If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

I am almost 70. Been riding since 16 without a fall or accident. I ride well within my limits. I have dropped out of group rides that I thought were beyond my skill set. Also, situation awareness in traffic. I know Im not the best rider and I enjoy my slow cruises on country roads. I am thankful for his channel.

I just saw your channel for the first time this morning. Good job. I rode for 44 years before hanging up my leathers at 70 years old. I had a crash in the very early years of riding and that was the last one. I had a ritual that I did before I went out for a ride, never missed it. I sat in the saddle, and before I started the engine I said to myself, "If you don't pay attention, this could be your last ride". All of those years behind the handlebars, I was never 100% comfortable, and I was always aware of the inherent danger of what I was doing. Motorcycling is the most exhilarating experience in the world. Stay alert, and stay alive to ride again.

the gold trophy is pulling back into your garage with out injury or damage

It never ceases to amaze me the number of drivers, not just motorcycle riders that don't understand that if you see something 50 feet in front of your vehicle at 70 mph, you've already hit it, it's just a matter of when (about 1/2 second). Once I figured out that at 70 mph you're traveling a little over 102 ft per second it really opened my eyes. Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.

Every time I make it home I ask myself "What did I do today that was stupid?" Make a note, don't do that again.

It only takes 1 yellow porsche rounding a corner to change your life, particularly if you are on the wrong side of the road..

1.Scan 2. Look beyond 3. Expect everyone is out to nail you. 4. Treat your machine with the same respect at low speed as you do at high speed. Great video. Peace to who have passed and to all who are passing :). The satisfaction begins before the key turns.

The advanced classes are a blast. That was the first time I ever hit maximum lean on my bike and could feel the tire losing traction. Didn't lay it down, but it gave me a real good understanding about how my bike rides.

"Traction and reserve" saved my ass as I came around a tight curve, but it all started with turning my head and eyes and looking ahead of the curve to see a herd of Michigan whitetails standing in the middle of the road. Subscribed!

Hey Kevin! I am an MSF Certified RiderCoach here in Minneapolis Minnesota. Love watching your channel! I always pick up something new from you that I can pass on to my students. Thanks for doing what you do!! Keep up the good work!

Always anticipate "what can that car do to screw up my day" BEFORE it does.

And NEVER ride ANGRY! Especially on a very powerful motorcycle. Pull over and let it fade away.

"Point your nose to where you are going", what a great visual way to express the concept.

I have recently undertaken 2 training courses and upgraded my driving licence from learners to restricted (an intermediate step before getting my full license). After this I contacted my insurer who will give me a discount off my next premium for having undertaken the training. So not only can training safe your life but it could save you money too.

I've definitely noticed that a *lot* of riders (maybe most?) brag about how great they are at riding, but as you say in this video, going fast in a straight line on the highway doesn't mean you have any skills. How fast isn't much to brag about if you can't sweep through tight corners smoothly, and brake properly for unexpected obstacles.

The worst bad habits are the ones that involve not looking where you need to be looking. Curves. Intersections.

watch out for paint...the painted lines offer about half the grip of good pavement

I look forward to these videos every week. I've come back to riding after an absense of several years and I'm a lot more nervous than I used to be (so really looking forward to next week's video) but your balanced tone and professional delivery always makes me feel better and since I discovered your channel I've started to enjoy riding again. So cheers Kevin!

"Danger is real, fear is a choice" . Try to find that patch !

In traffic (and this goes for any vehicle) drivers need to keep an eye on the vehicles around them & pedestrians, dogs, etc. not yet on the road & anticipate what they may or may not do.

This is one of the most informative channels on KZfaq. Great Stuff!!!!

Wow. I 'am glad I came across Your channel. I've been wanting to for a while now but I keep forgetting to get out to an empty Parking lot & Practice! I took a Riders safety coarse before I got my first Bike 12yrs ago. (I made a deal w/myself then), if I didn't pass the coarse I would not get a Bike. I still have the Handbook of practice exercises & even have the Tennis balls I cut in half to layout a coarse. I live & ride down here in Houston, & for myself I've always felt that, no one can see me so speed, distance & Keeping your Head Up are very important. Thank you for your channel. Keep the Shiny Side Up & The Rubber Side Down everyone!

