The goal of this ride is to increase Nikki's confidence in her riding. We spent most of the time learning how to corner properly on her motorcycle. Lemme know if you like these videos!
you can really tell she is getting more experienced I had some corners I went in to fast having to brake in a corner sucks especially with a bunch of cars behind me So I'm probably around the same skill level as Nikki at this point I'm Jelly of all those nice straight roads you guys have over here it's nothing but corners
Thinking back to when I first started riding, something that really bothered me is that the MSF course didn't effectively explain turning at speed. They made counter steering sound so much more complex but of course ypu can't even try it on the course. I was worried that I would high side and didn't know that i had to hold the counter steer throughout the turn. I ended up counter steering, leaning the bike, thinking I could stop and the lean would continue throughout the entire turn. I ended up doing more of a saw though pattern.
@@chrisb9960 In Holland they don't even call it counter steering they just tell you to lean in use your hips squeeze the Tank with your knees and Press on the handle bars pressing left to go left sounds way less confusing then you have to Counter steer
@@lowridinv4636 corners sound Cooler XD same with calling it a Bike instead of a 2 stroke powdered rear wheel driven 2 wheeled cycle of Motor nah Bikes and Corners all day long
I started riding 50 years ago.....no vid , no coach.....just threw a leg over and went from there . I find all these instruction vids a little perturbing .....🤔
Hey dan i just want you to know that you and your videos saved me and my bike from wrecking in a ditch. Last week i took a turn on a country road too fast, i had never been on that road and i knew that if i applied brakes and turned i would either lowside or high side. I was able to think quickly and straightened out my bike and applied my brakes and just coasted into the ditch but kept my bike up the whole time. Im really proud of myself for being able to react quickly, i hope you see this
@@attemptingfreedom8192 seems to me he encourages you to learn how to subtlety Quickly followed by, "its an advanced technique. We just want to keep it to the basics as beginner riders."
As a woman still learning to ride, it’s a nice change to watch videos of a woman learning to ride. I like the fact that you emphasized “ride your own ride”. I learned that in class and think it’s very important for new riders to hear. Looking forward to seeing more!
Well done! Even though it is not required in South Africa, I wear a visibility vest over my jacket with a big, red letter L (for learner) on my back and chest. Some people tease me and say it looks very "uncool", but I do find that it buys me that extra little bit of patience and understanding from (most) drivers. Happy riding!!
Hey man! 56 year old new rider here...your vids have helped me a ton. I just joined. BTW, you are a lucky, lucky man to have a wife who shares this with you!
My wife actually got me into riding. She said it was her dream to get a bike and so we got two and it’s the most fun thing. I don’t think that it would be half as much fun without her. She’s amazing❤
Dude you're a fantastic teacher. I've been watching your videos and I just started riding. The calmness goes a looooong way, she sounds just like me when I get in my head, especially the fast talking.
Using the term “just dance with the bike” helped me feel so much more comfortable. After hearing it I got on my bike and instead of doing the push steering I used my hips more and i feel soooo much more confident on the turns. thanks for the mountain views again! Watching and learning with you Nikki!
As a brand new rider, this is exactly how I talk to myself and my husband behind me. We don't have Bluetooth yet but Everytime he stops next to me and we have to turn I tell him I'm scared and can't make the turn. He reassures me and I go and boom, make the turn. I live in a big busy city so no back roads yet but I'm getting more and more comfortable and I'm learning every single ride, every light, every turn, every stop. I've stalled a few times, I've made mistakes but with each one I'm also learning. I felt so good last night when I got home after our ride because the confidence keeps building and each ride I get better and better. Your videos are the most helpful and I love how patient you are. We've had to wave a few cars to pass or turn first and that's okay, of course I yell, "new rider" in my helmet lol.
My boyfriend is literally helping me now, I got my Honda cbr125 a week ago, and Ive been out on it everyday! Picked up gears quicker than I thought , love it :) nice watching girls ride 🏍️
Good for you! I'm taking classes in a motorcycle school now and I expect to get my riding license within a month. My learning bike is a Honda CB125F, really like it.
@@artemborodavka2770 Congrats! I have my CBT at the end of the month and am getting a Honday CB125F! I am so excited, how do you find it for a begginer bike?
@@FinleyAlice 125cc will get boring in a couple months. I am looking for some off-road adventure and I am considering Honda CRF300L as my #1 option. I believe a smaller and lighter motorcycle is a better choice for a beginner, it will make you learn faster and enjoy your ride more than a big heavy bike. On the other hand, any descent motoschool should give you enough skills to ride an 800cc or even bigger safely, so if that’s what you really want - go for it. In any case, as a motorcycle rookie I am going to take it slow at first, do some drills in an empty parking lot and always wear full gear.
@@artemborodavka2770 I do agree with you, and I know I wont be on a 125 longer than a year haha. I'm using a 125 to build up some confidence, and then it's easy to sell to newbies without losing loads of money :) I was contemplating a 300cc maybe after the first year to get my insurance down haha!
@@FinleyAlice one of my school instructors said the first motorcycle you buy will always be the wrong one. So going for inexpensive option is a good strategy :)
My own opinion is that I did not like that. A hill should be treated as a hill, it is not a vertical turn! What is wrong with treating it for what it is, and accept it has different implications - for instance, over a brow gives no sense of where the road is; whereas in a turn, or curve, there is a continuous revealing of the road. It is difficult to see if someone has crossed into your lane over a hill, very easy when they appear round a turn! It is a hill, not a turn!!! What point in simplifying this, other than condescension?
the tessellater if I have a orange, and I want to get through the outer layer to the fruit inside... do I call it the peel, or the rind? It’s not technically a peel but if you call it a peel, everyone knows what you meant.... if approaching a hill with no line of sight over it to the next portion, as you get closer to the apex of the hill, you will begin to see over it and any possible traffic on the other side.... it applies for curves too.... as you approach the apex of a curve you can see further around the curve and anything that may be there.
Jonathan Havens go take a motorcycle safety course you learn but a lot of information in two days this will make you not only a better rider but a rider with the knowledge of body bike management
@15:00 You obviously live in AZ, but up here in WA a cattle guard is a major obstacle when wet. They are steel and if you are leaning through a curve when you hit one (and it's wet)...you are done. It's best to straighten up and take them head on straight up, then compensate for a curve and hopefully you aren't going too fast for the curve or you're a gonner.
