Basic Motorcycle Riding Techniques

There are three basic techniques that every motorcycle rider should know. Even advanced motorcycle riders can use a refresher on the basics:

1. Head & eyes
2. Using the friction zone
3. Controlling the rear brake

First, you must master the "head and eyes" technique. This means exactly that wherever you look is where the motorcycle will go. The reason the phrase "head and eyes" is used is that if you turn your head to the left, but your eyes look straight ahead, this motorcycle riding technique won't work. Both your head and eyes must turn in the direction you want the motorcycle to go. Don't ever look down unless you want to go down. The "head and eyes" technique takes practice to become second nature. Fortunately, you can practice this riding technique every time you ride your motorcycle. For instance, if you are turning to the right from a stop sign, turn your head and eyes to the right, look down the road where you want the motorcycle to go and you'll immediately notice you will be making a much tighter turn than normal. When you stop at a stop sign and are about to make a left hand turn, turn your head and eyes to the left, avoid looking at the curb or the center line of the road and focus on where you want the bike to end up and you will find you will never drift towards the curb or the center line of the road. You can even practice the "head and eyes" technique while riding a bicycle by making U-turns on the road in front of your own house.

Second, you must learn how to use the friction zone. The friction zone is the area on the clutch between fully open and fully closed. In other words, as you let the clutch out and the motorcycle starts to move, you're entering the friction zone. A simple way to become accustomed to riding a motorcycle in the friction zone is to practice what's called the slow race. That is merely going as slow as you possibly can without releasing the clutch all the way.

Third, you need to properly use the rear or controlling brake. With the bike in the friction zone, keep your foot on the rear brake and feather it as the motorcycle starts to move. By doing this you are making the bike think it's going faster than it is. When you apply power and keep your foot on the rear brake, it keeps the bike from falling over at low speeds that is where most people have difficulty. I've never heard of anyone having problems balancing their bike at 50 or 60 MPH. If you don't use these motorcycle riding techniques at 5 or 10 MPH, the motorcycle feels clumsy and wants to fall over on its side.

AVOID using the front brake at all costs when riding at parking lot speeds, as applying the front brake at 5 or 10 MPH with the handlebars turned even slightly will pull you to the ground like a magnet. Of course, once above parking lot speeds, you must use the front brake as well as the rear brake, as 70% of your braking power comes from the front brake.

Avoid dragging your feet along the ground as this tends to upset the balance of the bike, and of course, if your feet are dragging on the ground you cannot have your foot on the brake. As soon as you start to move your bike from a complete stop, both feet should automatically come up to the pegs or floorboards and your right foot should be feathering the rear brake. Once you conquer these 3 simple techniques, you will be amazed at the tight maneuvers your motorcycle can perform. You'll know you've gotten it right when you can make full lock turns in both directions at 5 MPH with the pegs or boards scraping a perfect circle in the pavement.

Even if you have been through advanced motorcycle training, a refresher on the basics is always a good idea.

Remember, all it takes is a little practice on your motorcycle. Good Luck!

Jerry "Motorman" Palladino began teaching the Ride Like a Pro classes in 1999 and has expanded to ten franchises throughout the US. Operated by fellow motor officers these rider courses teach life saving techniques that every motorcyclist should master. A "Motorman" is the term used in police circles to identify a motorcycle officer. Police Motor Officers are the top 2% of riders in America. They are able to handle 800 lb. motorcycles with agile confidence. Jerry "Motorman" Palladino has demonstrated over 3,000 Motorcycle Safety seminars all over the Country while continuing his work as a part time deputy sheriff. For over thirteen years ride like a pro courses have taught thousands of students and have never had a single injury or incident. Go to RideLikeaPro.com to learn more about the power of control.

Motorcycle Riding Lessons Can Help Save Your Life!

A lot of people enjoy traveling by motorcycle today. Surprisingly, not enough of them appreciate the importance of motorcycle riding lessons for their own safety. If you are a motorcyclist, you should seriously consider taking lessons like this, as they will help you to become a better and more skillful rider. Because they will also teach you all about how to spot potential dangers while out on the road, they will also make you a safer rider. This in turn will make you less likely to become an accident statistic. People on motorcycles are more vulnerable when compared to automobile drivers, so you really do need every ounce of protection you can get.

You might be asking yourself what the point is in taking lessons like these, especially if you have already been riding a motorcycle for a number of years. In fact, even experienced riders usually report that taking motorcycle riding lessons has made them feel more confident on the road. This has helped them come to terms with new problems and dangers more quickly than if they had not signed up for a course of lessons. In surveys, most riders also say that they feel that their motorcycle safety has been improved thanks to the lessons that they have received.

When you are deciding which lessons to choose, it is very important that you take your time and carefully research the range of courses that are available in your area. Obviously, there is not much point in signing up for a course specifically aimed at city riders if you only ride your motorcycle in the suburbs, on freeways and the interstate. Also, make sure that the instructors are qualified in offering motorcycle riding lessons, and that they are qualified at what they are doing. There is nothing worse than going to a riding school and discovering that the instructors knowledge is less than yours. A simple background check will help to clear up any mystery here.

Finally, make sure you have fun. Lessons like these provide a great learning experience. Additionally, you will meet other like-minded riders and possibly go on to form a riding group. This in turn will become a motorcycle safety feature, as it is a known fact that a bunch of riders in a group are safer on the road than only one rider who might be difficult to spot. The narrow profile of a single rider will be eliminated with this one tactic. Good luck and be sure to have fun with your motorcycle riding lessons.

Chris Borg is a practicing pharmacist and avid motorcyclist. Chris writes on all aspects of health care and motorcycling. You can check out Chris's latest website on motorcycle lessons at Motorcycle Lessons, where Chris provides unbiased reviews and safety advice for a wide range of motorcycle issues such as Motorcycle Safety and much more.

Scooter Riding

Age Recommendations

You have to be at least 16 years of age for scooter riding. This would entitle you to ride a scooter/motorcycle up to 50cc. For scooters over 50cc, the enthusiasts must at least be 17 years of age or above (subject to the rules and regulations implemented in most states). Furthermore, scooter training falls into 3 main categories:

Moped - the riders belonging to this group must possess a license and be 16 years and above. (Amoped is a motorcycle that has a design speed not exceeding 50kph and an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc.)
Light Motorcycle - this category is for motorcyclists & scooter riders possessing vehicles between 75cc and 125cc; with a power output of 11Kw. You must be 17 or above for Scooter Riding at this stage.
Standard Motorcycle - this category is for a motorcycle/scooter between 121cc and 125cc. A proper riding license and 17 years of age or older is required in this case.

Health Disclosure

Like many other exercise, scooter riding involves physical fitness and mental stability. People who take it as a passion and the ones who use scooters as a part of their routine unconsciously benefit from such a workout.

i. Benefits

Although there are several benefits of scooter riding; in context to health, we have outlined a few for you to have a slight idea of what it does for you.

increases cardiovascular fitnessresults in physical strengthenhances balance and flexibilityreduces stress and develops a stronger immune system

ii. Associated Syndromes & Injuries

JHS - joint hyper mobility syndrome; children with hyper mobile joints have movement difficultieswheeled sports is a leading cause of Head injuryDown syndrome- proper assistance can help individuals with down syndrome to learn & make progressPiriformis Syndrome - scooter riding canreduce the inflammation and/or tightness associated with this condition

Significance

People familiar with Scooter Riding would attest the fact that there is nothing more enjoyable as this activity. This is probably because it involves more than just a simple trick to ride a scooter. The fun filled sessions; going up-hill and down-hill, through muddy tracks takes you out of the world. In fact, this is one of the most significant features of Scooter Riding that it blends the features of the BMX and skating both, allowing the users to discover endless creativity options. You can simply amaze people by doing quick tricks like tail whip, kick flip, or double tail whip, etc as a stunts man.

Being a healthy physical activity, Scooter Riding helps improve mental health too. It is generally refereed to as a stress reliever. On one hand, it gives you a chance to expand your social circle; meeting people having similar hobbies, and on the other hand provides a chance to explore new places. This is not all; Scooter Riding enhances energy levels, incorporating a moderate exercise as a part of your routine. Aside from this, it has a deep impact on the community as well. Firstly, by decreasing the number of cars on the road and secondly it is less harmful for the environment; reduces pollution. This type of an activity tends to be an example for the community and encourages others to pour-in positively.

And the best part of Scooter Riding is the craziness behind customizing it. People go wild about moulding their rides in whatever way desirable. They compete at local and national levels, taking deep interest in similar modified vehicles. Unlike the traditional games like football or volleyball, etc, Scooter Riding involves creativity. However, owning a bike can be a slightly expensive hobby but you can always rent a scooter for spending a few leisure hours! The only thing that should be kept in mind is the security and safety measure. Abiding the rules will definitely keep you from being harmed and ensure public safety.