SAFETY TIPS
SAFETY TIPS
By MIKE Phillips |
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RODEO
I went to
RECENTLY , Nebraska , to compete in a motorcycle rodeo . The rodeo was held at Frontier Harley-Davidson in Lincoln , Nebraska . There were three divisions for riders . There was a class for beginners , intermediate , and expert riders . The rodeo consisted of a timed cone pattern , a slow race , and twoup balls and cones . The rodeo was a morning skills practice with several instructors to give help and advice . The competition took place in the afternoon .
I like going to rodeos . I get to meet and talk with other riders . Each rider I spoke with said practice is the key to safe riding on the street . The only way to maintain or improve your riding skills is to practice . The top riders and coaches all practice three or four times a month . Most of the riders said they like to practice with other riders . Other riders make practice more fun . Each rider can help the others . A rider may notice something you are doing that you do not realize . Riders should hold each other accountable for how they practice .
The exercise practiced most is the slow ride . Practicing slow speed maneuvers teaches a rider to control their bike . Control at slow speed transfers to control at faster speeds . The slow ride teaches riders to use the friction zone properly . The friction zone is the small area in the travel of the clutch lever that controls the connection between the engine and the rear wheel . As the clutch is eased out , power is given to the rear wheel , propelling the bike forward . Riders practice going to the friction zone but
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not through it . A bike ridden in the friction zone will not stall . Control of the friction zone is one of the most critical skills a rider can develop .
Riders practice the friction zone by riding as slow as they can . Set the throttle a little above idle and hold it steady . Ease the clutch out until the bike starts to move . Let the bike roll forward using a little rear brake to help control the speed . Working the clutch and throttle against the rear brake helps keep the bike upright .
Look ahead of the bike , not at the front tire . Start in a straight line . As you get better , make circles and turns as slowly as you can .
Another good exercise is the β pause and go .β Riders try to bring the bike to a complete stop without putting their feet down . Ease the clutch into the friction zone and pull forward without stalling . The friction zone exercise I like best is a ninetydegree pullout from a stop . Start out going to the left , then try from the right . Most riders feel more comfortable going to one side over the other . Working from both sides with a bit of extra work on your less comfortable side is important . With the bike stopped , turn the handlebars as far to the left as they will turn . Look up to the left several yards ahead . Ease the clutch into the friction zone and let the bike move to the left .
Turn as sharp as you can without letting the bike go straight . Only go to the left . Walk the bike around , putting your feet on the pegs when ready . Keep your head and eyes up , looking far ahead during the pullout .
The third most practiced skill is quick stops . Start slow , then speed up as you can . Keep your head and eyes up and your body erect during the stop . Always use both brakes . The front brake will produce 70 to 80 percent of your stopping power . Put your left foot down first but wait to put your right foot down until the bike is stopped . By placing your right foot down , you give up the rear brake . The rear brake is the most important brake at slow speed . Applying the front brake only at slow speed can cause the bike to fall over .
A safe place to practice is very important . I practice on the riding pad at my local Harley shop . This is the same pad used for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes . The pad is marked with painted lines and dots that can be used to set up practice patterns . Most of the MSF pads are open to the public to use if no classes or other events are scheduled . If you are unsure about using a pad , ask the person in charge . Parking lots are another excellent place to practice .
Schools and churches provide a large area to practice when they are not in session . The marked lines of the parking spaces can be used to set up patterns .
Practice is essential for riders to maintain and improve their skills . Skills will deteriorate if they are not practiced . We always ask others to ride with us , but how often do we ask someone to go to a pad and practice ? Practice can lead to competition . Competition is a chance to meet and learn from other riders . Whether or not you ever compete , practice is an important tool to keep riding skills sharp and riders safe . CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
25βͺNOVEMBER 2023βͺwww . cmausa . org