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Motorcycle Techniques That Save Lives!
Motorcycle Riding Techniques The right motorcycle technique applied at a moment's notice can save your neck. The rider's reaction to the road conditions around him are critical to ensure that he gets to his destination in one piece. Don't learn motorcycle techniques the hard way, you may not get a second chance. Motorcycle Techniques At Night: During the dark hours, it is harder for motorcyclists to see and be seen. It is not simple for drivers to notice a motorcycle headlight out of a sea of car lights. To compensate for impaired vision while riding at night here are some motorcycle techniques for riding safe: --Reduce the speed of the motorcycle. Motorcyclists should drive slower at night than they normally would during the day, especially if they don't know the road well. Simply slowing down makes the ride less risky. -- Increase distance because it is difficult to judge at night. our eyes rely on the contrast between light and shadow to tell how far away an object is or how fast it is going. These contrasts are distorted or gone at night so open up a three- second or more following distance. Allow extra space to pass and be passed while on your motorcycle. One effective motorcycle technique for riding at night is to use the headlights of the car ahead. The car's headlights can give you a better view of the road than your own high beam. Also, the tail lights of the car ahead can tell you if the road is bumpy when they bounce up and down. Try to get all the light you can by using your motorcycle high beam when you are not following or approaching another vehicle. During night time riding, be flexible about lane position. Stick to the area of the lane than lets you see and be seen, and allows a wide enough space cushion. Motorcycle Techniques for Crash Avoidance Even the most experienced rider skilled in motorcycle techniques finds himself in a tight situation from time to time. A lot of crashes do occur because a rider was not prepared or skilled in crash avoidance motorcycle techniques. A motorcyclists ability to react safely in a tight situation is critical. Two motorcycle techniques, swerving and braking, are key to successful crash avoidance. Since a motorcyclist can't always stop before hitting at obstacle, swerving becomes an important maneuver. Based on statistical studies, most rider's involved in a crash did not apply the front brake as much as they should have. The front brake can provide more than half of the motorcycle's stopping power. Over breaking the rear and neglecting the front brake is a bad motorcycle technique which could turn out deadly. A lot of riders involved in a collision did not brake and swerve separately. If braking is required, separate it from the swerving motorcycle techinique. Brake prior to swerving or after-- never during. Target your escape route with your vision and keep focused on that. Don't be reluctant to use the front brake on the motorcycle! Just don't grab it; the correct motorcycle technique is to grip it firmly while applying steady pressure. If the motorcycle front wheel locks, immediately let go of the front brake and then reapply it firmly. Not forgetting to apply the rear brake at the same time. Accidentally locking the rear brake on good traction is no problem, as it can remained locked until the motorcycle has stopped. A locked rear wheel is okay on a straightaway if the motorcycle is upright and headed in a straight line. If a stop is needed in the middle of a turn or curve in the road, the best motorcycle technique is to straighten the bike and then brake. If however it is impossible to straighten the bike, another good motorcycle technique is to reduce the pressure of the brake and ease up on the throttle. As your speed slows, reduce the angle of your lean and continue applying brake pressure. In the last few feet of halting, straighten the motorcycle handlebars to preserve balance. Sometime's you have to perform a crash-avoidance motorcycle technique with no time to think. Motorcycle Techniques for Cornering It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to underestimate the angle of a curve and collide with the roadway or fixed object. Keep in mind that every curve is different and each one may require a special motorcycle technique. While riding, notice how a curve widens, narrows, or involves multiple turns. Always ride your motorcycle within your abilities or skill level and posted speed limit. All the motorcycle techniques in the world won't help much if you want to play dare devil. The best path for a motorcyclist might not always follow the turn of the road. If there is no traffic, start a curve on the outside to give yourself a better view and more room to turn. As you enter into the turn, ride towards the inside. Ride towards the outside after the center has been passed to exit. Motorcycle Techniques for Hazardous Surfaces The chances of a crash are increased every time a motorcyclist rides: --across uneven surface or obstacles. -- across slippery, oily pavement. -- across railroad tracks or pavement seams -- over grating Bumps, broken pavement, potholes, or highway debris are all obstacles to a motorcyclist. You can always slow speed to go around an obstruction, but if you have to drive over it determine if that is okay to do. One motorcycle technique that helps riders is to approach an obstacle as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. Always look where you want the motorcycle to travel, but if it has to be over an object slow down as much as you can before contact. The motorcycle must be kept straight as you rise slightly off the seat, keeping your weight on the footpegs to absorb the shock with your knees and elbows. Right before contact, roll on the throttle a bit so the front end is lightened. This motorcycle technique will help you from getting thrown off the motorcycle when encountering an obstacle. After riding over an object, its a good idea to pull over and check the motorcycle tires and rims for damage before going any further. Wet pavement, gravel, mud, snow, ice, lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers all require proper motorcycle techniques to safely get past. On slippery surfaces, first thing to do is reduce speed. Slippery surfaces mean your motorcycle needs more distance to stop. Always reduce speed when entering wet curves on a motorcycle. Avoid making sudden moves such as a change in speed or direction. Anytime you speed up, turn, brake or change gears attempt to complete the action as smoothly as possible. Use both brakes; gradually squeeze the front brake to avoid locking the wheel. Be extra cautious near the edge of the road where much dirt and debris build up. Patches of ice may collect on lower portions of the road, shaded portions, bridges, and overpasses. Grooved pavement and grating can cause the motorcycle to zig-zag dangerously. A slight "wandering" feeling is okay, but weaving is definitely not. The best motorcycle technique here is to just relax, hold steady, and ride straight across. Approaching grating at an angle encourages the motorcycle to weave. Your motorcycle techniques need to be well rehearsed and well researched to make sure you have the safest ride possible. You probably know somebody who suffered a motorcycle accident, how devastating they can be. Some times the difference between life and death is the correct application of a motorcycle technique.
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