# Any hints for a lapsed novice motorcyclist? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 23, 2019, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518 "2019-07-23T23:08:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/61 "2019-07-25T20:14:35Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > Regarding high beams during the day, motorcycles only have one headlight and need to be as visible as possible. Sunlight is a lot stronger than the headlight on my bike. I’ve never once been flashed at on my bike, and I’ve never been blinded or even annoyed by a bike headlight. So I run high beam. I’ve had cars stopped in front of me flip their rear view mirrors to night mode. That was on the BMW, I don’t remember anybody doing to the Triumph, where the light is lower down. In those cases I’d angle my front wheel so the light was pointed straight at the car in front of me. The high beam/low beam thing is one of the never ending motorcycle debates, so I’m sure it won’t be settled here. As a car driver though, I can’t remember ever being bothered by a motorcycle’s high beam during the day. I’ve never had a helmet with a sunshade, but my current one came with a transition shield. It goes from clear to dark and back again well enough. It means not having to carry an extra shield, and not needing to ride with sunglasses under my helmet. I’ve never been caught with the shield dark and all of the sudden riding in a dark place. Even the Eisenhower tunnel is well lit enough that it doesn’t matter. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2019, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/62 "2019-07-25T20:48:27Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > I’m gonna disagree a little. While it’s true that the DOT testing is self-certified, there’s been no evidence that any of the reputable manufacturers are cheating, and the fact that most DOT helmets are concurrently approved under the EU standard as well (which is not self-certified) indicated that their DOT approval is on the level. > > I myself am not a big fan of the Snell certification, although the Snell org has taken some steps in recent standards updates to correct some issues with their methodology that were the cause of a lot of controvery in the 2005 and 2010 standard. I’m at work, avoiding a couple unpleasant tasks so I can’t dig for some of the links I know I’ve got bookmarked, but I can come back to add those if there’s interest. > > Personally, after a lot of reading, some of which I even understand, I look for ECE and SHARP ratings first, DOT for legality, and Snell not at all (largely 'cause they will not certify a helmet with an integrated sun shade; see my posts above). > > Last but not least, I don’t buy budget brand helmets, although I recognize this is an argument that relies on faith and trust more than a library of facts. > [https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/](https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/) > [https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-faqs-dot-snell-and-ece](https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-faqs-dot-snell-and-ece) As the article you posted makes clear, the Snell tests are much more rigorous than DOT, and are conducted independently. So even if there may have been some questions about their methodology at some point (I’m not familiar with the situation), the Snell rating is clearly superior to DOT. It’s been years since I was involved in motorsports and even longer since I rode motorcycles, so I have never heard of the ECE rating. I agree that it seems even better, and if I were in need of a helmet, I’d no doubt look at ECE-compliant models. Do they tend to be even more expensive than Snell-rated ones? (SNell approved helmets were IME generally more expensive than DOT-only models.) ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2019, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/63 "2019-07-25T22:09:00Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > As the article you posted makes clear, the Snell tests are much more rigorous than DOT, and are conducted independently. So even if there may have been some questions about their methodology at some point (I’m not familiar with the situation), the Snell rating is clearly superior to DOT. The article also says… > [@](#): > > Snell certification requires more extensive testing and generally implies a safer helmet. However, because the test is administered differently,\* there is some controversy as to whether it is really better than DOT certification or not.