#1,357 in Books
Use arrows to jump to the previous/next product

Reddit mentions of Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (Book & CD)

Sentiment score: 12
Reddit mentions: 23

We found 23 Reddit mentions of Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (Book & CD). Here are the top ones.

Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (Book & CD)
Buying options
View on Amazon.com
or
    Features:
  • Used Book in Good Condition
Specs:
Height10.75 Inches
Length8.25 Inches
Number of items1
Weight2.5 Pounds
Width0.75 Inches

idea-bulb Interested in what Redditors like? Check out our Shuffle feature

Shuffle: random products popular on Reddit

Found 23 comments on Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (Book & CD):

u/SutekhRising · 7 pointsr/motorcycles

Good choice for a first bike. But its important to understand that you need to respect the machine and what its capable of.

There are plenty of resources here that can help you. First thing first, take the MSF course. This will give you the best start on riding a motorcycle. They will teach you a lot of the very basic fundamental principles that you need to know to ride safely. Dont skimp on this detail. It will definitely help you in the long run.

Second, start reading. I recommend "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Wello" by David Hough. This is a good book to start with.

After that, - and once you've read through the first book at least twice - look into "Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques". This is a good second book to pick up and commit to memory.


As for gear, I wouldnt trust a $50 helmet. It may work perfectly for you. It may even be comfortable. But in a crash, when you need it to perform at its absolute best, you get what you pay for. Im not saying you should go out and buy an $800 Shoei or something, but the helmet is not somewhere you should be skimping on protection.

The jacket and gloves look fine. As for the boots, I've been using cheap Chinese knock-offs of American combat boots. They are all leather, go up mid calf and with tall socks, I fold the top of the sock over the top of the boot to keep the laces tied. Definitely not something you want to get caught in the gears.

And read this forum (and all motorcycle forums) with a grain of salt. In other words. There are plenty of opinions out there. Some of them good, some of them bad.

And then, practice, practice practice!

u/kenister · 5 pointsr/motorcycles

Warning long post.

It sounds blasphemous on a Motorcycle thread to suggest getting a car first, but I completely agree that a cage will help in learning street and vehicle laws which is the foundation of any good driver or rider. An automatic car is simple to drive. You push the pedal and the car goes forward. I understand you're a bit terrified of driving a car but on a motorcycle you have to deal with staying in the proper gear, utilizing the clutch lever, balancing your bike at low speeds, while avoid crashing with blind drivers that say they didn't see you. Also bike theft is pretty common if you live in a city. Learning in a car first removes all the stress factors you will encounter on a bike to fully understand road and safety laws.

Can I suggest a motorized scooter? They are easy to handle and forgiving in power and they will still get you from point A to B while removing the clutch and gear factor. It will also prepare you for when you do upgrade to a motorbike because you will have had experience dealing with cars on the road. It was a scary experience when I transitioned from car to motorcycle because I no longer felt protected by several feet of steel.

If you're dead set on getting a motorized bike read below:

Buy the book Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. Take an MSF class, usually $250 USD but since you're under 21 you can take it for $150. I also believe MSF is mandatory for those under 18 in several states and even if it wasn't, it's a 100x easier than taking the behind the wheel test at the DMV. Completing the MSF course is your behind the wheel test. Not only do you get to ride for two days, it will help you decide whether you want a bike or not. I knew biking was for me because I was practically speeding with a grin on my face during the bike exam. It was during the quick-stop test but I really wanted to know how fast I could brake since we were in a controlled environment.

For your first bike, please please please buy it used, don't be stupid like me, I didn't drop my bike but it is very possible and I had a few close encounters (at low speeds no less). Also I outgrew the power, I commute on highway a lot and half the time I couldn't keep up with traffic. You maybe lighter than me so a 250 could definitely serve your needs. I'm not sure of your height but if you want to be able to flatfoot a bike (which does give confidence to new riders) a Honda Rebel 250 cruiser could good. For sportbikes I suggest a CBR250R or Ninja 250. If you like the cafe racer/standard look try to find a Suzuki TU250X if it's legal in your state.

TL;DR: You should get a car first otherwise read Proficient Motorcycling and take MSF.

u/hirschmj · 5 pointsr/AskReddit

I purchased Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough at the recommendation of my MSF instructor and read it cover to cover. I credit it and the course for me not having died yet.

