For many new riders, the fundamental concepts of riding a motorcycle feel counterintuitive -- and sometimes downright scary. One that gave me trouble early on was speed equals stability. Even though I understood the logic, it didn’t quite click. …
Riding Tips
"Learning to ride" is not something that happens overnight. For many people, it can take years to become a truly experienced rider, yet most people don't talk about the process.
These posts cover concepts and tips that I personally have found very helpful when improving my riding skills, and I hope they will be useful for you as well.
The 80% Rule of Attention and Engagement
When I talk to nervous new motorcyclists, I often encourage them to find "appropriate challenges." It's an idea inspired by one of my favorite psychologists, Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi. In his research on engagement and enjoyment, Csikszentmihalyi …
[Read more...] about The 80% Rule of Attention and Engagement
Why Self-Awareness is a Critical Motorcycle Skill
If there's one thing I know about riding a motorcycle, it's that it demands good judgement. In any given ride, motorcyclists make hundreds, if not thousands, of judgement calls. Everything from "How fast should I take this corner?" to "Is that car …
[Read more...] about Why Self-Awareness is a Critical Motorcycle Skill
Motorcycle Safety Means Using All Your Tools
Working on my motorcycle rebuild project, I've been thinking a lot about tools. I've always taken them for granted — wrenches, pliers, mallets, screwdrivers. It's so strange to think that some of the basic tools in my garage today descended from …
[Read more...] about Motorcycle Safety Means Using All Your Tools
Why You Should Take an Advanced Motorcycle Class
Two years ago, I believed I was a competent rider. I was living in Dallas, and I rode The Little Rat all over the city, even occasionally leading rides. I didn’t take unnecessary risks, I rode within my limits, and I felt under control and …
[Read more...] about Why You Should Take an Advanced Motorcycle Class