Question Im just beggining to drive(Motorcycle), what i need to know is some guides, driving techniques, & some tips to be safe.
In my situation, im driving an automatic motorcycle, i live in a province in Philippines(Asia) were the rules aren't strict so people there dont bother breaking the rules & thats the part im afraid of, I might meet an accident, theres no traffic light/enforcer here since its less crowded than the city. Please help me learn to drive.
AnswerThis is a bigger deal than I can possibly answer here. I will try some general advice.
Try to find a motorcycle riding instruction course. Here in the continental US, these are quite often at Jr. Colleges or state universities. Sometimes the state will sponsor them. Try contacting local universities/colleges and ask. Also contact your local police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
I just bought another motorcycle after almost 20 years of not riding. I am taking my time and trying to get practice on roads I know and in light or no traffic.
Take short trips near your home if allowed (it seems funny that in the US you need a motorcycle license to ride, but there are few places to do that without breaking the law, which is why the colleges offer their courses, they quite often let you use their motorcycles).
I recommend you buy a couple of books about motorcycle riding.
Here is something on-line I found about scooters, but the same principals apply to small motorcycles, especially the automatic ones:
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf
Some of the best advice I have been given about riding (and it works for cars too) is to always assume that the car you see coming from any direction does NOT see you! OR does not think you are coming as fast as you are. The reason is motorists that have never ridden a motorcycle (and some that have!) see a motorcycle or scooter as a bicycle, and assume it is travelling very slow. Or they don't see you at all and pull out right in front of you.
So approach any intersection or vehicle with extreme caution.
Also, I love the advice that the minute you feel that you have your motorcycle all figured out, you should get off and get a little bit afraid of it again! Why? Because over confidence is the death of many riders. Always have respect and yes, just a little fear of your motorcycle. It will help keep your senses alert. I don't mean to be fearful to the point of not having fun, or never even coming close to relaxing, but just keep a healthy respect for your machine and how quick things can go wrong if you don't pay attention.
Don't ride tired and of course NEVER if you have been drinking alcohol. (same goes of course for any drugs, even prescription that can cause drowsiness).
Get to know your motorcycle. If you don't have an owners manual and service manual, get them and READ them. Know what everything does and get to know the controls and also the service requirements.
Check the tires, wheels, fluids etc EVERY time you get ready to get on. Look it over like a pilot does an airplane. If something goes wrong in a car, you have a lot more leeway for error. Not so on a motorcycle.
Join a local club. One that respects the rules of the road and the law. STay away from so-called "outlaw" biker clubs.
A quick google search brought me to this site, it sounds like a good one, but do your own research, it has lots of member clubs listed. Finding one in your area would be a benefit. Talk to some of the people and see if you fit in. If not, find another!
http://mcpfederation.com/
Good luck and good riding.
Don