I did the whole MSF course and everything, but it's been almost six years since that and I've only ridden a handful of times. I was so nervous getting back on a bike after a four year gap and only maybe three or four hours on public roads on a bike before that. Your videos and how you present everything is so fantastic at helping knock the rust off and getting out there to practice again. Hands down the best videos for helping with learning on the internet.
Some others have said it, but I'll say it again. Your patience and your ability to explain things IN FREAKIN' REAL TIME are impressive. I noticed Nikki is looking through the turns really well, which is huge for a novice. Also, that scenery is unbelievable!
Dan, I have watched may be 20+ videos on youtube just about cornering but this is THE best one for a beginner as you are literally teaching in real time and Nikki doing it felt like I was virtually doing it together. Thank you for this awesome video. You are a great teacher!! I wish you were here local in NJ so I could hopefully have you as a teacher in person :)
I watched this video the day before I went for my learners permit and our instructor said to do the exact same technique lean over and look for cornering. It's made a noticeable difference... Loads of food advice in this video Thanks.
It's good that the two of you did, at times, just ride for the enjoyment of having fun. If you just dump information on her non stop, she won't remember all of it and it will take all the fun out of learning. It's called information overload.
This was amazing! I don't think new riders today have any idea how much top quality information they have access to through the efforts of people like yourself. Honestly, you have saved lives...many, many lives.
Hey Dan. I'm a new rider, just got my bike 2 weeks ago. I've been practicing slow turning in my apartment complex parking lot. Watching you videos helped me out a lot. I even watch the crashing ones, because it teaches you what not to do on a motorcycle. Always pay attention to everything (being a truck driver for years has helped with getting that mentality engrained in me, but the motorcycle is a level above that). Your calm demeanor when you present something makes me more confident. Keep up the good work!!! :)
I was actually a beginner learning to ride around the same time as Nikki was, so the videos helped me a lot with my theoretical knowledge before practicing on my own. Let's become confident riders together! Best of luck and have fun riding you both!
Your comments to hear about taking her time and make it her own ride earned you an instant sub. New rider and I really appreciate your attitude toward learning.
When you said something about attacking the turn and just leaning into it. It clicked in my head for whatever reason and now cornering is so much easier to me. Don't know why I never just tried that bit of forward lean toward that side. So thanks for that. Great series you two are doing.
I'm lucky to live somewhat close to country roads where there's not much traffic. But alot of gravel. Got my motorcycle almost a month ago and I just want to ride all the time now. Love your videos.
I never really realized I was doing the right thing when I was approaching wide curves. Makes me feel good to know my instinct was on point. Especially as a new rider.
I am a returning to riding after many years. I am very great full that you put a lot of emphasis on rider responsibility, awareness and riding defensive and pro-active. I have spent many many hours on your channel preparing myself to be safe and be aware at all times. Thank you very much for your valuable lessons.
If you had kept going straight where Nikki was asking, you would have ended up at Colossal Cave. Redington Pass is all the way at the end of Tanque Verde Road. If you guys had turned onto Freeman before you got to Saguaro Corners, that would take you to Speedway where you would make a left to head back to Houghton. (The view of the open valley and Santa Catalinas is awesome as you head north on Freeman, BTW)
You are doing great in this video and Nikki is a great student! At 76 yrs and many years of riding I've never seen a better instructor than you. If only young riders on sport bikes would learn that a motorcycles are not a toy and treat them with respect. I'm in Alabama and as far as I know there are no requirement for a safety course and we really need some. The state evens grandfather's motorcycle endorsements to ones license. Anyway thank you and always ride safe.
I'm a new rider and just started watching your vids. You're a good, patient teacher. It's a totally different landscape out there. I'm in New England and it's all winding roads in the woods or compact city streets. I'm nervous and going slow cuz there is no forgiveness on our roads. White line -dirt - stone wall - woods 😯
Well atleast yall have a better, or safer, licensing system. In the US you can take a written test and hop on a 1000cc bike, and kill yourself in no time.
Getting my lady into riding. Great guidance. She will watch this. I cant promise I'll be as calm as you are when we go on our first ride lol. But I will try. Riding in Pennsylvania alot of up down twistys
I'm in my late 30's and taking the MSF course this May. I've never rode before and I'm very excited. Just want you to know that your videos are very helpful; maybe more so before you start driving because it puts these thoughts in your head. Also, your wife is very lucky to be able to do this with you. Wish we were all so lucky to have a Dan to go out riding with us.
I got my 2011 CBR600F the other day and the 300+ miles that I have done already has been helped a lot by constantly thinking about what I see in your content. Thank you Dan
50cc scooter rider upgrading soon to 125-200cc motorbike. Your channel has made my scooter riding excel by leaps and bounds. I hate to see people riding 50cc without absolutely no PPE. I don't currently have "full moto" gear but I wear something. Can't wait to take all that I've implemented from here into my actual in-person motorcycle training and hit the road as a SAFE motorcyclist.
I’ve been riding for some years but when I was learning I couldn’t imagine having someone in my ear talking to me while I’m nervous already.. I mean I absolutely commend you and think your doing an awesome job in teaching new riders properly I can’t imagine how many lives it will save.. just me personally It would if made me more nervous with someone in my ear.. but gr8 vid keep it up! 👍
Thank you so much for your videos. Today was my first time out in traffic (not really considered traffic since there were max 4 cars in front and beside me but still) and I kept all your tips in mind and luckily made it back home in one piece with no falls!!
One word.... AMAZING! You’re a great teacher, Dan. After years of riding, a couple of closely timed mishaps - low speed gravel emergency stop resulting in a drop and getting rear ended in an intersection robbed me of confidence. I’m working my way back and your videos have been invaluable to me. The road looks really nice to ride on. If it’s not the Southern California desert where I live, it’s got to be the next best thing - Arizona.
This road is absolutely fantastic! Looking forward to get my licence wich is not that simple (in France) And then, I'll have my Rebel too! Just patience! Thank you Dan for all your videos on which I learn bit by bit.
