3 Common Rider Instincts that Seem Right...BUT ARE NOT!

This week on MCrider we look at 3 common rider actions that seem right or are natural reactions but actually make the situation much worse.
#motorcycle #motorcycles #mcrider
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[MCrider]

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[michaelroach]

I started riding a dirt bike 50 years ago. became a motorcycle cop and went through a 2 week Motor School. Also completed a 2 week Motor Officer Instructor Course. The tips you are providing, are the same tips I was taught. Those tips have saved my life on several occasions. Thank you for providing accurate information. Not everyone does.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

The wise man knows there is always more to learn.

[ricardotclarke]

Leaning is scary sometimes, I remember one day I was riding with my GF and went too hot in a corner due the shadows effects on the road that made me think the bend was not as sharp as it was, at that moment I remembered that somewhere I read, lean the motorcycle all the way if needed, if the handlebars are not hitting the ground you can still lean further (and risk a low side) or go wide (and risk a head on collision); first and only time I scrapped the footpegs with a passenger... Nothing bad happened, I got scared and had to stop after the curve, but we were safe and sound... Tires DO have more traction than what one thinks! Great memory now! Thanks for people like you that saved me that day

[HRIDigital]

Your advice about options and possible outcomes when running wide i.e. better to lean, is brilliant. It had never occurred to me that a crash from leaning too much is far less severe than a crash from over-shooting the bend.

[daveg.]

50 years of riding, when you hear the truth you know it. Thanks Kevin for these videos, I'm still learning & listening.

[m.mccready]

Once more, your words to the wise are appreciated. ""Happy is the man who gains wisdom, And the man who gains understanding."

[RideOnTwo]

40 years riding a motorcycle and I still find useful information from your videos. Even if it is just confirming that what I'm doing is the right thing it helps me be a safer rider and keeps my confidence up! Thanks for always looking out for us. Ride Safe!

[davidharris]

I'm a re-entry rider after a 30 year hiatus, and I appreciate these videos very much. Just finished a CHP sponsered training class and I'm in the process of getting my skills back. Strange being in a class with students my grandchildrens age, and instructors younger than my kids.

[donaldlingenfelter]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I've been practicing daily even when it's cold out. I'm getting better but my cornering is still terrible. Thank you for taking time to make these

[artwebb]

I've low sided in curves three times I can think of, not a single one of those was attributable to my motorcycle being leaned over too far, every single time it was a panic brake on my part
Proper practice and training is helping me resolve this issue

[richardeldridge]

On a regular ride, one particularly sharp corner has had me bluffed. Two days ago I mastered it. Leaned more, lightly scraped a peg and guess what?, the motorcycle didn’t slide out from under me! My machine is far more capable than I am!
I had never considered the idea that leaning offers a shorter fall and a likely slide if things go wrong. Compared to a high side with 300kgs of machine chasing you it’s a much better option.
Thanks Kevin. Great advice as usual.

[bigguy]

I’m been riding only 2 weeks and this guy give me so much confidence

[scottnicholson]

I found that riding my bike is a forced lesson in relaxation. If im not loose than my ability to put the bike where it needs to be is far to limited. For me turning the bike is much harder when I'm tense. Thanx for the vids kevin, i always learn something new from them.

[jesterd]

I got back into riding after a 35-year hiatus, my last bike was a KZ400, but my bike now is a 2008 Ultra Classic because that was what I always wanted. I took the BRC course, but I was also a truck driver for 9 years. Here is what we were trained to do. Aim high in steering, take all the road that is in front of you. Get the big picture, be aware of what is around you at all times. Keep your eyes moving, Means check your mirrors constantly, so you can see what is coming up behind you. Leave yourself an out, adjust following distance so that you do not have to hit the brakes hard, and leave enough room ahead of you at stops so you do not have to back up. Make sure they see you, that means if you are not sure, get their attention. Sometimes I will flip my brights off and on or hit the horn button.


Using those skills I learned as a truck driver kept me accident-free for over a million miles. I use them when I ride too. There's also an old truck drivers wisdom, "You can go down 1, 000 hills too slow, but only one too fast." Now I use that to remind me of proper speed before I get into a curve.

[almorgan]

Love the way you speak...clearly, at a calm pace. One of the best instructional videos I've seen so far- thanks!

[MrJruta]

Kevin. I’m an old Paramedic.. new rider. You, Sir are a God amongst instructors!

Thank you for teaching us all!
Saving lives

[mikereed]

Love your videos. Been riding for 30 years and can’t believe how much I learn from them. How about a series of videos on the difference of riding with a passenger?

[peterfitzpatrick]

Travelling on an unfamiliar road with tight curves, watch ahead for the "pattern" of the utility poles, they'll give you a clue as to how tight a corner ahead is ...

😎👍☘

[Iceaxehikes]

This is concise knowledge.
I only ride on dirt due to where I live.
The gyroscopic effect; and the scary wobble on gravel, are real.
Relaxing is the way.
The "death grip" screws everything up.