the very reasons you mentioned, as new riders experience those sensations, it creates a modicum of fear. It makes them think they are in danger, and their survival instincts want to kick in. This is what often causes a "Knee Jerk Reaction" which often exacerbates the problem. Always great advice.
Looking as far down the road as possible not only decreases the SOS, but it also facilitates much earlier detection of potential upcoming hazards. That provides more time to plan for avoiding or mitigating those potential hazards. The more time to plan drastically reduces the potential for being taken by surprise and having to execute emergency maneuvers. As an example, when traveling on an interstate and scanning as far ahead as possible (up to a mile or more), you can identify such potential hazards as a vehicle on the shoulder with its emergency flashers on. If there is other traffic around you, especially 18-wheelers, they will also need to deal with the vehicle on the shoulder. In most states, it is the law when passing a stopped vehicle on the shoulder to change lanes from the travel lane to the passing lane (providing a safe buffer) or to slow down by 20 or so miles per hour. When I can see the stopped vehicle in sufficient time, I can adjust my speed to allow space for those 18-wheelers to merge into my lane safely to pass the vehicle on the shoulder. I will even flash my brights to the trucker to let them know that I am slowing to provide space for them to merge. (Apparently, this is not something that truckers normally expect from car or motorcycle drivers, because on many occasions I have received a thankful wave from the trucker as I pass them after we've passed the disabled vehicle and the trucker has merged once again into the right lane.) Anyway, the increased awareness provided by looking up and as far down the road as possible makes for a much safer, and thus enjoyable, ride.
That kind of respect on the road is always appreciated. Especially by experienced drivers who can tell that you thought ahead of the situation. And it gives positive emotions to both drivers.
And keep your eyes moving - left, right, ahead, mirrors in order to know all that is going on around you. It will take some effort at first to force yourself to keep your eyes moving but it's a good habit you need to develop.
I notice fatigue also effects SOS. When getting a little weary processing information slows down and the same speed starts to feel a little faster. I simply slow down a little, but keeping up with traffic if there is any till...."home sweet home!" Great video Kevin. Thanks again and God Bless!
One thing I learned as a long haul trucker in nearly 30 years of driving ,when I started out on a 15 speed transmission, was to note what gear was in use at upper and lower speed for each gear. When I would have to slow down for an intersection to turn at or go through or when someone cut me off and I had to stab the brakes and then resume acceleration. By glancing down at the speedometer, I could see the speed which told me what gear I had to be in. So for an example on a ten speed transmission if I was doing 55 in tenth and had to slow for an off ramp to 35 I would divide 35/5mph per gear and drop down 3 gears. Granted I could skip shift, but as I will experience when I start riding in April, I will have to learn each gears upper and lower range so when I drop 20 or 30mph, how many gears to drop before hand. To me each gear represents a block of numbers for low and high values in each block (gear). Know each gears spread of range will tell me independent of what I feel or see, what gear I need to be in before a particular area. The trick for me will be adjusting to the fact that my bike will accelerate and de accelerate at greater speeds and in less times than my 80,000 pound semi. An early approach I will bring over and adjust is the longer brake times, slower acceleration times and longer following distances I currently use in my profession. Then compare them to my pickup truck and adjust my motorcycle handling accordingly. This will give me a base line to split between what I am used to, semi truck and pickup truck, and begin applying to the motorcycle as I accelerate more quickly but not too fast and same with slowing down. After all 55 in a semi, pickup or ATV or motorcycle is still 55. The differences are the same. In all 55 is 55. Except how fast or slow 55 to zero or zero to 55 occurs I know I can slow down from 55-0 in 290 feet as a semi, so no issues on a motorcycle. The trick will be getting used to doing so in less than that without skidding on a motorcycle. Or doing a wheelie at a stop light by mistake 😂. Just because my bike can do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds unlike my semi truck doing it in about 0-60 in 60 seconds does not mean I always have to run my bike at 0-60 in 60 seconds or 5 seconds, but maybe start out 0-60 in 30 then 10 seconds? Except no tach to assist…gen 3 KLR 650 has none😂…. First bike. So let the learning begin🎉.
When doing a "tight" turn onto a side street or driveway, I get the bike downshifted into second gear. That way I can use the sound of the motor to help ensure that I have gotten down to the appropriate speed for that turn.
i often have the uneasy feeling when i get back into a car after riding a lot. I dont feel as safe in a car because i cant see as good. I know that sounds weird. I feel im more in control of a bike because A- better vision B-Im wrapping my leggs around the bike where a car is around me
Be careful you don't become over-confident on the bike. You should never feel entirely safe on a bike, you should instead always be wary and aware of your vulnerability.
Agreed. I also feel better on the MC in that I have the entire width of the lane to use, and I change my position constantly depending on traffic. When I get back in my truck, there is no wiggle room for safety should someone cross over the line (that happens quite a bit).
Hey Kevin, Great advice as usual. That looking ahead at hwy speed, any speed, and taking in the surroundings to make a good choice on what your going to do next is something l try to do at all times once that helmet goes on. Or the seatbelt goes on. Being relaxed and chilled on the bike helps me Njoy it, and allows me to react quickly when that situation requires. Ride safe so you can ride again. 👍🌞🖖🌈🌏💞
I've been asked this question many times, an my quick response is: know your bike an keep it under control, keep eye vision as far forward as possible, don't exceed your bike our your riding limits, no matter how much your cheered on! Remember, "Always Safety First"!
Only 1 thumbs up? Try this instead: in the 73 years of riding motorcycles, completing basic rider program, advanced rider program & instructor program (scoring 300 correct questions out of 300, perfect score)! This is my quick answer....
HAHAHAHA ! Experienced rider here, I thought the video was going to be about exactly the opposite subject XD. If I don't force myself to be mindful about my speed, I find myself riding naturally at 1.5X the speed limit. Naturally my brain finds cars sluggish, and my bike agile. So I purposely look down or on the side to remember and feel the speed I'm at, I count in how many seconds I'm on an obstacle etc.. To all new riders here, don't worry, false confidence comes faster than you think.
