164 Search Results for "feet"
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More Humour from Samantha
- From: australian6
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Description:
When I was 14, I hoped that one day I would have a girlfriend.
When I was 16, I got a girlfriend, but there was no passion,so I decided I needed a passionate girl with a zest for life.
In university I dated a passionate girl, but she was too emotional.
Everything was an emergency; she was a drama queen, cried all the time
and threatened suicide. So I decided I needed a girl with stability.
When I was 25, I found a very stable girl, but she was boring.
She was totally predictable and never got excited about anything.
Life became so dull that I decided I needed a girl with some excitement.
When I was 28, I found an exciting girl, but I couldn't keep up with her.
She rushed from one thing to another, never settling on anything.
She did mad impetuous things and made me miserable as often as happy.
She was great fun initially and very energetic, but directionless.
So I decided to find a girl with some real ambition.
When I turned 31, I found a smart, ambitious girl with her feet planted
firmly on the ground and married her. She was so ambitious, that she
divorced me and took everything I owned.
I am older and wiser now and am looking for a girl with big tits. - Blog post
- 4 days ago
- Views: 57
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trip to Mrtyle Beach
- From: redneck88
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Description:
went to the fall rally in SC.It was great never been to one and went with a great bunch of guys. Learned alot about ridin with a group. And how much fun it is to ride with a group. I was the new guy so it seem I was gettin told alot of BS but they all meant well. (guess it did not help was the only female.)
the ride down was great had a beautiful day. left at 730 am and got there around 1130am. We of course made the rounds to the bars and ended up at the Iron Gate and started enjoyin ourseleves. thing is we were suppose to ride back that evening. That didn't happen ended up callin home and tryin to explain we were spendin the night. Safety first right...no sense in doin some thing stupid like ridin tired and buzzed.
After we found a place to stay and some dinner, We decieded to go to the suckbangblow. (yes thats really is the name)It was awsome had a burnout pit and wild people. they had a kick ass band coveriing one of my favorite groups AC/DC. they were kickin and I was jammin even got on the stage and danced.My buds had to drag me out around 130am. I wanted to stay and party but the group was ready to go and well I was a passenger at this point so you go when your ride goes.made it back to our rooms and of course had few more and checked out the bike in the lot. It was aroound 300am when I got to bed.
Was up at 600am for some reason and so was a few others. So we packed up and hit the road home. It was sunny but cold. I wished it was like the morning before but it wasn't Hung over and cold not the best way to ride. things were goin good besides the cold thing we all just want to get home. This is were things got interestin for me and guess everyone else to.
crruising along right behind the lead bike and one of the guys come flyin by us and turns in this little chruch drive. the lead bike waved me on to turn in to the drive. well guess I didn't slow enough and turned a little too sharp and mt floorboard rubbed the ground which scared the crape out of me. My handlebars just missed a palm by inches and a brick sign then went through the grass legs flyin every direction and stopped my bike about 10 feet from a row of tombstones. I throw down my kickstand and jump off the bike and just stood there.I look around and all my buds are just starin at me.Took a few deep breaths and got back on my bike.THey all asked if I was ok said yea lets ride. Well started my bike and put it in gear and was set to go...well what do I do pop the clutch and drop my bike at a dead stop. About 3 guys jump off there bike to help and I tell them to get there butts back on there bike I dropped it I pick it up and I did and once again they asked me if I was ready to go and I told them give me a minute this time. got back on the road in few and was fine but earned me a new nickname TOMBSTONE.
So my trip was not boring in the least. and once again I learned some thing. well many things but most of all slow down when turnin lol... If you can't laugh at your self what can you laugh at. So RIDE ON AND BE SAFE
- Blog post
- 6 days ago
- Views: 43
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Boarder Patrol
- From: slick1957
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Description:
The beginning of my driveway. My home is 1000 feet behind this gate in SC. 1800 feet off a country road on 22 acres.
- 1 week ago
- Views: 38
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How to lift a fallen Motorcycl
- From: daycaremama
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Description:
How to Lift a Fallen Motorcycle
CAUTION
Picking up a motorcycle can be dangerous and cause serious injury if done incorrectly or under poor footing. A simple back injury could wreck your life! Always, always, always try to get help first—and remember, you don't want anybody else to get hurt, either. You need to think clearly, use common sense, and be in good physical condition. Keep your body and back straight, and lift only with your legs. Maintain control of the motorcycle and never twist your body while lifting. Check the motorcycle for damage prior to riding it again.
