Columns

How to Avoid Crashing in Corners

By Steve Smith In a very simplistic view of the types of motorcycle crashes, it can be said they fall into two types: Motorcycle only and those with other vehicles. It’s important to note that there is rarely a single cause of motorcycle crashes. Most times a combination of

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Fighting Gravity

By Steve Smith of RIDE-CT.com Ever drop a motorcycle? Drops are a not to be confused with a crash. What I’m talking about is a mishap that occurs from a standstill or while riding slowly. Gravity takes over and leads to an “Oh, Shit!” moment.  If this has happened to you, …

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There’s Always Time to Learn

By Steve Smith Many riders have never had any formal riding training. Years ago, there was no rider training, so they learned to ride at the school of hard knocks. Maybe a parent or spouse provided some basic instructions to get rolling. Some, like me, started out on dirt bikes …

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CBX Shook Up Honda’s Sagging Image

By Bud Wilkinson The brand and style of motorcycle that someone rides often makes a statement about that rider, projecting a real or desired self-image. The same can be said about companies and the models that the many manufacturers produce. In a 2009 article, “Motorcyclist” magazine recalled the late 1970s …

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Group Ride Etiquette

By Steve Smith Motorcycling is mostly an activity between rider and machine, but it is enjoyable to ride with a group of like-minded individuals. Whether on tour or just out for a day ride, the camaraderie and the discussing of

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Zero Makes A Case For Riding Electric

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com It wasn’t until after a recent phone conversation with Mike Cunningham ended that the most obvious question popped to mind. Cunningham is Director of U.S. Sales and Dealer Development for Zero Motorcycles and the question – OK, two related questions – that I’d failed to …

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Cornering Requires Technique

By Steve Smith The inspiration for this column came when I observed a student rider in a CONREP class make an error during a cornering exercise that caused a close encounter of the asphalt kind. The student was wearing protective gear and was fine. After righting the motorcycle, coaching was …

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The Case for “ATG-ATT”

By Steve Smith RIDE-CT readers may be familiar with the acronym “ATG-ATT,” which stands for “All the gear, all the time.” Myself and fellow Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coaches extol the virtues of using proper riding gear as it is essential to safe riding. Wearing the right clothing can make

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Garelli Comes And Goes Quickly

By Bud Wilkinson Before March 8, I’d neither heard of a Garelli nor envisioned myself emulating the guys on the “American Pickers” television show. I didn’t know that the Italian brand of motorcycles and mopeds was founded by Adalberto Garelli in 1919. Italian motorcycles to me meant Ducati, Moto Guzzi, …

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Safe Riding: Looking But Not Seeing

By Steve Smith of RIDE-CT.com Most motorcycle safety professionals extol the value of visibility when riding a motorcycle. Our vision is probably the most important of our primary senses to help reduce the chance of a crash. The common phrase used is “See and be seen,” which reminds riders to …

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