Great points you mention.I’m a thirty year veteran on a motorcycle in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.My favourite speed and comfortable speed is between 80 to 100 km( 40 to 55 miles) where I enjoy the ride and see scenery around me. Plus taking secondary roads. I try to avoid our biggest and busiest highway in North America (401) speed limit is 100km but a lot of motorists go 140 km. Don’t like it and my old bike couldn’t handle it.
I think fear of speed is the best reason to start out small. I started on a 50cc Miyapet on Guam doing a paper route in ‘63. I quickly went to a Triumph Tiger 250. The speed limit on Guam was 45mph. By the time we had a couple of years there I was fine when Dad was transferred back to Maine in the states.
Good to see your videos again. I stay away from over speeding thanks to all those UA-cam showing the results of dropping the bike even on a lower speeds. Especially, all those tech video from the helmet and jacket companies. It hurts just watching what happened to the body in a drop not alone the head !!!! I do not mind being called ,.......Chicken S**T.
I remember the first time going 50mph it felt like I was doing 80. Now I cruise at 80 on the highway and I feel like I’m going slow while everyone else passes me up. Even triple digit speeds don’t feel that fast but I only do that for a short burst .
After I get off an all day road trip at highways speeds... I catch myself speeding down the city streets and not noticing it... just seems I am going real slow compared to the rest of the day. Good thing I have a red MPH indication on my GPS when I am over the posted speed limit.
@@wflentge I think my bike has aftermarket front or rear sprocket because the speedo is off by 7-8 miles or so. I bought it used as my first bike but need to get a mount for my phone so I can run a gps speedo.
@@keltecdan OK, using the same GPS... my "10 Goldwing reflected 3-4 MPH, on the GPS less than the Speedo. On my "19 Goldwing ,the GPS reflects 2-3 MPH faster than the Speedo. Bikes are different and the mileage on the tires has a slight impact on the Speedo.
I had the same issue a couple of weeks after buying my first bike. In my case the root cause was wind, I could not tolerate it. The issue almost disappeared after installing a touring windshield (tall with a good wind protection). Then I put a thousand miles and I felt absolutely comfortable in city traffic.
Thanks Kevin, important points, especially with the vision. I think the topic for the next video can be the opposite of this issue, which is how to deal with the speed blindness that happens for riders and drivers after entering the smaller roads after long period of driving/riding on the highway.
Excellent example of speed distortion. I noticed the downward camera angle in the "how fast is this" clip and immediately looked to top right corner and started counting electric poles. Focused on the poles in the second clip too and correctly guessed both clips were at the same speed.
When I first started riding about 5 years ago I was scared to go more than 10 mph. I felt like the bike was going to shoot out from under me. I laugh about that now and ride 55 mph and more with no problem. I just worked up to the speed limit gradually.
On coming traffic gets me the most. I check my mirror's every 5 seconds, and I get this when I feel a rut an see a car, see a car and worry about a rut. I don't ride over 55 much at all. I did get out on a wide open road an did hit 75 for a second knowing the road was clear
Practice many skills in empty P lot @ various speeds. Ride when traffic is less. Both of above build confidence. A bike with good windshield helps. Wind in my area is commonly 60-80 Kms (annoying but better w windshield)
SOS is reduced chore for those of us who ride Goldwing or other bikes with cruise control, therefore we tend to look ahead more(?), at least I do. No need to me constantly being mindful of speed and legal speed limit once cruise is set. I/we ridden well over speed limit, Interstate 10 in Arizona, wide open stretch of highway where we can see for MILES down the road. It'll take a lot of seat time for any new rider to overcome the speed sensation, fear has it's reason for existing. That being said, some hotrod may not have that fear and that could be a disaster waiting to happen. Practice, practice, practice...experience will come eventually and he'll wonder what all that fear was about in the beginning.
I was wondering what motorcycle the new rider had. I am old school. Then most started riding on Honda 90s or similar in the dirt then over time changed to more powerful and heavier bikes. I think buying a lower size bike is a smart practice for new riders. Throttle control is far more forgiving. Balancing and physical recovery is easier. When I took a MSF course, they had a load of 250cc bikes of various brands. I had been riding for decades but MSF was required required when I moved to Texas. The 250s were fun to ride and easier. Things happen slower which is desirable for new riders.
I remember failing to reach 15 mph and losing points on the msf course test. Now I casually exit my parking garage at that speed. Weird how the brain works.
I had a different problem, the bike I had would only do 70mph so I found a long straight hill and got it up to 77 mph. My next bike solved the slow speed problem ( it was a Yamaha Virago 400cc), then I got a 750cc Honda and this I am keeping.
Would love to see a video on riding in the rain and speed in turns. Concerned with bike slipping out under me at times. I slow down at turns which is unsafe with traffic behind me
The wind is what gets me as a new rider. I'll go as long as I can until I feel uncomfortable then maybe turn around and go back to town to slower speeds. I do this more and more until I get use to it.
I found it to be a progressive thing...learner's course followed by time in the car park (lucky that I have one right next door to me that is locked but I have a key. So I was able to unlock and let myself in and then close it so I had the CP all to myself!!!)...then out onto my local streets. The first time I hit 60kmh (35 mph) it was scary!!! But after a few days of this, I hit the next level of road that had an 80kmh limit and was able to ride for 15 minuites non-stop. Doesnt sound long, but for the first time it was! After 6 months of around town and some main roads, I have been happy to get to 100kmh/60mph on the highways when needing to, to stay with the traffic flow. Like all things, start slow, and ride to your comfort and skill level. It will come naturally, and soon you will not be thinking about what you are doing re downshifting, braking, etc, as much, as it is all coming naturally. This then allows you to focus more on your road strategy as you now have more confidence in how to ride and manage the bike...enjoy!
Everyone’s SOS kicks in at a different time. My first experience with it was the first time I hopped on the highway. I had bought a 2000 1200cc sportster as my first bike. Love the thing and had no trouble learning on it. Fast forward to having been riding back and forth to work for a couple month on roads that really only top out at 50 or so, and I was running late to meet the wife for lunch. So I hopped on the highway. Oh yea, Sense of Speed kicked in around 65 and I had to force myself through it into the 70s because my head knew I was safer there, even if my “heart” was having a cow at the moment. Ever since, I have made it a point to hop on the highway every once in a while for experience sake. I can vouch for SOS going away with time. You just have to think your way through it and remember your training. AMAZING video as always!
