5 Ways to Improve Your Motorcycle Riding Skills
It can take up to a year of steady riding to master the art of motorcycling, but only if you work toward your goal at least once a week. Excelling at your favorite method of transportation takes perseverance, dedication and respect for the rules of the road. It tests your awareness, reflexes and preparedness in new ways. Not willing to wait a year? Maybe you have a group ride coming up or want to take an epic road trip this summer. Use these insider tips to accelerate your learning so you can be the best rider you can be in just a couple of months or less.
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Pair Up with Another Rider (or 10)
You’ll only get so far on your own. Riding solo puts you in a vacuum. You’ll only be able to see straight ahead and what’s happening around you, with little insight into your stance, response times and riding style. That’s why it’s important to ride in pairs or groups. Having another rider nearby gives you access to feedback that will help you avoid common pitfalls and bad habits that can hold you back and make you less safe. The other person can ride behind or next to you if there’s room to see how you respond in real-time.
Use a motorcycle intercom system to put their advice to work while riding. Bluetooth headsets let you communicate hands-free while staying focused on the road. They connect automatically in range and seamlessly incorporate the conversation into your routine. Sync with up to 15 riders simultaneously to bring your entire crew along for the ride. It takes a village to raise a great motorcyclist.
Take a Motorcycling Class
If you need to learn the basics or master a particular skill, sign up for a class with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. You’re never too good to go back to school. Courses are structured around individual skill levels. The instructor will evaluate your performance on the track or in a closed setting to help you focus on the task. Set clear goals for your journey so you can walk away with the experience you need to feel secure.
Listen to Your Bike
Riding requires you to be present in every sense of the word. Your bike provides a wealth of information every time you start the ignition. Your braking power, suspension and the grip of your tires may all be trying to tell you something. Pay attention to the sound and feel of your bike. Excess vibrations from a worn suspension system can limit handling and control. Longer braking times can limit your ability to stop — especially in slick conditions. A grinding or whining noise from the engine may indicate reduced power, limiting acceleration.
You need to learn how to handle these complications without putting yourself at risk. Find a safe place to pull over if the problem gets worse. Know when your bike is safe to ride and when to leave it in the garage.
Learning how to ride also means learning how to maintain your bike. These vehicles need full-service checkups every six months or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. Create a pre-riding checklist to remind yourself to inspect the fluid levels, tire pressure and electrical functions before each trip.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
A motorcycle exposes you to your surroundings in ways that a car doesn’t. Every sound, movement and change in speed can be your cue to prepare for a possible action or reaction. Not paying attention to important clues and warning signs can leave you at the mercy of other drivers and events beyond your control. Someone’s aggressive tailing could signal they’re about to pass you in the opposite lane. A pedestrian getting in their car could mean they’re about to pull out or open their door into the shoulder. Your fellow commuters are bound to make mistakes. It’s all about anticipating them and knowing how to stay out of their way.
Adjust Your Comfort Level
The wrong stance or bike makes it even harder to learn. You may have trouble reaching the controls or responding to sudden changes in the road. Choose a length and height based on your body size. Invest in a comfortable seat that increases circulation and reduces muscle aches for faster reflexes. New riders often prefer to sit with their back straight on a touring motorcycle instead of leaning over, which puts more strain on the arms, back and abs.
Accelerate Your Learning Journey
Riding a motorcycle is a big responsibility. You’re responsible for your own health and safety, your fellow riders and passengers. Investing in a bluetooth motorcycle helmet, obeying the rules and paying attention to your bike and the surrounding areas will give you more peace of mind. Knowledge can be your best defense against doubt and hesitation when you need to act fast.
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