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[jacks]

What a great bunch....it is nice to read so much good advice, I take my hat off Ladies and Gentlemen, your hearts are very generous

[VaEagle]

In addition to being vigilant like others have mentioned. I keep my bike in gear at a stop until vehicles behind me come to a stop so I could just let out the clutch and get out of the way quickly if needed. I only go into neutral at long lights or stopped traffic once all cars are stopped behind I then get in gear before the light changes so I don't lag in starting off and run the risk of getting hit by a vehicle behind who takes off fast without looking.

I also increase my visibility to traffic by doing things like various color clothing (not all black all the time), No all black bike.
I also have non stock exhaust and an air horn and not afraid to use it.
I also have just added a headlight modulator and brakelight modulator from Custom Dynamics.
After all, how many accident scenes are followed with the car/truck driver saying "I didn't see him."

[SanJuanRon]

5 second rule behind the car in front of you!  SJ Ron

[phato1]

 practice emergency braking and evasive manuvering as well as slow speed manuvers - by yourself in a parking lot - as often as possible that way it becomes almost second nature. BUT (and this can be a biggie) trian your mind to ignore the passenger reaction - usually a bear hug that almost crushes your ribs when you do have to actually perform any quick stops or evasions, that way when the BSR grabs onto you your control input remains steady. This is actually much harder than it sounds but those times when chit happens I try to "feel" what the bike is doing under me not what the passenger is doing behind me -- I figure she doesn't want to fall off so she won't do anything to radical back there.

After years and miles my better half has a lot of trust in my ability to handle the bike so the "kneejerk" reactions are few and far between. when I need to stop quick or evade another vehicle (which occcurs more often than I preffer with all the "distracted" drivers out there) she's usually sitting back there looking to make eye contact with the offending individual to give them a dirty look or perhaps signal that they are "number one".

[MUDD]

Hands down, the best advise i took away from my Rider Safety Course goes along with the 'keep your head on a swivel' thinking....the instructor stated simply : "whenever you get on your motorcycle, treat yourself as if you were a pedestrian on foot. You would never step out into an intersection/crosswalk or the road without looking both ways and all around for any potential hazards". I have been riding motorcycles for a long time myself. Nowhere near as long as a lot of folks on this forum, but that "SIMPLE" statement has actually changed how I ride. I took many other important observations from the class, but that is the ONE that runs through my mind every time I get in the saddle.
Can't wait to get myself into another class, see what else I can bring home.       

[hep0950]

I have 6 years under my belt and somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles and have done the 1000 and 1500 mile Iron Butt rides. So, not as experienced as many here, but a little more than just starting. I agree with all that has been said. You have to ride defensively and know how your bike handles and be confident in it, and practice, and if you haven't taken a MSF course, do so. 

I would like to add look as far as you can in front of you as well as what is right in front of you, what happens further up the road may have an affect on you. Expect the unexpected. When coming up to a street, expect a car to come out and think about what your actions should be. Always ask yourself what you would do if the car next to you pull over on you, or the car in front of you suddenly stopped. After doing this a while it becomes second nature. My dad taught me that long ago. Above all, don't panic. You have more time than you think you have, unless you are blindsided. The previous exercise helps in this regard. One other piece of advice is to stay loose and make your bike as comfortable to you as you can. If you need it lowered, don"t be afraid to do so, and do not worry about wearing anything that makes you more comfortable or safer. It's about enjoying your ride. Above all, ride like you are invisible, because you are to most drivers.

[ssls6]

I've been riding for 40 years and logged over 500k miles on two wheels.  I can give these tips in no particular order

1) never park down hill (nose pointed down).  The bike can roll before you're ready.

2) when crossing steel rails or painted lines in the road, try to hit them as perpendicular as you can.  They can be slick.

3) watch for loose material when turning, if the front slides out you will go down.

4) if you find yourself carrying too much speed in a corner, brake while the bike is straight and then don't be afraid to lean it over.

5) learn how to push on the handle bar in high speed maneuvering.  Get a feel for it while driving straight.  Counter steering is a key skill.

