Riding Craft: The Skills Every Rider Should Keep Sharp

In Partnership with StreetSmarts

When you jump on the bike and head out on the road, you don’t think this will be the one time you get unlucky. But if you don’t keep your technique honed, it might be. 

After a crash on a normal, everyday ride that could’ve ended a lot worse than it did, ex-Nitro Circus star Emma McFerran knows better than most how important it is to stay sharp, gear up properly, and keep your riding skills polished. 

Whether you’re brand new to the road or have a few thousand km under your belt, honing your riding skills is key to keeping the good times rolling. “At the end of the day,” Emma says, “it’s just about you having fun and getting home safe.” 

So, what should every rider be working on? 

Managing your speed 

Knowing when and how to manage it is what separates a good rider from a great one. Queensland’s Motorcycle Riders’ Guide reminds us that riding to the conditions, not just the speed limit, is essential. 

Wet road? Blind crest? Heavy traffic? Ease off early, especially around corners, and you’ll keep more control in your hands.

Timing is everything

Good riding isn’t just about reacting, it’s about seeing trouble before it finds you. When you’re on the road, stick to the 12, 6, 3 second rules: look 12 seconds ahead, keep at least 6 seconds of vision clear, and maintain a 3 second gap from other vehicles. It may sound simple, but a few extra seconds of thinking time can make all the difference between a close call and a disaster.

Road positioning

The road can be full of surprises, including unexpected gravel, oil patches, paint, water, and potholes. To enjoy the ride and stay safe, it’s important to know where you are in the lane. 

Choosing to follow the right-hand wheel track is your best option. This positioning helps you see hazards early, avoid the oil that can form in the centre of the lane and dodge the broken pavement and loose gravel on the road’s edge. 

Corner like a pro

Just like your positioning on the straight, there’s an art to taking a curve too, and it’s all about getting your setup right. 

The key is to slow down before the corner, pick a wide line in, maintain a buffer away from oncoming traffic, and tighten the exit to keep you on track and help you set up for the next bend. Make sure to also watch the “vanishing point” (where the road disappears) to read what the curve is doing up ahead.

Master your braking 

Braking is more than grabbing tightly and hoping for the best. Smooth, two-stage braking (first with the setup, then the smooth squeeze and gentle release) with both front and rear brakes can literally save your skin. The front brake does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to stopping power, with the rear brake coming in to stabilise the motorcycle and give you control. Our biggest tip? Practice emergency braking, so that it’s second nature if the unexpected pops up.

Ride smart in the city

Any experienced rider knows that city streets come with their own set of curveballs. It may sound obvious, but when you’re riding on busier, narrow streets, make sure to keep a buffer from parked cars (doors open fast), stay out of blind spots, and always assume someone might turn across your path. Being visible and observational is half the battle in traffic.

Get the right gear

Riding well is about the gear you’re wearing too. This means boots, gloves, jackets, pants, and a helmet that meets Australian standards. 

Websites like MotoCAP are gold for checking the protection rating of what you’re putting on before you hit the road, and provide a good reminder to keep checking on the safety of your gear if you’ve been riding for years. 

Riding will always have an element of risk – that’s part of what makes it exhilarating. But when you keep honing your Ride Craft, you’re stacking the odds in your favour. 

For more tips and resources on honing your ride technique, visit StreetSmarts.