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The Five Essential Riding Skills For Ultimate Control And To Keep You At The Top of Your Game

Last Update: 8 October 2023

Five Essential Skills MOTORESS
Five Essential Riding Skills For Ultimate Control And To Keep You At The Top of Your Game

If you already have a few years of motorcycle riding to your record, then you’ve had the chance to experience just how rusty your motorcycle riding skills can become after a pause! With a long or short break from riding, your skills and reactions become out of practise. A fresher, especially on the five essential motorcycle riding skills is crucial to keeping you at the top of your game!

If you’ve been riding motorcycles for a few years, you’ve probably noticed how quickly your skills can deteriorate during a break. Whether it’s a long hiatus or just a short one, your riding abilities and reflexes can get out of practice. Brushing up, especially on these five essential motorcycle riding skills, is vital to staying at the top of your game!

DON’T AVOID IT, MASTER IT

While on the road, many riders often go out of their way to steer clear of situations they find uncomfortable, such as cornering, slow-speed riding, or navigating streetcar tracks. Rather than challenging themselves to become proficient in these skills, they opt to ride within the confines of their existing competencies. However, this approach not only limits the enjoyment of riding but also generates unnecessary anxiety. Take, for instance, riders who struggle with sharp right turns; they may avoid coming to a complete stop at intersections and instead opt to roll through, potentially putting themselves at risk.

Mastering these five essential motorcycle riding skills not only provides a valuable refresher but also significantly enhances your riding pleasure and boosts your confidence. Consider practicing them in a parking lot before embarking on a ride, especially if you’ve had an extended break from riding. These skills are equally crucial to practice at the start of each new riding season and when you acquire a new motorcycle or scooter.

ESSENTIAL #1: SLOW SPEED RIDING

While we all enjoy cruising at high speeds, there are plenty of instances when riding at a slow pace becomes necessary. Whether it’s navigating through congested city traffic, smoothly starting from a standstill, executing tight turns in parking lots, or making U-turns on a road or highway to change direction, slow-speed maneuvering is an essential skill. This skill is particularly valuable when faced with bumper-to-bumper highway traffic and other challenging scenarios.

HOW TO PRACTISE SLOW SPEED RIDING

Riding at slow speeds primarily hinges on your clutch technique and management, operating within the friction zone. The friction zone is the region where the clutch, when released gradually, begins transmitting power to the rear wheel.

  1. Utilize the Clutch:  The key to slow-speed riding is precise clutch control. Gradually release the clutch to engage power to the rear wheel smoothly.
  2. Engage the Rear Brake: Applying the rear brake creates a slight drag, enhancing the stability of your motorcycle.
  3. Avoid the Front Brake:  At slow speeds, refrain from using the front brake, as it can destabilize the bike.
  4. Maintain a Steady Throttle: Keep the throttle at a constant level, ensuring there’s available power, often referred to as having “money in the bank.”
  5. Clutch Mastery:  Achieving mastery in this skill primarily revolves around your clutch manipulation. Make subtle adjustments to power delivery: more power equals clutch out, while less power involves slightly pulling in the clutch.
  6. Stay Relaxed: Keep your upper body relaxed and avoid fighting with the handlebars or steering. Maintain a comfortable and fluid posture.

Practicing these techniques will help you become proficient in slow-speed riding, boosting your overall riding skills and confidence.


ESSENTIAL #2: SHARP RIGHT TURN FROM A STOP

The sharp right turn from a complete stop remains a daunting challenge for riders, whether they are experienced or beginners. This maneuver is particularly demanding because it necessitates executing a tight turn within a limited space, typically the right lane. It requires finesse to prevent the motorcycle’s power from pushing you toward the outside of the turn and potentially into oncoming traffic. Additionally, you must skillfully manage the throttle to maintain smooth and controlled acceleration throughout the turn.