Cheers for the vid Dan, you are so good to spend your time helping folk out. LEARNING TO RIDE A couple of observations. Some learners (like this one) are a little passive in their early riding. On a bike it is useful to be a pro-active. Its helpful to actively look for hazards especially corners, intersections and other road users - cars, bikes and pedestrians. Having identified a hazard it’s helpful to take decisive actions - like slowing down, speeding up, changing road position or in corners choosing a turn in point. Here’s a summary of basic riding and cornering techniques. 1. LOOK FURTHER AHEAD. A good street rider looks much further ahead. Using the natural and man made features (like road signs!) of the environment to judge which way and how sharp the next bend is. Why it works. Because the good rider effectively has more time than the rider who is looking just in front of his bike or even a little further ahead to the bike or car they are following. 2. SLOW HANDS. The good street rider doesn't charge the turn. They don't brake as late and as hard as possible. They roll off the throttle, brake, change gear and arrive at the corner at the speed they want to turn in. Why it works. The good rider is settled and composed at the road position and speed they want to be to make the corner rather than the rider who has charged the turn and now has to work much harder to settle the bike (and themselves!) to get the next parts of the corner right. 3. STAY WIDE LONGER. The good rider chooses a later turn in point. They stay wider towards the outside of the turn much longer. They wait until they have a line through the corner that allows them to clip the apex and apply more power at the exit. Why it works. By staying outside longer the good rider gives themselves much better visibility through the turn and sets themselves up for the turn in and acceleration phases. This is in contrast to the rider who turns in early following the inner edge of the turn reducing the radius, making the turn tighter and delaying the acceleration and drive phases of the turn. 4. SNAP OVER WITH COUNTER STEER. At their chosen turn in point the good rider snaps the bike over quickly to their desired lean angle (rather than tilting slowly) by applying firm pressure to the inside bar in the direction they want the bike to go. Why it works. As most know it's called counter steering and is the single most effective way to turn a bike. By contrast leaning over (like the women in this video) or even getting out of the saddle and hanging off does not turn the bike. Getting out of the saddle is a technique to keep the bike more vertical for a given radius and speed in a turn. It will allow you to go faster in a given turn but it will never turn the bike on its own. You need to counter steer. 5. STEADILY & CONTINUOUSLY ROLL ON THROTTLE. Once they have snapped the bike over the good street rider steadily and continuously rolls on the throttle. Accelerating through the apex and picking the bike up (again with counter steering) and driving through the exit. The only exception is turns of a decreasing radius. In those turns you would not have seen an exit. Why it works. Steady continuous roll on settles the bike as it loads the larger rear tyre. If you are accelerating for longer you are going to exit the turn faster and be faster overall throughout the whole turn. 6. PICK UP THE BIKE BEFORE YOU USE FULL POWER Having effectively squared off the turn with a late entry and snapping the bike over quickly. The good street rider seeks to pick the bike up again with counter steering and be nearer to the vertical before applying more power than the steady continuous roll on. Why it works. A later turn in with a later exit allows the rider to move back towards the vertical and apply more power earlier. This is in contrast to a common mistake of applying higher power (beyond a steady & continuous roll on) while at lean. A common crash at track days is riders who attempt to tighten a turn and accelerate at the same time - usually in pursuit of getting a knee down. If you are tightening your turn - don’t also accelerate as you will eventually run out of grip. Thanks again for the vid.
I just purchased my very first motorcycle.. it is an old classic 350 enfield.. I will be practicing on the high road next week.. I will try to remember everything you have shown in these videos.. thanks.. godbless
One hell of a great video. As I just purchased my 1st motocycle( H\D Road King) never been on a motorcycle before and I've learned so much on my own some of the things your teaching her I've learned too. I will be taking a class soon
Love these videos, living vicariously through them. My bike has been in the shop for a month now, insurance is dragging their feet, so they haven’t even started the work yet.
Great vid!! Was enjoyable to take the ride with you guys & hear nice calm instruction. Dan is the man. Saving lives , one video at a time. Appreciate all of them. I have dirt experience, but just purchased my first street bike. So every video helps prepare my mental thoughts before I hit the road. Keep up the great work,!!
New or old rider it never hurts to refresh on the basics. Good video Dan. I used to live in Tucson and boy do I miss it, such a beautiful place! Stay safe!
Dan Dan, Nikki... Just brilliantly beautifully good stuff, I've cycled for over 25yrs, but I am so more inspired as a new motorcyclist... Thank you both fo making motorcycling a brighter place to be. Bless you both... Cheers 🙏
I'd say, as a newer rider, definitely keep looking far ahead, and try to approach on the outside and move through on the inside so it widens (or straightens) your curves. As always, head on a swivel. You've got this! Your bike goes where you're looking and find you comfortable speed. Best of luck out there!
Thanks Dan been smashing through your videos. Your voice plays in my head while I am out riding only in my first 1600miles of riding and have learnt some valuable info thank you. I am really enjoying your lessons with the missus good stuff and she sounds like a good student.. lol. From Sydney Australia 👍🏻🇦🇺
Just bought my bike 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to that first ride since the MSF. This video was great to see because it reminded me of what to think about in the twistys. Also the comment about straightening up and saving the bike below was an excellent reminder too. Thanks for what you do. Between you and Yammie I feel ready to enjoy this bike.
Dan you're a very good instructor and I enjoy watching your videos. I've taught my son to ride and helped him work through the Rider's Safety Course but admit I tend to push a little harder in sport riding, as he's in his second season of riding. He's very good at knowing his own limits and sticking with it. In real twisty stuff I'll typically go faster through the curves and wait for him on the other side. I want him to feel comfortable leaning his bike over and showing him my lines through a curve at safe speeds hopefully does that. He's much better this summer than last year and continues to gain confidence each time he rides. His bike is a Yamaha FZ6 and I ride a Kawasaki Versys 650 but he has his eye on an FZ1. I've continue to remind him that his riding confidence will grow much faster on a bike he can control. My cousin bought a bike that was well beyond his skill level too early and it scared him so much he sold his bike and no longer rides. It could be motorcycling was not for him (everybody does things that cause risk, the individual has to determine what risk they are willing to take) but I'm hoping motorcycling for my son is a life-long adventure. So thanks for what you do and sharing it with us through these videos.
Dan, please make more videos like this. It’s great for us when we are teaching our significant others how to ride, it gives us pointers also what to teach them.
