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Fear is a darkroom where negatives are developed. You need to get yourself into empty, clean parking lots and practice swerving, emergency braking and slow speed maneuvers. Over and over and over again. Even when you become more experienced and more comfortable. Fear will keep you alive and it will kill you. Practice practice practice.

It’s when I’m off my machine that the dark thoughts occasionally creep into my mind. The “what if “ scenarios of impending doom that statistically speaking, I’m exposing myself to unnecessary and avoidable risk to life and limb. However once I put my leg over my motorcycle those negative thoughts quickly dissipate into positive ones. I’ve been riding a motorcycle for over 45 years. Fear is there, however it’s manageable.

"The need to control is a loss of control" After years of teaching military and civilian freefall parachuting and civilian flight instruction I realized for many the fear was not injury or even death It was either a sense of loss of control or for men the fear of failing in front of peers. I specialized in helping people understand the underlying FEARS as opposed to healthy apprehension

Good advice. Took the basic class at 74 yrs old. I had a little experience when I was 18 on a Triumph Boniville. Passed the class under tough conditions 100 degree heat with very hi humidity. 3 of 10 dropped out or wiped out. And I was the only person over 35 yrs old. I stuck it our and passed. Learned a lot! Bought a Kowi 500 Vulcan for a year and bought an Indian Scout 60 5 months ago. Love it and its all the bike I’ll ever need. Great idea to take the class again. Always trying to improve skills. One thing that you point out is manual shifting further complexing the learning process. I might recommend to new riders that if you aren’t familiar and proficient with manual transmissions, find a friend with a manual transition car. Get use to that (doen’t take long). So now when you take the class, clutch and shifting / down-shifting will be much more familiar. Not the same but very similar. I drove 5 speed manual cars, (still have one that I drive occasionally). For decades. This definitely helps. Just a thought. Thanks again for the video.

Thanks for this video Kevin! I’m a female rider and took an msf course. I have my own bike and have been riding for a couple months now. but struggle with fear and anxiety when I ride. It is fear of the unknown, and the voice in my head saying “what if you get in an accident” I’m trying to overcome that by trying to relax, and just getting more seat time. I really appreciate all your videos and training! Please keep it up!

Fear is a good thing. When learning to fly years ago, I was told "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots... but there are no old, bold pilots." Those bold fearless pilots, and motorcycle riders don't last long. A variant to that is another expression, "All good pilots have a little voice that speaks to them at times. All great pilots always listen to that little voice."

Kevin, you have a real peace about you and makes you a great instructor. You have a gift and thank you for what you do!

Kevin, I ve always loved and respected your videos. At 50 Ive have gotten over my FEAR over the idiots that drive cars. point is I ve have gotten my fear over the 4 wheel manias and bought a bike.I spent 350 on a beginners class was worth it! I will continue on various classes!

You're an amazing instructor. I look forward to every new video. You've taught me so much and I pass your channel to every new rider I meet. I'm new myself. 😁God bless you stay safe @MCRider

I was shocked to hear that that basic course class is $200. The college out by me in IL. does it for $25. It was a great class, and best thing of all was I took the certificate to the DMV, to get my license. No testing at the DMV required as it was all done at the class.

Great advice Kevin, awesome work

Didn’t take me long to build confidence but I keep myself in check still

Great video today about how fear stands in the way of some pretty amazing things. Getting past it, and managing risk, can be greatly rewarding. Thank you so much for helping EnjoyTheRideMC.

Thanks, Kevin! Very much enjoy your videos.

Love this Mr Rider! Really good stuff.

Thanks Kevin...another great video, simple and to the point. I appreciate you. Stay safe.

I took a motorcycle safety course 14 years ago, before I ever had a motorcycle or a license for one just to see if I could do it. I agree…..totally worth the money upfront.

Good stuff Kevin, stay safe my friend!

Awesome video, thank you.

Another Great Video Kevin ! You had broke everything down to where everyone could understand. Robert Lee Kerns-Columbus GA 😎

Love your videos they are so on point!!!!

As always, I'm thanking you for an informative video. God speed ✌

I've taken the new rider test three times on the last 12 years it keeps me humble. I'm about due for another class right now. I also need to hit the parking lot more. Thank you for the reminder.

