As you approach intersections or cross streets, turn on your high beams or flick them on and off. Practice maximum braking quick stops a couple of times a month. Don't put your right foot down in the middle of the greasy lane. Stay in gear at stop lights, and assume that every car that is anywhere near you is going to do something stupid to kill you. That mindset has kept me safe for 25 years on two wheels.

And finally, as Harry Callahan said, " A man has got to know his limitations".

 

When slowing down (with brakes or compression) in traffic blink the brake lights several times, let them know your slowing down

 

"My wife and I, we like to ride where there's not much traffic."

Evel Knievel

 

After you've read Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough, read Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike by Pat Hahn. They are different enough to justify reading both IMO. After reading each, put the techniques in motion by practicing chapter by chapter. Reading-only just doesn't do it, not for me anyway.

 

Always be looking through the turn as far as you can,the bike seems to just naturally lean through it.Learn how to use the rear brake effectively to make quick U-turns. If someone really pisses you off in traffic,calm the frack down before you do something nutty. Stay absolutely away from big trucks. If you suddenly find yourself about to hit a bad pothole you didnt see cause of cars in front of you,get your weight off the seat and onto the pegs.

This may just be the best thread ever on this forum. Sure beats"Where do you put your gas cap while filling up?"

 

Try to keep the rubber side down!

 

Do not do this.

Imagine you're in your cage. You are driving along and see someone wanting to merge into your lane and you desire to let them do so, how would you signal that? ... You'd flash your lights.

However, a commonly accepted technique: leave your brights on during the day.

 

Yep, both books definitely worthwhile. But only if you put it to practice!

 

I was thinking the same thing.
Not advice someone who has 25 years experience would give.
TROLL?

 

I will use both of these techniques. Like most of the advice on here, it is situational and requires judgement.

I have flashed my lights at a car, waiting to turn left, in the opposing lane of a 2 lane highway, if I feel they are not seeing me. Might do it on a multilane road too if there are no cars in adjacent lanes.

I have flashed my lights at a car to pull in front of me. Mostly when the driver in the adjacent lane is not an attentive driver and I have watched him get in a situation where he needs to get in my lane to get out of a mess. Many people don't understand why you are flashing your lights. Back in the day truck drivers knew it meant lane is clear to pull into, but I wonder how many truck drivers either don't know it, or are wondering if you know it, because many won't change lanes when I flash them.