Crossing the Line -

[FJR Rider]

Got you....probably thought I was tagging on the moderators' thread...nope, just some safety stuff. Enjoy.

 

I'm a subscriber to Road Runner Magazine, and now also get their e-mail .... the following is an extract from this month's e-mail. Some great safety related articles.

 

Curt

 

 

SWING INTO SPRING

It’s fast approaching - the time of year for getting back out on America’s highways and byways for another exciting riding season. (Unless, of course, you’re fortunate enough to live in a warm climate and never left the tarmac all winter.) Here are a few reminders for making sure that you and your ride are ready to go:

 

‘Be All You Can Be’ Physically: Practically everyone knows that riding a motorcycle or scooter is more physically demanding than driving a car. When recently following a rider through a curvy section of tarmac, I noticed that while he started out strong and sharp, his technique began to devolve after a couple of hours. Tiredness evidently lessened his concentration and his smooth riding and cornering became a little jerky and slower. Even a light regimen of aerobic and strengthening exercises—on a regular schedule—can pay big dividends out on the road.

Service Your Bike(s): At least once a year, riders should do a thorough inspection of their bike, making sure that: key fasteners are at their specified torque; brake and clutch fluid is fresh; regular services have been performed (oil and filter changes, etc.); tires are not damaged, have sufficient tread and are properly inflated; chains and sprockets aren’t worn out; brake pads don’t need replacing; all controls are freshly lubricated and a list of other things to check that are mostly likely stated in your bike’s Owners Manual.

Check Out Your Riding Gear: Make sure your riding jacket, pants, gloves, rain suit, and other apparel are in good shape. Most importantly, though, inspect your helmet closely to make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced because of damage or age.

Brush-up on Basic Riding Skills: There’s no better way to start the riding season than with a little parking lot practice of fundamental riding skills, such as: emergency stops, swerving, tight, slow-speed cornering, etc. This also may alert you to any potential mechanical issues, before embarking on a long day or week in the saddle.

Sign-up For Advanced Courses: Riders should always strive to be more accomplished each year than they were the year before. A good way to leapfrog up the riding skill ladder is to attend an advanced riding course or clinic, such as the MSF Advanced Rider Course, a track school, a street riding school, an off-road course or one of the host of other riding schools available for motorcyclists.

Reading books or articles about motorcycle riding is another strategy for improving your skill level. Here are some of the “service articles” that are available on our website (http://www.roadrunner.travel):

 

“Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6621.php

“Ride Like A Pro” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6543.php

“Helmet Help” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6423.php

“When the Pavement Ends” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6386.php

“Time to Re-tire?” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6336.php

“Cornercraft: Staying Safer in the Swerves” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6208.php

“Road Bites” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6029.php

“Bike Prep for the New Season” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/category-service-4.php

“Brake Dance” - http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6233.php