Help me prevent bad habits?

**Steven T** · 19th December 2012, 10:03

Any experienced riders who would like to help a new comer? I learned to ride off road, but from your experience and hindsight are there any tips or habits I should be aware of before I commit stuff to memory? Things like checking over the shoulder is one I have been taught, so I am now consciously making an effort to do it, to commit it to memory. Also I have been reading Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist 2 and am trying to make things like accelerating through corners a habit.

Anyone got any tips etc. they wish they had been told when learning?

**Edbear** · 19th December 2012, 10:07

Falling off can really hurt...

**skippa1** · 19th December 2012, 10:09

you should clutch up wheelies as opposed to power stands, that way you dont gather speed so quickly and you have more control

**Tigadee** · 19th December 2012, 12:08

Here's a list of noob mistakes (I've learnt anyway):
1. Forgetting the sidestand (and dropping bike)
2. Forgetting to turn off the indicator after turning
3. Stalling (and dropping bike)
4. Braking too hard/too soft (too hard and dropping bike, too soft and end up not stopping in time)
5. Letting the clutch out too fast
6. Putting yur foot out on the wrong side of a slope when stopping (resulting in a drop/fall

)
7. Running out of petrol (won't usually happen if you've got a fuel gauge)
8. Running on near flat tyres (so check everytime you fill up)
9. Leaving the KILL switch off and then wondering why the bike is dead when I try to start it the next day!
10. Leaving the bike in first gear and bike jumps forward when you next start it (resulting in almost dropping bike

)

**Blackbird** · 19th December 2012, 12:14

Give some serious thought to some one on one coaching through Wayne Holden at Holden Driver Training in Hamilton. He's my IAM mentor and is outstanding. You could also give some serious thought about joining the IAM in due course. It's pretty demanding and not for everyone but the outcomes are fantastic.

**BigAl** · 19th December 2012, 15:47

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Here's a list of noob mistakes (I've learnt anyway):
1. Forgetting the sidestand (and dropping bike)
2. Forgetting to turn off the indicator after turning
3. Stalling (and dropping bike)
4. Braking too hard/too soft (too hard and dropping bike, too soft and end up not stopping in time)
5. Letting the clutch out too fast
6. Putting yur foot out on the wrong side of a slope when stopping (resulting in a drop/fall

)
7. Running out of petrol (won't usually happen if you've got a fuel gauge)
8. Running on near flat tyres (so check everytime you fill up)
9. Leaving the KILL switch off and then wondering why the bike is dead when I try to start it the next day!
10. Leaving the bike in first gear and bike jumps forward when you next start it (resulting in almost dropping bike

)

Shit you've dropped your bike a alot! Tigadee

**SMOKEU** · 19th December 2012, 17:49

Only do a runner from the cops if you know you can get away with it.

**Geeen** · 19th December 2012, 18:09

Check out ProRider, absolutely awesome people who know their stuff. All sorts of courses for all levels of rider. The best money you can spend on your bike is Rider Training.

**varminter** · 19th December 2012, 18:16

Dodgy one is leaning the bike without countersteering. It can be done (I know) and for what it's worth, is a good reason for missing bends and ending up in the proverbial.

**BoristheBiter** · 19th December 2012, 18:16

Do at least level one of the California superbike school.
I know it is expensive but what you will learn is worth much more.
Also they teach the Keith Code style so can see what is meant in the book.

**DEATH_INC.** · 19th December 2012, 18:20

Originally Posted by BoristheBiter

Do at least level one of the California superbike school.
I know it is expensive but what you will learn is worth much more.
Also they teach the Keith Code style so can see what is meant in the book.

I'm pretty sure it IS Keiths school.
But I'd back this idea too, if you've done offroad you know the basics, this'll help get you into road mode.

**BoristheBiter** · 19th December 2012, 18:26

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

I'm pretty sure it IS Keiths school.
But I'd back this idea too, if you've done offroad you know the basics, this'll help get you into road mode.

Yes you are right

but as he more than likely will not be there they teach what is in the book.

I went from dirt to road and tried to take what i had learnt and it wasn't until i did CSS i realized what i should be doing.

**Dogboy900** · 19th December 2012, 19:42

A couple of things I have found that help.

When you are out on the road always ride in a position in your lane that makes you most visible to other traffic.

Always expect that other traffic is out to get you!
(They probably arent but a healthy dose of paranoia helps you avoid drivers not paying attention)

**madandy** · 19th December 2012, 19:54

When on the opn road, approaching blind corners in particular Employ the late apex corneting technique and always expect the unexpected - like a truck in a dip, hidden round a blind corner, or a car on the wrong side of the road...be prepared.

Enjoy your journey!