Mountain Riding Techniques That You Should Know
Unlike in a car, when you are on a motorcycle you are right out there part of the scenery as you pass through it. While this is part of what makes a bike more fun, you also have to put more thought into things like weather and terrain because of it.
So you want to carve some terrain?
If you are planning a ride through the mountains for the first time, there are some things to consider due to the distinct differences from riding flat, straight roads. The hairpin turns, inclines, declines, curves, and switchbacks require a certain level of skill to make them less like work and more like an amusement park ride. Learn these skills and your helmet will barely be able to contain your grin as you tackle the summit.
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Safety check
Prepare your bike before taking a mountain trip. Make sure that it is in good working order. A well-tuned motor will ensure a smooth and safe ride, and a proper tune is especially important in the thinner mountain air. Check the inflation and wear on the tires and the brakes, because the nature of riding the mountains puts more stress on these parts. Having good tires makes a world of difference in mountain riding. If your bike has air or hydraulic adjustable shocks, they should be firmer. Tight corners will cause low hanging exhaust, floorboards, or bags to drag on the pavement. Know the limits of your bike before you lean into a corner and find you've run out of ground clearance.
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Elevation preparedness
Consider the altitude of your trip to the mountains. The air is thinner up there. When getting up to a few thousand feet, most bikes will run richer and have less power. This is less of a problem for fuel injected bike, but carbureted bikes might want to consider slightly leaning out the jets to compensate for the elevation change if you are planning an extended high altitude tour.
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Riding the Turns
This is where the real fun comes. But don't get too cocky or try to keep up with the full leather clad crotch rocket jockeys. You can enjoy the ride more if you keep a smooth and steady pace, and look through the turns. Look where you want the bike to go, and don't be afraid to lean into the corners. Start your turn from the outside and gradually move toward the inside, allowing you to straighten out the turn somewhat. The Proper cornering technique involves braking before you lean for the corner, when it is most effective, leaning through the corner, then powering out gradually to help move the bike back to full upright again. Braking too much while leaning will cause a skid and loss of control, or stand the bike upright and cause you to run wide in the corner. The tighter the turn, the more the bike must lean, with centrifugal force, kinetic energy, and gravity all in play. Proper apex cornering allows you to have the bike leaned over for the least amount of time, and therefore have more time for braking and accelerating with the bike upright. Read the road signs. A glance at each yellow speed and turning caution sign will prepare you for a safe approach on the next bend in the road.
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Uphill vs Downhill
Downhill Riding: Leave plenty of room between yourself and vehicles ahead. Stopping requires more distance on downhill grades. Riding down a steep and narrow road, be sure downshift and use your rear brake as needed here. Learn to apply your front and rear brakes evenly for maximum stopping ability in a minimum distance. Remember, on a steep downhill grade, more weight is already on the front wheel, so it may be easier to lock up the rear brake in a panic.
Uphill Riding: Going uphill has an advantage over downhill riding. Braking is not required as much and your momentum is easier to control. But, don’t get overconfident. Watch for slick pavement and overzealous motorists coming from the other direction.
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Unpaved Roads
If you are the adventurous type and like to explore, you may end up on an unpaved road. When traveling down a rocky or dirt road, keep it slow and make all of your control inputs more gradually. Avoid sudden braking or throttle inputs, or you will spin or lock up a wheel. Ride in a well-worn groove from over vehicle tires, if there is one, and try to avoid big rocks and holes. Be on the lookout for oncoming traffic.
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Narrow Roads
If you find yourself on a narrow single lane road in the mountains, it is wise to be very cautious of what is ahead and your surroundings. A tight narrow corner or switch back may require you to honk your horn or rev your pipes to alert oncoming traffic of your presence. Always be prepared to stop. Sinkholes and washouts are common in the mountains, particularly right after a storm.
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Passing
It’s usually unnecessary to pass other vehicles unless they are going very slowly. Don’t be a hot dog and pass for the sake of being in front. It is likely you will only end up behind another slow moving vehicle. Take your time and enjoy the ride. After all, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.
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Passenger
A mountain ride with a passenger is every bit as fun. Make sure your passenger has been briefed on how to behave while they are in the back seat. There is nothing more distracting than a freshly manicured set of fingernails deeply embedded in one’s skin. Be aware of the extra weight and how it is being distributed during the ride. Make sure that your passenger is not counteracting your body weight while leaning into turns. It is better that they stay upright than to lean the opposite direction.
Get out there, be safe and enjoy the ride!
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