Honda Superhawk rider here, and as others have said, helmet. Always. Armored jacket and denim. Always. No excuses. The front brake supplies 90% of your braking force during emergency braking. You can always lean the bike further than you think you can (depending on the size of your balls).

Countersteer. If you don't know what that is yet, learn right now.

u/3170 · 5 pointsr/motorcycles

I'm about half-way through reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. He spends a great deal of time discussing risks, safety, and rider responsiblity. I would recommend that you purchase a copy, or see if your local library has one available.

u/Stabme · 4 pointsr/motorcycles

Based off your comments, you are better off buying a book or two before buying a bike. Believing the guy saying a 300cc would be too small for you is a big indicator that you haven't done any research.

u/BickNlinko · 3 pointsr/motorcycles

Don't be so hard on yourself, everyone makes mistakes. But who the hell told you there were no books about motorcycle riding?

>I should have tried harder.

If you Google "Books about motorcycle riding" the first result is an Amazon link for Proficient Motorcycling. Total Control is a good one as well as Twist of the Wrist II .

Crazy.

u/khafra · 3 pointsr/AskReddit

Space does not permit all the tips I've learned by reading this, this, this, this, and this.

But, briefly:

  • watch out for "edge traps"--where road work or a 2x4 in the street or anything similar can catch your tire and turn it to the side.

  • go somewhere safe, not on the road, and practice. Learn how hard you can apply your brakes, and how to ease off the back as you apply the front. Set up cones and practice various kinds of turns.

  • look far ahead, look all around, predict what other vehicles are going to do in one second, two seconds, five, ten.

  • Three words: Shots and wheelies.
u/EpicFloyd · 3 pointsr/motorcycles
  1. Get a small bike to start with. Most bikes are really overpowered, and frankly dangerous for new riders. A 1000cc Bolt probably isn't the best bike to start on, even if it is marketed as a "starter" cruiser. A lighter weight bike will be easier to handle and learn on, and much more enjoyable to ride as you start. You simply don't need that much displacement or weight. Start with a lightweight, low displacement bike that is easy to handle. Think easy to ride, reliable, inexpensive and easy to get parts for when you inevitably take a spill. Here is a good summary of better options. I've been riding for 30 years, and still prefer small, lower displacement bikes.
  2. Buy good gear. Invest in a full face helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. The cost of gear will be far less than the cost of medical care, and gear is especially important for a new rider. You will fall early on. Brain bucket style helmets don't cover the part of your head that is the most common point of impact. Impact Zones.
  3. Take the MSF beginner course. It offers good practice in a controlled environment and will teach you basic safety.
  4. Read up. There are some outstanding books that discuss the importance of the right approach to riding. Not so much technique, which is important, but the right mindset of riding defensively. [David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling] (http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359) books are outstanding.
  5. Read more. There are some important motorcycle safety studies out there that can tell you a lot about safe riding techniques. Read [the Hurt Report and the MAIDS Report] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_safety) and see what you can learn.
u/wilkenm · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

Well, you pretty much summed up how I learned to ride. There's not much more to it than that. Knowing what I know now, I would add in "Buy the Proficient Motorcycling book."

u/HowitzerIII · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

Get David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling. Lots of good tips there.

http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374332064&sr=1-1&keywords=proficient+motorcycling

EDIT: The hard part is getting the bike to go forward, it's knowing all the situations to be aware of.

u/Kay1000RR · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

There's a lot of things taught in the MSF course that veteran riders don't think about or do subconsciously. You'll miss out on all this information by learning from your experienced friend in a parking lot. MSF gives you a sound foundation to learn on for years to come. There's plenty of advanced courses that come after that like the MSF Experienced Rider Course and Lee Park's Advanced Riding Clinic. I also think David Hough's book Proficient Motorcycling is a must read for every street rider. His book saved my life countless times. There's also track schools that teach you high speed riding skills. 14 years and I'm still learning something new everyday!

u/HotRodLincoln · 2 pointsr/AskReddit

It's not expressly legal in California.

> In California no law explicitly and clearly prohibits lane splitting, and significantly, it has become the traditional policy of law enforcement, the courts, and the public in California to tolerate it when it is done safely. However, those engaged in unsafe behavior, including unsafe lane splitting, can still be cited for violating certain sections of the vehicle code.

