Weather affects a rider far more than a driver: grip, visibility, body temperature and concentration all change. With the right gear and a few adjustments, most conditions are manageable. Some are not, and recognizing them is part of the skill. Rain The first minutes of rain after a dry spell are the most slippery, as … Read more
After a few seasons, most riders settle into habits, some good and some not. Improving from there takes deliberate work: understanding what the bike does, practicing specific skills and getting feedback from someone who rides better than you. Vision first Where you look has more effect on handling than anything else. Look further ahead than … Read more
Riding well is a set of skills, not a talent. The basics below are taught in every good training course, and they are worth practicing again and again in a quiet parking lot before they are needed on the road. Clutch and throttle control Smooth starts come from the friction zone, the point where the … Read more
Cleaning a motorcycle is more delicate than washing a car. Exposed electrical parts, bearings, the chain and painted plastics all need care. Done properly, a regular wash also lets you inspect the bike closely and spot problems early. Prepare Let the engine and exhaust cool completely; cold water on a hot exhaust can cause stains … Read more
A motorcycle is less forgiving of neglect than a car. Tires, brakes and the chain have a direct effect on your safety, and small problems show up quickly in how the bike rides. A simple routine keeps it reliable and pleasant. Before every ride The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCS checklist is easy to remember: Tires … Read more
On a motorcycle, your gear is your only protection in a fall. Riders often talk about “ATGATT”: all the gear, all the time. It does not have to be expensive, but each item should be designed for riding. Helmet: the non-negotiable A helmet is the single most important item. NHTSA estimates that helmets reduce the … Read more
The motorcycle you dream of and the one you will ride well are not always the same. Choosing well means being honest about your experience, your body and how you will really use the bike. Start from how you will ride Sport bikes look exciting but their forward-leaning position is tiring on long rides, and … Read more
