Motorcycle Operations

To the left you will see an example of an over-confident rider. This rider has been riding so long, and believes his skills are so advanced, that he has forgotten most everything, to include common sense, about how to properly operate a motorcycle.

How about you? How do you ride? You should remember that it's not just about you. There are so many other dangers lurking: cars, trucks, animals, debris, mother nature, road surface, etc.

Motorcycling is a unique experience. Compared to a car, you don’t sit in a motorcycle, you become part of it. Not as a passive driver, but as an active rider arcing into a string of smooth corners, playing along with the rhythm of the road; shifting, accelerating, and braking with precision.

You should also be aware that each state has its own laws regarding motorcyclist. Before you ride, familiarize yourself with the state laws you will be traveling through.

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page where you will find recommended links guaranteed to improve your riding skills.

Gear Up

Wearing the proper safety gear is one of the most important things you can do as a motorcyclist. How much money did you pay for that nice bike? You should spend a little on the gear to go along with it. There is an acronym you should become familiar with: ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time).

DOT Approved Helmets
Eye Protection
Gloves
Jackets and Pants
Motorcycle Boots
Weather Related Gear

Motorcycle Wrecks

Let's start with this - wrecks can happen at any time and at any speed!

Most wrecks occur at speeds of 30 MPH or less. Why? Operating a motorcycle at very slow speeds makes maneuvering very difficult. Also, slower speeds likely means conditions are not suited for faster driving such as traffic or weather conditions.

If you are a newer rider, you need to get experience; there is no substitue for that. DO NOT ride with a passenger on your motorcycle until you have the confidence to ride by yourself. You may hurt your partners feelings for a few months, but that is better than a visit to the emergency room.

There is no shame in taking a riding course by an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation provider. There are classes geared for all skill levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced. There are many to choose from such as the Harley Davidson Riding Academy. A benefit of the HD academy is they give discounted pricing to veterans.

Reading is also key to learning. There are too many resources available to mention, you probably know what you want or need to know. Lean forward and learn about it. Here is one of the many examples of available literature on the subject:

MSF Operator Manual
MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]

Motorcycle Operations

Gear Up

Motorcycle Wrecks

Riding in the Rain

Cold Weather Riding

Recommended Links