The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast

Latest Episodes:

MMP 13: The best riders never stop learning – Interview with Randy Smith Apr 18, 2014

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I speak with Randy Smith, also known as Motosage. Randy explains why (even after riding for 30 years) he still takes a hands-on motorcycle riding class at the beginning of every riding season.

I really enjoyed speaking with Randy. He shares some great riding tips and stories. I wish you could see the motorcycles in his garage. He has more than a few.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

Who is Randy Smith, and why do his friends call him Motosage?
Why Randy takes a hands-on riding class every year?
How fast Randy has ridden a motorcycle?
What's Randy's favorite motorcycle ride?
What Randy thinks you should do, if you start thinking you're an expert rider?

Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…

Thank you all for taking the time to rate and write a review of the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbay, or other listening platforms. Your reviews help.

I'd like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes: Jeff Bare, Christy from Switzerland and Evan John Kooker.

iTunes uses the number of ratings along with the actual rating (how many stars) to determine the popularity of the show — and where to list it in the iTunes search rankings. If you rate and write a review for the podcast, please let me know so I can personally thank you on a future podcast.

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Help out the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast

And lastly, if you haven't already done so, would you take a minute to leave a quick rating and review of the podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below. It would be extremely helpful for the show and I'm aiming for 100 5-star ratings before the end of the year. That would be awesome for a motorcycle-related podcast.

MMP 12: Motorcycle Insurance – How I Cut My Premiums in Half Apr 04, 2014

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain how I cut my motorcycle insurance premiums in half. First, every rider needs to understand the major types of insurance: liability, comprehensive, and collision. Don't worry if this sounds foreign, I'll explain everything.

NOTE: I'm not a licensed insurance agent. I'm simply reporting on my personal experiences. You need to consult with a licensed insurance agent before making changes to your coverage.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

What are the three main types of motorcycle insurance coverages?
What coverage — at a minimum — should every motorcycle rider have?
Which companies specialize in insuring motorcycles?

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MMP 11: The Hurt Report – 10 Facts Every Motorcycle Rider Should Know About Crashing Feb 26, 2014

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain why understanding the Hurt Report is one of the most important things ANY rider can do to reduce their risks. The Hurt Report is the most comprehensive study of motorcycle accidents ever conducted. It's over three decades old, but the data is just as relevant today.

NOTE: I pose a question to YOU at the end of the podcast. I really need listeners (YOU) to answer the question.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

What is the Hurt Report?
Why I believe the Hurt Report is the single most important piece of data for beginner riders and experienced riders who want to reduce their risks.
How I used the data from the Hurt Report to survive my first year riding.

Resources and Links

Hurt Report Summary Findings

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MMP 10: Motorcycle Helmets – The Difference between DOT, SNELL and ECE Feb 12, 2014

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain the three major motorcycle helmet certifications. If you live in the United States, you should see a DOT on every motorcycle helmet. If it doesn't show DOT, then it's not a real helmet. Some helmets also have the SNELL symbol. I'll explain the difference between these two markings.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

What are the three most common certifications: DOT, SNELL, and ECE.
Why all real helmets in the US must show the DOT symbol to be legal helmets.
What is the difference between DOT and SNELL?
Which is better, DOT or SNELL?
Who uses the ECE rating?

Resources and Links

Comparison of SNELL vs. DOT testing from SNELL website.

Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…

I'd like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes: Scott Foens, and Rob from Canada. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.

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You can also leave me a voice mail message. I might play your voice mail question during an upcoming podcast.

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MMP 09: Low-side and high-side crashes and how to avoid them Jan 01, 2014

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain low-side and high-side crashes, what causes them, and how you can avoid them. Both types of crashes are often single-vehicle accidents, meaning the rider wrecks without having another vehicle involved. A little head knowledge – and some electronics – can help you avoid these crashes.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

What is a low-side crash and what causes it.
What is a high-side crash and what causes it.
What you should do to avoid these crashes.
Why many motorcycle instructors believe the "overuse of your rear brake" is a major cause of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents.
What simple piece of electronics would significantly reduce the number of low-side and high-side crashes.

Listen to the podcast then watch the three videos on my website at http://motorcyclementor.com/mmp-09-low-side-and-high-side-crashes-and-how-to-avoid-them-podcast/. Every motorcycle rider needs to understand what a low-side and high-side accident look like. Note: I don't like watching gory motorcycle crash videos. I don't think it's respectful to the person injured or killed. For that reason, I will never post videos on the site where the rider is seriously injured. In the videos below, the rider's motorcycle and ego were the only things seriously damaged.

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MMP 08: 9 Reasons to ride a motorcycle Dec 03, 2013

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I share 9 reasons to own a motorcycle. I gave you 7 reasons NOT to own a motorcycle back in podcast #3, and I promised to give you the other side of the argument. Well, here it is.

I'm always reluctant to advise someone to purchase a motorcycle. I know this sounds strange considering that I run this site. But making the choice to own and ride a motorcycle is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. I believe the risks are real, and that each individual should weigh the risks before deciding to ride.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

Why I think motorcycles create great stories.
Why I think riding makes you a better driver.
What goes on in my head when I'm riding.
How motorcycles make your car look cozy.
Why on a motorcycle "You will see things you've never noticed, smell things you've never smelled, on the way to places you've never been."

Resources and links mentioned in this session:

Learn more about Adrian Blake by… Following Adrian on Twitter.

Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…

I'd like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes: John Anthony, and Norm Cooling. I'd also like to thank Adrian Blake for tweeting about motorcyclementor.com. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.

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You can also leave me a voice mail message. I might play your voice mail question during an upcoming podcast.

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MMP 07: Why understanding countersteering is so important Nov 19, 2013

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I discuss countersteering and explain why I think it is one of the most important things you should understand… regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced rider.

Countersteering is how you control your motorcycle: push right to go right, push left to go left. But pushing on the right bar is actually the same as pulling on the left bar… which means to initiate a right turn you turn the handlebar in the opposite direction. Sound confusing?

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

My first trip to Deals Gap.
What is countersteering — my simple definition.
Why understanding countersteering with your head is so important.
Why there is so much passionate debate about the physics of countersteering.
Why I think having countersteering part of your muscle memory can significantly increase your abilities to avoid an accident.

Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…

I'd like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes: Eric Nelson, Don Plantenberg, and Susan Collander. Thanks. I really appreciate it.

Leave feedback or ask a question

You can also leave me a voice mail message. I might play your voice mail question during an upcoming podcast.

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MMP 06: Why I bought my first motorcycle at 59 – with Gay Allison Nov 05, 2013

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, Gay Allison gives her perspective as a woman rider. She also tells us what her friends and family thought when she decided to purchase her first motorcycle at 59.

Eric, Gay's husband, contacted me via email several weeks ago and shared with me that Gay thought the podcast "talks seemed directed toward male riders… and that female riders didn't really fit in with the more classic view that it is a men's-only group."

I was surprised but welcomed the feedback. My wife of 23 years would probably agree that I don't have a clue what's going on in her head… even though I try. But, I digress. Solution: I invited Gay to be on the show to share her perspective on women and motorcycles! It made perfect sense.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out:

Why Gay decided to start riding solo.
What Gay's family and friends thought about her new adventure.
If Gay experienced fear or ever wondered if she had made a mistake.
How other riders respond to her as a woman rider.
How Gay selected her first motorcycle.

Resources and links mentioned in this session:

I've received several questions about the sign-up form on the site. You can sign up to receive email updates about upcoming podcasts and other exclusive content from MotorcycleMentor.com by putting your first name and email address in the sign-up form toward the bottom of this page (or in the right column). They are identical.

If you receive emails from us, then you are already on the list and don't need to sign up again.

Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…

Last week in iTunes, with your help, the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast was ranked #1 in "New and Noteworthy" for the Games and Hobbies category and #5 in "New and Noteworthy" for the Sports and Recreation category. That's not an easy thing to do. Simply put, it's because so many of you have taken the time to rank the podcast!

I'd like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes: Kevin Campbell, Ismael Abrego, Richard Lindgren, Dirk Shearer, Maria Martinez, Bill Donovan, and my riding buddy Mike Shell.

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MMP 05: How to select your first (or next) motorcycle Oct 22, 2013

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I share my 8 rules for selecting your first, or next, motorcycle. Follow these steps and avoid the pitfalls of buying a motorcycle that you later hate.

The guidelines explained here work perfectly for selecting your second motorcycle, your third motorcycle… or your tenth motorcycle.

These are the same rules I follow every time I purchase a motorcycle.

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

My 8 rules to follow every time you purchase a motorcycle.
Why $4000 is my sweet spot for a used motorcycle.
Why some new motorcycle models aren't displayed in motorcycle dealerships.
Why understanding the 8 categories of motorcycles and selecting the one that best fits your riding goals is the most difficult, yet most important part to get 'right'.
How to enjoy the process of selecting and purchasing your next motorcycle.

Resources and links mentioned in this session:

I am working on the training course that I mentioned in the podcast. If you have specific questions about buying or selling a motorcycle using eBay, Craigslist, or CycleTrader, post them below and I will answer them.
Where's the video showing how to see completed auctions on eBay? I should have that completed and posted here in the next week or so.

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You can also leave me a voice mail message. I might play your voice mail question during an upcoming podcast.

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MMP 04: What to expect during your first ride in the rain with 9 ways to master it Oct 09, 2013

Show notes

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I share what you should expect during your first motorcycle ride in the rain. I also share 9 tips that will help you ride in the rain like a pro.

My first ride in the rain was a surprise. The weatherman said there almost no chance of rain, so I rode to work. But it poured on my 15-mile commute home. People were snickering all around me. I was wet and cold, but somehow I managed to keep a grin on my face. You can read all about that memorable ride in the article BikeBandit.com published (listed below).

More specifically, in this session you'll find out about:

5 things you can expect when riding in the rain for the first time.
Why riding in the rain can be one of the most memorable experiences you can have on two wheels.
What riding in the rain and camping have in common.
9 tips that will help you master riding in the rain.
Why my motorcycle mentor wanted me to plan my first ride in the rain.

Resources and links mentioned in this session: