Get Free Checklist
Motorcyclist riding a black Yamaha MT-07 on a quiet open road during a long ride
Start With The Safety Checklist

MOTORCYCLE
BLOG

Safer riding, MT-07 life, gear notes and real motorcycle lessons from Amsterdam. For riders who want to improve one ride at a time.

Featured Posts

Yamaha MT-07 parked at a fuel station, useful for lane positioning and traffic awareness

Lane Positioning for Motorcyclists: How to Choose the Safest Road Position

Learn how to choose safer lane positions on a motorcycle to improve visibility, avoid blind spots, create escape routes and ride more confidently.
Read More>>
Close-up of Yamaha MT-07 parked on a busy city street with tram lines and traffic

Riding in Heavy Traffic: Safety Tips for Urban Motorcyclists

Learn how to ride safely in heavy traffic with practical tips for spacing, visibility, blind spots, braking, junctions, cyclists and calm urban riding.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 and adventure motorcycle parked together during city group riding

Group Riding Etiquette: How to Stay Safe and Ride in Formation

Learn how to ride safely in a motorcycle group with proper spacing, formation, communication, overtaking etiquette and beginner-friendly road manners.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked near trees by the water, useful for target fixation awareness

How to Avoid Target Fixation While Riding

Learn how to avoid target fixation while riding by training your eyes to look at the safe path, not the hazard you want to miss.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 parked on a wet urban sidewalk during a natural motorcycle light and signal check

Motorcycle Vision Techniques: How to Look Through the Corner Correctly

Learn how to use your eyes properly while riding — from looking through corners to spotting hazards early and avoiding target fixation.
Read More>>
Close-up of Yamaha MT-07 rear tyre, brake disc and tail light

How to Corner Safely on a Motorcycle: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to corner safely on a motorcycle using smooth speed control, vision, body position, braking, throttle and calm cornering habits.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked at a Shell fuel station during a ride

Common Beginner Motorcycle Mistakes: What New Riders Should Avoid Early

New to riding? Learn the most common beginner motorcycle mistakes to avoid, including poor braking, target fixation, overconfidence, unsafe gear habits and riding beyond your limits.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked in an empty lot for braking practice

How to Brake Safely on a Motorcycle: Front vs Rear Explained

Learn how to brake safely on a motorcycle using smooth front and rear brake control, progressive braking and beginner-friendly emergency stopping habits.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked near a historic church and canal bridge

Beginner’s Guide to Defensive Motorcycle Riding: How to Anticipate Danger Before It Happens

Learn how to ride defensively by spotting hazards early, creating space, avoiding blind spots and making safer decisions before danger becomes urgent.
Read More>>
Parked motorcycle with a learner board sign at a safe practise area

Motorcycle Accident Survival: What to Do After a Crash

A practical step-by-step guide to reaching safety, helping injured people, documenting the scene and handling the medical and insurance steps after a motorcycle crash.
Read More>>
Rider sitting on a parked motorcycle under a pink blossom tree

Mental Preparedness for Motorcycle Riding

A practical pre-ride mental checklist for recognising fatigue, distraction, anxiety and other warning signs before getting on your motorcycle.
Read More>>
Rider in black motorcycle gear on a Yamaha MT-07 in urban traffic showing motorcycle visibility in the city

Motorcycle Visibility Tips for Urban Riders

Practical motorcycle visibility tips for junctions, blind spots, heavy traffic, filtering, low light and busy urban roads.
Read More>>
Yamaha mt07 parked under streetlights at night beside an urban road

Night Riding Safety: How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely After Dark

Practical night-riding tips for improving visibility, managing glare, choosing a safe speed and spotting hazards before they become emergencies.
Read More>>
Learner motorcyclists lined up while an instructor sets out traffic cones

Motorcycle Safety Courses: Are They Worth It?

Learn whether motorcycle safety courses are worth it, what they teach, who should take one, and how rider training can improve confidence and safety.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 and adventure motorcycle parked together during city group riding

Group Riding Etiquette: How to Stay Safe and Ride in Formation

Learn how to ride safely in a motorcycle group with proper spacing, formation, communication, overtaking etiquette and beginner-friendly road manners.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked at a Shell fuel station during a ride

Common Beginner Motorcycle Mistakes: What New Riders Should Avoid Early

New to riding? Learn the most common beginner motorcycle mistakes to avoid, including poor braking, target fixation, overconfidence, unsafe gear habits and riding beyond your limits.
Read More>>
Rider wearing full motorcycle safety gear while seated on a Yamaha MT-07

Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips Every Rider Should Know

Simple motorcycle safety tips every rider should know — from proper gear and visibility to braking, cornering, traffic awareness and pre-ride checks.
Read More>>
Rider standing beside a black Yamaha MT-07 while wearing protective motorcycle gear

Motorcycle Safety for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Riding Smart and Staying Alive

Essential motorcycle safety habits for beginner riders — gear, braking, cornering, traffic awareness and pre-ride checks to help you ride smarter and come home safely.
Read More>>
Yamaha Mt-07 with a rear-seat saddle bag at a scenic windmill country road

How to Stay Focused on Long Motorcycle Rides

Practical ways to protect your concentration during long motorcycle rides, including break planning, hydration, active observation and fatigue warning signs.
Read More>>
Motorcyclist riding on an exposed road in strong wind

How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely in Strong Wind

Practical tips for staying in control during strong crosswinds, sudden gusts, exposed roads and turbulence from trucks and buses.
Read More>>
Yamaha mt-07 parked on a wet road on a rainy ride day

Wet Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips: How to Ride Safely in the Rain

Practical tips for riding a motorcycle safely in rain, including braking, cornering, visibility, wet-weather gear and common slippery road hazards.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 on a wet wash bay floor showing how slippery surfaces can reduce traction

How to Handle Gravel, Sand & Slippery Roads on a Motorcycle

Gravel, sand, and slippery roads can surprise any rider. Here’s how to stay calm, smooth, upright, and in control.
Read More>>
Motorcycle rider view of a beginner cone slalom drill for balance control

Motorcycle Balance Exercises for Beginners: Simple Drills to Build Control

Simple motorcycle balance exercises for beginners to build confidence, improve slow-speed control, practice U-turns, and feel calmer on the bike.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 in an empty parking lot for low-speed control practice

20 Motorcycle Low-Speed Control Tips: Balance, U-Turns & Slow Riding

Learn practical low-speed motorcycle control tips for better balance, smoother U-turns, clutch control, rear brake use, and slow riding confidence.
Read More>>
Yamaha MT-07 parked at a fuel station, useful for lane positioning and traffic awareness

Lane Positioning for Motorcyclists: How to Choose the Safest Road Position

Learn how to choose safer lane positions on a motorcycle to improve visibility, avoid blind spots, create escape routes and ride more confidently.
Read More>>
Close-up of Yamaha MT-07 parked on a busy city street with tram lines and traffic

Riding in Heavy Traffic: Safety Tips for Urban Motorcyclists

Learn how to ride safely in heavy traffic with practical tips for spacing, visibility, blind spots, braking, junctions, cyclists and calm urban riding.
Read More>>
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked near trees by the water, useful for target fixation awareness

How to Avoid Target Fixation While Riding

Learn how to avoid target fixation while riding by training your eyes to look at the safe path, not the hazard you want to miss.
Read More>>
Three full-face motorcycle helmets arranged beside a black Yamaha MT-07 near a green park on a summer day

Choosing a Safe Motorcycle Helmet in 2026: What Riders Should Look For

A practical comparison of current ECE 22.06 motorcycle helmets, including independent SHARP results, fit advice and recommendations for different riders.
Read More>>
Complete motorcycle safety gear arranged beside yamaha MT-07

Motorcycle Safety Gear for Every Rider: What to Buy in 2026

A practical guide to building a complete motorcycle safety setup, with current product examples, certification advice and buying priorities for different riders.
Read More>>
POV rider wearing motorcycle gear with CE ratings

CE Ratings Explained: Helmets, Jackets, Gloves & Armor

Learn what CE ratings, ECE 22.06, EN 17092, Level 1, Level 2, AAA, AA, A, and KP actually mean when buying motorcycle gear.
Read More>>
MT modular helmet resting on a Yamaha MT-07 motorcycle

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet Size: Beginner Fit Guide

Learn how to choose the right motorcycle helmet size with simple tips for measuring your head, checking fit, avoiding pressure points, and choosing safer gear.
Read More>>
Rider sitting on a Yamaha MT-07 on a city sidewalk for bymrjohnson about page

Motorcycle Safety Gear Explained: What Each Piece Actually Does

Learn what each piece of motorcycle safety gear actually does, from helmets and jackets to gloves, pants, boots, armor, and ear protection.
Read More>>
2021 Yamaha MT-07 TITAN parked outdoors with featured text asking whether the Yamaha MT-07 is a good beginner motorcycle

Is the Yamaha MT-07 a Good Beginner Motorcycle?

The Yamaha MT-07 is often recommended to newer riders, but 73 PS and strong torque deserve respect. Here's my view after around 10,000 km of ownership.
Read More>>
2021 Yamaha MT-07 TITAN parked on an Amsterdam street with a helmet on the bike, featured for a 10,000 km ownership guide.

Living With a Yamaha MT-07: My 10,000 km Ownership Guide

After roughly 10,000 km and a year with my 2021 Yamaha MT-07, here’s what everyday ownership has taught me about its character, practicality, fuel use and compromises.
Read More>>