I love this channel. As a brand new rider of a month and a half I have watched every video at least twice. The information I have learned I have used daily. I have been stuck in two rain storms and felt completely comfortable because of this channel. I'd like to say thank you and keep the videos coming.

This guy gives awesome advice. I've been riding for many years but I still need to be careful not to forget safety and fundamental skills. These videos are good reminders to stay real and stay humble.

The one important safety feature he forgot to mention is how to dress your self for safety. #1 wear a full face Snell rated helmet with a face shield. Protect your head & eyes from bugs! # 2 wear long pants & long sleeves shirts with leather vest or leather jacket. #3 motorcycle riding boots are a must. I wear all of these even on hot summer days. Always remember Safety First. Ride Safe!

I rode for one year at age 51, never having ridden before. I studied youtube videos, read books and am cautious and thoughtful already, knowing you only have one life to live. In my one year, I rode over ten thousand miles. I dropped the bike twice, burned a hole in the side of my leg two weeks in, and had numerous cars try and kill or maim me. I survived by working at it, listening to others, and practicing. I always looked well ahead, down the road. I always rode with caution through intersections, and didn't speed around like a fool. I still came a foot away from hitting a car doing uturn right in front of me as I was passing it on the left. Yes, four women thought it was a good idea to do a u turn from the right lane as I passed it on the left. You can do all you can to enjoy riding and be safe, but Sometimes it's still up to God.

Glancing or checking your mirrors frequently, will keep you you from being hit by idiot drivers next to or behind you . I find myself looking behind almost as much as forward.

the way you look and talk is like a detective!

Kevin you have made my day. You present your content like an adult and you treat your viewers like adults. I am 58 years young so I appreciate no flashing pics and annoying music playing over your presentation. I have just ripped up many bike videos and told them how I feel. Thanks, you and Chrisfix (car fix videos) are my favourite presenters.

Good riding advice, I've ridden 45 years and come across many situations these tips are helpful.

EVERYONE! out there listen to this man,what he says took me years to figure out,now you have it in seconds! amazing...But im still learning and get many new tips from this site

Hey Kevin! I like your channel. You are saving lives man!

Dang you never blink

Great videos. I have been riding a street bike for several years and find that not only do I learn new things, but they also reinforce things I have been told over the years. I have always believed that if you feel you are handling your motorcycle and it is not handling you, it is time to park the bike.

I'm getting out of my newbie period but i really needed to be reminded this core principles of street riding. Thanks, This is gold content.

BRAVO all 5 are bad habits, I have been riding 40 plus years and am still alive by pure luck. After a few years I started reading books on riding and learned so much. First rule on a bike go to a open parking lot and get familiar with it. Find out how the brakes feel, slowly increase pressure find the limits. So many new bike if you grab the brake hard in panic stop you will flip over forward, brakes are that damn good. Yes keep the balls on pegs, I cringe when I see riders flopping feet near ground. Dirt riding taught me how a root or vine can fully yank you off a bike at speed. Keep all body parts as tucked in and up as possible. And as video says no one knows it all every day I learn I am still not a great rider, practice, learn what counter steering is, learn to brake safely and swiftly. Inpsect bike for any leaks or debri in tires before every ride. It may save your life. Again great video, none of us are racers and when your ego gets a bit big, go watch how real pros ride and how fast they can do it safely on a track. it will remind you 99.9 % of us are rookies.

practice practice practice, I had let me Drivers licence lapse a few years back and did not catch the MC endorsement mistake. They forgot to add it back on. I did not have a bike at the time and a few years went by. I ended up taking the basic riders course (in Central Ohio you can take this course (on a small 250cc) and at the end they give you the riding test, they teach you how to take the test) it was great I learned so many thing I had for got and new stuff and the instructor pointed out bad habits (keep my eyes on the road, not the bike looking down nor the girls walking around or sale at auto parts place...) The best tip was the looking down the road, looking into the curve it helps you balance the bike through the turn. We noticed how many new riders were afraid to lean the bike over. I still hit the seems in the road and potholes that seem to come from no where. I will always be learning and relearning. Yet no amount of learning will prepare you for the kid or dog that runs out in front of you. Be aware of your surrounding and keep alert! great video!