I was up in arizona around the catalina mountains to get my first motorcycle this weekend, and now im here watching your videos to help learn how to ride lol
The inputs are very subtle at speed. Eyes up looking for trouble. Road signs are very important. I tell myself when riding that I have one job, looking as far out as I can looking for trouble. Scanning the road for debris also.
Just saw this video and thanks for this. It puts ease on my mind with how easy your voice is and how patient you are. I'm not riding yet but I will be soon and I may come back to this video while I'm riding.
Man I love those American roads! So big and open and really empty. The U.K. roads suck so bad, narrow contested things for the most part. I’m a new rider myself, and would love to learn on those roads instead. It’s great fun watching you pair doing the rides too!
Great teaching video and well done Nikki. You came a long way already. Remember also on curves to choose the correct entry line. Start the corner wide then move in and then wide again. That way you have more control, reduce the risk of running wide or over centre line and have more visibility throughout the whole corner which means you can get onto a positive throttle quicker to have a more stable bike through the corner. Great stuff you guys. Keep it up. Cheers from New Zealand 👌😏
Good stuff, I have been riding about a month now, new rider, 51, you guys are awesome. if I ever come to Tucson, I will have to look you guys up. I used to live there years ago, been in Phoenix most of my life...born and raised. I like Tucson though. Where you guys ride is a good place to learn riding. I have to ride late at night alot to sharpen my skills....too much traffic here in the valley.
Love your videos you make it look so easy and you explain things so clearly and easy to understand , I went out and tried things out and surprised the hell out of myself, I will clearly recommend your videos to everyone thanks ken
Thank you Dan 😊 you are a master at it 👍👏 i tell you what 😳 i recently bought a brand new 2019 CB1000-R and i have not ridden in 20 years ! Too much of a bike for me & my skill level, but i washed it with Holly Water + it being a Honda known for confidence riding & Agility it saved me in many corners while going 15 miles over the limit 😀
Had to say Thank you, watched your video on corners and followed it, my confidence is up there now, your way has showed me how to be more comfortable on a road that I had a serious accident on 20yrs ago in a car but on a bike I'd avoided it ...Thank u ❤️ I'm finally free 😂 xx
I love these videos with Nikki! They are so helpful with you telling her to lean into the turns and different things to watch out for. It’s helpful seeing a new rider go through things I’ll be going through soon!
Nice video, and good job Nikki. I just started riding a month ago, so I really appreciated this video. I rode from Reno to Lake Tahoe a couple weeks ago and had to keep pulling off to let traffic go by. One of the last times I pulled over, on my way back down the hill, I didn’t notice that the pull out was completely covered in sand. I didn’t drop the bike, but it definitely got my heart going as the bike wiggled around underneath me. It was a really stupid mistake. In the moment, I got a little too caught up with the traffic behind me and wasn’t focusing enough on potential hazards.
This really helped , both my instructors at my program that I’m currently in seemed annoyed and seemed like they didn’t want to be there or help, while they did their jobs fine, I still think that being more calmer and having a better attitude like yours will help a lot more. one of the instructors was leading me and trying to guide me through the process but started screaming and waving her arms which made me really distracted and eventually in an embarrassing moment , the bike dropped. on top of that I can see that their facial expressions were a bit grouchy and it made me lose a little confidence in my riding but I plan to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for saying street names!!! I never went that way on OST and I’ve found other areas to practice because of you guys’ videos. I haven’t braved the highway yet but I plan on doing just like I saw on your video kolb, i10, houghton, home! Thx a bunch
Hey Dan, I don't normally comment but I just wanted to thank you for your videos! I only bought my bike a month ago and your videos have helped me so so much ☺ your tips are great and have really stuck in my head 😁 keep it up!
Like your approach to teaching. And i do like Nikki's feedback, if she doesnt know, please let her know that it does help at least one other person. Love seeing you guys ride together and her progress.
The goal of this ride is to increase Nikki's confidence in her riding. We spent most of the time learning how to corner properly on her motorcycle. Lemme know if you like these videos!
you can really tell she is getting more experienced I had some corners I went in to fast having to brake in a corner sucks especially with a bunch of cars behind me So I'm probably around the same skill level as Nikki at this point I'm Jelly of all those nice straight roads you guys have over here it's nothing but corners
Thinking back to when I first started riding, something that really bothered me is that the MSF course didn't effectively explain turning at speed. They made counter steering sound so much more complex but of course ypu can't even try it on the course. I was worried that I would high side and didn't know that i had to hold the counter steer throughout the turn. I ended up counter steering, leaning the bike, thinking I could stop and the lean would continue throughout the entire turn. I ended up doing more of a saw though pattern.
@@chrisb9960 In Holland they don't even call it counter steering they just tell you to lean in use your hips squeeze the Tank with your knees and Press on the handle bars pressing left to go left sounds way less confusing then you have to Counter steer
Why is it called "corner on a motorcycle" ( just means going around a bend?)
@@lowridinv4636 corners sound Cooler XD same with calling it a Bike instead of a 2 stroke powdered rear wheel driven 2 wheeled cycle of Motor nah Bikes and Corners all day long
As a brand new rider, I have spent more time watching your videos than riding, your vids are a great help and confidence booster. Thank you
That’s a bad idea
@@ctsvblk naw i think it helps you especially as a beginner. The most important thing is don't be nervous and learn, know what to do.
This can't be real
I started riding 50 years ago.....no vid , no coach.....just threw a leg over and went from there . I find all these instruction vids a little perturbing .....🤔
@@mikeandrews1899 well sir I find you perturbing..... jk happy to see an og... ive been riding for about 4 years now but enjoy watching someone learn
Hey dan i just want you to know that you and your videos saved me and my bike from wrecking in a ditch. Last week i took a turn on a country road too fast, i had never been on that road and i knew that if i applied brakes and turned i would either lowside or high side. I was able to think quickly and straightened out my bike and applied my brakes and just coasted into the ditch but kept my bike up the whole time. Im really proud of myself for being able to react quickly, i hope you see this
Wow man. I am so happy you're here and ok. I'm proud of you for saving it!
His video Saved me too. Watch DDFM demonstrate practicing counter steering.
What does Dan think about Trail Braking?
Good job. Scary situation. Glad you and your bike are ok.