\* …suggesting that it’s not quite that cut and dried. And consider that Snell doesn’t certify \*\*any \*\*modular helmets or helmets with features like internal sun shades, it’s not a useful standard for me. > [@](#): > > It’s been years since I was involved in motorsports and even longer since I rode motorcycles, so I have never heard of the ECE rating. I agree that it seems even better, and if I were in need of a helmet, I’d no doubt look at ECE-compliant models. Do they tend to be even more expensive than Snell-rated ones? (SNell approved helmets were IME generally more expensive than DOT-only models.) ECE is the EU standard for helmet safety features and testing. Similar to how any helmet in the US must be DOT approved, any helmet in the EU must be ECE approved. In most cases, manufacturers have both certifications since the ECE testing is more robust than the DOT testing. My understanding is that ECE and Snell sometimes are either/or though, as the standards differ enough that helmets designed for one standard might not then pass the other. In any case, I look for helmets that pass the ECE R22.05 testing. In the US, that helmet will also come with the DOT sticker, but I have bought helmets from the EU a couple of times without the DOT sticker and never been hassled, although I understand that’s a possibility. Here’s a summary of the controversy regarding the Snell certification as it arose back in 2010ish. Of course the Snell M2005 standard is long outdated now, some of the methodology concerns raised still remain… > **[Leaked docs show Motorcyclist caved to advertiser pressure, fired editor](https://www.rideapart.com/features/258813/leaked-docs-show-motorcyclist-caved-to-advertiser-pressure-fired-editor/)** > > A series of emails between Dexter Ford and Motorcyclist editor-in-chief Brian Catterson seem to suggest that Ford was fired at the behest of Motorcyclist's advertisers. And the article that sparked that controversy. > **[Sorting Out Differences in Helmet Standards (Published 2009)](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html)** > > There is an ongoing debate in the helmet industry over the safest design criteria for a motorcycle helmet — especially for riders with smaller heads. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/64 "2019-07-26T01:15:51Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Speaking as a cager though not one of **those** cagers, don’t split lanes ever. It just pisses off my brethren and one is likely to open his door on you. It’s also illegal in every state save California, or so I’ve been told. And yes, it’s irrational, but it pisses me the hell off when a biker lane splits. It’s like those asshats who go flying down a turn lane, then try to cut in to the line of traffic going straight; it triggers some atavistic, first-grade notion of “No cutsies!” ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/65 "2019-07-26T02:02:24Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Speaking as a cager though not one of **those** cagers, don’t split lanes ever. It just pisses off my brethren and one is likely to open his door on you. If motorcyclists don’t split lanes then there will be more traffic congestion that everyone has to endure. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/66 "2019-07-26T02:06:53Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > If motorcyclists don’t split lanes then there will be more traffic congestion that everyone has to endure. That’s right. I split most every time I ride; it’s just a fact of life in SoCal. It just give me and all the other riders the chance to get the hell out of the way and free up the space we’d otherwise take. It’s one of those rare win-win situations. And my experience is that drivers, if they notice I’m coming at all, do their best to help me out by giving me a little room. I’ve not run across anyone deliberately trying to cause a problem. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/67 "2019-07-26T02:22:36Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > Still paranoid and don’t trust other drivers though… Good! And damn well stay that way! ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/68 "2019-07-26T03:02:06Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > I always heard it as “dress for the slide, not the ride.” > > I believe the actual stats are more like 15% fatal bike-vs-deer in our state. My buddy was the off-duty Statie who died that way near Gettysburg several years back. Biggest I’ve hit was a wild turkey on the wing out past West End. Broke some stuff on the Sportie but I managed to keep it upright. The ones I’ve always been frightened of ----- groundhogs. I was on a ride with a bunch of friends some years back. One of our guys hit a deer. T-boned it, in fact, hit it head-on, front wheel first, perpendicular to the deer. He didn’t even go down, but he literally cut the deer in half. He was riding a heavy bike (BMW K1200RS), going pretty fast. Fucked up his bike, though, and we were picking deer fur and shit out of that bike for about a week. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/69 "2019-07-26T04:14:20Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > That’s right. I split most every time I ride; it’s just a fact of life in SoCal. It just give me and all the other riders the chance to get the hell out of the way and free up the space we’d otherwise take. It’s one of those rare win-win situations. And my experience is that drivers, if they notice I’m coming at all, do their best to help me out by giving me a little room. I’ve not run across anyone deliberately trying to cause a problem. Same here. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/70 "2019-07-26T12:48:43Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > That’s right. I split most every time I ride; it’s just a fact of life in SoCal. It just give me and all the other riders the chance to get the hell out of the way and free up the space we’d otherwise take. It’s one of those rare win-win situations. And my experience is that drivers, if they notice I’m coming at all, do their best to help me out by giving me a little room. I’ve not run across anyone deliberately trying to cause a problem. Must be a cultural thing in California, I get the feeling that if riders tried lane splitting here in New England, they’d be asking to be either blocked in or even “doored”, especially in Massachusetts… a state I will NEVER ride the bike to, it’s bad enough dealing with massholes when I’m in my car, I shudder to think how terrifying riding a motorcycle in mass. Would be… ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/71 "2019-07-26T13:10:49Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > If motorcyclists don’t split lanes then there will be more traffic congestion that everyone has to endure. How many motorcycles do you have on the road there? Here in PA, every last motorcyclist splitting lanes wouldn’t make enough of a difference to even be measurable in your typical Pittsburgh rush hour goatfuck. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/72 "2019-07-26T13:21:20Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > Must be a cultural thing in California… As noted upthread, California is the only state in which lane splitting hasn’t been explicitly declared illegal. So yes, it’s fairly common, and can come as a surprise to visitors from other states driving in California for the first time. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/73 "2019-07-26T14:38:22Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > If motorcyclists don’t split lanes then there will be more traffic congestion that everyone has to endure. I know. That’s why I described my reaction to lane-splitting as “irrational”. I understand that motorcycles don’t take up as much room as cars do, and they’re simply using the road that’s available to them but not me, just as I do when I run in a bike lane. But, as I said, it offends some kindergarten sense of justice. And if I had to wait through another cycle of lights because I had to yield to a splitting bike, a thing that’s happened to me with cars that use a turn lane to jump a line of cars waiting at a light, Imma be _pissed_. Regardless, lane-splitting is illegal in my state. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/74 "2019-07-26T14:46:31Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > How many motorcycles do you have on the road there? Here in PA, every last motorcyclist splitting lanes wouldn’t make enough of a difference to even be measurable in your typical Pittsburgh rush hour goatfuck. It typically takes two motorcycles, both lane splitting, to relieve the congestion of one car. That’s by the size of the motorcycles. And if both riders were driving cars then that would add to the congestion. Each motorcyclist you see means less traffic for you. Think about that when you’re driving. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/75 "2019-07-26T14:50:19Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Here’s a summary of the controversy regarding the Snell certification as it arose back in 2010ish. Of course the Snell M2005 standard is long outdated now, some of the methodology concerns raised still remain… > > [Leaked docs show Motorcyclist caved to advertiser pressure, fired editor](https://www.rideapart.com/articles/258813/leaked-docs-show-motorcyclist-caved-to-advertiser-pressure-fired-editor/) > > And the article that sparked that controversy. > > [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html) Thanks for posting this response. First, let me say that I’m not trying to be combative or dispute anything you’ve said. As I mentioned, it’s been well over a decade since I’ve ridden a motorcycle or used a MC helmet, and about seven years since I last participated in any automobile track activity. So I wasn’t aware of the controversy surrounding Snell’s 2005 standard. I will mention that, starting in 1979, I owned four motorcycles (sequentially), and rode over 100,000 miles in the following 25+ years. I had been told in my earliest MSF class that Snell helmets provided superior protection, and had no reason to doubt it. From 1999 to 2012, I participated in [High Performance Drivers Education](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=369540) in sports cars. Snell-rated helmets were (and AFAIK, still are) required by virtually all sanctioning bodies. I estimate that between 1979 and 2012 I bought around 15 or 20 helmets (including spares for passengers), and every one of them was Snell rated. On the three occasions I came off my bike (all minor incidents with nothing more than scrapes and bruises), I was wearing Snell helmets, and they performed admirably, even though those incidents (thankfully) didn’t stress them to their limits. So I have always held the Snell Memorial Foundation in fairly high regard. AFAICT from the articles you’ve posted (which I admit is is the sum total of my knowledge of the controversy), the problem seems to have been limited to Snell’s 2005 standard. It does appear to have been faulty, but Ford’s NYT piece seems to say that Snell listened to the critics and corrected its methodology starting with 2010 (and presumably 2015 and 2020), and is essentially