Patrick Larkin, Jr.
Earthlink Systems Engineer
Last Updated: Fri Oct 5 14:23:12 CDT 2001
[HOME]
Having just jumped back into biking again after a couple of years, I'm surprised about how much I remember from my Motorcycle Safety Course. So here's some things that you as a new rider might want to know: 1. You go where you look Basically, what you look at is what you will automatically steer toward. This works out in funny ways, like when you get locked onto a pothole and ride right into it. 2. Cars will try to kill you No, not on purpose, (generally) but due to the natural inattentiveness of the average car driver. It's your job to pay attention at intersections for people turning in front of you and staying out of blind spots. Also you might flash your brake light a few times when approaching a stop. 3. Look up when coming to a stop It helps you come to a smoother and safer stop. And keep your right foot on the brake. I kick it into neutral if it's going to be a long wait for the light to change. 4. Wear the right equipment I bought a perforated leather jacket which is quite nice this time of year in San Antonio. Also gloves, full-face helmet, sunglasses and proper boots. I also have a pair of leather pants that I'll wear going out of town. I might spring for some Draggin or TwoBros Kevlar panel jeans next month. 5. Don't turn the front wheel too sharply at low speeds You might dump the bike in the parking lot if you cut it too sharply. 6. Ride with the high beams on during the day Yeah, this might annoy some ppl a little bit, but at least you will be easier to spot. 7. Buy a disc lock Nuff said...and it's easy to carry around. But make sure you have some way to remember it's on. I have a piece of plastic I tie around my keys after putting the lock on the front wheel. I take it off after I remove the lock. 8. Push left to go left, push right to go right Bikes don't steer like cars, dear. If you want to turn left, just push on the left handlebar and there you go. 9. Parking lots are a pain Pick your spots when parking...you don't want to look like a dork struggling to back your bike out of a steep incline. The less time spent in parking lots, the better. 10. Find a good mechanic This is probably something you should do before you buy that first bike. And it's especially true if you get something that needs a little more TLC, like a BSA or a Ducati bevel. 11. Read the owners manual It's kinda cheesy, but it has some really good info and specs. 12. Water and oil are evil Gravel is no picnic either. Try not to turn through a puddle or a patch of gravel, if you can avoid it. Ride away from the center of the lane where the oil slick is. When you see a large pool of standing water in the road, keep the wheel straight and ride a little ways to get the water off your tires. Don't ride in the rain for at least the first 15-30 minutes. I wouldn't at all given the choice. 13. Don't look down when turning Remember, you go where you look. Look all the way through the turn; visualize the line you want to follow. If you go into a curve too hot, it's best not to brake....I have a VFR 750, so I trust that I can squeeze out a little more lean from my tires. If you brake suddenly, chances are you will stand it up and go in a straight line, which might be off a cliff....bad idea. 14. Modulate your braking action Don't go grabbing your brakes, unless you have no choice. Any time you can avoid a lock-up and stop in time, it's good. I apply both the front and back at the same time, slowly....given the choice. 15. Buy a tire gauge And inspect your tires everytime before you get on your bike. A blowout on a car is a real annoyance...on a motorcycle it can kill you. 16. A fairing really works! My first bike was a Suzuki Intruder 700. The windscreen on the VFR makes a real difference on the freeway. 17. Wear earplugs Tinitus really sucks...any trip you take that's over 10 minutes or so should be done wearing ear plugs. 18. Take the Motorcycle Safety Course Despite the fact that my instructors where sadistic ex-hippies, I learned a lot. Anyway, these were just a few of the things that I've noticed during my first week back in the saddle. If anyone wants to add something, please do so....btw, the preceeding is offered with no guarantee...just one guys observation. cheers! Ash ;)= VFR 750