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Post Dates
Myth Exposed: “Avoid Using the Front Brakes Because it Will Throw You Over the Handlebars”
In reality, the front brake is responsible for 60 to 70 percent of the bike's stopping power and should be used. In emergency braking situations, the effective center of mass of the bike shifts forward toward the front wheel and tire, which creates a higher adhesion value to the front tire that tends to prevent the front wheel from locking unless the brake torque is extremely high. Another consequence is that the traction force in the rear wheel and tire is reduced, allowing the rear wheel to lock up and slide. With braking action on the front wheel, the rear wheel, even if locked, will not move from side to side and the bike will continue straight.
Myths Exposed: “Accelerate Around a Turn to Regain Control”
The safest way to approach a turn on a curve is to slow down before entering it. Acceleration should be undertaken only near the end of the curve. Rapidly applying the throttle in the turn, when the bike is in a lean could result in the rear tire breaking traction and the bike going into a slide. The same effect may occur with substantial rear-brake application.
Myths Exposed: “Lay it Down”
Instead of performing an evasive maneuver, the inexperienced rider will often lay the bike over onto its side as a last ditch effort. A sliding motorcycle has less stopping ability than properly braked tires.
Myths Exposed: “Speed up when bike Weaves or Wobbles”
In actuality the rider should gently ease off the throttle, place his upper body on the gas tank to effectively change the center of gravity and graduall slow down. Initially accelerating may slow the wobble or weave until the next oscillation occurs, but then the result will be a much more pronounced instability. Hard braking will alter the suspension characteristics and may likewise cause a crash.
Attitude
"The mindset you develop will shape your thoughts and guide your opinions. Developing the right attitude is both fundamental and crucial for safe riding."Stopping Distance Rule
Never ride so fast that you cannot stop comfortably on your own side of the road within the distance you can see to be clear.-
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2 responses so far ↓
ell // 03/22/2009 at 8:38 pm
I have many conflicting issues about helmets. I am a novice rider; living a dream. I ride two-up with some great guys on HD on the spectacular roads of the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont. Not much traffic up here; no stop lights, great black top…
I have an open face helmet that is DOT approved. I see this stamp of approval on most helmets. What does it mean, exactly? If I can find a full face that is light weight, and does not obstruct my peripheral vision, I’d be inclined to get it (if it’s metalic wine red, of course lol). I am taking a RSF moto class this June for my endorsment, just to have it and know all that I should, even as a blissed-out passenger. I think that I would like a full face or half face with a shield as the driver….I’ll try all the lids and decide, but what is the DOT standard all about?
Lastly, thanks for an exceptional blog for safety, facts and fiction… your posts are perfect for the rookie that I am….
peace ~ ell
rubenandjoann // 03/23/2009 at 5:25 am
Ell, thanks you for your comment, we certainly appreciate it. Check out our post: A Word About Helmets
The short answer is the DOT stamp signifies that minimum safety standards have been met.
Hope this helps.