Mastering the Ride: More Proficient Motorcycling, 2nd Edition

Some of the comments have complained that this book overlaps his earlier book ("Proficient Motorcycling"): they discuss the same subject, but to different audiences (this is for more experienced riders)--so of course there will be overlap. So, should you get both like I did?If you are new to cycling--especially 2 wheelers--you need to get a lot of absolutely critical information into your mind so deeply that you don't think about it and then remember things: there is no time for that. It has to be second nature: you have to directly go to determining action.So, I read the beginner's book before the basic motorcycling class, and this book after the class and after I had a few hundred miles under my belt. You learn through spaced repetition: this second book drove home critical points, and added new information as well.Personally, I like Hough's writing style: it is like sitting down with a good friend who knows everything about motorcycling, and having a nice relaxing conversation (complete with stories).I also am taking additional motorcycle classes, and I have other motorcycle books too, including: "Motorcycling the Right Way" by Ken Condon (which is also a good read); and "Total Control" by Lee Parks. I find the Parks book harder to read, but if you learn through reading, it is one of those books that you just have to have--there is no other like it.

I’m a 54 year old male thinking of returning to motorcycling after a 20 year gap – that is for 20 years I have not sat on the seat of a motorcycle. However, I am aware of safety and especially how traffic conditions have changed over the years (I’m writing from Sydney Australia a city which has almost quadrupled in size since I started motorcycling in the early 1980s). Moreover, I had a “nasty” fall when riding in my younger days that left me with significant hip damage. So, when I said to a friend, “before I buy any motorcycle to return to motorcycling I’m going to read a book” the response (and expectedly so) was laugher. My friend in his wisdom (who has maintained his riding and has ridden for over 40 years) politely advised that if I need a book then I should give up the idea of returning to riding as obviously it’s about re-gaining the experience and has nothing to do with reading about it. He said “Just do it don’t read it”. He couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m glad I purchased David Hough’s book. I'm saddened that it’s not a must for rider education courses here in Australia. I only wish I had this knowledge 20 years back when I was riding – it certainly would have helped me prevent if not better manage the serious motorcycle accident I had. I realized my “poor” riding habits and fuzzy understandings (eg body steering vs counter steering; inadequate braking techniques). Interestingly, Mr Hough debunks body steering in favour of counter steering thus following motorcycle training guru Keith Code). Moreover, when I obtained my motorcycle licence 30 years ago (in Sydney Australia) there were few requirements. The instructor just watched me from behind on his bike riding a few kms around the block and doing a figure 8 without touching the ground. That’s it! I passed and obtained my licence. Unfortunately, in Sydney there are at present no courses specifically designed for returning riders, in fact, the only courses available are for motorcyclists which have graduated from “learners” to “Provisional” (the course itself is limited and short – within its 3 hours much is missed ie “counter steering”; blipping the throttle for safe downshifting). I can write more. This book has opened my mind to riding; it has helped me better understand what I was doing; not doing; and things to improve upon; I have a “road map” for better and safer riding which makes sense and is immediately applicable – its knowledge I applied and tested (and discussed with the instructor) with the short riding course I recently undertook. Riding is not something “instinctual” as my friend would have it; you need to have the right knowledge which will then become through right application automatic in the right manner. For this purpose Mr Hough’s book is perfect – a no-nonsense informative evidentially based and easy to read guide on riding in whatever situation.

I've been riding (various) motorcycles since 1963. This book has started me on the road to being a much more proficient rider. Besides illustrating numerous things I knew but didn't really practice, it gave me tips to improve my riding skills that make sense and are easily understood - I'm not one who can grasp stuff out of a book very easily. A couple of examples are the "tack" at a stoplight or sign, and the use of the outer three fingers on the brake lever. Tacking at a stoplight/sign presents a larger view of your bike to oncoming traffic so you're more visible. I've tried using the thumb and forefinger on the throttle and the outer three fingers to brake, and I'm going to work on it because it seems to give more control. Explanations of things that affect the ride like braking, shifting, taking the long view, head checks (mirrors are better), other drivers, visibility, and a host of other issues are covered in simple to understand language. Don't know how many times I've said "I know that, why don't I use it?", or "Why didn't I think of it that way?" I don't know about the "Black Belt" ad part, but this book is excellent for anyone who wants to have a million, crash-free miles.

Reading this book just helps understanding the roads around us alittle more easier, the more information we have the better the ride.

I was recommended to buy it but having read it realise that could have managed without it an saved my money.

When I started riding, I took a motorcycle safety course. I've now been riding motorcycles for 35 years. Each year, we do road trips running up 5,000 miles in 10 days. I think I'm a good, safe, efficient rider. The reality is I settle into my own particular riding style and probably make many mistakes repeatedly. In some ways I've been very fortunate not to have a problem, but I also ride conservatively (most of the time). So why get a book like this? Simply because it's good to reinforce the positive, and discourage the negative habits we all develop, whether we've been riding for a week, a decade, or most of our adult life.Even though we all "know" what to do when riding as far as knowing the traffic around us, what to do at intersections, how to merge effectively on highways, how to avoid problems on twisty roads, and so on, sometimes actually reading the process again helps make sure you actually do think about it when you have to, instead of just falling into habits. The author David Hough has been writing safe riding columns for a while, and this book is a condensation of all the material he's presented in those columns over the years. None of it is dated, stale, or inapplicable to you. All of it is solid advice we all, as riders, should think about.There's lots of content here that riders of all levels will appreciate, whether throwing your leg over a new crotch rocket for the first time, or settling into your cruiser in well-worn riding gear. While some of the advice may seem obvious or simplistic, in truth it is not if it gets you thinking about your riding. When we're on a bike, we're the most vulnerable thing on the road, and even a few second's lapse in concentration can be deadly, something I know only too well from both sides of the picture. There's lots of useful content here, even for aging riders like me, or those coming back to riding after years away.Yes, there's videos on the Web you can watch. Yes, there's courses you can take. And yes, there's good books, like this one, that will help keep your skills fresh. All those avenues are good ones. And this book is a good read, well written and useful. Strongly recommend for riders of all ages and skill levels, even those old guys like me on our old BMWs, racking up 50,000 miles with a silly grin on our faces every day we're in the saddle.Keep the shiny side up, and read this book to help you do so.

Great book on defensively riding your motorcycle . Shows a better way of dealing with the poor 4 wheel drivers on the road today and how not to react to them . Would recommend to anyone , regardless of whether they ride or not , to make them a safer driver with all the different forms of transportation on the road . Noticing scooters ,bicycles , motorcycles , children and teenagers on skateboards is a must .

Good book that covers motorcycle safety well. Structure needs improvement as I would have liked to see checklists of things to practice, example scenarios and other practical tips to implement safe riding as a habit. The author does ramble on a few subjects (like speeding for instance), but overall a good read for new and experienced riders.