One of the things you missed was missing 2nd and hitting that throttle in neutral. Kinda embarrassing.

This video cements you in my memory as the Bob Ross of motorcycling

I left my indicator on while on my test once; recieved a minor fault. Since then every 30s or so I press the centre of the button to make sure it's off...12 years later.

I´ve met so many toxic people in community, especially those bullying me for having small engine bike. But you totally break all that bad experience. Stellar, charming personality, soul of gold and such good-hearted advices. You make days of so many motorcyclists so much better. Keep the great work!

The best tip anyone taught me was "ride like you cant be seen"

Ive dropped every bike once lol. It has become a ritual. Nighthawk dropped coming to a emergency stop and lost my balance 3rd day, my ninja lost my footing and dropped it i think first week, my 600rr didn't kick out the kickstand all the way and dropped it 3rd day. My next bike im just gonna say thanks and drop it right there and get it out the way...if i don't I'll just have a bad feeling the whole time lol

him: "get on youtube and study" my teachers: "get off youtube and study"

I've been riding for a while now. I was immensely honored and lucky to have an exceptional teacher. He is a family friend, and a former full patched member of an 1% MC. (he is a very nice guy, despite the fame that type of club has, and apart from that he is old now anyway, he left that life behind a long time ago), anyway, he taught me pretty much everything, using his own Harley as a practice bike. He ended up giving me the bike when he felt I was capable enough, with the words "I can't stand to see her sitting in the garage gathering dust, ride her untill you're gray like me, son". I'm never gonna trade her for anything else, never gonna sell it, I made a promise to him and I fully intend to keep it. Anyway, that is pretty much the reason why I hardly made stupid mistakes (but I did target fixate, got close calls, and stall the bike from time to time, especially if a cute girl is watching, that might just be an unescapable rule of the universe, you are bound to make a fool of yourself at the most inconvenient times.) By the way, whenever I switch back to driving cars for a prolonged period of time (usually 15 days) I find myself riding with the indicators on in a motorcycle, I once traveled a whole section of highway with my right indicator on, untill a fellow rider made me realize it, it was the most embarassing thing ever ahahaha My advice to people starting this would be: Get a nice empty parking lot, and practice A LOT of low speed manouvres (and proper clutch control). Having the confidence to twist, turn and operate your bike at low speed will make it way easier to operate in traffic. You won't have the "hell, if I slow down now I'm gonna dip over and fall" feeling, because you know you can handle your bike at its slowest with ease. Apart from that: ATGATT. All The Gear All The Time. Print that out, frame it, put it in your garage, and abide by it like it is your own personal 11th commandment, because it is, and it will save your life. Ps subscribed. Keep it up, mate.

I've been telling people to "read" cars for years!! Even before I started riding. Thank you for mentioning it!

That point about leaving your blinker on is so spot on... Before I get pissed off that someone pulled out on me at a roundabout, I ALWAYS check to see if my indicator is on now. Nothing worse than acting all indignant and flipping someone off before realising that you were the one that caused the problem. Good video man, well made!

For the bit about forgetting to shift down before stoping: Try rocking the bike forward and backward while applying tension on the shifter. You will find you don’t have to “stomp” the shifter, and it shifts down WAY faster and easier. Your helping the gears in the transmission align. 👍🏼👍🏼 Been riding a while, good video for new riders. Keep it up.

when i was taking my license and was being taught about counter-steering i was confused at first because i had no idea that was what i had been doing while riding my normal bicycle for so many years, it was just a movement i instinctively already knew and having someone trying to teach me how to do what i already knew instinctively but not having a name for was so weird

Appreciate this, thank you - although the intro is long. I'm 65 and never ridden a bike. Starting lessons next month.

I honestly dropped my bike after I purchased it at the dealership. Thankfully, the bike I bought was preowned and the last owner put on some sliders and it helped out so much that I highly recommend getting them! If you were curious on how I dropped it. I had the clutch lever at the wrong position for my hand and I stalled the bike at speed, so the bike just died and stop immediately and then the rest of that momentum went sideways and I couldn't stop the bike from falling.