The majority of picking up a motorcycle is mental: Work smarter, not harder. Motorcycles are heavy machines. Think about how you want to do it first—if you were going to lift a 300-pound refrigerator, would you just run up and grab it and start muscling it around, or would you plan your attack? What would you do if you were going to lift an 800-pound refrigerator?
The ideal situation for lifting a motorcycle would be:
1. Have the lifting technique demonstrated by a qualified professional.
2. Practice with a qualified professional.
3. Have the qualified professional evaluate and coach your lifting technique.
Step 1: Assess Yourself
Take a few minutes to calm down. Seeing your bike lying on its side can be a traumatic experience, but it happens to everyone at one time or another. Your bike's not going anywhere without you. Spend a few minutes asking yourself questions and talking yourself through it: are you hurt? Are you able to pick up your motorcycle in a normal situation? Do you want to pick up your motorcycle? Is it safe to pick up your motorcycle? Etc., etc. You have the rest of your life to pick up your bike; take a few minutes to relax and assess the situation. It's best if you get help. And remember: if someone helps you, don't forget to warn them not to touch the hot exhaust pipe, not to lift by the turn signals, etc. Also make sure they lift correctly. You don't want someone else getting hurt.
Step 2: Assess the Environment
If you are in danger from other traffic, get away from your motorcycle and seek a place of safety. Let law enforcement respond and take control of the scene before picking up your motorcycle. Take a look at the ground: do you have a solid surface to lift from? Is there gravel? Is the pavement wet? Are you right next to a ditch? You don't want to slip and get pinned under your bike.
Step 3: Assess the Motorcycle
Turn it off using the engine cut-off switch or the ignition switch. Turn off the fuel using the fuel supply valve. Spilled fuel is common, so use caution (though usually you need sparks, flame, or an ignition source to have a fire or explosion.) If the motorcycle is lying on its right side, put the sidestand down and put the motorcycle in gear. If the motorcycle is on its left side, you can't put the side stand down and can't put the motorcycle in gear. Make a mental note of these facts. You don't want to pick up your motorcycle and then immediately drop it onto its other side! Techniques to Lift the Motorcycle—Preferred and Regular Methods
Technique I: Facing Away from the Motorcycle - For Large Motorcycles Preferred Method for any Size
1. Turn the handlebars to full-lock position with front of tire pointed downward.
2. Find the "balance point" of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. "Sit" down with your butt/lower back against the motorcycle seat. Be very careful to keep your back straight and your head up. Put your feet solidly on the ground about 12 inches apart, with your knees bent slightly.
4. With one hand, grasp the handgrip (underhand, preferably), keeping your wrist straight.
5. With your other hand, grip the motorcycle framework (or any solid part of the motorcycle), being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe, turn signals, etc.
6. Lift with your legs by taking small steps backwards, pressing against the seat with your butt and keeping your back straight. On slippery or gravelly surfaces this technique probably won't work. On inclined surfaces this can be very dangerous.
7. Be careful not to lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side! If possible, put the sidestand down and the bike in gear.
8. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
Technique II: Facing the Motorcycle - For Small and Medium-Sized Motorcycles Regular Method
1. Turn the handlebars to the full-lock position with the front of the tire pointed skyward.
2. Find the balance point of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. Stand very close to the handlebars. Plant your feet about shoulder-width apart with the lower handgrip in between them. Use both hands to lift. Keeping your back straight and your head up, lift carefully, keeping the handgrip close to your body. Use your leg muscles for power, and not your back muscles.
4. Be careful you don't lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side.
5. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
The information given by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, its instructors, and volunteers is offered as a benefit for those with an interest in riding motorcycles. Our intention is to further discussion and enhance individual safety and skills. Although the MMSC will continue to research, field test, and publish viewpoints on the subject of motorcycle safety, it disclaims any liability for the views expressed. Every motorcyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and that of their passengers. We do not accept any duty or responsibility toward any individuals. We urge all those using the information and views presented on this site to use their own critical judgment. When you may have any doubt about a safety or skill issue, we urge you to seek clarification and information from sources you trust, and to proceed with caution to ensure your safety.
