Advanced Riding Techniques for Experienced Bikers: A Guide to Enhancing Your Skills

The practice of riding a motorcycle is an engaging activity that requires a lot of skills and concentration. Although the basics of riding are known by all bikers, there are advanced riding techniques that can separate a good rider from a very good rider. Let’s review these methods and key tips to strengthen your skills on two wheels.

Mastering Turns: Fundamentals for Experienced Riders

A large share of motorcycle accidents occur in turns. Therefore, it is crucial to master this technique to ensure your safety and that of other road users. Below, we present three keys to improve your riding in turns:

1. Speed Regulation: It is essential to manage your speed when preparing for a turn, allowing you to navigate it smoothly and without risk. Remember that it is better to enter a turn slowly and accelerate gradually through the curve, rather than the opposite.
2. Ideal Trajectory: To benefit from better visibility and increase your margin of maneuver, consider optimizing your trajectory. You can adopt the "outside-inside-outside" technique, which involves positioning yourself on the outside of the turn before gradually moving closer and then returning to the outside at the end of the curve.
3. Look: Always direct your gaze towards the exit of the turn, so as to anticipate potential obstacles. It is important to keep an eye on the surface to detect any irregularities that could disrupt your trajectory.

Better Understanding Braking

Another essential skill to master for experienced riders is braking. Finding the right moment to apply the proper pressure on each lever or pedal is crucial to avoid any imbalance of your motorcycle:

• Know How to Modulate the Brakes: While riding, it is recommended to use both brakes simultaneously (front and rear) for a better distribution of forces. The modulation should be adjusted according to the state of the ground and the speed of the motorcycle, remembering to gradually release the pressure upon entering a turn to avoid locking the wheels.
• Anticipation in Deceleration: In anticipation of a complete stop, apply gradual braking by combining the front and rear brakes, thus allowing for a smooth slowdown and consistent deceleration. This will also facilitate the resumption of acceleration and stability of your motorcycle, especially after a turn.

Position Management: A Posture for Every Situation

Experienced riders know how important it is to adopt a good posture depending on the situations encountered. It’s not just about ensuring comfort on the motorcycle, but also about avoiding riding errors:

• Hips Close to the Tank: During acceleration phases and on straight roads, keep your knees tight around the tank and your back slightly leaned forward. This allows for better weight distribution on the motorcycle and greater stability.
• Countersteering: In turns, you can apply the countersteering technique to facilitate the leaning of your machine. The principle is to exert slight pressure on the handlebars on the side opposite the turn while ensuring that your arms and shoulders remain relaxed.
• Smooth Movements: In all circumstances, ensure that you maintain natural and progressive movements, both for directional changes and for operating the controls. This fluidity ensures a harmonious rhythm and decreases the risk of riding errors.

Riding Safely on a Circuit or Winding Roads

Beyond the previous techniques, practicing riding on a circuit or winding roads can help you develop your motorcycle skills. These different terrains indeed offer opportunities to improve your mastering of turns, manage acceleration, and regularly practice precision braking.

In summary, perfecting your skills as an experienced rider involves exploring these various advanced riding techniques, such as tips for mastering turns, developing good posture based on situations, or learning to anticipate obstacles to maximize your safety on two wheels. It is therefore essential to train regularly and identify the areas to work on in order to progress and become a complete and safe rider.