Many motorcycle safety posts describe the season’s dangers this time of year. It’s good that we remind each other of the hazards and what to look for in leaves, frost, rain, and cold. However, discussing the root cause and why these things are dangerous may be better, describing the illness instead of the symptoms. The bottom line to all of this is traction, or more importantly, the decreased amount of traction associated with the season.
On a motorcycle, traction is already decreased because only two tires are gripping the surface. With just one tire slipping, the consequences can be devastating. Motorcycle tires are narrow compared to other vehicles. When traction is divided amongst the multiple forces created while accelerating, braking, and cornering – less traction is probable when seasonal factors are added like those previously highlighted.
It could take hours to discuss how the different forces play on traction, but we would only discuss a few factors that could present themselves. What probably is more reasonable is to discuss HOW to ride in hopes of preventing MORE loss of traction than necessary.
Ideal conditions are rarely present in daily riding, so a rider should always consider their Safety Margins with that in mind. The Safety Margin is the time and space that a rider chooses to create, allowing for the factor of judgment errors, either by the rider or others. Safety Margins must also consider the honest capabilities and limitations of the rider, the capabilities and regulations of the motorcycle, and in our seasonal environment, the roadway and traffic conditions that may also affect traction.
Slippery conditions associated with the season demand more caution to deal with less traction – and In any case – more significant Safety Margins are necessary, and perhaps different riding methods may be helpful. Beyond greater attention, a technique to deal with slippery surfaces may include squeezing the clutch lever and coasting when negotiating a slippery hazard. The speed must be enough to make it through the slick area from entry to exit, which should also be done without having to make significant steering inputs, trying not to upset the motorcycle’s balance.
Even seasoned riders must continually think about traction and all the factors that can change in a single moment. An honest assessment of individual skill level and Safety Margin could be enough to make a typical day of riding even better and SURVIVABLE.
Originally Published on November 2, 2014 on Linked In
© 2022, Dr. Donald L. Green
