Completely agree. I’m 55 and 3 days ago bought my first bike in 35 years. A VSTROM 650, 2011 model. Previously, child and young adult, I did exactly as he said, rode and squeezed every bit of performance out of 250’s. I was good because I had many years and many crashes and lived on a farm and access to endless wilderness. 3 days ago I was terrified at throwing my leg over my new bike and riding on a motorway home. I took 3 seconds to feel confident. This was only possible because of the 13 years of experience, and broken bones. Now I’m learning to ride a new style of bike and enjoying it. It’s perfect for me. Bigger would be too much for now. And just prior to watching this I was mowing the lawn thinking about crashing and the inevitability of it. The key is to minimize the risk of injuries by pushing the limits in an environment and at a time chosen by you. Develop the skills please people. The few crashes you will have will save your life one day. You’ll have the skills to deal with an emergency situation because you will have practiced, and fallen, in the past.
100% agree with you on this video. I've always ridden with the attitude that everyone is out to kill me. I only ride in the rain when I have to, and I never ride in the winter as I don't need to. Stay safe, everyone, and stay upright 🙏
They potentially are and be ready for it. You have the right attitude. In the rain try to stay a gear high to limit the possibility of breaking traction with the throttle to abruptly. I've had to to 100 mile plus days with out choice in the rain with worn tires from a long trip trying to make it on in home for work. Touchy going especially when you can see the inner liner on the front tire. ABS helps but you will find there is no substitute for skill and wise thinking during operation of your machine. Be safe, enjoy the ride and twist the grip.
i had someone parked on a layby as i was going along a 30mph road suddenlly pullout without looking and proceed to attempt a u turn, then she looked finally and panicked and stalled blocking the road causing me to crash OUCH
I've ridden for over 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of kilometres. My motorcycle choice is always keep it light because I know I'll drop it. I'm in Morocco on my crf300l. I've dropped it twice at very slow speed. Easy to pick it up and get going again. Had it weighed 250 kilos I'd struggle to get it upright again. Keep it light Keep it simple.
Love this. Most of my moto traveling over the past 2 years has been on a Honda CRF250L. Not the fastest, but it gets me there and it's easy to pick up .. and that gives me the confidence to explore more.
@@suzyamerica4679 I hurt my back trying to get my CRF250L righted. The throttle grip was buried in the dirt and the tires were uphill from the seat/tank. Since I've healed, I've gotten a lot more practice picking it up!
@@suzyamerica4679 yes Ma'am! It happened in Nov '21 in the first week I brought it home. I was a bit rusty off roading, and the CRF250L is heavier than my old 2 stroke bikes. Retired now so I ride & hike as often as possible ❤
5. Always number 5. Concentration on the job is key and will usually get the job done. I still have the scars from years ago. There is a saying in Latin. " Experientia Docet." Experience teaches. Safe , happy travels 👍
My dad's advice to his 11 year old son who had just bought a motorcycle. "Son, good judgment comes from experience, and well, experience comes from poor judgment."
The end of this video made me realise how old I am. I was a British soldier during the Cold War period, and seeing how overgrown and collapsed these buildings were made me google places I was stationed during my 17 years service…..most are completely gone, others in a similar state to those you showed. My brain says yesterday. Reality says thirty plus years ago… 😢
Excellent advice. I've been riding 35 years, solo and without excessive luggage. I find between 40 and 50 HP is all I need to travel comfortably and at a good speed. A heavy bike and lots of HP is a recipe for disaster unless you are a very exprienced rider, the danger is many riders feel they have a lot more expertise than they actually do!!
Exactly, but how many bikes we have now with 40-50hp and 21 inch front for some offroad. I'm afraid that there is none, zero, null. We can beg ktm to finally release new 21 inch 390. Fingers crossed.
Wise words! I’m a new rider with a Honda CB500X. I thought that I was learning just to get my license, no I was wrong the learning never ends! Thank you for a great video!
Concentration is a Must & A good Sleep. As many a times it said by you, start Early , finish Early. Very rightly said. Thanks for such a preached video.
I've crashed couple times on dirt bike. Even flew over handle bars but, once on my Tiger 800 was tired after long day of riding and forgot to put the kickstand...felt like an idiot but shows how fatigue can hit you😂 what a great bike you have Tenere!
Totally agree! I been riding motorcycle 4 years (watched your video even before riding), I had fall from my 250cc cruiser bike 3 times, but never on my 110cc moped.
I agree . I wanted to add one more important point . When you are tired , sleepy stop and take a rest. Your focus and concentration is lost when you are
You are damn right! Fortunately, I had a few crashes, but the reasons for them are inside your 5 tips.... I should have seen this video many years ago, or you posted to late 😆.Take care, ciao
Yeah you are right on every point. I bought the Tenere because I wanted one even though I knew I couldn't get both of my feet completely on the ground. But I don't ride offroad so it's not that big of a problem.
Clear and True! Thanks Pavel. Daily commutes in urban areas for 25 years, rain or shine, I think your advice are spot on. From the hand-gliding world comes the target-in-your-back concept : because you are not punished when you do mistakes, you go on doing them. Then the little target you have in your back, that everyone can see but you, is growing bigger. Fate can see it, and see you better, attracting its attention and adding odds of accidents. Sometimes I ride thinking about my target, and slow down/behave/relax. When in bad mood or late, I ride as if a riding school instructor, or a police car, was following me : that calms me down as well. Efficient vaccine for me is the memory of how much it hurt the body, the wallet and the pride when I fell and glided next to my bouncing bike... Once is enough. The Saint protector of riders is stunningly beautiful but most of the times she is looking elsewhere : for our sake it seems wise to consider her unreliable.
