YouTuber Lists Seven Traits of Bad Riders
Are you guilty of any of these seven potentially deadly motorcycling sins?
We’ve featured videos from YouTube sensation Yammienoob here on H-D Forums in the past. Most of his videos that the form of informative lists, giving us lots of information about a given motorcycle subject in a short period of time.
While he’s a sportbike guy at heart, his general-interest videos contain useful information for all of us. However, he’s expressed his respect for his cruiser-riding motorcycle brothers and sisters in the past. It also helps that Yammienoob presents information in a friendly, entertaining, and sometimes downright funny way.
Today’s video is all about ways to spot a bad rider. Yammienoob’s list of seven signs is useful to beginner and experienced motorcyclists alike, and serves as a good reminder to not only ride safe, but to be a good ambassador for the hobby at all times.
Right off the bat, things are bound to get controversial. Yammienoob’s first sign of a bad rider is too much noise. Keep in mind, he clarifies things rather quickly. He’s not talking about the smooth, burbling purr of a nice aftermarket exhaust. Sarcastically, Yammienoob asks, “Has your Harley been running for 20 minutes? Better rev it up to make sure it’s still running!” Don’t be that guy in traffic.
Sign number two is disregarding the law. Even though many see motorcycling is an expression of freedom and independence, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow traffic laws. Be a good rider, because bad behavior reflects poorly on all of us.
Next up is what Yammienoob calls “Super Squidding.” You might be familiar with the term “squid” to refer to someone in shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops who rides aggressively. However, cruiser riders can be squids, too. A do-rag and a leather vest with no shirt does not count as safety gear. We like to preach helmet use here on H-D Forums, and it’s because we like you and we want to keep you around for a while. Always wear proper safety gear when you’re on your bike.
The fourth sign of a bad motorcyclist, according to Yammienoob, is too many close calls. In his words, “Close calls come from not paying attention or from pushing your limits in traffic.” As we get deeper into this list, you’ll notice that a lot of these points begin to tie into each other. Follow the law, and always ride within your ability.
Most importantly, don’t get complacent. Yammienoob points out that it seems like experienced motorcyclists are more likely to have close calls than new riders, because they’re paying less attention and don’t plan ahead.
Number five is reacting emotionally when bad things inevitably happen. All kinds of awful things can happen when you’re on the road – cars can cut you off and swerve into your lane. It’s scary, but if you practice situational awareness at all times, you can keep these incidents to a minimum. They’re still going to happen sometimes, though.
When they do, it’s important to keep your cool. Don’t road rage, and try not to get angry. Anger clouds your brain, and it can turn you into a dangerous, unpredictable rider. If you do get mad, pull off and take a breather.
The next sign of a bad rider is drinking and riding. It should be pretty obvious by now that riding a motorcycle requires most of your attention and all of your mental faculties. Drinking lowers your awareness, slows down your reaction time, and messes with your balance. Just don’t do it. If you have too many, call an Uber so that nobody has to call an ambulance.
Yammienoob’s last sign of a bad rider is showing off and trying to impress people. As we mentioned previously, ride within your abilities. As Yammienoob says, “It’s okay not to wheelie for every hot girl out there, trust me. Motorcycling is about your own comfort level.”
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