A motorcycle rider, whether novice or experienced, must exercise caution when riding on the road. If you’re looking to enhance your motorcycle riding skills, you’ve come to the right place. At Uride, we have been offering motorcycle training courses since 1988. In this blog post, we will provide valuable insights on how to improve your motorcycle riding skills. Continue reading to discover more.
Riding a motorcycle requires skill and attentiveness. By honing your abilities, you can adopt a defensive riding approach and ensure your safety while enjoying the open road.
Don’t settle for being a novice rider; challenge yourself to enhance your motorcycle riding skills and become a more proficient rider. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for challenging situations that may arise during your rides.
Here are eight ways to improve your riding skills.
Learn to Brake Properly
Proper braking technique is essential for motorcycle riders, but it requires practice to master. Abrupt stops should be avoided, and instead, gradual and controlled braking is recommended for safe riding on the road.
This allows you to maintain control, prevent damage to your wheels, and avoid losing traction. When you anticipate the need to slow down or make an emergency stop, proper braking technique provides you with better control.
Understanding brake reaction time is crucial. It refers to the time it takes for you to recognize a hazard, make a decision on how to react, and then apply the brakes. Typically, riders take about 0.75 seconds to process the situation and engage the brakes.
Although this may seem quick, it means that you have already traveled a certain distance before initiating the braking action. As a responsible motorcycle rider, you must prioritize safety and be prepared for emergency braking situations at all times.
Having poor braking skills can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents. It’s important to understand how your motorcycle’s brakes function. When you apply the brakes, the weight of the motorcycle shifts forward, causing the front tire to press into the pavement and provide additional braking power.
It’s crucial to time your braking so that you engage the front brakes after the weight has shifted to maximize braking effectiveness. Applying full brakes before the weight shift can lead to lock-ups, and if your motorcycle has antilock brakes (ABS), the system will activate. This can diminish braking power and potentially result in an accident. Furthermore, it’s advisable to avoid using both the front and rear brakes simultaneously to prevent skidding.
By practicing and mastering proper braking techniques, you can significantly enhance your motorcycle riding safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
Clutch Control
Clutch control is a crucial skill to master when riding a motorcycle. It has various applications, such as starting the motorcycle, riding at low speeds, and navigating hilly or winding terrain. To develop clutch control, begin by finding the engagement point.
Position your motorcycle on a flat surface and shift into first gear. Slowly release the clutch until you feel the bike wanting to pull away—this is the engagement point. Practice riding slowly while maintaining control over the clutch. This skill is essential for safe riding on the road.
Adjust Your Speed When Turning Corners
When approaching and turning corners on your motorcycle, it’s important to adjust your speed accordingly. Although it may be tempting to lean into a curve and accelerate, it’s safer to approach corners at a moderate speed.
This allows you to have better control and adjust your speed as you exit the turn. Riding at a slower pace enables you to react quickly to any hazards or emergencies that may arise, helping you avoid accidents and maintain control of your motorcycle. Prioritizing caution and careful speed adjustment is key for safe cornering
Shifting Gears
Shifting gears is another crucial skill to work on when aiming to improve your motorcycle riding abilities. Understanding when to shift up or down is essential. You can develop this skill by attentively listening to your motorcycle’s engine. Does the engine produce a low pitch? If so, it’s time to shift down. Conversely, if the engine emits a high pitch, it’s time to shift up a gear.
Ride According to Your Means
While riding with friends can be an enjoyable way to foster lasting connections, it’s important to prioritize riding within your own abilities. If you’re a beginner, avoid the temptation to show off to your friends. Instead, ride at a comfortable pace within your skill level.
For more experienced riders, if you feel the urge to ride faster, set a safe pace that you can maintain and communicate your intentions to the group, designating a meeting spot where you can regroup. Riding according to your capabilities ensures your safety and the enjoyment of the ride for everyone involved.
Countersteering
Countersteering is a vital skill that every motorcycle rider should be familiar with. It involves pointing the wheel and turning the handlebars in the opposite direction when making a turn.
By leaning into the turn, the motorcycle responds accordingly. It’s important to note that executing tight turns on a heavy motorcycle is nearly impossible without utilizing countersteering. To practice this skill effectively, find an open road and maintain a speed of at least 20 mph.
Throttle Control
Throttle control is a fundamental motorcycle skill and one of the most crucial for safe riding. Proper throttle control prevents accidental acceleration or loss of control. When holding the throttle, maintain a wrist-down position to avoid unintentionally engaging it. This position also allows for quick closure of the throttle when utilizing the front brake lever.
Avoid Target Fixation
One danger to be mindful of is target fixation. This occurs when a rider becomes overly focused on an object, such as a small rock or debris in their path. It’s essential to divert your vision away from the object to prevent unintentionally veering towards it. Maintaining a relaxed state while riding helps avoid panic and enables you to navigate the road safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle training course in Costa Mesa, California, look no further than Uride. We have been providing motorcycle training courses since 1988 and proudly sponsor the California Motorcyclist Safety Program’s Motorcyclist Course.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 714-425-7981 or send an email to uridetraining@yahoo.com. Contact us today! We are eager to hear from you and assist you in enhancing your motorcycle riding skills.