"Nobody ever says I didn't hear the bike, people always say I didn't see the bike" - such a good way to think, pretend you're invisible.

On the 3rd point, my goal is to stay away from cars whenever and however possible. Sometimes it means going slightly faster than other vehicles. Sometimes it's going slower and letting others pass me. Other times I will go the same speed as traffic as long as I have a clearing, or plenty of distance in front and behind me from other vehicles. Going faster than other vehicles isn't always the safest option. It all depends on traffic and road conditions, day or night, weather, etc.

I’m a beginner and getting ready to take the safety course. I’ve been riding a slow speeds just around my local neighborhood, which is in the country, so I don’t “have to worry” as much about people. Every intersection is visible (I’m in the flat parts of Texas) so I can see them coming. Im trying to soak of as much advice as I can, watching instructional videos, and trying to low speed maneuvers to prepare for the motorcycle safety course. Your 3 main points, I already do while I’m in my car. I do use the mirrors to a certain degree (even my dmv instructor said to use the mirrors a little more), but I usually rely on turning to see if a lane is clear and where everyone is. I try to be active in watching traffic and watch the traffic ahead of the car in front of me. Saved me numerous times doing that.

In the uk looking over your shoulder is called a lifesaver for a reason.....and if you don't do these during your test you aren't passing your test

Great video for beginners, thanks! I would add that the shoulder check you did is tough and dangerous for most beginners. Mastering, not swerving when you twist and turn your head, let go of bar, is a challenge for them. I recommend blindspot mirrors too. Practising a quick peak over the shoulder and back, without letting go of the bar, is good for beginners.

You can also "slow out" of bunch traffic or speed up to stay ahead of clumps. Ride for placement in the gaps because all freeway traffic has a pulse.

You are so right! I used to have 100 mile daily commute on my Street Triple, all highway. In order to get out of a trucks blind spot and slipstream one day I passed him. The truck was going 90 mph, remaining highway traffic about 80. Open bed pickup lost a metal switch box out the back that went flying past my full face helmet about 6 inches to my left at eye level. Highway riding is just another wonderful challenge. Good to have you back!

Great tips! I would add lane positioning, always ride 3/4 to the left or to the right of the lane, first off there’s usually dirt oil fluids and debris un the center of the lanes, second there could be an object cars are going over and you won’t notice until you hit it and third it will make you more visible for the vehicles riding y that lane and the ones on the closest lane you’re in. Ride safe!

My old driving instructor taught me to assess the traffic on the highway BEFORE entering, so while still in the curve entering the merge lane. Advantage being you only have to look slighty to the left (not all the way behind you) to get a feel for the situation and there's still time to adjust before even beginning to merge. The turning your head before actually switching lanes still applies of course.

One small hint on that topic, when changing lanes, open throttle a bit. Keeping throttle steady while switching lanes makes you actually slow down a bit, no bueno if there is a car close enough behind you.

I literally head check anytime I change lanes, merge, turn, I also try to stay in peoples mirrors. My bike is a DR650, going 75 miles an hour is the absolute limit for that bike while still handling well, so I generally avoid highways anyway.

Lol seems like you're really enjoying the new bike man. I feel like this bike rejuvenated you and your content :) I really liked your point about always being slightly faster than the flow of traffic. How it perfectly balances your goals of the ride + safety and visibility. I feel safest on an open highway, going however fast I please. It's when traffic backs up, and you're not taking new ground, everyone is going the speed limit on the dot and everyone is getting closer...closer...closer to each other and frustrated... and here you are in the mix of it. In Arizona we are finally legally allowed to filter/split (whichever one) at the red light, so long as the road is 45mph or less. So in town. HUGE help for safety. I don't have to deal with all that anymore, I just zoom up away from everyone from the get-go. I really hope motorcyclists in my state behave and this goes well overall and it gets opened up further to be like California. It's the only thing I wan't from CA lol (politically... you guys got some amazing roads around San Diego though!)... It would be amazing to not be paranoid to cut traffic on the highway.

No BS straight to the point and makes sense. Thanks

The point about “riding slightly faster than the general traffic” is a huge one. I shared it with the parliamentary road safety committee at a parliamentary inquiry in my state, and why that was beneficial, and stated that riders serve their safety first and the law second, and it blew minds. Non riders don’t have a clue.

For the exact reasons given in this video and several other recent videos, i've always instinctively driven about 3-5mph faster than flow. Car, truck, minivan, motorcycle, whatever; It solves so many potential problems.

Biggest thing for me, if you are just going with the flow, sit in a position that you can see them in their own mirror. Works on group rides also

A) it’s perfectly fine to stick to the speed limit, simply be aware of other drivers wanting to pass you faster and stay in the appropriate lane. Not all bikes are litre bikes…. Try taking a 250 on a highway uphill lol. B) Loud pipes are highly useful when filtering or lane splitting at lower speeds, it helps ‘announce’ your presence and drivers generally move to give you room (not talking decat loud, just baffle). C) I always always always check my blind spot. Even if I’ve watched the mirror the last 10 miles and nobody has been there. It’s building muscle memory more than anything else, and it only takes one time… The biggest risk? Other bikers flying up into your blind spot - it happens fast.

I do all three! Yay! I started riding a year and six months ago. I used to be scared to drive on the freeway, but now I prefer it way more than the streets. 😊

Checking behind you is called shoulder checking, that's the first thing i was taught when i started riding back in the seventies, i find it is the one most important thing to learn on a bike.

Point 3 is really good, I'm not sure it's about speed necessarily, but I make it my business to be noticed by everyone. I ride where people can see me, I don't hide at the end of the road, I own my lane and my place on the road. I don't know if loud pipes save lives, but I just got a louder pipe fitted and my wife was following me in the car to and from the workshop, and after fitting she said she could suddenly hear that there was a motorcycle around. I'm happy to increase people's awareness of me even a little.

Good stuff! I figured out the "ride faster than the cars else" many years ago. It's really good advice! And yes, the loud pipes thing is absurd as far as any sort of safety is concerned. Probably the opposite - it annoys people...and road rage is quite the thing nowadays! ;)

You are absolutely right, but about loud pipes... in my opinion not so much. Of course, when everyone is driving fast, no one can hear you, but when you are standing at the intersection, they can. More than once I have seen people turn their heads and look for me because they suddenly realize that they hear my bike. And that's good.

Totally agree with all the points here! Even in a car, I think one of the reasons I've never had a crash in my 20 years of driving is because I always try to remain visible by driving a bright car and going a bit faster than others so as not to be in their blind spots. I get speeding tickets sometimes because of it but it's worth it for safety. The claim that "speed kills" is the dumbest myth. Almost any speed can kill but speed alone is not the culprit and going slower than everyone else can be downright dangerous! It's drivers not paying attention, being stupid or reckless, and not having an escape route that causes accidents.

Greg, all points you made are 100% correct. These are the principles I followed from beginning riding motorcycles way back 60 years ago. And my R1 makes it so easy to stay safe.

Glad you got the comments back. You and the channel called Be your own boss of your motorcycle have given me so much knowledge and I apply it. I use your teachings every day and practice. thank you for giving me this information.

Very good tips! Thank you for reminding us about this. Simple rules that save lives. Every car is a potential threat, never get to comfortable. Ride safe folks and keep loving the freedom on two wheels.

Agree the shoulder check (a life saver in uk) is a must. However, don’t forget to scan ahead for traffic flow and any road debris. I only make a quick glance keeping both hands on bars as I am much more interested in what is happening ahead. Your joining lane might have slowed considerably or an item may be in the road. Have a look at a recent post (in America) of a GS rider looking over his shoulder only to then hit a car battery that sent him flying through the air. My point exactly.

Not even a rider yet but in about 6 months I will be, straight to the point, clear and upbeat personality AND doesn’t ask for a like. Got a like and a subscriber

The only thing loud pipes do is let people hear you AFTER you past them. The sound waves are going back behind you not forward away from you. So a person in a car with the radio on inside in a vehicle designed to minimize sound from outside will not hear those “loud pipes” until you are past them.

Going faster than the other cars is also dangerous, specially if the right lane is slower and drivers start to get nervous. Most likely someone will suddenly invade your lane. Being next and just behind the car can leave you without any room to maneuver. Sometimes I think is better to go slower if possible and to the left of your lane, far enough so you are still visible. I guess every situation calls adaptation.

One of the best vids yet for people that ride on the highway. I've heard these tips before and use them. They have saved my life.

I agree with the go a little quicker than cars around us. Except in SoCal, I can usually find open spaces in between packs of cars on the highway, and I ride there.

Best bike tips on KZfaq...love MotoJitsu's videos.

Good video! I live in San Diego and have only been riding over a year, but still don't really feel comfortable on the freeways - maybe the 52 when it's empty. My bike is a naked so I get plenty of wind blast at 80-mph which I think doesn't help with being comfortable for long stretches.

That was the moment when I first moved on highway (autobahn) and my bike was not fast enough to make easy take overs which is 200 cc.I realized, it was good decision to buy that bike for a beginner but not for long distances or else.I am still learning, practicing, will always keep your advices when I get a bigger bike and hit to the adventure rides.

Took a ride today on my Aprilia TUONO V4 1100 and I wanna THANK YOU for these tips. It was a whole new safe feeling today . THANK YOU. U REALLY MADE ME A BETTER RIDER

As an Australian, "policing" of speed limits (and penalties) is ridiculous. For example, 12 mph over the speed limit is a $998.00 fine and 5 'demerit' points (12 within 3 years = loss of licence). Oh, they DOUBLE penalties during public holidays - 12 mph over the speed limit during Easter would be a $1,996.00 fine and 10 demerit points. 20 mph over the speed limit is "speed dangerous" - immediate disqualification of licence (I don't know the fine offhand). I haven't ridden a motorbike - ever - I'm just "doing some research" in preparation, with the idea of buying a Honda XR150L ($4,898 AUD). Thank you for posting videos which are a GREAT help to the newbies :)

Great video as always. All good and valid points. However, in Nigeria, traffic can be lawless and very intense; having a loud bike amplifies your presence. So, here, (I don't know about your place), here in Nigeria, loud pipes saves you. We take the course, we wear the gear, we ride defensively and we also have the loud pipes. As you go through traffic, you create a path for your bike using your loud exhaust almost like a horn. Even while in blind spots, the sound of your bike places you in the subconscious of other commuters. So, even if they don't see you, they become more weary that you are around.

1:18 here in Europe pretty much every new car for the past few years has as base equipment the blindspot indicator in the mirrors. It's a little triangle icon displayed in the upper corner on the mirror itself. You can clearly see it from your bike, and has made me aware of how often i place myself there. It has really been an eye opener for me.

Its harder to see whats coming at you from behind than from in front. Going a little faster means that youre not backing through traffic. Strong advice.

Ok ... here's a couple more. When passing a car don't do so right up next to them as done here at 2:35! There is no margin for escape. Also, don't accelerate past a car while a car on your left is passing you as they won't see you when they change back to your lane as done here at 2:00.

I hear people tell me so many myths about riding. They say and that speed kills etc… someone said a guy was pressed against the guardrail by a semi. Don’t ride in the blind spot of a semi and use vision and lines escape paths practice fast braking counter steering. So thank you motojitsu for the reminders because you are helping save lives and us riders enjoy the ride. Nice Suzuki by the way I love mine. Can you do a video about driving different engine sizes for new riders because I started out on a 650 and would have probably killed myself on one bigger.

I’ve only been riding for seven years, but I tell you what even when I’m in my car I don’t hear a fire engine until it’s within range and I’m pretty sure that’s louder than a motorcycle. I agree with the visibility.

Great advice for beginners; good reinforcement for veteran riders.

Great tips. As an older rider I can add to your first tip about checking your blind spot - stretch before riding. Do those neck and back stretches so you’re limbered up. That second tip is really important with 18 Wheelers. Hold back until the car in front of you is past it, then accelerate past the Semi as fast as you can. Stay safe everyone !

Thank you about the loud pipes part. As a trucker with 2 million miles all it does is spook me. Because all the guys with loud pipes think they can drive however and everyone will notice them. So they pop out from behind my trailer on the right and stay there.

Awesome tips that I've been living by for years...rode back from Phillip Island Superbikes weekend just gone and practiced all these techniques, great advice to add to our skillsets, cheers👍🇦🇺🏍

I actually happen to have the kind of mirrors on my current motorbike that when adjusted properly show cars that are next to me until they enter my peripheral vision, so my only blind spot is directly behind me. In my previous bikes I didn't have mirrors like that so I installed those little wide angle blind spot mirrors on their mirrors. I think it's better not having to turn your head when changing lanes because then you can simultaneously keep what's ahead of you within your vision, assuming you can see enough from your mirrors. I feel a bit paranoid whenever I'm not looking where I'm going.

I actually added blind spot mini mirrors on my aprilia rs660 and it works great, my airbag and helmet don't let me turn around that much, plus in case of emergency lane changes it helps a lot. Ive had people laugh at it but I don't care.

Even though i'm not a real biker ( riding a Yamaha Tricity with a car license ) i always look over the shoulder to make sure that it's safe for me to merge. Now there is also one thing because if you look over your shoulder and no car is there, i always check the mirror once again. It happend a couple of times that a car comes up with a lot of speed and suddenly was there in the spot i want to merge to. I also take the time to shift to another lane, using the blinkers every time. It sounds pretty lame and like "riding like an old man" but i don't want to crash. Just wanted to share this little thing. Thanks man for the great information and helpful tips.

I went one step further, high viz FTW! I sometimes see people point and smile but hey, they see me haha! I've even seen some Harley guys wear high viz around here. Kudos!

Loving your recent uploads. Short, sharp and informative

Glad to see comments again. Great points. One major problem I see with learning and using safety techniques is the increasing frustration in watching other riders not even attempt to use them. I made it a game to see if any cruiser rider in my area wears a helmet. Its a low number. You know if they are not even willing to wear a helmet, they certainly aren't thinking about the best way to navigate traffic or avoid obstacles.

Man the gixxer sounds great! Thanks for the video

Wow! Thank you. Under 6 minutes, very direct. Love it & give me more bite size safety stuff.

You need to adjust lane position and speed to find clear road....like flying vfr.

Thank you for the tips ❤

My favorite phrase in relation to #1 is "Mirrors can only say NO" Once you get its meaning, especially as a rider, actually using your eyes to confirm it is safe becomes a habit. On #3, I totally agree and what I recommend and do is always be noticeable. Status Quo riding is bad for the rider. This is why I had the most number of close calls when I was riding in the middle of the road at the same speed as the traffic around me. Be noticeable, stand out, lane sharing actually helps too but going a little faster and even weaving in the same lane couple of feet to left and right every 5-8 seconds help a lot too. Irregular moves/motion does stand out, and that is a good thing for the mc rider which also directly helps with #2 on his list.

Any reccs for riding classes in CO? Thanks man, you're crushing it.

All valid points, friend. However, one aspect you might have missed is that the top part of the outfit should be quite bold.

I actually did think a few times: I did not hear the bike. It was in a traffic jam, motorcycles were lanesplitting (which, good for them), but as one does in a traffic jam, I zoned out and got completely jumpscared by a motorcycle very close to my car. When lanesplitting in a traffic jam (with 20-50 km/h) it is actually useful I think to be able to hear the bike coming. I don't really think it saves life (if I wanted to change lanes, I always check my mirrors and blilndspot before changing), BUT, it does give car drivers the chance to move over a bit, make room, or not jumpscare them.

All true, especially visibility with the helmet, bike and lights. If the freeway especially is pushing 85 +, I tend to get out of the way if possible.

The exhaust myth thing only works at low speed. Was on the highway in a convertible yesterday with the top down behind a truck with the muffler and cats cut off. Straight pipe was unbelievably loud. As soon as we were more than 2 car lengths in front of him, couldn't hear him at all. At speed, no one in front of you can hear your exhaust, no matter how loud it is. That truck was louder than any motorcycle I've ever heard. Illegal level of sound. Still couldn't hear it from the front

I always do shoulder checks in the car as well. Force of habit!

One thing to note about loud pipes: it keeps tailgaters away. I've noticed cars stay far back behind me probably because it's annoyingly loud for them.

some great tips in the video, awesome job! for who ever reads this, its been said prob 1000 times i will say it again, treat every situation like its your responsibility, dont let others dictate your reaction but act before hand while anticipating that others will not adhere to the road signs or right of way or even common sense, cover your brakes, keep distance be aware of crossings esp if you are thinking of overtaking etc etc and repeat .. be safe & enjoy

I will keep remembering these three crucial tips! ❤

Small fisheye mirrors are awesome to help with the blind spot.

The last tip was the most important, as a motorcyclist increasing your visibility is the best thing one can do. One thing I always do is check my mirrors before riding away. As a rule of thumb I adjust my right mirror to a location where I could see the border or my right arm at the left edge of mirror, that way I can see the traffic to my right better, similarly for the left side. However I am not a big fan of turning your head completely to look at traffic while merging. Instead I move a bit in my saddle tobthe opposite side to increase field of view of my motorcycle mirror without losing sight of what's in front. You must be aware of car drivers blind spots, and try to either avoid them or move past them quickly. This is more important for trucks and buses or large load carrying vehicles. Overall good suggestions.

With thanks all the way from UK, all make sense 👍

Great advise, really good.... Loud pipes just distract drivers, bright jacket for me. Even though I'm invisable

love these vids man , even though i’ve been riding for 3 years i almost always learn something new watching these

As an older rider taking up riding again (Honda CB919), I like to filter where it's safe and that puts you in clear space when you take off from lights etc. Cars and lorries tend to group up and getting out in front of that group gives you space to be seen as Craig says.

That's true a lot of times your mirror looks clear and there is someone right behind you. I like the fact that the H2R has a blind spot detector.

Thanks for the advice! Very important! I need this one I am a beginner rider and thanks again!

My two cents; on fast two lane roads with passing zones, it’s not a bad idea to check behind you before passing someone in case there’s someone coming up fast from behind who also intends to pass.

Hello from Devon, in the old country. I'm 90 years old an got an old AJS 16ms. Father bought him new in 1956. He's a very loud bike. Often people tells me to quiet him down. I don't because most people who live near me is almost blind and drive old land rovers. Fathers philosophy in life was it's important to be seen and heard. Otherwise people forget you're there. Many Thanks, Bertie

Nice MotoJitsu, Got some Ideas, on Riding on a Highway.👍

In the UK we call looking over your shoulder a life saver.

Good tips that I lived on for years of riding. Also, along that I ride with my High Beams on in day light. I want them to see me being I have a small profile on the interstate and normal roads as well.

I've been riding motorcycles since 1980, and I agree with everything you said!!! Loud pipes are sure to see you labeled as annoyance.

I also frequently move around in the lane just so people behind me know that I'm not a car with one broken taillight. As for the blindspot, I'm on the inside then move away to the other edge of the lane as I'm overtaking; just in case the driver wants to merge. Most importantly, I always shift down and rev bomb the heck out of the bike as a goodwill gesture to the cop hiding under the bridge. 😅

Thanks for the Video.

hi motojitsu, ur videos are really great, i enjoy watching it. is it possible that u can do a vid on ur camera placements? that would be so nice. appreciate ur content! keep it up man!

Once again, good advice! I'm always a bit nervous when riding but that keeps me awake and aware.

Thank you for your tutorials and tips riding for me is always a learning experience no matter how long or experienced rider you are. Please continue creating videos kudos to your channel I am not a Marine, but Semper Fidelis

I appreciate the advice. I ride a Vespa 300. I’m tapped out at 70mph.

Tbh I dont check the mirrors at all but turn my head instead. Its either that I set my mirrors wrong or you need to tuck yourself in to see in those mirrors. Got a 2005 R6

I agree with everything in this vid but the white helmet white bike thing at the end. I’ve had a big white f250 for a few years now and I’ve never been dangerously cut off and almost rammed into the wall more in my life so I’m convinced that people driving can’t actually see white vehicles.

100 percent good advice!

LOVE YOU and your straight forward, non-political/polite speak wisdom!!

I did not know about the 3rd point. It makes sense.

Here in the Netherlands we take lessons on the highway and have to do a exam after to get your license. But if i could give 1 more tip that we learn here is and is sort of extra for tip 3: always look for space, make sure you give yourself space and a escapepath when shit hits the fan. By that i mean if a car suddenly breaks in front of you, make sure you either brake or swerve to the left or right if you dont have enough time to brake.

Thank you for the great tips. Ah Yes beautiful south Cali, correct?

Thanks

People see moving things better than stationery things. If you stay in the same position relative to drivers, you can become part of "the landscape". Changing position relative to drivers makes you twice as visible. A slight safe weaving action will also help. I prefer "faster than traffic" because it also makes me focus better on the position of the cars. I won't ride or drive if I can't hold a mental picture (video) of all vehicles within my "risk exposure". (I worked with liability insurance for years.)

I turn my head for lane changes in my car, too. It's amazing how people will stay in your blind spot regardless of your speed. Trying to avoid the radar, I guess. If a Psych student wants to use that for a thesis: it's on me.

Great video as always dude 👍

One thing though. As a scooter rider who was forced to drive hi wife to work 2 up over mountains while her car car was in the shop. When you're slower than everything on the road people just pass you and you're left as the only thing on the road. No need to speed. People tend to travel in packs, if you're left behind no one will care.

glad to hear my instincts have been guiding me right