No4 is sooo spot on. Heard about Dunning-Kruger, getting over-confident? I've applied D-K from start, I thought... Then a month ago, when I overtook an irritatingly slow, R-turning passcar a fair bit too fast - spring and sun, you know - and another car came out from the right - he didn't see me behind the turning car. Thankfully he stopped by panic braking, but I wouldn't've been able myself. I see this as mainly my fault, secondarily his - this in sharp contrast to all rude bikers with cams here on YT by the way. First gravely serious incident during my five years of riding. Thank you Sir for all wise tips - or really directions, since you are so right!
I am absolutely agree with you, specially with the two first points you stated. I learned this two lessons by myself, the first one by purchasing a motorcycle wihich didn¨t fit my ergonomics (too tall and too heavy) and the second one by passing from a 150cc to a 650cc. I believe that the first reason why we crash you pointed aout is the most important. Great video as always.
Loved the experiment @8:45. I run that all the time 👍 And reason #5 is very important. Pilots actually have an acronym for that... The IM SAFE checklist 😉
Excellent monolog. Very good advice. In the military we focused on experience, but we discouraged learning from mistakes alone...and we discouraged making mistakes. Mistakes can kill. We taught best method and then as men got better and better at them they were building on experience. Not unlike piano lessons. Small mistakes occur but we learn little from them. You can fail and fail at climbing a wall, but when you get closer and closer is the only time you build good experience of growing skills. Typical in a serious and dangerous activity, bad mistakes often only teach nervousness, fear and avoidance. Sometimes that works but often it leads to further mistakes. You know how to round a curve at 30kmh...then go for 35...then 40 over months of slow progression. If you are terrible at 30 and have dropped it or gone wide...you definitely don't need to try 40.
Good well thought words, and it comes from experience, yes we crash but as long as you are careful you enjoy and get better, take it easy and experience the freedom, bikes are about freedom .
I’ve had a rule which I made a teenager (long time ago) - whenever I think I’ve mastered the bike is the day it needs to be sold. Past that and you get too clever and over confident. New to you bike means respect and learning = careful/smart
Very true what you saying about learning from your mistakes. There is only one fundamental problem - If you make a mistake on a motorbike it usually does have far greater consequences. I made the exact mistake you talking about. My first bike was too big (KLX 650R) - I had to lean it against a wall and claim on it. Since then I bought several bikes and I had a several crashes. Predict unpredictable my friend.
Another great video by you. It teaches the new rider valuable lessons and hopefully reminds the old rider. Riding humbly will get you farther. Keep the shiny side up.
Absolutely right Pavlin as usual. You mentioned Hero 150 cc bike & its 100% Indian company & very good at producing everyday commuting bike. Thanks for bringing weekly video with practical riding advices for us.
Agree! I've owned many superbikes as R1, Fireblade, GSX-R, Hayabusa and others and it was great and convidence on the tarmac, but nowadays my Tenere 660 is powerful enough on the gravel parts. And I have to admit, it is a bit tall for me 😉
In youth comparatively, I was a private pilot. We had the 100 hour factor. That's when most crashes happen. A false reasoning of experience comes over a pilot and they travel beyond their skills to the end. I lost several close friends during this learning experience. I'm still alive. In motorcycling Dr. Hunt (He helped found the Snell certification and lab for helmet testing). collected accident data from all places possible in the mid 1970's. He concluded motorcyclists had accidents during the "Ten Week Factor". Riders, even experienced riders were susceptible to this proven occurrence. Especially when changing motorcycles to a larger unit as you talked about. Riders think they have developed the experience and skills to go and do more things. However, the rules of the road and life soon exceed their limits and weaknesses are exposed which have a history of catastrophic results. So one should be very careful and treat each situation as if they were on a new ride every day as actually we are. The factors are ever present that will take your life no matter how long or how far you have ridden. Operate with extreme caution and as you said stay focused like your life depends on it. It does. I have now ridden for over 56 years. I've had a few really life taking crashes but I survived. One neck broken twice will get your attention. I still ride, just be focused and prepared. When you least expect it it will happen. How you react is all your experience and training put in a Nano second to save your life. I play a serious game I call "What if". I look each driver in the eyes because that tells you the direction they may go. I think what evasive maneuver or action I need to take immediately. It's preparation both mentally and physically. I've had many close ones on the best of highways and conditions due to others not maintaining control of their vehicle for whatever reason. Limit your exposure to the types of roads, locations, time of year/day, weather conditions. Never exceed your limits or use any stimulate to extend your ride. No exceptions for steady pace and rest when needed. Don't wait, it will be too late. You will be better for it. Good fortune in your travels. Be ready.
...Thanks for sharing the tips, it’s true that the more power you have, the more you want to beat it!. Unfortunately this is human nature. Riding within your limits is the key to safety.
