Hello, All
I have ridden bikes now for more than twenty years and I learnt things the hard way in life - by making mistakes.
Here are some tips to get along safely and maybe not crash out.
Wear a Helmet - 90% of two wheeler accident deaths are caused by HEAD injuries.you only have one, remember that.
Never press the clutch while braking. NEVER. The bike will slow down and the engine will NOT stall until the very last moments by which time you can get the clutch back into play.
Remember this one and you will NEVER skid while braking, no matter how hard or sudden the stop.
Sit comfortably, well towards the tank of the bike.the closer you get to the engine and the bikes’ center of gravity, the stabler will you feel while riding.
Flow with the bike on turns and on bumps.this means that you hold the handle bars with a comfortable’V’ bend in your arms and NOT stiff and straight handed. And that on turns and on cornering steeply, allow your body to recognise the turn and angle of the bike and allow your body to also bend and turn as much as it will - this will make you feel ONE with the bike and not like two separate machines.
USE THE FRONT BRAKES. Contrary to popular belief and myth - the bike will NOT ever flip over on its front wheel, no matter how hard you use the front brakes.
The recommended expert advice on braking ratio recommends 70% braking in front and 30% braking at the back wheel.
Keep the brakes, the headlights, the brake lights, the clutch and the tires in good condition, always. Remember that it is those two-three square inches of rubber that are actually touching the road and that do anything for the bike, like making it stop!
Do not brake while turning, if you have to, use the back brakes.try and not LOCK the back wheel or else the bike will skid in the opposite direction to the angle of the handlebar, or the angle of the turn.
Always have reserve power. E.g., if you are driving at 40 kms/hour in 4th gear - shift to third gear when overtaking any vehicle that is also moving at about 40-50 kms/hour. THis will give you the required reserve power in case you have a sudden need to accelerate past the vehicle, or any other situation. Shift back to fourth after passing the vehicle.
Inspite of all these - I have had two dirty accidents in these twenty years.keep alert, look around and try and remember that there are others also on the road.