October 16th, 2012, 08:55 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: KJ
Location: RIP Alex
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R (Sold - I'll miss you Ebony), 2009 Honda CBR 600RR ABS (Alexis), 2010 BMW S1000RR Posts: 93
|
Indirect Skills that May Help You Ride Better
While I believe that there is no true substitute for actual road time and advanced training, I do believe there are things that we enjoy (or perhaps take for granted) that help us to ride. One of those things is regular play in sports. What am I alluding to?
Basketball or (Soccer)- I grew up playing basketball. Running the point requires a great deal of court vision to be effective in taking everything and adjusting or reacting. Passing, reading the defense, and dribbling all relates. This includes understanding the awareness of what's behind you. The more you play, the better you become at picking your spots on when to be aggressive or conservative. The game slows down the more you play and it just comes to you. Very similar to riding if you think about it. In addition, you'll never need to have someone tell you "Behind you" because you'll account for it automatically. Football - Playing quarterback or safety usually requires you to see the field and make quick decision making. You learn not to be indecisive. You learn to recognize progression. It happens in 3 second intervals at a time. If you are really good, you pick up on the "signals" before they even happen and anticipate. You know exactly where you want the ball to be or where you want to be before it happens. Golf - The way you grip a club is similar to how you grip the handlebars -- Firm but not tight. You learn how being too tight affects the muscles in your arms which cause errant swings. You learn to be loose and athletic in your stance much like you are when you are on a bike. You learn that even though it is unnatural to swing a club, the ability to focus on one thing at a time through focus and follow through, and keeping your eye throughout the swing, after awhile it becomes muscle memory and easier (with much less gaffes). You learn to let the club do the work (much like you let the bike do the work). Shooting Guns - Shadowing the trigger cuts down on reaction time much like shadowing the levers on your motorcycle. Eye level, depth perception, etc. all relate to riding and seeing what's lurking ahead. Relaxation - Staying loose naturally, not reacting negatively to stress even when the situation may be grim seems to effective for me. Even the hand/eye coordination from video gaming may be helping to quickly process information and hopefully cause a favorable reaction. My theory is that while riding is a different sport, different skills influence riding basics. For example, nothing can prepare you for a deer blitzing across your path or the car crossing three lanes without looking. But if you can learn how to anticipate the same way you learn how to anticipate a break in a pattern on the football field or a cut in the lane. I think it all relates indirectly. Anybody have any additional thoughts? |
|
October 18th, 2012, 09:07 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chase
Location: California
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225
|
I hope to be getting a bike in the future and I am a drummer so I hope that it will come in handy as well!
|
|
October 18th, 2012, 09:50 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
most sports help develop focus, remove instinctive fear, and exercise quick decision making.
these will help with your riding only after you learn and practice the fundamentals.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
October 18th, 2012, 09:55 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Instinctive fear in a motorcyclist is a good thing. When you're experiencing an "oh sh!t" moment, that's that little voice in your head telling to you not be stupid.
The squids are the ones who ignore that and pay the price. The great ones are the ones who ignore it and go faster than everyone else on the track. Sure, background in drumming or sports might help. But experience on two wheels is the biggest thing. Just go out and ride. |
|
October 18th, 2012, 10:10 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Michael
Location: MI
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): Honda Elite 110 (deceased), Green 2012 Ninja 250 (sold on Pi day); Grey/Green 2019 Ninja 400 ABS Posts: 238
|
Karate (or other MA) is a good one for crossover skills:
- Improved balance and kinesthetics help handling generally and especially low-speed handling; - Sparring is good for mental flexibility, reaction time, and perception; and - Ukemi (falling practice) definitely pays off if it all goes wrong. |
|
October 18th, 2012, 10:15 PM | #6 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
it similar to flinching while firing a gun, freezing right before you get tackled, braking while going wide, target fixation, etc. it is this form of fear that causes people to make incorrect actions. the difference between an SR and rational fear is control over your actions. SRs are detrimental to a riders skill.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
|
October 18th, 2012, 10:17 PM | #7 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Quote:
|
|
|
October 18th, 2012, 10:18 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
ok
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
October 18th, 2012, 10:21 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
everybody should take a martial art, imo.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
|
October 19th, 2012, 05:27 AM | #10 | |
Old Guy, New Bike
Name: Mike
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Blue Ninja 250R, Yamaha SRV250 Posts: 133
|
Quote:
If you're good in karate you know to move forward when attacked, not back. (Applying the 40-60 ratio in a curve instead of backing off/braking) You know that tensing anything other than your fists will slow you down and reduce your overall effectiveness. (Applicable at all times in riding, especially in an attack situation like hanging off in a turn - Of course I mean staying loose, not keeping a tight fist) You have an awareness of your surroundings and your body at all times. (Good peripheral vision/reaction time) Also I've found that the good lower body strength it develops helps you stay on the balls of your feet and gives you endurance on long rides in the twisties.
