When first learning to ride a motorcycle most of us begin with plenty of slow-speed practice, including U-turns. It’s a matter of basic bike control. All too often these key foundation skills are underdeveloped or become rusty. It’s not sexy to ride slowly…or is it? (There are plenty of people whose first-time-on-a-bike antics allow them to forever live in shame on YouTube.)
Slow speed riding comprises a specific set of skills requiring plenty of practice. We should always be able to ride at slow speeds with confidence, especially in urban areas, in order to:
Slow speed riding comprises a specific set of skills requiring plenty of practice. We should always be able to ride at slow speeds with confidence, especially in urban areas, in order to:
- travel slowly with prevailing traffic
- make tight turns in narrow streets
- make U-turns
- manoeuvre in confined spaces, such as garages and parking areas
- filter – move safely between lanes of stationary traffic (when legal)
Keys to confident slow-speed riding include: Observation – in particular, road surface and camber; Balance – keeping in mind your bike’s load; and, as ever,
Looking where you want to go.
Specific machine control skills include:
One of the best ways to look like a numpty on our bike is to display incompetency at low speeds. Dropping both legs like outriggers often indicates that a rider is not in complete control. As with any other riding skill honest self-assessment is the key to moving forward, and regular practice is essential.
Which aspects of low-speed manoeuvring do you find more difficult? Find a safe environment and take opportunities to practise any manoeuvres at which you feel less confident. Consider visiting a local learn-to-ride school to observe how these skills are taught or, speak a properly qualified trainer.
Confidence and competence at low-speeds manifests itself at all speeds. Be your inner tortoise, before unleashing your outer hare.
Specific machine control skills include:
- using the brakes with a bias to the rear. The rear brake is your best friend in slow-speed manoeuvres
- slipping or ‘feathering’ the clutch at times to keep revs up and prevent the engine from stalling
- staying relaxed. Tension reduces your ability to steer or lean, at any speed. Breathe
One of the best ways to look like a numpty on our bike is to display incompetency at low speeds. Dropping both legs like outriggers often indicates that a rider is not in complete control. As with any other riding skill honest self-assessment is the key to moving forward, and regular practice is essential.
Which aspects of low-speed manoeuvring do you find more difficult? Find a safe environment and take opportunities to practise any manoeuvres at which you feel less confident. Consider visiting a local learn-to-ride school to observe how these skills are taught or, speak a properly qualified trainer.
Confidence and competence at low-speeds manifests itself at all speeds. Be your inner tortoise, before unleashing your outer hare.