- Blog post
- 2 weeks ago
- Views: 92
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More Details About My VTX1800
- From: dougtaro
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Description:
I purchased my 2006 VTX1800 Retro in the summer of 2008, about one month after my wife passed away. We each had a motorcycle at the time; hers was a Honda 250 Rebel, and mine was a Honda Shadow Sabre 1100. I sold both bikes and combined the cash, plus a little more, and bought my VTX.
I absolutely love this bike! Sure, there are quicker and faster bikes on the market, but this bike has power to last for days. It feels like it will pull me up the side of a cliff. I have put over 15,000 miles on it since I bought it.
UPDATES:
Since I purchased the bike, I have upgraded the following:
- 4" pullback risers. Even though I'm 6'0'' tall, I found my back becoming fatigued while riding, and I wanted a more kicked-back feel. The risers did the trick. I did not have to modify the brake or throttle lines at all either.
- Brake-Away products cruise control. I have never had a cruise control (actually a throttle lock) on a motorcycle before, but with the VTX and the longer distance rides, it became a necessity for me. I use it when I need to relax my right arm or flex my fingers. It's also fun to wave at other riders with the "wrong" hand! This unit works fantastic!
- Road Burner 2:1 headers. I bought these pipes for two reasons: 1) to provide for more clearance to mount my fiberglass saddlebags lower, and 2) because they look and sound great. The stock pipes were just too quiet. I don't like really loud pipes, so these added just enough to make the bike heard.
- Kuryakyn passenger floor boards. These floor boards are a great match for the stock rider floorboards, and they provide a much more stable platform for the ride to rest their feet on. Climbing on and off the bike is much easier for the passenger as well.
- Kuryakyn Air Master Fairing with audio unit. This is probably the single-most important addition to my bike. If I had to choose only one accessory to add, it would be this one. The fairing works 100 times better than any windshield I've tried, and it has a built-in stereo system to boot! Looks fantastic as well.
- Cobra steel light bar. I like the higher visibility that the two extra lights provide, and this light bar is the best looking one that I found. I had to fabricate a special extension bracket so that the light would clear the Air Master Fairing.
- Invicta Motorsports LS002 Pro fiberglass saddle bags. These bags come with a mounting kit for the VTX 1800, but you're basically on your own trying to figure out how to mount them. With the stock pipes, they sat way too high for my liking (see Note 3). So I bought the Road Burner pipes and then had custom mounts fabricated.
- Cruiser Backrest Deluxe Backrest/Brackets/Carrier Rack Kit. A must if you're going to have passengers!
- Ultimate X Seats. Rider, passenger, and passenger backrest. Absolutely the most comfortable motorcycle seat I have ever ridden! Easily ride for 200 miles (a full tank) without stopping or shifting in my seat to relieve butt pressure.
- Blog post
- 3 weeks ago
- Views: 50
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BUT OFFICER.............
- From: oledad
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Description:
BUT OFFICER.............
Taken from actual police car videos around the country:
- Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new...they'll stretch out after you wear them awhile.
- Take your hands off the car...or I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document.
- If you run...you'll only go to jail tired.
- Can you run faster than 1,200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9 mm bullet fired from my gun.
- So you don't know how fast you were going... I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?
- Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh...did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?
- Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket.
- The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not...was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?
- Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in monkey poop.
- Yeah, we have a quota...two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven.
- In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC.
- Just how big were those two beers?
- No, sir, we don't have quotas anymore...we used to have quotas but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want.
- I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours... at least you know someone who can post your bail.
And the best one…
- You didn't think we gave pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't... sign here. - Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
- Views: 53
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The Wall ride... 09
- From: Ritterwolfe
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Description:
<!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->
The Vietnam Veterans Mobile Wall and Tribute
By Robert (Rocker) Votrain
I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders an organization mostly known for escorting our fallen heroes to their final resting place while riding motorcycles.
I had been informed the “Wall” was coming to Desloge for well over a month. And the Patriot Guard was going to be involved with the escort and with part of the program honoring our fallen. The “Wall” would be in Desloge from Sept. 30th to Oct. 4th with events and services scheduled every day.
