Thank You Sam For Your Question About What Gear To Choose.

Sam has a concern over what gear to choose.  As a new rider I am sure we can all empathize with him and his concerns.  There are so many options for gear.  Sam, let me tell you that you could ask 10 people this question and probably get at least 5 different answers.  Everyone's riding style and goals are different.  I will tell you what I look for in the proper gear.  Proper gear to me is gear that will keep me safe in the event of a collision or fall and protection from the weather. 

A helmet to me must be full face.  I like to be able to flip up the front of the helmet so I can get air if I need it and to be able to speak with my riding companions at stop signs.  Always keep the lid closed while riding.  Safety glasses or sunglasses are also important.

My gloves are full fingered and must be made of material that will protect my hands if I should fall.  Remember, the hands will meet the surface first.

Boots should be waterproof and have good ankle support.  Comfort is important.

Pants and jacket must also be waterproof and armored.  Armor should be found on elbows, back, shoulders, knees and hips. I prefer synthetic materials.  Pockets and pocket placement are important. Lined pockets are great when you stop and your hands are cold.  Look for ventilation on both pants and jacket.  This may enable you to wear the same gear year round.

Get a buff for around your neck.   There always seem to be an air pocket where helmet and jacket meet.

Sam, thanks for your question and I hope Santa brings you what you want.  See you in the Spring.

 

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Find us at  

http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/business/20351/motomark1.

As we approach Veteran's Day take a moment to give thank to our current

military for protecting us each and every day and to those that have served.

I am proud to be among such greatness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ask The Instructor Question of the Month

Having problem keeping a line in curves that go to the left, I do fine on curves to the right. I either get to high or have to make adjustments to keep off the yellow line, it's like I have to make two turns in the left hand curve. just not at ease on bike. I'm usually running about 10-20 mile per hour over the posted curve speed to keep up with the group.

Thanks Tommy 

Tommy,

First, be very careful about trying to keep up with someone that drives faster than you.  My experience has shown those motorcyclists that try to keep up with others may drive beyond their ability or skill level and they tend to crash.  Ride your own ride.  The MM1 philosophy is give a 100% effort in training but never exceed 80% of your ability on the road.  Always leave a little in reserve in case you come around the curve and some type of hazard forces you to change your line or take evasive action.  If you are at or above 100% of your ability or the bikes capabilities then you have no room for error or to make a directional change to avoid the hazard. Please be careful.  

 

Here is how we teach at MM1.When dealing with curves please keep in mind that you have 3 different lane positions to use. #1 is closest to the centerline / yellow, #2 in mid lane, #3 is closest to the fog line / white.  Each position helps with a certain curve.  

 

 

There are 3 parts to a curve, the entrance, the apex, and the exit.  When driving through a curve you can negotiate it by driving outside, inside and back to the outside.  We prefer a hazard perception line.  Delayed entry with delayed apex for increased visibility.  To get through a left hand curve you would slow down by downshifting and using engine brake then move your bike to the #3 position, this called setting up for the curve, lean forward and to the left slightly (bodyweight shift) look up and through the curve as far ahead of the motorcycle as possible, hold the #3 position until you can see your way is clear and you can see the exit.  To get the bike pointed in the direction of the curve you want to gently press on the left handlebar which happens to be the same direction of the curve, (press left go left) the bike will transition to the #2, patiently roll on the throttle once you can see the exit and back to the #1.  The key factor is your eyes.  Sometimes when folks are making adjustments in the middle or through the curve it's due to improper set up and eye control. The further ahead of the bike you look the slower you will feel but it will allow you to plan better because it will seem things are moving in slow motion.  If you are making adjustments in the middle of the curve I would bet you are not looking far enough ahead to plan or negotiate your curve far enough in advance therefore causing you to make the 2 separate turns.  Looking down hinders your sight and does not allow you enough time to plan for the curve therefore you readjust.  Looking up and through the curve allows you time to plan, set up, negotiate and drive on purpose.

 

Hope this helps.  Please stay in touch and we hope to see you in one of our upcoming classes where we can practice this technique and demonstrate in person.  

Mark Brown, Founder

MotoMark1

 

 

 

 

 

Seven Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Riding

 

Click on the photo for a great read!     

Doug, David and the OCC 1 class in Europe

Doug (my younger son) & I recently completed our 2 week motorcycle trip to Europe. My other son, Nick, could not join us as he was away in Peru. We had a fantastic time & I am delighted to tell you that we had no accidents, covering over 3,000 miles. 

We picked up the rental BMW bikes in Heidelberg, then headed up the Rhein & Mosel valleys. Crossed over in Northern France to visit the WW1 battlefield at Verdun before heading down into French Alps just outside Grenoble. This meant that we had a chance to get used to the bikes with increasing complexity of turns and different road surfaces. We then remained in the mountains, moving over to Chamonix to Switzerland & then across into Northern Italy. The final day was the Stelvio Pass with the unending hairpin curves - great way to finish the trip.

Both Doug & I remarked how pleased we were that we had taken the Level 1 class that gave us the skill & confidence to tackle the different roads, the ability to maneuver through the challenging sequences of bends. On some days it seemed that we must have completed over a 1000 turns as the roads just kept going & going. I was passed so often by faster riders who were more familiar with the roads, but in the back of my head was the familiar chant - "in like a lamb, out like a lion". That ensured that I never got myself into a situation where I felt out of control going through a bend. I can see how easy it would have been to get into trouble so easily.

The trip has certainly renewed my interest in motorcycling and I looking forward to joining you on one of the Overland courses to improve my skills.

Regards,

David

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MotoMark1's Maximum Control gets high scores from Iron Butt Magazine article

MotoMark1 gets high scores in the Summer 2014 Iron Butt Magazine article written by student Lisa Hecker.  Follow this link to read:  MotoMark1IronButt.