BASICS
Most of the technique of motorcycle riding is knowing where to be on the road in a given situation, controlling your speed and good vision front and rear, this you would have learned on your CBT, although the text books talk about the desirability of 'keeping left', in practice the situations when it is essential to do so are relatively rare except for turning left. Most riders prefer to keep just left of the lane centre in straight-line conditions, both to avoid the oil band and to maximize visibility and conspicuity - effectively this position makes you more visible and increases your visability. The motorcyclist has the advantage that he or she has greater freedom of position and can occupy both the extreme left or right if needed.
Remember to look in your mirror's (if fitted), every 10-15 seconds, look over your shoulder before you make a manoeuvre, these are called "Life Savers", and are so named because riders who don't use them are often involved in avoidable accidents. Left shoulder if moving left and Right shoulder if moving right or pulling away in normal road conditions. After completing a movement check your mirrors Right, Left, Right making sure you know whats behind you at all times.
Turning:
OSM/PSL: Observation Signal Manoeuvre Position Speed Look
Assess the junction as you approach
General riding:
When more than one bike travel together, on straight sections the best compromise is to stagger the bikes. One bike sits just left of centre (normal road position) and the other just to the right of centre, this minimizes road occupancy and maximizes each rider's view of conditions ahead. Remembering to keep your distance, (only a fool breaks the two second rule) do not stagger on bends.
When passing a line of stationary vehicles, and/or pedestrians, the aim is to give them maximum clearance. This means slowing down and moving even closer towards the centerline, assuming oncoming traffic permits it. If it doesn't, compromise on position and reduce speed further to accommodate road conditions.
Similarly, give other vehicles in the same situation on your right side maximum room by moving to the left if necessary and safe todo so.
Looking ahead, try to look as far as possible in your line of travel, working your eyes back to the front of your bike, this will help you assess the road ahead, avoiding dangers like parked vehicles, pedestrians, junctions, crossings and enable you to plan ahead as you progress, allow for any obstacles and counter dangers before they happen.
Watch out for changes in road surfaces, drain covers, oil, unfinished road works, these all conspire if not seen to cause you problems.
Ride Safe, Be Seen and Look ahead!
Don't get excited, Take your time.
Accidents are caused by drivers and riders who don't observe other traffic, the road and its condition, or drive and ride to their machines capabilities and not their own more limited ones. Think ahead and plan your ride as you go, constantly accessing and observing, making adjustments to position and speed. Remember just because the speed limit is 70 MPH you don't have ride at that speed, ride safe and be safe.