Just my two cents but also make sure your bike and tires are in excellent shape. This has helped my confidence at higher speeds. I could then focus completely on my technique and keeping my head & eyes up. And of course, practice practice practice. You'll get used to it before you know it.
yesterday was my 3rd day riding, and i went to a water dig 10km from home on suburbs, i was going mostly at 25mph, but bc of wind, it felt even faster, i had a close call with a truck on a curve with a blindspot when i went too far wide, and only got saved by going straight out of the road ...
A typical drive in my car on the interstate or local highways scares the crap out of me. I used to count number of people absorbed in their cell phones. Now I just count the ones that AREN’T. I think rear end accidents especially the red lights are going to rise along with deaths.
Great points. Even car drivers don’t look far enough ahead. If they did they would switch lanes in time to avoid the bus, garbage truck or any other obstruction in their lane. Instead they get completely stopped which makes in harder to switch lanes in traffic. Ugh!
On my old BSA (oil in frame) I feel like I Am going 150 when she's up around 80-90 so I know I am with in the speed limit if I am not losing any parts ;)
I catch myself going faster than I should on streets and have no issues on the highway. Unless I'm trying to do low speed maneuvers but I'm getting better.
So, I have owned dirt bikes and atvs for the last 20 years. I have limited experience on street bikes though. 10 hours of riding like 8 years ago. Just purchased a 2020 z900... thoughts? I know its a little big but I’m not exactly starting at zero. I have a lot of experience just not so much on the road. Anyway, I’m excited and just wanted your opinion, I don’t think it’s to big but I’m sure other crash victims felt the same. Thanks.
I used an A2 (35 kw/47 hp) mt07 when doing my A2 licence road training. I had a massive problem riding under the speed limit. I frequently had to ride in very high gear or use a rear brake to reduce the everpresent acceleration (the cost of limiting power i guess). My 125 cc is easy i listen to the engine and when its screaming in second gear i know im around 30 mph/50kmh and when its just yelling in 3rd im around 60 kmph but the MT07 is just too much for me currently , even in its A2 limited form (thankfully i didnt buy it ). It is just too much effort to ride safely for me. although an r3 , ninja 400 or a cbr 500 would probably be more apropriate as my next bike because they dont have as much pull as the mt07 (basicaly torq) and are quite lethargic ***compared ***to it.
I bought a 883 Harley for my first bike and I really like the look of it but it doesn’t have a windshield. I’m getting allot of wind to the chest and helmet. Being a new rider it is keeping me from feeling safe when I go above 45. I’m considering getting a windshield for it to see if it helps.
My tip : I ride in the slower lane, that may have no sense when you are in a motorcycle but it makes me feel a lot safer. All the speedos gonna avoid your lane and the risk of someone merging into yours is eliminated.
When I got my first bike, I had never ridden on ANY street....just a parking lot for my MSF course. First time on the street, I stuck to neighborhood streets...30 mph felt like 60! Haha. After that I moved up to riding through town really really late at night so I could build confidence in my riding ability on the street AND get to know my bike better WITHOUT having to worry about traffic. Then after that, I finally hit the interstate, and rode from one end of town to the other. The wind was something that I was not prepared for! I had never experienced that feeling before. I learned at my own pace, and that would be my advice to other new riders commenting here...learn at your own pace! I got teased alot by my motorcycle riding friends, but I just took my time, and didn't pay any attention to them. After I gained confidence in my ability to control my bike, traffic and higher speeds didn't bother me.
Very well presented and explained. I had a very similar situation when I got back into motorcycling last year. Back in my early 20s when I first learned to ride I don’t remember anything scaring me. Now approaching 50 and having taking the MSF course and watching 1 million UA-cam videos, things are different. When I got my shiny new bike all insured and registered I found myself almost helpless past 45 mph. Below that I was having a blast. Above, I could feel the anxiety just build. I could imagine the deer running out from the tree line. The sense of speed was so strong that I couldn’t help but think that something terrible was wrong with me. Would I be able to get over this? I loved the slow speed work and the parking lot challenges but 50 mph was terrifying. The motion the noise, the wind the uncertainty. Maybe I was just too old or too wise.? Anyways, I’m glad to say that after 30 or 40 rides of consciously making my hands not white knuckle the grips, purposefully remind myself to relax, and just slowly increase the speed, everything is fine now. I didn’t realize how much my brain was working overtime. Now that a lot of it has become muscle memory, I’m a lot more comfortable and the experience is much more enjoyable - even at 60 mph.. amazing how easier things were when we were young and dumb…
I took months to work up to highway speeds, I stuck to slower back roads and parking lots for practice until I had more confidence in my skills handling the bike. Then it was a easy transition to higher speeds and traffic. Slow and steady worked best for me.
Absolutely I’m in the same boat brother, I’m a beginner rider, my first bike 2023 GsxR 1000, when I get up to high speeds I don’t feel stable for some reason
Kevin, I need to take on what you have on offer here more seriously. I had big wake up call on the weekend! Locked the wheels up after braking, and hence dropped the bike. Came off and my head hit the road surface. The visor of the helmet had scratches from the impact. Walked away from the accident with bruising and a wrist fracture. The one thing I did right, and prevented it from being a more bad situation, was I was wearing full protective gear. This includes motorcycle jacket with armour, motorcycle gloves, proper motorcycle boots, motorcycle cargo pants made from kevlar. If I hadn't been wearing it could have been death or severe injuries. I've subscribed to your channel but only looked at a few of your videos from time to time. It's time for me get serious about what you have on offer in full.
@@alangolightly9850
Yeah, I wish I had been wearing something like that, or a helite airbag, as my torso and ribcage might not as be as sore as they are still today. If I had been a total "squid" I'd be jacked up big time with serious life threatening injuries.
Attention all riders and those that are considering hopping on the back!!
