The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast artwork

The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast

33 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 159 ratings

Do you feel guilty for wanting to ride a motorcycle? Do you have a fear that overcomes you when you ride? Do you want to enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything possible NOT to leave your family alone? Join David Mixson, author of the "Motorcycle Smarts" book series (and NASA engineer), as he explains the sport of motorcycling his way. Whether you’re just thinking about riding or have been riding for decades, this is for you. Learn about rider-induced lowside and highside crashes: what are they, what triggers them, and how can you avoid them. David also shares some of the tips from his book “Motorcycle Smarts.” This show is a mix of how to ride proficiently, how to take ownership of your riding safety, and how to reduce your chances of crashing. David covers lighthearted topics like “The Motorcycle Wave” … and more serious topics like “The Low Information Rider.” Hit subscribe and reduce your chances of crashing.

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Episodes

MMP 34: Motorcycle Dream Ride Book Is Live!

December 09, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 13.4 MB

In today’s session, I share something big in my life. In 2015, Mike and I ventured to do something we weren’t sure was possible.  We rode our motorcycles from Alabama to Alaska and back. I was so moved by the experience that I wrote a book about it—and I just released it for sale on Amazon. Motorcycle Dream Ride does more than document our ride, and it’s not just for riders. It unpacks what really happened along the way—and how the people we met changed us. For a limited time, I’m ma...

MMP 33: Hands-On Training and How to Treat a Rider Coach

November 18, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 19 MB

In 2005, my riding buddy Mike and I took our first hands-on motorcycle training class in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  If I had it to do over again, I would have asked better questions. In today’s session, I talk about how rider coaches are worth their weight in gold. I also discuss good questions to ask and bad questions to ask. With Gratitude —David motorcyclesmarts.com motorcyclementor.com

MMP 32: I Wanted You to Know First

November 11, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 36.8 MB

Back in 2017, I took my family out to a fancy restaurant (along with my son’s best friend, Will) and announced the big news: “I’m writing my first book about motorcycles, and I’m almost finished.” That was nearly five years ago. Completing Motorcycle Smarts has been such a thing in my life that my family has stopped asking me when I’m going to publish the book. After all, I told them I was almost finished five years ago. Anyway, onto the breaking news! I’m thrilled to announce that...

MMP 31: Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month: Session Four

May 27, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 18.4 MB

I’m proclaiming the entire month of May as “Motorcycle Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month.”  For the entire month of May, I’m diving into lowside and highside crashes and answering these questions: What are they? Why is it important to understand them? What triggers them? What can we do to avoid them? Understanding lowside and highside crashes is one of the most important things you can do to change your chances of crashing. Yet, I believe it’s the MOST glossed-over topic i...

MMP 30: Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month: Session Three

May 20, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 32.7 MB

I’m proclaiming the entire month of May as “Motorcycle Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month.”  For the entire month of May, I’m diving into lowside and highside crashes and answering these questions: What are they? Why is it important to understand them? What triggers them? What can we do to avoid them? Understanding lowside and highside crashes is one of the most important things you can do to change your chances of crashing. Yet, I believe it’s the MOST glossed-over topic i...

MMP 29: Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month: Session Two

May 13, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 32.3 MB

I’m proclaiming the entire month of May as “Motorcycle Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month.” So far, nobody has told me I can’t do that.  For the entire month of May, I’m diving into lowside and highside crashes and answering these questions: What are they? Why is it important to understand them? What triggers them? What can we do to avoid them? Understanding lowside and highside crashes is one of the most important things you can do to change your chances of crashing. Yet, ...

MMP 28: Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month: Session One

May 06, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 21.4 MB

I’m proclaiming the entire month of May as “Motorcycle Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month.” I’m not sure I have that kind of authority, but I’m doing it anyway. For the entire month of May, over the next four episodes, I’m going to be diving into lowside and highside crashes. I’ll be answering questions like: What are they? Why is it important to understand them? What triggers them? What can we do to avoid them? Understanding lowside and highside crashes is one of the most ...