@@attemptingfreedom8192 seems to me he encourages you to learn how to subtlety
Quickly followed by, "its an advanced technique. We just want to keep it to the basics as beginner riders."
As a woman still learning to ride, it’s a nice change to watch videos of a woman learning to ride. I like the fact that you emphasized “ride your own ride”. I learned that in class and think it’s very important for new riders to hear. Looking forward to seeing more!
sex does not alter your riding technique.
your attitude smells of feminism/sexism.
Well done! Even though it is not required in South Africa, I wear a visibility vest over my jacket with a big, red letter L (for learner) on my back and chest. Some people tease me and say it looks very "uncool", but I do find that it buys me that extra little bit of patience and understanding from (most) drivers. Happy riding!!
I've said it once before but being how calm you are with her being new is what brought me to your channel. Great job!
same he did great
Yes, it’s not easy for men to stay calm when their girl is learning. It freaks my boyfriend out haha
Hey man! 56 year old new rider here...your vids have helped me a ton. I just joined. BTW, you are a lucky, lucky man to have a wife who shares this with you!
My wife actually got me into riding. She said it was her dream to get a bike and so we got two and it’s the most fun thing. I don’t think that it would be half as much fun without her. She’s amazing❤
Dude you're a fantastic teacher. I've been watching your videos and I just started riding. The calmness goes a looooong way, she sounds just like me when I get in my head, especially the fast talking.
Using the term “just dance with the bike” helped me feel so much more comfortable. After hearing it I got on my bike and instead of doing the push steering I used my hips more and i feel soooo much more confident on the turns.
thanks for the mountain views again!
Watching and learning with you Nikki!
As a brand new rider, this is exactly how I talk to myself and my husband behind me. We don't have Bluetooth yet but Everytime he stops next to me and we have to turn I tell him I'm scared and can't make the turn. He reassures me and I go and boom, make the turn. I live in a big busy city so no back roads yet but I'm getting more and more comfortable and I'm learning every single ride, every light, every turn, every stop. I've stalled a few times, I've made mistakes but with each one I'm also learning. I felt so good last night when I got home after our ride because the confidence keeps building and each ride I get better and better. Your videos are the most helpful and I love how patient you are. We've had to wave a few cars to pass or turn first and that's okay, of course I yell, "new rider" in my helmet lol.
Definitely get a Bluetooth set if yall havnt already! Although I'm sure by now you're pretty comfortable riding
My boyfriend is literally helping me now, I got my Honda cbr125 a week ago, and Ive been out on it everyday! Picked up gears quicker than I thought , love it :) nice watching girls ride 🏍️
Good for you! I'm taking classes in a motorcycle school now and I expect to get my riding license within a month. My learning bike is a Honda CB125F, really like it.
@@artemborodavka2770 Congrats! I have my CBT at the end of the month and am getting a Honday CB125F! I am so excited, how do you find it for a begginer bike?
@@FinleyAlice 125cc will get boring in a couple months. I am looking for some off-road adventure and I am considering Honda CRF300L as my #1 option.
I believe a smaller and lighter motorcycle is a better choice for a beginner, it will make you learn faster and enjoy your ride more than a big heavy bike. On the other hand, any descent motoschool should give you enough skills to ride an 800cc or even bigger safely, so if that’s what you really want - go for it.
In any case, as a motorcycle rookie I am going to take it slow at first, do some drills in an empty parking lot and always wear full gear.
@@artemborodavka2770 I do agree with you, and I know I wont be on a 125 longer than a year haha. I'm using a 125 to build up some confidence, and then it's easy to sell to newbies without losing loads of money :) I was contemplating a 300cc maybe after the first year to get my insurance down haha!
@@FinleyAlice one of my school instructors said the first motorcycle you buy will always be the wrong one. So going for inexpensive option is a good strategy :)
"hills are vertical turns" galaxy brain 😂
Technically the truth tho?
My own opinion is that I did not like that. A hill should be treated as a hill, it is not a vertical turn! What is wrong with treating it for what it is, and accept it has different implications - for instance, over a brow gives no sense of where the road is; whereas in a turn, or curve, there is a continuous revealing of the road.
It is difficult to see if someone has crossed into your lane over a hill, very easy when they appear round a turn!
It is a hill, not a turn!!! What point in simplifying this, other than condescension?
the tessellater if I have a orange, and I want to get through the outer layer to the fruit inside... do I call it the peel, or the rind? It’s not technically a peel but if you call it a peel, everyone knows what you meant.... if approaching a hill with no line of sight over it to the next portion, as you get closer to the apex of the hill, you will begin to see over it and any possible traffic on the other side.... it applies for curves too.... as you approach the apex of a curve you can see further around the curve and anything that may be there.
I love these video. I'm a new rider and am learning alot by watching you teach her. Thanks to the both of you!
Jonathan Havens go take a motorcycle safety course you learn but a lot of information in two days this will make you not only a better rider but a rider with the knowledge of body bike management
I feel the same I’m a new rider people think I am seasoned but not even close .
Dustin Gordon Sometimes is a lot info in only two day . But yes is good to have this safety course. I’m in one here is LA CMSP WMA
@15:00 You obviously live in AZ, but up here in WA a cattle guard is a major obstacle when wet. They are steel and if you are leaning through a curve when you hit one (and it's wet)...you are done. It's best to straighten up and take them head on straight up, then compensate for a curve and hopefully you aren't going too fast for the curve or you're a gonner.
Not too many would take the time to teach the fundamentals of riding, Kudos to you and Nikki for her learning and not giving up.
I did the whole MSF course and everything, but it's been almost six years since that and I've only ridden a handful of times. I was so nervous getting back on a bike after a four year gap and only maybe three or four hours on public roads on a bike before that. Your videos and how you present everything is so fantastic at helping knock the rust off and getting out there to practice again. Hands down the best videos for helping with learning on the internet.
How to practice counter steering was the best was the single best video from any youtube have watched.
It saved my bacon, when I needed it.
Thanks.
Some others have said it, but I'll say it again. Your patience and your ability to explain things IN FREAKIN' REAL TIME are impressive. I noticed Nikki is looking through the turns really well, which is huge for a novice.
Also, that scenery is unbelievable!
I loved this vid, for two reasons. 1) teaching cornering safely and sensibly 2) the awesome landscape!!!
