Do motorcyclists still read?
Discussion
Do people still read books about riding technique? Once upon a time – when I was a wee whippersnapper – everyone and their motorcycling dog recommended I read A Twist of the Wrist and Motorcycle Roadcraft. But it all seems to have gone quiet on the book front: do people still buy ’em (and what's good now?) or is everyone just watching YouTube?
Personally I don’t have the time or inclination for reading books so just tend to watch YouTube videos.
Life at lean is particularly good. He breaks down track riding into bite size pieces so as not to overload the senses.
I’ve picked up a few tips from them which were simple yet effective. A lot of which will translate to road riding too.
Life at lean is particularly good. He breaks down track riding into bite size pieces so as not to overload the senses.
I’ve picked up a few tips from them which were simple yet effective. A lot of which will translate to road riding too.
Biker's Nemesis said:
No, never read anything about road riding technique and I can't abide the self righteous tossers that post you tube video's about the subject either.
Absolutely spot on. Early on in my riding "career" I asked a few questions on forums when certain things came up - how to deal with crosswinds was my one main question, and the only advice my (experienced) father gave me was to push on the inside handlebar harder if I think I'm not going to make a corner (the bike is better than I am, and that advice has worked many times). Road riding is all about forward planning, keeping within your limits (always having something in reserve for evasive action) and arriving at your destination in one piece. There's many ways to skin a cat and one persons advice on riding might contradict another persons advice, completely confusing the issue.
thatdude said:
Road riding is all about forward planning, keeping within your limits (always having something in reserve for evasive action) and arriving at your destination in one piece.
I agree but still like to read and get ideas from others. I’ve had brilliant advice from advanced road guys (Rapid Training) and track day instructors alike. The alternative is making it up as you go along, and that can – sometimes – be very painful! thatdude said:
Biker's Nemesis said:
No, never read anything about road riding technique and I can't abide the self righteous tossers that post you tube video's about the subject either.
Absolutely spot on. Early on in my riding "career" I asked a few questions on forums when certain things came up - how to deal with crosswinds was my one main question, and the only advice my (experienced) father gave me was to push on the inside handlebar harder if I think I'm not going to make a corner (the bike is better than I am, and that advice has worked many times). Road riding is all about forward planning, keeping within your limits (always having something in reserve for evasive action) and arriving at your destination in one piece. There's many ways to skin a cat and one persons advice on riding might contradict another persons advice, completely confusing the issue.
Salted_Peanut said:
Do people still read books about riding technique? Once upon a time – when I was a wee whippersnapper – everyone and their motorcycling dog recommended I read A Twist of the Wrist and Motorcycle Roadcraft. But it all seems to have gone quiet on the book front: do people still buy ’em (and what's good now?) or is everyone just watching YouTube?
Biker's Nemesis said:
No, never read anything about road riding technique and I can't abide the self righteous tossers that post you tube video's about the subject either.
idiot said said:
So you have both written your advice but advocate that no one should read it
No, I have not read books about riding techniques and I don't know if people still buy them. I don't watch you tube video's on the subject either.
Please do not address me in future as I do not wish to be dragged down to your level.
No, I have not read books about riding techniques and I don't know if people still buy them. I don't watch you tube video's on the subject either.
Please do not address me in future as I do not wish to be dragged down to your level.
If you are doing advanced road training then you pretty much have to read Roadcraft. I did it originally to help get my confidence back after a near fatal crash and 2 years off driving/riding. It also helped accelerate my insurance coming back to normal levels after an 18 month dangerous driving ban 
I liked Total control for the theory that you never get taught, and many of us never understand after a lifetime of riding. As a rider you dont need to understand how the bike is working, although it can be helpful if you do
I like understanding how stuff works, how to setup my own suspension etc so read books on it....I dont watch youtube crap though.
I liked Total control for the theory that you never get taught, and many of us never understand after a lifetime of riding. As a rider you dont need to understand how the bike is working, although it can be helpful if you do
I like understanding how stuff works, how to setup my own suspension etc so read books on it....I dont watch youtube crap though.
I have read TWOT2. It's objectively a very badly written book, but there's some sound advice there amongst the overcomplicated ramblings of a deranged scientologist.
Personally I read a lot of stuff and watched a lot of youtube clips, on occasion I still do. I like to learn practically but that isn't always possible.
To be honest, I agree, most of the advice is b
ks. Broadly speaking there seems to be two camps, those who have the talent but can't communicate well, and those who can communicate well but have fk all talent ("Dunning-Kruger" effect in action for that camp usually).
For me that was best epitomised when on a trackday with John McGuinness as one of the trainers/helpers/whatever, when giving advice he goes "I don't know mate I just ride the fking thing", I can't remember if that was him talking to Moanthebairns on here or not... amongst over terrifying things he said to him. 
Personally I read a lot of stuff and watched a lot of youtube clips, on occasion I still do. I like to learn practically but that isn't always possible.
To be honest, I agree, most of the advice is b
ks. Broadly speaking there seems to be two camps, those who have the talent but can't communicate well, and those who can communicate well but have fk all talent ("Dunning-Kruger" effect in action for that camp usually). For me that was best epitomised when on a trackday with John McGuinness as one of the trainers/helpers/whatever, when giving advice he goes "I don't know mate I just ride the f
king thing", I can't remember if that was him talking to Moanthebairns on here or not... amongst over terrifying things he said to him. Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff