I see gravel and paint lines listed, but i dont think anyone mentioned the tar strips that are all over many asphalt roads. They can be slick as glass in many different weather conditions, and are all over the place, at least here in MI. This includes when hot, as they get VERY soft and oily.
Now, Im a noob, but I was taught not to cover the brake or clutch unless you are using them. Keeping a firm but not white knuckle grip can help prevent/control steering oscillations, and gives you more control of the throttle and steering. Also, use all four fingers for the clutch and brake for maximum control. The reaction time of the the brake hand is very quick once the reflex is developed. Also, keep your knees held into the tank, especially during low speed maneuvers to keep your torso linked to the bike. (there are exceptions to this) This greatly improves stability and control of the bike and makes slow riding much easier.
This is obvious, but always make sure your bike is vertical before sudden braking. If your in a corner, right the bike quickly then stop. If you lock your rear brake or your rear tire brakes loose, KEEP IT LOCKED. If you dont, you may highside. (pain). It is far better to lowside than to risk a highside. Usually you can countersteer enough to avoid dropping the bike as you ride your locked rear tire to a COMPLETE stop. Yep, keep it locked to a complete stop. Thats what they taught us. Spent a lot of time in training class learning this. Almost highsided in training going just a few miles an hour on LOOSE GRAVEL by not coming to a complete stop (scared the pants off the instructors
). On pavement, I would have been in the hospital.
Leave a bike-length in front of you when you stop so you have space to react to the make-up-applying cell phone user/cage driver behind you. Downshift into first before coming to a stop and leave the bike IN GEAR. Keep your right foot on the rear brake and left foot down when stopped. This all is unnecessary if you dont follow the above tips to watch the CDs behind you to see if they are going to mow you down.
Slip the clutch with a little throttle and use ONLY your rear brake to modulate your speed when riding at low speeds and doing tight maneuvering.
As mentioned, know and practice the braking limits of your bike. It will probably save your life.
Also, taking a racing line in corners on the street can be very dangerous. Its a good way to lose your head on a left-hand turn. Unless you insist on pushing every limit on your bike, it is generally best to maintain your lane position in a curve.
As previously mentioned, but cannot be mentioned enough, TAKE A GOOD CLASS. All the information above is from the experience of my instructors who were all expert riders (not my own), and from many studies that the program was developed on. I dont believe the basic MSF class is enough. I took a police motorcycle training class for civilians offered by michigan state university. It is excellent. You may want to rent the police harleys that they offer if any happen to want to take the class, cuz you will drop your bike in this class. I would probably still be sucking on a yukon bumper if I hadnt learned proper evasion and braking techniques from a class like this.
Now, being a noob, im sure Ill be torn apart for half the stuff I said, but keep in mind, I didnt say it, my instructors did (with the exception of the tar strips). Just passing it on.
