DAMIAN’S TOP 10 MOTORCYCLE RIDING TIPS, TECHNIQUES & TRICKS:

No matter the riding discipline you participate in, there are certain tips and tricks that apply to all types of motorcycle riding. The basic stuff you learn in driving and riding school can always be applied to every ride. I like to think of this list as a quick reminder of a lot of those basic principles. While the riding season is slowing down for many of us in the country, these tips and tricks may just improve your motorcycle riding in those upcoming last few miles before the season is over.

1. Look ahead.

Look where you want to go and not where you are going. Sounds ridiculous to some, however, you have much more control over your motorcycle when you look where you want to go. For example, when making a slow, tight turn, the chin-to-shoulder technique is key. Initiate your turn, lean, put your chin to your shoulder and look at the exit of the turn.

2. Grip the motorcycle and / or gas tank with your legs.

You’ve heard it before; your legs are stronger than your arms. When you ride, don’t just hold the grips with your hands, squeeze the gas tank with your knees almost like you want to pop it. This applies whether you are sitting or standing. This allows you to control the bike and move it where you want.This isn’t necessarily helpful with street riding, however with adventure and off road riding becoming more popular, this technique is invaluable in off road scenarios. It will improve your riding and help you become less fatigued.

3. Be smooth with your actions.

Whether you are applying the throttle, braking, or maneuvering, always be smooth. Don’t whack the throttle, roll it on smoothly. This will allow your tire to do its job more effectively and won’t make you lose control. When applying the brakes, be smooth. Don’t stab the brake, squeeze or push on it slowly and gradually. Again, this allows your tires to do their job and keep you in control.

4. Look at motorist's eyes.

When riding, you need to pay particularly close attention to what other motorists are doing and what they are going to do. Instead of just looking at the vehicle, get in the habit of looking at the driver’s eyes. This will help give you an idea of where and what that motorist might do next. If you can’t see their eyes, look at the vehicles front tires and which way they are pointing. Any hint into the future will help keep you safe.

5. Ride right or ride left.

Don’t ride smack in the middle of a lane, that’s where the dreaded slippery oil lives. Ride where car’s tires go; on the right and left side of the lane. The center of a lane can be very slippery. Get in the habit of riding in the right or left side, whichever side you feel safer.

6. Cover your controls.

It’s a good idea to always cover your brake and clutch with at least one finger. When your finger is already there it means less time spent reacting and more time avoiding a collision or hazard.

7. Always Be Scanning (ABS).

Not only should you be scanning the road in front of you and what’s in your mirrors, but you should be aware of what’s on the upcoming road surface. Gravel, sand, leaves and grass are as slippery as snot. They can instantly take away that tiny little piece of contact you have with the road. 

If you see hazards approaching and you are NOT in a turn, roll off the throttle slightly, maintain your line and proceed past the hazard. If you are in a turn, roll off the throttle slightly and avoid putting any power to the rear tire. If possible, try to avoid the hazard. If that’s not possible, it’s good practice to stand the motorcycle up and go straight through the hazard so long as you don’t put yourself or others in danger.

8. Don’t get caught.

No not like THAT. What I mean is never get caught between another vehicle and an off ramp. Drivers make some pretty rash decisions if they think they are about to go the wrong way or miss their exit. So, if you are in between a car that wants to exit and the exit (left or right side), the motorcyclist typically doesn't fare well. Don’t put yourself in this situation.

9. Don’t stop behind cars.

When approaching stopped traffic do not stop directly behind the rear bumper car or truck in front of you. Stop to the far right or left side of their bumper. If the driver behind you is texting his bae and doesn’t see the stopped cars or you, you’re going to find yourself in a terrible place. Give yourself a chance at escape and stop where you won’t get trapped in between two cars. Just make sure that you're not going into oncoming traffic or yielding so much of the lane that the car behind you simply cuts you off.

10. Watch where you put your feet.

It's not just banana peels that make people look silly out there. I’ve seen too many good riders fall over at stop lights because they put their foot down on some gravel, lose their balance and fall over. Gravel isn’t the only thing that’s slippery; diesel fuel, motor oil and hydraulic fluid can also be found at stop lights. Be conscious of your surroundings and where you put your feet at a stop, otherwise you might have your buddies giggling at you while you're trying fruitlessly to bend your clutch lever back into place

These are all things that most of us have been keenly aware of for a long time. However, we all need a mental refresher from time to figure out the best