-
Ridng a motorcycle is not very dangerous. Learning to ride a motorcycle is incredibly fucking dangerous, and requires two to five years of regular motorcycling to achieve. Physical skills aren’t enough, mental skills aren’t enough; it’s about getting both of them hardwired so deep that they continue to operate even when you’re tired and stupid.
-
If, at any time, your survival is dependent upon another driver doing the right thing, you’ve already fucked up.
-
The tyres make the bike. Don’t skimp on rubber. Worn-out suspension is also worth spending dollars correcting.
-
Where you look is where you go. Keep your eyes on the safe place, not on the threat. Learn to use your peripheral vision.
-
When in doubt, throw it in and try to stay chilled. So long as you keep your body relaxed and your eyes on the exit, the bike will balance itself through most situations and whip through most corners. Crashes usually happen after the rider panics, not before; nerves fail before traction.
-
Save the dream bike for your second ride. Not only are you very likely to have at least a walking-pace whoopsie on your first one, by the time you’ve been riding for a while your idea of the perfect bike will change substantially.
(twenty years on two wheels, no broken bones, no spilt blood)