HOW TO PRACTISE SHARP RIGHT TURNS FROM A STOP

Mastering the art of sharp right turns from a complete stop requires precision and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you improve your skills:

  1. Clutch Control: Begin by moving off from a stop using clutch management, employing the friction zone technique. This ensures a smooth and controlled start.
  2. Aim for a 90-Degree Angle:  Make an immediate sharp right turn, aiming for a 90-degree angle. Practicing narrow turns is crucial for skill development.
  3. Maintain a Forward Focus:  Keep your eyes up and look ahead to where you want to be. Avoid the temptation to look down, as this can disrupt your balance and control.
  4. Engage with the Motorcycle:  Pay attention to the engine’s revs; they will provide valuable feedback for managing power and engine performance.
  5. Extend Your Right Elbow:  Create space between your body and your right elbow by extending it away from your body. This prevents your elbow from cramping and allows for more room to maneuver during the turn.
  6. Apply Push Steering:  Use a small amount of push steering  by applying pressure to the right handlebar. This helps keep the motorcycle on its intended line or path. Remember, ‘push right, go right.’
  7. Throttle Control:  Once the turn is completed, fully release the throttle, and return your fingers to grip the handlebar securely. Also, move your feet back from the levers (gear-shift and rear brake) to the pegs, positioning your feet on the balls of your feet for optimal control.”

Practice these techniques regularly to enhance your ability to execute sharp right turns from a stop with confidence and precision.


ESSENTIAL #3QUICK STOP – HIGH SPEED BRAKING

Performing a quick stop or high-speed braking may seem straightforward, but it’s a skill of paramount importance. This technique can mean the difference between avoiding a collision in an emergency situation or encountering a dangerous mishap during abrupt stops in regular traffic. However, without the proper technique, it can easily go awry.

HOW TO PRACTISE A QUICK STOP

Mastering the quick stop is a vital skill for your safety on the road. Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing it effectively:

  1. Accelerate in a Straight Line: Start by accelerating in a straight line, reaching at least mid to high 2nd gear.
  2. Choose a Stopping Point:  Identify a predetermined stopping point ahead.
  3. Apply Both Brakes and Clutch Lever Simultaneously:  As you approach the stopping point, apply both brakes (front and rear) simultaneously while also pulling in the clutch lever. Ensure you stop as quickly and safely as possible, without locking up the rear wheel or skidding.
  4. Squeeze the Controls:  Rather than “grabbing” the controls, focus on quickly and smoothly squeezing them. Gradually increase the pressure as needed. You’ll find that there’s more braking power available as you squeeze.
  5. Commit to the Stop:   Once you make the decision to stop, commit to it fully.
  6. Downshift:  While still in motion during the stop, downshift by tapping down on the gear shifter (this is called “passive downshifting”). Aim to be in first gear when you come to a complete stop.
  7. Keep the Motorcycle Straight and Upright:  Maintain the motorcycle in a straight and upright position to utilize the full contact patch of the tires, maximizing grip.
  8. Prepare for Forward Force:  Anticipate your body being pushed forward due to the motorcycle’s stopping thrust. Keep your knees against the tank and grip the tank with your knees, chin up, and arms strong to counteract this force.
  9. Place Left Foot on the Ground: Once you’ve come to a complete stop, place your left foot on the ground. This signals your readiness to perform a traffic check.
  10. Perform Traffic Checks:  After coming to a full stop, perform a traffic check over your left shoulder and then your right shoulder to ensure there are no hazards approaching from behind.

Important: Do not remove your feet from the pegs until you’ve come to a complete stop, and only perform traffic checks after the full stop. Any movement on the motorcycle during this maneuver could alter the motorcycle’s path and result in instability.

ESSENTIAL #4: PUSH STEERING/ COUNTER or GYROSCOPIC STEERING

It’s a well-known fact that many riders can obtain their motorcycle licence without fully mastering push steering, which unfortunately contributes significantly to single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. However, this skill is entirely necessary and can’t be overstated.

To practice push steering effectively, consider finding a parking lot, which is the setting for most motorcycle training courses in North America. Here, you can achieve high-speed swerving using your body and the typical bicycle-style steering inputs, even if your test may have suggested otherwise.

Push steering is a maneuver you’ll frequently rely on as a rider, and it’s crucial to grasp this skill to become a proficient and safe motorcycle operator.

HOW TO PRACTISE PUSH-STEERING

Push-steering is a fundamental skill for safe and precise motorcycle riding. Here’s a simple guide to practicing push-steering effectively:

  1. Accelerate to Mid/High 2nd Gear or Higher:  Start by accelerating in a straight line, reaching at least mid to high 2nd gear or higher.
  2. Choose a Target:  Identify a spot ahead of you that you intend to swerve around.
  3. Push Forward, Don’t Pull:  As you approach your chosen spot, remember that push-steering involves pushing forward, just like you would push a door open. There is no pulling involved in this maneuver.

