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

35 years on 2 wheels and not even a scrape. What do I attribute that to? NEVER EVER thinking I am invincible. I won't even get communications in my helmets because I don't want my passenger talking to me. I won't go near alcohol if I am getting in the saddle. I avoid riding at night wherever possible. I ride as if I am invisible.

Our brains do a weird thing where if we do something dangerous and get away with it, we start to think it is not dangerous.

Kevin, you're killing me (pun intended)...you're starting to sink in. I'm young, (relatively) and I've always had a tendency to push the limits because I enjoy the feeling it creates. Moving an 800 lb. bike through some S turns with some pace is a lot of fun. But since I have started watching you, I've seen myself slowly begin to adjust. I've started wearing gloves. I've started wearing my Tourmaster riding jacket. And I'm starting to have the desire to switch to riding with my full face versus my half helmet. But now, watching this video and thinking about my little ones, I want to be able to ride my motorcycle for many many years - especially with my son. I need to change my riding style. You have won me over!! Thank you!!

"Riding a motorcycle is the best thing I could possibly do for myself" I couldn't summarize it better myself.

My first MSF instructor put it very simply in a way that sticks with me 20 years later. Motorcycling is risky and dangerous. But we mitigate that danger by consciously managing the risk. Proper safety gear, concentration, being sober, staying within limits, and most of all, humility.

When I started riding about three years ago in my mid-50’s, I told my wife I’d do everything to manage my risks appropriately. By not drinking, not speeding, not riding at night, wearing hi-viz gear, running added lighting, and keeping my bikes in good shape I like to think I’ve cut the odds significantly more in my favor. Oh yeah, I also know I’m not invincible.

Recently I was riding with a friend. we both started riding at the same time about 10 years ago. I moved away and this was the first time we rode together in 5 years. We where on a road with beautiful curves and he was riding at a high speed I ride with in my limits which is the speed limit slowing down in to a curve and accelerating out of it. He took off and I was ok with that. I ride for my self. He pulled over when he didn't see me and said what's wrong with you why you riding so slow. I said I'm not and I ride in my comfort zone. I enjoy riding for other reasons then looking cool. He had his girlfriend on the back and was trying to impress. After that ride I informed he that I would not be riding with him again.

As a young radio and TV reporter, I was sent to cover a lot of major accidents and I saw a lot of death. More death when I served in Vietnam. As a network news cameraman I walked through the streets of Mexico City after it's crippling earthquake in 1985 and I saw body parts everywhere in the rubble. I also shot everything in an ER overnight on a Saturday night. 2am was rush hour. I watched two people die in front of me that night. I know how fragile life is and I drove like an old man long before I was an old man. I won't follow close. I wont go around a corner with any speed if I can't see through the corner. I don't think of myself as invincible. Here in Dallas, while going up the freeway that goes north from downtown at 1am, there's almost always a couple of guys on sport bikes passing me at a very high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. My thought is that they believe that they are immortal. They need to spend a weekend overnight in an ER. I love riding my motorcycle but as Popeye says, "Ya pays yer dues and ya takes yer chances". However, those chances don't have to stack so heavily against you with some training and some distance and some sobriety.

This video single handedly made me a motorcycle rider. I was scared to death to ride a motorcycle but really want to ride with my Dad before he decided to hang it up.

The fellow who quit riding, started his comments with "I considered myself immune." BAMMMM! Anyone who believes they are immune ought to get off the bike, TODAY! Always, always, always admit you have limitations as a rider and start every ride thinking "I will not exceed my skill limitations!" Good vid as always. Glad to support you as a Patron. You are "Preaching to the choir" but, to be sure, you remind all of us of what we frequently need to be told.

You look squarely at motorcycle safety issues and address them directly. That's what sets you apart and makes your contribution to motorcycling so valuable. Thanks.

I'm from the UK and have just turned 17. I have completed my compulsory training and am ready to get my bike. I really appreciate your work as it really does help new riders to have the information you can only get from a very experienced rider such as yourself that can one day help save our life. God bless and thank you.

I posted this in a MC forum I frequent. This happened to me today. "Beautiful day. I just happened to watch an MC Rider video on the dangers of MC riding before heading out. For the entire ride I kept reminding myself, "ride within your skill set", "no road rage", "no over-confidence", etc. I was enjoying a wonderful country ride. County roads, very little traffic. 50 mph cruising. Then it happened. I came up behind a farm tractor with a huge implement. Two cars following it and I'm trailing behind the cars a couple hundred feet. Long tangent stretch, cars pass OK then it's my turn to pass . I did everything I was supposed to except maybe one thing. I looked at the tractor for turn signals, Looked for a farm driveway, looked for field access road, an intersecting road, high beam on. No turn signal on the tractor, no driveway, no field access (that I could see anyway). At about 40- 45 mph I signal and execute the pass. The farmer has a passenger in the cab (distraction, potentially). As I came alongside and passed the huge implement the tractor started to cross the center line to turn into an access road I couldn't see (tall grass). I couldn't brake or the implement would have hit me, so I did the only thing I could do. There was about a 2 ft + gravel shoulder. I rolled off the throttle and onto the shoulder and prayed to God the farmer saw me and would stop the turn. The shoulder was slopped a bit and I was afraid of sliding into the deep ditch. Being as cool as I could I kept the bike on the shoulder and prayed the VTX would stay upright. It did. Thankfully at that point I think the farmer saw me and aborted his turn. I stayed on the shoulder until I slowed enough I could get back on the pavement safely. I checked my mirror and the farmer had stopped in the middle of the road waiting, I suspect, to see what happened to me. It happened all so fast. I stopped at a gas station a couple miles down the road and got a cup of coffee and thanked God I was safe. That was as close as danger can get without harm. I could have reached out to my right and touched the front tractor tire when I was on that small shoulder. Man, the hazards are out there. In the middle of nowhere. I've passed many farmers and their tractors. This is the kind of area I love riding. The only other thing I think I could have done was lay on the horn before and during passing. I'll probably do that from now on. However, he was in an air conditioned closed cab with a passenger. I'm happy to be typing this and not laying in the ER of a rural hospital or worse. I'm so glad my instinct to brake didn't kick in or that implement would have owned me as it was wider than the tractor and I was tight against the tractor. I'm posting this so you guys out in rural America may read this and remember the hazard these tractors/implements pose!! Ride safe! Don't take anything for granted!" Rog

I was Tboned by a 4 wheeler in the middle of the block. Lost my leg, a bunch of skin, some mobility...but I’ll never quit. I will say that I discovered MC Rider AFTER. I had lots of miles and years behind me, but your videos have helped me immensely. Thanks Kevin.

I've been watching these since before I even had a bike, and now that i actually ride, your videos have helped me greatly, so thank you.

Best thing I've ever heard and something I still play in my head sometimes when I ride. There are old bikers. There are bold bikers. But there are very very few old, bold bikers.

Keven, Thanks for putting motorcycle riding risk in the proper light, your words resonate with my own experience. I too was young and invincible and had to learn the hard way. There were no bike schools back then and the best I could do was follow other around. With today's huge knowledge base on how to ride different types of bikes under different road conditions, it would be foolish not to avail yourself of it. I have learned so much about keeping the suspension under control from studying lots of books on performance riding that carry over to my daily riding. It helps a lot to understand the physics of riding, something you will not learn just following someone around. Road strategy and second guessing myself - I was riding a back country road on a sunny day and was having a blast on my Ninja 1k. I was returning on the same road that I knew a short while ago to be clear and wasn't expecting any problems. I came upon a sharp corner in dappled sunlight making it impossible to read the road conditions. I felt that I should slow down, but I thought to myself "It was clear coming the other way!!". My adherence to rules, in general, kicked in and I slowed down to a maneuvering speed. Am I glad I did for there was a ton of sand that had collected in the corner waiting to bite me. The lesson is don't override good rules with hope. Luck doesn't last forever!

Love this channel. You’re an honest guy that tells it like it is and I’ll always have respect for that. Thank you Kevin and keep the videos coming.

What a joy it is to read so many positive comments about your channel, Kevin. You have a great, low “no nonsense” delivery, and a message that is always very thought provoking. Well done. Keep up the great work!

Kevin another thought provoking message. I have been riding for twelve years and ride every day about 80miles. You always make me think about my riding and how to behave. Great videos thank you.

Kevin, I've only seen a few of your videos so far but I sure appreciate them. Your common sense, safety-oriented message comes through loud and clear on every one of them. You're making me a better rider. Thanks for all that you do.

Another informative video. Thanks Kevin.

Hi Kevin. Another awesome video. Thank you. My story-I’m a new old rider or a old new rider depending on how you look at it. At 57 I picked up riding again last year and wish I had never quit in my early 20’s. I love it. I was an accomplished motocrosser and rode a little on the street. Quit riding on the street when a dump truck pulled out in front of me. It had just rained and streets were still wet. I didn’t crash but I got an incredibly close look at the back end of that truck. Motocross skills saved me. I put that bike in a full lock side slide and didn’t touch the front brake and did not go down. That was the end of street riding for me for 35 years. BUT looking back that situation was all my fault. I put myself there due to lack of street skills. The love of riding never left my blood though and I bought a Sportster last year. I take safety very seriously and wear gear. Very often I go practice at the open school parking lot and also work on road strategies. Your videos inspire me. I find riding very therapeutic and am happy to be back in the saddle.

My youngest just started riding. He lives too far away for me to help him. Before he started riding, I strongly advised him to watch this channel. I got a chance to ride with him about a month ago for the first time. We rode a couple hundred miles together. All I can say at this point is "Thank You" from the bottom of my heart! He is off to a good start and he is still and always will be a fan of this channel. This channel has helped keep my riding family a whole lot safer.

Thank you Kevin, amazing videos, always a priceless amount of information!

Kevin, just wanted to say thank you for all that you do. I greatly appreciate you spreading your knowledge how to ride safely, lowering one's risk of an incident. Keep up the fantastic work!

Great video, Kevin! Thanks for the quality information! Greetings from Brazil!

Indeed you are making a difference, Kevin. Thx for everything you do! 🏍👍🏍

Wow! Your best video that I've seen. You are absolutely right. Keep it up! Thanks, BR

I like you man (and hour bikes). This is really good stuff. I enjoy your videos alot. Safety is always top of mind. Thank you for making them.

Kevin, All your videos a great, but this is one of your great ones. Keep up brother!!!

Love all your videos and your heart about seeing others enjoy something you enjoy! Awesome stuff!

Thank you for your passion for riding and safety. I was happy to become a patron today because of your obvious desire to help every rider be as safe as possible on the road. Plus the videos are straightforward and entertaining. Keep it up!

Kevin in short thank you for all you do for the KZfaq community and the ridding community. Just recently got back into ridding and my first thought was to hit KZfaq up for some training or reminders. That’s how I found your channel and to be completely honest with you, even my original training was ever this detailed. So my family, and I thank you, keep up the awesome job.

Thanks Kevin, it's always a pleasure to listen all your recommendations. Best regards from Querétaro, México!

Some really great tips and analysis. Love this channel! :) Im a relatively new rider, and your videos have really helped me out. I watched a lot before getting the bike. And obviously clearly have continued to do so :) Keep up the great videos

Kevin, another good one! Thanks for your continuing effort. I've been riding for 40 years and had one smash only when I was 19. That resulted in metalwork being inserted into my leg. That took 6 months before I could walk. When I saw the bike under a sheet smashed up at my parents place I vowed I'd never do that again to me or the bike. I went and got myself well trained, then eventually went on to train others. Now I get a huge kick every ride knowing I've got a system that works and that other riders I've trained in the past are still out there. Training and thinking ahead, can't beat it.

Brilliant stuff MCrider, sir, and with such quiet passion and expertise !! Been motorcycling for over 60 years, and still learnt much from your vids.!!!! Thank you !!!!

Thanks Kevin, this is a great video, hits many of the pitfalls, reviews good stats, and nice transition to each point.

I’m 56 and currently riding through Russia from Germany. The car drivers here, and in the former Soviet Baltic states, spend as much time looking at their smartphones as they do the road...it’s of immediate concern. I’m putting into practice your tips, Kevin...especially giving myself an escape path when stopped at lights (as I see people approach from behind with eyes on/off the phone); leaving adequate distance between me and vehicles in front and being prepared when people inevitably cut in and reduce the distance; picking the best line through bends and on straights given road conditions and visibility...and overall riding to the conditions. Many roads are appalling, unbelievably bad, and I’ve got to ride to the conditions. The most challenging ones are current repairs and new construction because there’s gravel everywhere. So far no spills yet, but I’m as vigilant as I can be, and I ride with a degree of alertness to the unexpected. I’m also lucky that im under no time pressure and I’ll stop, or stay an extra day or two if I’m tired. I see a lot of bikers trying to get to Siberia and back inside their 4 week annual holiday, covering 15,000-20,000 km or more in 3-4 weeks, and to me that’s really pushing it from a safety standpoint on Russian roads with a lot of pretty poor drivers. But a great trip so far, and the lean sensitive ABS and traction control have been amazing, and your tips help enormously.

Kevin thank you so much please consider coming to Chicago and training some of us newer riders I LOVE MY BIKE and my goal is to stay safe.

Thank you for your effort in carrying on the MC Rider channel: your videos are the *best* I found on the internet about motorcycle road strategy and training so far! Keep up this excellent work, Kevin! I wish the best for you!

Thanks for another great video, Kevin! I’m really learning a lot and am applying what I’ve learned, on every ride!

Gday Kevin, you know that saying , You can take a horse to water, but you cant make it drink, if someone doesn't want to help themselves or maintain a safe bike , or ride safe, what do we do, i see so many EGO riders here in Australia, taking unnecessary risks ,overtaking on double lines, on a crest, blind corners, just trying to stay with the pack, or riding out of there abilities, i dont understand, is the main reason EGO or Pride, why do some riders think they got away with it once, so they keep doing it, anyway, love your videos, stay cool mate.

MCrider, I don't know if you've mentioned it, but for me, just as important to me as "don't drink and ride", is my insistence that I WILL NOT get on a motorcycle unless I've had at least 7 hours of sleep. If I'm tired at all, it's as bad as being drunk. I know the risks and I know how important it is that I'm alert and have quick reaction time. Being super tired while riding is as stupid as chugging a vodka before riding.

Since I've been watching your weekly videos. It's help me tremendously. Thanks for doing what you're doing. Keep up the excellent work.

I’m a returning rider after 30 years. I knew nothing when I was riding in the 80’s. I’m very grateful for what I’m learning on this channel.

Another great presentation of an important topic! Staying safe on our motorcycles is our own responsibility. Theres a lot we can do to reduce the likelihood being involved in an accident. We can't blame anything else. Not gravel, not rain, not drivers that don't see us, and yes, not even those idiots on their cell phones. It's up to us to stay safe!

''I need to work on my subscriber numbers'' hahahhaha that line killed me Kevin good work thank you i watch every single video of yours and as a new rider that i am you are really helping me out very much because the license driving school does not teach you much more than the ''basics'' here in my country unfortunately,you also have to bribe to be sure that u get your license as a greek tradition otherwise the possibilities of getting it are really low.anyway looking forward to your next video.

Your a good man Kevin! Love your videos and the message that you are putting out for us as riders on how and what we should be doing when riding to be much safer. Thanks..

Thank you for your time and videos...

In addition to what you've said, i believe if DMV's promote motorcycle awareness and education for all drivers, it would further help casualties and fatalities.

hell yeah, took me till I was like 26 to stop trading what I wanted to do for the convenience of others. Before then I always wanted one but would remember my family/friends' guilt trips and fear mongering, put my head down, and walk away.

I love what you do here, Kevin. Great video, as usual. I really believe you're making a difference.

Always good information!

I'm a subscriber from New Zealand and just got my first motorcycle on Saturday. My friend who has several motorcycles was nice enough to ride my new bike from the dealership out of the city to a quiet road where I suited up and did about 10 or 20 runs up and down this back road before he said I was good enough to join the other traffic. In my mind I was hearing you saying always leave traction in reserve and always leave skill in reserve which I did, I left lots in reserve! The roads were twisty in places with a speed limit of 100kmh 62mph. My biggest problem was riding too slowly I had to pull over at every opportunity to let traffic past. Being new to motorcycles and the feeling of travelling fast because of all the wind. The reason I was riding so slowly was I wasn't confident in my stopping distance. In my car I can see/imagine on the road ahead of me where I could stop by if I had to but on my bike I haven't got that sense yet so I was riding at very conservative speeds because what if I had to stop? I don't know yet where on the road I would come to a stop at my current skill level. It is winter here in New Zealand right now so there won't be many good riding days but practicing braking and emergency stops is on my todo list as a new rider. That will give me a lot more confidence to ride faster.

People laugh at me when I'm spending hours spinning like a top in the parking lot, I laugh at them when we go out to ride. Love your content MC, I am thinking about recording my practices to share for newer riders like myself. I've only been riding for only 2 weeks but following the practices, I'm able to improve really fast. I spent most of the first two weeks practicing all the important stuff you mentioned repeatedly over and over. I've upshift downshifted (get the rev match proper and fast) maybe 100 times within the first few days, just got back from an entire hour of riding with nothing but slow tight turns in parking lot (clutch, rear break, throttle), now I can do U-turns within 2 parking spots consistently. The improvement is much more satisfying than going out and speeding on roads in my opinion. Eventually I want to be able to do those cops skill test kinda courses, after that, I'll prolly move on to some track related stuff to learn further more. My gears are cheap, but following your advice, I've not once gone out without full gear on even riding in parking lots. Hot as hell, but sweating better than bleeding!

Another great video! Keep up the great work!

Kevin - well done and one of your best videos yet! Thanks for your passion and dedication to making it safer to ride a motorcycle and to help defy the odds...

I assume that death is around every curve, just out of sight, and I ride accordingly. When I go fast it's with unlimited visibility, in the desert where there is no cover for animals along the road. I trust only what I can SEE. In corners I choose my speed based on the assumption that I'm going to slide off the road. How many bones do I want to break?

4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul..

Thank you mate for your videos, I’ve been watching them over and over especially about the emergency stop and I just passed my learners remembering what you were teaching. Cheers from Australia, you’re a top bloke. (Complement)

Great video Kevin, how proud you should be for the effort and knowledge you share with the motorcycle community, I am a mature rider but after watching your videos, its changed the way I ride and drive my car, one thing I do on my bike is always weave to attract the attention of a motorist waiting to pull out, thats a great tip I got from you and is a life saver... I would bet you have indirectly saved lives, well done you. All the best from the uk

I’m a new rider and I appreciate your informative videos! Thank you posting another excellent video.

This was awesome Kevin! So well done and honest and sensible.

This was very informative and I appreciate you taking time to educate everyone about the safety in riding . I know you have helped me become more aware of the moves I do wrong while riding . Thanks again and keep up the good work !

And this is why I support this channel in every way possible. Keep up the good work Kevin. 👍🏻

Thank you for this Kevin, your input and commitment to riding and safety is invaluable, thank you 🙏

Kevin: Thanks again for another video that offered well reasoned and objective information. I look forward to every Friday to get my MCRider fix. Keep up the great work.

Another great video!! Thank you for what you do Kevin!! It's all about mind set when it comes to being safe on a bike along with applying technique correctly!

You're the man Kevin. Much love from the West Coast. Thanks for being a force for enjoying the ride in a safe, but fun way, and to dispel the common misconceptions from riding. YOU ARE THE MAN.

very informative sir .......pure transparency

Yet another good video, Kevin. This all seems like common sense for those of us who still possess that trait. I hope that the concepts you mention reach those who need to learn.

Great Video Kevin, thank you !

Another Great Video Kevin. Keep up the good work.

One of your greatest video. As a new driver, it is always great to hear that we can control a little bit the odds & stats...

Bravo! Standing ovation! You continue to deliver exceptional content for riders of all levels. While I'm glad to say that much of your content reaffirms my perspectives about riding (which is quite comforting), I also continue to learn new strategies and perspectives from your videos. Thank you so very much.

Another excellent video. Thanks Kevin!

Brilliant video. Well done. Thank you!

Thanks Kevin for another thoughtful informative video. You rock!!

Great video Kevin! Keep me coming!

Always look forward to Friday. Thanks so much, you inspire me to be a better and safer driver. Greetings from Germany.

Hi Kevin , thank you for the time and effort you put in to making these videos.i think you have actually saved hundreds of lives ,possibly even mine! A massive big thanks! Robert from New Zealand down under.

I really hope that you continue to make these videos. You have taught me so much and have shed light on a lot of things I might not have thought about otherwise. I am a new rider and much like you, I really don't want to become a statistic. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to more content in the future. Keep it up!

Very good topic Kevin & interesting stats. Thank you.

You are not just an experienced rider but à good teacher. The way you build your ideas is just awesome. It is easy for everybody To follow and retain every piece of info. Thanks alot. I am from Morocco.

Very informative once again ,please keep your video's coming kevin. I enjoy &learn something with each one.Ride safe,Be Blessed.

I just started riding again this year. I am really liking your channel and your focus on safety. Great episode!

thanks mc rider you have valuable information on keeping it safe on the road keep up the good work

Amen Kevin, great video thanks!

Thanks Mr Kevin, I'm so glad I found you, I feel like I've learned so much watching your vids, maybe it will help me enjoy my great grandkids one day 👍👍👍

Thanks for making your videos, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons from watching your channel!👍

Another brilliant video, love your work kevin, thanks mate.

Thanks for doing this. I have learned so much from you channel. I recently got my license but don't feel ready to get on the roads just yet so I practice around my neighborhood. You have helped me become much better. Thanks again.

Great, well researched and thoughtful video. Really make me think. I live in the UK

All simple information, very basic information. Probably one of the best motorcycle related videos I've ever watched. Novice or 'expert', the basics are ALWAYS relevant and never to be overlooked. Kudos, Kevin!

Love this channel. Best motorcycle training videos ever. Greetings from Mexico!

You have hit on about every reason why I subscribed to your channel and look for information and the best tips to be safe as possible to keep two wheels planted on the ground or on the road for the best enjoyment of riding a motorcycle! I love your channel!

Once again, excellent point of view Kevin, against all common fields and right to the point! Chapeau!