Nobody likes to think about it, but there may come a time when you really think you’ll crash your bike. The temptation is to “lay it down.” But, don’t do that. Always continue to ride your motorcycle. Use one of these strategies and you might avoid the crash altogether.
Look where you want to go. Don’t look at the guardrail, or the oncoming vehicle, or the deer in the road because you’ll hit it for sure—that’s called target fixation. Instead look at a safer spot.
Use the handgrips, not your body, to lean the motorcycle by countersteering. You turn the handlebars in the direction that seems wrong. If you press forward on the right handgrip, the bike leans right. Use controlled, incremental pressure to try to get out of the bad situation.
Use both brakes. Many riders are afraid they’ll somersault if they use the front brakes. However, the front brake provides 70% of your stopping ability in an emergency. Don’t grab the front brake. Squeeze it and squeeze harder and harder until you’re stopped.
If you’re unsure about using any of these techniques, take an advanced motorcycle safety course. It just might make all the difference.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