Dan, I have watched may be 20+ videos on youtube just about cornering but this is THE best one for a beginner as you are literally teaching in real time and Nikki doing it felt like I was virtually doing it together. Thank you for this awesome video. You are a great teacher!! I wish you were here local in NJ so I could hopefully have you as a teacher in person :)
Dude, you're an awesome teacher. I just purchased my first bike two weeks ago and have been watching you since. Great job!
Dan, I've been riding for about 8 years now and I truly believe you made me a better rider. Thank you!
I watched this video the day before I went for my learners permit and our instructor said to do the exact same technique lean over and look for cornering. It's made a noticeable difference...
Loads of food advice in this video
Thanks.
Love how you talk her through things, that's what I neef
We all neef it !
i neef that too !!
Yeah, I like these Nikki learning videos.
It's good that the two of you did, at times, just ride for the enjoyment of having fun. If you just dump information on her non stop, she won't remember all of it and it will take all the fun out of learning. It's called information overload.
I am an older rider, but I enjoy watching these videos because there is no harm in reminding myself of the basics.
This was amazing! I don't think new riders today have any idea how much top quality information they have access to through the efforts of people like yourself. Honestly, you have saved lives...many, many lives.
Hey Dan. I'm a new rider, just got my bike 2 weeks ago. I've been practicing slow turning in my apartment complex parking lot. Watching you videos helped me out a lot. I even watch the crashing ones, because it teaches you what not to do on a motorcycle. Always pay attention to everything (being a truck driver for years has helped with getting that mentality engrained in me, but the motorcycle is a level above that). Your calm demeanor when you present something makes me more confident.
Keep up the good work!!! :)
I was actually a beginner learning to ride around the same time as Nikki was, so the videos helped me a lot with my theoretical knowledge before practicing on my own. Let's become confident riders together! Best of luck and have fun riding you both!
This series is so great for me. I'm a new rider on the road. So. I have a lot more confidence now, because of these videos.
These teaching nikki videos have taught me so much that I have been wondering from riding (new rider a couple weeks in)
I was pretending to be Nikki! Envisioning my first ride on curves!! You did great teaching and she did AWESOME!!!
I love that exact ride... I have taken it many times and it never gets old. I have seen so many beautiful sunsets and moon rises there. Good stuff.
Your comments to hear about taking her time and make it her own ride earned you an instant sub. New rider and I really appreciate your attitude toward learning.
I remember those days so well!!! Nikki did great and by now she must be a pro!! Great job!!
As a returning rider these tutorials are a great way to blow out some cobwebs before on-bike refresher classes.
When you said something about attacking the turn and just leaning into it. It clicked in my head for whatever reason and now cornering is so much easier to me. Don't know why I never just tried that bit of forward lean toward that side. So thanks for that. Great series you two are doing.
I'm lucky to live somewhat close to country roads where there's not much traffic. But alot of gravel. Got my motorcycle almost a month ago and I just want to ride all the time now. Love your videos.
adventure/dual sport bike? sounds like the solution
The "HOE" on Nikki's Helmet gets me everytime :D
Yeah I was "distracted" by the same thing. Now my mind is far from cycle safety.
LOL Shoei for the win!
I never really realized I was doing the right thing when I was approaching wide curves. Makes me feel good to know my instinct was on point. Especially as a new rider.
I am a returning to riding after many years. I am very great full that you put a lot of emphasis on rider responsibility, awareness and riding defensive and pro-active. I have spent many many hours on your channel preparing myself to be safe and be aware at all times. Thank you very much for your valuable lessons.
If you had kept going straight where Nikki was asking, you would have ended up at Colossal Cave. Redington Pass is all the way at the end of Tanque Verde Road. If you guys had turned onto Freeman before you got to Saguaro Corners, that would take you to Speedway where you would make a left to head back to Houghton. (The view of the open valley and Santa Catalinas is awesome as you head north on Freeman, BTW)
You are doing great in this video and Nikki is a great student! At 76 yrs and many years of riding I've never seen a better instructor than you. If only young riders on sport bikes would learn that a motorcycles are not a toy and treat them with respect. I'm in Alabama and as far as I know there are no requirement for a safety course and we really need some. The state evens grandfather's motorcycle endorsements to ones license. Anyway thank you and always ride safe.
I'm a new rider and just started watching your vids. You're a good, patient teacher. It's a totally different landscape out there. I'm in New England and it's all winding roads in the woods or compact city streets. I'm nervous and going slow cuz there is no forgiveness on our roads. White line -dirt - stone wall - woods 😯
Well atleast yall have a better, or safer, licensing system. In the US you can take a written test and hop on a 1000cc bike, and kill yourself in no time.
Getting my lady into riding. Great guidance. She will watch this. I cant promise I'll be as calm as you are when we go on our first ride lol. But I will try. Riding in Pennsylvania alot of up down twistys
I'm in my late 30's and taking the MSF course this May. I've never rode before and I'm very excited. Just want you to know that your videos are very helpful; maybe more so before you start driving because it puts these thoughts in your head. Also, your wife is very lucky to be able to do this with you. Wish we were all so lucky to have a Dan to go out riding with us.
I got my 2011 CBR600F the other day and the 300+ miles that I have done already has been helped a lot by constantly thinking about what I see in your content. Thank you Dan
50cc scooter rider upgrading soon to 125-200cc motorbike. Your channel has made my scooter riding excel by leaps and bounds. I hate to see people riding 50cc without absolutely no PPE. I don't currently have "full moto" gear but I wear something. Can't wait to take all that I've implemented from here into my actual in-person motorcycle training and hit the road as a SAFE motorcyclist.
I’ve been riding for some years but when I was learning I couldn’t imagine having someone in my ear talking to me while I’m nervous already.. I mean I absolutely commend you and think your doing an awesome job in teaching new riders properly I can’t imagine how many lives it will save.. just me personally It would if made me more nervous with someone in my ear.. but gr8 vid keep it up! 👍
Thank you so much for your videos. Today was my first time out in traffic (not really considered traffic since there were max 4 cars in front and beside me but still) and I kept all your tips in mind and luckily made it back home in one piece with no falls!!
