Bio: My name is Daniel Canniff and I am 28 years old ! I have been hooked on riding ever since I was a little kid. Didn’t mater what is what , 2 wheels 4 wheels 3 wheels you name it I would want to try it ! Finally being able to ride a motorcycle on the street is a total dream come true and the ultimate form of freedom and happiness. Now I dedicate my spare time to riding my Ninja 500 and vlogging my rides to share with my YouTube subscribers! It’s been a wild ride this past year and I can’t wait to see everything we can do in year 2 ! 

Who or what inspired you to start riding?

I wasn’t fully inspired to start riding until I moved to California. The environment, the sun, and the overall culture in San Diego played a huge part in that inspiration. Seeing riders lane-split through traffic and glide past the congestion made me realize how much freedom two wheels could bring. In such a busy city where everyone crowds the same roads, the idea of being able to go anywhere without waiting was incredibly appealing. That sense of freedom and independence is what truly pulled me into riding and I haven’t looked back since. Two wheels for life.


What was your first bike, and how did it feel to ride it?

My first bike was a KTM Duke 390 — a naked-style bike that was fun to ride, especially on the back roads. It handled great in twisty areas and gave me a good feel for learning control and balance. But once I started riding on the highway, the lack of fairings made the wind unbearable. I realized pretty quickly that I preferred the look and comfort of fully faired bikes, so I ended up selling it after just two months.


What’s your first real bike, and what does it mean to you?

After about a year off two wheels, I bought the Ninja 500 when it first came out in 2024 — and honestly, I consider it my first real bike. It’s brand new, it’s mine, and it’s been with me through every part of my riding journey since. The Ninja 500 feels like an extension of who I am at this point — it’s my baby, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.


What do you look for in your riding gear?

When it comes to riding gear, I look for three main things: style, comfort, and protection. The blend that NBT offers hits all three perfectly. Their gear is sleek and stylish, but it also delivers serious protection the kind that gives me confidence every time I ride. I know that if something ever went wrong, road rash wouldn’t be an issue. I’ve looked at a lot of brands, but none of them combine design and durability the way NBT does.


If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could ride anywhere in the world, it would definitely be New Hampshire and Massachusetts — that’s where I’m from. I’ve only been able to ride here in California so far, but being able to take my bike back to my hometown and ride through the same streets I grew up on would be a dream come true. There’s something special about reconnecting with where it all started, but this time on two wheels.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out riding?

If you’re just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is simple: take it slow and have fun. Don’t rush the process or worry about what other riders are doing — just focus on learning at your own pace and enjoying every ride. Riding is all about freedom and having a good time, so don’t overthink it. Go easy, stay safe, and have fun with it. That’s what it’s all about.


What’s your dream bike or ultimate motorcycle goal?

I’ve always been obsessed with anniversary edition motorcycles. The 60th Anniversary Yamaha R7 and the 30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R SP are both dream bikes of mine. One day, I’d love to have a full trio of anniversary editions — the Ninja 500, the R7, and the Fireblade. That would be an insane collection, with one bike representing each level of the playing field — low, middle, and high. It’s a goal that perfectly captures my love for motorcycles and the history behind them.


What’s your favorite piece of gear that you wouldn’t ride without?

Besides my NBT Ride 2.0 Cargos and my Bodyguard Hoodie — which I basically can’t ride without — I never go anywhere without my Traumoto Pro Kit. It’s packed with a tourniquet, bandages, gauze, and everything you’d need to respond in an emergency. Having that kit on me every ride gives me real peace of mind, knowing I’m prepared to help myself or another rider if something ever happens. It’s one of those things I hope I never have to use, but I’d never ride without it.


Do you listen to music while you ride?

I’m actually a big proponent of not listening to music while riding. My first helmet had Bluetooth, so I tried it out, but I found myself getting distracted and even getting headaches from the noise and overstimulation. Ever since then, I’ve preferred the natural sounds — the wind, the cars, the exhaust. There’s something genuinely therapeutic about being fully present in the ride without any extra noise. It’s just me, the bike, and the road.


What’s your proudest achievement so far in your riding journey?

My proudest achievement has been working with TST Industries as a beta tester for their integrated taillight for the Ninja 500. It was a first-to-market product, and I was the very first person in the world to have it installed on my bike. I worked directly with their team throughout the launch process, even getting the chance to have phone calls with the owners and build a great relationship with them. It was a unique and special experience — not just for the Ninja 500 community, but for my own journey as a rider.

How often do you maintain your bike, and what’s your maintenance routine like?

I usually maintain my bike every 500 miles or so. During that time, I make sure the chain is clean, the rear wheel is spotless, and the bike looks fresh. I’ll spray it down lightly with water, wipe it with a microfiber cloth, and get all the dust and dirt off — but I never use soap. For maintenance, I stick to Motul chain cleaner and lube, and I use WD-40 to remove any chain splatter on the rear wheel. The whole process takes me about 30 minutes, and it keeps my bike looking and running great. For oil changes and major services, I always take it to my dealership — they handle the rest.


 What’s next for you in your riding journey?

The next step for me is track riding. Now that I’ve spent over a year commuting and putting in miles on the street, I’m ready to take things to the next level. I plan to get a full set of leathers, a proper race suit, and all the gear I need to start riding on the track. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do — motorcycles are a high-level sport, and I love sports in general. I want to push myself and experience riding at its most technical and challenging level.


When did you know you were truly hooked on riding?

The moment I knew I was hooked on riding was when I got my first bike a KTM Duke 390. I originally bought it just to see if I’d actually enjoy motorcycle riding, but from the very first ride, I was completely addicted. Even though I only owned it for two months before realizing I wanted a fully faired sport bike, that short time was enough to lock me in. After a long year off two wheels, I finally pulled the trigger on the Ninja 500 when it released in 2024 and honestly, it was the best decision of my life. That’s when I knew I was in this for good.


How would you describe your bike’s personality?

I’d describe my bike as the perfect middle brother always there to greet you, make sure you’re feeling good, and bridge the gap between the older and younger siblings. In motorcycle terms, that means it sits perfectly between the high-powered leader bikes and the smaller CC beginner bikes. The Ninja 500 has that balanced personality approachable but confident, chill but capable. Just like me, it fits right in with everyone. Some people might overlook it, while others love it, but either way, it gets respect from both sides of the CC spectrum.