Tips

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Karma :

Right as some of you maybe aware i've just passed my test. I just wondering if some of you more experienced bikers could leave a list of good/helpful tips & warnings to help us newbies out?

I'll start with...

If there's a big pile of s**t in the road, there's going to be a very big animal around the corner.

Ian (GPX) · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Karma :

Best advice I can give you is go get a book called 'Motorcycle Riding the Essential Skills' (published by the DSA and costs £9.99), read it.

As for other things you've asked for, it's just a matter of common sense, think before you act, plan ahead.

Don't
ride the bike if you have taken any pills (medication or other).
ride the bike if you have had a drink (beer, wine, sprits etc).
ride too close to the vehicle in front (2 second rule in the dry).
ride the bike after having a row with the wife or any other person, anger taken out on the bike leads to ..... well..... think on it. ride the bike with the visor up, flies and other objects really do hurt when they get in your eyes.
ogle that bikini clad girl while mobile, distractions cause accidents.
show off.

Do
eat some food before you go out, your brain needs food to think.
pay attention to the traffic ahead (as far as you can see).
travel at the correct speed for the road (observe speed limits).
think before you make a move (left or right).
throw in them lifesavers, you'll need them.
take your time, it's not a race track out there, better to be late than dead.
think of other road users, curtesy goes a long way.

Others may throw in something I've missed, but I think the above covers most of it.

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Important advise, if you see a nice bike/car/girl glance at them, dont stare! its soooo easy to get yourself in trouble by not looking where your going. sounds obvious, but its very easily done.

daveiw · Nova Slayer Joined: 12 May 2004 Karma :

well done mate, good feeling eh? Thumbs Up

Roo · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Oct 2003 Karma :

In the words of the late Ronnie Smith,
Never confuse your intensions with your capabilites.
best advise their is I reckon.
____________________
Poking death in the eye with a pointy stick then running away