I’ve been riding for 42 years and will NEVER...EVER....stop listening to a pro like Kevin and foolishly pretend I know everything. Listen to every word this man has to say and while you’re at it...tell any riding friends to watch all of these postings. Be smart!! Be safe!!👍🏾👍🏾
Dan
Victoria Canada 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Wind was a nightmare for me to begin with. It's absolutely true what you say, it just fades with experience.
Yep absolutely. I’ve been riding since June of last year and been riding almost everyday for at least 3-6 hours at a time. I’ve gotten used to the wind and it doesn’t even bother me anymore, but when I first started it puckered my butt especially on a high bridge.
Some times big Riggs can blow you around a bit, lol especially on a lighter bike like a 250(zxr 250) Kawasaki, I haven't owned a bigger bike yet.
@@fredorico41 Riding behind a large vehicle is a strange experience the first time too. The air is going all over the place!
Same. The first time I went about 80 mph. I was scared to death from the side draft and it was difficult. But now it is nothing me and I’m glad I got over that.
Something to think about. If you're looking 20 or even 50 feet in front you your bike at 65 miles an hour all your going to see is something you are GOING to hit, you don't have enough time to avoid it. Your eyes have to be a long way down the road to have enough time to avoid something. That it decreases your sense of speed is just a bonus in my book. This is an issue lots of folk have in cars or motorcycles, they're not enough "in front" of the vehicle to be able to handle situations before they become an issue. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.
Just got my first motorcycle a couple of months ago. Took the Cali written test and got my permit. Started to practice taking off to get used to clutch and not stall. Then worked up to riding around the block in 2nd gear, going 20 to 25 mph. Finally, I had to get gas and get on the main road and go 40 to 45mph. As soon as I hit 35 to 40, I got a little scared because of wind and if I could stop at the light up ahead correctly. After that, I wondered if i could even ride. I started to explain to other riders that my anxiety kicked in the faster I went. I thought it was just me. Then I came across this video, and it explained what I went through. I'm glad to hear there are others who went through same issue. I thought i was going to have to sell the bike and the jackets I just got. LOL. I guess I just need to keep practicing riding at higher speeds. Wish me luck. Training Course at Harley in a few weeks. Stay safe!
I just progressed a little at a time, the first time on the freeway was really scary, but now I prefer the freeway.
Same here. I’ve been riding since June of last year. I try to go out anytime it’s decent outside for 3-6 hours at a time. The first time I went 50mph was on my first day of riding which I had to go down the road at 50mph by accident. I nervous as hell I think I barley got up to 50. Now every around me seems to go so slow and I tend to go a little too fast so I have to pay closer attention to my speed.
I still avoid highways after a couple years of riding. I just enjoy the feel of things better from 40-60 rather than 60-90.
Most people do not understand that a motorcycle is self balancing at speed. Unless there is something seriously wrong with your bike, it cannot just fall over at road speeds.
Relax and let the motorcycle do what its designed to do: go straight and level and balance by itself. When you need to speed up or slow down, or turn then use the braking and countersteering methods you learned in the MSF course, and be confident that the bike will do exactly what you command it to do, with incredible precision.
Also wearing all your gear makes you feel more secure. Riding in a tee shirt, shorts and sneaker with a half helmet you should be afraid, because you are in danger of serious injury in a minor spill.
I also like to practice swerving during normal rides when in an uncongested area and no traffic. I will look ahead for a tar snake, spot of dirt or oil or something else in my lane and then swerve around it. Start out easy with gentle swerves and then gradually swerve more aggressively by waiting until the obstacle is closer before swerving and making a wider swerve. This teaches the feel of both initiating the swerve and also terminating it efficiently as both require countersteering. And it is good to practice both swerving to an offset line which you hold (two countersteers) or swerving to a temporary offset and then back to the original line (four countersteers).
And living in hill country with curvy roads, when I am stuck on a long straight in the Midwest, I often will just start swerving from the left side of my lane to the right side in ever decreasing arcs. Gives one a good feel for the dynamics of the bike at speed and breaks the monotony. Obviously, don’t do this around traffic or a police officer or you may end up taking a sobriety test. 😁
Great tip about looking up and farther ahead. Looking down is probably the main cause of the issue to most of the riders.
Looking far ahead is but one part of situational awareness: See as further up in time and distance as you can, not just in front of you, but around you as well.
Ear plugs are my must have.
I find it does 2 things. One. It protects my hearing. Two. By not hearing less noise, I don't realize at much how fast I'm going.
@@gfunk63901 Once you get used to wearing them it gets better. I feel naked without them now.
I want to wear them but always concerned it’ll dull my senses and I’ll miss a potential hazard
What a big difference it makes..eyes up 👍🏻🇦🇺
Yeah keep looking ahead and be alert of what's going up ahead on the road and have in the back of your mind that people don't see you 👍🇦🇺
Fairly new rider here. Two items that helped me:
Ear plugs got me from 35 to 50-55
Putting small windshield got me to highway speeds.
I don't recommend anything that makes you less likely to hear other traffic or emergency vehicles
@@caseyw.8325 you are aware that most ear plugs don’t affect hearing sirens and horns?
What they do help with is wind noise that can cause loss of hearing in long term.
@@Kris5344 Haven't heard of earplugs that are able to discriminate one noise over another... Interesting! I thought they just reduced noise overall? I will do some research. Thanks for the tip! I have been riding for over 30 yrs and never needed earplugs, this is a new thing. I will look into it more. Very interesting that an earplug can discriminate like what you say they do.... Must be very costly.
Kris K... how long have you been riding?
@@caseyw.8325 cheap foam ear plugs you get 50 for $5 are actually pretty good at it. It has to do with frequency of sound waves. Ryan at FortNine has awesome video review about ear plugs for motorcycle riders... he actually starts by eliminating one type that mutes too much.
I been riding for ~3 months but been using ear plugs at work and around laud tools for over 10 years. I can still hear forklift horns, beeps and even have normal conversation but at the same time I don’t have massive headache at the end of the shift caused by machine noise.
I started to learn riding a motorcycle about the same time that my oldest child was learning how to drive a car. I think this really helped me out. One of the things that I noticed was that many of the struggles I was having learning how to ride a motorcycle were reflected in my son. (And, I was able to better empathize with him and his struggles.)
