5 Top Mistakes New Motorcycle Riders Make

This week on MCrider we look at some common mistakes that many new riders make and how to overcome them.

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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[MCrider]

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[esa]

Countersteering is something many don't even realize, until they come to a fast corner that is a bit tighter than they thought, or they ride a bit faster than they thought. Then they try to turn the handle bar to the direction of the corner, causing the bike to go straight. I think it is essential to take corners very carefully until you get countersteering in muscle memory, because just knowing it doesn't help in unexpected situations. It needs to be as natural as walking, and that takes some time to develop.

[rps]

I got a #6. New riders and older ones too who have the belief that you should never use the front brake, because it will send you over the handle bars. My friend and his son are of this thinking, I ask then why do manufacturers bother putting front brakes on bikes. I have seen him lock up the rear brakes at a red light and slide into the intersection. He still doesn't learn.

[sandyshelton]

Re: counter steering. I have a friend who complains after 50 miles or so of twisties, that he is "exhausted from throwing my bike through the turns." I try to counsel him about counter steering. I explain to him that if he is doing it right, it makes riding the twisties a joy and no more taxing physically than riding on the highway. He is a prime candidate for an intermediate skills class. Just can't get him to go, even though a local Police dept. offers them for free via the Ride to Live program. I'm signed up for an April class. Need to drag him with me.

[STho]

My daily ride: gravel in road, stacked switchbacks, at least one steep dirt road each way (mine), deer in road, bear in road, occasional fallen bolder, out of town flatland drivers that cross the yellow in blind curves, squirrels, possum, city sportbike riders new to backroads, and the DAMNED Loose DOGS that chase any bike and try to bite the tire. Every day is a lesson, but the refresher classes and parking lot practice are still good. Good job Kevin.

[DATHFARY]

One good thing I was taught at my school about turn signals was, turn them off after you have shifted into the next gear after a corner, or if you are merging you remind yourself to turn them off once you are in the desired lane

[michaelfinley]

Back when I was 53 I rode from Fort Worth TX to Phoenix AZ straight and left at 10 pm so didn’t sleep. Was crazy yes, luckily I made it safely.

[bjrnbirkeland]

Common mistake: Forget to shift down into first gear, during stop. Then pull of in third and kill the engine, which get you out of ballance and bike fell over.

[Justinwiggler]

When I was in the military and went through MSF, it was a week long course on base, all day, every day. It was very beneficial!

[jumpsouth]

Thanks.. Love the info.. Been riding all my life, and still learn something on each video.

[shaneelson]

Hi Kevin. Cant agree more with your closing comments about keeping skills up.
Whenever I've been off the bike for a while, say mid winter for a few weeks, I find an empty parking lot and practice low speed stuff before going out on a ride - even 1/2 hour of u-turns, figure 8s, slow speed riding really helps.
After along rides, anything over a couple of hours, I'll do a little debrief with myself about what I did right and what I did wrong.
I never pass of a slight, non critical error as just "Oh well."
Being aware, as you keep stressing, is super important and that means being able to reflect on what you did (or not) and next time you go out, working on it.

[jesterheadalfa]

I m a new rider and i constantly forget cancelling my turning signals, i really have to train myself to cancel after the turn.your channel is really priceless.i actually think it might have saved some lives.i m glad i subscribed to this channel.

[davidbronicki]

I always say see and be seen, and use your signals and check your mirrors often. An example of checking your mirrors is at a traffic light always check your mirrors to see who's coming up behind you tap your brake several times to make sure they see you. And get the big picture.

[daveshepherd]

Thank you for the continuing education, Great video!

[wb]

I returned to riding last September after 20 years away and took the Ohio Safety course right away. Been riding all winter, about 50% of the days available when weather and temp allow. I like how you said miles alone aren't enough. My practice has been sparse this winter, and I'm signed up for a "refresher" course next month. Curious to see what bad habits have crept in this winter even though I managed over 3000 miles since Thanksgiving. I figured an extra set of eyes on my skills would be good before I start cranking on some trips on my bucket list this year.

[rafaelbadollato]

Nice advises you gave us - I'm thankful. The thing I like the most is your philosophy that we always have to learn, whatever it is... to live is to learn

[genehauser]

I imagine we have all had every one of these at least once. I know I have. Thanks, and keep these videos coming!

[ostmen_draugr]

So glad i learned all this on a scooter before i got into bigger bikes. Still need to take the license test but i have about 5 years riding experience on scooters. All i really need is shifting & clutch control training.

[jameshallfishing]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful information.

[gravelslinger]

Thank You Much, MC Rider!!! I appreciate your videos! Your video on making tight turns and U-turns was VERY HELPFUL!!! Clutch Control and being mindful of how much power goes to the wheels is essential, ESPECIALLY on my 2016 Night Rod which is EXCEPTIONALLY POWERFUL!!