Does time riding equal proficiency?

[Flesher]

The weekend before last I headed to the local HD dealer for a Demo Ride because I really wanted to try the XR1200, with that accomplished early in the morning, I decided to hang around and ride any bike available for ensuing rides.

Since I wasn't overly interested in some of the bikes I was riding, I had lot's of time to observe other riders and chat with them afterwards. I noticed one rider consistently turning wide on every right hander, another put his leg out 100ft. before every intersection where a stop had to be made.

One woman was just picture perfect in everything she did, graceful in accelaration and smooth in turns (and fast where they opened it up briefly) total control, many riders fell somewhere in between, still others were proficient albeit somewhat shakey at slow speeds.

I assumed that the "good" riders must be those that had been riding a long time, and the poorer riders those new to it. There definetly was some correlation. But I was surprised when I engaged some of these people in conversation. The man going wide on turns had been riding for 15 years, the guy putting his leg out- over 25 years, the woman with grace and speed? 3 years.

The question is; do you believe that experience alone will or has turned you into a "good" rider, or does it take something more than that?

[PeterTrocewicz]

It depends on the rider. Many peope are content to carry on making the same mistakes over and over again. These ones will be poor riders no matter how long they've been in the saddle. Others are intent on constantly practicing and improving their skills. These ones get constantly more profficient with saddle time.

[Gunslinger]

Well if someone really has 15 or 25 years of experience riding then they are doing something right. The only way to be a "good" rider at least in my eyes is through actual road experience AND using proper technique. 20 years of bad habits does not make you a good rider.

There are plenty of Bikers out there dragging their feet doing U-turns, stalling on takeoff and other nonsense with way more miles than I have. My mindset is that I can always learn and improve on something.

[Nalian]

The question is; do you believe that experience alone will or has turned you into a "good" rider, or does it take something more than that?

No, I don't think experience alone is enough, if you never push yourself to learn and improve during your experience.

[RhadamYgg]

Year, or miles or saddle time hours - I don't think any of these equate to skill.

I'm a fair rider - but I have issues with fear that prevent me from being a good rider. All the same I'm at about 10K miles in two years and there are definitely some things I'm doing good - even if it is just being a big chicken on the road.

Now, if we wanted to standardize and have skills test we could probably build one. Straight out to those crazy police bikers in their giant bikes in those crazy slow-speed maneuvers.

And time on the road is tempered by the kind of riding. I've got a butt-load of highway miles, but very little local roads.

But I'll work on it - even if it doesn't happen until next season unless I get my Christmas presents of heated gear.

RhadamYgg

[flynrider]

Another factor is what someone actually means when they say they've been riding for "xx years". I've heard this from folks who maybe owned a bike xx years ago, but hadn't put 100 miles under their belt in a decade or more.

[High_Side]

Years and distance help but are no match for intentionally working on, and aquiring skills.

[Johnj]

Years and distance help but are no match for intentionally working on, and aquiring skills.

Truth

[sapaul]

I find it is the returning older biker who refuses to learn modern techniques, what has served them for the past 25 years is good enough for now, although they have had big gaps on their time on the road.

the same group has the highest fatality rate

[Grey Thumper]

Years and distance help but are no match for intentionally working on, and aquiring skills.

+1

I also think this includes riding in more varied/difficult conditions, but keeping in mind your experience level. Years and distance won't matter much if you spent them avoiding, say, rain, or riding at night, or in hot/cold weather, or rush hour traffic, etc.