MMP 27: Losing My Sister and Urgency

April 30, 2021 19:09 - 8 minutes - 15.7 MB

This episode is about more than motorcycles. It’s about losing my sister—and friend. If that feels uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to skip to the next episode. It’s also about the urgency I feel to help riders NOW! Accordingly, I’m claiming May as:  Motorcycle Lowside and Highside Crash Awareness Month For the entire month of May (starting next week), I’ll be going over Chapters 20 - 29 (and more) in my new book, Motorcycle Smarts: Overcome Fear, Learn Control, Master Riding Wel...

MMP 26: The Importance of Mindset

April 22, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes - 13.8 MB

For a limited time, you can still download my new book, Motorcycle Smarts: Overcome Fear, Learn Control, Master Riding Well. But hurry, once I send it to the publisher, I won’t be able to do this. You can find it at motorcyclesmarts.com/gift And please share the link above with your riding friends. I want to give the book away to as many riders as possible BEFORE it goes on sale.  In this episode, I discuss the importance of having the right mindset. Because without it, you’ll never be...

MMP 25: How to Get My New Book for Free (Limited Time Offer)

April 15, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 21.6 MB

When I started riding at 40, I quickly became frustrated that the authors of the 300-page motorcycle mega-books spent more time describing how to get the most out of your first motorcycle rally than they did on explaining what triggers most rider-induced lowside and highside crashes.  Nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by rider error, yet the riding community sweeps this topic under the table as though it doesn’t matter. That’s about to change.  In this episode, I’ll exp...

MMP 24: What Do You Struggle With Most?

April 08, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes - 6.13 MB

This episode is brought to you by… YOU. Wow, it’s been a crazy week. The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast received more five-star reviews last week on iTunes than during any other one-week period since I started.  Thank you for doing this! Sandy and I were almost able to pull off today’s episode the way it was originally planned, but there turned out to be too many moving parts right at the end. So, we decided to put off the BIG REVEAL until next week.  Be sure to look out for next week’s s...

MMP 23: The Motorcycle Mentor Podcast 2.0 Is Here!

April 01, 2021 10:00 - 5 minutes - 9.53 MB

When I paused the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast to focus all my attention on another motorcycle-related bucket list item, I had no idea it would take me six years. Frankly, without a new episode for so long, I figured this podcast would sink into an undiscoverable slot on the iTunes charts. But that never happened. In fact, the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast has consistently remained one of the highest-rated podcasts about motorcycling. I’m overwhelmed by this. I’m deeply honored by this. Thank...

MMP 21: Why Riding in a Group is Riskier

September 26, 2014 16:00 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MB

MotorcycleMentor.com In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain why riding a motorcycle with a group of other riders is more dangerous than riding solo. Some listeners won’t agree with me here, but I’m used to that.  Do you think riding in a group is safer or riskier? Listen to the podcast by clicking on the play button at the top of the page. More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: My first ride with my motorcycle mentor. He left me in the dust. ...

MMP 20: The Low Information Rider and How to Avoid Being One

July 04, 2014 16:00 - 11 minutes - 11.3 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I describe what I call the “Low Information Rider.” You’ve seen the rider I’m talking about… the one that’s more concerned with the way he looks than he is with learning how to ride better. Trust me. You don’t want to be this guy. More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: 10 Characteristics of the low information rider. The motorcycle crash I ran up on, and what I saw. Why most listeners of the Motorcycle Mentor Podca...

MMP 19: Which Motorcycle Braking System is Better: Standard, Linked, Integrated, Combined or ABS?

June 27, 2014 16:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain the 4 different types of motorcycle braking systems. I’ve always said, “Once I understand the complex, the complex seems so simple.” You’ll be an expert after listening to this podcast. More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: What are the 4 types of motorcycle braking systems? What’s the difference between drums brakes and disc brakes (and how to tell which type you have)? What’s the difference between integ...

MMP 18: Special Announcement and the Motorcycle Mentor Creed

June 01, 2014 16:00 - 11 minutes - 11.1 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I make a special announcement and share something I wrote in my riding journal years ago. I call it the Motorcycle Mentor Creed. If you’re struggling to find a motorcycle mentor, you’ll want to listen to this Podcast! More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: What is my special announcement? Who can benefit from having a motorcycle mentor? What resources am I offering? Why these resources are so limited? Resources ...

