Top Essential Motorcycles Skills to Practice
Now and again, especially after a long riding absence, your motorcycle needs to be serviced. This might be a good time to refresh some skills before getting back on the road, too. In this post, we'll give some tips and top skills needed to hit the road safely so you can make the most of your riding experience. Don't miss the opportunity to check out the latest new and preowned Harley-Davidson's® at Timms Harley-Davidson® of Augusta, located in Augusta, Georgia, serving new or returning riders in Atlanta, Georgia.
Find a Good Spot to Practice
Empty parking lots are great for practice. The best part is they're everywhere - schools, colleges, and shopping centers, to name a few. Sometimes, you can get lucky and even find a site used to teach safety courses. These will come pre-done with markings and practice lanes laid out.
If you can't find a safety course, a parking lot is still an ideal location. You'll need to bring a few things with you, however. You can buy some orange markers or even use empty water bottles to layout practice lanes. Set them up for turning practice and create a 3-Obstacle Swerving lane. Don't forget to bring your equipment with you once finished.
What to Practice
There are three things you'll want to sharpen up on, including:
Braking Practice: Sounds easy, but consider things like a routine and quick stop on a straight line, as well as a normal and quick stop on a curve.
Turning Practice: Make sure and give yourself adequate room and watch for traffic before practicing. Perform a basic turn and sharp turns from both a stop and without stopping.
3-Obstacle Swerving and Avoidance Practice: This one can be a life-saver and is hard to replicate without practice. This is an evasive maneuver and is performed by swerving around an obstacle and weaving.
When To Get Professional Training
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a good start if you need more structured practice. They offer novices and veterans alike an MSF-certified rider education course that further develops skills and road rules specially designed for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Veteran riders can take an experienced rider course that will teach updated motorcycle rules and other skills you may have forgotten. These courses are pretty popular and fill up fast. If you can't make it in person, there's also an online resource for all skill levels.
Ready to hit the open road? Discover more by contacting Timms Harley-Davidson® of Augusta or stop by our showroom in Augusta, Georgia, where we serve all current and future riders in Atlanta.