Have you read the book that might save your life?

[Trapper]

Good deal!

[Trapper]

You'd be surprised. Here's a couple sample articles. The book is actually a compilation of David Hough's articles for the Motorcycle Consumer News.
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/proficient_motor.asp

[ELGOLD C50T]

I'm currently reading it. I think it's a great tool to reinforce some safety related items that we may forget from time to time. Sometimes the book gets very technical and in a language that may only be understood by experts. Overall it's a great read since much of the situations described are played out by the writer in simplified terms.

[Shea]

Originally Posted by Night_Wolf

No I haven't read them. I learn more from doing that I do from reading when it comes to riding. Some subjects are easier to learn from a book, IMO motorcycling isn't one of them

Huh? So if someone were to tell you how something is to be done, you cannot go and practice it? The book is for knowledge purposes. For instance, if someone tells you how to counter stear, you couldn't go out and practice it? You post makes absolutely no sense.

[TravelerKLK]

I tore my copy out of its binding, punched holes in the side and put it in a three ring binder. When issues come up on our club rides, I take out the specific article(s) which apply and we discuss them at our general meetings. Very helpful, especially for new members.

[Louis]

Is it offered as an eBook?

[RampageRider]

Nope not yet and the library doesn't have a copy. Amazon.com here I come.

[Sandman]

I bought it, but am not going to read it until after my BRC next week. One manual at a time...

[Clint]

Originally Posted by Night_Wolf

No my post makes no sense to YOU, to ME it makes perfect sense I teach people how to ride so I have some knowledge of what I'm doing. I find I learn more by following a more experienced rider than by reading it in a book.

You didn't SAY that in your previous post. You came across as a thickheaded know-it-all, in fact. I was formulating a reply similar to Shea's as I scrolled, and it's just your luck you explained yourself better this time. Sure, you can learn the same things from an experienced rider, but you have to know that he/she has learned the proper techniques themselves. We don't all have that luxury, so the book is a good substitute.

[stevie c]

Only book like that I have ever read was the roadcraft handbook, its for motorcycle police over here. Had some interesting points and gave me an insight to what I should be doing, especially when it was all new to me.

[zukirob]

Proficient Motorcycling and it's sequel are great books. David Hough's philosophy is basically:
1. Bikes are the greatest invention since oral sex ...... BUT
2. Other drivers are out to get you
3. Road hazards are out to get you
4. At times, even you are out to get yourself
4. If they get you, its your fault cause you're the one that will lose, not them.

His books are all about the ways that "they" can get you and what you can do about it. It's not about skills so much as attitude. Veteran riders who bike for years accident free rarely use emergency skills, its about actively looking for situations that could be dangerous and avoiding them.

[ZukiChaos]

Read that & his "More..." book. Both were great (sometimes too technical to grasp at first), but as a new rider I must say the motorcycle safety course wins hands down. Now these books are good refreshers or couch reading when I can't be out riding.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by ZukiChaos

Now these books are good refreshers or couch reading when I can't be out riding.

That's why I haven't bought them yet. Our course in QC is mandatory and it's a pretty good course. I've also taken the Experienced Rider Course twice (once with each bike I owned/own). I'm not the best rider (what constitues a "best" rider anyway? ) but I've taken some steps to improve my riding skills.

Or, I could just shut up and buy the damn book

[Trapper]

+1 It is a good read. Pretty funny in parts.

[Clint]

I would argue that oral sex was not so much invented as discovered.

[Trapper]

Did I miss something?

[inspiron]

And it's probably one of the most appreciated discoveries in the history of mankind.

Steak anyone?

[sunny]

great topic derailment!

i give it a +1!

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I would argue that oral sex was not so much invented as discovered.

Yeah, I saw the movie "Quest for Fire" too.

Back on topic,

Not everything about riding well is intuitive. The Hough books are great, and the Ride Like a Pro video is also a very good purchase.

Jerry Paladino points out that he rode for 20 years before he became a motor officer, and the things he learned in that training (on which he based his Ride Like Pro training) made him realize that he had one year of riding experience repeated 20 times. Running a hotdog wagon for 10 years does not make one a great chef.

[Clint]

LOL. Good points.