The excitement of our impending mission grew through e-mails as the date grew near and I,wanting to ride with a group, scrambled to find someone from my area to ride to Potosi with. The BACA riders of Farmington asked me to ride with them but I wanted to travel a different path than they had planned to ride that day. Poppy, the former chapter President of Farmington's BACA, agreed to meet me in Bismarck. As I went to top off my tank I met Noel ,owner of Bismarck ATV and Custom Cycle, who along with his son was also going to Potosi. So now there were 4 of us. Leaving Bismarck the air was sweet and crisp traffic was light as we cruised down Highway 32 to Highway 21 to Potosi it was honestly a beautiful morning and road to ride.
When we arrived I was surprised by the turn out of motorcycles and custom cars that were going to participate in the escort. There were also several State police officers,Sheriffs, emergency vehicles and official cars lining up. As they began staging the vehicles I went to a predetermined area and waited for the opportunity to shoot a few pictures as the main body went by hoping to join in to the rear of the motorcycle procession. Finding my vantage point I shot several pictures of the lead group of vehicles, the limo carrying the Mayor of Desloge and the bikes before I hurriedly tucked the camera away and joined the tail of the group of bikes.
The procession was impressive. About 150 bikes, 10 or so custom cars and all the other vehicles, we stretched for about 4 miles. On coming traffic would pull over as we met them, people in the out lying areas came out of their homes and waved flags and cheered. We ended the escort in Desloge at the VFW Post 2426.
The Ride to “The Wall”.... October4th 2009....
Sunday just felt different. I grabbed the camera and dressed warm the morning air had a definable bite to it... Loaded the bike and headed to meet the Patriot Guard Riders in the Walmart Parking lot in Desloge for the Ride to the Wall.
Before I go any further I want to say if you are not Patriot Guard you really need to be. It is an honor to support our Heroes and those who have fallen to save our way of life. I suppose it takes a little time out of our lives but shouldn't we have a reason to ride and what a better reason than to show the world we are Patriots and support our troops.
The gathering of the local Guard brought about about 85 bikes. Some carried regular sized flags others not so much. We put or passenger pegs down as to symbolize carrying one of our fallen with us. We lined up two by two and waited for our police escort to signal it was time. We were headed for the city park where “the Wall” was assembled and displayed. Once we arrived we lined up tail light to the wall side by side about 10 or so feet in front. About 200 spectators were on hand to watch our ceremony honoring the Vietnam war fallen.
All but one bike was in this formation. The last bike was carrying the American flag a POW flag and a Patriot Guard flag. It was decorated with a Kevlar helmet and boots set in the back pegs facing backwards. Just like they used to put the boots in the stirrups of a horse backwards to show the rider had fallen in battle. As he passed we showed respect by covering our hearts and standing at attention. As a group we all walked forward and placed our right hand against the wall. The experience was so very moving. It brought tears to everyone's eyes. They played the National anthem and a prayer was given then a young girl sang a song she wrote about the Uncle she never met... Someone who had died defending our country... The group mingled with the onlookers and the Patriot Guard Riders ceremony ended...
“ All gave some... Some gave all....”
Interesting facts about “The Wall”
This version of the Wall is 180 feet long. Which is about 80% of the original Vietnam Veterans memorial wall in Washington DC. Which is 246.75 feet long, composed of 70 separate inscribed granite panels, plus 4 at the end without names; the panels themselves are 40 inches in width; the largest panels have 137 lines of names, while the shortest have one; there are five names on each line, although with new additions of names, some lines now have six; the walls are supported by 140 concrete pilings driven approximately 35 feet (some are at 20 feet) to bedrock; at the vertex the walls are 10.1 feet in height. There are 58249 Names on The Wall in Wash,DC.
The youngest Vietnam KIA is believed to be Dan Bullock at 15 years old.
The oldest person on the Wall is believed to be Dwaine McGriff at 63 years old.
At least 5 men killed in Vietnam were 16 years old. At least 12 men killed in Vietnam were 17 years old.
There are 120 persons who listed foreign countries as their home of record.
At least 25,000 of those killed were 20 years old or younger.
More than 17,000 of those killed were married.
