As in life, those with many years experience at something, will have plenty of knowledge to share. Some really good advice, and some really old wives tales mixed in for good measure. It will be up to you to discern the difference.

From my experience,I don't think riding a street bike takes any special talents.If I can buy750 pound bike on Saturday, and pass the DMV test the followingFriday, with6 days ofstreetexperience,well anyone can do it.

MSF sounds cool and all. But us country folk, don't have that as a convenient option.

 

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

 

[quote]ORIGINAL: Lord Albany

- never put both feet on the ground when stopped. Only one foot on the ground at all times.
- learn how to fall. Learn the performance limits of your bike before Murphy hits.





I guess if you never put both feet on the ground, then learn how to fall makes sense.

 

[sm=icon_quiet.gif]

 

Left foot down, both when required.
In gear.
Far enough back and to the side so I can jump around if azzhole behind me coming up quick.

Always look around, ride like noone see's ya, expect that cager to pull out or change lanes and have a line picked out if they do. Anticipate!!!

Take a MSF course and ride on!

 

Not only that, but you gotta real nice lookin' ride too!!

 

Guys, thanks for all the input. All is appreciated. I took the MSF course in Oct - needed the card for my license. Just ordered Ride Like a Pro after reading so much about it here. Aside from that, HDF is teachinga lifetime of info.

You guys rock.

 

Another post I made in the "Biker wave" thread:

Last weekend I fell in behind a couple bikers who passed me on the highway. I kept a distance behind them but I followed them since they were headed in the same direction. After a while I got the one-finger wave. Ever since then I have been wondering if I was in the wrong to fall in with them (and got what I deserved), or if they were just being ******.

What do you say?

 

Been riding only 2 years and already have over 27K on my 05 Road King Classic. This does not make me a seasoned professional however I have been driving Tractor Trailer for 25 years. On thing that has always been hammered into my head at every saftey meeting is to "Keep your eyes moving, Get the big picture and Leave yourself an out!" What this means is to constantly be looking around to identify problemswhile looking "down the road". At 55mph you should be lookingat least1/4 mile down the roadwhen visibility permits. Human tendancy is to look at the vehicle right in front of you.This is suicide!Leaving yourself an out is to always be looking at other motorists as a potential problem and thinking "What If".The company that I work for trains us with a program calledThe Smith System. It is designedfor professional truck drivers andif anyone has any questions pleasepm me. This is a great pastime whenwe stay safe.

 

When I ride (alone or in a group), I do not like others to join in.

I KNOW the group I ride with and am as safe as anyone can be, but whena strangerjoins that changes things.

Does this new rider have big dick syndrome? Will he just blow past us all up a hill, on a curve with no regard for our lead man?

Will he bob and weave through our group?

Will he ride in my blind spot?

Will he think I will be watching for him? (Our group riding rule on this is you take care of yourself - stay in the other persons vision, give him his space and RESPECT that space, if passing, do your best to pass long and wide to allow anyone joining you to get in, but it is known that passing is the INDIVIDUALS responsibility to do so safely).

You getting the 1 finger salute is wrong and I would say they are dick heads, but my general view is "don't join others" (IMHO).

Aint motorcycling fun? The only individual team sport!! LOL.