One of those issues that we both had was driving at the speed of traffic, and one of my biggest issues (and his, too) was looking too much at the instrumentation. I was obsessed with making sure that I wasn't exceeding the speed limit. The truth of the matter is that is rarely an issue (I think) for new new riders and drivers. In a motorcycle, though, it is a bit exacerbated by the fact that, as shown in the video, when you are looking down at the instruments, you see the pavement zipping by in the background, which exaggerates the speed. Of course, with time, you begin to have a feel of the speed you're going without looking at the speedometer.
I remember when I first got my license and went for a ride when it was a little windy. Only went up to 90km/h but the wind noise really surprised me and the buffeting made me grab the bars and feel really uncomfortable.
Part of me wondered if I had made a mistake haha I havent owned a car in 3 years
Great advice. I’m a new rider as well. First time doing 55 mph I thought I was going to get pushed off the bike. 😂
Same here. I’ve been riding since June of last year but I go out almost everyday unless rain for at least 3-6 hours at a time.
In a similar situation, i took my BRC in 2020, I had practiced prior to the class and practiced afterwards but what i found very helpful was not moving up to the next level of speed until I felt I couldn't make a mistake. I probably did my first 100-200 miles in a parking lot and riding to said parking lot. All the roads between being residential roads that i could do no more than 30mph on. Once I had the skills in-grained for 30mph I moved on to 40mph and saw that my SOS wasn't causing me to panic, I had already gotten used to looking far up the road, all my other "tools" to ride a motorcycle safety were already pre-tuned and made making smaller step ups in speed easier. Likewise the first time I reached 60mph (in a 55mph zone) I did notice i needed more lean for through a curve, but I didn't panicked, why? I had experienced that same sensation at lower speeds making the adjustment easier and (in fact) my muscle memory took over without me needing to think about it. I pushed on my left grip, the bike leaned left, I continued on my way keeping up with the flow of traffic.
Thanks Kevin, from CT, USA. I remember the instructor from the MSF class "keep your head up!" And don't be distracted by that GPS or other on your bar, I'll be moving mine up.
My MC license was cobbled by mistake and non-use over the years, and the difference in taking the class in the 1980s and again in 2016 was night and day.
Additionally from experience riding is at least 50% more dangerous today, therefore I wear more gear than most.
Plug to Helite and their vest.
God speed to Texas and its citizens.
Oddly enough, the speed never bothered me. It was the turns from a stop lol.
Mine was a stop on a grade with incline to the right onto another road. I must have stalled a dozen times, and I could not figure it out and had to practice a lot.
I'm only have about 30 hours experience road riding ( in the UK) and for me doing 50-65 in flowing traffic never bothered me, riding even slowly around our very narrow twisty country lanes not knowing what's round the corner and with a car right on your tail scares me much more.
Yes, I have the same issue.
Make a complete stop, load your clutch without any brake use one or 2 feet to hold the motorcycle from moving foward. Look where you want to go, turn your steering in that direction than, counterweight, let the bike lean under you.
That is one of the hardest skills for me as well. Now with practice I do well. PRACTICE man!
Thanks Kevin, that all makes a lot of sense. Especially looking up and looking as far forward as you can see.
Thanks Kevin, God bless and stay safe.
Hi Kevin.
Here in England CBT ( compulsory basic training) is the course new riders have to pass , one day 6-8 hour course with 5 elements concluding with 2 hours on the road covering 30 mph 40 mph & 50 mph speed limit roads in my case and you are encouraged before getting to this element to use the speed limits ( obviously if safe to do so ) in comms with an instructor, personally I think this is good for new riders to experience 'normal' road speeds on a bike for the first time and the 2 hour session provides time to get a feel for the road on a bike under supervision.
I'm 53 and started riding last August after taking my MSF course. I put about 400 miles on the bike between August and December which was more than i was expecting to put on but the speed still freaks me out some. I prefer around 30.....getting used to 40 but 50 seems insanely fast. I am really hoping this is going to change this season (at least for the 50 mph)...I still feel the wind is trying to knock me off the bike !
Practice. Practice. Practice. Your confidence will increase a little every time you ride. I routinely return to the location of my BRC and run the exercises. I finally was able to do "the box" with no problem. It took me a while to adjust to the weight of my motorcycle (Triumph T120) from the TW used in the BRC. On the road, look as far down the road as possible, especially when cornering - look all the way through the corner. And, all the things Kevin mentioned early on - cross traffic at an intersection, am I in the right gear, etc. - it really does become second nature. I have been riding for just over a year and there is always something to learn. Stay well within your skills. Keep a safe distance (Kevin, I still count the seconds from the car in front of me as it passes a sign). This last one I have found to be an invaluable tip. Give yourself time to react to traffic, but road debris and hazards.
"(Kevin, I still count the seconds from the car in front of me as it passes a sign)."
I do to at times and I have been riding a long time.
Hi Kevin. Great to see you have defrosted.
Yes Kevin! You hit the nail on the head! The field of view that I had and all the cars around me is what scared me when I first started to ride.
Good suspension is important.
Many times you are hitting the highway when you're loaded up for a trip.
Extra weight on the rear will make the steering sqwirly at high speed and give you the dreaded death wobble if you grip the bars.
Shift forward on the seat, loosen up your grip on the bars.
Think about reducing the weight you carry and secure the load low and forward where possible.
Also, ear plugs will help you feel more comfortable riding at high speed.
I'll never forget riding my 2018 Scout home from the dealership. I had to take the freeway in Phoenix. I was a nervous wreck. It's only a 550 Lb bike so the wind can toss it around a bit.
A piece of advice I always give people is, don't look DOWN at the road. Don't even look at the road directly in front of your bike. If you think about it, you don't look down at the highway lines beside your car and you don't look at the road directly if front of your car; you're looking at where you're going...up the road! It takes away that feeling of speed somewhat. Some might argue; well shouldn't I look for road hazards? Well, if you spot a road hazard right beside your bike or 10 feet in front of you, it's too late to react at 65 MPH. You should be scanning around you, much like in a car, look for brake lights a quarter mile down the road. Look for road hazards 50 yards ahead of you and further. If you know what the traffic in front of you is doing, you'll have more than enough time to adjust and it won't be an issue. Also, I always made an effort to "notice" my counter-steering when going around a curve. Some folks who have been riding for years didn't realize they were counter-steering because it just felt natural. I wanted to see and feel the results myself. Once you see it in action and know that it works and understand it, it can build confidence.
