Riding skills and positioning

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the main motorcycle controls and what each one does.
• You can use the clutch friction zone to move off and ride slowly.
• You can choose a lane position that makes you visible and keeps space around you.
• You can look through a corner and use countersteering to lean the bike.
• You can stop quickly and in a straight line using both brakes.

What you need to know and understand

• On most motorcycles the right hand works the throttle and front brake, the left hand the clutch, the left foot the gears and the right foot the rear brake.
• The front brake gives most of the stopping power, but both brakes should be used together.
• Above walking pace, pressing the right handgrip forward makes the bike lean and turn right; this is called countersteering.
• The bike tends to go where you look, so look through a turn to where you want to go.
• A lane can be thought of as three parts: left, centre and right. Riders pick the part that gives the best view and visibility.
• The centre of a lane often has oil drips, which can be slippery when wet.
• Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane; drivers should not share it with you.

Getting comfortable with the controls

Smooth control comes from small, gentle inputs. The friction zone is the part of the clutch lever travel where the engine starts to drive the wheel. Using it, with a little throttle and light rear brake, gives you control at walking speeds in parking lots and traffic.

1. Sit with knees gripping the tank and arms relaxed.
2. Pull in the clutch, select first gear and check mirrors and over your shoulder.
3. Add a little throttle and ease the clutch to the friction zone.
4. As the bike moves, lift your feet and keep easing the clutch out.
5. Look ahead, not down at the front wheel.

Picking your spot in the lane

There is no single correct position. Move within your lane to see and be seen, and to keep space from hazards. Many riders use the left part of the lane by default in Canada because it makes them visible in the mirrors of the vehicle ahead and to oncoming drivers. Move away from parked cars, merging traffic and debris. When riding in a group, a staggered formation gives each rider space.

Cornering and braking

• Slow down before the corner while upright, not in the middle of it.
• Look through the turn to the exit.
• Press the handgrip on the side you want to turn to lean the bike.
• Roll on gentle throttle through the turn to keep the bike stable.
• To stop quickly, squeeze the front brake progressively and press the rear brake at the same time, keeping the bike upright and looking ahead.
• If your bike has ABS, brake firmly and let the system prevent wheel lock.

Common mistakes

• Grabbing the front brake suddenly, which can lock the wheel. Squeeze progressively.
• Braking hard while leaned over in a corner. Do most braking before you turn.
• Staring at a pothole or the curb, which steers you towards it.
• Riding in a driver's blind spot for long periods. Move to where you can be seen.
• Using only the rear brake out of fear of the front, which doubles stopping distance.

Test yourself: Riding skills and positioning

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.