MMP 17: The Motorcycle Wave – Don’t screw it up!

May 23, 2014 16:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I answer a listener question about “the motorcycle wave.” The what, why, and when of the motorcycle wave. NOTE: Please post your experiences with the motorcycle wave in the comments section at the bottom of the page. I live in the southeastern part of the United States. How do your experiences with the wave differ? Tell us (in the Leave a Reply box below)… Your name (make one up if you prefer). Where you live. What motorcycle do you ...

MMP 16: Snell Motorcycle Helmet Testing — Interview with Snell Director Part 3

May 01, 2014 16:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I interview Snell’s Executive Director, Ed Becker. The Snell Memorial Foundation tests/certifies motorcycle helmets. I spoke with Ed for nearly 90 minutes. This is Part 3 of our 3 Part discussion. Click here to see a special shows notes page where you can listen to all 3 Parts of my interview, download a transcript of the entire interview, and watch a video of the Snell log splitter destroying tested helmets.

MMP 15: Snell Motorcycle Helmet Testing — Interview with Snell Director Part 2

April 27, 2014 16:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I interview Snell’s Executive Director, Ed Becker. The Snell Memorial Foundation tests/certifies motorcycle helmets. I spoke with Ed for nearly 90 minutes. This is Part 2 of our 3 Part discussion. Click here to see a special shows notes page where you can listen to all 3 Parts of my interview, download a transcript of the entire interview, and watch a video of the Snell log splitter destroying tested helmets.

MMP 14: Snell Motorcycle Helmet Testing — Interview with Snell Director Part 1

April 24, 2014 16:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I interview Snell’s Executive Director, Ed Becker. The Snell Memorial Foundation tests/certifies motorcycle helmets. I spoke with Ed for nearly 90 minutes. This is Part 1 of our discussion. I really enjoyed speaking with Ed. He made the complex sound simple. Click here to see a special shows notes page where you can listen to Part 2 and 3 of my interview, download a transcript of the entire interview, and watch a video of the Snell log sp...

MMP 13: The best riders never stop learning – Interview with Randy Smith

April 18, 2014 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

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...

MMP 12: Motorcycle Insurance – How I Cut My Premiums in Half

April 04, 2014 16:00 - 24 minutes - 23.1 MB

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...

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

February 26, 2014 17:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

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 ab...

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

February 12, 2014 17:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

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 i...

MMP 09: Low-side and high-side crashes and how to avoid them

January 01, 2014 17:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MB

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 i...

MMP 08: 9 Reasons to ride a motorcycle

December 03, 2013 17:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

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,...

MMP 07: Why understanding countersteering is so important

November 19, 2013 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16.9 MB

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 ...

MMP 06: Why I bought my first motorcycle at 59 – with Gay Allison

November 05, 2013 17:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

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 wel...

MMP 05: How to select your first (or next) motorcycle

October 22, 2013 16:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

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 ...

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

October 09, 2013 16:00 - 14 minutes - 14.2 MB

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 memorabl...

MMP 02: 5 Things I’ve learned about beginner riders since starting MM.com

September 23, 2013 16:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I share 5 things I’ve learned about beginner riders since I started MotorcycleMentor.com. I bet you can’t guess what they are. I’ve heard from hundreds of beginning riders over the past few years. Do beginner riders experience similar feelings, struggles, and emotions during their first year? Find out in this podcast. In addition, I’ll tell you how to handle Harley riders, how to find the best riders to ask questions, and why the Kawasaki...

MMP 03: 7 Reasons NOT to own a motorcycle

September 23, 2013 16:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

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. More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about: 7 things to consider before you decide to ri...

MMP 01: The who, what and why of Motorcycle Mentor

September 22, 2013 16:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

In this first session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain who I am and why I started MotorcycleMentor.com. I also introduce my motorcycle mentors, Fred and Pete. I started MotorcycleMentor.com in 2005. To say the site has gone through several iterations would be a gross understatement. In the early days, I spent too much time making the site look pretty, instead of focusing on making it valuable. I failed miserably getting the content that my mentors and others had written for me o...

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