Comments on: Number One Motorcycle Survival Skill

By: Will

Will — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:03:09 +0000

Very important addition. Get informed about how the torque from your crankshaft moves your bike under hard breaking. I had a crash this summer that was in a situation even my diligent practice couldn’t save me from. When you slow down SUPER quickly the forces coming off your crankshaft cause your tires to drift apart from the center line of your inertia. This leads to a wild ride and eventually the pavement. I was lucky enough to low-side my bike, but in that kind of split second situation, a high-side is very probable, and almost never good. There’s basically a limit to how much negative torque your chassis can displace before it forces itself apart at it’s weakest point (the steering head) Look this, and other very useful principals of motorcycle physics, up in a fantastic book called “Motorcycle design and technology” from the motorworks books collection. It’s written by the lead engineer for Aprila and is amazingly valuable information if you’re a “push the envelope” type rider. Heads up.

By: ovie

ovie — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:03:08 +0000

Thanks Sir for the infos and tips. I will put this one on my everyday adventure of motorcycle riding leasures.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:22:25 +0000

Great article. Please remember to use both brakes and get into the habit of using all four fingers for the front brake. Maximum braking is a skill that is acquired with some practice and should be practiced on a regular basis.

By: se

se — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:04:55 +0000

Check out http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2&action=display&pagename=Library and click on “You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips” booklet and “Motorcycle Operator Manual” booklet links. Each has good information for riding. The Riding Tips booklet has diagrams to show how to set up exercises in a parking lot, one of which is the Quick Stop. The Quick Stop is one of the most important skills to have in your tool kit.

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:19:16 +0000

Thanks for the idea! I need it ! BUT We need to know the HOW,
is there a system to the practice? DO’S and DON’T'S for the practice.Speed, down-shift,etc? anyway Iwill start practice some how.