Showing Tag: "motorcycle riding skills" (Show all posts)

Building motorcycle skills

Posted by Mike James on Friday, March 8, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

To be competent in any endeavor requires the development of specific skills, and motorcycle riding is no different. Of course, a lot of the skills needed for competent motorcycle riding can simply be obtained through conscientious practice. However, the skills needed to become proficient in motorcycle racing may require professional help. There are a number of areas that a motorcycle rider should develop skill whether they are doing it on their own or with a trainer.

Crucial motorcycle skills ...

Riding your motorcycle in the rain

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Unfortunately, rain is unavoidable and while you’ll probably never relish the opportunity to go out on your bike when it’s hammering down, it’s not something you should be scared of.

And if you are fearful of it, it’s something that you should really work on because, as we mentioned, you’re going to have to do it at some point – that’s one of the downsides of riding a motorbike in the UK. The good news is that it’s not difficult; in fact it’s not even that different from ridi...

Riding your motorcycle downhill

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Here are a few safety tips to help you stay in control of your motorcycle while riding downhill.

Distribute your weight

As you approach the top of the hill, slide back on the seat to place more of your weight at the back of the bike. This will help you maintain balance and lessen the weight on the handlebars, which will improve your steering. Reduce your speed. Just as when you are riding in a car, the force of gravity will increase your speed on the back end of a slope, meaning you won’t nee...

Dealing with road rage

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, September 30, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

We’ve all seen videos and heard stories from riders about a road-rage incident that ended up in the rider’s favour, with the wayward car driver getting well-deserved karma in some nasty form. But the reality is that those outcomes are by far the exception rather than the rule. Any road-rage incident you get into on your motorcycle against another vehicle is much more likely to turn out not in your favour. Here I have some common-sense techniques to help you reduce the chances of getting i...

Riding your motorcycle in a group

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, September 29, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding with a group of friends gives you a chance to explore new routes, gain experience and make new friends. Before you head out on the road there are a few things you should think about to make sure your trip is as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Organising the group

It’s unlikely that everyone in your group will have the same level of experience and ability. Danger tends to arise when less experienced riders feel they have to ride faster or above their ability to keep up with the group, s...

Starting your motorcycle uphill

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Stopping on an uphill slope and then getting going again can be tricky, particularly for riders with insufficient inseam length to make solid contact with the ground. Here are some tips to help you handle these situations.

Evaluate your options

When you see that you must stop on a hill, identify an approach that is clear of significant debris or surface contamination that may cause your foot or tires to slip. Avoid vehicle drippings, sand, gravel and slick surfaces. You also want to stop so yo...

Off-road motorbike riding

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

A key skill every Adventure Rider should acquire is the ability to ride confidently off-road. Large Adventure Motorcycles can be difficult to manage in the dirt because of their weight and bulk. You can get away with a lack of dirt riding skills on small dirt bikes, but an Adventure Bike can hurt you if you don’t know what you are doing.

Often times, riders try to learn on their own with only a few dirt riding tips from a friend. This kind of trial and error approach can cause a lot of anxie...

Riding your motorcycle in large cities

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Checking your skills are ready for city roads

The good news is BikeSafe holds regular rider skills days in some UK cities for motorbikes above 125cc which will give you an assessment on your current abilities and provide advice to help make your riding safer and more enjoyable.

To help new riders of smaller engined motorbikes, BikeSafe also runs ScooterSafe courses, especially aimed at moped and scooter riders.

Make sure your bike matches your needs and your ability

Motorbikes vary in design and ...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part three)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

When you put your feet down at a stop, you want to be sure that whatever shoes you're wearing will grip the road securely, not slip and slide and make you feel like you're going to drop the bike. That's another reason why we recommend motorcycle-specific boots, but any good non-slip shoe is better than a slippery-bottomed (but sick-looking) trainer. Before you get mad, keep in mind that not all shoes have equal grip on all surfaces. Some shoes might be perfect for a polished wood gym floor, b...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part two)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Motorcycles are powered one of three ways: chain-driven, belt-driven, or shaft-driven. Shaft- and belt-driven bikes require less frequent maintenance than chain-driven ones. Most cruisers are belt-driven, while most sport bikes are chain-driven. BMW isn't the only company that makes shaft-driven bikes, but they're the most common bikes on which you'll find the system.

Why does this matter? When you're riding a bike, that chain or belt or shaft is what keeps your bike moving. There isn't a lot ...

Riding your motorcycle in bad weather ( part three )

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, November 27, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding on wet roads

Wet roads reduce tyre grip. Give yourself plenty of time and room for slowing down and stopping. Keep well back from other vehicles. On a wet road, you should allow at least double the braking distance for a dry road.

After a spell of dry weather, rain on the road can make the surface even more slippery. Take extra care, especially when cornering. Be aware that different road surfaces might affect the grip of your tyres.

Brakes

As well as reducing tyre grip water can also redu...
Continue reading ...

Riding your motorcycle in bad weather ( part two )

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 19, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Keep your battery in good condition. In cold weather an electric starter places big demands on the battery.

Lights

Always keep your lights and indicators clean and check for faulty bulbs. Dirty lights can seriously reduce - how far you can see - how well other people can see you and your signals.

Weather and vision

The biggest single danger to any rider is being unable to see properly. You won't be able to make the right decisions if you can't see the road clearly.

Rain

Heavy rain on your visor or ...
Continue reading ...

Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part two )

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Speed limit signs

Signs which display a speed limit within a red ring indicate mandatory maximum speed limits. You must obey these signs, if you don't you risk prosecution. Black and white rectangular signs recommend maximum speed limits which you should observe.

Signals

Signals will warn of dangers ahead, such as - accidents - fog - icy roads.

Flashing amber lights

Look out for flashing amber lights and signs, either on the central reservation or overhead. These warn you of - lane closures - road...
Continue reading ...

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