Just stumbled upon your channel recently, i really like your style, the way you talk, so soothing to listen to you, and i can tell from the way you talk there is wisdom in your words, you are the kind of vlogger i like, not the ones that promote suicidal riding on public roads, keep up the good work 👍

"Rear brake only on gravel" I learned that from riding bicycles. Also beware of sun bathers. They can cause you to get hit by parked cars.

Been riding for 2 months, but since a motorcycle is my first and only vehicle, I rode every single day for at least 2 hours average a day. Riding a motorcycle is second nature at this point. I am still learning new things and making less mistakes.

As someone just starting out I thought I would a comment echoing what a lot of other people have already said. You have a really calm and clear style that reassures people, or at least me not to do silly things. I also really liked your suggestion of studying. I passed a CBT here in the UK before taking on a motorbike tour of Vietnam and had an absolute blast, enough that I am now working towards my full license back home. However, if I hadn't spent hours on youtube building up an awareness there are a few really sketchy moments that I don't think I would have been able to handle. And yes, I dropped my bike twice while doing it!

that town looks like a ghost town. Seems like you got the whole streets to yourself.

Thank you for this, I wish I had seen before I started. My first drop was on a lesson, the instructor congratulated me, shook my hand and welcomed me as a real biker! Yes the rookie mistakes have to be made, I did the target fixation too, low speed and looked a clown, but who cares I had anonymity! Helmets are great!

Took the basic rider course thru the military. That tight figure 8 taught me a lot about trusting the bike's weight distribution and to resist putting my foot down.

I'm 26, I've wanted a bike ever since I can remember. Last winter I was finally able to get my foot in the door with a 2004 yamaha vstar 650. Great bike. I'm glad I was able to do it at this age because I knew I could easily wind up being a 50 year old man that wished I would've done it years ago. I still watch videos like this because it keeps me mentally aware of what I should be thinking of when I'm riding. I definitely recommend people to take a safety course. You learn so much and some insurance companies give you a discount. An added bonus is if you drop the bike at least it's not yours. Thanks for the video!

Working my way through your video's and they've all been very good with common sense advice for any new rider. Thank you for taking the time to share.

I am 64 now, just bought my first bike ,at first i was frightened to go out in the traffic. after doing a couple of hundred miles, i now love it, wished i had done this years ago. love watching your videos, you gave me the encouragement, confidence and that thing inside, i can't even think of the word. But thank you so much for my new love,. Cheers Man.

This is my first year as a motorcyclist. I am not a very techy guy and wrenching isn't in the cards ether, so my wife made me buy brand new, I am blessed! This spring I bought a 2019 Suzuki v-strom 650 XT. Her name is Veronica and she is my mistress. lol You Tube is my go to for learning more about this new sport and I am studying everyone, MC rider, Moto Trek, Teapot one, Andy man Cam, and my fav Fort nine because Ryan is Canadian like me. lol Thank you for doing this channel for use newbies, ride on!

I've just found your channel and dude, cool commentary, amazing sound, nice photography and OMG what a nice scenic view; keep them vids coming.

Thank you so much for this! First time rider and I really am looking forward to riding again this year and putting into practice what you pros preach. Thanks! Ride safe.

Found your channel, really like! Your nature views and hawk observations are just excellent! :-) And stuff like this on your list still happens after 30 years of riding, the decision process changes, and becomes faster which helps in the long run. Thanks for a great mix in your videos!

Thanks for this video. I've been studying/researching different video topics in preparation for my MSF class in February

When i first learnt to ride, many years ago, i adopted a style where i am checking my mirrors and being highly observant all the time, like a radar. I find that i empty my mind of any day to day concerns and concentrate on riding - which for me is all part of the appeal. Now that i am older my problem is reaction time and finding that i have stopped being quite so observant, so i go a bit slower. Observation and anticipation keeps you safe. Really good video and that is some nice countryside.

Great video, love your advice and attitude. Keep on riding my man

Love the vids man. You're able to relax and capture people's full attention and break down the key points of riding, (do's and don'ts).