The way you're teaching Nikki is just amazing 🙌
One word.... AMAZING! You’re a great teacher, Dan. After years of riding, a couple of closely timed mishaps - low speed gravel emergency stop resulting in a drop and getting rear ended in an intersection robbed me of confidence. I’m working my way back and your videos have been invaluable to me. The road looks really nice to ride on. If it’s not the Southern California desert where I live, it’s got to be the next best thing - Arizona.
This road is absolutely fantastic! Looking forward to get my licence wich is not that simple (in France) And then, I'll have my Rebel too! Just patience! Thank you Dan for all your videos on which I learn bit by bit.
Dan is the man. Sick bike bro 🔥
Cheers for the vid Dan, you are so good to spend your time helping folk out.
LEARNING TO RIDE
A couple of observations. Some learners (like this one) are a little passive in their early riding. On a bike it is useful to be a pro-active. Its helpful to actively look for hazards especially corners, intersections and other road users - cars, bikes and pedestrians.
Having identified a hazard it’s helpful to take decisive actions - like slowing down, speeding up, changing road position or in corners choosing a turn in point.
Here’s a summary of basic riding and cornering techniques.
1. LOOK FURTHER AHEAD.
A good street rider looks much further ahead. Using the natural and man made features (like road signs!) of the environment to judge which way and how sharp the next bend is.
Why it works. Because the good rider effectively has more time than the rider who is looking just in front of his bike or even a little further ahead to the bike or car they are following.
2. SLOW HANDS.
The good street rider doesn't charge the turn. They don't brake as late and as hard as possible. They roll off the throttle, brake, change gear and arrive at the corner at the speed they want to turn in.
Why it works. The good rider is settled and composed at the road position and speed they want to be to make the corner rather than the rider who has charged the turn and now has to work much harder to settle the bike (and themselves!) to get the next parts of the corner right.
3. STAY WIDE LONGER.
The good rider chooses a later turn in point. They stay wider towards the outside of the turn much longer. They wait until they have a line through the corner that allows them to clip the apex and apply more power at the exit.
Why it works. By staying outside longer the good rider gives themselves much better visibility through the turn and sets themselves up for the turn in and acceleration phases. This is in contrast to the rider who turns in early following the inner edge of the turn reducing the radius, making the turn tighter and delaying the acceleration and drive phases of the turn.
4. SNAP OVER WITH COUNTER STEER.
At their chosen turn in point the good rider snaps the bike over quickly to their desired lean angle (rather than tilting slowly) by applying firm pressure to the inside bar in the direction they want the bike to go.
Why it works. As most know it's called counter steering and is the single most effective way to turn a bike. By contrast leaning over (like the women in this video) or even getting out of the saddle and hanging off does not turn the bike. Getting out of the saddle is a technique to keep the bike more vertical for a given radius and speed in a turn. It will allow you to go faster in a given turn but it will never turn the bike on its own. You need to counter steer.
5. STEADILY & CONTINUOUSLY ROLL ON THROTTLE.
Once they have snapped the bike over the good street rider steadily and continuously rolls on the throttle. Accelerating through the apex and picking the bike up (again with counter steering) and driving through the exit. The only exception is turns of a decreasing radius. In those turns you would not have seen an exit.
Why it works. Steady continuous roll on settles the bike as it loads the larger rear tyre. If you are accelerating for longer you are going to exit the turn faster and be faster overall throughout the whole turn.
6. PICK UP THE BIKE BEFORE YOU USE FULL POWER
Having effectively squared off the turn with a late entry and snapping the bike over quickly. The good street rider seeks to pick the bike up again with counter steering and be nearer to the vertical before applying more power than the steady continuous roll on.
Why it works. A later turn in with a later exit allows the rider to move back towards the vertical and apply more power earlier.
This is in contrast to a common mistake of applying higher power (beyond a steady & continuous roll on) while at lean.
A common crash at track days is riders who attempt to tighten a turn and accelerate at the same time - usually in pursuit of getting a knee down.
If you are tightening your turn - don’t also accelerate as you will eventually run out of grip.
Thanks again for the vid.
I just purchased my very first motorcycle.. it is an old classic 350 enfield.. I will be practicing on the high road next week.. I will try to remember everything you have shown in these videos.. thanks.. godbless
Thank you both..... I JUST got my first bike a 1988 Suzuki GSX600F(Katana) never road before so thank you both so much
One hell of a great video. As I just purchased my 1st motocycle( H\D Road King) never been on a motorcycle before and I've learned so much on my own some of the things your teaching her I've learned too. I will be taking a class soon
Love these videos, living vicariously through them. My bike has been in the shop for a month now, insurance is dragging their feet, so they haven’t even started the work yet.
Great vid!! Was enjoyable to take the ride with you guys & hear nice calm instruction. Dan is the man. Saving lives , one video at a time. Appreciate all of them. I have dirt experience, but just purchased my first street bike. So every video helps prepare my mental thoughts before I hit the road. Keep up the great work,!!
New or old rider it never hurts to refresh on the basics. Good video Dan. I used to live in Tucson and boy do I miss it, such a beautiful place! Stay safe!
Dan Dan, Nikki... Just brilliantly beautifully good stuff, I've cycled for over 25yrs, but I am so more inspired as a new motorcyclist... Thank you both fo making motorcycling a brighter place to be. Bless you both... Cheers 🙏
You are super sweet to your girl. Love these videos. I’m taking my classes these weekend and these videos are super helpful. Love her too.
I'd say, as a newer rider, definitely keep looking far ahead, and try to approach on the outside and move through on the inside so it widens (or straightens) your curves. As always, head on a swivel. You've got this! Your bike goes where you're looking and find you comfortable speed. Best of luck out there!
Dan’s the kinda man that gets a father’s blessing. 😊
Way cool. This is how my husband taught me how to ride. Headsets and coaching. So awesome!!!!
Thanks Dan been smashing through your videos. Your voice plays in my head while I am out riding only in my first 1600miles of riding and have learnt some valuable info thank you.
I am really enjoying your lessons with the missus good stuff and she sounds like a good student.. lol.
From Sydney Australia 👍🏻🇦🇺
As 6 years out of biking your vids are superb for a re cap.
Just bought my bike 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to that first ride since the MSF. This video was great to see because it reminded me of what to think about in the twistys. Also the comment about straightening up and saving the bike below was an excellent reminder too. Thanks for what you do. Between you and Yammie I feel ready to enjoy this bike.
