How to Practice on a Motorcycle
It is important to practice to improve the skills necessary to operate a motorbike. The skills taught include turning, braking and shifting.
Practice your turns in a parking space or lightly traveled road. Try to make a precise, slow-speed turn where you can clearly see the entry the apex, the exit, and the entrance. This will help you understand the limits of your bike as well as how to safely ride.
Turning
Turning is among the most crucial techniques for motorcycles for beginners to master. If you don't have a clear turn plan, your bike can be a very heavy machine. The weight of the bike combined with gravity could easily cause it to fall over. The ability to counterbalance the bike with your own body in a turn is crucial to ensuring that you stay upright.
Many new motorcyclists have a tough time understanding how a motorcycle turns when it is traveling at higher speeds. When you reach 10 MPH the standard steering changes to "counter-steering," in which the bike is able to turn by leaning. If you pull the handlebar in the direction of the turn you'd like to make, the bike will lean in that same direction. For example when you're turning left, you'll need to push the right handgrip away from you.
As you are getting closer to the turn move your weight backwards to get your lower body in the cornering position (this could require stopping if your bike's not properly set up). As you approach the corner, hold the handgrip steadily towards the direction of your turn. This will cause the motorcycle to lean in that same direction and allow you to move through the turn with ease.
Once you've reached the point in the turn where you're required to increase your throttle, press on the throttle for the entire turn to help you get the bike upright and exit the turn looking like a pro. Repeat this process until it becomes second-nature. You can then concentrate on more complex riding skills, like changing lanes, and passing other vehicles.
Braking
Braking is a fundamental riding skill. It requires regular practice in order to develop muscle memory and control. A rider can cause motorcycle accident by putting too much pressure to the brakes and then skidding out. The most skilled riders can gauge the quality of the road surface and adjust their braking effort to increase their traction.
It is essential to practice this skill in a safe area, away from traffic, where you can brake at low speeds. Start with a gentle squeeze and gradually increase the speed until your comfort level. Once you're confident with this method then end the bike as swiftly as possible by releasing the lever smoothly and absorbing any friction.
Alongside learning the art of braking, you must be aware of the characteristics of your motorcycle's handling and how it reacts to different road conditions. A balding front tire, for example, will require more force to brake to reduce speed than an entirely new tire. In wet weather, your stopping distance will be much longer as the water and mud could cause the tires to lose traction.
Another essential aspect of braking is knowing when to utilize the rear brake and when to utilize the front. In an ordinary braking situation, about 70 percent of the deceleration should be derived from the front brake, and 30% from the rear. However, in an emergency, this ratio should be reversed. In these instances the rider must rely on the rear brake to ensure maximum stability and speedy exit from the situation. The most experienced riders can use both brakes at the same time to slow the bike, and then quickly switch to using only the rear brake when the bike has stopped.
Changing Lanes
Motorcyclists should not change lanes. It is essential to evaluate the traffic and road conditions prior to changing lanes and to always plan ahead to allow enough time to make the transition safely. Practice by riding in various traffic situations to learn when it's safe and appropriate to change lanes.
Practice judging distance using your mirrors and a visual look at your shoulder. Many motorcycles come with rounded (convexed) mirrors that provide a better view than flat mirrors. Use them to spot cars that are in your blind spots and learn to judge distances by observing the reflections of cars parked either on the rear or side of your bike.
Don't assume that a car approaching from behind will stop to yield to your vehicle. It is possible that the driver did not notice you, particularly in the event that they were distracted by their phone. Always look and signal when you enter another lane in order to give other drivers the chance to react in time.
Lane splitting is most effective when traffic is moving at less than 30 mph and there is enough gaps between vehicles. Be aware that trucks with a large blind spot are more likely than smaller vehicles to crash into a rider accidentally when changing lanes.
Leaning the motorcycle is a good idea when riding on a slick surface. This will help you maintain a straight body position and absorb shock using your elbows and knees, and also prevents being dropped off the bike. Rolling on the throttle will also aid in reducing the weight on the front of the motorcycle which will increase the traction.
Avoiding Collisions with Animals
Animals and cars are responsible for a lot of motorcycle accidents. Deer are especially dangerous because they often appear sudden and require drivers to react swiftly. By taking a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of hitting an animal and sustaining a serious injury.
Be his explanation for deer and other wildlife, when riding in areas that are rural. At the evening, deer tend to be more active. If you can, use high beams to spot animals sooner.
Beware of sudden movements by other drivers is crucial also. When drivers don't signal when they are changing lanes or turning left, or abruptly slow down, they could cause a motorcycle to skid or be rear-ended. Motorcyclists should be prepared to stop at a moment's notice in these situations, which is why it is recommended to keep a safe distance and other vehicles, especially when you are approaching an intersection or preparing to turn.
Also be on the lookout for areas that are slippery. Avoid patches of ice, salt, or sand since they can negatively affect the performance of your bike. If you must ride on a slippery surface be sure to keep your speed down and your feet on the pedals.
Do not challenge the large animal, even if it appears to be afraid of you. A dog or another small animal is likely to run away however a mountain lion, moose or elk could attack to defend its territory. Flailing your arms and legs won't frighten or distract the animal. This could increase the risk for you, as it's likely to focus on the accident scene.
Avoiding collisions with Cars
Many people can decrease their chances of getting into a collision. Techniques like stopping, steering away from danger slowing down speed, and using the horn can all be used to avoid collisions, or make the consequences less severe if they do happen.
A soft approach is a different method to minimize the risk of crashing. According to the E-Permit Test website, drivers who are unable to avoid hitting a object, they should try to steer their vehicles toward a soft surface rather than one that is hard. This can greatly reduce the force of the impact and thus reduce the amount of damage to the vehicle as well as any injuries.
Maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front. This can assist you in avoiding rear-end collisions. The driver should leave some time between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them. This will allow them time to react in the event that the vehicle infront of them suddenly stops.
Avoid distractions while driving, such as shaving, putting on makeup or changing clothes. These actions can reduce the concentration and brain power required to safely drive, which could lead to a collision. It's also a good idea to slow down when you come to a bend and to steer with ease.