Misinformation
Motorcycling, like any other activity, has it's share of so
called "experts", who will be more than happy to give you all sorts
of wonderful tips and information. As with any information of this
kind, you must often filter it through a "bullshit detector" before
using it. I will try to post honest info here to counter many of the
stupid things and "urban legends" that get passed around all too
frequently.
My friend says I should never use the front
brake on a motorcycle, or else I will flip it over!
Your friend is an idiot! It's possible
on a bicycle, if you are going extremely fast, and really slam
that front brake on, to perform this manuever, but only if you
have a real good brake. It's impossible on a motorcycle. A
motorcycle is much heavier, with most of it's weight towards the
bottom (low center of gravity). You need your front brake on a
motorcycle, as it provides the majority of your stopping power. If
you really jam that front brake, you might perform what is called
a "stoppie", which means your rear wheel may come off the ground a
little. It's the opposite of a "wheelie", which I'm sure you've
all seen from time to time.
If you think you're going to run into
something, you should lay the bike down! What a stupid thing to do. As soon as you remove
yourself from your bike, you are going to be proceeding forward at
the same speed, with no way of slowing or stopping. Not to mention
the fact that you are now skidding along the road donating skin to
the street! First of all, ride properly and don't get into these
situations, but if you find yourself approaching a collision, your
best course of action is to swerve. If a collision appears
unavoidable, brake as much as you can without locking up, to slow
the bike down, then perhaps you'll be able to swerve. Even if you
collide, you will at least have slowed down by braking with the
bike, which may just lessen your impending injuries. Of course, if
you've gotten yourself into the "going off the cliff" situation,
and you've forgotten how to lean your bike, then by all means jump
off before the bike crashes into the valley below!
There are two kind's of bikers; Those
who've "gone down" and those who will "go down". Sorry, I don't buy this one either. If you spend your
life thinking that something bad's gonna happen, then chances are
it will. Let's be a little more positive! There's no law that says
you have to go down on a bike someday. Ride intelligently, stay
alert, don't ride beyond your abilities, don't "override" your
vision, pay attention to the road conditions, use your common
sense, and practice, practice, practice, and who knows, you might
just end up as one of those old timers who've never been
down!
Send my your best "stupid statements" &
"urban legends". New bikers want to know!!