Motorcycling the Right Way
Project Team
Editor: Heather Russell-Revesz
Copy Editor: Joann Woy
Design: Mary Ann Kahn
i-5 PUBLISHING, LLCTM
Chairman: David Fry
Chief Financial Officer: David Katzoff
Chief Digital Officer: Jennifer Black-Glover
Chief Marketing Officer: Beth Freeman Reynolds
Marketing Director: Will Holburn
General Manager, i-5 Press: Christopher Reggio
Art Director, i-5 Press: Mary Ann Kahn
Senior Editor, i-5 Press: Amy Deputato
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Copyright © 2015 by Ken Condon
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of i-5 PressTM, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Condon, Ken.
Motorcycling the right way : do this, not that : lessons from behind the
handlebars / Ken Condon.
pages cm
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-62008-169-3
1. Motorcycling. 2. Traffic safety. I. Title.
TL440.5.C66 2015
628.28’475--dc23
2015015221
This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62008-188-4
i-5 Publishing, LLC™
Introduction
What Is “Motorcycling the Right Way”?
There is no single “right” way to ride a motorcycle, but there sure are a lot of “wrong” ways to ride a motorcycle.
The title of this book, Motorcycling the Right Way, may imply that there is only one right way to ride a motorcycle, but that’s not the case. There are many valid methods and philosophies about how to ride a motorcycle.
Riding the right way means using known and proven principles for effectively controlling your motorcycle and managing risk. Riding a motorcycle the right way involves more than simply acquiring a collection of information and skills. It takes a commitment to developing and nurturing the relationship between you, your bike, and the road. And, just like any worthwhile relationship, it takes effort to keep it vital, healthy, and fun. Think of me as your relationship counselor, here to help make that process easier. The rewards are safety, confidence, and enjoyment.
This book is full of information to help you learn to be a better and safer motorcycle rider. You’ll find practical tips and techniques, as well as cautionary tales that illustrate ways to minimize the risk of riding. This book addresses all the facets of motorcycle riding … both the pleasant and the ugly, starting with the often-ignored topic of rider attitude and the sobering subject of risk. Are you motivated to take this ride? If so, let’s top off our tanks and get rolling.
Who Am I?
It’s smart to know who you are about to share a ride with, so let me introduce myself. My name is Ken Condon, and I’m a motorcycling junkie. For more than 40 years, I have been a commuter, tourer, off-road rider, track day instructor, road racer, drag racer, and plain old street rider who enjoys riding with friends and family.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but I started riding as a way to enhance my adolescent manhood at a time when my skinny physique and sensitive demeanor did not exactly make me a chick magnet. It didn’t take long to realize that riding a motorcycle wasn’t going to make me any more interesting to girls. But, by then, the riding bug had bitten hard and there was no turning back.
As parents are known to say: “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” Well, I learned that truth after a couple of mishaps in high school brought the reality of the risks into plain view and threatened to spoil the fun. However, I was not to be deterred. I didn’t like feeling vulnerable, so I started improving my riding skill and learning strategies for survival to reduce anxiety and prevent any future pain and repair expense.
This began my long journey toward being the best rider I can be. In addition to my 40 years on two wheels, I also have 20 years of experience as a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor/coach, 15 years as a track day instructor, and 3 years as owner of “Riding in the Zone Motorcyclist Training,” where I offer real-world, on-street, and on-racetrack rider coaching. I am also author of the book Riding in the Zone: Advanced Techniques for Skillful Motorcycling and have written more than 250 skills and safety articles for Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN). I am currently the author of the “Street Savvy” column for Motorcyclist Magazine and creator of the “Riding in the Zone” blog. I told you I’m a motorcycling junkie.
I’ve spent 15 years as a track day instructor.
Chapter 1
What Kind of Rider Are You?
While I may not know you personally, the fact that you ride a motorcycle means that you have a higher level of risk tolerance than the general public. And, if you’re like most people, your loved ones may not be thrilled with your decision to ride a bike. You have to admit that riding a motorcycle is a little crazy. You obviously feel that the reward is worth the risk and that the risk is manageable, otherwise you wouldn’t do it, right?
One