Absolutely great explained. In my opinion, your video should be mandatory in the driving school. Especially your point four is extremely important. I've been riding motorcycles for 25 years and fell two weeks ago because of an absolute beginner's mistake. You never stop learning and you're never perfect. Thank you for your great videos that I can show my son so that he learns something just like me too. 💪👍 Greetings from Germany . MFG ( Mit freundlichen Grüßen )😉 Daniel
At age 57 I have been riding from 12 and the first thing I was told as a new biker has always stuck with me and I gave the same advice to my son at 14 when he started to ride. “ Always remember the bike is your boss as soon as you think you are the boss it’s going to show you you’re not “ an true to that saying I had my first of at age 16 on my 125 when I was thinking I had all the experience I needed lessons learnt. I rode that 125 for 6 years before upgrading to a 750 road 750&600 for 10 years racing in the super sport class before getting a 900 CBR and later upgraded to a 1000CBRR racing for many years. At age 45 and many years experience I had my biggest off ever and I was lucky enough to live barely. Forward 5 years and now I’m on a 790 adventure and it’s like being a newby rider again. Moral of the story is that you will never have all the experience and you will learn every time you get on the bike. Don’t be overly confident and yes everyone on the road is out to kill you
Quite good video, i will only add that you need to think too about city traffic. When you are in a traffic jam, you stop all the time and it is not always on even ground. This is where it is very difficult when you have to stop on a slope and do tiptoe. For daily commuters, this is something to consider. Took me a lot of time to get used to that as my bike is a little tall for me.
Thank you very much for your advices Pavlin! Some things we learn from experience. But ear the experience of others helps a lot to!!! 😁 I agree with you in everything you said. After riding motocycles for about 25 years, I always learn something new everytime I I ride my motorcycle... 😄
Hi Pavel, very good advice there, that I fully agree with, as I learned some of them from my mistakes. May I add to consider that on road, car drivers don't see us or evaluate our speed well, so that they are a real danger for a motorcycle. My most painful crash was from a car hitting me because he didn't see me inspite of being in the middle of the motorway lane, just can't understand why with 2 aluminum cases with reflectives and red/white marks on them. Another nearmiss crash was a car entering a roundabout, cutting my path. Other than that, yes flat foot is a MUST. Thanks.
One thing for lower powered slower bikes is that they're quite fun to ride. With powerful bike you have to be on your toes and pushing that to limits is very dangerous and exhaustive, always. I own zzr1400 as road bike and quite recently got xt600e for more technical small road fun and it's just as fun to ride as what it is, about 4-5 times more powerful bike. It doesn't feel tedious and feel quite safe to ride and yet can reach those very dangerous speeds for small forest roads if one desires. Also feels very nimble after heavy "sports tourer" which isn't bad thing many times.
I ride in Bangkok Thailand which are statistically the most dangerous roads. I was rear ended by a lady in a 100k Mercedes who was texting and had a low speed low side on a place grease is poured out by a street food vendor. Years ago I hit a huge deer doing 70 mph and broke nothing just sore as hell for a week. I agree that crashes are inevitable.
Excelent tips, Pavlin. Coincidently, I have followed them in my 20+ riding & travelling years. One quick test will tell you if you are close to a crash: Ask yourself how many times you have experienced a near-crash situation last week? If any, change your riding style. Cheers from Brazil.
WOW ABSOLUTELY YOUR BEST #6 Based on my 81 trips around the sun. 50 + years instructing, developing new training methods, writing new training procedures, Regulations AND FIGHTING those who "Think" only more regulations will solve poor training and mindset issues. Military and civilian parachuting, flying various types including test development and flying. Long haul specialized heavy trucks, weapons and a few other skills. AND 5 years enjoying learning my "Crusers" why crusers? See #6 I will add # 6 ,AGE, When our 18 year young Egos control our aging, damaged , slower reflexes bodies "Ouch" 😇😢 On the other side, IF WE CHOOSE to use the "wisdom of the aged" 😁😄👍👍👍 "Those who have. And those who will" YES,YES YES I would request since you obviously have "Crash experience " as have i you do something I've NEVER Seen on you tube. HOW to minimize damage to ourselves in that enevatable crash. Himt: do not simply give up BUT once its enevatible let the machine to take the hit, RELAX do not put arms our legs out to stop. Tuck head, arms, twist if going head first, better a broken arm than neck or back. AND YES helmets save lives
One reason people are on bikes too powerful for them is that the concept of the high quality small displacement bike is almost missing from the market. In a typical range the smaller displacement bikes are made with budget components, fewer safety features, low quality suspension and frame geometry not at all suitable for larger riders. Manufacture is often outsourced to a 3rd party manufacturer, with only the bigger bikes made at the flagship factory. This is true whether we're talking about Suzuki Vstroms, where the difference in fit and finish between the 250 and the 1050 is incredible, or different sizes of Ducati Monsters. Bigger is always better.
People often say, if you haven't crashed already, you will eventually. I think this is true. Not because there is a guarantee that it will happen, but because one should ride with the mindset that it will. Riders should also understand that you yourself can also easily cause the crash, it doesn't have to be someone else. You still see lots of people riding without all the gear, which is just plain stupid no matter the circumstances. Having crashed with 150 kph, I know firsthand what gear can do for you. I was wearing the Revit Defender Pro jacket and it protected me very well. Still, the asphalt managed to rip it apart. I can only imagine what less durable gear (never mind no gear) would have done to me. I was lucky and got away without any lasting injuries, but I won't think for a second it won't happen again. Be careful, ride safe and ride smart everyone.