__________________________________________________
Gaijinagain.com Mods: Tyga Stainless Exhaust, PC V, Auto-tune, Front/Rear Beet Hard Suspension Springs, Battlax S20-R's 110 front & 140 rear, BKMoto HID Projectors, Steel brake lines |
|
|
October 24th, 2012, 07:43 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 R6 Posts: 30
|
I play drums as well. Yes it does help since your already used to your arms and legs working independently, and timing. Especially when you get into things like downshifting while breaking when comming into a corner.
__________________________________________________
2010 R6 2011 Ninja 250 (sons bike) |
|
October 24th, 2012, 09:57 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Mark
Location: Portland
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.
|
I'm un-athletic and uncoordinated and ride infrequently. You guys should be fine!
|
|
October 24th, 2012, 10:05 AM | #13 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
if i gripped a golf club the way i gripped the bars, the golf club would go farther than the golf ball.. in fact it would fly away simply lifting the club back before the swing... instead of like a golf club think about holding a tiny bird or a rat or something...
i think videogames probably develop the most vital skills... hand eye coordination being familier with how traction works how how it doesn't helps a lot
__________________________________________________
|
|
October 24th, 2012, 02:32 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chase
Location: California
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225
|
Sweet! If only I could convince my parents to let me ride...
|
|
October 25th, 2012, 08:05 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
I find that downhill snow skiing (not snowboarding) is the closest sport to riding.
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
December 26th, 2012, 10:34 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Shell
Location: Atlanta
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 - Posts: 116
|
I hope skills learned Mountain Biking will help one become a better rider (especially me). This coming obviously from an inexperience rider, but one has to choose their lines, look through the turns and definitely look way ahead of you and not target fixate.
__________________________________________________
Never debate with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. |
|
December 27th, 2012, 03:39 PM | #17 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
|
Shell, those skills absolutely transfer! I mountain bike and ride and there are many parallels, especially when considering visual skills!
__________________________________________________
Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
|
December 27th, 2012, 04:43 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
|
rock climbing helps... strengthens every part of your body, especially your core.
snowboarding has helped me, i'm a powder/cliff chaser, not a park rat. it's helped with my ability to use my brains over instinct, and a comfort with speeds, close objects, and avoiding target fixation, especially when ripping through the trees at high speeds. honestly, anything you can likely be translated to help riding a motorcycle. hell, just walking has benefits. |
|
January 1st, 2013, 03:02 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Alan
Location: Woodland, California (Sacramento area)
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, 2009 KLX250-SF, 2014 Zero S Posts: 269
|
Downhill twisties
I spent many years road bike riding and so I was much less intimidated by twisties, since I always had fun taking downhill twisties on a bicycle. I think motorcycle companies should be advertising in bicycling magazines--motorcycling is just like going downhill all the time. Countersteering, line selection, gradual braking, being smooth, body positioning, etc.
|
|
January 2nd, 2013, 08:15 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Love this quote!
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
January 14th, 2013, 12:27 PM | #21 |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
|
Drums, snowboarding, video games for me.
One for limb independence, one for learning to utilize your body properly, and one for training and improving reaction speeds. I think the last part may very well be the most important for day to day. Definitely need to be able to see, identify, and react to situations as fast as possible!
__________________________________________________
My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
|
January 14th, 2013, 04:24 PM | #22 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Quote:
|
|
|
January 14th, 2013, 04:33 PM | #23 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
I'm all for video games that require a quick reaction time and visual analysis. This is my secret to near 100% hole shots from any row of a grid, plus I can read minds
My dad would walk into my room comment how the hell can you focus on anything with it constantly spinning around on the screen. |
|
January 14th, 2013, 08:12 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Shell
Location: Atlanta
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 - Posts: 116
|
There are lots of mind readers on Motorcycles. How else would you know the idiot on the cell phone will drift into your lane, or the person with the left turn signal is actually plans to turn right? And the stopped car at the "T" intersection on your right, yeah, he's going to wait until you're 30ft from him then he'll pull out in front of you to make the left turn--never mind there's no traffic behind you.
