In Partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads
As a motorcycle rider, when you get on your bike, it’s not just about going from point A to point B. Sure, it sounds cliché – but it really is about the journey. It’s a passion, a lifestyle, and for many, an escape from the mundane.
But while the thrill of the ride is undeniable, understanding how to enhance your riding experience and manage personal risk is key. Here, we get into some practical tips to help sharpen your ride craft.
Warning: you’ll want to ditch your plans and get out on the road.
Ride smart, ride safe
You know it already. One of the essential aspects of good ride craft is speed management. Skilled riders know that conditions on the road can change suddenly, so adjusting your speed significantly reduces the risk of crashing.
Our tip? Always ride to the conditions and never push the speed limit. Maintaining a 3 second crash avoidance space gives you enough time to react if something unexpected happens. You should also keep at least 6 seconds of vision ahead, and be aware of things like blind turns, crests, busy intersections, and bad weather.
Be safe and sloooow down.
See and be seen
We all know one of the best things about riding is the view – taking in the lush roadside bushland or long open plains. But actively observing your surroundings is key to safe riding too.
Have you heard of the ‘12, 6, 3’ principle? Look 12 seconds ahead to scan your surroundings, maintain at least 6 seconds of clear vision of the road ahead, and keep a 3 second survival space to react and avoid a crash.
Keep your senses alert and your eyes moving to check from one area of the road to another. That includes keeping an eye on other drivers around you, to help anticipate any unexpected moves on the road.
While you’re looking out, it’s just as important to make sure you can be seen too by wearing light, bright, or reflective gear that increases your visibility on the road.
Find your safe spot
Whether you’re amongst traffic, or out on empty country roads, constantly evaluating your environment to balance space, surface, and sight is important.
If you spot something dodgy, create a buffer by adjusting your position to maintain space around you. Keep an eye on the road surface, and avoid hazards like paint, oil, water, sand, and gravel. Hot tip: the right wheel track of the lane offers the best surface.
Last but not least, remember that your position on the road helps you be seen by other drivers and riders, avoiding blind spots and maximising your visibility.
Master the curves
Approaching corners with the right technique can make all the difference.
Pros know to brake before entering turns, not while riding through them, to ensure maximum tire grip and allow for acceleration out of the corner.
Taking on multiple corners in a row? You can link them together by exiting each curve tight, preparing for the next. Another tip is to keep an eye on the vanishing point to help anticipate changes in the curve, and be aware of road camber (the slope of the road) to help determine your best speed and lean angle.
Stop smoothly
Braking is a piece of cake, right? Well, it takes a little practice to get it right.
Smooth stopping involves two things: set up and squeeze. This method helps to reduce skidding, and gives you better control over your bike.
In emergency situations, close the throttle, apply both brakes, and pull the clutch just before stopping. Practising emergency braking in a safe area can help hone your skills and make sure you’ve got the muscle memory to stop safely.
Safe riding is more than technique, it takes both head and gut. Use these tips to enhance your ride craft and enjoy every moment on the road.
Got it? Now get out there.
How’s your Ride Craft? For more tips and resources on tuning up your riding technique, visit Street Smarts.