-Proficient Motorcycling

u/Rusty_the_Scoob · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

Personally I rode about 300 miles on the street before the MSF BRC course and I found it helpful to go in with some experience. But it's critical that you stay humble enough that you can still approach the BRC as a learning tool, and not go in with the attitude that you know everything.

The first thing I would do in your case is read this: http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344173140&sr=1-1&keywords=proficient+motorcycling

It's really well-written and you should be able to really visualize yourself doing the exercises properly. After reading that, I'd consider buying a bike and doing some practicing.

u/onecartel · 2 pointsr/motorcycles

I was going to type up some wizard-level science but think the pros do it best. Check Twist of the Wrist 2 (as howheelswork mentioned) and Proficient Motorcycling.

u/funnythebunny · 2 pointsr/Harley

READ Proficient Motorcycling by David L Hough. It teaches the best braking methods for every condition... http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359

You'll thank me for this ;)

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/motorcycles

I agree with the poitns brought up in all comments of this sub-thread.

But I have an additional book suggestion for you. One not designed for those that are racing (only) but for those that are road riders, want to stay alive, and ride most efficently. Has a ton of content you will pick up inlucing safety stuff ... and even comes with a CD full of web-style content for when your done with the book.

I bought it at borders and it was STILL worth even that price. "Proficient Motorcycling; The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well". Highly recommended

u/benteight · 1 pointr/motorcycles

Dude, the book is only $16.47. Just buy it.

u/AGGGman · 1 pointr/motorcycles

You can do that with the Ninja 250. It's all practice. Like V_Glaz_Dam mentioned you should watch the Twist of Wrist 2 series.

Here's something I wrote for one of my friends.

For books, I personally like this one the most. I feel like Nick took a lot information from the Twist of the Wrist books and made it more modern.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1893618072/ref=oh_o02_s01_i00_details



But I also learned a lot from Lee Park's book. Lee Park hosts a rider school where he runs over all the drills in his book and helps with rider technique. You have to google the class schedules but he comes around California at least once or twice a year.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760314039/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details



The there is the Twist of the Wrist series
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-2

I haven't read those books but the Twist of Wrist II videos are on youtube so you can check them out.



The last book I would recommend is Proficient Motorcycling. I highly recommended reading that one because it focuses a lot on general riding. Techniques that everyone should learn just to stay alive riding on the road. The book can be found at some libraries so you can save some money by just loaning it.
http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330372534&sr=1-1-spell

The rest is all practice.
Also youtube "ninja 250 track" and you'll see a bunch of videos of guys racing their 250s on the track.

I wouldn't get on a track until you are at least familiar with your motorcycle. Get some miles under your belt before you decide to do it. After you are comfortable on your bike I would try to hook up with some local riders who are better than you. That way you can talk to them and learn from their experience. But remember to take most advice with a grain of salt. I personally use meetup.com to meet a lot of other guys to ride with.



u/tomatopaste · 1 pointr/motorcycles

> The techniques I have learned and shared were taught to me in the MSF Beginner course. I think your advanced techniques and concepts might certainly be confusing and "over the head" to many beginners .. such as the OP.

I encourage others to think, and -- as I keep stating -- I fight misinformation. If you have a problem with one or the other, I really don't give a shit.

The MSF course teaches you the fundamental mechanics of riding and very little more. In retrospect, I'm horrified that they put people on the street with so little training. If you want to swaddle people in a nest of MSF generalities, go ahead. I may well be there, too, to point them in the right direction.

> Oh, and disagreeing with others does not have to equal calling them idiots.

I call it like I see it. Not an idiot? Demonstrate it by reading and writing carefully. Your post was poorly constructed, contained tangential information, and was simply wrong. Further, you were defending someone who has been going around spreading some dangerous misinformation.

Seek out information and learn.

Total Control

Proficient Motorcycling

More Proficient Motorcyclig

Twist of the Wrist

Twist of the Wrist Vol 2

u/p00psicle · 1 pointr/motorcycles

The safest time to ride according to stats in Proficient Motorcycling is 3-6am. The worst is 11pm-3am on Friday and Saturday, followed by 3-6pm on weekdays.