S.E.E. - Search, Evaluate, Execute. The better
you learn this approach and the more you use it, the more it will become second
nature.
And the better chance you have of avoiding an unhappy outcome in a tricky
situation.
MAKING PEACE WITH UNFRIENDLY ROADS
On a motorcycle, the road can be your best friend - or
your worst enemy. When the condition of the road is less than perfect, it
pays to know how
to minimize your riding risk by correctly evaluating the situation,
and executing the proper response.
| EVALUATION | EXECUTION |
| GRAVEL ROADS Gravel roads reduce traction and give your motorcycle "loose" feel
|
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not designed for "off-road" travel, but by adjusting your riding style, occasional stretches of gravel can be navigated safely. To make the most of available traction, slow down, steer as smoothly as possible, and maintain a steady speed. |
| RAIN GROOVES Common on roads in some areas, rain grooves don't reduce your traction, but they will give your riding a "loose" feel. |
Though no riding adjustment is technically required, if rain grooves affect your confidence level, consider reducing your speed until you feel comfortable. |
| BRIDGE GRATINGS Bridge surfaces made of metal gratings combine the loose feel of rain grooves with reduced traction, especially when wet. |
To navigate them safety, slow down before you reach them, steer smoothly, and maintain a steady speed. |
| BUMPS AND CRACKS Bumps and cracks in the road may or may not cause you problems, depending on how large they are. |
Small bumps and cracks can simply be ridden over. If they are large enough, however, they may jar your motorcycle off its path. Cross them at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible; maintain a constant speed, and, if necessary, rise off the seat and keep your knees bent as you go over them so your legs will absorb some of the impact. |
| CROWNED ROADS Roads that are crowned (higher in the middle than the sides to facilitate water runoff) will limit your lean angle in left turns (right turns in countries where you ride on the left side of the road) by reducing cornering clearance. |
To safely negotiate curves on crowned roads, reduce your speed as necessary to maintain adequate clearance and traction. |
| ICY OR EXTREMELY
SLICK SURFACES These surface significantly reduce the amount of traction your tires provide. |
Whatever you do, resist the temptation to brake as you pass through these surfaces. Instead, squeeze the clutch and take care not to turn as you coast straight through. |
| RAIN The largest of water spills. Reduces traction, especially during the first minutes of rain, before dirt and oil are washed away. |
Treat riding in the rain the same way you would riding on other slick surfaces. Reduce your speed, steer smoothly, and maintain a steady speed. |
| SPILLS Spills of sand, gravel, fuel, or coolant on the pavement will create slick spots that may surprise you. |
Use S.E.E. to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, ride through at a constant speed. Make any changes in speed and direction before you reach the slippery patch. |
From November/December 2004 HOG TALES
Riding tips courtesy of MSF and Rider's Edge.