Hi Kevin absolutely agree with everything you said although I have been riding for many years l always have a small amount of fear which l feel keeps me alert and safe hope that you and family are doing well regards Anthony from down under

Thank you, Kevin. I started riding 3 years ago, and the first time I ever rode a motorcycle was in the Basic Rider Course. As a matter a fact, I was the only person in the class that had never ridden before or already owned a motorcycle. This was the best decision I ever made in my riding career. My first experience on a bike was carefully guided by an MSF instructor, and I learned properly and slowly. Now, as a hardcore motorcycle enthusiast, I find myself handling different road situations with a cool head and I feel safer than a lot of other riders I know simply because of my early training. I always tell my friends that are thinking about starting riding that their motorcycle hobby should start with the Basic Rider Course. I'm a school teacher, so I know and appreciate the importance of good instruction whenever you start something new. That early learning sticks with you forever.

I really enjoy your philosophical approach to teaching good motorcycle skills

Excellent video.

Thanks alot and let me told you a true story that you are make me learn how to ride motorcycle After 47 years hope to do that And now i have my honda and still learning from you. Thank you

Amazing video, gonna have to watch it again. I am currently experiencing these fears. Taking my msf course in 8 days.

Hi Kevin. U seem like u were born for this. What a motivator. I been riding for about 8 years now. Any ur videos are my primary source of motorbike riding tips. I started with a Suzuki Dr 200se Nd now I ride a ktm 1190 adventure. . Thanks for the valuable Intel. Helps me stay alive 🙏

That's one thing I'm glad my father and I did, we got motorcycles and our permits to practice before we took the weekend MSF safety course. It all made much more sense having a little bit of experience, BUT, it probably would of been safer to take the class first before getting out on the road but that's a lot of information to take in all at once before you even ride. Either way works in the end. We'll be taking the intermediate MSF safety course this summer, it was an amazing experience and very very helpful, it gave me tools I still currently think about and focus on to help improve my motorcycling ability and safety

Thanks Kevin.

I wanted to start riding motorcycles in my mid-30s and the first thing I did was take the new rider class. It was an awesome way to get started!

Great video, MC! My new rider course is in 3 weeks (God willing). I jumped the gun and bought a (used) bike in November, but haven't yet been able to ride much (except for a few laps in the parkade).

Good gear and grippy tires inspire confidence; if you don't trust your bike or your protection their will be a tensing up and a fear of telling the bike what to do.

I have met far too many people that probably should not have been riding. Anything, and everything, scared them while they were on the bike. One guy was telling me how frightening it is in even the slightest curve. I suggested, very politely, maybe he should give up riding before he had a bad wreck, if it scared him that badly. He replied, "Sell my Harley? No way, man, I'm a biker." I knew then and there he was more concerned about some false image than he was about his own safety.

Kevin I had a little giggle about the comment about gear changing. I had tried a 50cc step though and a fence got in the way. I was about to buy a suzuki m15 and in my school holidays I worked in a nail factory. While I was walking around the factory my head was making rev noises my left fingers did little squeezes and left toes a twitch. Hopefully no one noticed. When it came time to ride the little bike home sifting was easy albeit notchy. Positions were 4 up making simple neutral to a stop. Always enjoy your input.

I had an experience just yesterday while coming around a long sweeping downhill curve. I was well within or below speed limit. The road was old blacktop with many gravel drives. This old blacktop had the same color as gravel and my front tire hit some gravel and slid out maybe 6" before gaining purchase on the road. Scared the life outta me and I was thankful I wasn't "gettin' it!" Around a curve I would normally attack. These little incidents can prove beneficial or can make you apprehensive about riding. I'll keep on riding this had happened to me before but the memory had slipped that incident but has now been reinserted to the frontal lobe.

Hey Kevin great video as usual one thing I didn’t hear you say was you need to practice. You can get a guitar lesson from Eric Clapton but if you don’t practice you will lose the muscle memory needed to preform.

That poor wonan probably had zero interest in riding and was feeling so pressured that it made her anxieties worse. An old wise rider once told me he was never afraid to ride but before each ride there was always a twinge of slight apprehension which he felt was important to feel and to pay attention to so as not to get too cocky when riding. I agree with him. I am not superstitious but I have a talisman on each of my machines and I rub it or talk to it each time before I pull away from the curb. It reminds me to PAY ATTENTION!

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. I found myself reciting this while riding my bicycle on on a bridge over the Mississippi River for the first time. I'm afraid of heights. I don't like climbing ladders, but I've flown in airplanes to travel with no problem. I've never gone faster than 20MPH on anything with two wheels, but I took the MSF course and practiced on a parking lot. I have never ridden a motorcycle on the street or around moving vehicles. I'm terrified of falling off at speed. However, I don't want that to hold me back from getting a license, my ticket to personal freedom, and proof of success to anyone who told me "you can't" because I'm autistic. And by the time I rode my bicycle the second time over the bridge that day, I felt fine.

I took the rider course many years ago and still recall many of the tips they provided while riding. Here in Illinois is costs $20.00, yes that's twenty dollars, to register for the class and then they'll give that back to you at the end of the class or you can donate the $20.00 for the cause! No reason anyone shouldn't take it. Thanks again for your continued efforts in educating all riders!!!

You are the best congratulations

have respect for the machine you ride....

Fear to me would be seen as caution. I think that's a good thing, but I haven't ridden in decades. And, I hope you're doing fine as well!

Hey Kevin...love the new GS, it's awesome, but love the GoldWing more. Lovely video as usual. Thanks all the time. Gbolly from Nigeria.

06:29 "it's like you've sent 'em back a hundred years" Especially if you send them out on a Harley. ;-)

I was unsure if i would enjoy riding and outside of knowing how manuals work, didnt know anything about riding. Me and my wife took it together and she found out that she is just to nervous for riding and i found i really enjoy it

If you lose the fear of riding, this is when the cookie will start crumbling. Riding is dangerous (and training will help you) but don't let anyone tell you it's not, that your best weapon to stay alive.

Great way of putting things across and explaining it as always. Personally, id say fear is possibly a bad thing if it gets to the level where it might hinder your awareness of what is going on around you. But treating the bike with respect, and riding CAUTIOUSLY, trying to anticipate what other drivers/riders may do next, isnt a negative at all i dont think. If anything a touch of caution at all times i think is a positive for me (if that makes sense😄)?

My favorite thing i see with new riders is they are mounted of some Japanese sport bike in flip flops shorts a tee shirt and no gloves but they have on a high dollar full face helmet. I may take a class just because the newest bike I ever had is my 72 FLH everything else was 1955 or older tank shift bikes as was my 72. I now have a 2002 FLSTC with disc brakes that I am not use to brakes grabbing like these do. I will not ride my wife on it with me until I feel comfortable on it and if she wants to ride we have the 72..

Taking a riding skills course every spring since I started riding 5 years ago made all the difference for me. I learned something new every time and some people think I've been riding for 20 plus years because of my skill level. Unfortunately, the course I signed up for this April will probably be canceled.

My first motorcycle ride was when I was in the Air Force 50 years ago. Two of us rented 175 Hondas and rode all over Denver Colorado. I guess it took a couple blocks and somehow had it figured out. Definitely enjoyed my very first ride. This is probably not the best way to learn! lol That was a 20 yr old dummy. Now its a very cautious 70 yr old on a 1200 Sporty.

For most of the new rider courses people sign up for, they are required to have their temp permit (reference the no license statement). Great message though!

I learned to ride on my own, put 3k miles on my bike, my brother got into an motorcycle accident lost his right foot, then we both decided to take a class so that he can convince his wife to let him ride again, it was THE BEST DECISION we ever made, we learned so much and corrected so many mistakes we had, thanks Kevin for your knowledge.

I went through the Harley course a few years ago after many years of not riding. They required long sleeves, gloves, and a helmet in order to ride their training bikes.

Awareness, respect & skepticism of surroundings-Required & productive. FEAR-not helpful, impairs thinking, planning, reacting. If you are fearful, get off the roads & either train A Lot or ride dirt bike on trails. Many see a Bike like a fashion statement/new fad that just might get you killed cuz it’s completely unrealistic.

i remember my father forced me to pass a car driving license exam at 18yo and i wasnt really interested back then then during Uni, i took the Bus, then i moved to the capital and saw how traffic jams were annoying, and road rage and stress was high when i was taking taxi or going with father, i swore to never drive at 26yo we returned to our home city, we had problems like going back with sister from her job after she closed her pharmacy after dark, in a place in suburbs were public transportation was scarce and it stopped at night, and even taxis are afraid of stopping bc that place was full of drunkards and burglars we decided to buy a car, and i used that 9years old driving license i never used since i got it had to drive for family reasons and now at 39yo i'm taking a motorbike exam bc we moved to a place 20km from downtown, and taking a pickup truck and not finding any place to park it downtown is a pain to take errands and also i want to find some missing sense of adventure, to travel to places i coudnt go to on a car, offroad trails ...etc it's funny that just 2 years ago i was so into bicycling, that i hated motorcycles, and i didnt understand why people ride them instead of motorcycles, but i hurted my knee last year, and i can no longer pedal for more than 15-30min before i feel pain

I have a hard time finding intermediate classes in my area. Any ideas of where to look besides the internet?

Sitting in my recliner with 3 broke ribs and bruised lung I will say AMEN to taking it again ! The $200 is a drop in the bucket compared to the hospital bills I am about se get !

Great video. Can you do one on air bags. Contemplating buying.

Amateurs practice until they get it right, experts practice until they can’t get it wrong

Maybe that husband should have started with a bicycle before spending the money on a Harley

legend

Whilst I don't disagree with what was being put forward when it comes to potential riders having to overcome fear then in my own experience its that it may be the case for some riders, those who are mature enough to understand that there are dangers and thus fear those dangers or their consequences. However I believe that the vast majority of new riders to be have no fear at ll. They want to ride, they get a bike and they get their leg over it and no matter what the consequences of their actions are, to themselves or to others. What I believe to be the case is that they have no fear, they do not recognise fear and therefore it is not a consideration as to whether they should ride a motorcycle not. Because they have no fear, as yet, they can do dangerous things that are harmful to themselves and other road users and it's not until they grow up a little more to mid 20's that they may or not be able to rationalise what fear is all about and to be afraid. In the UK apart from the initial Compulsory Basic Training that they should all undertake the vast majority of newbies ride for two years with no requirement for further training and then need to do that same training again. The C.B.T. A small number will take further training for the driving test for a Full licence but after passing that then there would be no necessity to take any further training. Historically here in the UK the first motorcycle was recorded as having been made in 1884 and mercedes made the first production bikes in 1885. Until the end of the second world war and into the 1940's here in the UK 70^% of vehicular traffic was by two wheeled vehicles. bicycles and motorbikes with cars and other vehicles coming in with the remaining 30%. Motorcycles in the main would have been used as a form of transport to and from work and socially. At weekends a sidecar was fitted and so a young man could take his female partner out for a safer and more comfortable ride or his wife and family for a run out to the seaside or countryside. In the 1950's there were so many developments,in social and environmental changes that took place that we basically started with a whole new beginning. Sort of Off with the old and On with the New. .

I guess starting as a 15 year old fear never got me, I wanted a bike more than anything. In fact riding a bike totally calms me. If someone is so scared to ride they why should they? If they are nervous or anxious I can understand and that they will get over it.

On the intro to the video, I can hear the motorcycle, before he pops out from behind the MC Rider logo. 🤔

Fear is temporary, regret is forever.

Where can i find your class in Greensboro nc?

I'm taking the basic rider course in July and looking forward to it! I've already started to research motorcycles with the hope of finding a good used budget motorcycle. I know I've got to first pass the class, but would a 1982 silverwing GL500 be considered a good motorcycle for a beginner?

Learning to ride inside the envelope, and later practicing, is the most enjoyable aspect of my living. Thanks Kevin.

“I will lead them down a new path, guiding I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hows that Gold Wing treating you Kevin? Would love to see you do another video with it. I miss your vids with you out on the course, any planned for the future?

Did you get rid of the Yamaha xsr900 and bought that 1200 gs?

