Post by halosfan06 on Sept 17, 2008 11:58:43 GMT -5
Hello,
If you're here, you're probably a new rider and are interested in finding a bit of info on how you can be a safe rider until you finish your MSF class. Obviously, the safest thing is to wait to ride until you have completed the class. However, if like me, you can't wait to get out and ride, here's some info to help you out. I organized it into two areas: info straight from MSF ( MSF ), and info compiled from the dawgs. Yes, I know that Dawg has posted a few of the links before, but the info isn't really getting out there. So I'll try to simplify it a bit.
--------------------------- MSF Info ---------------------------------------
First, when you take your course, they will give you the following handbook. It has a lot of great info in it on how to ride safely. Once you finish the book, you still need to get out and actually learn how to ride, so don't skip the course.
MSF Basic Rider Course Book
If you're looking for a basic rider manual, here's another document and the library it came from. There's a lot of good info there too.
Motorcycle Operator Manual
Scooter Tips
MSF Document Library
--------------------------- Dawg Safety Info ------------------------------
A couple really important things until you get to your MSF class (Please don't skip the course):
1. Use both brakes whenever you stop, not just the back. Your front brake does most of your braking. Although, remember not to lock up the front brakes. If you do, immediately release and reapply gently. If you have to stop while you're in a turn, remember to pick the best straight line you can, and bring it up vertical, then jam on the brakes. Straight line stopping is the key so that you don't bring your back end around.
2. To do slow maneuvering, give it extra throttle, apply and hold the rear brake and your turn is steadier.
3. Look where you want to go. If you look down, you'll likely go down. If you look up and through your turn, you'll go through your turn. Looking through your turn will also help you anticipate problems earlier.
4. Brake before your turn, then accelerate through it. Slow in, fast out. If you're not sure if your speed is slow enough to handle the corner, slow down.
5. Remember to always assume you are invisible, even if the other driver is looking right at you. Never, ever assume a cager saw or sees you. Expect that every car will suddenly jump in front of you.
6. Remember you have another tool in your arsenal, swerving. A swerve is a quick change in direction, then another change to get you back. Basically, two quick movements.
7. Know that on a motorcycle, you actually rarely "steer" the bike. Your turning is almost completely done by leaning. Very much like a bike. First you subconsciously (and very minutely) countersteer. In essence, you turn the opposite way ever so slightly to get the bike to "fall" to the side you want to turn to. Then you lean into your turn and follow through. This is known as "slow, look, press, roll." Slow down, look through your turn, press forward on the handlebars in your turn direction, then roll on the throttle. Press right, lean right, go right. For a great video on countersteering, see
Youtube Countersteering Video
8. You can never take away all of the risk of riding a scooter. You have to accept some, but you can eliminate many of the factors that help cause accidents. Learn the skills, practice them often, and be confident. Lack of confidence and hesitation can hurt you as much as being drunk, if not more.
9. Play a mental game when you are riding instead of thinking about the sports score, the last argument, etc. Try to spot all the things that could hurt you and anticipate how you would handle them. You'll stay focused on your riding and see problems sooner.
10. Wear protective gear. The gear you choose is solely your decision. While most states only require helmets, road rash can be prevented or reduced with quality riding gear.
11. Keep your scoot in good shape. If you want it to perform for you, treat it right. When it comes to safety, don't scrimp on parts or maintenance. A bad weld to save a few $$ can hurt you or worse. Save money on the gas and on the mods, not on the important stuff.
12. Lanes are usually 12' wide. Scooters are usually about 3' wide. This means you have at least 3 "motorcycle lanes" within a standard lane. Move between these lane positions often to maximize your space cushion between you and danger. Favorite riding positions differ constantly and among different riders.
13. Always work to increase your visibility. Brighter clothing (yellow, white, etc), reflective materials, brighter lights, flashing lights, and the like all help to be seen sooner. Lane position also helps here. Try not to hide behind cars or objects. Pick the position where people will see you most.
14. At a stop light, watch your rear-view mirrors and keep your hand on the throttle. Be ready to move out of the way quickly if the person behind you doesn't see you.
By no means is that much of what you'll learn in your class, but hopefully it might help until you take your class. If you have a recommendation for a tip, please reply and I'll try to put it on the list.
Safe Scootin everyone!
Stewy
If you're here, you're probably a new rider and are interested in finding a bit of info on how you can be a safe rider until you finish your MSF class. Obviously, the safest thing is to wait to ride until you have completed the class. However, if like me, you can't wait to get out and ride, here's some info to help you out. I organized it into two areas: info straight from MSF ( MSF ), and info compiled from the dawgs. Yes, I know that Dawg has posted a few of the links before, but the info isn't really getting out there. So I'll try to simplify it a bit.
--------------------------- MSF Info ---------------------------------------
First, when you take your course, they will give you the following handbook. It has a lot of great info in it on how to ride safely. Once you finish the book, you still need to get out and actually learn how to ride, so don't skip the course.
MSF Basic Rider Course Book
If you're looking for a basic rider manual, here's another document and the library it came from. There's a lot of good info there too.
Motorcycle Operator Manual
Scooter Tips
MSF Document Library
--------------------------- Dawg Safety Info ------------------------------
A couple really important things until you get to your MSF class (Please don't skip the course):
1. Use both brakes whenever you stop, not just the back. Your front brake does most of your braking. Although, remember not to lock up the front brakes. If you do, immediately release and reapply gently. If you have to stop while you're in a turn, remember to pick the best straight line you can, and bring it up vertical, then jam on the brakes. Straight line stopping is the key so that you don't bring your back end around.
2. To do slow maneuvering, give it extra throttle, apply and hold the rear brake and your turn is steadier.
3. Look where you want to go. If you look down, you'll likely go down. If you look up and through your turn, you'll go through your turn. Looking through your turn will also help you anticipate problems earlier.
4. Brake before your turn, then accelerate through it. Slow in, fast out. If you're not sure if your speed is slow enough to handle the corner, slow down.
5. Remember to always assume you are invisible, even if the other driver is looking right at you. Never, ever assume a cager saw or sees you. Expect that every car will suddenly jump in front of you.
6. Remember you have another tool in your arsenal, swerving. A swerve is a quick change in direction, then another change to get you back. Basically, two quick movements.
7. Know that on a motorcycle, you actually rarely "steer" the bike. Your turning is almost completely done by leaning. Very much like a bike. First you subconsciously (and very minutely) countersteer. In essence, you turn the opposite way ever so slightly to get the bike to "fall" to the side you want to turn to. Then you lean into your turn and follow through. This is known as "slow, look, press, roll." Slow down, look through your turn, press forward on the handlebars in your turn direction, then roll on the throttle. Press right, lean right, go right. For a great video on countersteering, see
Youtube Countersteering Video
8. You can never take away all of the risk of riding a scooter. You have to accept some, but you can eliminate many of the factors that help cause accidents. Learn the skills, practice them often, and be confident. Lack of confidence and hesitation can hurt you as much as being drunk, if not more.
9. Play a mental game when you are riding instead of thinking about the sports score, the last argument, etc. Try to spot all the things that could hurt you and anticipate how you would handle them. You'll stay focused on your riding and see problems sooner.
10. Wear protective gear. The gear you choose is solely your decision. While most states only require helmets, road rash can be prevented or reduced with quality riding gear.
11. Keep your scoot in good shape. If you want it to perform for you, treat it right. When it comes to safety, don't scrimp on parts or maintenance. A bad weld to save a few $$ can hurt you or worse. Save money on the gas and on the mods, not on the important stuff.
12. Lanes are usually 12' wide. Scooters are usually about 3' wide. This means you have at least 3 "motorcycle lanes" within a standard lane. Move between these lane positions often to maximize your space cushion between you and danger. Favorite riding positions differ constantly and among different riders.
13. Always work to increase your visibility. Brighter clothing (yellow, white, etc), reflective materials, brighter lights, flashing lights, and the like all help to be seen sooner. Lane position also helps here. Try not to hide behind cars or objects. Pick the position where people will see you most.
14. At a stop light, watch your rear-view mirrors and keep your hand on the throttle. Be ready to move out of the way quickly if the person behind you doesn't see you.
By no means is that much of what you'll learn in your class, but hopefully it might help until you take your class. If you have a recommendation for a tip, please reply and I'll try to put it on the list.
Safe Scootin everyone!
Stewy
