Motorcycle
Riding Techniques
©
2002 - 2008, Raymond Wood
Basic Skills
These determine whether you really do have control over your machine at slow speed.
Figure of 8
Place two cones / markers on a flat, even, grippy surface far enough apart so that you can ride a figure of 8 around them. Ensure to do it in both directions.
When skill improves, move the markers closer together and ride the figure of 8 faster.
The trick is to keep looking at the marker as you make the turns! Notice that you are counter-steering when you start to ride faster.
Circle
Similar to the above but ensures that you have control in a tight turn.
Ensure to do it in both directions.
The trick is to keep looking at the marker as you make the turn! Notice that you are counter-steering when you start to ride faster.
Slalom
Place cones / markers at even distances apart and at a frequency that is easy for you to complete.
When skill improves, move the markers closer together and ride the slalom faster.
The trick is to pass as close as you can to the marker without touching it and to control the speed for the difficulty of the course.
This skill is a prelude to planning ahead: you cannot complete the slalom without planning the next turn while you are on the current turn.