MC Rider, I rode for 51 years before I crashed my Harley. I don't know how many bikes I've had. I CRASHED my XR500 in the desert, in '83. I was in a Coma for 21 days. I'm 65. I've been riding since I was 14. I CRASHED my Dyna Streetbob a couple months ago. HD is sold. It's going to Germany. I particularly like that, because I was in Germany, IN THE ARMY in 74-75.

expect people not seeing you when they are driving cars. Two very close calls taught me that .

#2 for sure, good shout Kevin, I'm guilty of this one and yes it does make you jump when you scrape!

Thanks for the great videos, mate. I’ve started watching a few months ago. After 23 years and 97000mi, I am definitely still learning and trying to improve. Just the other day, I had another „ooops“ moment because my feet weren‘t positioned properly on the footpegs! Yeah... Keep up the good work on this channel!

I feel like this guy is staring directly to my soul but as a person who eager to take motorcycle classes real soon, this was very informative and I believe this will help me in the long run!

Thanks for the useful info. I've only been riding for six months and I know I have a ton to learn. I found out about foot placement a couple weeks ago, luckily it was only a scuffed up boot, but it really made me think about how I ride and how to get better.

Thank you for your 5 tip advices ! I'll end up probably living 1 year older ! 😁

Your recognition of the habits we have gives me a real wake up. After your vids, I look for what I do & how to get better.

just that one yellow porsche can change your life 😂😂

You do a great service to humanity well done man !

Love his eyes....is it just me or is one eye brown and the other blue?😍woooh....focus Jess...he's so calming

I agree 200% no matter how long you've ridden a bike you can still learn something new that may just save your life ...

Seems like a lot of those sport bikes are above traffic laws, and they get mad when they are riding the lane divider at high speed and a car changes lanes in front of them.

Very helpful post; as a new rider I am greatful for any reminders to help keep me safe once I start riding. (Eyes up and forward-- a big one for me during my training class...) Thanks again--looking forward to your next post..

I'm a 53 year old newbie. Took the three day intensive riding acadamy locally (Memphis), and recently bought an '05 Shadow 750 Aero. My very frost bike. I do hit the local college football stadium parking lot quite often. Looking forward to watching more...

Hello daddy. I finally subbed to your channel. Every time I see your videos it reminds me of my father.

Kevin, thanks for your training videos. You do a good job and I learn alot from them. I just finished watching 5 Bad Riding Habits and a bad habit I see frequently is riders not picking up their feet on take off. EIther doing the Flinstone paddle walk or just barely lifting them above the ground until they are at the end of 1st gear. Likewise, I see riders putting their feet down way to soon. Just an observation. Thanks again.

try to remember to scan ahead get the big picture and don't become complacent

Heh brother, I just went for my first ride on my Suzuki boulevard 1500, and just want to say your vids have been invaluable in giving me confidence and inspiration as I practised the techniques. I haven't ridden since my teens, apart from an e'bicycle, which helped, but Your advice and steady teaching method continues to be really helpful. Thank you and God bless you and your family always.

I agree with all 5. But, number 5 is so much fun.

From my beginners MSF course...at stop lights/signs keep bike in 1st gear, NOT neutral; give room between you and car in front to move in case of emergency; watch rearview mirrors so you dont get rear ended. Wear proper safety gear NOT cool/sexy clothes. If your mind wanders, STOP! Pull over and focus. 110% relaxed focus on road. Dont be distracted by running late for work, arguments with your loved ones, daydreaming, etc. Clear your mind and worry OFF the bike.

