I saved my own life this past weekend thanks to your advice. For years when I stopped at red lights I popped it in neutral and would look at my phone, or stretch my legs. No consideration to lane position, escape routes etc... Thanks to your videos, I am now very conscious of all that. I give myself lots of room between the vehicle in front of me and select a lane position that gives me escape routes. I keep it in gear, left foot down, right foot over the break & I scan my mirrors continuously. This past weekend I was on a ride from Florida to Massachusetts. After gassing up at the SC/NC border off 95, I was the last vehicle sitting at a congested intersection in the right most go straight lane. To my left was another go straight and two left turn lanes. To my right was a right turn lane. Cars were stopped in front of me in all the other lanes. Behind me I see a woman approaching way too fast in the right turn lane to my right. I am immediately on high alert. As she approached she suddenly swerves hard to the left. At the last second she decided she wanted to make a left turn and is going to cross four lanes to it in an instant. I let off the brake and clutch and twist the throttle, sliding up between the two cars in front of me and stopping. She traveled directly thru where I has been sitting a slit second before. I have no question in my mind that if I hadn’t been ready and had somewhere to go, I would have been killed or at the very least severely injured. Your voice echos in my head often as I ride and I have adopted many of the principles you teach. Had it not been for this channel, I would not have been in a position to respond correctly to the actions of that driver. THANK YOU!!!! Truly. What you do has value and literally helped save me life.

Another good reason for downshifting before coming to a full stop is actually getting all the way down into first gear. There are bikes that really don't wanna downshift if they're not moving (as riders will soon find out) 😜

At 54 I've been riding most of my life. Most of what you cover in your videos I have learned from personal experience over decades of riding, but I keep watching because you do a very good job teaching and I never know when I will pick up something new that will help. I never stop trying to improve or learn when it comes to riding. Having said that, your videos are even more important to new riders, as they can learn from you (if they pay attention) and not have to learn from years of riding only. In particular the story from the guy who recently saved himself by watching his mirrors at stops and thanks to you, gave himself an out. Thank you for all of your efforts to help everyone become better riders! I have no doubt that I am a better rider because of you!

I ride a Goldwing, a @900Lbs bike. I'm Japanese and have fairly "short" legs and have difficulties balancing my bike with just my left leg down at stop, even with ride height set at lowest setting. So, I put both my feet down as habit, to keep from tipping over or have wobbly balance. My VTX1300R I could do with left foot alone but, not with either of my Goldwjngs I had/have. Once stopped, I use front brake only to stay put. THAT saved our butts in California, when we got rear ended at stop light, which kept us from ramming into the van in front of us. Bad technique, I disagree. I do what I need to keep balance on my @900Lbs bike, to keep wife and I from tipping over...which the bike height is set on 12 for 2-up rides. These Gildwings must be made for Americans with long legs😁 it sure don't feel like Japanese design for Japanese rider in mind🤭

Thanks. Even thou I have been riding for 30+ years, breaking have always been my issue. I am humble to know I need help.

The part about using the rear brake for that last little bit of stopping was great. It makes my one foot down stop feel more in control. Also gives me more time to look at the camber of the stopping area.

I wonder if the one person that disliked this video has a big brown mustache?

Love your videos! Excited for riding season.

I needed this refresher. Thank you.

He's back! Great content, each part worthy of its own vid. Keep 'em comin' Kevin.

Excellent tutorial and advice, as always. Thank you Kevin.

Thanks Kevin for yet another awesome video helping us to be better riders and safer out there

Awesome tips, will practice them this weekend!

Great video Kevin!!! All the best...

Always good advice. Thanks!

Another Great Vid, thanks Kevin!

Thanks Kevin! Great topic. God bless and stay safe.

Kevin "MCrider", thank you once again for another very informative training video. I keep practicing!

I do appreciate this . I had some learning experiences . Thanks for all of the instructions

Waiting for motorcycle classes to restart in my area. Until then I appreciate your videos and look forward to applying it when I start riding. Thanks and keep them coming

This guy is amazing ! Thank you for these videos!

Great video! Just wanted to say we here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Keep up the good job!

Thanks for the refresher advice Kevin

Thanks for the review. Love your tidbits of motorcycle wisdom.

Watching again a year later and worth it. Thank you for your efforts.

Another exceptionally informative video! Thank you.

Thanks Kevin another great video I've now become the example of what not to do and you showed me I'm already learning bad habits I have to dedicate my time to the parking lot thanks again for all your help

Perfect description of the proper stopping technique. Thanks, again.

Sound knowledge, thank you Kevin

Very informative video Kevin. My stops are a little shaky. These are great tips and I'll be using them.

Thanks Kevin, I always get something out of each of your presentations. Hopefully with practice I’ll get it right. May God bless and a personal thanks for all you do.

I'm a new rider & I'm glad I found your channel, I've been watching your videos and it's helped out alot. I took the MSF course end of October. Wanted to say thanks and also I don't live too far from you. I live in Argyle. I might just see you down the road someday

Kevin u the man. All ur advice is on the money. Keep up the good work

Thanks as always Kevin. I was riding with my Uncle & was watching his stops at lights & just like you stated, he'd wobble & come to an abrupt stop. I use your techniques & realize how much smoother & more in control I am. My Uncle even mentioned it & I turned him onto your page. He's been riding for 50 years and has lots of bad habits to break.

Once again..... always good information! Thank you.... see you on the road!

Glad you included this content at this time of year since know is the part in the season that most folks who have been itching so badly to ride are first getting out there. From veteran to returning rider, to first-timer's, we all really need to keep our senses about your discussion placed in order, just to stay safe. Thanks Kevin. Shiny sides up.

Practicing good braking and stopping technique in the lot is my second favorite activity in my cones, second only to the offset weave. It’s a matter of pride getting it smooth and easy. I know I’ve done it right when the bike doesn’t unsquat with a jolt when I’m stopped and relieving the brake pressure to reset it to holding. One of the benefits of a smooth stop every time is that it quietly communicates to the drivers around you that you are in complete control of your ride, and that’s when you get noticed positively and drivers respect you more as you move around,as needed, within your lane space always looking ahead.

Been riding for 3 years now, but I always use your Chanel to revisit the basics! The best!

You are absolutely right about those first two key techniques!

Sound advice Kevin, whether braking or riding along looking ahead is a life saver.

Always learn something from your presentations. After 49 years on 2 wheels, I learned my breaking skills needed a lot of improvement and so does the back brake on my bike. Thanks Kevin.

Almost all gear has come in and I am about to hit the road in earnest for the first time in a week or so. I appreciate your videos so much and I hope the techniques you teach become my habits.

Thanks Kevin for sharing hope you and your family have a blessed weekend

I've been waiting for a long time. I've never seen a single video from you that isn't a wealth of knowledge. God Bless you for the time and energy you put into this! Thank you!

Your so good at explaining and your diction is so good, I can understand everything, thanks for the advice sir.

Thanks for another great video Kevin! Safety focus might save your life, but having a strategy gives you a confining advantage... which might also save your life! Appreciate you, my friend!

Just went into a sports cruiser with massive brakes. Thank you for the tips.

Great story, thanks Kevin.

Excellent lesson! Thank You!

I'm 50yrs old 1st time Rider your tips on stopping are so helpful for me

Bro, i’ve been riding for some time on a f850 gs adventure. I can say that at least 4 times your videos and you parking lot strategy saved my life. I can’t thank you enough Kevin...

Well said Kevin thank for the refresher. 👍

Thanks for another lesson to practice. Really enjoy your channel.

Thanks very much! As a 6-month new biker with 65 miles so far, this is a subject I've been waiting for.

Man I'm a new rider and really appreciate you...

Good stuff Kevin...a thorough breakdown of what it takes to properly stop. Leaving the bike in gear when stopped at a light is also a key takeaway...often see folks at lights with bike in neutral and hands off the bars...does not equate to an emergency get away! Brakes on , clutch squeezed & bike in gear. Thanks for the reminder to us all. Be well.

Thanks MC from Ireland

Thank you good sir! God Bless You.

Great advice as always, which is why as an older rider I still watch your videos every week. An old dog can always learn new tricks. I now have 50+ years riding on the street. I started when I got my license at 15. There are exceptions to the right foot down rule. I own 4 motorcycles. One of them is a right-hand shift, so I always put my left foot down on that one. Another one is a 1949 Harley with a foot clutch. So I only put my left foot down if I am in neutral because my foot is normally on the clutch at the stoplight. I get it to a stop then I go off the rear brake and use the front brake to hold it. The other two are normal left hand shifters.

Great stuff!

My drill instructor said the same thing. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.

Your breakdown of technique are excellant. I've just started riding at 72, in the UK and rely on your input to further my experience, thanks so much.

Hey Kevin, thanks for the reminder. One of your previous videos touched on stopping technique. That session comes to mind every time I come to a stop. It works 😊 It’s amazing how smooth one can stop when these techniques are applied.

Thank you! I'm a 56 year old new rider who just took the MSF class. These tips are fantastic, I appreciate it.

Great tips for safer and smoother braking. Thanks again Kevin.

Important topic, and Great video. Situational awareness and road strategy skills saves lives. How to start and stop skills are the beginning of being a good rider.

Thank you Kevin, and perfect timing too! My wife and i have been in this very conversation all week. We watch your videos everyday, while having dinner. We are on the waiting list to take the advanced riders course. (She has just one year on her Sportster, I've taken the CHP course and have been riding for many years). We take the training courses together. Refresher courses are a big plus in my book! She asked me: "How long until we just ride without training? My answer: "When the body temp matches ground temp! Motorcycle training is a continuous endeavor, never stop learning!" I also added: When driving the car, pretend you are on the bike, to make car driving habits match... What if, escape routes, looking through the corners, point the nose, mirror discipline... It all works the same way.

Thanks Kevin. Riding season will be starting in a couple of weeks (I hope) and these tips will be great to practice.

will do thank you. blessings!!!

That is some great advice, according one of my MSF instructors said steady squeeze the front brake not grab the front brake also he said if you grab the front brake the front shocks compress and it is the rebound of the front shocks that can cause a drop

I started using only the back brake for the last 10 mph or so, a couple years ago and the bike just feels better and more stable at the stop. Your advice is right on...

So glad I watched this, I've been riding for a year now, and just wasn't sure if I've been stopping correctly, but I have and this was very reassuring. I pull the clutch and downshift as you say to, and I wasn't sure if that was correct or not.

Thanks, Kevin!

Best advise ever and I have never seen anybody else teach this 😎 👏

I found the advice very helpful

thanks man good advice

Thanks Kevin. See you on the road.

Interesting. I ride BMW boxers and my relaxed stopping procedure always involves downshifting as you say but blipping throttle and letting clutch back out to take advantage of engine braking as well. If circumstances change and traffic begins to move I am always in proper gear for resuming forward motion. I enjoy each full stop by playing a game with myself as I pick a stopping spot and attempt to have each one be perfectly smooth and jerk free by easing out the front brake lever. After 30 years I am at about 97% success rate. Thanks for your videos.

Great info😎😎

Love the story

I greatly appreciate your videos and teaching. I’ve observed (after 50+ years of riding) how many riders never learn and increase their riding skills...

Given that the intermediate moto course is too far away for me to attend, I really appreciate these technique videos. I take the advice to heart and actively practise daily.

I've been using the "left foot down" stopping and waiting technique for about a year. It's works well, but I had a sudden gust of wind from the left catch me and I was quick to get that right foot down. When I rode bicycles, I was in the habit of putting my right foot down and keeping the left clipped into the pedal. I learned quickly that you don't put that foot down close to the bicycle, otherwise you can tip to the left and there is little chance of getting your foot unclipped in time to stop entertaining your fellow riders. lol.

Thanks for this...

Excellent video, Kevin. Not many new riders (and even many "experienced" ones) appreciate the many nuances that go into the SEEMINGLY insignificant aspects of motorcycling. Stopping is one of the things that initially seems like a "no-brainer", with many new students getting the impression that brake lever location is the only, or the most important thing to learn. What, when and how we do what we DO with those levers is, as you imply, a fine art and requires good "basics" as a starting point. And you have outlined them perfectly here.

Omg thank you for being the first person that actually talks about slowing down while riding above 2nd gear haha I do a lot of engine breaking because I didn't know what I should or shouldn't be doing but I know that can be dangerous when you have someone behind you looking for break lights. Thank you!

When I explain these riding techniques to my group I always say that when you stop a motorcycle you're using both hands and both feet which means, the front brake, the rear brake, the clutch, shift lever and throttle are all used simultaneously. Thanks for the great vids, these help out a ton among my rider group!

Man thanks for the info, very well done. Been riding since I was 11 dirt bikes to street, recently upgraded to the heaviest bike I've owned and admit I've been wobbly and struggling a bit. very helpful, thank you

Thanks, Kevin.

Another great video, Kevin. I’ve got to work on my habit of downshifting and engine braking instead of braking with the clutch in. Gotta let the brake light do its job.

hello, I started riding last season, got myself a '99 vfr 800, I know most would say thats way too big of a bike to start with, but Im 130 kg so I fit well on it, plus just loved its sound and looks. After my first 3-4 thousand kms on the bike I still had problems with stopping the bike at stop singns, so as the new riding seaon starts I chacked out your channel and learned that my mistake was, that I always thought Im supposed to release the clutch after every change in the gears, so by the time I stopped, I always had to put the bike in first gear before I could continue riding. I know it sounds stupid, but I always tried doing evereything right, went out to practice a few times, but because of this misinformation I kept failing. Finally after the 3rd try I can easily stop with my right foot on the brakes and my left on the ground without any problem. Thank you for your work, it really made me more confident and safe.

As a UK advanced rider, this is good quality information. Please use it!!

Thank you! I do have a problem with the last few feet of stopping... I need to get off the front brake...

From one RiderCoach to another, 100% spot on advice.

Thank you Sir.

I'm surprised that engine breaking via downshifting wasn't one of the 4 tips.

All the go in the world is no good without good stop! Another great instruction video! Youda best, Kevin!!😎

Excellent video as usual. I have been riding for years and I even learned something new. Please for the very few that give Kevin a thumbs down! Go away!

Good information for new and seasoned riders. In 1984 I'd been riding 3 years and failed to leave myself an escape what at a red light in Miami. Saw a car approaching way too fast and my only choice was to the left into oncoming traffic which was a big no. Had no chobut to eject. Bike was damaged and landed safely but embarrassed on the hood of the car.

🥸 Another helpful video!