Posted in how-to on Jan 24th, 2012
If you’re wondering, “hmm do I actually need a radar detector on my bike?” The answer is “no” – move on…you need to pay attention to the road, and save the speed for the track.
But…if for whatever reason (maybe the police are being used as revenue agents in your town) you’re going to do it [...]
Posted in how-to on Jan 5th, 2012
All the physical aspects of sport riding need to be practiced and drilled so that you do them subconsciously… This is why expert riders sometimes (too often) make horrible teachers – they’ve internalized their skills toolbox enough that it’s hard to teach people stuff that comes “natural” to them. Of course it didn’t [...]
Posted in how-to on Nov 3rd, 2011
Lots of people have mixed feelings about using electronic devices while riding; but if you’re to actually get places – at some point you’ll need GPS directions. And actually, I think audio GPS directions are less of a distraction than the ‘paper directions taped to my arm’ that I used to use… The nice thing [...]
Posted in how-to on Aug 25th, 2011
Along with the earthquake this week and the other horsemen of the apocalypse, we might have a hurricane coming to the East coast this weekend. I always feel torn during storms when I see scooters with covers on knocked being blown over by the wind. Unless I know the person, I don’t feel [...]
Posted in how-to on Aug 4th, 2011
I know track day wizards who change their chain and sprocket for different tracks – but I’m more of a ‘leave it till it’s worn out’ sort of guy. And although this is something many riders leave to their shop to do, if you’re mechanical enough to change your own oil, then it’s really [...]
Posted in how-to on Jul 22nd, 2011
Non-riders often think, “It must be nice to ride a motorcycle on a hot day.” But with my cold riding gear, I’d take a 12 degree day to a 112 degree day, any day! When your body temperature rises your body pushes more of your blood to the surface of your skin for cooling. That [...]
Posted in how-to on Jul 1st, 2011
I think it’s happened to almost everyone at SOME point… You go in for a turn at a moderate speed – maybe you’re following someone’s lead – and half way through you realize you’re not going to make it. So instead of turning the bike more you stand it up, get on the brakes… then [...]
Posted in how-to on Jun 24th, 2011
[Warning: Boring - but informative - video]
Most people think their batteries have a tougher time in the cold weather…but it’s really during the summer that most batteries lose their life. The high heat plus the outrageous amounts of heat generated from your bike in traffic (scooter excluded on this one) strain your battery and prevent [...]
Posted in how-to on May 13th, 2011
Have you ever been stuck behind another bike or car or truck – when you knew you were going at a generally faster pace, but you just couldn’t find a safe way to get past it? There’s an art to passing, and it’s probably the most valuable advanced skill you can develop. If you look at [...]
Posted in how-to on Apr 14th, 2011
It’s impossible to ride around the city without eventually picking up a nail or screw in your tire. There must be convoys of gremlins driving around dropping nails and screws out of salt spreaders – because this Spring I’ve seen someone get a flat tire at least once or twice every week. Some types of [...]
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