pritch
2nd September 2006, 12:01
How To Ride a Motorcycle
A Riders Guide To Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development
Pat Hahn
Published by Motorbooks – ISBN – 10:0-7603-2114-0
Recently the question was asked on KB “How am I supposed to learn?”
One way is to read the literature of the subject about which you wish to gain knowledge. This method has one major advantage in that you can learn from the mistakes of others without suffering the pain of making them all yourself.
Often I see “A Twist Of The Wrist” recommended as a good read for new riders. I do own “Twist”, and while it is good in its way, being racetrack focussed though it isn't necessarily the most suitable book for a rider in the early stages of developing his or her roadcraft.
Pat Hahn, the author of “How To Ride..” had been riding fifteen years at the time of writing this book (2005), he is a sometime road racer and a motorcycle safety instructor. He has previously written “Ride Hard, Ride Smart” and has collaberated on a number of other books. He uses his own bikes for commuting and for recreation and knows that of which he writes. His touch is light he and imparts the information without ever being boring.
The book is attractively presented with many cloour photographs and is laid out in such a way that the reader isn't intimidated by large blocks of text. The first chapter discusses what a motorcyclist is, (as distinct from a poser), the state of mind required, and the risks involved. Chapter 2 moves on to equiping your self with the right clothing and selecting the right type of bike. Subsequent chapters offer advice on basic riding skills, safety checks, a basic toolkit, and skill development. The book concludes with a section on giving something back to motorcycling.
Each chapter ends with a couple of suggested books for recommended reading, and yes “Twist” is eventually mentioned. Most of the books listed should be obtainable in this country but will be obtainable from Amazon or similar if not.
Hahn recommends that even vastly experienced riders should still be reading everything they can get their hands on. I tend to agree as in a potential accident situation the rider has but a fraction of a second to decide what action to take. It would be better to be recalling the appropriate action from something one read recently, than trying to dredge it up from some dusty corner of the mind last active twenty years or more ago.
It is possible that the average squid might feel this book is beneath them. That would be a mistake.
There is a wealth of good information here.
For those of modest means the book should be obtainable from your library. If they don't have it, the New Plymouth Public Library does and your local library can get it through the Interloan service.
“In the beginnner's mind there are many possibilities,
in the expert's mind few.
- Hindu proverb
A Riders Guide To Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development
Pat Hahn
Published by Motorbooks – ISBN – 10:0-7603-2114-0
Recently the question was asked on KB “How am I supposed to learn?”
One way is to read the literature of the subject about which you wish to gain knowledge. This method has one major advantage in that you can learn from the mistakes of others without suffering the pain of making them all yourself.
Often I see “A Twist Of The Wrist” recommended as a good read for new riders. I do own “Twist”, and while it is good in its way, being racetrack focussed though it isn't necessarily the most suitable book for a rider in the early stages of developing his or her roadcraft.
Pat Hahn, the author of “How To Ride..” had been riding fifteen years at the time of writing this book (2005), he is a sometime road racer and a motorcycle safety instructor. He has previously written “Ride Hard, Ride Smart” and has collaberated on a number of other books. He uses his own bikes for commuting and for recreation and knows that of which he writes. His touch is light he and imparts the information without ever being boring.
The book is attractively presented with many cloour photographs and is laid out in such a way that the reader isn't intimidated by large blocks of text. The first chapter discusses what a motorcyclist is, (as distinct from a poser), the state of mind required, and the risks involved. Chapter 2 moves on to equiping your self with the right clothing and selecting the right type of bike. Subsequent chapters offer advice on basic riding skills, safety checks, a basic toolkit, and skill development. The book concludes with a section on giving something back to motorcycling.
Each chapter ends with a couple of suggested books for recommended reading, and yes “Twist” is eventually mentioned. Most of the books listed should be obtainable in this country but will be obtainable from Amazon or similar if not.
Hahn recommends that even vastly experienced riders should still be reading everything they can get their hands on. I tend to agree as in a potential accident situation the rider has but a fraction of a second to decide what action to take. It would be better to be recalling the appropriate action from something one read recently, than trying to dredge it up from some dusty corner of the mind last active twenty years or more ago.
It is possible that the average squid might feel this book is beneath them. That would be a mistake.
There is a wealth of good information here.
For those of modest means the book should be obtainable from your library. If they don't have it, the New Plymouth Public Library does and your local library can get it through the Interloan service.
“In the beginnner's mind there are many possibilities,
in the expert's mind few.
- Hindu proverb