Beat the Box!
April 17, 2015
“The Box” is one of the most feared exercises of the Basic Rider Course. It is an exercise that tests the will, the skills and the sanity of every new rider, and is often the most difficult part of the evaluation to pass.
This simple, yet sometimes frustrating exercise goes like this:
- A box is marked out measuring 20′ x 20′.
- Students are asked to enter the box and make two U-Turns without using their feet to stabilize the bike.
- Students jump right in the easy-looking exercise thinking it won’t be that hard.
- Students drop their bikes, lose their confidence, and often repeat the process all day long.
As frustrating as this exercise may be, it’s an essential skill that pulls together a lot of the techniques needed in every-day riding. So the question is, how exactly do you beat the box? This video does a great job of breaking it down for you:
Remember, there’s no time limit. There’s no rush and no reason to fuss. Just take a deep breath (and don’t forget to breath it back out!) and take it nice and slow. When you U-Turn, remember to turn your head as far as possible to see where you want to end up. Always look at where you want to go and the bike will do the rest for you.
The rest is just muscle memory. Learn how to use the friction zone and throttle to give yourself enough power to pull the bike around while making sure to counter-weight with your leg on the outside peg.
Once it clicks, you’ll wonder why it was ever so difficult to begin with. However, this is a technique that should be practiced at the beginning of each new riding season so that your muscle memory stays nice and sharp.
That’s how you beat the box!
Updated MSF Basic Rider Course
April 6, 2014
A new and improved Basic Rider Course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation includes online training, greater emphasis on rider behavior, and a new focus on emergency responses in real-world traffic. See the full story here:
Top Ten Tips for New Riders
April 2, 2014
So, you’ve fallen in love with the thrill of motorcycle riding and are ready to dive in. Well, before you begin riding around town on two wheels, there are a few essential tips all new riders should know. So, let us bring them to your attention here and now:
1. Take a motorcycle safety course. Not only will it make you a safer rider – and possibly prevent you from becoming road-ground hamburger meat – it could also make your insurance rates lower. Also, some dealerships offer motorcycle discounts when to take a safety class at their location.
2. Get the right gear. One of the first, and most-often repeated terms you will hear from motorcycle safety experts is wear All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT). Since two wheels are the only thing seperating you from the road, wearing the right equipment is extremely important. 3. Get some tough boots. Boots are shoes that are sturdy will provide better protection for you feet, as well as better balance and control.
4. Don’t get cocky. Never overestimate your skills, and never get overconfident. Riding within your skill level will prevent embarassing and possibly fatal rookie mistakes. If you want to push your limits, then consider taking a class at your local race track to learn the proper throttle, turning and stopping methods for expert riders.
5. Don’t tailgate. Motorcycles may have a shorter stopping distance than cars, however it is not as safe for motorcyclists to slam on the brakes during an emergency. Since they only have two wheels, and often don’t have antilock brakes, it’s easier for motorcycles to lose control when making an emergency stop. So always keep plenty of distance between yourself and other drivers.
6. Always have an escape route. By leaving plenty of room between your motorcycle and other vehicles, you will have more time to react in an emergency situation. Buy yourself even more time by always having an escape route in case of a traffic accident.
7. Mind the weather. Rain, wind, snow and ice are much more dangerous on a motorcycle.
8. Avoid distraction. Part of the joy of motorcycle riding is the rush of a life-or-death state of hyper-alert thinking. Don’t risk your life and cheapen the experience by fiddling with your phone, day dreaming or sipping on a latte.
9. Look twice. Always, always double check before turning, changing lanes or even slowing down. Any changes in your current path may go unseen by other drivers.
10. WEAR A HELMET. This is the main defense in case of an accident, and the only way to keep your face from peeling off on the road if you fly off the motorcycle. Plus, it keeps the bugs and road debris from hitting you in the face while riding.
Now that you’ve heard the 10 essential tips, you’re ready to get started on the path to becoming a motorcycle rider! Enjoy!
Preparing for a Safety Course
March 30, 2014
New riders interested in taking a motorcycle safety course, such as the state-sponsored Rider Training classes or the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge version, are truly wise. However, wise as they may be, they still don’t know exactly what to expect or how to prepare. If this description fits you, then let us alleviate those pre-class jitters with this quick list of preparations:
– Get lots of rest the night before. You will need the mental energy.
– Eat a good breakfast.
– Dress the part: boots, gloves, long sleeved shirt, tough pants & jacket, eye protection (goggles or shatter-resistant glasses)
– Pack a water jug.
– If you have a DOT-approved helmet, then bring it. If not, then the class will usually provide one.