YES!! "Aim high in steering". Nice job Kevin!!
Practice, I haven't been able to find a training course any place near by.but I ride as often as possible and practice most every day. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
I know that SOS can be terrifying for new *passengers* as well. I tell them to NOT look down at the ground in corners if they're afraid of falling, but rather to look farther ahead thru the corner, as I do.
Absolutely love the way you explain the info , thank you 🙏🏼 love this channel 👍🏼
Thanks Kevin, I took a motorcycle safety class last year I can relate what you are saying, I had to get my safety gear on took my Harley out in the country and took it up to 50 on a straight away in held it, everything seemed to get better,but I have done a lot of practice, the main thing is putting the work in and confidence will come.
I've always thought of SOS as Sense Of Survival. For the very reasons you mentioned, as new riders experience those sensations, it creates a modicum of fear. It makes them think they are in danger, and their survival instincts want to kick in. This is what often causes a "Knee Jerk Reaction" which often exacerbates the problem. Always great advice.
Thank you sir! Your teaching awesome!
God bless.
Looking as far down the road as possible not only decreases the SOS, but it also facilitates much earlier detection of potential upcoming hazards. That provides more time to plan for avoiding or mitigating those potential hazards. The more time to plan drastically reduces the potential for being taken by surprise and having to execute emergency maneuvers.
As an example, when traveling on an interstate and scanning as far ahead as possible (up to a mile or more), you can identify such potential hazards as a vehicle on the shoulder with its emergency flashers on. If there is other traffic around you, especially 18-wheelers, they will also need to deal with the vehicle on the shoulder. In most states, it is the law when passing a stopped vehicle on the shoulder to change lanes from the travel lane to the passing lane (providing a safe buffer) or to slow down by 20 or so miles per hour. When I can see the stopped vehicle in sufficient time, I can adjust my speed to allow space for those 18-wheelers to merge into my lane safely to pass the vehicle on the shoulder. I will even flash my brights to the trucker to let them know that I am slowing to provide space for them to merge. (Apparently, this is not something that truckers normally expect from car or motorcycle drivers, because on many occasions I have received a thankful wave from the trucker as I pass them after we've passed the disabled vehicle and the trucker has merged once again into the right lane.)
Anyway, the increased awareness provided by looking up and as far down the road as possible makes for a much safer, and thus enjoyable, ride.
That kind of respect on the road is always appreciated. Especially by experienced drivers who can tell that you thought ahead of the situation. And it gives positive emotions to both drivers.
And keep your eyes moving - left, right, ahead, mirrors in order to know all that is going on around you. It will take some effort at first to force yourself to keep your eyes moving but it's a good habit you need to develop.
Great tips thanks, I'll look up ahead more consciously next time.
A few years playing hockey when I was younger taught me all I needed to know about looking up while skating. Same skill translated to riding.
I have followed your for years, I am now monocular. Please talk more about that. Every advice would be great.
Great advice
Thanks Kevin. Great advice as always.
Glad you enjoyed it
I notice fatigue also effects SOS. When getting a little weary processing information slows down and the same speed starts to feel a little faster. I simply slow down a little, but keeping up with traffic if there is any till...."home sweet home!" Great video Kevin. Thanks again and God Bless!
One thing I learned as a long haul trucker in nearly 30 years of driving ,when I started out on a 15 speed transmission, was to note what gear was in use at upper and lower speed for each gear. When I would have to slow down for an intersection to turn at or go through or when someone cut me off and I had to stab the brakes and then resume acceleration. By glancing down at the speedometer, I could see the speed which told me what gear I had to be in.
So for an example on a ten speed transmission if I was doing 55 in tenth and had to slow for an off ramp to 35 I would divide 35/5mph per gear and drop down 3 gears.
Granted I could skip shift, but as I will experience when I start riding in April, I will have to learn each gears upper and lower range so when I drop 20 or 30mph, how many gears to drop before hand.
To me each gear represents a block of numbers for low and high values in each block (gear). Know each gears spread of range will tell me independent of what I feel or see, what gear I need to be in before a particular area. The trick for me will be adjusting to the fact that my bike will accelerate and de accelerate at greater speeds and in less times than my 80,000 pound semi. An early approach I will bring over and adjust is the longer brake times, slower acceleration times and longer following distances I currently use in my profession. Then compare them to my pickup truck and adjust my motorcycle handling accordingly. This will give me a base line to split between what I am used to, semi truck and pickup truck, and begin applying to the motorcycle as I accelerate more quickly but not too fast and same with slowing down. After all 55 in a semi, pickup or ATV or motorcycle is still 55. The differences are the same. In all 55 is 55. Except how fast or slow 55 to zero or zero to 55 occurs I know I can slow down from 55-0 in 290 feet as a semi, so no issues on a motorcycle. The trick will be getting used to doing so in less than that without skidding on a motorcycle. Or doing a wheelie at a stop light by mistake 😂.
Just because my bike can do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds unlike my semi truck doing it in about 0-60 in 60 seconds does not mean I always have to run my bike at 0-60 in 60 seconds or 5 seconds, but maybe start out 0-60 in 30 then 10 seconds?
Except no tach to assist…gen 3 KLR 650 has none😂…. First bike. So let the learning begin🎉.
When doing a "tight" turn onto a side street or driveway, I get the bike downshifted into second gear. That way I can use the sound of the motor to help ensure that I have gotten down to the appropriate speed for that turn.
i often have the uneasy feeling when i get back into a car after riding a lot. I dont feel as safe in a car because i cant see as good. I know that sounds weird. I feel im more in control of a bike because A- better vision B-Im wrapping my leggs around the bike where a car is around me
Be careful you don't become over-confident on the bike. You should never feel entirely safe on a bike, you should instead always be wary and aware of your vulnerability.
