gfloyd2002
August 8th, 2011, 03:52 AM
Just read Smooth Riding, the Pridmore Way (http://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Riding-Pridmore-Way-Reg/dp/1884313469/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top), which should be included in the standard list of riding skills books people consider. I'd put it after the David Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" series and the Lee Parks' "Total Control" book. Not as strong on graphic demonstration or general riding skills content as "Total Control" and not as chock full of content directed at the real world as "Proficient Motorcycling" but it definitely has a place in any rider's library.
Pridmore is a former AMA Superbike champion, known now for his CLASS track schools, which are among the best. The book's theme is need for smoothness to improve the dynamics of a motorcycle at speed, especially in the corners. He talks about throttle management and proper braking (something he knows about - as a racer he was known for incredibly smooth braking). He bluntly condemns clumsy application of throttle or brakes and I saw my own technique in some of what he described, and the book improved my thinking on smooth riding. There are some incredible photos. Unfortunately, the book is harmed by lots of unwelcome interruptions about Reg's riding career and pitches for his riding school. It is clear Pridmore has quite the ego, and his self serving interruptions really distract from the book flow. So it is not a quick or easy read -- it is best taken in small doses so Pridmore's head size doesn't get to you --- but it is still well worth the read for the information about throttle and brake control alone.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NMx-M4lIL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg
Pridmore is a former AMA Superbike champion, known now for his CLASS track schools, which are among the best. The book's theme is need for smoothness to improve the dynamics of a motorcycle at speed, especially in the corners. He talks about throttle management and proper braking (something he knows about - as a racer he was known for incredibly smooth braking). He bluntly condemns clumsy application of throttle or brakes and I saw my own technique in some of what he described, and the book improved my thinking on smooth riding. There are some incredible photos. Unfortunately, the book is harmed by lots of unwelcome interruptions about Reg's riding career and pitches for his riding school. It is clear Pridmore has quite the ego, and his self serving interruptions really distract from the book flow. So it is not a quick or easy read -- it is best taken in small doses so Pridmore's head size doesn't get to you --- but it is still well worth the read for the information about throttle and brake control alone.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NMx-M4lIL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg