The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast

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?

• 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.

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.

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

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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).

• 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.

• If you've never ridden in the rain – get ready (article documenting my first ride in the rain, published on BikeBandit.com)

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

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I give you 7 reasons NOT to own a motorcycle.

I realize this might sound strange coming from someone who is passionate about motorcycles, but I believe you should consider the facts before deciding to ride.

If you have family members that aren't excited about your new hobby, be sure to listen to this podcast. I think I might know why.

• 7 things to consider before you decide to ride a motorcycle.
• Getting the approval of your family before you decide.
• How to eliminate resentment over your new purchase.
• Why credit card debt and new motorcycles don't mix.

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