Nobody would argue that riding a KTM on solid grounds is a lot of fun. However even off-road one should always give ones guardian angel at least a chance to prevent accidents. Riding down the tires to the rim might be a lot of fun, but it is surely a cheap thrill. But just what happens afterwards?
Before the start you should check the condition of your bike; are the brakes working and what about the air pressure in the tires, etc. Paying attention for these few seconds could sustain lives... To wear protective equipment, helmet and mittens shouldn’t have to be mentioned.
Basic rule number one: Ride concentrated and with foresight from the start onward. This way some risky situations, which are caused by other road users, can be prevented. If a situation like this still occurs you won’t have much time to think about it then. It will be useful if the reaction of braking and getting out of the way happen almost automatically. But this will only work this way if you have practiced such actions in a safe environment beforehand.
The Austrian Automobilclub ÖAMTC suggests: Motorcycle rider need to be able to read the track properly. Thin lines around corners could come from diesel leakage. Tar which is used to fix cracks on the asphalt might become smooth and slimy when the sun hits it long enough. You can only do one thing here – stay off the accelerator.
It is important to sit easy and relaxed on your bike. Anyone sitting tight stops oneself of moving with the bikes motions. Always leave one finger lying on the brake lever; ready to brake. Otherwise you will loose precious meters during an emergency stop.
When riding curves a perfect technique of eye movements becomes important. One should always be riding in the directions one is looking at. This view should alternate with a quick check of the track ahead of the motorbike. Only when passing the center of the curve one should check out its end. At narrow serpentines one should take a look at the imagined middle of the circle – you will see it works.
If the brakes lock on the wheels one needs to immediately let go of the brake. If it is only locked at the rear tire and you are keep on going straight nothing much can happen.
Before one steers away from an obstacle on the road the brake needs to be let go for an instant. Otherwise the traction of the tires gets screwed up. In case of a crash one should immediately let go of the motorbike. It should skitter away in front of the rider. If you stretch and get rigid you stand a better chance to stop before you hit the obstacle.
