I'd like to open this thread (hopefully it will become active) to discuss riding skills and tactics. I enjoy having access to the collective knowledge here on HD Forums and think that many of us could benefit from the exchange of ideas regarding safe and skilled riding.

Without further fanfare; let's get started!

My first contribution:
Motorcycles can generally be brought to a complete stop faster on two wheels, using both brakes, as opposed to "laying er' down" and sliding on the side.

 

When coming up on a vehicle waiting to enter the roadway (or make a left turn in front of you) watch their wheel for movement to indicate they are about to make their move.

They may be looking right at you but not seeing you.

 

ALWAYS leave enough room in front of you to be able to take evasive maneuvers in the event the car ahead of you has to brake hard, while at the same time watching the vehicle behind you that he doesn't run you over if you have to stop fast.

 

Aggressive or emergency braking (non-abs); Use both brakes...if the rear wheel locks, keep it locked until a full stop or at least a safer slower speed to release, if the front wheel locks release the brake and re-apply with a little less force.

 

Loud pipes saves lives.

 

The overwhelming majority of motorcycle crashes involve either alcohol or showing your ***. Please limit both.

 

Don't let your guard down while sitting at a stop light, keep an eye on your mirrors.

Place yourself in a position in your lane that optimizes the chance of others seeing you.

When you pull into a parking space don't park at the front of the space, park at the back. That prevents someone from thinking it's an empty spot and shooting in and hitting your bike. Also keeps you out of the oil puddle.

Loud pipes do save lives.

 

Ride at your own pace.
Don't try to keep up with your buddy or group that might have more skills than you.
They will wait on you.

 

I've been really over emphasizing turning my head and looking on turns lately. I think I was getting lazy but I can tell the difference, at both high and low speeds. Also been working on using a little rear brake in the friction zone at stop signs, it's amazing how little I've been actually putting my feet down.

 

Bravo to all posts above.

@TurbineSaint: Absolutely!!! When I get my MSF students to REALLY turn their heads, they are amazed at how much smoother their turns are (assuming they keep a steady throttle).

Great thread... thanks to NomadMax for starting it.

Perhaps it can become a "sticky"???