All depends where you live. I live on a small island in the Philippines where 100 to 150cc is the norm. Mountains require power with back rider, flat ground 100 cc is fine. Too many dogs, sharp corners you would be lucky to reach 65 kmph, faster you risk driving off mountain. Need a good 15 HP with back rider to go up mountains comfortably. 250 is useless here, bad roads and curves curves. where a 400cc min is needed in USA for highway it's not needed here. For USA 500 cc or 600 cc or larger if you do highway driving. 1 of my 150cc only puts out 10.3 HP upgrading carb, exhaust and cylinder with big bore kit to get at least 15 HP, probaly closer to 20hp. My other bike is a Yamaha aerox it has 15 plus HP already no problem going up mountains with back rider. I think 40 HP is good for USA and 15 HP for small islands with no highways. 8 to 10 HP just is not enough with back rider and steep hills. If Honda came out with a water cool crf 350 it would make a great touring bike for back roads and limited road use. Better yet if Yamaha came out with 1. Yamaha tenere in 700 cc is too big for some riders. You don't need all that power to travel around the world unless mostly on highway. Noralee did a long travel on a crf 300. Bump it up to 350 cc and keep it lite weight might be the perfect bike and put better suspension. Why does Honda always cut corners on suspension? Most important part of the ride.
If you never crash there would be no need for helmets and protective gear. It's good to be humble and always expect to crash at any time. By the way, Hero is the world's biggest motorcycle company and is indian and not Chinese. In general Indians are very proud of Hero and don't care for Chinese bikes much. It's expensive to buy a bike much bigger than 250cc in India. There are a few new 350 to 650 bikes coming to market in the last year, but for most Indians a 1500 euro bike is the limit of affordable transport. This will get you a 250cc class bike. Great points on riding safely.
Hello Pavlin Could you tell me at the time of making this video, could you tell me if that a Mitas tyre 50/50 on the back wheel ? Also what tyre is on the front please Keep the content coming I like you style of video's travel info etc 👍👍
Looks like your T700 has tkc80 front and Mitas E-07+ rear.. Many many years ago I went to MSF ARC advance roder class and they teach that the main reason for accidents/crashes is combination of factors and almost no accident can be attributed to a single cause. (This is based on multiple accident studies) For example you riding at night, tired, in the rain and have bad light. Then deer jumps in front of you. Of cause it is the deer but other factors also attributed to it. The truth is that while you have no control over the deer you do have control over other contributing factors. By eliminating secondary factors you have control over you will reduce chances of accident happening.
Here in Thailand old women never have accidents.....so I ride like an old woman. My 350 Meteor is just right for me, I am on heart medication, so cannot afford a crash. I love riding, that's it.
Many of the adventure motorcycles headlight are fixed on straight side only . During night time. Whenever you take a turn it is totally blank while turning. It is very risky .
![The most difficult moment of my trips | Motorcycle Travel Stories [Episode 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ICcNzS5iz58/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 55 years old and a new rider ( only 6 months) .I totally agree with you in all points! Well done ! Great video! Greetings from Greece!
Thanks! 👍
Completely agree. I’m 55 and 3 days ago bought my first bike in 35 years. A VSTROM 650, 2011 model. Previously, child and young adult, I did exactly as he said, rode and squeezed every bit of performance out of 250’s. I was good because I had many years and many crashes and lived on a farm and access to endless wilderness. 3 days ago I was terrified at throwing my leg over my new bike and riding on a motorway home. I took 3 seconds to feel confident. This was only possible because of the 13 years of experience, and broken bones. Now I’m learning to ride a new style of bike and enjoying it. It’s perfect for me. Bigger would be too much for now. And just prior to watching this I was mowing the lawn thinking about crashing and the inevitability of it. The key is to minimize the risk of injuries by pushing the limits in an environment and at a time chosen by you. Develop the skills please people. The few crashes you will have will save your life one day. You’ll have the skills to deal with an emergency situation because you will have practiced, and fallen, in the past.
100% agree with you on this video. I've always ridden with the attitude that everyone is out to kill me. I only ride in the rain when I have to, and I never ride in the winter as I don't need to.
Stay safe, everyone, and stay upright 🙏
Good!
They potentially are and be ready for it. You have the right attitude. In the rain try to stay a gear high to limit the possibility of breaking traction with the throttle to abruptly. I've had to to 100 mile plus days with out choice in the rain with worn tires from a long trip trying to make it on in home for work. Touchy going especially when you can see the inner liner on the front tire. ABS helps but you will find there is no substitute for skill and wise thinking during operation of your machine. Be safe, enjoy the ride and twist the grip.
Spot on!
i had someone parked on a layby as i was going along a 30mph road suddenlly pullout without looking and proceed to attempt a u turn, then she looked finally and panicked and stalled blocking the road causing me to crash OUCH
@stephen tarr I know mate, it's a bloody nightmare today on the roads, which is why I don't trust anyone. Hope you are OK mind 👍🤞
Loving it. No marketing bullshitting, just experienced truth. Thanks for being the way you are!
My pleasure!
Very true. Humility beats ego everytime, especially on 2 wheels 👍
Absolutely!
I've ridden for over 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of kilometres. My motorcycle choice is always keep it light because I know I'll drop it. I'm in Morocco on my crf300l. I've dropped it twice at very slow speed. Easy to pick it up and get going again. Had it weighed 250 kilos I'd struggle to get it upright again.
Keep it light
Keep it simple.
Weight always matters!
Love this. Most of my moto traveling over the past 2 years has been on a Honda CRF250L. Not the fastest, but it gets me there and it's easy to pick up .. and that gives me the confidence to explore more.
@@suzyamerica4679 I hurt my back trying to get my CRF250L righted. The throttle grip was buried in the dirt and the tires were uphill from the seat/tank.
Since I've healed, I've gotten a lot more practice picking it up!
@@savage22bolt32 Yikes .. hope you are fully better.
@@suzyamerica4679 yes Ma'am! It happened in Nov '21 in the first week I brought it home. I was a bit rusty off roading, and the CRF250L is heavier than my old 2 stroke bikes.
