10) you'll spend hours on KZfaq watching people ride motorcycles.

Motorcycle is a luxury item. Rest of the world: Motorcycle is cheap reliable transportation.

Watch out for the large painted arrows in the road after it rains. They get SUPER slippery.

"Expose only the skin you don't mind losing"

No one told me about the smells. In a car I never noticed the scent of the orchards by my house or the sunflower fields. It's great. The little things you notice that you miss in a cage.

Smartest thing I've heard you say. "The girl on the back is more important than you are. Make sure she has gear on".

As a woman rider I have learned so much from you. Thank you. I have got a nice little Honda Rebel 300 with abs. I love it. It's a joy to just ride around town. On one full tank of gas last me a month going to work and back home. My favorite color is blue so yeah I got my rebel blue. A lot of men give bazaar looks toward me. But that's ok. I'm truly happy with my bike. Keep the great content coming. Thanks again.

Changing bikes every year? WTF? I had my Harley for over 20 years, and still have it.

Worse feeling in the world. Running out of gas than reaching down to put it into res only to realize it's already in Res

Had a bee hit me at 70 mph with my viser open not fun.

1: I find it worth mentioning that even if you have the reserve setting, it's a bad idea to just ride until you run out of gas and then switch to reserve. It's better to learn how far your bike will go on one tank and keep an eye on the trip-odometer. When you ride a curve and enjoy the fine balance of gravity vs. centrifugal force, the last thing you need is a dent ion the latter because your engine starts to sputter. my mechanic told of a customer who laid himself down because he ran out of gas at the wrong moment. 3: most bikes are fast enough for noobs as they are.

I just bought a bike, and a bunch of my friends already want me to take them for a ride. I've told them all a hard no, because I only have one set of gear. If they aren't just as protected as I am, nobody is getting on my bike, period. It drives me INSANE to see someone in full gear with a half-naked passenger.

Always ride your own ride, meaning ride to your own abilities and safety. When riding with others don't be intimidated by riding to their abilities if they are more skilled (or reckless).

If you buy a Harley Davidson you dont have to dress in a ridiculous hybrid pirate/willie nelson outfit.

This video showed me a few things that I already kind of knew about but didn't know that it was common. I've stopped riding with certain people because they were over zealous and thought they were better riders than they were. Also, I currently have a 99 Katana 600 and was having my eyes on getting a Sportster 1200 custom, so I'm glad to see that it's not odd to go from sport bike to cruiser and vice versa.

My buddy n his gf years ago, laid his gsxr1000 down both in shorts tanks and flops.....9 moths later they were still road rashed. Nobody ever learns!

Anyguy who doesn't cover his girl because he wants to show her off has obviously never seen a girl in full leather.

I’m just starting back into riding- I’m 61- love your videos! Nice refresher courses and relearning what I’ve forgotten

I have to say, I love your channel! Started on dirt in '96, been on road since 2000. This vid tells the real deal . Protection for passenger should be better than your own for the on you are with. This vid is perfect FOR ANYONE who rides

Good video! One thing you should have mentioned his don't push yourself to keep up with more experienced riders.

A must watch for any motorcyclist. I also noticed a couple other commenters mention this.....NO alcohol.

I always enjoy watching your flicks, thank you so much. Been riding for over 35 years all kinds of bikes. I appreciate all that you do.

I second the idea of shades plus a clear, drop down, shield. Lots of helmets come with only the dark shield. But, you can easily replace that dark shield with a clear one. In addition to night riding, the clear shield is great on gray rainy days. Sun glasses, and clear shield. That's the way to go!

With reference to the reserve tap - don't you just love that sickening feeling when you put your hand down to discover that its already in reserve !

Seeing kids riding in shorts, T-shirt and flip flop or sneakers without socks is just so sad. I’ve ridden for over 30 years and gear has saved my feet, back, knees, shoulders and head, a few times. Always gear up all the time!

Very valid comment about the face shield! My helmet has the integrated sun glasses but they weren't quite dark enough for me so I got a mirror face shield to cut the sun down a little more. I learned the hard way to always remember to bring the clear shield with me all the time for those occasions when I didn't make it back before dark.

#9: What works for me is a helmet with a clear shield and a flip-down tinted visor (I got an Icon Airflite, but you can find the flip-downs by several makers.) I never have to worry about not being prepared one way or the other. Some of the tinted shields look pretty sweet though!

Don’t forget to mention that if you have 5 grand to spend on a bike you also have to insure it and get plates and regiistration as well as your equiptment

It hurt my heart when you talked about people changing bikes like underwear. I cant ever give up my girl.

Thank you very much for this awesome video, you really sound sincere when explaining!

I normally hate these types of list videos but this is one is different. He really hits the important items and does so in an easy-to-understand way. Wish KZfaq was a thing back when I first started riding so I wouldn't have had to learn everything on my own. Well done sir!

If your buddies like to stop at the bars for a "quick shot", ride without them.... Not only are they going to eventually crash, but they will take you down with them in that crash!

#6 A lot of riders don't seem to understand this. I see a lot of this on the streets. They actually don't care at all about the girl they take for a ride. And in most cases she doesn't know the risk, because that is her first or second time on a bike. Very selfish

Thanks for the transmission tip... I thought that I had a problem with my motorcycle even though it is kind of new because I felt like the gears would kind of get stuck and that it was hard to get into neutral but thanks for your tip now I know it's just a transmission thing I really appreciate it.

Great vid Sean, lots of good advice. Particularly about being selective with riding partners ("ride your own ride"), and our responsibility to our pillion... massively neglected subject. Cheers from Oz! 🇦🇺👍👍

#9 was so spot on. I lead a lot of group rides and have had to kick off some dangerous riders who come charging up at the worst time. Great video and channel.

My helmet has an extra sunscreen shade inside the clear shade I can flip down when the sun is out. Really useful.

Awesome vid.... everything you said is spot on . Ive been riding since 1986 stree bikes and have seen everything you talkrd about and now i just shake my head. Hopefully some of these kids will listrn to this. Great job!!!!!

My favorite thing to do is forget to switch the petcock back to "on" after refilling the gas tank. Then when I run out of gas, I can reach down to flip it to "reserve" only to find out it was already there. Brightens my day every time.

I recommend having two pairs of sunglasses with you, every time you get on your bike. One pair for daytime, another for nighttime. I prefer yellow lens at night, because it seems to brighten up the road in front of me? Also takes away some headlight glare, you're gonna get from oncoming traffic?

I spent my time watching this video, nodding my head saying "yep, you're spot on." I couldn't agree with you more. Two big "thumbs up" from this Kentucky boy! 🏍

Been riding for 30 years. Tuned in to see what advice is given to new riders. This is 100% correct. Would agree with everything. Well said.

I've been subscribed to the Bikes & Beards channel for a month or so and I'm really liking the content. This is the second video I've watched today from the SRK Cycles channel with my morning coffee here in the UK and I really like your openness and honesty. Once again, some great advice. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

When I was a teenager, I was riding about 65-70 mph on a "short trip" when a black bug hit me on the right eye. Lucky I was wearing sunglasses that cracked instead of an eye injury.😎🤯🤔🥸

"Protect your passenger!" ...and I'm a fan.

Another good thing to remember: When you ride in a group, the least experienced riders go up front. That way they aren't pushing themselves to keep up and if (god forbid) something happens, the more experienced riders can more easily avoid what's in front of them and not compound the situation.

I am on my first bike that I bought new when I got my licence (2019 Honda rebel 500). I ride about 10,000 a year (off the road in winter)I love my bike. ❤️❤️I can’t imagine not loving it and wanting a different one! Maybee I’ll feel different in a couple years🙂🤷🏻‍♀️

when the sun goes down all the bugs are out, that’s the last time i want to ride without anything covering my eyes

This is a refreshing channel. Too many people are being inspiried by squidding moto vloggers who truly believe you need a 1000 cc race bike to "keep up" (meanwhile the 300 class of bikes are faster than most sports cars). All these points are things I've been living by for years. My girlfriend isnt allowed on the bike unless shes geared, I dont ride with street rossis, etc. People need to realize having a bike is about the experince of how you get there, not how fast. Afterall, no matter how confident you are, hitting something at 180kmph with turn you into a blood balloon no matter how much gear you wear. Keep up the good stuff man, subbd.

Myth #11 - You only need one motorcycle. (cue long fit of uncontrollable laughter)

I really enjoyed this video, thanks for making it. Just watched a similar type of newbie video on bikes and both had completely different tips. Was cool to see both.

Newer rider here..number 2 was spot on. Had to learn to rock my bike into gear when downshifting at a stop sign/ red light . Got to love stalling .

Ride your own ride! That’s what we say. Don’t ride over your comfort level just to keep up or be cool. An old rider I know rides dual sports and he rides really hard,said he lost a guy on a ride to WV like 20 years ago ,at a red light or something,and hasn’t seen him since! It’s simple, if the guys you’re with are riding beyond your skill or comfort level , slow down and they’ll hopefully wait for you. If not,turn around and go back the way you came and enjoy your ride! Like Davy Crockett once said “ I never been lost but there was a few times when I didn’t know where I was for a few weeks “!

Also, cold weather riding - use a Pinlock Anti-Fog Shield Insert

much appreciated sean videos like this from experienced riders are well needed

Choose the people you ride with carefully. Best advice ever! TNGN!

I like holding on to my bikes forever (have 8 now)

The double visor is legit. Highly recommend. It is the reason to pay more for a helmet.

Awwww man needed to see this going for my permit and right after for my full Moto license a lot of gems where dropped in this video🔥🔥🔥

#8 i tried my dad's 93 ultra classic but i wasn't comfortable with the weight. However when i got my 92 883 i found i was more comfortable with lighter bikes better control. #10 i went and bought 2 pairs of riding classes tented for day riding to prevent glare and clear for night riding

Great video! I like the fact that you stress wearing safety gear. I've been riding for 36 years and crashed hard on my motocross bike at 13 years old. Thank god I was wearing a Snell Approved helmet and gear! I cracked the helmet after hitting a steel/concrete post and was out cold for 15 minutes according to my buddy! I had a quick hospital trip and was back riding in a few weeks. I would also mention its good for a new rider to get a 250cc or 300cc bike to start. If at all possible the best place to start riding is in the dirt so you can hone your skills as the dirt is much more forgiving the asphalt!

Just lost a buddy to a bike crash. His parents just took him off life support due to no brain activity. Crashed doing 100 mph. Had a helmet on but at those speeds it wasn't enough.

I love your videos and your outlooks on bikes and riders. God bless and stay safe

I’ve been riding for coming up on 40 years and learning everyday and I have to say thank you for your videos this one is very knowledgeable kept up the good work

Great, balanced vid. Thanks for your "words of wisdom," your good content and your desire to help the riding community strive toward a mature, respectful approach to our sport. - Ray Wallace, near Durango, CO (Husaberg FE390; Kawasaki Versys)

One of the best pieces of gear I bought was a Transitions(tm) lens visor for my helmet. It is clear at night and smoke tinted in the day. Adjusts everywhere in between. They aren't cheap, but worth it.

I wish I could have watched this video before I started riding in '94...best basic motorcycle advice ever!

Thank you for good advice, special emphasis on eye protection, good! Temptation with a screen on the bike is to flick the visor up as the wind deflects over one's head, a bumblebee or stone chip won't deflect , cheers John. 🌞🏍

#5 definitely saved my right eye when a big juicy June bug smashed into the lens.

From my experience as long as I stay away from cars I avoid most potential danger's.

All great advice thanks man!

I've been riding fifty years, and this has been a good factual presentation. Kudos, thanks!

My dad was riding as a teen (uk guy here BTW) he was riding with a friend (separate bikes) back in the day about 30yrs ago and his friend wasn't wearing safety gear and he lost control of his bike and fell off, he scraped his arse all along the tarmac at 70mph......it was like cheese and the grater Shauns just the right amount of cool to get young and new riders to ride safely Great safety message without the pretentious arrogance talking down to us all awesome video

From Leo: Great talk, you are spot on about the whole deal. Gear is a must, I have been down hard three times. I have ground the palms out of riding gloves, ground a hole in a helmet and slid the armored knee out of riding pants. The ruined gear saved a lot of bleeding. Once time I was wearing the jacket but not the pants. I now have scar tissue from my waist to my knee on the left leg. We can all love a lot of different bikes. Most of the guys talking trash about other brands are on their first bike, or spent their entire life tavern hopping locally. I owned 25 different bikes from 1972 to 1989. Choppers, street scramblers. baggers, Two strokes, cafe racers, sport bikes, etc. That calmed down about 1990 and just 4 Kawasaki ZG1000 bikes took me the last 30 years. You also speak the truth about group rides. I have been on charity rides where they want us to ride two abreast with the bikes stacked together like a traffic jam, of course a lot of the people are fashion riders with 2100 miles on a 4 year old bike, no thanks, no parade rides for me., especially with inexperienced strangers. Same with sport rides, no crowded packs, they always send people to the hospital. I rode with a club a lot in the Texas hill country. We would take off 2 or at the most 3 bikes at a time with equally skilled riders, leaving 5 or so minutes between groups, fastest guys first. No tavern stop until after the ride is over. Bikes are a great hobby and passion, but they have more risk when you don't know the unwritten rules.

Great advise. Thank you for sharing.

Great info! Thanks!

My advice... Always ride with glasses or a visor. Bumble Bees hurt... A lot.

"5. Eye protection: Thirty-six states require eye protection; 22 specify use by the operator; 23 exempt the operator from wearing eye protection if the bike has a windshield, though two states restrict the eye protection exemption to windshields at least 15” high. One state limits the eye protection requirement to those riders under age 18, one limits it to riders under age 21 and one requires it only for speeds over 35 mph. Apparently some enlightened legislators believe eyes over 18 or 21 or traveling occasionally under 35 mph are somehow immune to injury." Source -Ultimate Motorcycling

Very nice video, especially for the novice rider. My number one is the no eye protection. I, personally, hate wearing a helmet and will only wear one of the state requires it, but I will never ride without eye protection. I have a pair of light sensitive glasses that I wear for good day or night wear. But I also keep an extra pair of sunglasses and clear glasses in the saddlebag just in case they break or I lose them. Nothing sux worse than being way out somewhere and not having a pair. I have no desire to either be blind for life or have an accident because I can’t see. Thanks for all your great videos.

Hi Sean, another good video (as always). I know it wasn’t a road test video but I kinda missed the words of wisdom. Keep em coming buddy and ride safe. (UK Rider - Fazer FZS 600)

Great video dude. I like how you talk about protecting the passenger. Right on! Subbing.

Wear at least one glove so you can pick the gravel out of your other hand... A guy needs at least 5 bikes: (super)sports / enduro / tourer / cruiser / old-timer / any more?! :-) All the best, Rob (Rider for the last 42 years....)

Nice video! I just got into motorcycles for the first time in my 40s. As a mechanic. I upgraded the lights to LED and got the loudest automotive horn for my bike. I am shocked how many people ignore motorcycles on the road. I picked up a 1980 Honda CM400T. I am buying used motorcycle jackets and new never used Helmets. I only plan to ride it to work 20 mins away. I have my Kymco scooter for right down the street.

All very good advice especially about covering your passenger. GOT to have it all covered! Boots, riding pants, jacket, helmet, gloves! Thank you Sean!

Thanks for the video...It took me a long time and a lot of money to finally figure out the helmet/glasses dilemma...I finally found what you call the "fighter pilot" combo...the full face helmet has a clear shield, but also has an inner dark shield that can independently be raised and lowered. I wear prescription glasses, so this was a real issue, but the current helmet is the perfect solution... Your comments on proper gear is also spot on...I've had one accident...someone changed lanes without looking and took me out...I ended up in the ER, and my bike got messed up...but good jeans, good jacket, gloves and boots helped a lot...if I had been wearing just a T-shirt and low top shoes and shorts, I would have been in the hospital a lot longer...Protection over looks or looking cool... Safety first. Thanks for your channel...I really enjoy your videos....

Thank you for covering ridding gear so much.

Hey thanks Sean! Shawn? Idunno. But yeah thanks for being real. I struggled with running outta gas today, had to reach down and switch the petcock to REZ at 45mph, my XS650 hates going into neutral (gotta rock it), my native girl wears all my gear cuz I only have one set but in my small town all the Harley riders and the GXS'r wave at each other. These are all things I've stuggled with for years though, and it makes me feel better hearing ya tell new kids that it's not a big deal. Makes me feel better. God bless!

I am a former police officer and have worked accidents where not wearing protective clothes caused injuries way beyond what the same accident with the right gear on would cause. It seemed to always be non Harley riders who ride in shorts and flip flops.

Sunglasses with the clear shield is the most flexible combo.

Great tips, thank you!

Hello Sean... Been riding for 40 years... I like what you say, especially important for new riders regardless of age... ☺️ Good work.

Mad respect for the emphasis on protecting the passenger. That's an are of chivalry I didn't realize would be so nice to hear.

Been riding 2 years now and have 2 bikes i restored from certain doom. I consider myself still new. All these tips are true and also make sense. I learned these early on. I think the bigger issue is people choose to go against their better judgement for the sake of looking cool. "How can chicks check me out if a helmet covers my face or a jacket covers my muscles right?" I went on a ride and a bunch of guys on cruisers with no helmets with their chicks were looking real cool. Till the butterfly breakout from the recent rain happened. My helmet was a mess but i kept going. Saw a lot of other cruisers pulled over at gas stations wiping bugs from their teeth and body. Lol. Ill take the none protein motorcycle ride thanks. Lol. :D

I always change gears when im moving (say from second to first at about 5mph) This makes it a lot easier to get the bike into first gear than to switch from second to first on a stationary position. I never stop in any other gear than first or sometimes neutral

Awesome video thanks 😊

I’ve been hit on my (unprotected) cheek enough to NEVER ride without eye protection. A+ video

Regarding the glasses/tinted shield. Little story. I unexpectedly got stuck late at work one night and all I had was my tinted shield. So off I went in the dark to go home. Couldn't see crap and had to open my visor. About a half mile from my house going about 40mph a cicada hit me in the face near the top right corner of my eye. Felt like someone just threw an avocado pit at me. Thank the lord I wear prescription glasses because if I didn't I'd have lost an eye. Needless to say I had to get a new lens but I'll take that over the cost of losing an eye any day. Be smart, stay safe and god bless.

Hi, thanks for all the cool info. I'm gonna be starting out riding soon and liked the idea of the helmet at the end of your video. Who made it? My eyes get sensitive to light at times but, I like the idea of a eye share other then glasses. Thanks in advance.

Well said, Shaun. I`ve watched many of your videos (usually corny) but this one`s very useful.

Good advice. And when you buy your gear don’t be cheap, you’ll only have to replace them faster.