| Motorcycles and Twowheelers: Motorcycle training - "Motorcycle Riding Tips - Limited-Space Maneuvers" Wednesday, 20 August, 2008 | Home | Suggest a Link |
Formula 1 Fantasy LeagueWith Spring fast approaching I thought it would be a good idea to start publishing a few motorcycle riding tips that you can practice once you dust off your bike and get it ready for Daytona Bike week or your first spring ride.
One thing I hear from a lot of motorcyclists is that they have been riding for some many years and do not need to practice any riding skills. This is just an ignorant statement to make and often fueled by ego and pride. I have seen veteran riders of twenty years do the stupidest things on a motorcycle. Sure, they have been riding for twenty years, but have they truly ever learned to really ride correctly with skill and confidence. Sure, some have the natural motor skills to perform well on a motorcycle but these refresher tips are there to make you more competent on your motorcycle while also boosting your ego since others will be impressed by your riding skills. Honest, you will be amazed how people notice a good competent rider.
This lesson will discuss Limited-space maneuvers. Now you may think, what? If I am going slow in a parking lot or driveway, why do I need to practice these types of motorcycle riding maneuvers? While not as dangerous as intersections or other road hazards, limited-space maneuvers, like parking areas, can be quite a challenge. Practice turning at low speeds, and do not forget to use the counterweight technique to help balance your motorcycle at slow speeds. This means to put more pressure on the outmost footrest, leaning the upper body outward opposite the turn. You can also move off the center of the seat, opposite from the turn, to improve balance and turning capability.
The best-trained motorcyclists are Police Motormen. These motorcycle cops are trained to maneuver large police motorcycles at slow speeds in tight situations. Police Motormen practice doing U-turns within two marked parking spaces. Sounds easy right? Well, it is not. Go out and try it one day. I guarantee it will take you 4 spaces or more to do a U-turn. Odds are some of you may even drop your bike. The trick is to use your clutch friction zone and rear brake to get the motorcycle to maneuver and handle at very slow speeds. By slow speeds I mean under 5MPH. Walking pace. Police need to do this all the time and they have the best riding techniques. The other key is to look where you want the motorcycle to go. If you look down while performing a tight figure eight or a U-turn, I guarantee you will go where you are looking - down.
I initially practiced these techniques and was amazed at how difficult it was to turn your motorcycle around by performing a U-turn while trying to keep the turn within two parking spaces. It took me several hours over a few days to get the hang of it. Next I added in figure eights and slow crawl riding as if I were in a parade. As my skill improved with this technique and my rear brake and clutch were showing signs of wear, I became very confident that I could handle my motorcycle in tight situations.
The benefits of practicing this riding technique are that you become more skilled with handling your motorcycle. If you find you are on a narrow country road, you will have the confidence to know that you can safely and skillfully perform a U-turn in the limited space provided.
While attending motorcycle events where parking is at a premium, this slow speed practice will help you maneuver through the crowded parking lot without smashing into any pedestrians or parked motorcycles. Again, I found myself using this skill set a lot. Other motorcyclists noticed my skill. They were amazed that I could maneuver a large Victory Kingpin in the limited spaces. Even when carrying a passenger. So dust off your motorcycle and dust off your stale riding techniques, and hit the nearest vacant parking lot for some much needed practice.
Here are some tips for parking safely:
Whether you are a veteran rider or a beginner, it is imperative that you take extreme safety precautions while riding high-speed motorcycles like dirt bikes since accident risks are higher with these powerful machines.
The most important thing to remember before riding a dirt bike is to get formal training and instruction. It is said that 90%-95% of motorcycle riders involved in accidents did not go through formal training. So to make your dirt bike riding experience safer, get yourself a formal training from a professional or a training school.
Protective gear like helmets, gloves, boots and jackets not only guard you
Read this article in full
The thrill of driving a motorcycle compares with nothing else. Unfortunately, the consequences of this thrill, when used improperly, can turn out to be really expensive too.
True, motorcycles make our driving experiences almost magical, but they can be dangerous weapons if not driven with utmost care. Motorcycle Driving Schools help us to learn to make our motorcycle driving experiences pleasurable.
To drive a motorcycle, be it for normal driving or race driving, we need to have a special permit on our licenses. A class M is normally a must to be able to drive a motorcycle. Rules and regulations concerning this
Read this article in full
Time for an ice-cold slap in the face! Here are a few chilling safety reminders for the winter months ahead. Not everybody has the luxury of heated grips, a nice snug faring or rider training, so keep these 8 points in mind for your extended motorcycling pleasure!
The first rains of winter fall on roads that have been coated with oil during the summer months. Wet roads offer less grip than dry roads and places you previously rode could have a sheen of oil now compromising the grip of your tyres. Look out for the rainbow like streaks along the
Read this article in full
The majority of motorcycle braking systems have a right-front lever for activating the front brake and a right foot pedal for activating the rear brake. There exist some variations on the basic motorcycle brake systems. Some of these innovations may affect how you handle low-speed manuevers.
Motorcycling can be a real challenge, from your first time sitting on the motorcycle and trying to learn the controls, to learning how to ride the bike, to finally dealing with real-world driving situations. This article will discuss the various safety courses available for both new and experienced riders to take. These course are user friendly and are designed to maximize the students' involvement and experience. The main objective is to develop the special motorcyclist skills, habits, and strategies to be the best motorcyclist you can be, and to keep you safe while enjoying your ride.
Motorcycle Safety? what is it?
Read this article in full
 |  |  |  |  |
