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test
 RIDING
YOUR LUCK? SPORTS BIKE TEST
They say fortune favours the brave, but when a powerful motorcycle
meets an open road the opposite is usually true.
Although the sun may smile down on the weekend rider, he or she
will need to match the capacity of their bike with a capacity for
caution.
Take too many chances in the saddle, and you may not live to see
another B-road. 359 motorcyclists met their ends on rural roads
in 2005.
(Source: Department for Transport report "Tomorrow's roads:
Safer for Everyone" 2006)
In many cases no other vehicle was involved. All too often rusty
skills and brand new 500cc plus bikes are more to blame than 4x4s,
tractors or caravans.
So no matter how good your instincts or reaction times, it’s
never worth gambling with your safety. The following simple test
proves it.
Decide whether you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements:
- “I often find that corners suddenly tighten up on me.”
- “I sometimes find I only just get away with overtaking
manoeuvres.”
- “When I ride with my mates, I seem to have to thrash my
bike to keep up, although I know they're not going any quicker
than I usually do when I ride on my own.”
- “People are always pulling out on me and forcing me to
take avoiding action.”
- “I'm not sure how to set my suspension up for the kind
of riding I do.”
- “As soon as it rains all my confidence disappears.”
If any of our unlucky six statements apply to you, that’s
a personal risk area. Hint: even the best riders will admit to some
of these risks.
The good news is that by using your head you’ll be able to
handle any of these scenarios. Don’t blame that treacherous
corner; slow down!
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