At 57yrs, been riding motorbikes for 42yrs. Never fallen off on road but plenty off road when I was younger. I ride a 1290 super adventure R, DR650 and 750 kingquad on regular basis..I am always trying to be a better rider every ride.

It's really refreshing to have a different perspective on riding to learn from. Nothing against the riders that focus on speed (to each his/her own), but this, I believe, helps to show there is a whole other side of riding to appreciate. Much appreciated. Keep it going.

I like your vids, relaxed delivery with an easy style that tell the truth. I’m a returning biker after a 37 year break had a few offs in my younger days, and over the years I’ve learned that vital keep you alive road craft, so I went out and got me a 1000cc V twin. So far I have dropped my bike on my own driveway kind of heartbreaking watching it slam into the side of my house - prediction #1 correct. I have pulled up at the lights in totally the wrong gear - prediction # 2 correct I have been carved up by other road users but my experience paid off and I was able to anticipate their bad driving (but you are correct) I’m super wary in petrol stations 🇬🇧 and car parks 🇬🇧because I know that’s one place you need to take real care Keep up the good work 👍 continue to ride safe

Really dig your content so far. Glad I found your channel 🤘🏽

One to add to the list... Early mornings and in the Evening, be extra vigilant for wildlife in the road! Deer, Rabbits etc love the warmer tarmac and grass verge. Hitting Deer is not fun in any vehicle let alone a bike and Rabbits get stuck under your front mudguard making for a messy stoppie! Great vid, subbed. All Best from UK.

Good video. I can confirm i have made all these mistakes but when i was doing my bike training i was taught the bike will always follow where you look so look at where you want the bike to go. It must be so good to live somewhere so dry for motorcycling. and being able to pull over just about anywhere and take in the view is just the best

I'm till enjoying every video you post. Keep them coming and keep riding safe bro 👊😎

I bought a motorcycle just before I went to take the MSF course in July of 2019, a 1980 GS550E. Been working on it since then, and finally figured out its issues (faulty igniter, stuck carburetor mixture screws). Just got to put new tires on it, and it'll be roadworthy. It took so long because I have no mechanical experience with motorcycles, this is the first one I have ever owned or worked on. I've been doing practically everything myself in the backyard (except for unsticking those mixture screws, got someone better at it to handle that). I'll be going for a Class M license when it warms up and I get everything together.

1st bike this year: Ducati Panigale 899 1st mistake = dropped bike in parking lot at slow speed maneuver 2nd mistake = forgot to put the kickstand up, hit the curb, and fell over 3rd mistake = I still forget to turn off signals 4th mistake = Dropped spout from portable gas tank into my tank....had to fish it out with a clothes hanger 5th mistake = I've forgotten to down shift when I come to a light ***I've ridden almost 5k miles for 7mo in heavy SF Bay Area commute. Slowly developing awareness skills, and all these mistakes are almost non existent*** This weekend going to California Superbike School to learn more at track!

I am a new 67 year old rider and really learn from and enjoy your videos. 👏👏👏🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

not a new rider, but i appriciate your honesty and openness about your experience but still sharing what you know to help others.

I also just happened to stumble across your channel. I’m In my first year of riding at 55 years old. I love, love, love it. I started off with a Honda 600cc Maxi Scooter, and just this past week I purchased a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom, it is so cool 😎 I think lol. Getting out for 10 minutes sometimes makes me feel better. Enjoying your videos.

This video makes me feel much more calm about the stupid mistakes I've made. Just dropped a bike when I was practicing turns in a beautiful blacktop parking lot. It's a 2009 HD Sportster. Pretty heavy lady.. my boot got caught between the engine and the blacktop- pulled my big toe back. Good ole' Turf Toe, on a bike. *sigh* Thank the Good Lord I had my HD boots on. Though they caused me to get my foot stuck as the bike was coming down, it also protected my foot from breaking. Just saw your other video about "close calls" before this one. I have to say you're helping new riders understand it's all part of riding and I thank you for that. I probably will be out of commission until this thing heals- and that means I'm losing out on some Fall riding but I'll be ready for Spring. God speed, brother, and thank you again.