Retired now so I ride & hike as often as possible ❤
5. Always number 5. Concentration on the job is key and will usually get the job done.
I still have the scars from years ago. There is a saying in Latin. " Experientia Docet." Experience teaches.
Safe , happy travels 👍
Well said!
My dad's advice to his 11 year old son who had just bought a motorcycle. "Son, good judgment comes from experience, and well, experience comes from poor judgment."
Absolutely!
The end of this video made me realise how old I am. I was a British soldier during the Cold War period, and seeing how overgrown and collapsed these buildings were made me google places I was stationed during my 17 years service…..most are completely gone, others in a similar state to those you showed. My brain says yesterday. Reality says thirty plus years ago… 😢
Yes, the time is flying!
Excellent advice. I've been riding 35 years, solo and without excessive luggage. I find between 40 and 50 HP is all I need to travel comfortably and at a good speed. A heavy bike and lots of HP is a recipe for disaster unless you are a very exprienced rider, the danger is many riders feel they have a lot more expertise than they actually do!!
Agree!
Exactly, but how many bikes we have now with 40-50hp and 21 inch front for some offroad. I'm afraid that there is none, zero, null. We can beg ktm to finally release new 21 inch 390. Fingers crossed.
I only use 40-50hp that's why I have 85hp so I have something spare.
@@chrishart8548 ;) can be more, as far it is light, order of 150kg, not 200
Wise words! I’m a new rider with a Honda CB500X. I thought that I was learning just to get my license, no I was wrong the learning never ends! Thank you for a great video!
Any time!
Pavlin, you are a philosopher! I love the forever school comment....always so much good sense! 👍
Thanks, man!
Concentration is a Must & A good Sleep.
As many a times it said by you, start Early , finish Early. Very rightly said. Thanks for such a preached video.
Any time!
100 % agree with you. Humility is key when driving a motorbike.
Good!
You my friend are doing such a great service to Riders!
Glad to help!
I've crashed couple times on dirt bike. Even flew over handle bars but, once on my Tiger 800 was tired after long day of riding and forgot to put the kickstand...felt like an idiot but shows how fatigue can hit you😂 what a great bike you have Tenere!
Yes, the fatigue is another reason.
I've done the side stand thing and damaged my silencer. I now have the silencer under my TV to remind me how stupid I was 🤣🤣
You are a great teacher and speak honest common sense. Thank you.
I appreciate that!
Totally agree! I been riding motorcycle 4 years (watched your video even before riding), I had fall from my 250cc cruiser bike 3 times, but never on my 110cc moped.
Thanks for sharing!
The last reason is not so obvious like others, however so right !!! Thanks Pavlin !
Yes, it might be not obvious, but it is detrimental.
Love the advice. Thank you. Bust planning my first solo road trip. At 50, I guess better late than never.
" The pessimist just got more information "!
I love it 😁😊
Good!
Finally, someone is here to call a spade a spade. Great honest, simple advice thanks mate !
Glad to help!
I agree . I wanted to add one more important point . When you are tired , sleepy stop and take a rest. Your focus and concentration is lost when you are
Great title, we 'make' accidents, not have accidents. 30 plus year year rider agrees with all your points. Ride safe from 🇨🇦!
Thanks!
You are damn right! Fortunately, I had a few crashes, but the reasons for them are inside your 5 tips.... I should have seen this video many years ago, or you posted to late 😆.Take care, ciao
Thanks for sharing!
Great advise. I have been riding 62 years and was a Pro Racer at at one time.
Good to hear!
Thanks for sharing such a great information. I am planning mu trip to Alaska next year and it will be very helpful.
Have fun!
One of the best videos I've seen about the subject 👍
Thanks!
Sooner or later anyone who ride a motorcycle will recognise everything you said its true!
Absolutely!
Yeah you are right on every point. I bought the Tenere because I wanted one even though I knew I couldn't get both of my feet completely on the ground. But I don't ride offroad so it's not that big of a problem.
Fair enough!
Clear and True! Thanks Pavel. Daily commutes in urban areas for 25 years, rain or shine, I think your advice are spot on. From the hand-gliding world comes the target-in-your-back concept : because you are not punished when you do mistakes, you go on doing them. Then the little target you have in your back, that everyone can see but you, is growing bigger. Fate can see it, and see you better, attracting its attention and adding odds of accidents. Sometimes I ride thinking about my target, and slow down/behave/relax. When in bad mood or late, I ride as if a riding school instructor, or a police car, was following me : that calms me down as well. Efficient vaccine for me is the memory of how much it hurt the body, the wallet and the pride when I fell and glided next to my bouncing bike... Once is enough. The Saint protector of riders is stunningly beautiful but most of the times she is looking elsewhere : for our sake it seems wise to consider her unreliable.
Thanks for taking the time!
Thank you, good advice !! Grtz from Holland
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent advice and a great video. Thank you Pavlin
My pleasure!
No4 is sooo spot on. Heard about Dunning-Kruger, getting over-confident? I've applied D-K from start, I thought... Then a month ago, when I overtook an irritatingly slow, R-turning passcar a fair bit too fast - spring and sun, you know - and another car came out from the right - he didn't see me behind the turning car. Thankfully he stopped by panic braking, but I wouldn't've been able myself. I see this as mainly my fault, secondarily his - this in sharp contrast to all rude bikers with cams here on YT by the way. First gravely serious incident during my five years of riding.
Thank you Sir for all wise tips - or really directions, since you are so right!
Excellent advice Pavlin.
