What are the typical bad habits that you can pick up?

[markk21]

This might be a stupid question but since passing my cbt I've been trying to not allow bad habits to be part of my riding (if that possible), but that got me thinking what types of bad habits are there?

The reason I ask is even if I think I'm not allowing myself to pick up bad habits; I might be doing them subconsciously.

Thanks

[Tungtvann]

Can't really remember, think I was told to never cover the front brake whilst cornering, esp. roundabouts.

[mentalboy]

Not constantly checking your mirrors,
getting sloppy with 'lifesavers',
forgetting to switch off indicators promptly,
complacency with routes you know,
nodding at cruiser riders,
omitting to do your daily/weekly bike checks
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[MissBex]

I was told off when I was first learning to ride about only using 2 fingers on the front brake. Apparently that can be a bad habit riders can pick up.
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[Llama-Farmer]

mental boy covered the most obvious ones.

Complacency is a big one... getting comfortable with riding, in the sense that the more you ride without having an accident the less cautious you become, you get used to it, your vigilance starts to slide, the mirror checks and blind spot checks become a case of doing them to say you've done them, rather than doing them and looking for AND NOTICING hazards.

I've done it myself, I'll admit it. And I think if everyone is honest with themselves, they'll have done it too.



Getting lazy in terms of forward observations is another one.

Always ride with a Plan B, or a get-out option. A "what if" frame of mind. If that car doesn't see me and pulls out the junction, where can I go.

Nearly everyone starts to drive on autopilot eventually, particularly on longer journeys. Can't afford to do that on a bike, the consequences of an accident are so much higher than in a car. If you're riding like a drone on autopilot, you aren't gonna have the awareness you need or the reaction times you need if something unexpected happens.
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[Rogerborg]

Stopping too close behind big vehicles, or where they can't see you in their mirrors.
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Crashing.
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[Dannygee]

Complacency, never ASS/U/ME that the caged ones have seen you.
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[mjn51]

not oiling your chain, not checking oil in engine, usual pre-ride tests in general.

[Taught2BCauti...]

Getting too close to the vehicle in front - remember the '2 second rule' and position yourself where you can see and be seen.

Assuming that other road users are observant and have at least basic driving / riding skills - some don't, and they are the ones that will probably kill you!
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[Andy_Pagin]

Most common faults I see are tailgating, forgetting to cancel indicators and not doing lifesavers.
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[notbike]

Not covering brake with right foot when stopped.

Resting fingers on brake/clutch levers when not in use, and not using all 4 fingers on the levers when using them.

Covering rear brake or gear lever with foot while on the move, toes should be well away unless using.

Blipping the throttle. If you're riding a 125 this is okay to do. On a big bike it's never needed unless you're really in the high revs etc at which point you'd be speeding anyway. I don't even feel the need to blip on my Ninja 300.

Using engine braking too often as a means of slowing down. Again, happens commonly on 125 because of the massive engine braking being able to slow you down with the gears, not really good to do this on a bigger bike because they carry more momentum as they're heavier, you can end up locking the rear wheel downshifting too early. Instructor would tell me off "Gears are for going, brakes are for slowing!"

Not positioning yourself correctly. I.e. moving out to the left before turning right is a big no-no. Close the gap on any side you're turning into, don't leave space for cyclists to jump up inside and undertake you while you're about to turn, could turn out nasty.

Thats what instructors and examiners look out for though. When taking my tests I cleaned up all of my habits, but only for the purpose of passing the test with as few minors as possible. When riding my own bike immediately after the tests, the only important stuff I retained from training was my observations, indicators, positioning, and forward planning.

As for operating the controls you can do it however the fuck you want. 1 finger vs 4 fingers? Don't cover the rear brake when U-Turning? Nitpicking imo, do whatever works best for you that makes you more in control. Do it how they want for the test, do it how you want after.

[mase101]

I think number 5 on mentalboy's list is the worst habit you can get into
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

[mase101]

I think number 5 on mentalboy's list is the worst habit you can get into
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

[notbike]

[MC]

Punching cab drivers.

Ok ok, being serious now...






punching bus drivers.
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[RhynoCZ]

''GP like'' riding style.

1, Hanging off the bike, like a monkey on the tyre in a zoo, everywhere. Even though, the corner is not that sharp and they are going terribly slow.
2, Misunderstanding the throttle blip on down shift. People tend to rev the engine, and then slowly release the clutch lever, so in the end it's like they have never blipped it and not only it looks stupid, it also sounds stupid.
3, ''Drag race'' on every single traffic light.
4, Telling random people abou how you did all that a minute ago and that you would like to ride with them, but...
5, ...then you're telling them that, you have to go now because your tyres don't have grip today and you have to go home.
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[mase101]

Nodding at a scooter is pretty shocking. I have a little chuckle to myself when they nod at me but I don't have the heart not to nod back, same with 125's.
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DAS done in April 2014. R6

[markk21]

Thanks for the help guys. Really helpful stuff.

I think one of my bad habits that I already have is going too close to vehicles when pulling up to lights, roundabouts at times. Another potential bad habit is - when I'm behind a truck, van, bus; if it's safe I move from the centre of the lane to the right so the guy in front can see me in his mirror. Should I do this or should I just stay back as their probably not using them anyway?

Thanks

[markk21]

I've been amazed what pricks cruiser riders are! I've got a nod from 1 in 100. I don't nod at mopeds as they seem to just ride stupidly (not all of them of course but most)

[mase101]

I would say that's a pretty good idea, keeping distance still also. But yeah, always a plus if they know you are there behind them to
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DAS done in April 2014. R6