in now sync with ECE. Is that not correct? Why do you say that > [@](#): > > some of the methodology concerns raised still remain… > [@](#): > > And consider that Snell doesn’t certify \*\*any \*\*modular helmets or helmets with features like internal sun shades, it’s not a useful standard for me. I was curious about that, and found this on the [Snell website](https://www.smf.org/helmetfaq): > [@Snell Memorial Foundation](#): > > Why won’t Snell certify some types of helmets like flip up front designs? > > Snell does not dismiss out of hand any helmet design that strays from the conventional. Snell does not point out any design specifications other than general requirements in its standards. We are, however, always concerned with innovations and new designs that may effect helmet’s ability to protect the wearer, or in some cases helmet’s potential to cause injury. At present the Foundation has not had the opportunity to test any of the flip up front type helmets for certification. We do not find any fault with these designs as long as they are used according to the manufacturers instructions and meet all of the requirements of the standard. We will also certify any size of helmet as long as it meets the same requirements as any other Snell certified helmet. Presumably they believe modulars are not as safe as one-piece helmets, and I have always wondered how secure the flip-up part would be in an impact. But why hasn’t Snell “had the opportunity to test any” of them? And then I found this: [The first Snell-approved modular helmet](https://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/21/ls2-ff394-epic-modular-helmet/), in 2013. In short, ISTM that although the 2005 Snell rating was problematic, the issues seem to have been addressed, and I would still say that a Snell rating is a reliable sign of a safe and high-quality helmet, as is ECE. If you value the features Snell hasn’t certified and don’t feel they reduce the helmet’s safety, and if it does meet ECE, that’s your choice. However, personally, I would never use a helmet that was _only_ DOT certified. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/76 "2019-07-26T16:11:12Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > It typically takes two motorcycles, both lane splitting, to relieve the congestion of one car. That’s by the size of the motorcycles. And if both riders were driving cars then that would add to the congestion. > > Each motorcyclist you see means less traffic for you. Think about that when you’re driving. I’m a motorcyclist but thanks for such awesome food for thought, anyway. We’ll go with your 2=1 figure. How much is lane splitting actually shown to reduce congestion? ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/77 "2019-07-26T18:10:14Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > I’ve had cars stopped in front of me flip their rear view mirrors to night mode. That was on the BMW, I don’t remember anybody doing to the Triumph, where the light is lower down. In those cases I’d angle my front wheel so the light was pointed straight at the car in front of me. Yeah a lot of the BMWs seem to be high, and if it was a recent model I wouldn’t be surprised if they had HID or LED bulbs. I ride a Honda VT750 cruiser, it’s pretty low and I’ve never felt like I’m bothering anyone. If stopped behind someone though I do try not to shine my light at their rear-view mirror. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/78 "2019-07-26T18:44:30Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > I’ve had cars stopped in front of me flip their rear view mirrors to night mode. That was on the BMW, I don’t remember anybody doing to the Triumph, where the light is lower down. In those cases I’d angle my front wheel so the light was pointed straight at the car in front of me. I hope it’s obvious I meant I’d angle my front wheel so the light _wasn’t_ pointed straight at the car in front of me. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/79 "2019-07-26T23:12:47Z")
Am I not understanding the concept of lane splitting? Is it; 1; motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic on multi lane roads? Car|bike|Car|breakdown lane 2; two cyclists share the same lane riding parallel Option 1 I would see the cyclist as a cheating jerk and can see more reactive drivers blocking or dooring the bike Option 2 I don’t see a problem with, it’d be a little confusing at night though ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518/80 "2019-07-26T23:33:21Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > Am I not understanding the concept of lane splitting? > > Is it; > 1; motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic on multi lane roads? Car|bike|Car|breakdown lane > > 2; two cyclists share the same lane riding parallel > > Option 1 I would see the cyclist as a cheating jerk and can see more reactive drivers blocking or dooring the bike > > Option 2 I don’t see a problem with, it’d be a little confusing at night though “option 1.” technically “lane splitting” is only supposed to be done at very, very low (or stopped) traffic speeds, and it’s called “filtering.” splitting lanes at speed is just dumb. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-a-lapsed-novice-motorcyclist/837518.md?page=5)