The fact that you are aware and reviewing your own skills, puts you well ahead of most new(ish) riders. It's a continual process, I've been riding going on 25 years, and still try to get better at certain aspects. You nailed the stuff that will make you better. Try different roads, conditions, etc. 30k miles of the same mile, only makes you good at that mile. Seeing 30k miles of new stuff, you learn all those skills. Enjoy the long tour! I find after 5-6 days into a tour is when I really get in the zone of traveling and just riding. If you only take short tours, you don't get to that point.
I'm so glad you mentioned a perspective of having fun legally, I reckon 90% of motorcyclists don't take the time to think about personal development in any category outside of speeding through corners lol.
Ayse I have been watching your videos for a while now and I think you’re just brilliant. The way you are open to learning and understanding along with the clear way you explain things and yourself is just fantastic. I’ve been riding for 18 years now and I know for a fact that you are helping people both at the start of their riding adventures and also some veterans! Keep it up. 🎉
You're really on point! It took myself just a bit longer to learn these things and am still learning hah. I've gotten myself my very fast dreambike a few months ago and almost ran myself off the road a few weeks later. Almost 😅. Decided to finally take a beginners track course and it was really an eye-opener. And as much fun such a powerfull bike is, nothing beats a small bike in the matter of fun. My first bike was a 2013 cbr250r and I still miss it to this day. Regret selling it. Going full throttle through every street was a blast, just didn't realise it then. And that was just a couple years ago haha
I actually had the cbr250r on my list of potential bikes when I was "big" bike shopping! It's a shame that the 250-500cc market isn't huge in the UK like it is in other parts of the world
The fact that you are able to critique your own riding and focus on, rather then shy away from any weaknesses is a great personal skill. Like you I have no desire to ride like a tool and agree that its perfectly possible to have fun at sane speeds and get satisfaction from knowing you've riden well. I've been a year on my 500 now and I know my current riding ability isn't able to fully use the performance/handling potential of even my 'boring old commuter', let alone something bigger/faster... until I reach the limitations of my bike, or choose to take my riding style in another direction (keep thinking about greenlane trail riding) there's no need to upgrade.
Best thing I ever did getting back into biking after a 15 year was to go on the police bike safe courses. I meet one copper who trained motorcyclist on the local ROSPA group. It is much tougher than the IAM and has to be renewed every 3 years if you want to. This certainly saved my life on numerous occasions and I would highly recommend it 👍
Good goals. It is great to see how you have grown over the last year (biking wise, not height! 🤣) and you really can't be far off test standard now. U-turns is only practise, do one everytime you start off and park up. You'll nail it in a couple of weeks if you do.
Great Vid and i like the idea of setting goals 👍. 2 months in to having my Iron and I can’t wait to do some of the things you’ve done i.e tours and further distance riding. I’m very similar in the case of sensible and safe riding. I think its very easy to ride fast and dangerous but actually being sensible and safe is a skill, i defo learn’t that when doing DAS. ✌️❤️
Great Vid again, thanks for the update! Approaching the 1 Year mark myself and I have learned so much. My confidence is definitely growing, but reigning that in and honestly assessing your skills (and judgement) is really hard. I have similar goals for my 2nd year, booked in for a Biker down course in Nov. For me though my CBR650 definitely feels right, it's different for everyone I think, I disliked the 125 intensely, sure a 400 would be lots of fun though!
My partner and I have our CBTs booked together in a few weeks, I keep watching and then sending her your videos as they are very reassuring and down to earth. Thanks a lot mate!
I have 28inch legs even though I'm 5'9, ride a DRZ400 through the winter with a lowering kit on it but it's still taller than most other bikes. Bret Tcaks does great videos for short riders or short leg riders like me 👌. Great vids! New subscriber of two days here. Keep it up!