Veterans killed on their first day in Vietnam 997 (unconfirmed)
Veterans killed on their last day in Vietnam 1,448 (unconfirmed)
Number of Chaplains on the Wall -- 16 (2 Medal Of Honor)
Number of Women on the Wall -- 8 (7 Army, 1 USAF - 7,484 served)
There are 226 Native Americans on the Memorial.
There are 22 countries represented on the Memorial.
Most common name on the Memorial "Smith" with 667 veterans.
The most casualties for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 casualties.
The most casualties for a single month was May 1968, 2,415 casualties were incurred.(note) information taken from http://thewall-usa.com/information.asp
There were several other memorials that also travel with “the Wall”. They are a Memorial for the people who died in the towers on 911 along with the people who died in the hijacked planes. There were also memorials from the Korean war and WWII. Flags, ride pins, patches and artwork commemorating all the Wars America has fought were for sale. Also on display was a replica tiger cage where American POW's were held and tortured. And a rifle helmet and boots tribute along with dog tags of our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers who fought and died in Iraq.
- Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
- Views: 39
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200 miles of snow on Monday.
- From: gostr8r
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Description:At least it wasn't raining. Then for the next 200 miles it rained! Kim bought me heated clothing for my B'day so I was warm and comfy except for my wet frozen feet in the wet frozen boots. We rode to Biketoberfest on the first day back and I got a set of Spider Feet to keep my lower flippers dry for good [Sorry about the first effort to post this video. The first one wouldn't open.]
- 4 weeks ago
- Views: 92
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Windlover
- Member
- Points:445
- Views: 61
- Since: 4 weeks ago
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Rain Gear Tip of the Week from
- From: manybikes
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Description:
Kyle Bradshaw of Cruiser Customizing here talking about how you can stay dry in the hot summer rain as well as the cold winter rain. In this tip, I will cover rain gear options for the body, the legs, the hands, and the feet. In addition I will talks about my personal evolution with the testing and usage of the different types of rain gear.
I the opening scene, I (Kyle) support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing a PINK Tourmaster Sentinel rain jacket.
In this tip I will talk about some of the different options for both warm weather and cold weather rain protection. We will look at jackets, pants, gloves, and boots.
Most rain gear manufacturers use several key materials for the construction of their rain gear garments. The most common materials are PVC, Gore-Tex type, nylons, and polyesters.
PVC Rain Gear
This is often seen as "emergency" or "throw away" rain gear and can be found just about anywhere! Several of our most popular brands of PVC gear are as follows:
CruiserCustomiizng 2 Piece Rain Suit
The Next level of non-insulated rain protection will jump up significantly in price, but the value is not to be argued with! Some of our most popular brands are as follows:
In hot weather we want to be comfortable yet protected. Many of us wear mesh jackets and pants. Many mesh products do not have waterproof liners, but the following mesh products do come with zip in rain liners:
When the rain is accompanied by rain, we have a need to stay dry and warm. Most winter riding gear has a waterproof outer shell to protect from wind and rain as well as some type of internal insulated liner. The two most common liners are vest and full sleeve liners. FirstGear and Tourmaster are currently our two most popular lines when it comes to cold weather riding gear. Here are the most popular choices:
NEW This Year Firstgear Rainier
If you are looking for a Single Solution, I suggest the Tourmaster Centurion 1-Piece rain suit. Check out the video here: Centurion Video
Warm Weather Gloves
If you are looking for mesh, air flowing gloves for the summer, which will also have waterproof characters, check out these two gloves:
Cold Weather Gloves
When venturing into the winter elements, you will want to choose a glove that will keep you warm and dry. I have used many gloves, and these are my recommendations:
Feet - What to do about the feet?
There are two general options for keeping your feet dry and warm.
2. Rain Booties
Often I get asked by members and staff alike... "Kyle, what do you wear to stay warm and dry in the winter?"
I must say that this evolution has been a WET and sometimes very uncomfortable process. I have tested many options, and the pieces below are the pieces that have kept me the most comfortable.
Kyle's Evolution:
PVC rain suit --> Frogg Toggs --> Tourmaster Pivot & Venture Pants --> Tourmaster Intake Jacket & Venture Air Pants --> FirstGear Katmandu Jacket and Pants --> FisrtGear Rainier Jacket and Escape Pants.
There you have it! Rain gear in a nutshell.