Fear motivated me early on when I'd ride somebody else's bike. (3 brother all had motorcycles) Except for when I was young and always wanting to "go like Hell' I bought my 1st bike when I was 62 and I WAS scared on it a bit. Until I took a new rider course at a Harley Dealer. I got a deal' ON it through Groupon for $99 but if I'd have known even a bit' of what I'd learn I'd have gladly paid the $199.00 cost! My first bike was a Suzuki Intruder 800 (570lbs) I now ride a Yamaha Venture (750+ lbs) And I'm still learning but no more "going like Hell! Grin Now I have a serious respect for the danger involved and MY ability ! PS; When I can afford it I might just take that beginner course again!

I have the right kind of fear every time I put a leg over onto the seat. The kind that keeps my ass safe and respects the two wheel beast that could easily cause harm or even worse.

What are those fantastic clips of old cars doing ridiculous things? Lol. Old movie maybe?

I don't have any fear of Motorcycles , but I know how much it would hurt and how you could become paralyzed if you miss a double or triple jump on a Motocross track so I choose not to ride on such tracks .. I also have a very Healthy respect for how sturdy Trees are thus I don't ride as fast in the woods on a motorcycle or snowmobile because I knew hitting a tree is going to hurt a lot .. I ride mostly in rural areas or on 4 lane highways.. It's very easy to avoid cars in a controlled situation like a 4 lane highway .. The dangers of riding a motorcycle on the street can be very high in some Cities where people drive like Morons.. Also road rage is an issue in the USA People never learn how to be courteous drivers and how to share the road..

I was going to say “fear” before I even started watching. 😁

Many states have free beginners courses

Good close phrase 😏✌🏻😷❤️👈🏻

Is it possible for me to ride a motorcycle without training on a bicycle?

Hey Kevin ..... you're somewhere new. Is that joint yours?

Some husbands are just eat up with the "dunmbass"! Great advise.

Can't tell if Kevin is a Lovecraft fan or Lovecraft has made the best literature on expressing fear of the human being

Thanks. I beg to differ with you referring to taking a beginner rider course. In our state, at least for the authorized state rider school in this area, a helmet as well as other specific apparel is required to take the class.

Who does that, get the wife a big heavy bike and she's having kittens with a Honda Rebel? Her husband wants to motivate her to 'get back out here' So if she rode at one time, why is she so afraid to ride now or ride again?

If you are in Bangladesh I must attend you training class.

I think the lady's husband watching didn't help her at all. Do you know if she ever retook a class and/or got a more appropriate first bike? Great video.

Kevin, my motorcycle instructor wouldn't train ANYBODY if they hadn't at least rode a bicycle.

Training and practice, rinse and repeat.

Fear is fast food.

I just don't get why people get into bikes as if it was a chore. I recently noticed there is a noticable portion that actually haven't fantasized about bikes, daily, since childhood. If you are too scared, bikes isn't for you. Just like if you have poor eyesight, slow reflexes and not enough fast thinking in the laws of nature - you and I are not fighter pilot material. There will be difficult situations that you must not let fear hamper you from handling fast enough. If you are just able to perform the basic duties on a bike, just get a moped. This isn't for everyone. I had a girfriend who thought it was all about doing the course then she would be ready. She had trouble walking in the forrest without falling. I knew she was not cut out for riding a bike in all weathers and conditions. Not someone I'd bring as a riding buddy. Many women seem to think it's about getting a diploma, then you are set. The basic riding course isn't a pro mille of what lies ahead, if you really want to experience the bike's abilities and the fellow trafficants imagination in coming up with crazy stunts you have to be ready for. I do not push my girlfriends to anything just because I like their company. All my friends have dreamed about bikes since we aware of being alive. There is no fear involved when it's all you ever wanted to do. If I ever find a girl crazy enough to match my bike interest, she will most likely be a real psycho. But we will enjoy the time until I realize that. Hopefully no boiled rabbits.

healthy fear has kept me alive

Cthoulou is barking!

I always strongly encourage new riders to purchase a used bike that you won't cry over if and when you take her down. Taking your bike down for the first time... hopefully while incurring only minor injuries... does wonders to removing the initial fear of taking her down, I've discovered. It's akin to falling down when you're learning to walk as a baby. P.S. Engine guards are a good thing to have for a newbie who's getting familiar with his or her bike too.

Sir you got one eye?

This fear of changing gear is, of course, very American! The reason Fast and Furious is pretty boring here in Europe is because of the constant clips of guys changing gear! Ridiculous for us. Automatics are for retired people here!

get a moped and be happy