Gravity and physics along with over confidence and lack of knowledge, learn to walk first, then run.
Absolutely!
Alo bratko ,
super si!
Pozdrav iz Beograda.
Hvala!
Absolutely rights... Hit the nail on the head
Thanks!
excellent approach!!
Thank you!
I am absolutely agree with you, specially with the two first points you stated. I learned this two lessons by myself, the first one by purchasing a motorcycle wihich didn¨t fit my ergonomics (too tall and too heavy) and the second one by passing from a 150cc to a 650cc. I believe that the first reason why we crash you pointed aout is the most important. Great video as always.
Thanks for taking the time and watching this video!
Said another way, "There are two types of motorcycle riders, those that have crashed and those that have yet to crash."
Yes!
Loved the experiment @8:45. I run that all the time 👍
And reason #5 is very important. Pilots actually have an acronym for that... The IM SAFE checklist 😉
Great advice Pavel. As an inexperienced rider, thanks for the video.
My pleasure!
Very nice report and I agree with you : )
Thanks!
Nice video, greetings from Greece and happy new year mate!!! 👍
Happy new year!
Good advice! Greetings from Latvia!
Glad it was helpful!
Very good advice, especially the last point.
Glad it was helpful!
Great Video! Thanks for the advise.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent monolog. Very good advice.
In the military we focused on experience, but we discouraged learning from mistakes alone...and we discouraged making mistakes. Mistakes can kill. We taught best method and then as men got better and better at them they were building on experience. Not unlike piano lessons. Small mistakes occur but we learn little from them. You can fail and fail at climbing a wall, but when you get closer and closer is the only time you build good experience of growing skills. Typical in a serious and dangerous activity, bad mistakes often only teach nervousness, fear and avoidance. Sometimes that works but often it leads to further mistakes.
You know how to round a curve at 30kmh...then go for 35...then 40 over months of slow progression. If you are terrible at 30 and have dropped it or gone wide...you definitely don't need to try 40.
It is what it is!
Good well thought words, and it comes from experience, yes we crash but as long as you are careful you enjoy and get better, take it easy and experience the freedom, bikes are about freedom .
Thanks for taking the time!
I’ve had a rule which I made a teenager (long time ago) - whenever I think I’ve mastered the bike is the day it needs to be sold. Past that and you get too clever and over confident. New to you bike means respect and learning = careful/smart
Thanks for sharing!
Very true what you saying about learning from your mistakes. There is only one fundamental problem - If you make a mistake on a motorbike it usually does have far greater consequences.
I made the exact mistake you talking about. My first bike was too big (KLX 650R) - I had to lean it against a wall and claim on it. Since then I bought several bikes and I had a several crashes. Predict unpredictable my friend.
Thanks for sharing!
Another great video by you. It teaches the new rider valuable lessons and hopefully reminds the old rider. Riding humbly will get you farther.
Keep the shiny side up.
I appreciate that!
Absolutely right Pavlin as usual. You mentioned Hero 150 cc bike & its 100% Indian company & very good at producing everyday commuting bike.
Thanks for bringing weekly video with practical riding advices for us.
Yes, true! It was Indian, not Chinese!
Thanks , super video,, take care
Thank you too!
Agree! I've owned many superbikes as R1, Fireblade, GSX-R, Hayabusa and others and it was great and convidence on the tarmac, but nowadays my Tenere 660 is powerful enough on the gravel parts. And I have to admit, it is a bit tall for me 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Great advive, love you, the word would be a better place with more people like you, take care my friend
Thanks, you too!
In youth comparatively, I was a private pilot. We had the 100 hour factor. That's when most crashes happen. A false reasoning of experience comes over a pilot and they travel beyond their skills to the end. I lost several close friends during this learning experience. I'm still alive. In motorcycling Dr. Hunt (He helped found the Snell certification and lab for helmet testing). collected accident data from all places possible in the mid 1970's. He concluded motorcyclists had accidents during the "Ten Week Factor". Riders, even experienced riders were susceptible to this proven occurrence. Especially when changing motorcycles to a larger unit as you talked about. Riders think they have developed the experience and skills to go and do more things. However, the rules of the road and life soon exceed their limits and weaknesses are exposed which have a history of catastrophic results. So one should be very careful and treat each situation as if they were on a new ride every day as actually we are. The factors are ever present that will take your life no matter how long or how far you have ridden. Operate with extreme caution and as you said stay focused like your life depends on it. It does. I have now ridden for over 56 years. I've had a few really life taking crashes but I survived. One neck broken twice will get your attention. I still ride, just be focused and prepared. When you least expect it it will happen. How you react is all your experience and training put in a Nano second to save your life. I play a serious game I call "What if". I look each driver in the eyes because that tells you the direction they may go. I think what evasive maneuver or action I need to take immediately. It's preparation both mentally and physically. I've had many close ones on the best of highways and conditions due to others not maintaining control of their vehicle for whatever reason. Limit your exposure to the types of roads, locations, time of year/day, weather conditions. Never exceed your limits or use any stimulate to extend your ride. No exceptions for steady pace and rest when needed. Don't wait, it will be too late. You will be better for it. Good fortune in your travels. Be ready.
Thanks for adding this information, Sam!
Very well said.
Thanks!
...Thanks for sharing the tips, it’s true that the more power you have, the more you want to beat it!. Unfortunately this is human nature. Riding within your limits is the key to safety.
Absolutely!
@@motorcycleadventures i know you speak Russians , and I’m fortunate to have lived in Russia for couple of years . Спасибо за всё
Не защо!