For more in-depth information and guidance on push-steering, consider reading my article dedicated to this essential skill.

ESSENTIAL #5: RELAXATION TO AVOID PANIC

Mastering the art of riding a motorcycle entails finding the delicate balance between not overreacting and avoiding under-reaction. Often, it’s our own self-imposed fears that present the most significant obstacles to our progress.

SR’s are called “survival responses” and PR’s are “panic reflexes” – they’re bunched into the same set of reactions on a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle presents a unique challenge: even when you’re in a state of relaxation, unexpected obstacles can suddenly appear in your path, triggering a natural instinct to panic. This reflex often leads to an abrupt and sometimes excessive application of the brakes, which can result in mishaps. The reality is that on a motorcycle, you can never truly let your guard down at any moment.

HOW TO PRACTISE RELAXATION ON A MOTORCYCLE

Achieving and maintaining a state of relaxation while riding a motorcycle is essential for safe and effective riding. Here’s a practical guide to practicing relaxation called SIPDE:

  1. Continuous Scanning:  Keep your focus on the road and your surroundings. Regularly scan the front, sides, and rear to maintain an ongoing flow of information about your environment.
  2. Interpret Hazards:  Pay close attention to potential hazards, such as a car ahead turning left in front of you, streetcar tracks, or upcoming construction zones. Understanding these hazards is a crucial part of staying safe.
  3. Predict:  Anticipate possible scenarios. For instance, if a car were to pull in front of you suddenly, be mentally prepared and ready to react without the need for panic.
  4. Decide:  In the event of a potential hazard, make a clear decision about your course of action. Determine whether you need to stop or if slowing down will suffice.
  5. Execute:   Execute the chosen operation with precision and confidence. For example, if a quick stop is necessary, ensure your abilities are well-honed and sufficient to perform it effectively.

Practicing these steps consistently will help you stay relaxed and in control on your motorcycle, allowing you to navigate potential hazards with confidence and composure.”

Indeed, skill development is an ongoing process in motorcycling, and the ever-changing road scenarios and transitions between different types of motorcycles add depth and excitement to the journey. Embracing these variables is what makes us expert motorcycle operators, ready to adapt to new challenges and enjoy the adventures that lie ahead.

If you have any questions or are interested in private refresher training, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your commitment to safety and continuous improvement is commendable and contributes to the overall enjoyment of riding for everyone on the road.

Ride safe and enjoy the journey!

 


2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1

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8 comments

Adalfredo 29 November 2020 at 01:39

Hello,

I loved the article “How Mastering These Five Essential Motorcycle Riding Skills Can Keep You Safe And At The Top of Your Riding Game”. You present a informative and well decorated post. Thanks for helping us! Keep up your good job.

Cheers

Reply
Renda Green 21 November 2019 at 08:20

How can you find so many details? I like how that you arrange everything, as it is truly simple
to read. All in all, I can recommend this guide to everybody who is interested in that subject.

Reply
MOTORESS 4 February 2020 at 23:14

Thanks. That comes from the experience Vicki has riding and teaching these skills. She’s taught thousands of riders and is a motorcycling advocate.

Reply
MICHAEL W SCOTT 5 April 2019 at 09:22

YES, it’s RIDING TIME! (Thank Mother Nature for finally coming out of her groundhog hole!!)
And, as usual, at this time of year especially, be mindful of those early season hazards such as left-over Winter sand in corners and the middle of intersections; wet leaves; early-morning frosty patches and cold-hands/fingers delayed response times!
Happy motoring kids, and BE CAREFUL.

Reply
Raynald RM 30 May 2016 at 10:36

Hi Vicki Gray, I always enjoy your short articles. They are insightful and timely. In the emergency braking and push steering exercises above you may wish to provide a speed reference such as 30 to 50 kilometres. Using mid/high 2nd gear is fine on typical course bikes but it may be too high for many street bikes. Keep up the good work.

Reply
Dawn 25 February 2016 at 19:57

Some very good points here. Riding weather is showing itself all over this country! Get out and practice. You never know when the skills will come in handy.

Reply
Brenda Bibeau 21 February 2016 at 12:10

Really good advice and something to think about all the time.

Reply
Larry davis 19 February 2016 at 14:22

Riding weather is here. Excellent reminder for vets and newbees.

Reply

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