To go fast you need to learn to go slow

How do low speed skills translate and become valuable in higher speed (as in normal traffic, freeways, canyons and track day) riding? It’s all in how well you use them.

The concept here is learning how to place your motorcycle anywhere you want, whenever you want and how you want…at whatever speed you want depending upon the circumstances. It’s Power Management, Body Position and Feel. And then there is PRACTICE. A skill is only learned if applied.

When you practice skills,  You develop “Muscle Memory”, your body knows what it needs to do and how to do it to control your motorcycle. Going slow teaches you control, the soft feel of smoothness with all your controls…including your brain. . How many times have we all gone into a corner on a canyon road and had the “AH CRAP” moment ? I would have used another word but this a family friendly website….

When you really practice slow skills being mindful of what you are doing with the  Throttle, Clutch, Rear Brake and how they all work together, the soft feel of your motorcycle starts to come alive. When you get good at the Golden Triangle at slow speeds you begin to feel more comfortable higher speeds because you really know how your motorcycle is going to respond.

Learning how and when to use your front brake at slower speeds is again very valuable because you develop feel. At Motorcycle Coaching 101 we work on Braking exercises that focus how effective the rear brake is alone, the front brake alone and then both combined. Learning  the power of your front brake and how and when to use it and not use it vital.

Going slow can be boring but it is a regular part of riding and when you are confident at slow speeds you’ll be happier riding faster because you have feel. And lastly, go out and practice skills.

Ride safe, ride far and I’ll see you on the road

Paul