Whether you’re desiring to keep pace with your riding companions or nursing a fear of another crash, the need to balance speed and safety in motorcycling is universal.
This guide will walk you through seven critical steps to become a more proficient rider—faster yet safer. The aim is to reach your destination unscathed because, in the realm of street biking, arriving safely isn’t an option—it’s a necessity.
The Importance of Motorcycle Maintenance
To be a swifter, safer motorcyclist, the initial focus must be on maintaining your bike’s pristine condition. This involves ensuring fresh tires align with new brake pads and clear brake fluid replaces murky ones.
Maintaining well-lubed and adjusted chains and leak-free fork seals is equally crucial. It’s impossible to be a safe rider on a worn-out, poorly maintained-motorcycle.
The Art of Grasping Handlebars
Do you remember the delicate grip required to hold a baby bird or pierce a Capri-sun with a straw? That’s precisely the grip strength needed on your handlebars.
Clutching too tight may compromise fine motor control and stiffen your arms and shoulders, making it challenging to turn your head and navigate turns.
Correct Riding Position
How should you hold on to your bike, you ask? The answer lies in utilizing your legs, much like one would on horseback.
By pressing your knees and legs against the fuel tank, your upper body remains relaxed, enabling more efficient bike handling.
The Speed Paradox
Motorcycling culture is steeped in speed, often leading to hasty decisions and mishaps. Increasing your speed beyond your comfort level exponentially enhances the likelihood of errors and deteriorates your riding skill.
Being a faster rider doesn’t necessarily correlate to risk-taking or possessing a high-speed bike. What exactly defines ‘faster’? Who is your benchmark?
It’s crucial to remember that speed is a consequence and not the goal. Ride within your comfort zone, and don’t disregard safe riding techniques in the race to outpace others.
Deciphering the Art of Turning
Understanding the concept of “the line” is vital for successful navigation. In motorcycle terms, the line depicts our path rather than our future direction.
The real world is cluttered with multiple lines that don’t aid us through turns. What truly matters are the turn’s entrance, apex, and exit.
Entering a turn with a defined plan can greatly improve your riding. Identify your tipping point, maintain a wider path for improved visibility, and locate your apex about 2/3 or 3/4 into the turn.
Acceleration should occur only once the turn’s exit is in sight. If you tend to veer wide on corner exits, try moving your apex further into the corner to avoid this.
Debunking the Myth of Butt-Hanging
Butt-hanging is a traditional riding technique from an era of noodle-like steel frames and bias ply tires. The modern evolution in frame and tire technology renders this technique less effective and potentially riskier.
One drawback is that it disrupts the rider-motorcycle connection, increasing the chances of falling off during a major bump.
Moreover, it often leads to a tighter grip on handlebars, raising the motorcycle’s lean angle and, subsequently, the risk factor.
The purpose of hanging off the bike is to reduce lean angle and improve traction. Achieving this involves positioning your head and chest rather than your posterior. Stay patient, let the corner come to you, and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Brake Usage and the Golden Rule
An old racing adage posits that the fastest riders are the most frequent brake users. This doesn’t necessarily involve late, harsh braking but rather early, gentle braking over a longer period.
Entering turns too rapidly is a common cause of motorcycle crashes. Adopting early, light braking grants you more control over speed adjustment depending on the turn’s tightness.
Adhere to the golden rule: always exit turns at a higher speed than you entered. Being cautious during corner entrances allows for more powerful acceleration out of the turn, enhancing both speed and safety.
Vision and Slow Hands
Maintaining a greater visual lead aids in slower hand movements, leading to safer and smoother riding. Looking ahead rather than at the ground reduces anxiety and offers more time to react to approaching obstacles.
Focusing farther down the road increases your chances of spotting potential dangers like gravel. This advanced warning allows for slower, smoother reactions that are less likely to disrupt the bike’s balance or tire grip.
Combining a far-reaching gaze with slow hand movements fosters faster, safer riding. Prioritizing a significant visual lead will bring about the most substantial improvement to your riding abilities.
h2 Table: Features and Benefits of Good Riding Techniques
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Bike Maintenance | Ensures safety and reliability of the motorcycle |
| Proper Grip Strength | Enables better control and reduces arm fatigue |
| Correct Riding Position | Enhances stability and efficiency |
| Controlled Speed | Reduces risk and enhances riding skills |
| Understanding Turns | Improves cornering technique and safety |
| Limited Butt-Hanging | Lowers risk and improves traction |
| Early and Light Braking | Provides more control during turns |
| Vision and Slow Hands | Increases reaction time and promotes smooth riding |