Some people can never do two things at a time and still ride a motorcycle like a pro. Others can be great multitaskers but have difficulty handling a bike. Riding a motorcycle requires skill, physical strength and great presence of mind. But with a few tips and tricks, anyone can learn to ride smoothly and safely.
Tips and Tricks For a Smooth Ride
We have compiled a list of tips and tricks for all new bikers and even experienced motorcycle enthusiasts that can make your riding experience more enjoyable.
Always Have Two Fingers On The Clutch
While having four fingers on the clutch is fine, as when you are at a halt or your bike has a hard clutch pull, two fingers on the clutch rule let you easily modulate the clutch. It gives the biker greater control over the bike as both hands have a solid grasp. If you feel your clutch lever has become too hard to handle with two fingers, you must lubricate the cables. The rider’s wrists and forearms may tire and ache during long rides. The two fingers on the clutch rules build grip strength and will be enough for a street ride.
Adjust the Clutch Friction Zone
The friction zone is the area where the clutch transmits some power from the engine to the rear wheel. You can adjust the clutch friction zone at the cable or by the dial on the perch. Every motorcycle can be adjusted as per the rider’s preferences. A knob or screw is provided to adjust the lever for motorcycles with hydraulic clutches. However, there is no wrong or right friction zone area, and each rider must adjust according to their preference. Most riders prefer to engage the clutch as soon as they release the lever as it leaves no lapse between the motor and transmission. The technique comes in useful during slow-speed conditions.
Practice Turning In Circles
While it is a very basic tip, it is nevertheless helpful. Most bikers find turning left easier than turning right. The dominant hand can play a role in it being so, but the other reason for easier lefts could be that the rear brake’s lever is on the right side. Therefore, putting a foot down while turning right makes it more difficult. So, if you practise turning left and right in circles, you can improve your balance, slow speed, and manoeuvring too. Choose a place like an empty parking lot and let the paint lines act as a guide. Start practising by going counterclockwise and keep making your circles tighter. Next, try doing the same clockwise direction. While it may seem difficult initially, the more you practise, the easier it becomes. Once done, you can try making an eight with your bike too!
Practise Hard Braking
Once again, you need an open space, such as a parking lot with little traffic. What you are trying to figure out is how fast your bike can come to a stop. Do not slam the brakes. Instead, try coming to a stop by squeezing the brake gently and increasing the pressure as needed. Try this by accelerating to various speeds and seeing how much time and distance it takes for your bike to come to a stop. Practising this tip will help you learn to balance your bike while stopping at different speeds. It teaches how to modulate for optimal braking and also understand the brake limits of your bike.
Proper Positioning
Good positioning is important. A biker must always ride on the balls of their feet as it helps in better controlling the bike. Pressing down on the foot pegs of the bike helps in steering, balancing and keeping the bike stable. Doing so also adds more suspension.
Another tip a biker can consider is sitting as close to the gas tank as possible. However, this tip applies more to standard bikes and less to cruisers such as a BMW R18 classic. Scooting close to the tank helps balance the bike as it keeps the weight centralised and distributed. Therefore, you can handle the bike easily while applying brakes and taking turns.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a motorcycling experience should be fun and strengthen the bond between the machine and the rider. But to do so, the riders need to understand that every bike is different. A standard bike is not the same as a BMW R18. You can get to know your bike better with the above tips and tricks.