6) front brake is way more efficient than the rear.  when people say they "laid it down" they really mean "too much rear brake"

7) train your pillion to only mount or dismount when you are ready.  Don't let them sleep on the back.

check your tire pressure often, motorcycle tires loose air much much faster than car tires.  If your bike feels loose in the turns, check them.

9) keep your head back when you fuel.  eyes full of gas from blowback sucks.

10) be aware of your surroundings at all times, be in the ride and not somewhere else.

11) I probably already mentioned going into a corner too hot, watch for this, don't follow others who may have better skills, it can be deadly.

12) learn how to pick up your bike if you lay it over, hand on bar, ass to seat, back up with your legs

13) riding in groups has unique dangers, I almost won't do it anymore unless I can be last.

enough for now and others have given good info.  these are a few of my thoughts.  good luck.

RLK

[RedDevil]

Having taught the MSF course for many years and riding a motorcycle for 42 years and who knows how many miles, I can tell you this, I never stop learning and trying to improve my skills and abilities.  In addition to all the great information I've seen here, I'd like to add:

1. Know your riding abilities and ride within them.  (Practice, practice, practice)  Not everyone's abilities are the same, do not try to ride like anyone but yourself.

2. Be a defensive driver.  Ride like you're invisible to other drivers.  (Chances are, you are)  Unlike European drivers who are used to seeing bicycles on the roads, Americans are not "conditioned" to register motorcycles or bicycles in their minds, hence the common statement after an accident, "I didn't see the motorcycle".

3. Conspicuity - be seen.  Anything you can wear (reflective clothing/vest if you ride at night a lot); I know I'll get flamed for this, but leave your reflectors on the side of your bike; this is one of the only means of being seen at night from a perpendicular angle to a car's headlights. Adding brighter, and more, lights to the front and rear help, along with modulators, etc.  Anything to gain the attention (especially at night) of other drivers.

4.  When riding with your BSR, one of the most important things you can tell them is when you are leaning into a corner, for them to look over your corresponding shoulder.  In other words, if you're leaning right, have them look over your right shoulder.  This immediately puts them into leaning with the bike and not trying to do the leaning out of the turn manuever (like you would on a snowmobile).  

5.  Alcohol and riding.  If you're going to start drinking, stop driving. So if you plan to stop to have that "one" beer or drink, seriously consider having that at the end of your ride/day.  Motorcyle riding requires all of your senses be unimpaired.  I don't care how good of a drinker or rider you may consider yourself, drinking and riding do not mix.  

6.  Remember the rule of masses.  "He who has the most mass, rules."  You're riding a motorcycle, in a battle between you and a car, truck, semi, they have the greater mass and you will lose.  Do not test that theory, give yourself a route of escape, and yield to them.  Try to anticipate what the driver is going to do.  You'll find out that you're going to be right about 80% of the time.

[LincolnUSA]

Always take your time.  whenever I am on or around the bike, I go at my own pace.  don't let others hurry you.  I don't view the road as a racetrack.  ride within your comfort level. Better to get there in one piece.

[Porschestan]

I've been riding for 40 years and logged over 500k miles on two wheels.  I can give these tips in no particular order

1) never park down hill (nose pointed down).  The bike can roll before you're ready.

2) when crossing steel rails or painted lines in the road, try to hit them as perpendicular as you can.  They can be slick.

3) watch for loose material when turning, if the front slides out you will go down.

4) if you find yourself carrying too much speed in a corner, brake while the bike is straight and then don't be afraid to lean it over.

Thank you all again

All the information provided is being absorbed by me each time I re-read this topic.  I hope others too get something out of this too and we all live live a long riding life!!  Stan
5) learn how to push on the handle bar in high speed maneuvering.  Get a feel for it while driving straight.  Counter steering is a key skill.

6) front brake is way more efficient than the rear.  when people say they "laid it down" they really mean "too much rear brake"

7) train your pillion to only mount or dismount when you are ready.  Don't let them sleep on the back.

check your tire pressure often, motorcycle tires loose air much much faster than car tires.  If your bike feels loose in the turns, check them.

9) keep your head back when you fuel.  eyes full of gas from blowback sucks.

10) be aware of your surroundings at all times, be in the ride and not somewhere else.

11) I probably already mentioned going into a corner too hot, watch for this, don't follow others who may have better skills, it can be deadly.

12) learn how to pick up your bike if you lay it over, hand on bar, ass to seat, back up with your legs

13) riding in groups has unique dangers, I almost won't do it anymore unless I can be last.

enough for now and others have given good info.  these are a few of my thoughts.  good luck.

RLK

[ssls6]

It is a great topic you started. We never stop learning when we ride.

[Porschestan]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far and to who will I am sure add more great advise.  One over arching theme I am getting is: we are not riding rice rockets..we need to individually ride at our our comfort level, and never try to exceed our own experience and comfort level. 

I'll keep readings, thanks to one and all!  I hope that this not only helps me but us all...

[Ironhorse]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far and to who will I am sure add more great advise.  One over arching theme I am getting is: we are not riding rice rockets..we need to individually ride at our our comfort level, and never try to exceed our own experience and comfort level. 

I'll keep readings, thanks to one and all!  I hope that this not only helps me but us all...

Stan,

It matters NOT what kind of bike you ride, rice rocket, chopper, cruiser, Baggers, dual sport, for they are all vulnerable. What does matter is that you make regular practice part of your motorcycling experience. Proficient motorcycling is a perishable skill that erodes faster than you think. It never ceases to amaze me  that a rider will spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bike, and then more on upgrades, but the idea of upgrading themselves or their skills with classes or practice never enters the equation. Yes, taking  classes is a good idea, but unless you continue to practice what you learned you are wasting money. And riding with your friends to eat at Neptunes Net is NOT the same as regular practice. And practice need not be a grueling chore. All you need is ten or fifteen minutes every now and then to keep the muscle memory up. So if you are meeting at Dukes in Malibu at 10am to ride to Oxnard, show up at 930 and practice by yourself. That way when you hit the road you will be all warned up.

I'm probably coming across as soap box preachy, but I do apply the same to me. Right now I am in a God forsaken country and have not been on a bike since June. I won't have the opportunity to ride again until December. You can bet that before I hit the road, I will knock the rust off with some practice.

I can't wait to get back to SoCal and meet you in person.

Mark

[Porschestan]

Stan,

It matters NOT what kind of bike you ride, rice rocket, chopper, cruiser, Baggers, dual sport, for they are all vulnerable. What does matter is that you make regular practice part of your motorcycling experience. Proficient motorcycling is a perishable skill that erodes faster than you think. It never ceases to amaze me  that a rider will spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bike, and then more on upgrades, but the idea of upgrading themselves or their skills with classes or practice never enters the equation. Yes, taking  classes is a good idea, but unless you continue to practice what you learned you are wasting money. And riding with your friends to eat at Neptune's Net is NOT the same as regular practice. And practice need not be a grueling chore. All you need is ten or fifteen minutes every now and then to keep the muscle memory up. So if you are meeting at Dukes in Malibu at 10am to ride to Oxnard, show up at 930 and practice by yourself. That way when you hit the road you will be all warned up.

Mark, first of all, Thank You so very much for your Service..I can't imagine what you must have to deal with.

It will be my honor to meet up with you upon you safe return..

Stan

I'm probably coming across as soap box preachy, but I do apply the same to me. Right now I am in a God forsaken country and have not been on a bike since June. I won't have the opportunity to ride again until December. You can bet that before I hit the road, I will knock the rust off with some practice.

I can't wait to get back to SoCal and meet you in person.

Mark

[SDCVO]

Ironhorse, what do you suggest you should practice in those 15 minutes? Not being sarcastic, really want to know. I agree with everyone on this thread, though I have been riding most of my adult life, I have picked up some great things just on this thread. You can always get better and on a motorcycle and just 1 slight mind screw up can be catastrophic..