I bought this bike after a 20 year lay off, and found after a 18 months and 2400 miles later, I have got back to the level of "adequate" there is no way I am at the limit of this bike and at my age now, I am not sure I ever will be. I don't have any ambition to get my knee down or go much faster than the speed limits. I admire the better riders and the confidence they have, but if I hadn't stop riding in my late 20's and not get back in to it until my late 40's for family reasons, then I would like to think I would be better then am know. I just ride within my limits and let others do as they want. I am also lucky as I get to ride with my husband who has a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and likes to plod around as well.
I find it more stressful than fun when I'm riding beyond my limits, and it's only a matter of time until things go wrong. Its such a fun bike to cruise around on, and you can open it up when you feel like being a bit silly
Good attitude to the size of bike you need. I ride a classic bike. Years ago, I had a Triumph 350, the next bike I bought (my current one) was an AJS 350. I considered buying something bigger but I realised that a 350cc classic bike actually has all the power I need for for 99% of what I do, so why go for something heavier that will cost more to run for the sake of 1%. Horses for courses!
Well done for being on Exeter Rider and heh enjoyed that 😊 Well done for realising these things about what works for you and being yourself !!! Great work and take your time to enjoy your rides 😊😊😊 Phil
I'm approaching 1 year, and I hope I'll have done as much as you this time next year. Great 2 year review. Much appreciated. I should do the same in December.
4:54 this is Sooooooo true everybody has there own opinion because that’s their own preference, as you say you need to know what your preference is and do that
Good update & progress summary video. I occasionally ride with others but don't like doing so with those whose riding styles compromise me or my enjoyment. I am mostly content being "The Lone Rider" Post DAS 2021 I spent a lot of time doing slow control stuff plus braking drills plus urban work... Only when happy did I progress to more rural riding. Full lock turns fine here ...I found riding as slow as possible both feet up helped with key balance for a lot of slow speed work later. Take care Ride Safe 🏍
Just to add...I am not typing from a pedestal - no such thing as the perfect rider. For me every day is a school day...we are only as good as our last ride. I ride my ride for me albeit happy to occasionally be accompanied by decent riders &/or those who ride to limitations. IAM test not the most relaxing ride I have done but I was happy with end result.
Some real good advice. Me I’m happy with my Ninja 400 KRT as it’s faster and lighter than my T120 back in this days when we didn’t wear helmets. I am about to my check ride prior to my IAM test. One thing I do is a U turn and a emergency brake stop on each ride so it’s just quite normal when it’s needed. I managed a week in Northern France visiting the 1st WW sites on my 400 it was great fun on their country roads. I’m lucky I joined a local club that have weekly rides along with some weekends.
9:35 which track day have you booked? If you want any advise for your first one would be happy to help. Your be amazed what a difference track riding makes to your road riding.
My IAM group are doing some on circuit training, so it's not a full on track day but should be a fun time still. I want to do california superbike school too but it's so expensive
Hate to tell you but I think CSBS have gone under 😵💫 there was a TV show done a while back with 6 episodes your be able to find them on UA-cam they are well worth a watch. Also recommend twisty of the wrist II that the CSBS is built on there is an hour long video as well as the book. Again time well spent over winter taught me a lot about keeping the bike stable. Hope this helps
The fact that you are aware and reviewing your own skills, puts you well ahead of most new(ish) riders. It's a continual process, I've been riding going on 25 years, and still try to get better at certain aspects. You nailed the stuff that will make you better. Try different roads, conditions, etc. 30k miles of the same mile, only makes you good at that mile. Seeing 30k miles of new stuff, you learn all those skills. Enjoy the long tour! I find after 5-6 days into a tour is when I really get in the zone of traveling and just riding. If you only take short tours, you don't get to that point.
You never stop learning I reckon. Awesome, I'll have to try that longer trip then!
I'm so glad you mentioned a perspective of having fun legally, I reckon 90% of motorcyclists don't take the time to think about personal development in any category outside of speeding through corners lol.
