Tips for riding on the open road?

[Blackbird]

If you want some reading matter to back up your practice, then there's one book which IMHO, is better than than any other by a country mile in teaching good roadcraft. It's this one: http://www.iam.org.uk/motorcyclists_...ypage.tpl.html Available from the IAM by credit card and you can also sometimes find second hand copies on Amazon. The best 10 quid you'll ever spend!

Best wishes....

[The Singing Chef]

I'm sorry man but every time I see your username I think it says Blackmansjism.
It's stuck in my head now..

[Matariki]

• Keep a very close eye out for vehicles larger than yourself or any other potential hazard,
• Always look towards where you want to go (obviously ahead, not down at the road),
• Never daydream on a motorcycle (I know its tempting sometimes to drift off especially on those long straights but first rule of riding a motorcycle is staying focused),
• If you can, team up with an experienced riding buddy you know (or someone from here) and go out on a ride with them, and if you can afford it get professional tuition,
• Also make sure you are wearing proper protective armour with your leathers (don't skimp out on armour, you'll never know when you'll be thanking them for saving your skin and bones!)
• If you're a learner (which you are) remember to ride with an 'L' plate (regardless of how stupid it may look), its important that other drivers and riders know that you're a noob,
• Be prepared to make mistakes, so when learning how to ride your motorcycle start off on a quiet road where you can practice your skills without the worry of traffic. Country roads are ideal for this (though watch out for gravel, if you're not confident about gravel or mud then this is where a experienced riding buddy comes in to show you the ropes)
• Get this book - Proficient Motorcycling
• Stick to riding in the middle of your lane, unless countersteering (refer to the video below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqcRP...feature=relmfu

[5150]

Always make sure there is petrol in the tank
Try and wear protective helmet
Always Ride like a complete Knob

[shrub]

On really windy days try and stay in the middle third of your lane. That should prevent a sudden gust blowing you somewhere you didn't want to be.

And relax. If you fight the wind you'll wear yourself out and be all over the place because if you fight the wind, when the wind pressure changes you move. Down here we get some killer winds across the plains, and when I ride I pretty well track a straight line whereas other people are all over the place. Helps being a lard arse on a hippo of a bike...