Great video! Never ride directly anyone at speed. My moto, "Ride to the side!" Look around vehicles always to spot obstacles/situations ahead of time and it also gives you an escape route. The trunk of a car does not make for a good escape route, lol!

Well said Kevin. Been riding Motorcycles your years now. I had a Cycle Endorsement before I had a Drivers License. I did a Motorcycle training course years ago which is very helpful to new riders. My son wants to start riding and he is 26 years old and he will start the right way. I am 58 now. Started with the Yamaha 2 cycle street then moved up years after with a Yamaha 750 Special. Rode that for a few years until I got married and sold it to a friend because I needed the money. Years later moved up to a Cruiser a Vulcan 1500. When I drove that bike off the lot it was a Holy S**t moment for me. How bikes have changed through the years. It took me months to feel out the bike and learn the do's and don'ts of the limits. Last week I just Sold my Honda Goldwing after 8 years of ownership and wanting to leave the touring class now I'm back into a smaller cruiser a 2018 Indian Scout. Here we go again learning about the machine. Still I have years of riding but it will take some seat time to learn the do's and don'ts of my brand new bike and it's limitations. Everyone Ride Safe!

awesome...ive been ridin daily (as weather permits and sometimes caught in it) for 5 yrs. I believe in vigilance as a riding tactic...all the mcrider vids help me stay focused and rethink what I thought I knew. can't say enough. Good job.

"Because it only takes one yellow Porsche," SHOTS FIRED *airhorn noises**roast gif plays*

. I’ve been a rider for years and learned the exact things you spoke of. But at times you can push the limits or be naive. But everything you say is true and great for new and seasoned riders. Thanks for making this video of awareness

„Don‘t lock your elbows!“ - locking my elbows is the bad habit I keep falling back into. So easy to do, especially on downhills. Been told off for it by an instructor during a weekend „curves“ course, but stll keep forgetting.

Just found your site today. Enjoy your expertise in a no nonsense approach. Hope your words reach those who need it. As an MSF Ridercoach myself, I echo your every word. Thank you for your service to the motorcycling community.

You have lots of moto vlogger who give horrible advice. But this channel is perfect for decent and really good advice. Good job.

Kevin, been riding for 3 years and just found your channel! you got a new member. Thanks!

Some notes I took in case anyone wants 'em look 12 seconds ahead balls of feet on footpeg look THROUGH corners, look before leaning

Dear Kevin, I am not a Motorcycle rider but I enjoy all your Videos and what and how you explain the things make so much sense. Keep em coming. I will most probably never ride a Motorcycle. I am in my 70's But still! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I dont subscribe to many of things.. Only core interests. But you my friend have wisdom and knowledge and made me look at riding in a different way. A safer way.. There is no trophy at the end of the ride, only the pride of knowing you can properly operate your motorcycle. And for that, you have my subscription.

new street rider here, 1dn5up, so riding with mid of my foot. out in alaska, long hwy 3hr rides from city to city so to prevent fatigue, I ride comfortably.

Interesting tip about the feet on the foot pegs. I'm guilty, my reasoning being the feet are closer to the gears/brake if the middle of the foot is on the peg.

Biggest SR is target fixation, always scan and look ahead as far as you can see. The more information for your brain, the quicker you can react and save your life. I have this attitude, I'm a noob and always will be, every ride is a lesson, and I analyze my riding every time after returning from a ride, but I'm glad I took and followed my MS course, and I do all which you have mentioned Kevin. Love your videos, especially as a new rider!

Great job, Kevin! This stuff can't be over-thought or over talked about! Be careful out there! Can't wait to see what you come up with for "Fear".

