Here’s a couple of YouTube channels that make content either focused on newer riders or that can provide value as you progress. This list definitely isn’t exhaustive and I’ll skip channels that are purely travel or entertainment focused. Keep in mind that there are a lot of content creators that exist purely for hype and clicks, especially in the motorcycle communities. Definitely stay skeptical when checking out new channels.
I’ve included a short description and a link to at least one playlist for each channel, but definitely check out their full channels on YouTube and subscribe if you like the content.
Revzilla
https://www.youtube.com/@RevZilla
The Revzilla channel started off as a way for them to host product overview videos for revzilla.com, but the team at Revzilla has really embraced reinvesting some of their profits to create engaging, entertaining, and informative content for the community. While the channel is definitely dominated by the product videos by volume, check out playlists for other series like:
- Common Tread XP: longer length videos focused on challenges and adventures
- Beginner Motorcyclists: resources for new riders
- Daily Rider: bike reviews that go beyond the spec sheets to focus on longterm livability
- The Shop Manual: instructional videos for learning to wrench on your bike
- Highside / Lowside: video format of the podcast with the same name.
There’s plenty more than that, but I always check out videos from those playlists when they come out.
Bret Tkacs ADV
https://www.youtube.com/@BretTkacs
Bret Tkacs is an accomplished instructor and one of curriculum designers for Oregon’s rider education program. His channel includes instructional videos for on- and off-road riding techniques as well as well-researched videos on choosing safety gear and even some advanced motorcycle dynamics.
Many of his videos are aimed at more experienced riders looking to hone their skills, but his channel is definitely worth checking out even as a newer rider. It’s also worth mentioning that Bret used to be the main host of the MOTOTREK channel before he moved on to create his own channel, so I do recommend checking them out as well.
Dork in the Road
https://www.youtube.com/@DorkintheRoad
Dork in the Road is another channel that has a lot off off-road / adventure content, but he really goes out of his way to create content aimed at new riders. Even if you skip the off-road focused content, check out his riding gear guides, moto-camping advice, and general trip packing tips if you’re interested in motorcycle travel.
It’s worth pointing out that Ben is the only creator on this list who hasn’t spent his whole career in the industry or sponsored by a major retailer. He started motorcycling as an adult and grew his channel organically to over 100,000 subscribers, so his perspective is definitely different that some of the other content creators.
FortNine
https://www.youtube.com/@FortNine
FortNine is basically the Canadian equivalent of Revzilla and their channel started off similarly. The main host, Ryan, has a background in physics and their early content focused on creative ways to review and test motorcycle gear. As the channel has grown, their focus has expanded quite a bit to include a huge variety of moto-centric topics like motorcycle reviews, mini-documentaries on the industry, motorcycle buying tips, and defensive riding strategies.
I did hesitate a little bit to include the channel, however. While all of their videos are very well researched and most are objective, there have been some recent videos where the host(s) give a more controversial take presumably just to drive clicks and engagement. It’s not every video and everything they say is generally true, but Ryan and crew will sometimes leave out arguments that benefit the other side while exaggerating points that benefit their take (the videos “Gore-Tex is a Marketing Gimmick” and “Motorcycle Riders – You’re Leaning the Wrong Way” were two that stuck out to me). So take some of the more click-baity videos with a grain of salt, but overall it’s a good channel with an impressive number of informative and entertaining videos.
Side note: the humor in Ryan’s earliest videos can be a bit cheesy and they do tend to feature product placement in their newer videos, so there are a few reason the channel is at the bottom of this list.