Very helpful and wise video
Glad you liked it!
I've been often pointed as a pessimist and my answer is always the same: expect the best, be prepared for the worst.
Good!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
very well said Sir Pavlin..👌
Thanks!
Absolutely great explained. In my opinion, your video should be mandatory in the driving school. Especially your point four is extremely important. I've been riding motorcycles for 25 years and fell two weeks ago because of an absolute beginner's mistake. You never stop learning and you're never perfect.
Thank you for your great videos that I can show my son so that he learns something just like me too. 💪👍
Greetings from Germany . MFG ( Mit freundlichen Grüßen )😉 Daniel
Glad it was helpful!
At age 57 I have been riding from 12 and the first thing I was told as a new biker has always stuck with me and I gave the same advice to my son at 14 when he started to ride. “ Always remember the bike is your boss as soon as you think you are the boss it’s going to show you you’re not “ an true to that saying I had my first of at age 16 on my 125 when I was thinking I had all the experience I needed lessons learnt. I rode that 125 for 6 years before upgrading to a 750 road 750&600 for 10 years racing in the super sport class before getting a 900 CBR and later upgraded to a 1000CBRR racing for many years. At age 45 and many years experience I had my biggest off ever and I was lucky enough to live barely. Forward 5 years and now I’m on a 790 adventure and it’s like being a newby rider again. Moral of the story is that you will never have all the experience and you will learn every time you get on the bike.
Don’t be overly confident and yes everyone on the road is out to kill you
Thanks for sharing!
Really useful! Thank you Pavlin
My pleasure!
Quite good video, i will only add that you need to think too about city traffic. When you are in a traffic jam, you stop all the time and it is not always on even ground. This is where it is very difficult when you have to stop on a slope and do tiptoe. For daily commuters, this is something to consider. Took me a lot of time to get used to that as my bike is a little tall for me.
Thanks for sharing!
Useful tips as usual
Thanks, man!
Another great one sir! Which model rev’it jacket are you wearing? Thanks. Cheers from 🇺🇸
Thanks! Dominator GTX.
Weldone Paulik always good to see you Thanks for incredible info 🙂 Greeting From Oslo ✋
My pleasure!
I agree with you 100%.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot Paulin for such wise advices. If averybody followed them riding would be a better experience.
My pleasure!
Smart and true.
Thanks!
Thank you for your videos.Very helpfull.You are 100% right about 5 mistake.Especially wife affect.😁
Thank you very much for your advices Pavlin! Some things we learn from experience. But ear the experience of others helps a lot to!!! 😁 I agree with you in everything you said. After riding motocycles for about 25 years, I always learn something new everytime I I ride my motorcycle... 😄
My pleasure!
Hi Pavel, very good advice there, that I fully agree with, as I learned some of them from my mistakes. May I add to consider that on road, car drivers don't see us or evaluate our speed well, so that they are a real danger for a motorcycle. My most painful crash was from a car hitting me because he didn't see me inspite of being in the middle of the motorway lane, just can't understand why with 2 aluminum cases with reflectives and red/white marks on them. Another nearmiss crash was a car entering a roundabout, cutting my path. Other than that, yes flat foot is a MUST. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time!
They don't see cars lorries or vans either .
One thing for lower powered slower bikes is that they're quite fun to ride. With powerful bike you have to be on your toes and pushing that to limits is very dangerous and exhaustive, always. I own zzr1400 as road bike and quite recently got xt600e for more technical small road fun and it's just as fun to ride as what it is, about 4-5 times more powerful bike. It doesn't feel tedious and feel quite safe to ride and yet can reach those very dangerous speeds for small forest roads if one desires. Also feels very nimble after heavy "sports tourer" which isn't bad thing many times.
Thanks for sharing!
I ride in Bangkok Thailand which are statistically the most dangerous roads. I was rear ended by a lady in a 100k Mercedes who was texting and had a low speed low side on a place grease is poured out by a street food vendor. Years ago I hit a huge deer doing 70 mph and broke nothing just sore as hell for a week. I agree that crashes are inevitable.
Thanks for sharing!
Very Informative ~
Glad it was helpful!
Excelent tips, Pavlin. Coincidently, I have followed them in my 20+ riding & travelling years. One quick test will tell you if you are close to a crash: Ask yourself how many times you have experienced a near-crash situation last week? If any, change your riding style. Cheers from Brazil.
The answer of this test will tell a lot!
Great advice…common sense reminders- especially about being clear minded, and focusing on riding…dress for the slide, not looking good on the ride!
Glad it was helpful!
Pavlin is right and great as always. But how I run away from my problems if I didn't ride a motorcycle first? This is regarding rule No5 :)
Just try it!
WOW ABSOLUTELY YOUR BEST
#6 Based on my 81 trips around the sun.
50 + years instructing, developing new training methods, writing new training procedures, Regulations AND FIGHTING those who "Think" only more regulations will solve poor training and mindset issues. Military and civilian parachuting, flying various types including test development and flying. Long haul specialized heavy trucks, weapons and a few other skills. AND 5 years enjoying learning my "Crusers" why crusers?
See #6
I will add # 6 ,AGE, When our 18 year young Egos control our aging, damaged , slower reflexes bodies "Ouch" 😇😢
On the other side, IF WE CHOOSE to use the "wisdom of the aged" 😁😄👍👍👍
"Those who have. And those who will" YES,YES YES
I would request since you obviously have "Crash experience " as have i you do something I've NEVER Seen on you tube. HOW to minimize damage to ourselves in that enevatable crash.
