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Introduction

BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING

I’ve been trying for years to break the taboo about discussing the risks of motorcycling. Motorcyclists know instinctively that the risks of riding are higher than those associated with other vehicles, but there seems to be a general consensus that ignoring the risks will make them go away. Certainly, motorcycle salespeople tend to sidestep the safety issue for fear of squelching a sale. Mainstream motorcycle magazines have focused on the bike as a machine, a lifestyle, or an addictive pursuit, but seldom have there been articles on how to control the bike or how to get through traffic unscathed. And if a motorcyclist is still trying to convince the family that riding a two-wheeler is an acceptable mode of transportation, maybe it would be smart to not bring the risks out into the open. In my opinion, it is possible to reduce the risks of motorcycling to an acceptable level through skill and knowledge, and we really need to get that concept out in the open.

I’m pleased to see that today other authors are starting to talk about riding skills. There are a number of excellent books available, mostly by authors with a background in motorcycle racing. The ex-racers tend to focus on fast cornering and deal only superficially with the business of negotiating the hazards of riding on public roads. My focus is the opposite. I deal primarily with riding tactics appropriate to public roads, with much less emphasis on rapid cornering. That’s why this book includes lots of photos of situations on public roads and fewer photos emphasizing the motorcycle as the center of attention.

Let’s face the risk questions openly and honestly. Yes, motorcycles are potentially dangerous, but whoever is holding the handlebar grips at the moment can significantly change the odds. If you want to avoid pain and lost dollars, you need to understand what the risks are and take positive steps to control any situation to your advantage. The proficient motorcyclist knows what trouble looks like and has the skills to negotiate whatever happens along. The big payoff is that becoming a really proficient motorcyclist can be immensely satisfying.

The big payoff is that becoming a proficient motorcyclist can be immensely satisfying.

I’ve tried to keep discussions of motorcycle dynamics simple, but some people may still have difficulty understanding the concepts. Sometimes the dynamics won’t become clear until you take the book out to the garage and do some experimentation with your motorcycle or until you take your machine for a spin and feel what it’s telling you. You can study this book in any sequence you choose, but the contents are arranged so that one subject leads to the next. It will probably make more sense to you if you start at the beginning and read through to the end.

I’ll try to give you all the no-nonsense information I can, but this is only a book, not a training course. When experimenting on your motorcycle or practicing a skill, please wear your best crash padding. I believe that appropriate protective gear includes abrasion- and impact-resistant full jacket and riding pants, tall leather riding boots, full-fingered gloves, a genuine DOT-approved helmet, and shatterproof eye protection.

Throughout Proficient Motorcycling , you’ll encounter some characters whom you may suspect you’ve seen somewhere. Here’s Biker Bob, riding along minding his own business, when suddenly—crash, wham, bam—Bob’s bike slams over on its side in a shower of sparks and shattered plastic. Wait a minute! Who is this guy Biker Bob, anyway? Be aware that most of the characters in this book are fictitious, although many of the situations are based on real crashes and incidents. Think of the tales of woe as myths, which may not be completely factual but are all potential learning experiences. You may even recognize a bit of yourself in these fictional folks. In some cases, I know I’ve played the part of Bob myself. And, please, do us both a favor and don’t get hung up on the names or the sexes.

Consider this book only the beginning of a journey toward becoming a proficient motorcyclist. Take advantage of skills seminars at motorcycle events. Read different books on motorcycling skills. Take a training course, or attend a track school. Mostly, keep yourself attuned to what’s happening as you motor off toward the horizon. There are many other lessons waiting to be learned.