Agreed. I also feel better on the MC in that I have the entire width of the lane to use, and I change my position constantly depending on traffic. When I get back in my truck, there is no wiggle room for safety should someone cross over the line (that happens quite a bit).
For me when I drive me truck after riding motorcycle everything feels like watching slow motion movie. Just not enough things to do :)
Hey Kevin,
Great advice as usual.
That looking ahead at hwy speed, any speed, and taking in the surroundings to make a good choice on what your going to do next is something l try to do at all times once that helmet goes on.
Or the seatbelt goes on.
Being relaxed and chilled on the bike helps me Njoy it, and allows me to react quickly when that situation requires.
Ride safe so you can ride again.
👍🌞🖖🌈🌏💞
Thank you mate. Really needed this.
I've been asked this question many times, an my quick response is: know your bike an keep it under control, keep eye vision as far forward as possible, don't exceed your bike our your riding limits, no matter how much your cheered on! Remember, "Always Safety First"!
Only 1 thumbs up? Try this instead: in the 73 years of riding motorcycles, completing basic rider program, advanced rider program & instructor program (scoring 300 correct questions out of 300, perfect score)! This is my quick answer....
Thanks Kevin. The teacher/mentor...
HAHAHAHA !
Experienced rider here, I thought the video was going to be about exactly the opposite subject XD.
If I don't force myself to be mindful about my speed, I find myself riding naturally at 1.5X the speed limit. Naturally my brain finds cars sluggish, and my bike agile.
So I purposely look down or on the side to remember and feel the speed I'm at, I count in how many seconds I'm on an obstacle etc..
To all new riders here, don't worry, false confidence comes faster than you think.
Great points you mention.I’m a thirty year veteran on a motorcycle in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.My favourite speed and comfortable speed is between 80 to 100 km( 40 to 55 miles) where I enjoy the ride and see scenery around me. Plus taking secondary roads. I try to avoid our biggest and busiest highway in North America (401) speed limit is 100km but a lot of motorists go 140 km. Don’t like it and my old bike couldn’t handle it.
I think fear of speed is the best reason to start out small. I started on a 50cc Miyapet on Guam doing a paper route in ‘63. I quickly went to a Triumph Tiger 250. The speed limit on Guam was 45mph. By the time we had a couple of years there I was fine when Dad was transferred back to Maine in the states.
Good to see your videos again. I stay away from over speeding thanks to all those UA-cam showing the results of dropping the bike even on a lower speeds. Especially, all those tech video from the helmet and jacket companies. It hurts just watching what happened to the body in a drop not alone the head !!!! I do not mind being called ,.......Chicken S**T.
BTW...How do you like your GW so far? I have the 20 DCT Tour.
I remember the first time going 50mph it felt like I was doing 80. Now I cruise at 80 on the highway and I feel like I’m going slow while everyone else passes me up. Even triple digit speeds don’t feel that fast but I only do that for a short burst .
After I get off an all day road trip at highways speeds... I catch myself speeding down the city streets and not noticing it... just seems I am going real slow compared to the rest of the day. Good thing I have a red MPH indication on my GPS when I am over the posted speed limit.
@@wflentge I think my bike has aftermarket front or rear sprocket because the speedo is off by 7-8 miles or so. I bought it used as my first bike but need to get a mount for my phone so I can run a gps speedo.
@@keltecdan OK, using the same GPS... my "10 Goldwing reflected 3-4 MPH, on the GPS less than the Speedo. On my "19 Goldwing ,the GPS reflects 2-3 MPH faster than the Speedo. Bikes are different and the mileage on the tires has a slight impact on the Speedo.
Excellent video!
Thank god it rained a lot here in the DFW area so that it washed the sand away at these intersections from the snow storms we had.
I had the same issue a couple of weeks after buying my first bike. In my case the root cause was wind, I could not tolerate it. The issue almost disappeared after installing a touring windshield (tall with a good wind protection). Then I put a thousand miles and I felt absolutely comfortable in city traffic.
Thanks Kevin, important points, especially with the vision. I think the topic for the next video can be the opposite of this issue, which is how to deal with the speed blindness that happens for riders and drivers after entering the smaller roads after long period of driving/riding on the highway.
Excellent example of speed distortion. I noticed the downward camera angle in the "how fast is this" clip and immediately looked to top right corner and started counting electric poles. Focused on the poles in the second clip too and correctly guessed both clips were at the same speed.
When I first started riding about 5 years ago I was scared to go more than 10 mph. I felt like the bike was going to shoot out from under me. I laugh about that now and ride 55 mph and more with no problem. I just worked up to the speed limit gradually.
Nice one
Riding a motorcycle is like flying close to the ground!
I have same nice flying feeling when i ride my motorcycle & when i am doing snowboard.
Or riding a snowmobile in powder snow!
Nothing but meat to payment brother! Gotta love it!
Very timely video sir. Thank you.
Amazing knowledge that I rely on
Great video.
On coming traffic gets me the most. I check my mirror's every 5 seconds, and I get this when I feel a rut an see a car, see a car and worry about a rut. I don't ride over 55 much at all.
I did get out on a wide open road an did hit 75 for a second knowing the road was clear
Look up. Good advice for riding. Good advice for life, too.
Have always had the absolute opposite problem!
Practice many skills in empty P lot @ various speeds.
Ride when traffic is less.
Both of above build confidence.
A bike with good windshield helps.
Wind in my area is commonly
60-80 Kms (annoying but better w windshield)
SOS is reduced chore for those of us who ride Goldwing or other bikes with cruise control, therefore we tend to look ahead more(?), at least I do. No need to me constantly being mindful of speed and legal speed limit once cruise is set.
I/we ridden well over speed limit, Interstate 10 in Arizona, wide open stretch of highway where we can see for MILES down the road.
It'll take a lot of seat time for any new rider to overcome the speed sensation, fear has it's reason for existing.
That being said, some hotrod may not have that fear and that could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Practice, practice, practice...experience will come eventually and he'll wonder what all that fear was about in the beginning.