Thank you for watching this Cruiser Customizing Tip of the Week.
Until Next Week, Take Care and Ride Safe!
Kyle Bradshaw aka: Manybikes
- 1 month ago
- Views: 4405
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A bit of humour from my Daught
- From: australian6
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Description:
After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.
Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humour. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by QANTAS' pilots and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers (P = The problem logged by the pilot; S = The solution and action taken by mechanics.)
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.
P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget. - Blog post
- 1 month ago
- Views: 80
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Reasonable considerations
- From: dmeach
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Description:
Way to many motorcycle accidents this year!!!
50 WAYS TO STAY ALIVE ON TWO WHEELS
1. Assume you're invisible. To a lot of drivers, you are. Never make a move based on the assumption that another driver sees you, even if you've made eye contact. Bikes don't register to the four-wheel mind.
2. Be considerate. The consequences of strafing the jerk du jour or cutting him off, start out bad and get worse. Pretend it was your grandma and smile.
3. Dress for the crash, not the pool or the bar. Sure, McDonalds is a 5-minute trip, but nobody plans to eat pavement. Modern mesh gear means 100-degree heat and is no excuse for a T-shirt and shorts.
4. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Assume that car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal.
5. Leave your ego at home. The only people who really care if you were faster on the freeway will be the officer and the judge.
6. Pay attention. Yes, there is a half-naked girl on the billboard. That shock does feels squishy. Meanwhile, you could be drifting toward Big Trouble. Focus.
7. Mirrors only show you part of the picture. Never change direction without turning your head to make sure the coast really is clear.
8. Be patient. Always take another second or three before you pull out to pass, ride away from a curb or into freeway traffic from an on-ramp. It's what you don't see that gets you. That extra look could save your butt.
9. Watch your closing speed. Passing cars at twice their speed or changing lanes to shoot past a row of stopped cars is just asking for trouble.
10. Beware the verge and the merge. A lot of nasty surprises end up on the sides of the road: empty McDonalds bags, nails, TV antennas, ladders, you name it. Watch for troublesome debris on both sides of the road.
11. Left-turning cars remain a leading killer of motorcyclists. Don't assume someone will wait for you to dart through the intersection. They're trying to beat the light, too.
12. Beware of cars running traffic lights. The first few seconds after a signal light changes are the most perilous. Look both ways before barging into an intersection.
13. Check your mirrors. Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Be ready to move if another vehicle is about to occupy the space you'd planned to use.
14. Mind the gap. Remember Drivers Ed? One seconds worth of distance per 10 mph is the old rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble.
15. Beware of boy racers. They're quick and their drivers tend to be aggressive. Don't assume you've beaten one away from a light or outpaced it in traffic and change lanes without looking. You could end up as a civic hood ornament.
16. Excessive entrance speed hurts. Its the leading cause of single-bike accidents on twisty roads and racetracks. In Slow, Out Fast is the old adage, and it still works. Dialing up corner speed is safer than scrubbing it off.
17. Don't trust that deer whistle. Ungulates and other feral beasts prowl at dawn and dusk, so heed those big yellow signs. If you're riding in a target-rich environment, slow down and watch the shoulders.
18. Learn to use both brakes. The front break does most of the stopping, but use some back brake.
19. Keep the front brake covered always. Save a single second of reaction time at 60 mph and you can stop 88 feet shorter. Think about that.
20. Look where you want to go. Use the miracle of target fixation to your advantage. The motorcycle goes where you look, so focus on the solution.
21. Keep your eyes moving. Traffic is always shifting, so keep scanning for potential trouble. Don't lock your eyes on any one thing for too long unless you're actually dealing with trouble.
22. Think before you act. Careful whipping around that car going 7 kph in a 30-kph zone or you could end up with your head in the driver's side door when he turns into the driveway right in front of you.
23. Raise your gaze. It's too late to do anything about the 20 feet immediately in front of your fender, so scan the road far enough ahead to see trouble and change trajectory.instead of the problem.
24. Get your mind right in the driveway. Most accidents happen during the first 15 minutes of a ride, below 40 mph, near an intersection or driveway. Yes, that could be your driveway.
25. Come to a full stop at that next stop sign. Put a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble.
26. Never dive into a gap in stalled traffic. Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until its too late to do anything about it.
