The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

~ Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A welcome resource for both beginning and experienced riders." -- Kansas City Star

"A welcome resource for both beginning and experienced riders." -- Kansas City Star

"If you have taken a course, this book will help you recall what you learned and refine your mental riding strategies . . . a winner that should benefit motorcyclists for years to come." -- BMW Owners News

"Includes almost everything a truly proficient street rider should understand and master." -- Motorcyclist

"Now all motorcyclists can have instant access to an extensive resource on motorcycling safety, compiled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Motorcycle Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, And Strategies for Riding Right is a book that comprises much of what the MSF has learned in the last 21 years." -- Motorcycle Shopper, December 1994

"The most authoritative book ever published on safe riding techniques." -- Iron Works

"The most authoritative book ever published on safe riding techniques." -- Iron Works

"This book covers everything from beginner to expert; really! It has 176 pages and some really nice photographs; my favorite is on page 18 showing a lovely Connie turning in. If you fell asleep in Physics 101 in high school (maybe it was college for me. . .) this text has lots of theoretical stuff on why the round things at either end of you bike behave the way they do. It is a good reference to lend out to beginning family members or friends to get them started on the right foot." -- North East Area Concours Owners Group

"Though no book is a substitute for taking an approved motorcycle safety class, this one will improve your riding whether you've been throwing a leg over trusty two-wheelers for decades or are contemplating it for the first time. Even if you only pick up one gem of wisdom (and you'll likely pick up more), that tip could well be the one that saves your hide some day. Remember, the more you know, the better it gets." -- Motorcycle Times, Mar/Apr 1995

"You won't be disappointed [in this] invaluable resource tool that will help any rider become a better rider. -- Street Bike --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

This all-new and expanded second edition of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence is the most authoritative book ever published on safe riding techniques and strategies for current and prospective motorcyclists who want to do it right.

In a clear, engaging style with detailed diagrams and extensive full-color photographs and illustrations, the book covers rider attitude, protective riding gear, pre-ride inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting, as well as basic and advanced street skills. Tips on how to create a "space cushion" to avoid traffic hazards; stop quickly; countersteer for better control; manage traction; position your body for smoother, more consistent riding; travel skillfully and safely in a group; maneuver effectively and efficiently in off-highway riding; and much more, are included. The new edition also features advice from legendary racers Kevin Schwantz, Nick Ienatsch, Freddie Spencer, Rich Oliver, and Reg Pridmore, as well as contributions from Erik Buell on motorcycle geometry, Keith Code on countersteering, and Paul Thede on suspension adjustment, among other experts.

Founded in 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is recognized internationally for its rider-training curriculum, which has been used worldwide by thousands of trainers in teaching more than three million motorcyclists the skills necessary to stay safe and have fun on the road. This book is the essence of what the MSF has learned about teaching students of all ages and experience levels. It is the definitive reference for the sport—a perfect refresher for anyone who has ever taken an MSF course, and an eye-opener for those who haven’t.

As the MSF likes to remind us, "The More You Know, The Better It Gets!" This new edition of Motorcycling Excellence provides the opportunity for every motorcyclist to discover for him or herself the thrills and joys of "riding right" by getting the best from self and machine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press; 2nd edition (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313477
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313479
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,280 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "The more you know the better it gets" (from the frontispiece), September 2, 2005

By	John Joss (Los Altos, CA USA) - See all my reviews

MOTORCYCLING EXCELLENCE is perhaps the best nuts-and-bolts primer on motorcycle riding yet published. It covers the subject thoroughly, a single source for knowledge and wisdom in the basics. It addresses attitude, basic skills, controls, gear, safety inspections, night and group riding, streetb strategies, off-road techniques . . . the gamut of essentials. Plus the basics of training, from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, official authors of the book.
Most people, perhaps 90% of road users, consider motorcycles as 'just other vehicles.' They aren't. Motorcycles are as different from four-and-more wheelers as swimming is from walking, as reading is from watching TV. Learning to operate a motorcycle safely and well is as difficult, but as challenging and rewarding as, say, learning to fly, scuba dive or climb mountains--and survive. Like those other unforgiving pursuits, do it right or risk serious consequences. Motorcycling is an honest trade: incompetence, inattention or bad luck can kill or maim in seconds. That's where this book shines, in identifying and hammering home the essentials.
Expert contributors--a 'who's-who' of experience: Nick Ienatsch on picking the right bike, World MotoGP champion on safety gear and bike control, Paul Thede on suspension, AMA 250 champion Rich Oliver on stopping, Erik Buell on bike geometry, Reg Pridmore on the need for smoothness, Keith Code on counter-steering, World MotoGP champion Freddie Spencer on trail braking.
Why read this book? Complex, high-risk activities demand study and practice at all experience levels. In an era in which school-student driver training has been discontinued and the road IQ of most car drivers is at flat-worm level, riders are at risk and must defend themselves. Every ride is a learning experience. This book will enhance the first, high-risk 50,000 miles in every rider's life (thus it's an ideal gift for offspring). And the next 250,000 miles for experienced riders.
The illustrations and photographs are lavish and excellent. The appendices--MSF training, proper bike inspection, and a glossary--are thorough and well done. There are omissions, though, whence the loss of a review 'star:' e.g. tire compromise between wear and stiction (which is not yet intuitive for many riders), the availability of waterproof linings such as Goretex for gear. The editing, too, lacks polish--too many passages are prolix and rambling instead of being tight and tough. The message gets through, anyway.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very useful resource- especially in addition to the class, July 17, 2000

By	"souther_g" (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right (Paperback)

I've always advocated that there are two types of people on motorcycles: riders and accidents waiting to happen. If you are taking the time to look into proper rider education, I congratulate you on your decision to become one of the former. This book contains priceless information for riders. There really is no good substitute for knowledge and practice; and this book is an excellent source of knowledge. And take my word for it, this is the best book on the market. But, if you have not already done so, I'd STRONGLY recommend taking at least one of the MSF's courses as well. The second critical part of the equation I mentioned before is practice. And the supervised drills offered in the MSF courses are second to none for low speed practice. I've taken two myself in addition to owning this book. Having both the classes and the book for reference has been extremely helpful, to say the least.

To summarize, this is a book that belongs on every motorcyclist's bookshelf. I'd also recommend taking the classes. With those resources, you will find motorcycling more enjoyable as well as safer. It's saved my skin more then once, and I'd say that I've gotten at least a ten fold return for my time and money. And it's better then needing "First Aid for Bad Riders", "101 Ways to Fall Off Your Bike Gracefully" or "An Idiot's Guide to Compound Fractures" on your shelf. You will be an exponentially better rider if you buy this book, study its contents, and practice its techniques.

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book can save your life! *REALLY*, June 24, 2000

By	Bibliophile - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right (Paperback)

If you ride a motorcycle, you need this book. Period. Buy it now, get it, read it, and commit what it says to reflex-memory - it can literally save your life. It is not, however, a substitute for taking one of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's 3-day beginner motorcycling courses.

If you are concerned with becoming a better (safer) rider, I recommend you do the following: get this book and read it. Enroll and take the MSF course (they provide helmets and motorcycles and it's cheap). Re-read this book. Practice what you have learned in class and read in this book on an ongoing basis. If you do the above (and always wear a helmet), you will reduce the chances of accident and injury. Yes, motorcycling is more dangerous than riding in a "cage" (that's a car, for you non-motorcyclists). But, with proper training and safety equipment, you can improve your odds significantly.

Just do it.