| Deadly Risks of Riding | Arrive Alive Mindsets |
| Dressing For Comfort | Dress For The Slide |
| Poor Motorcycle Control | Maintain Razor Sharp Muscle Memory |
| Restricting Evasive Potential | Keep Your Options Open |
| Improper Fear Management | Hope For The Best, Expect The Worst |
| Inattention To The Surroundings | Pay Attention To React Instinctively |
| Riding With An Unfit Mental State | Ride With Mental Clarity |
| Operating Without A Ride Plan | If You Fail To Plan, You Plan To Fail |
Traction Hazards
When Lane Positions Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, you can’t avoid hazards on the road. But with the right technique, you can still manage them safely. Traction Hazards are road conditions that reduce friction, which is essential for control. The good news? You don’t always need a lot of traction to maintain control at a steady speed. As long as you’re not speeding up or slowing down, these hazards won’t affect your ability to stay in control. The key is to maintain a steady velocity and use High Stability Mode (no acceleration or deceleration) when riding over low-traction areas.
Dealing with Low Friction Zones
If you encounter a slippery spot, try to make any necessary speed adjustments before reaching it. Once you’re on the hazard, coast through it with smooth, gradual movements. Avoid abrupt changes like accelerating or braking. If the low-traction zone is large, reduce your speed beforehand, especially if you need to turn or stop.
Traction Hazards Mid-Turn
When riding through a turn, you can’t just stop turning. But you can briefly reduce your lean angle to handle low-traction zones. Move to the inside of the curve, slow down using the front brake, and then shift to High Stability Mode by staying upright and coasting across the hazard. Once you’re through, lean back into the turn. If you need to make a sharper cut into the turn, that’s also an option, but always scan ahead for more hazards.
Types of Traction Hazards
- Particulates: Sand, gravel, dirt, or any loose debris. These often show up in lighter shades and are common in areas like construction zones or rural roads.
Liquids
Water, oil, and paint can be slippery, but oil sticks around longer. Always treat these as fresh and slippery, even if they seem old.
Biological Debris
Pollen, grass clippings, fallen leaves, and branches are more common in residential areas or during certain seasons.
New Tires
- New tires have a smooth surface, so they don’t provide the same traction as worn-in tires. Take it easy and gradually wear them in by slowly increasing lean angle and speed over a few rides.
Critical Traction Hazards
Some hazards are as slippery as ice: mud, fresh oil spills, wet polished concrete, packed sand, gravel, and snow. Avoid these at all costs. If you can’t, keep the bike upright, reduce your speed, and don’t change your velocity. Otherwise, you risk losing traction.
By understanding these hazards and adjusting your riding style, you can safely navigate even the most challenging road conditions.
