What to focus on when learning to ride??

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ttran · #1 Unread post by **ttran** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:16 am

What areas of riding should I focus on when learning? I know a lot of it will come naturally, but can anyone mention any areas that I should focus on to make riding easier/safer for me?

A few things I have picked up are to

-hug the frame with my legs, while keeping my upper body loose
-keep my fingers off the brake unless I'm using it

How about with turning and stuff?

thanks

IcyHound · #2 Unread post by **IcyHound** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:13 am

Looking where you are going, not at the road ahead of you.

Looking through your turns as well.

Figure out if you target fixate and work to break that habit.

And relaxing.

Tension was my biggest problem for the first two months.

Don't forget to focus on enjoying how incredibly wonderful it is.

jstark47 · #3 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:46 pm

Squeeze front brakes, don't grab them.

Target fixation can include fixating on moving objects, like other cars. Look where you want to go - you don't want to go into that oncoming car.

Make sure your elbows aren't locked when turning. Locked elbows was my biggest barrier to smooth sharp turns at first.

RhadamYgg · #4 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 3:35 pm

Man, I can't believe how many times I've grabbed the front brakes today - my first day riding at the MSF course. I need to relax a whole lot, that's for sure.

RhadamYgg

Fast Eddy B · Sat Apr 26, 2008 4:14 pm

Get professional training, from a recommended body of motorcyclists.

Then, listen.

BigInjun · #6 Unread post by **BigInjun** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:49 am

Something that has held me in good stead was this acronym I learned years ago.. S I P D E
Scan
Identify
Predict
Decide
Execute

Keeps you on your toes...

Lion_Lady · Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:51 am

ttran wrote:What areas of riding should I focus on when learning? I know a lot of it will come naturally, but can anyone mention any areas that I should focus on to make riding easier/safer for me?

A few things I have picked up are to

-hug the frame with my legs, while keeping my upper body loose
-keep my fingers off the brake unless I'm using it

How about with turning and stuff?

thanks

Learning how to ride a motorcycle well online, is going to be about as successful as learning how to perform surgery. Yeah, you can probably get the basics. But you REALLY should have someone with a clue, who is standing next to (or near) you, do it.

1. Sign up for a class (check out www.msf-usa.org for a location near you).

2. Listen to the instructors. Ask questions if you don't understand something.

3. Have fun.

I'm locking this now.

P

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What to focus on when learning to ride??

What to focus on when learning to ride??

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