Riding Tips

[CB4ME_imp]

This one seems obvious, but pay attention where you're going. I ride in some very scenic areas and occasionally look too long at the scenery. This can get you into trouble pretty fast.

[Rebel73_imp]

Oh, and don't ride through areas which are rich in pretty women. Asking for trouble!

[flynrider]

When approaching an intersection facing a potential left turner, watch the front wheels. The vast majority of drivers will start cranking on the steering wheel just before starting the turn. If you see the front wheels begin to turn, chances are very good that this cage is about to turn in front of you. This will give you an extra 1-2 seconds to figure out an escape route.

This method has saved me from "Left Turn Larry" several times over the years.

[the Ferret]

Never downshift in the middle of a left turn, downshift before you get into the turn

[sig_a_imp]

When approaching an intersection facing a potential left turner, watch the front wheels. The vast majority of drivers will start cranking on the steering wheel just before starting the turn. If you see the front wheels begin to turn, chances are very good that this cage is about to turn in front of you. This will give you an extra 1-2 seconds to figure out an escape route.

This method has saved me from "Left Turn Larry" several times over the years.

Is this unorthodox?

I approach all intersections slowly, make eye contact to profile the oncoming driver, even aiming the headlight directly at him. My thumb is on the horn button and foot/hand at the brake. Once I feel confident everyone sees me, I accelerate to exit out.

Intersections must be the highest statistical risk of motorcycle/auto collisions.

[Setchman_imp]

For those who may not be familiar with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, they have a great website with a lot a good information in the form of PDF's, videos, iTunes U stuff, etc.

[url=http://www.msf-usa.org/Default.aspx]MSF-USA.org Main Page

You can find this by browsing, of course, but here are the direct links to the downloadable content:

[url=http://www.msf-usa.org/library.aspx]MSF Library
[url=http://www.msf-usa.org/Digital.aspx]MSF iTunes U / iBooks Page

I know it's already been mentioned but I think it's worth repeating. Take a course whether it's the Basic or Experienced Rider course. I was out yesterday practicing my figure 8s in an empty parking lot. It's a simple exercise but challenging, none the less. A great confidence booster.
Quote:Is this unorthodox?

I approach all intersections slowly, make eye contact to profile the oncoming driver, even aiming the headlight directly at him. My thumb is on the horn button and foot/hand at the brake. Once I feel confident everyone sees me, I accelerate to exit out.

Intersections must be the highest statistical risk of motorcycle/auto collisions.
This is my technique to a T!

[flynrider]

When approaching an intersection facing a potential left turner, watch the front wheels. The vast majority of drivers will start cranking on the steering wheel just before starting the turn. If you see the front wheels begin to turn, chances are very good that this cage is about to turn in front of you. This will give you an extra 1-2 seconds to figure out an escape route.

This method has saved me from "Left Turn Larry" several times over the years.

Is this unorthodox?

I approach all intersections slowly, make eye contact to profile the oncoming driver, even aiming the headlight directly at him. My thumb is on the horn button and foot/hand at the brake. Once I feel confident everyone sees me, I accelerate to exit out.

Intersections must be the highest statistical risk of motorcycle/auto collisions.

I don't know about unorthodox. My point was that the front wheel movement will tip you off a few seconds early.

[sig_a_imp]

Here's my way of understanding counter steering --

Counter steering a motorcycle produces mostly the same effect as controlled oversteer rotates a car, although in the opposite direction.

[Cormanus]

When approaching an intersection facing a potential left turner, watch the front wheels. The vast majority of drivers will start cranking on the steering wheel just before starting the turn. If you see the front wheels begin to turn, chances are very good that this cage is about to turn in front of you. This will give you an extra 1-2 seconds to figure out an escape route.

This method has saved me from "Left Turn Larry" several times over the years.

Is this unorthodox?

I approach all intersections slowly, make eye contact to profile the oncoming driver, even aiming the headlight directly at him. My thumb is on the horn button and foot/hand at the brake. Once I feel confident everyone sees me, I accelerate to exit out.

Intersections must be the highest statistical risk of motorcycle/auto collisions.

I don't know about unorthodox. My point was that the front wheel movement will tip you off a few seconds early.

I don't know about unorthodox. My point was that the front wheel movement will tip you off a few seconds early.
Just to add to this, the instructor who took my advanced rider course told me to watch the front wheels. He made the point that even though you may think you've made eye contact, yo have no real way of knowing that you have. Movement of the front wheels is the best indication a car is about to take off.

[the Ferret]

If you wear a dark shield as I often do, or use the flip down sun shields in most of the new helmets a driver cannot see your eyes. You may think you are making eye contact, but you're not (I made this mistake the other day before I realized I was wearing my helmet with the dark shield)