(from an experienced person's point of view.)
2006-12-02 12:01:41 · 21 answers · asked by Star-Scream 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Judging from the accidents that happen around my town, I'm not sure that lane positioning is stressed enough.
Try to keep a buffer of space around you, including your sides. Defend your lane: Ride in the left tire track, except when you're in the far left lane, then ride in the right tire track. DO NOT ride behind or beside large trucks.
When its safe to do so, move slightly faster than other traffic. This lets you concentrate more on what's in front of you and removes SOME of the concerns about traffic to the rear.
Ride like you are invisible.
2006-12-02 12:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When changing lanes on the highway or pulling out to pass a car on a two-lane road, ALWAYS turn your head to glance over your shoulder to be sure no car is in your blind spot. Mirriors are fine and dandy but that glance over your shoulder may safe your life sometime. Only takes one car you didn't know was there to ruin your day or more. Also don't count on your horn to do a damn thing. If something is happening with a car that you feel the need to use your horn, you should be doing something else instead like braking or taking an evasive path out of danger. A car with the windows up and the radio on will block the little beep of a motorcycle horn and the driver will have a slow reaction time anyway.
2006-12-03 02:27:59 · answer #2 · answered by larrykahndogman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people cannot see you. You must keep moving and drive defensively at all times. Driving in traffic is harder. On a mc you will always want to be moving thru traffic not sitting there you will get run over. Stay on the left lane of traffic. Use the head light at all times and flash it to get other drivers attention when approaching a dirty intersection. When you get a chance keep a good look ahead for stopped traffic and changing traffic conditions this will keep you alert of possible traffic variations. When you travel with the front wheel elevated remember to do it in a clear lane because you may hit a car in front of you. Elevated front wheel duty cycle is mostly lower for everything, single digits for the clutch and if you tumble - well just hope you are wearing a helmet because the concrete is for rubber tires not people silly.
2006-12-03 01:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by phoneman00000000000000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No matter what happens, and no matter whose fault it is, the rider loses. Every time. The asphalt is undefeated. Therefore, you must ride with a high level of paranoia AT ALL TIMES. Assume that you will NOT be seen or heard, and that everyone else on the road is out to get you.
That may seem unrealistic, but it may save your life. If you really want to know a lot of VERY good information, pick up a book titled, "Proficient Motorcycling" and read it twice. You can probably get it online for under $20.
2006-12-03 14:36:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excellent advice from all. I'd say the most important things are to stay relaxed but alert. Always be prepared to react, even if you are the only vehicle for miles around. You never know when an animal will dart out into the road, or your tire blows out, or the curve has a bunch of loose gravel, etc. And the stuff about car and truck drivers being your biggest danger is absolutely true.
2006-12-03 02:06:41 · answer #5 · answered by whitedog65 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes . I found while instructing my daughters and wife on motorcycle riding that learning how to handle the motorcycle at slow speeds first(first and second gear in a parking lot) rather than high speeds teaches the person more about their bike ,control of the bike, and balance .
2006-12-04 20:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by derivedfool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if your city offers an motorcyclists safety course. I took it and I had been riding for a year, and learned a LOT! It might cost a couple hundred dollars but it is worth it.
2006-12-02 20:14:58 · answer #7 · answered by BRAT4U 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are wanting advice from people that own and ride motorcycles and learn from their experiences then I would suggest that you go to these 2 forums. You can just read what they have to offer or you can JUMP in with Both feet and ask questions. you don't have to be a GOLDWING rider Remember the only DUMB question is one that is UNASKED GOOD LUCK and RIDE SAFE
2006-12-04 20:02:26 · answer #8 · answered by Jack C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The stuff they only teach you in a motorcycle riding class.
The dmv handbook is worthless for advice about riding your bike.
2006-12-03 00:29:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only one thing to add: Always keep an escape route.
Lane position is essential, as said above. Traffic will not always allow you to create a comfortable buffer zone. So be alert, and always have a way out.
2006-12-03 20:27:21 · answer #10 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