Improving Riding Skills
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
I took the HD Riders Edge - Skilled Rider Course on my own bike. Nothing like brushing up on ones skills. I try to practice my skills every time I throw a leg over. I think we riders should ride like we're invisable at all times. I also think we riders should ride within our own personal skill levels. Like not taking a twisty to hot for instance. Remember the corners are to be taken Outside Inside, and to set up for them. Practice looking through the turns, the bike will go where you're looking. I practice keeping my head and eyes up, especially in slow turns. If you are looking down in a turn, you will go down if your foot can't hold you up. Control at low speeds is important.
Remember the ACRONYM S.E.E.
Search
Evaulate
Execute
So yes ,,,I practice my skills every time I ride.
Remember the ACRONYM S.E.E.
Search
Evaulate
Execute
So yes ,,,I practice my skills every time I ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Miami, Florida
I took the RLAP course here in Miami last month and highly recommend it to riders of all skill levels. Six hours of training (clutch friction zone, rear brake, throttle, lock-to-lock) - never shifted out of first gear.
I had the only cruiser bike (w/apes as pictured). All others were touring machines, however, thoroughly enjoyed the exercises. My floorboards are well worn down now!
Five instructors for fifteen students, so we all received personalized instruction.
My only suggestion to the organizers was to possibly consider emergency braking @ different speed intervals.
I had the only cruiser bike (w/apes as pictured). All others were touring machines, however, thoroughly enjoyed the exercises. My floorboards are well worn down now!
Five instructors for fifteen students, so we all received personalized instruction.
My only suggestion to the organizers was to possibly consider emergency braking @ different speed intervals.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
I'd say the #1 thing a beginner should be efficient at is low speed tight turns, try to do tight turns without touching down with foot. These bikes are heavy... no better way to look like an idiot than to dump your bike going 5 mph. Practicing high speed panic stops, dumping speed fast can save your life. I know what its like to chirp a front tire going down the highway. It's also a great idea to practice evasive maneuvers... simulate dodging things in the road, ie: dog, rock, pothole etc...
Don't learn the hard way
Don't learn the hard way
It is funny you mentioned the low speed turns, as I have been farily comfortable with those, but i did almost dump it from a stop sign the other day turning left.
practice, practice, practice.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
From: Amelia, Virginia
I like the Ride Like a Pro stuff.
I got the video, and took the class from a local cop that has a franchise. Been a very good investment. I use the techniques every time I ride (daily) and occasionally swing by the local Park-n-Ride lot on the way home to do some figure 8's an what not.
I'd like to find something as effective as the RLAP materials for higher speed situations. It's great to handle parking lots well, but I wonder what things I don't know about life over 30MPH.
I got the video, and took the class from a local cop that has a franchise. Been a very good investment. I use the techniques every time I ride (daily) and occasionally swing by the local Park-n-Ride lot on the way home to do some figure 8's an what not.
I'd like to find something as effective as the RLAP materials for higher speed situations. It's great to handle parking lots well, but I wonder what things I don't know about life over 30MPH.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 846
Likes: 13
From: Out there!
I try to keep on top of this issue,
I coach motorcyclists for the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) test and also for the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) equivalent test too.
Until recently I also held assessment rides for the UK police scheme to encourage further development in riders - Bikesafe.
The method used by these organisations is Roadcraft - the Police System of Motorcycle Control.
I coach motorcyclists for the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) test and also for the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) equivalent test too.
Until recently I also held assessment rides for the UK police scheme to encourage further development in riders - Bikesafe.
The method used by these organisations is Roadcraft - the Police System of Motorcycle Control.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 3
From: North Georgia
IMHO everyone should "brush up" on occasion!
I plan on taking the advanced riding by the end of the summer.
Have you seen some of the cop bike competitions on utube?
Those cats can RIDE!
Total control of the bike at all times in all circumstances...my life long goal.
I plan on taking the advanced riding by the end of the summer.
Have you seen some of the cop bike competitions on utube?
Those cats can RIDE!
Total control of the bike at all times in all circumstances...my life long goal.
Gonzy
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 7
From: Foggy Coastside California
I critique myself during and after every ride. I plan on taking an advanced course the next 2 months. It's conducted by the Sheriff's office at their training facility and taught by their training officers. The best part is that they rent their bikes, retired police bikes, to the student for $50 for the day, better to dump their bike than mine! 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From:
From the time you throw your leg over the seat til the time you dismount is practice time. Every stop, every start, every corner and every turn. Every look to the right and left, up and down. How you plant your feet at a stop and how you get them back on the pegs when you take off. Stop with your front tire on the sensor at a light. Pick your arc on every corner. Study the road and the pavement ahead. Look for cell phones,watch for Volvo's and soccer moms. Ride for position and maintain that position. When you get off rate the ride and think of what you need to practice on next time you climb on. Then practice it all again the next ride. Do all that for 40 years then watch RLAP and see what you think.