Ayse I have been watching your videos for a while now and I think you’re just brilliant. The way you are open to learning and understanding along with the clear way you explain things and yourself is just fantastic. I’ve been riding for 18 years now and I know for a fact that you are helping people both at the start of their riding adventures and also some veterans! Keep it up. 🎉
That's great to hear, I'm glad they're useful! Thanks for watching :)
You're really on point! It took myself just a bit longer to learn these things and am still learning hah.
I've gotten myself my very fast dreambike a few months ago and almost ran myself off the road a few weeks later. Almost 😅. Decided to finally take a beginners track course and it was really an eye-opener.
And as much fun such a powerfull bike is, nothing beats a small bike in the matter of fun. My first bike was a 2013 cbr250r and I still miss it to this day. Regret selling it. Going full throttle through every street was a blast, just didn't realise it then. And that was just a couple years ago haha
I actually had the cbr250r on my list of potential bikes when I was "big" bike shopping! It's a shame that the 250-500cc market isn't huge in the UK like it is in other parts of the world
The fact that you are able to critique your own riding and focus on, rather then shy away from any weaknesses is a great personal skill.
Like you I have no desire to ride like a tool and agree that its perfectly possible to have fun at sane speeds and get satisfaction from knowing you've riden well.
I've been a year on my 500 now and I know my current riding ability isn't able to fully use the performance/handling potential of even my 'boring old commuter', let alone something bigger/faster... until I reach the limitations of my bike, or choose to take my riding style in another direction (keep thinking about greenlane trail riding) there's no need to upgrade.
I plan on holding onto this bike until I can honestly say I've experienced everything it has to offer. And until I can show off with tiny u turns :)
Best thing I ever did getting back into biking after a 15 year was to go on the police bike safe courses.
I meet one copper who trained motorcyclist on the local ROSPA group.
It is much tougher than the IAM and has to be renewed every 3 years if you want to.
This certainly saved my life on numerous occasions and I would highly recommend it 👍
I've done two bikesafes now and highly reccomend them!
Good goals. It is great to see how you have grown over the last year (biking wise, not height! 🤣) and you really can't be far off test standard now. U-turns is only practise, do one everytime you start off and park up. You'll nail it in a couple of weeks if you do.
I reckon I'd have about a 70% chance if I took the test today. I'm going to see out the winter and put in around April time I think!
Excellent approch to how we should use a bike!
Thanks!
Great Vid and i like the idea of setting goals 👍. 2 months in to having my Iron and I can’t wait to do some of the things you’ve done i.e tours and further distance riding.
I’m very similar in the case of sensible and safe riding. I think its very easy to ride fast and dangerous but actually being sensible and safe is a skill, i defo learn’t that when doing DAS.
✌️❤️
Great Vid again, thanks for the update! Approaching the 1 Year mark myself and I have learned so much. My confidence is definitely growing, but reigning that in and honestly assessing your skills (and judgement) is really hard. I have similar goals for my 2nd year, booked in for a Biker down course in Nov. For me though my CBR650 definitely feels right, it's different for everyone I think, I disliked the 125 intensely, sure a 400 would be lots of fun though!
I did a biker down course this year and had a really good time!
My partner and I have our CBTs booked together in a few weeks, I keep watching and then sending her your videos as they are very reassuring and down to earth. Thanks a lot mate!
That's so good to hear, good luck with the CBT!
Your definitely an awesome rider!!!...wish everyone is as smart rider as you. Love your blogs!!! ---from California...
Thank you! Still lots to learn
I have 28inch legs even though I'm 5'9, ride a DRZ400 through the winter with a lowering kit on it but it's still taller than most other bikes. Bret Tcaks does great videos for short riders or short leg riders like me 👌. Great vids! New subscriber of two days here. Keep it up!
Awesome, thanks for the suggestion!