I was wondering what motorcycle the new rider had. I am old school. Then most started riding on Honda 90s or similar in the dirt then over time changed to more powerful and heavier bikes. I think buying a lower size bike is a smart practice for new riders. Throttle control is far more forgiving. Balancing and physical recovery is easier. When I took a MSF course, they had a load of 250cc bikes of various brands. I had been riding for decades but MSF was required required when I moved to Texas. The 250s were fun to ride and easier. Things happen slower which is desirable for new riders.
I remember failing to reach 15 mph and losing points on the msf course test. Now I casually exit my parking garage at that speed. Weird how the brain works.
Thanks!
I had a different problem, the bike I had would only do 70mph so I found a long straight hill and got it up to 77 mph. My next bike solved the slow speed problem ( it was a Yamaha Virago 400cc), then I got a 750cc Honda and this I am keeping.
Would love to see a video on riding in the rain and speed in turns. Concerned with bike slipping out under me at times. I slow down at turns which is unsafe with traffic behind me
@@alangolightly9850 thank you i will do that
@@alangolightly9850 hey Alan quick question when you say turn bars you mean counter steering correct?
Thank you!!!
awesome! remember as a newbie, great advice.
The wind is what gets me as a new rider. I'll go as long as I can until I feel uncomfortable then maybe turn around and go back to town to slower speeds. I do this more and more until I get use to it.
Something I noticed about my Fatboy is wind on those solid wheels. I head that about Fatboys but didn't think it was true but you can feel it.
I found it to be a progressive thing...learner's course followed by time in the car park (lucky that I have one right next door to me that is locked but I have a key. So I was able to unlock and let myself in and then close it so I had the CP all to myself!!!)...then out onto my local streets. The first time I hit 60kmh (35 mph) it was scary!!! But after a few days of this, I hit the next level of road that had an 80kmh limit and was able to ride for 15 minuites non-stop. Doesnt sound long, but for the first time it was! After 6 months of around town and some main roads, I have been happy to get to 100kmh/60mph on the highways when needing to, to stay with the traffic flow. Like all things, start slow, and ride to your comfort and skill level. It will come naturally, and soon you will not be thinking about what you are doing re downshifting, braking, etc, as much, as it is all coming naturally. This then allows you to focus more on your road strategy as you now have more confidence in how to ride and manage the bike...enjoy!
Everyone’s SOS kicks in at a different time. My first experience with it was the first time I hopped on the highway. I had bought a 2000 1200cc sportster as my first bike. Love the thing and had no trouble learning on it.
Fast forward to having been riding back and forth to work for a couple month on roads that really only top out at 50 or so, and I was running late to meet the wife for lunch. So I hopped on the highway. Oh yea, Sense of Speed kicked in around 65 and I had to force myself through it into the 70s because my head knew I was safer there, even if my “heart” was having a cow at the moment. Ever since, I have made it a point to hop on the highway every once in a while for experience sake. I can vouch for SOS going away with time. You just have to think your way through it and remember your training.
AMAZING video as always!
Just my two cents but also make sure your bike and tires are in excellent shape. This has helped my confidence at higher speeds. I could then focus completely on my technique and keeping my head & eyes up.
And of course, practice practice practice. You'll get used to it before you know it.
I started riding as an adult. The first year I just rode around backroads.
yesterday was my 3rd day riding, and i went to a water dig 10km from home on suburbs, i was going mostly at 25mph, but bc of wind, it felt even faster, i had a close call with a truck on a curve with a blindspot when i went too far wide, and only got saved by going straight out of the road ...
A typical drive in my car on the interstate or local highways scares the crap out of me. I used to count number of people absorbed in their cell phones. Now I just count the ones that AREN’T. I think rear end accidents especially the red lights are going to rise along with deaths.
Hi Kevin. Both video looks the same speed if i understand anything.... Nice to see you online! All the best my lovely Lone Star
I have to ride my softail from the winter storage and I haven't rode on a highway yet I am nervous my brothers wish me luck guys I'm a new rider
Great points. Even car drivers don’t look far enough ahead. If they did they would switch lanes in time to avoid the bus, garbage truck or any other obstruction in their lane. Instead they get completely stopped which makes in harder to switch lanes in traffic. Ugh!
On my old BSA (oil in frame) I feel like I Am going 150 when she's up around 80-90 so I know I am with in the speed limit if I am not losing any parts ;)
I catch myself going faster than I should on streets and have no issues on the highway. Unless I'm trying to do low speed maneuvers but I'm getting better.
Take it easy you'll get it .
Its great that you ate back again 👍🏼🏍🏍🏍
After 30 year pause, I started riding an 1100 cc nervous for the first mile I have only done a little past 100mph but I WILL Conquer my fear
So, I have owned dirt bikes and atvs for the last 20 years. I have limited experience on street bikes though. 10 hours of riding like 8 years ago. Just purchased a 2020 z900... thoughts? I know its a little big but I’m not exactly starting at zero. I have a lot of experience just not so much on the road. Anyway, I’m excited and just wanted your opinion, I don’t think it’s to big but I’m sure other crash victims felt the same. Thanks.
I used an A2 (35 kw/47 hp) mt07 when doing my A2 licence road training. I had a massive problem riding under the speed limit. I frequently had to ride in very high gear or use a rear brake to reduce the everpresent acceleration (the cost of limiting power i guess). My 125 cc is easy i listen to the engine and when its screaming in second gear i know im around 30 mph/50kmh and when its just yelling in 3rd im around 60 kmph but the MT07 is just too much for me currently , even in its A2 limited form (thankfully i didnt buy it ). It is just too much effort to ride safely for me. although an r3 , ninja 400 or a cbr 500 would probably be more apropriate as my next bike because they dont have as much pull as the mt07 (basicaly torq) and are quite lethargic ***compared ***to it.
I bought a 883 Harley for my first bike and I really like the look of it but it doesn’t have a windshield. I’m getting allot of wind to the chest and helmet. Being a new rider it is keeping me from feeling safe when I go above 45. I’m considering getting a windshield for it to see if it helps.
When i first started riding, i had a weird sensation that I was going to fly off the bike. Lol, i still get the feeling occasionally 35 years later
My tip : I ride in the slower lane, that may have no sense when you are in a motorcycle but it makes me feel a lot safer. All the speedos gonna avoid your lane and the risk of someone merging into yours is eliminated.