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by
Nick Nichols
Motorcycling
is fun, and it's a sport many of us enjoy daily, not only once a
week or just during major hiking events. I almost live on the road,
so I'd like to give a few pointers on how to get along with the
nonriding populace. First: Be a bit defensive, be a lot courteous,
watch that road surface, and most of all, concentrate.
KEEP THAT HARLEY IN GOOD CONDITION
Check tire pressures weekly. If they're low, the sides will wear
away, and too much air will wear the center and reduce traction
and stability.
ADJUST THE BRAKES AS SOON AS THEY NEED IT
Check the horn and the lights every day. Be alert, and be prepared
to stop at every intersection. Drive at a speed you can handle safely
– not everyone can drive fast. Reduce your speed during mist
or rain and on slippery surfaces such as loose gravel, and watch
for oil spots on dry surfaces.
PRACTICE AND DEVELOP THE SKILL OF USING BOTH BRAKES
Your front brake is safe and effective if used properly - it provides
approximately 70 percent of your braking power. Just apply it gently
on slippery surfaces; use the front brake before you get
into a curve, and leave the trick braking to road racer Jamie James.
WATCH OUT FOR THOSE RAILROAD TRACKS, AND CROSS THEM AT A WIDE ANGLE
Look before you leap, and give hand signals every time you can –
a movement catches the motorist's eye more than your turn signal.
Make sure both rearview mirrors are properly adjusted and that you
can see everything behind you.
DON'T TAILGATE
My rule is to allow at least 50 feet of distance at 20 mph, 100
feet at 30 mph, and 300 feet at 50 mph. You might fare a lot better,
but I'm older than 80% of you who are reading this, I'm around to
write about it, and we all have friends who aren't.
DON'T BE A CONSTANT LANE-CHANGER; IT UPSETS THE CAR FOLKS
Don't pass on hills, curves, or intersections. Stay back if in doubt.
Keep those lights in order, adjust your headlight regularly, and
dim them for oncoming traffic.
KEEP THOSE FEET UP AND WEAR FOOT PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES
A good set of boots can save those toes, ankles, and small bones
in your feet. Don't wear flip-flops or zoris – they aren't
the best protection, even though you see a lot of motorcyclists
wearing them today.
ACT RESPONSIBLY
One irresponsible rider gets the whole sport in trouble. Most automobile
drivers don't understand the laws of physics, and a bike looks dangerous
to them. Don't cut in too closely; the auto driver doesn't understand
how much visibility you have, nor how maneuverable your Harley is.
One last observation: If your Harley is dirty and unkempt, with
junk hanging all over it, it immediately reinforces the general
public's negative attitude toward bikers. And we don't need that,
do we?
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