Im a new rider watching all ur vids. Id like to see more maneuverability like hard (90°) turns at varieting speeds
Dan you're a very good instructor and I enjoy watching your videos. I've taught my son to ride and helped him work through the Rider's Safety Course but admit I tend to push a little harder in sport riding, as he's in his second season of riding. He's very good at knowing his own limits and sticking with it. In real twisty stuff I'll typically go faster through the curves and wait for him on the other side. I want him to feel comfortable leaning his bike over and showing him my lines through a curve at safe speeds hopefully does that. He's much better this summer than last year and continues to gain confidence each time he rides. His bike is a Yamaha FZ6 and I ride a Kawasaki Versys 650 but he has his eye on an FZ1. I've continue to remind him that his riding confidence will grow much faster on a bike he can control. My cousin bought a bike that was well beyond his skill level too early and it scared him so much he sold his bike and no longer rides. It could be motorcycling was not for him (everybody does things that cause risk, the individual has to determine what risk they are willing to take) but I'm hoping motorcycling for my son is a life-long adventure. So thanks for what you do and sharing it with us through these videos.
I feel like this man's videos have taught more people how to ride than actual riding classes
Dan, please make more videos like this. It’s great for us when we are teaching our significant others how to ride, it gives us pointers also what to teach them.
I was up in arizona around the catalina mountains to get my first motorcycle this weekend, and now im here watching your videos to help learn how to ride lol
The inputs are very subtle at speed. Eyes up looking for trouble. Road signs are very important. I tell myself when riding that I have one job, looking as far out as I can looking for trouble. Scanning the road for debris also.
Just saw this video and thanks for this. It puts ease on my mind with how easy your voice is and how patient you are. I'm not riding yet but I will be soon and I may come back to this video while I'm riding.
These videos teaching your wife are just perfect for beginners--thank you so much!
Currently halfway through my motorcycle licence lessons. Trying to convince my wife to get hers. These videos are helping! :P
Yes, More Nikki, More cornering. Discussions of trail braking, etc.
Man I love those American roads! So big and open and really empty. The U.K. roads suck so bad, narrow contested things for the most part. I’m a new rider myself, and would love to learn on those roads instead. It’s great fun watching you pair doing the rides too!
Great teaching video and well done Nikki. You came a long way already. Remember also on curves to choose the correct entry line. Start the corner wide then move in and then wide again. That way you have more control, reduce the risk of running wide or over centre line and have more visibility throughout the whole corner which means you can get onto a positive throttle quicker to have a more stable bike through the corner. Great stuff you guys. Keep it up. Cheers from New Zealand 👌😏
One of the reasons l subscribed to this channel is relearn the skills l had when l rode nearly 20 years ago.
Love old Spanish trail, the curved and the lack of a lot of stop lights makes it great
Zeekaer And it’s got a good surface (for a motorcycle. On a bicycle it’s a pain!).
Good stuff, I have been riding about a month now, new rider, 51, you guys are awesome. if I ever come to Tucson, I will have to look you guys up. I used to live there years ago, been in Phoenix most of my life...born and raised. I like Tucson though. Where you guys ride is a good place to learn riding. I have to ride late at night alot to sharpen my skills....too much traffic here in the valley.
I've just brought a 125cc curzier and it's my first time on a geared bike as I've upgradeing from a 50cc automatic
Love your videos you make it look so easy and you explain things so clearly and easy to understand , I went out and tried things out and surprised the hell out of myself, I will clearly recommend your videos to everyone thanks ken
Thank you Dan 😊 you are a master at it 👍👏 i tell you what 😳 i recently bought a brand new 2019 CB1000-R and i have not ridden in 20 years ! Too much of a bike for me & my skill level, but i washed it with Holly Water + it being a Honda known for confidence riding & Agility it saved me in many corners while going 15 miles over the limit 😀
Man these videos have been so helpful. I'm a brand new Rider and watching you teach her has helped me so much thank you both.
This video is just perfect for me, a beginner. Thanks a lot to both of you!
Had to say Thank you, watched your video on corners and followed it, my confidence is up there now, your way has showed me how to be more comfortable on a road that I had a serious accident on 20yrs ago in a car but on a bike I'd avoided it ...Thank u ❤️ I'm finally free 😂 xx
I love these videos with Nikki! They are so helpful with you telling her to lean into the turns and different things to watch out for. It’s helpful seeing a new rider go through things I’ll be going through soon!
Love your vids - great help - buying a 2020 Rebel 500 ABS (silver even!) this saturday - so excited - and yes, would love to see more of Nikki
Nice video, and good job Nikki. I just started riding a month ago, so I really appreciated this video. I rode from Reno to Lake Tahoe a couple weeks ago and had to keep pulling off to let traffic go by. One of the last times I pulled over, on my way back down the hill, I didn’t notice that the pull out was completely covered in sand. I didn’t drop the bike, but it definitely got my heart going as the bike wiggled around underneath me. It was a really stupid mistake. In the moment, I got a little too caught up with the traffic behind me and wasn’t focusing enough on potential hazards.
This really helped , both my instructors at my program that I’m currently in seemed annoyed and seemed like they didn’t want to be there or help, while they did their jobs fine, I still think that being more calmer and having a better attitude like yours will help a lot more. one of the instructors was leading me and trying to guide me through the process but started screaming and waving her arms which made me really distracted and eventually in an embarrassing moment , the bike dropped. on top of that I can see that their facial expressions were a bit grouchy and it made me lose a little confidence in my riding but I plan to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for saying street names!!! I never went that way on OST and I’ve found other areas to practice because of you guys’ videos. I haven’t braved the highway yet but I plan on doing just like I saw on your video kolb, i10, houghton, home! Thx a bunch
Hey Dan, I don't normally comment but I just wanted to thank you for your videos! I only bought my bike a month ago and your videos have helped me so so much ☺ your tips are great and have really stuck in my head 😁 keep it up!
Like your approach to teaching. And i do like Nikki's feedback, if she doesnt know, please let her know that it does help at least one other person. Love seeing you guys ride together and her progress.
You’re so lucky to live in that area, dry weather all the time !! Best wishes from Denmark 🇩🇰
Oh old Spanish trail, such a nice fun and smooth road.