They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Well, I hope “they” are wrong, because if that old dog has bad motorcycle riding habits, it could get him in trouble. In this issue’s Road Skills, we’re doing things a bit differently than usual. Instead of explaining proper riding techniques, we’ll give you some ideas about what not to do on your bike.

Our taboo list comes courtesy of several sources. We polled MSF-trained riding instructors for some of their biggest pet peeves, and also talked with authors of books on riding skills. In addition, we, the humble staff at RoadBike, are offering some of our own advice.

When we spoke with the experts, there were some common themes in their responses. Not wearing gear, or not wearing appropriate gear, topped most of the lists. This was closely followed by “Why would a rider wear gear and not require his passenger to do the same?” There was also mention of gear quality, novelty helmets getting the brunt of their disdain. Finally, riders who don’t have proper licensing aren’t really riders, now are they? Their primary function in life seems to be to provide authorities with reason to distrust all riding enthusiasts.

All that being said, the following are suggestions for what not to do on the road. We’ve even given you a way to check yourself, with points given for every infraction. Tally your score at the end of the list, and you’ll know whether it’s time to change some bad habits into good ones.

Habits To Break

1. Going too fast into a corner, forcing yourself to brake deep into a turn

The four basic steps for making a turn are Slow, Look, Press, and Roll. First, slow to an appropriate entry speed, which will vary from bike to bike and corner to corner. You must reach the appropriate speed while the bike is still straight up and moving in a straight line. Second, look through the corner, as far ahead as possible. You’re looking for information: What is the radius? What’s the road camber? What happens beyond the corner? Third, press on the inside handlebar to countersteer in the direction you want to go. Fourth, roll on the throttle, or at least maintain a steady throttle, and complete the turn.

Points for entering a turn too fast: 10

2. Putting your feet out before coming to a complete stop

This is often called the landing-gear-down approach. Instead, you should keep your feet on the pegs while you’re still moving. When it’s time to stop, put your left foot on the ground first so that your right foot can maintain pressure on the rear brake. Take our word for it, in an interaction between man and machine, the machine usually wins by brute force. If you never thought bikers could run themselves over with their own motorcycle, think again.

Points for putting your feet down early: 5

3. Not squaring the handlebars to the chassis when you come to a stop

Ever see riders who wobble at the last moment or flop to one side when coming to a stop? It’s most likely because they didn’t have the handlebars straight when they stopped. The best way to prevent this is to look straight ahead while you come to a stop.

Points for crooked bars at stops: 5

4. Having low eyes

You might hear racecar drivers using this term, and it’s just as detrimental to them as it is to motorcyclists. “Low eyes” means you’re not looking far enough ahead. In addition to the suggested intervals of 2 seconds, 4 seconds, and 12 seconds for scanning ahead, a rider should always be looking at everything. Constantly scan the situation around you, and don’t fixate on anything for more than a split second. This includes when the bike is in motion, coming to a stop, or even sitting still.

Points for low eyes: 10

5. Not using the front brake enough, if at all

Some self-schooled riders believe that applying too much front brake will send a rider flying over the bars. But an educated rider knows that the front brake on most bikes actually provides the majority of the stopping power. Of course, proper braking technique includes the coordinated use of both the front and rear brakes. It’s a proven fact that using both brakes will stop a bike in less than half the distance than when you’re using the rear brake alone.

Points for not using the front brake enough: 10

6. Using the “two-finger” method of front braking

Sometimes known as the “dirt bike method,” this should be left to dirt riding and competition. When you’re riding on the street, the proper braking technique is to roll off the throttle and progressively squeeze the front brake lever with all four fingers. Excuses like “I ride in the city and I need to be prepared at all times” just don’t cut it. Motorcycle manufacturers went to a lot of trouble to make brake levers that you can fit all four fingers on.

Points for two-finger braking on the street: 5

7. Using poor lane position when you’re on a group ride

Most people give little thought to their position in a group until they find themselves in another rider’s blind spot. The unsuspecting rider in front of you then makes a simple turn, innocently (and disastrously) cutting across your front wheel. Group riding should be a coordinated effort, not something done off the cuff. And it’s each rider’s responsibility to maintain a proper position in the group. A staggered riding formation gives all the riders in the group maximum visibility and maneuvering room.

Fine yourself 10 points for each of the following infractions:

• Being in another rider’s blind spot
• Passing other riders in the same lane without warning
• Passing the group leader and then having to find your way back after you took a wrong turn

Your Score

0-10: You’ve been taught well, grasshopper.

15-30: It may be time to review some of your skills.

35-50: You’re probably a self-taught rider who would benefit enormously from attending an MSF course.

55 or more: Time to drop some bad habits, you old dog. Check out an MSF course (www.msf-usa.com) in your area soon! RB

SOURCES

Motorcycle Safety Foundation
800/446-9227
www.msf-usa.org