Need advice on staying alive!

[Huambo81a]

Ok, sounds ominous i know lol

Basically, im a new rider and as we all know, new riders are amoungst the most dangerous (at least to themselves)

I found my skill at driving a car came quickly and easily to me, and i have had no accidents or bumps in the 7 years i have been driving. Now, riding a bike is a different thing altogether. I believe riding a bike requires respect for the machine, and a slow learning curve, its a gradual process and one which i am enjoying very much.

Thing is, all i am told by people, even bikers is pretty much this 'you are going to have an off, it is inevitable' . Why should this be the case? And if it is indeed going to happen, is there any tips that experieced riders can give to me and new bikers in the community to minimize the chances.

Tonight i learned a valuable lesson, i went at what i thought was a respectable speed (65) around a corner on cold tyres, whoops. . . I was ok of course, but the bike was definitely unsettled and it slowed me right down for the remainder of my journey. I know this seems obvious, but i didnt even think of this before tonight. Is there anything else i can add to my safety tips cause i really wanna live to be old enough to buy that Speed Triple i want
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Present: 2017 KTM Super Adventure S
Past: 97 Bandit 600 / 05 Bandit 1200 / 03 ZX6-R / 2006 Tuono R / 2001 VFR 800 / 2010 Street Triple R / 2013 Speed Triple S / 2017 S1000XR

[colin1]

my advice wd be to never drop your guard as the moment you do, you do something silly.

For me this was taking a corner at speed without noticing there was gravel on the road. This wdnt have been a big problem if i hadnt grabbed the front brake. The front wheel slid away but i wasnt going that fast, so just a bit of fairing damage and a broken footpeg and hanger and a graze on my hip.

the most dangerous manouever is overtaking and this is what kills bikers

watch out of the car drivers who will pull out in front of you and dont be afraid of using the horn if they havnt seen you.
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Vespa]

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[Flip]

[Huambo81a]

thanks for the replys! This is good advice, keep it coming


____________________
Present: 2017 KTM Super Adventure S
Past: 97 Bandit 600 / 05 Bandit 1200 / 03 ZX6-R / 2006 Tuono R / 2001 VFR 800 / 2010 Street Triple R / 2013 Speed Triple S / 2017 S1000XR

[Vespa]

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[Barney]

"Assume that everyone on the road is out to kill you. The only safe attitude to ride with is utter paranoia. Assume cars are parked round blind corners, assume everyone will pull out on you on roundabouts......Assume pedestrians are inherently suicidal. And most importantly, have fun."

Quote from Martin Fitz-Gibbons.

[Davo]

Try and get hold of the following books:

Motorcycle Roadcraft & Twist of the Wrist (2 I think). These are what the police use, and are very good reads.