Motorcycle Driving Tips

Driving a two-wheeler on the road is fun and can be dangerous! Pete has been driving motorcycles for 47 years (01-2020). This includes 8 straight years of driving only a motorcycle, rain or shine, day or night. And three years of competing in motorcycle Trials, climbing rocks, logs and waterfalls.

When Pete had driven a street motorcycle for one year, he felt that he had seen every possible danger. At the end of year two, he felt that he had seen every possible danger. Finally, after three years, he did not see any new situation to avoid.

Here is how to stay alive on two wheels.

1. Wear a helmet! Many states do not require it and we feel they should not. But, we wear helmets in all states, our decision to protect ourselves.

2. Practice, practice, practice. Take your two-wheeler to an empty parking lot and practice. You need to ride with confidence.

a. We recommend an automatic. But if you have a clutch, you need hours of practice to have smooth starts and stops.

b. At high speed you steer a two-wheeler by leaning, not by turning the handlebars. But, at low speeds you need to learn to turn the bars, and press your weight down on the outside peg or floorboard to avoid dumping the bike.

c. The front brake provides most of your stopping power. Practice panic stops. First with the rear brake only, then both and finally with majority of braking coming from the front brake.

3. When on the road, you should expect that every vehicle driver intends to run you over! This may seem extreme, but many drivers just don't notice a two-wheeler.

a. At intersections, make eye contact with crossing drivers. Even then, be prepared for a driver to jet out in front of you.

b. Stay away from cars by being in front or leaving a large gap behind them. When traffic is tight, drive on the right or left of a vehicle. This will allow you to steer around them if they panic stop.

c. Remember that the best way to avoid a collision is to steer around it, not to brake.

4. Use the power of your two-wheeler to get away from vehicles, not to show off. No one over the age of 12 thinks you are cool when you exhibit speed. To them, you are just a jerk!

5. Keep your two-wheeler in top shape with regular oil, lube and coolant changes. Tires and brakes are most important.

Barring an accident, a two-wheeler is one of the most exhilarating modes of getting from point A to B and then C and D ... Z. Enjoy!