One yellow Porsche lol! Nice 👍🏻

I just stumbled on to your web site and I like it. A little about me. I am 69 years old and have been riding most of my life. Everything from Honda 50s to FZ490 dirt bikes to my currant 2005 Kawasaki Concourse (My second Concourse the last one a 1996 I put over 370K miles on). Over all I have close to if not over 1 million miles. A lot of my bikes didn’t have a speedo. I wish I had something like this when I first started ride. It may have saved me a lot of pain because of stupidity. My dirt bike days started in the early 60s on Honda 50s and 55s and moved up to the 305 scramblers and KX400 and then YZ490. I was well into my 40s when say that’s enough of that. Broken ribs a few times a broken thumb and a lot of scrapes and bruises. I found my 40 something body was repairing like it did in my 20s and 30s. So I gave up the dirt but kept my street bike life. Now in my younger days I was like so many other young guys and thought every time I rode I was trying out for a factory ride. But by only the grace of GOD I somehow made it to today and 69 years old. I slowed down on the streets and leave my racing to my RX 7 Mazda and close circuit race tracks. On the street I ride with the mindset that I am invisible. When I come up the a car stopped on a cross street It watch their front wheels look for any movement and I also look to see their eyes and head to see if they are on the phone or rocking out to their radio or paying attention to the road. I watch when passing a car for many of those things and I always watch for any side streets that they can turn onto without knowing I am passing them. Being that I have been racing cars many years (small time club racing) I know to look far ahead it is natural to me now. When I have not ridden for a long time I treat my riding as I am new to it at first. Till I get comfortable to it again and I ride at more sane speeds now and enjoy riding as much as when I was younger in fact more because I enjoy view more. One note I tell someone when it teach a friend motorcycle riding is you can crash just as easily at low speeds as at high speeds. If you get off line in a turn you can find yourself crossing over the line and even off the road or off the road on the outside of the turn. I live in the mountains of California close to Yosemite so I get lots of corners to go around in all those miles. One of my friends bought a bike one of the Honda HD look a likes and he was riding behind me we were going slow maybe 4 or 5 miles under the speed limit and I went around a corner and I checked my mirrors and didn’t see him. So I turned around and found him standing next to his bike. He said you are right you don’t have to go fast to crash. That was 25, 30 years ago and he is a pretty go ride these days. So thanks for the site and keep up the good work Greg Rapier

Thanks for the reminders of safe riding .As a “L” plater I’m learning as I go , one lesson I learned the other wet night was I missed a gear from 3rd to 4th and had a compression wheel spin, it was in a straight line so it was ok but it got my Heart rate going!

So many good advices every video, great job MCrider

Number 5-A - Riding at the limits in traffic. Never speed or take chances in traffic. There's lots of rural roads away from traffic to enjoy.

It's the same with your foot if you point your foot to where you want the bike to go when turning from a parking space or a u turn from a stationary position works a treat

Love your videos they’ve helped me so much! Thank you

Thanks for doing this- spreading knowledge is one of the best things on the internet.

I've rode Motorcycles most of my life, and had to learn all the do's and don'ts along the way its nice to see someone willing to teach these skills because hard lessons hurt and sometimes end your learning endeavor all together!!!!!!

I’m gonna add two things I found out the fun way: 1. If you have more than one bike, you may not have a bad habit on bike 1 that you don’t think you have on bike 2. I caught my toe on my standard the other day, which shocked me, I never catch my toe on my sportbike! This is especially true if you’ve added a new bike to your world. I was really getting into the corners and scared the hell out of myself when I thought I had more lean available and started sparking my pegs. 2. I’m gonna say if you do distance, your feet are gonna travel. I did 2600 miles in 4 days and my peg-position was all over the place. That said, being tired AND a foot position that will add a second to your reaction means you have to be extra aware. Last thing I’ll say is put a little distance between you and the car in front of you. This has been my saving grace so many times I can’t even begin to count it. Guy behind you is riding your ass, you’re watching your mirror to make sure Captain Rudeness isn’t going to rear-end you and you look up and traffic has stopped. Having an extra second (or two) in front of you gives you MANY more options than a split second ‘oh shit!’ moment. Anyway, got rid of my car six years ago, so i’m only on two wheels. Still here, so I’m assuming it’s going well!