I'm registering for my license tonight. I'm very excited but naturally always scared and anxious and it's so comforting to hear you say "this happens to everyone"

I appreciate these videos. I also appreciate your outlook on life! Keep em coming!

I find your voice very relaxing man! hahaha Awesome vid by the way.

Great video. It was worth the effort driving north. Good clear audio.

Thanks for your easy style in your vids. I’m a repeat newbie having bought my 3rd bike after a 26-year hiatus. Looking forward to many miles once the weather clears and I get my bike out of the shop. Out for a ride on a nice day last week and about 8 miles from home it just died. Speedometer stuck at 60. Had it towed to the local shop and the mechanic just shook his head. “That’s really odd!” was his only comment. And they’re backlogged. No idea when it will be ready. But one consolation is that it’s supposed to rain most of this week then turn cold. One of these days I’ll be back out there! 🏍😎

Did that thing you mention about forgetting to change down to 1st gear at traffic lights just today! Man it's annoying! Started swearing at the bike and everything, when it was my poor technique at fault! Great video!

Just picked up a bike for my 3 year old daughter. Start em young as they always say Great video.... Thanks for sharing!!!👊😎

I just got a royal enfield bullet motorcycle 🏍 I’m excited to start riding myself! Instead d of being in the back seat

@gasworksgarage I love your speaking style and patterns man. It just feels natural and makes sense to me. Riding isn't a step by step process. It is a constant learning experience. I am not a rider YET, but I am trying to absorb as much info as possible beforehand. ANYWAY, thank you for this lovely video!

I just stumbled upon your channel and I like it very much - so calming, especially that I am riding my motorcycle since only 2 months now and you are the only one Moto-KZfaqr that doesn’t make me nervous about riding - I loooove Bob Ross and you are like his reincarnation 😉☺️

I've been riding since 1976 and one thing that always served me well both as a trucker but also as a biker. ALWAYS assume whatever vehicle is around you, be it cars, trucks or bikes, that they are going to do the most dumb things possible at the worst time. Practice in your mind once in awhile looking for an out. ie: if a car jump lanes suddenly where are you going to go to be safely away. This is a good video with some sound advice. Keep it up.

I love the color grading on your intro, it’s beautiful. And great video, I’m a new rider and I appreciate your words of wisdom immensely friend

Great vid, thank you. Great tips here. Last time I rode a bike was mid 90s. (Where does the time go?). But now I’m retired just ordered a new bike and I’m going to have to learn some good habits all over again. I subscribed and looking forward to your other vlogs.

I like your videos as much for the motorcycle content as the attitude you have about life which is very refreshing and fun to watch and a good reminder for me God Bless

"Rear brake only in gravel". Great tip! I assume that is if you are slowing down or stopping. I've heard "Clutch In" if passing over gravel, and don't necessarily intend to stop. I also almost dropped my bike to one side when coming to a red stop. This happened because I needed to turn right and moved the handlebar to the right in the last few seconds. I later saw a video where I learned that coming to a full stop you stop with the handlebars straight first. Once you stopped, look both sides, THEN turn.

First year of riding here. Started with vulcan 650 s new carryover model. Wife and I both recently just finished the msf and got our bike licenses. Now going on 3000 miles, so far so good, knock on wood.

Love your videos! Been riding for 10 months now and ive experienced everything you've listed hahaha

You always make the most beautiful rides... Such beautiful and calm locations. Perfect for riding, especially as a beginner

Dang that town you started in was beautiful damn near perfect.

I love smell of sage brush I live in Oregon and we have high desert on the east side of the Cascades and I hunt over there and camp over there........another great video

Words of wisdom and I'm now a new subscriber :) Great delivery and vibe to the vid. I came back to biking recently after 40 years away. Most things came back straight away but not leaning thro corners (I guess we used to counter steer without knowing it back in the day) A brother said somewhere that 'a bike steers like a plane' which I thought was absolute gold, I wish I could quote his name. Target fixation has to be THE scariest thing because the bike will sure as hell go where you're looking......id just say look and lean (or push forward), have light hands and trust the bike, ride within your capabilities and comfort zone.......MotoGP type riding is for the track!

Wow.! Such a relaxing and calm sunday afternoon ride.! 😊,your voice almost makes me sleepy...i don't know why.! Lol...anyway....nice vid.Enjoyed it so much. 👍

I like the way you think. I discovered this channel by chance and my first impression is very good. I am from Romania, and I am a beginner.

Keep sharing your knowledge and experiences. They’re really inspiring. Thanks man...👍

New biker in the UK here, love your videos, they're awesome bud. Keep it up! :)

I’m a new rider...about 2 months....this is an extremely helpful video! Thank you bro

Great channel! Love that you represent and talk about older riders and getting into the hobby, lifestyle really as it eventually becomes absolutely a part of you, but I’m a new rider myself, not an older newb objectively, I’m 33, but compared to some friends and family I have that started back in high school or early in their college years, I definitely feel apart from the more common teen/young adult group of newb riders. When comparing myself to other newb riders, there is easily some major differences in attitude that you actually mentioned in another video of yours, and the factors that jump out to me the most readily is not having that peer pressure to ride far above your skill level and be that speed demon on the streets to prove something to others or even yourself, and being overly consumed with more and more power when talking about and buying bikes. Referring directly to this video, I’d say the most embarrassing newb mistake I’ve made once before is cutting ahead of a line of cars at a stoplight, only to stall your freakin bike when it turns green. It’s bad enough that some drivers get pissed and feel like you’re cutting in front of them versus legally being able to lane split (living in CA), but when you stall in front of them, you now make those irritated drivers further annoyed because they now have to site there while you fumble over the controls in panic mode and not sure exactly how to get the bike going again. I did this once, and because I was panicking and felt the other drivers’ frustration behind me, I nearly got myself into a wreck right in front of them to top it all off because I yanked on the throttle, hoping to get out of the situation ASAP, and accidentally popped my front wheel up. Thankfully I didn’t lose control and crash, but the whole ordeal was so traumatizing to me as a new rider that I stopped cutting ahead to the front of cars at stoplights for a good deal of time until I felt absolutely comfortable that I wouldn’t stall in front of anyone again. Gotta say though, to this day, it seriously pains me to see that happen to other riders on the road because I know first hand how humiliating and stupid that can make you feel.

I started motorcycles in my 40’s as well. Beautiful area. Arizona? Mistakes should always be taken as learning opportunities. Sad tho when some people crash bad. They quit. I have personally dropped my first bike. Crashed BMW motored GS 800 + sand + had not eaten = pinned under motorcycles foot facing wrong way. Nothing teaches you better then pain of walking on a swollen ankle 😂 Great vid sweet ride. Keep up the good work!

Cool motovlog. I've never suffered from target fixation.....the rest yep, been there done that. One important tactically defensive action that needs mentioning is ...stay out of the vehicle's blind spots, that is at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock areas. Liked your channel and have signed up. Oh! while I think of it, my current bike has self cancelling indicators. Cheers

Just found your channel and loved it keep up good work, they are very nice and relaxing. You deserve millions of subscripters

It’s weird but I have never had any of these issues. It could be because I rode dirt bikes for so long. I also started on a crf250l. It would be almost impressive if someone messed up on that bike. As far as the close calls, I automatically assumed everyone was trying to kill me when I started so I just always let the cars have their way. The nice thing on a dual sport or adv bike, is you can easily hop off the road if you need to. I guess at the end of the day the best way to prepare yourself for the road is to ride a dirt bike. Road only riders never learn some of the things you need to grasp to ride off-road. You are very adapted to the “worst case scenario” and deal with it as part of dirt riding. I agree being scared is super important when starting. I really don’t think most riders will lay their bikes down though. It just seems like something we tell people to make them feel better about it, and put the fear into them. Nice video, subscribed.

I like that bike and I’ve been on that road myself, very relaxing ride. Other things to be aware of No tailgating, no shorts and flip flops, use gloves, no looking at your reflection on a store front window...for too long, no speeding across intersections or anywhere something can pop out in front of you, ride as if something will cut your path and not like nothing ever will, etc. Great video, thanks.

