Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
ISBN:9781933958354 read summary

This book is a real mood & confidence killer! I was so very enthusiastic about taking the safety course and getting my license. I am, by nature, a cautious person and have an excellent (car) driving record over my 40 years of driving, but David Hough would have us believe that there is a deadly disaster lurking over EVERY hill and around EVERY curve and corner! He has taken ALL the joy and anticipation out of biking for me. Now I am not sure I want to even learn how to ride even though I am signed up to take the safety course tomorrow. Yes, it is important to be aware of the risks and use common sense, but there is no JOY or encouragement in this book...ALL grim warnings. What is the point of riding if you have to fear every motorist, hill and dale? Yes, I learned from this book, but it is so heavily weighted towards grim statistics and scenarios that one cannot read it and think that he/she deserves to feel any pleasure in the ride. Never relax. Always drive defensively, watch out for this and that! DEATH is waiting for YOU just around that corner or within that intersection. Is it worth it?

I started riding two years ago and find myself consuming all the info I can to avoid being a statistic. I found the first chapter a little hard to get through, because it was the geometry and physics of how you can stay on two wheels, but it is all a good read.

This is my second copy, I gave my other one away to a new biker. I have 19 years experience riding a crazy fast bike and this book not only pointed out the mistakes I made regularly, but taught me how to rectify them. Now the curves are easier to take. Read it often; the advice never grows old. And it could save your life. Motorcycling is not "safe"at any speed. This book, when applied, only adds to the thrill.

Been riding since I was thirteen, and that was 4 decades ago and now I ride a Wing. I was given a copy of this book by a friend and now I just purchased a copy for another friend who just purchased a BMW Touring bike. At first I resisted reading the book but eventually picked it up and could not put it down. When the snow melted I found myself on the local fairgrounds practicing some of the concepts in the book. I also find myself going back and re-reading sections. I must admit I did ride away with some new found riding tips. I am in law enforcement and have seen my share of bike crashes both on and off duty. In many of those crashes I am reminded of sections of the book that addresses contributing factors to a crash. I have recommended this book to other riders new and old. For example, the book explains the physics of counter and direct steering. We all know about it but what is actually happening to rider and bike? This book explains in a light easy to read format that the curve you are about to enter actually started at home with bike preparation and maintenance and continued with a well planned weight transfer, angle of direction in the apex of the curve and safely arriving at your destination. The book should be included with all new bikes.

As a new rider within the last year I am always looking to expand my knowledge and understanding of motorcycles. This book seems to be the perfect compilation of information on every facet of riding from choosing and maintaining the right bike to the best techniques and safe riding instruction in an easily understandable way. I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about safe and long term motorcycling.