Often experienced motorcycle riders who trade in an old bike for a brand new set of wheels find that they fall prey to an misfortunate set of statistics that occur together with new machines–more motorcycle accidents happen on new equipment than on old faithful rides. do not assume that 100,000 miles on your old bike signifies equally skilled handling of your new set of wheels. as a substitute, take the time to learn a few facts about your new motorcycle.
Low Speed Handling
If probable, find a abandoned level parking lot that has a relatively clean surface. You do not need bumps, slippery stuff, inclines, potholes or other defects or impediments in order to get more information about your new motorcycle. You require to plan on investing time having fun and getting to know the quirks of the new wheels. pop out by doing low speed circles with your eyes on the horizon and practice until you can do a 360 without placing your foot down and with the steering in full lock. This may require a few adjustment in the position of the handlebar or the throttle cable so as to smooth the acceleration action. go after tight circles with tight figure eights, again without touching your feet to the field until the bike has commit a full stop. Force yourself to be constant and specific. This will provide even more understanding of the throttle response in your new motorcycle.
Acceleration
Repeat the preceding exercise at higher speeds–both the circles and the figure eights. Keep your eyes on the horizon and your feet off the field so you learn the feel of the equipment as it corners properly and consistently. Varying the speed of the engine while you practice these maneuvers will permit you to ride comfortably at highway speeds and also in city traffic.
Cornering
Follow this with learning about the bike’s cornering limits. Learn to accept the grinding noise without flinching when a floorboard scrapes the pavement. A reflex jerk to stay away from the sound of metal on pavement can cause you to steer right off the curve. if you have the feeling more cornering aptitude is necessary, you may require to change the suspension components.
Calling a halt
Practice stopping at low speed with a difficult stop so as to learn the traction on the new tires, the sensitivity of the brakes and how the bike handles with the rear wheel locked. You require to know exactly what to expect in a real life panic circumstance and the most recommended approach to do that is to practice a difficult, locked wheel stop specifically in a sideways skid. Once you’ve practiced the rear action, learn about the power of the front brake. Be cautious not to overdue front brake task until you have an apparent understanding of how much stress the important front brake will take. Again, you may require to do a few adjustments to the brake controls engagement points or positions to better suit your riding and stopping style.
Road Work
Now is the time to move your practice capabilities to the open road. Try to select a relatively lightly traveled section or road that has a few open corners in order to you can practice cornering at highway speeds. Continuing to practice leaning formulas will help you to know the limits of the bike in every circumstance. Use a straight road with painted dotted lines and practice swerving the bike among the gaps on the road. If you can find secure stretches with raised dots for lane markers, you will be able feel automatically if you miss the swerve. Once again, in a secure mode, practice your hard prevents at highway speeds. Be familiar with following traffic before hitting the brakes unexpectedly and make sure to allow lots of room in case you overrun your target point.
Double Up
Each of the exercises above should be repeated while carrying a passenger. Even if you don’t carry someone else frequently, knowing how your bike responds with a passenger is crucial in any crisis situation–even in daily riding. Your motorcycle will respond differently, and you should know what will happen before getting on the open road. It’s vital that your passenger comprehend what is going to happen in order to they do not panic and throw the motorcycle off balance, thereby provoking a serious accident.
Another virtue of undergoing these exercises in low or moderate speed and varying the load on the engine is that they serve as a good break-in regimen for the engine.
Now that you have your new motorcycle and have practiced the a numerous maneuvers above, you will wish to make sure that in harmful weather or road conditions, the new motorcycle could not handle the same as did your old set of wheels. Take things undoubtedly easy the first few times you ride in the rain or in icy cases. If you have the chance to practice in different weather experiences, you will have an even better feel for your motorcycle’s handling aptitudes.