Himt: do not simply give up BUT once its enevatible let the machine to take the hit, RELAX do not put arms our legs out to stop. Tuck head, arms, twist if going head first, better a broken arm than neck or back.
AND YES helmets save lives
Thanks for sharing!
One reason people are on bikes too powerful for them is that the concept of the high quality small displacement bike is almost missing from the market. In a typical range the smaller displacement bikes are made with budget components, fewer safety features, low quality suspension and frame geometry not at all suitable for larger riders. Manufacture is often outsourced to a 3rd party manufacturer, with only the bigger bikes made at the flagship factory. This is true whether we're talking about Suzuki Vstroms, where the difference in fit and finish between the 250 and the 1050 is incredible, or different sizes of Ducati Monsters. Bigger is always better.
People often say, if you haven't crashed already, you will eventually. I think this is true. Not because there is a guarantee that it will happen, but because one should ride with the mindset that it will. Riders should also understand that you yourself can also easily cause the crash, it doesn't have to be someone else.
You still see lots of people riding without all the gear, which is just plain stupid no matter the circumstances. Having crashed with 150 kph, I know firsthand what gear can do for you. I was wearing the Revit Defender Pro jacket and it protected me very well. Still, the asphalt managed to rip it apart. I can only imagine what less durable gear (never mind no gear) would have done to me. I was lucky and got away without any lasting injuries, but I won't think for a second it won't happen again.
Be careful, ride safe and ride smart everyone.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
All depends where you live. I live on a small island in the Philippines where 100 to 150cc is the norm. Mountains require power with back rider, flat ground 100 cc is fine. Too many dogs, sharp corners you would be lucky to reach 65 kmph, faster you risk driving off mountain. Need a good 15 HP with back rider to go up mountains comfortably. 250 is useless here, bad roads and curves curves. where a 400cc min is needed in USA for highway it's not needed here. For USA 500 cc or 600 cc or larger if you do highway driving. 1 of my 150cc only puts out 10.3 HP upgrading carb, exhaust and cylinder with big bore kit to get at least 15 HP, probaly closer to 20hp. My other bike is a Yamaha aerox it has 15 plus HP already no problem going up mountains with back rider. I think 40 HP is good for USA and 15 HP for small islands with no highways. 8 to 10 HP just is not enough with back rider and steep hills. If Honda came out with a water cool crf 350 it would make a great touring bike for back roads and limited road use. Better yet if Yamaha came out with 1. Yamaha tenere in 700 cc is too big for some riders. You don't need all that power to travel around the world unless mostly on highway. Noralee did a long travel on a crf 300. Bump it up to 350 cc and keep it lite weight might be the perfect bike and put better suspension. Why does Honda always cut corners on suspension? Most important part of the ride.
Thanks for sharing!
😊👍 well summary
Glad you enjoyed!
If you never crash there would be no need for helmets and protective gear. It's good to be humble and always expect to crash at any time. By the way, Hero is the world's biggest motorcycle company and is indian and not Chinese. In general Indians are very proud of Hero and don't care for Chinese bikes much. It's expensive to buy a bike much bigger than 250cc in India. There are a few new 350 to 650 bikes coming to market in the last year, but for most Indians a 1500 euro bike is the limit of affordable transport. This will get you a 250cc class bike.
Great points on riding safely.
Yes, Hero was Indian, my mistake.
Good video champ 💪
Appreciate it!
Thanks!
Thanks for the support!
I find great value and very practical advice from all of your videos keep up the great work and I hope your channel grows exponentially
Glad to help!
64 years on 2 wheels. I don't know a single motorcyclist who shouldn't see this video !
Good!
For example for the tire you drive in the back: no traction sideways when someone spills his drink
If you say so... I have done thousands of km on it and don't share the same opinion.
Hello Pavlin
Could you tell me at the time of making this video, could you tell me if that a Mitas tyre 50/50 on the back wheel ? Also what tyre is on the front please
Keep the content coming I like you style of video's travel info etc 👍👍
Mitas 07+ rear TKC 80 front
@@motorcycleadventures thanks 👍
What is your opinion on ABS? Is it ok for a beginner to get a bike without ABS?
Riding on a gravel road with green wet grass in the middle of the road... trying to change side and swooop there I was... looking at the ditch
Happens!
Were you based there Pavlin? Thanks for the advice BTW.
Varna, Bulgaria
@@motorcycleadventures I meant were you a former member at that military base? On another subject, was your Magadan trip put on hold?
Looks like your T700 has tkc80 front and Mitas E-07+ rear..
Many many years ago I went to MSF ARC advance roder class and they teach that the main reason for accidents/crashes is combination of factors and almost no accident can be attributed to a single cause. (This is based on multiple accident studies)
For example you riding at night, tired, in the rain and have bad light. Then deer jumps in front of you. Of cause it is the deer but other factors also attributed to it.
The truth is that while you have no control over the deer you do have control over other contributing factors. By eliminating secondary factors you have control over you will reduce chances of accident happening.
True
Here in Thailand old women never have accidents.....so I ride like an old woman. My 350 Meteor is just right for me, I am on heart medication, so cannot afford a crash. I love riding, that's it.
Thanks for sharing!
I am 73 and just sold my ST1300 for reason too heavy, switched to V-strom650, 230 lbs lighter.
Good!
Many of the adventure motorcycles headlight are fixed on straight side only . During night time. Whenever you take a turn it is totally blank while turning. It is very risky .
If you must slow down, everything is manageable.
@@motorcycleadventures Yes Sir.
thanks pavlin
Any time!