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@voneschenbach avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
A fracking cage sadly
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4000
Location: Seattle
 
Ossessionato
@voneschenbach avatar
A fracking cage sadly
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4000
Location: Seattle
UTC quote
These books have been mentioned in various threads throughout the site, but wanted to introduce to newer (US/Canada-based) folks like myself to the works of David Hough, author of Street Strategies and Proficient Motorcycling. I checked out both from the library and have been learning a lot. More importantly, it's helped me be more conscious of potential dangerous situations as I scoot around town.

The books are also fairly entertaining as well - he tells these little stories about riding and something happening. He must go to the hardware store a lot because half the stories involve something happening either to or from the hardware store!

It doesn't hurt that he is a Northwesterner either, including lots of local info such as riding on wet surfaces, ice on bridges, etc.

Are there any other books that you would recommend, especially for scooters?

Finally, since this is a motorcycle-centric safety book, are there situations that are less dangerous for scooters (due to smaller wheels, lower center of gravity, etc.) or more dangerous?
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@techguy avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Kymco P250 Now, P200E in the 80's
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3908
Location: Antelope, CA, USA
 
Ossessionato
@techguy avatar
Kymco P250 Now, P200E in the 80's
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3908
Location: Antelope, CA, USA
UTC quote
I have not read Street Strategies but Proficient M/C is like the bible for two-wheeled riders. I have read it twice, cover to cover.

Thanks for the bump to the newbies here. If you have not read these, it would be a good thing to add to your to-do list.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Only two major differences I can think of - engine braking and slow speed manouvering.

Engine braking:
Engine braking is almost non-existent on the smaller (250cc and below) auto scooters, so consider using brakes to make sure you're at the right speed before a curve rather than 'choose the right gear'. Slow in, fast out on a CVT bike.

Slow-speed manouvering:
Actually uncannily similar to what 'real bikes' do, but instead of using clutch control, use rear brake control - same lever! Get the revs up enough so that the clutch is just engaged, keep constant revs, and use the rear brake to control speed.
@scooter_bug avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 LX 150 & 1969 Sprint Veloce
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1070
Location: Orlando, FL
 
Molto Verboso
@scooter_bug avatar
2007 LX 150 & 1969 Sprint Veloce
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1070
Location: Orlando, FL
UTC quote
I'm currently reading Proficient Motorcycling. I'm learning some things and practicing some others and I feel I am improving my riding. I highly recommend it too.
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