I always appreciate your videos. Have bevome a better rider with your lessons no matter how long I've been riding. Advice to others, don't let pride stop you. Keep learning. It wasn't a yellow Porche, but was a small blue car that caught me off guard and I over corrected. Takes only 1 time to learn in my case. Or relearn rather. Thanks again and keep posting. I'll watch.

Awesome vlog MC-rider , very good.

Stopped riding in 1982 on goldwing got married was married 36 years my wife passed last year after battle with cancer . Last year bought 1986 Honda goldwing off a buddy from work love the bike , hit a dog last year cracked 4 ribs , many bruises and broken toe . So far this year haven’t went down , I lost a lot riding skill in those years .

To add to the 12-second rule (and this is just my observation\opinion), the further you look ahead, the higher in the seat you have to sit. So, rather than slouching while just looking in front of my tire, looking further ahead forces me to sit up. By sitting up, I don't get tired near as quickly and I have better control of the bike. Plus, it's easier (and more fun) leaning through corners. I'm not sure how this would apply to sport bikes, but on my cruiser and tourer it has made a HUGE difference.

You are just awesome Sir. "Always ride within your limits". truly said. Street Rossies are everywhere. They even don't let you ride within your Limits too. this is another Challenge too.

The lessons I learned 44 years ago by taking a defensive riding course have saved my life more times than I can count. Number one be hyper aware and never ride immediately beside or in the blind spot of a car. That's for riding in traffic. For faster riding be aware of road conditions, and don't be a fool by trying to race your machine on public roads. Resist the temptation to take your powerful machine to its limit on a public highway; there will always be road conditions that could potentially spit you sideways and ruin your day. The road is not a racetrack.

These instructions are the golden ... now all we need to do is to incorporate them with the road experience we have in our own countries. Different countries have different situations, just try and adjust them as needed.

...I've been guilty in this past week of riding at the 'limit'. You reminded of a video I watched sometime a ways back about the 70% rule. The just of the rule was to ride up to the 70% mark (speed, skill, braking, traction) leaving 30% in reserve in case of emergency.......Thanks for the reminder of all 5...All the best Kevin.

when you ride on ice over a bridge for several miles and take turns....an experienced rider that races motorcycles told me that if you never lay you bike down then you haven't really rode. at some point we have all laid a bike down. can't be prevented no matter what you do or how much you prepare. eventually you will go down. what also happens on the track is that for first timers that do lay down they never ride again.

Hey Kevin. Thanks for the humbling advice. I plan to watch this video again next month just before reaching 'Tail of the Dragon'. I have about 60k miles experience. Nova Scotia. Northern Cali. Grand Canyon. I remember much advice through the years of riding... Pretend you're invisible. Pretend everyone wants to kill you. The acronym SEE... Search Evaluate Execute. If you can't SEE, you're moving too fast.

thanks for your tips and tricks feeling proud of myself being your subscriber and thanks to you for helping me upgrade my skills have a great day

Love your videos I'm 78 been riding since I was 18 .Still learning hate riding with other riders they take too many risks and expect me to take those same risks .

thanks kevin.good video.for the sake of spreading knowledge, I should add that after almost 20 years of riding I would say there are four rules to motorcycling : Rule #1) DO NOT GET CARRIED AWAY (by far the main life saving rule) Rule #2) focus on riding Rule #3) know your and your motorcycles limits Rule #4) Wear protective gear. "the little red guy with trident keeps telling me to add : , , , learn to wheelie" :)

The ball of Foot on pegs is a must for me . I use the principle taught to me 40 year ago when learning to drive a car . left foot is either on the clutch or on the floor . So change gear then return foot to peg (unless accelerating) same with foot brake use it or not . when slow town riding just cover it

"It only takes 1 yellow Porsche rounding a corner to change your life..." Heal well Yammie.