I bought this bike after a 20 year lay off, and found after a 18 months and 2400 miles later, I have got back to the level of "adequate" there is no way I am at the limit of this bike and at my age now, I am not sure I ever will be. I don't have any ambition to get my knee down or go much faster than the speed limits. I admire the better riders and the confidence they have, but if I hadn't stop riding in my late 20's and not get back in to it until my late 40's for family reasons, then I would like to think I would be better then am know. I just ride within my limits and let others do as they want.
I am also lucky as I get to ride with my husband who has a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and likes to plod around as well.
I find it more stressful than fun when I'm riding beyond my limits, and it's only a matter of time until things go wrong. Its such a fun bike to cruise around on, and you can open it up when you feel like being a bit silly
@@ayserides Yep it's perfect! When you open it up it definitely does not feel slow.
Good attitude to the size of bike you need. I ride a classic bike. Years ago, I had a Triumph 350, the next bike I bought (my current one) was an AJS 350. I considered buying something bigger but I realised that a 350cc classic bike actually has all the power I need for for 99% of what I do, so why go for something heavier that will cost more to run for the sake of 1%. Horses for courses!
Well said!
Well done for being on Exeter Rider and heh enjoyed that 😊
Well done for realising these things about what works for you and being yourself !!!
Great work and take your time to enjoy your rides 😊😊😊
Phil
Thanks for watching :)
I'm approaching 1 year, and I hope I'll have done as much as you this time next year. Great 2 year review. Much appreciated. I should do the same in December.
Awesome! That first year is key, but I feel like I learned 10 times more this year!
4:54 this is Sooooooo true everybody has there own opinion because that’s their own preference, as you say you need to know what your preference is and do that
They've all got something to say haha
Good update & progress summary video.
I occasionally ride with others but don't like doing so with those whose riding styles compromise me or my enjoyment. I am mostly content being "The Lone Rider"
Post DAS 2021 I spent a lot of time doing slow control stuff plus braking drills plus urban work... Only when happy did I progress to more rural riding.
Full lock turns fine here ...I found riding as slow as possible both feet up helped with key balance for a lot of slow speed work later.
Take care
Ride Safe 🏍
Just to add...I am not typing from a pedestal - no such thing as the perfect rider. For me every day is a school day...we are only as good as our last ride.
I ride my ride for me albeit happy to occasionally be accompanied by decent riders &/or those who ride to limitations. IAM test not the most relaxing ride I have done but I was happy with end result.
Lesson 7, I couldn't agree more 👍😉
I feel a bit smug riding with 1000cc bikes knowing that they can't outpace me without losing their licence 😇😂😂
Some real good advice. Me I’m happy with my Ninja 400 KRT as it’s faster and lighter than my T120 back in this days when we didn’t wear helmets. I am about to my check ride prior to my IAM test. One thing I do is a U turn and a emergency brake stop on each ride so it’s just quite normal when it’s needed.
I managed a week in Northern France visiting the 1st WW sites on my 400 it was great fun on their country roads.
I’m lucky I joined a local club that have weekly rides along with some weekends.
A WW1 tour sounds right up my alley. I love history. Would be so cool to go and see all of the sights
9:35 which track day have you booked? If you want any advise for your first one would be happy to help. Your be amazed what a difference track riding makes to your road riding.
My IAM group are doing some on circuit training, so it's not a full on track day but should be a fun time still. I want to do california superbike school too but it's so expensive
Hate to tell you but I think CSBS have gone under 😵💫 there was a TV show done a while back with 6 episodes your be able to find them on UA-cam they are well worth a watch. Also recommend twisty of the wrist II that the CSBS is built on there is an hour long video as well as the book. Again time well spent over winter taught me a lot about keeping the bike stable. Hope this helps
Oh I'm not sure if they're under new ownership then? They're defo advertising on Instagram and at bike shows
How does it work with a track day
Do you bring your own motorbike or you rent a fast one at the place?
I've never done one, but im pretty sure you can do either