Good stuff, look forward to more videos. Enjoy the ride friend!

Congrats on the sub count man! Well deserved, you put out some great content. Another good video, with good points. Some of those mistakes are made by veterans as well, it's just human nature to be imperfect. 👍

I'm about finally about to buy my first bike; a Honda CBR500R and I am super pumped about it. I have been riding my dads Suzuki Intruder for a few weeks to get used to it

Coming from a bmx background and riding real fast I definitely understand counter steering and fixation (slammed into the back of a car once,best believe I never lost my focus again) people say riding bicycles aren’t the same but it kinda is if you’ve rode for years and years cus you have to ride like your invisible and defensive and also pay attention to the cars around you and develop a 6th sense,also been driving a standard since I could drive so I know how the clutch works inside out. Hoping all this gives me a head start hopefully getting my license and bike soon !!

Good stuff! Congrats on breaking 2k.

The vibe you give reminds me of my father, you're super calm with humorous outbursts. Subbed.

My Honda has a turn signal indicator that flashes on my center dash, right in front of my face, so I never have to ride around lookin' like a doofus. 👍

Your like the Bob Ross of motorcycles, i love it

Just saw your video thought I would check it out your area looks just my area in Central Oregon . I have been riding dirt bikes for 45yrs I just recently went to a dual sport adventure bike just couple years ago riding on the road still new to me. I feel a lot more comfortable soon as I get to the dirt . I'm still learning the whole video thing. great video "RIDE ON"

Great video , i have been absent from riding for 4 years due to spinal injury and just about ready to start riding again at 74 . The video is just what i need . ( injury not from accident on motorcycle ). Thank you . Kind regards from joe ( Australia)

You nailed noob stuff. Blinkers, done that. 4th gear take off(attempt), yep. Kick stand really made feel 2ft tall. Front brake in sand/gravel will drop bike in nano second. Good vids. Sub'd

I subscribed because you stopped to smell the sagebrush. Cheers.

Thank u for the comments about dropping the bike. I dropped my new fz07 yesterday and have felt horrible all night and day. You gave me hope again. Thank u

Man, this was a great video. Much appreciated!

1st month. Dropped in driveway in front of everyone because I parked on a slope and the kickstand lifted when bike rolled. Rolled wheel forward and dropped bike like idiot. Stall everywhere. Drive like granny. Forget to turn blinker off every fricken time.

Dropped my first bike while parking in front of my friends 😫 never did that again.. Good thing she was a beater though

Thanks again for another useful, informational, entertaining video that appeals to newbs like me. I think I've done 'em all in my first few weeks.

Excellent video. I now feel more normal regarding my 'noobness' :)

Riding away with kick stand down, also very dangerous and driving at night, wouldn’t do it at first IMHO. For the ones that do find serenity in riding, you are absolutely right, you get to just get lost in the sound of the motor as Mother Nature paints her portrait.

I dropped my brand new Z900rs in the garage because I forgot to put the kickstand down while lowering it off the rear stand. Then while trying to hold it up the rear wheel got tangled on my mountain bike peddle and it fell on the other side of the bike scratching my pipe. 🤬🤬🤬 I literally wanted to trade it in because it wasn’t perfect anymore in MY brain 😂 it’s hardly noticeable but I know it’s there. Great points.

Being riding 6 years and still watch videos like this. KZfaq helped me out a lot when I first started riding, I studied for hours and hours.

Thanks for the video. I just dropped my new-to-me FJR1300 doing a u-turn on a hill on a two lane. Live and learn. It happens, even to experienced riders. I was glad nobody saw it!

if youre a new rider, suggest getting into dirtbikes and ride offroad even if its a 500$ bike. teaches you realllly fast esp braking and slow speed. also makes you a way better and safer on road biker use. statistics even shows people with heavy dirtbike experience barely wreck on road. (knock on wood for me) teaches you to be calm and also super aware....constantly avoiding rocks and logs that pop out of nowhere and turns where you least expect it. emergency braking all the time and teaches you how to expect and anticipate things. thats my tip for a new rider. as I say, rather wreck on the dirt vs the street