gsxrjai
08-05-2008, 03:01 PM
1. Wits against the World
You never see a cat catch a squirrel because those little gray guys are super-vigilant. So must you be. Look and think! Hardware is important on bikes-brakes, throttle, steering-but you aren't in a reinforced steel box. That means your personal software is your first and only line of defense. Pay attention! That way you'll see the first movement of that car away from thecurb, that truck changing lanes, that unseeing idiot about to turn left straight into you. After you first six months on a motorcycle, you'll notice most of all how much better a car driver the experience has made you.
cw
2.Not so fast
Don't even think about purchasing a motorcycle until you complete a training course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (www.msf.com) offers beginning, experienced, scooter and dirtbike schools nationwide. In most states, completion of the 15-hour Basic Rider Course satisfies the riding portion of the licensing test and entitles the graduate to insurance discounts. The MSF even provide the motorcycle and helmet.
cw
3.Keep your tats intact
When it's epidermis vs asphalt, skin-inked or otherwise-aint gonna win. Get some armored riding gear.
4Use your mirriors religiously, but dont take them as gospel
Grab a quick glance over your shoulder while changing lanes.
cw
5.Be a "stand up" guy
Nothing says rookie more than leaning into a left-hand corner with your sidestand in the down position, about to dig into the asphalt-a crash waiting to happen, and entirly preventable. Check once, twice and if necessary, three times that the stand is properly stowed before you ride away.
cw
You never see a cat catch a squirrel because those little gray guys are super-vigilant. So must you be. Look and think! Hardware is important on bikes-brakes, throttle, steering-but you aren't in a reinforced steel box. That means your personal software is your first and only line of defense. Pay attention! That way you'll see the first movement of that car away from thecurb, that truck changing lanes, that unseeing idiot about to turn left straight into you. After you first six months on a motorcycle, you'll notice most of all how much better a car driver the experience has made you.
cw
2.Not so fast
Don't even think about purchasing a motorcycle until you complete a training course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (www.msf.com) offers beginning, experienced, scooter and dirtbike schools nationwide. In most states, completion of the 15-hour Basic Rider Course satisfies the riding portion of the licensing test and entitles the graduate to insurance discounts. The MSF even provide the motorcycle and helmet.
cw
3.Keep your tats intact
When it's epidermis vs asphalt, skin-inked or otherwise-aint gonna win. Get some armored riding gear.
4Use your mirriors religiously, but dont take them as gospel
Grab a quick glance over your shoulder while changing lanes.
cw
5.Be a "stand up" guy
Nothing says rookie more than leaning into a left-hand corner with your sidestand in the down position, about to dig into the asphalt-a crash waiting to happen, and entirly preventable. Check once, twice and if necessary, three times that the stand is properly stowed before you ride away.
cw