27. Don't saddle up more than you can handle. If you weigh 95 pounds, avoid that 795-pound cruiser. If you're 5-foot-5, forget those towering adventure-tourers.
28. Watch for car doors opening in traffic. And smacking a car that's swerving around some goofball's open door is just as painful.
29. Don't get in an intersection rut. Watch for a two-way stop after a string of four-way intersections. If you expect cross-traffic to stop, there could be a painful surprise when it doesn't.
30. Stay in your comfort zone when you're with a group. Riding over your head is a good way to end up in the ditch. Any bunch worth riding with will have a rendezvous point where you'll be able to link up again.
31. Give your eyes some time to adjust. A minute or two of low light heading from a well-lighted garage onto dark streets is a good thing. Otherwise, you're essentially flying blind for the first mile or so
32. Master the slow U-turn. Practice. Park your butt on the outside edge of the seat and lean the bike into the turn, using your body as a counterweight as you pivot around the rear wheel.
33. Who put a stop sign at the top of this hill? Don't panic. Use the rear brake to keep from rolling back down. Use Mr. Throttle and Mr. Clutch normally and smoothly to pull away.
34. If it looks slippery, assume it is. A patch of suspicious pavement could be just about anything. Butter Flavor Crisco? Gravel? Mobil 1? Or maybe it's nothing. Better to slow down for nothing than go on your head.
35. Bang! A blowout! Now what? No sudden moves. The motorcycle isn't happy, so be prepared to apply a little calming muscle to maintain course Ease back the throttle, brake gingerly with the good wheel and pull over very smoothly to the shoulder. Big sigh.
36. Drops on the face shield? Its raining. Lightly misted pavement can be slipperier than when its been rinsed by a downpour, and you never know how much grip there is. Apply maximum-level concentration, caution and smoothness.
37. Emotions in check? To paraphrase Mr. Ice Cube, chickity-check yourself before you wreck yourself. Emotions are as powerful as any drug, so take inventory every time you saddle up. If you're mad, sad, exhausted or anxious, stay put.
38. Wear good gear. Wear stuff that fits you and the weather If you're too hot or too cold or fighting with a jacket that binds across the shoulders, you're dangerous. It's that simple.
39. Leave the iPod at home. You won't hear that cement truck in time with Spinal Tap cranked to 11, but they might like your headphones in intensive care.
40. Learn to swerve. Be able to do two tight turns in quick succession. Flick left around the bag of briquettes, then right back to your original trajectory. The bike will follow your eyes, so look at the way around, not the briquettes. Now practice till its a reflex.
41. Be smooth at low speeds. Take some angst out, especially of slow-speed maneuvers, with a bit of rear brake. It adds a welcome bit of stability by minimizing unwelcome weight transfer and potentially bothersome driveline lash.
42. Flashing is good for you. Turn signals get your attention by flashing, right? So a few easy taps on the brake pedal or lever before stopping makes your brake light more eye-catching to trailing traffic.
43. Intersections are scary, so hedge your bets. Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your right and you cut your chances of getting nailed in half.
44. Tune your peripheral vision. Pick a point near the center of that wall over there. Now scan as far as you can by moving your attention, not your gaze. The more you can see without turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.
45. All alone at a light that won't turn green? Put as much motorcycle as possible directly above the sensor wire usually buried in the pavement beneath you and located by a round or square pattern behind the limit line. If the light still won't change, try putting your kickstand down, right on the wire. You should be on your way in seconds.
46. Every-thing is harder to see after dark. Even You. Adjust your headlights, Carry a clear face shield and have your game all the way on after dark, especially during commuter hours.
47. Don't troll next to or right behind Mr. Peterbilt. If one of those 18 retreads blows up, which they do with some regularity it de-treads, and that can be ugly. Unless you like dodging huge chunks of flying rubber, keep your distance.
48. Take the panic out of panic stops. Develop an intimate relationship with your front brake. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and a locked wheel, and then do it again, and again.
49. Make your tires right. None of this stuff matters unless your skins are right. Don't take them for granted Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as general
wear.
50. Take a deep breath. Count to 10. Smile at the idiot. Forgetting some clowns 80-mph indiscretion beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it.
Original Author Unknown - Blog post
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