__________________________________________________
Never debate with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. |
|
January 14th, 2013, 08:15 PM | #25 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
Your about the 5th racer to say that. They tell me it works wonders for your passing skills.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
January 14th, 2013, 10:23 PM | #26 | |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
Quote:
So this is how I view traffic all the time continuously, that's why I joke with my racing friends about turning on all 8 processing cores of your brain to keep you 4 steps ahead of the people around you. |
|
|
January 15th, 2013, 05:34 AM | #27 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
I don't see traffic like that but lol!!!! I thought I was the only one who seen the lines, although mine is red.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
February 22nd, 2013, 09:42 AM | #28 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Suzanne
Location: Shady Shores, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 35
|
I'm not sure this is a good video to view on being a better rider
Quote:
Watching that video reminded me of being a new mother (28 years ago), in that - when your kids are doing something risky, a new mother's mind will run through all the possible harm scenarios with great graphics. It is funny to watch a new mother tense, grimissing, clinched teeth with all muscles of her body shaking and stiff. While this video is funny, I think the mind set of the cyclist is dangerous, and you don't want to view the possibilities like this. When I first started riding, I did the same thing - playing a tape of horrific, graphic possibilities (seeing myself fly through the air, getting hit, etc.) which lessened my ability to focus on the ride as my muscles became tense. I would pull over and say to myself, "STOP thinking like that," took a big breath and tried to relax before continuing. This could be because I'm a women, and is possibly why there are not more women riders, because it is in our nature to keep from harm. While I believe you need to have a healthy fear (I like the word respect better), please take it slow if you are the kind of person that thinks like this, because you will be tense and over-react to situations. Sorry youngsters, 56 year old Ninjamomma sharing wisdom and don't want anyone to get hurt. Much love |
|
|
February 22nd, 2013, 10:28 AM | #29 | |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
Quote:
Stage two is very rarely use but when it is use with a passenger the maneuvers is normally dubbed the Perez lane, Perez pass...ect and passed around by my circle of friends. The Perez family have earned a reputation among our single processor friends because they can't handle stage one as a passenger If you want to re-live the exhilaration of those first few years of motherhood I'd be more then happy to take you on a drive. I do ask that you cover any and all damages caused by over gripping handrails or the utilization of the non existent passenger floor brake |
|
|
February 22nd, 2013, 10:43 AM | #30 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
|
February 28th, 2013, 09:24 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Eastern LI, NY
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166
|
|
|
February 28th, 2013, 09:27 AM | #32 |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
|
3, you skipped over me
__________________________________________________
My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
|
February 28th, 2013, 09:28 AM | #33 |
Present. Somewhat.
Name: Neel
Location: Bangalore, India
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 KTM Duke 200, 2011 Ninja 250r, 2011 Ducati Monster 796, 2014 Kawasaki ZX10r Posts: 227
|
Me
__________________________________________________
Highest speed on two wheels- 230 km/h Beat that. |
|
February 28th, 2013, 12:08 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Eastern LI, NY
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166
|
|
|
February 28th, 2013, 01:36 PM | #35 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
I can hold a decent beat. It's great stress relief too!
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
February 28th, 2013, 01:37 PM | #36 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
I would never, never, never, never say "beat the skins" though.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
February 28th, 2013, 01:41 PM | #37 | |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
|
Quote:
get your mind outta the gutterrrr lol
__________________________________________________
My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
|
|
February 28th, 2013, 07:13 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jared
Location: Socal
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 37
|
I'd also like to add bicycling to the list. Road biking to and from school helps a lot especially if you ride in the bike lane like you're supposed to. Lots of places in LA don't have bike lanes so I'm in the right most lane and it has helped me get comfortable riding in traffic. I don't think anything is as fun as lane splitting on a bicycle .
Almost everything from a motorcycle applies to a bike too. Pushing on the bars, braking with both brakes, gears, but most importantly awareness of what's coming up and what's behind you. |
|
March 2nd, 2013, 01:35 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Eastern LI, NY
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166
|
|
|
March 5th, 2013, 11:01 AM | #40 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Al
Location: York, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '14
|
Link to original page on YouTube. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Riding Skills | Kokosun | Videos | 3 | September 26th, 2013 03:28 PM |
FS: Ride Like a Pro DVD Vol. 5 - Jerry "Motorman" Palladino tagged "motorcycle skills | Amazon Postbot | Amazon - Popular Motorcycling Items | 0 | April 23rd, 2013 10:45 PM |
Dogs got skills !! | Z300 | Videos | 4 | December 12th, 2012 12:03 AM |
Ok, I really have no skills..... | JeffM | Off-Topic | 2 | January 8th, 2012 12:42 PM |
Build your skills one ride at a time: streetSkills flash-cards | jdelv | Riding Skills | 4 | April 27th, 2011 05:05 AM |
|
|