Image via Wikipedia

By Charles Bloom

The racetrack isn't the place to learn to stop. Track days are expensive, time-consuming events that happen only a few times a year but you can ride around an empty or abandoned parking lot for free nearly any day of the year. Save yourself time and money by practicing your braking and steering inputs in a parking lot so you can spend your track time working on high-speed maneuvering. All you will need is an empty parking lot that is free from gravel and oil, a measuring tape, an hour of your time and some cones or chalk or some other way of marking the ground.

Measure out 10-feet and mark both ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. Measure another 10-foot line that touches the edge of the previous circle and mark the ends of the line with a cone or chalk and draw a circle around the line. You should have two 10-foot circles side by side. Begin riding around the first circle at 15 mph. You should be looking at the other end of the circle as you spin around the circle. Try increasing your speed slightly. Does the bike feel more or less stable at higher speeds? Change your body position so that the bike is leaned over but you are sitting upright with your weight resting on the outside foot peg. Does the bike feel more or less stable the farther the bike is pitched over and the more upright you sit?

Move on to trying a figure 8 by riding clockwise around one circle and counter-clockwise around the other circle. This will help you ride with your feet light on your toes to aid how well you transition from one side to the other. Now we move on to practicing braking. Draw a chalk line and mark a line off every six inches behind that line for 4 feet. Ride at 25 mph with our heads looking up at the horizon and our peripheral vision searching for the line.

As we approach the line we apply the front and rear brakes and stop in as little time as possible. Did you keep your head up, staring at the horizon the whole time? If not repeat the process until you feel comfortable looking off at the horizon even as the bike dips forward under heavy braking. Notice how and where your tire finally came to a stop. Repeat this drill until your can reduce the amount of space it takes you to go from 25 mph to a controlled stop. Try applying more or less front and rear brakes until you feel the tires start to go into a slide. This is the upper threshold of your braking and a parking lot, not racetrack, is the best place to learn to stop better.

Charles bloom

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Bloom
http://EzineArticles.com/?Perfecting-Motorcycle-Riding&id=6284016

Image via Wikipedia

By Norman K Clay

Driving a motorcycle can put you at a greater risk of having accidents. There are also specific regulations regarding motorcycles that may vary from state to state. It is important that you make sure to find insurance that can protect you and your motorcycle in accordance to your wants and needs.

Don't just take the first policy you see

When signing up for motorcycle insurance, you don't even have to leave your home. Since the world is becoming more technologically inclined, you have the option of shopping online and getting quotes that you can compare in the privacy of your home. Make sure that you review multiple quotes before choosing one, because there is always a chance of a deal lurking out there that suit your requirements better. Be cautious when finding quotes online, because it may still be in your best interest to call an insurance agent. If you don't call and dig, then you may not get the discounted prices and lower rates that you could be entitled to.

Factors that play a role in your premium cost

It is also important that you are aware of the set rate for the prices that you will pay. So, you have options when it comes to choosing the "correct plan." There are a variety of factors that affect the premium cost; including but not limited to: your place of residence, your age, the type of motorcycle that you have, and your driving history. Motorcyclists will be given the option of choosing a comprehensive plan, or just simple liability. Some things to consider that could affect the type of plan you will need are: how often you ride, your riding habits, and whether or not you have passengers. Another important thing to remember is that people who have recently taken a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or course in military safety; or group members of Harley Owners Group, or AMA may be eligible for lower rates.

Be aware of local regulations on motorcycle insurance

Before you commit to buying motorcycle insurance, you may want to check local laws to find out the coverage plans offered. It is no secret that auto insurance is very important to have. Not only is it important because of safety; but it is required by law. But, when you have a motorcycle, and you have to get a specific type of insurance; it is important to research and learn the various factors that can affect the price and effectiveness of the insurance.

Let us take the hassle out of shopping for Motorcycle insurance! Visit http://www.insurancenavy.com/ today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norman_K_Clay
http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorcycle-Insurance&id=6024794