Mastering the Ride, 2nd Edition, Updated and Revised: More Proficient Motorcycling (CompanionHouse Books)

The author covers a lot of topics concerning riding a motorcycle. I've been riding over 45 years and I still like flipping through this book and practicing things he mentions.

I’m a 54 year old male thinking of returning to motorcycling after a 20 year gap – that is for 20 years I have not sat on the seat of a motorcycle. However, I am aware of safety and especially how traffic conditions have changed over the years (I’m writing from Sydney Australia a city which has almost quadrupled in size since I started motorcycling in the early 1980s). Moreover, I had a “nasty” fall when riding in my younger days that left me with significant hip damage. So, when I said to a friend, “before I buy any motorcycle to return to motorcycling I’m going to read a book” the response (and expectedly so) was laugher. My friend in his wisdom (who has maintained his riding and has ridden for over 40 years) politely advised that if I need a book then I should give up the idea of returning to riding as obviously it’s about re-gaining the experience and has nothing to do with reading about it. He said “Just do it don’t read it”. He couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m glad I purchased David Hough’s book. I'm saddened that it’s not a must for rider education courses here in Australia. I only wish I had this knowledge 20 years back when I was riding – it certainly would have helped me prevent if not better manage the serious motorcycle accident I had. I realized my “poor” riding habits and fuzzy understandings (eg body steering vs counter steering; inadequate braking techniques). Interestingly, Mr Hough debunks body steering in favour of counter steering thus following motorcycle training guru Keith Code). Moreover, when I obtained my motorcycle licence 30 years ago (in Sydney Australia) there were few requirements. The instructor just watched me from behind on his bike riding a few kms around the block and doing a figure 8 without touching the ground. That’s it! I passed and obtained my licence. Unfortunately, in Sydney there are at present no courses specifically designed for returning riders, in fact, the only courses available are for motorcyclists which have graduated from “learners” to “Provisional” (the course itself is limited and short – within its 3 hours much is missed ie “counter steering”; blipping the throttle for safe downshifting). I can write more. This book has opened my mind to riding; it has helped me better understand what I was doing; not doing; and things to improve upon; I have a “road map” for better and safer riding which makes sense and is immediately applicable – its knowledge I applied and tested (and discussed with the instructor) with the short riding course I recently undertook. Riding is not something “instinctual” as my friend would have it; you need to have the right knowledge which will then become through right application automatic in the right manner. For this purpose Mr Hough’s book is perfect – a no-nonsense informative evidentially based and easy to read guide on riding in whatever situation.

Some of the comments have complained that this book overlaps his earlier book ("Proficient Motorcycling"): they discuss the same subject, but to different audiences (this is for more experienced riders)--so of course there will be overlap. So, should you get both like I did?If you are new to cycling--especially 2 wheelers--you need to get a lot of absolutely critical information into your mind so deeply that you don't think about it and then remember things: there is no time for that. It has to be second nature: you have to directly go to determining action.So, I read the beginner's book before the basic motorcycling class, and this book after the class and after I had a few hundred miles under my belt. You learn through spaced repetition: this second book drove home critical points, and added new information as well.Personally, I like Hough's writing style: it is like sitting down with a good friend who knows everything about motorcycling, and having a nice relaxing conversation (complete with stories).I also am taking additional motorcycle classes, and I have other motorcycle books too, including: "Motorcycling the Right Way" by Ken Condon (which is also a good read); and "Total Control" by Lee Parks. I find the Parks book harder to read, but if you learn through reading, it is one of those books that you just have to have--there is no other like it.

I've been riding (various) motorcycles since 1963. This book has started me on the road to being a much more proficient rider. Besides illustrating numerous things I knew but didn't really practice, it gave me tips to improve my riding skills that make sense and are easily understood - I'm not one who can grasp stuff out of a book very easily. A couple of examples are the "tack" at a stoplight or sign, and the use of the outer three fingers on the brake lever. Tacking at a stoplight/sign presents a larger view of your bike to oncoming traffic so you're more visible. I've tried using the thumb and forefinger on the throttle and the outer three fingers to brake, and I'm going to work on it because it seems to give more control. Explanations of things that affect the ride like braking, shifting, taking the long view, head checks (mirrors are better), other drivers, visibility, and a host of other issues are covered in simple to understand language. Don't know how many times I've said "I know that, why don't I use it?", or "Why didn't I think of it that way?" I don't know about the "Black Belt" ad part, but this book is excellent for anyone who wants to have a million, crash-free miles.

Reading this book just helps understanding the roads around us alittle more easier, the more information we have the better the ride.

I was recommended to buy it but having read it realise that could have managed without it an saved my money.

I recently upgraded from an ‘88 FJ1200 to a 2008 ZX14, and realized I really had to rethink my skills as a rider. I’m sixty-three and need all the input I can get! I had tried to get Nick Ienatsch’s book of Sport Riding Techniques, but it’s out of print and used copies are crazy expensive. I already have Keith Code’s A Flick of the Wrist, but wanted something a bit more current, and this book, Mastering the Ride fits the bill. I’ve gone through it once, and will spend the next few months going over it in deeper detail while I wait for spring (I live in Otrawa, Ontario). I liked it so much I ordered a copy and gave it to my younger daughter who is considering getting a bike at some point. I especially liked the section on aging riders! The only omission I found was a lack of information on riding with a passenger.

Okay I'll give you that I've only been riding one year. However, after 30 years of driving instructor, two wheels it's way more complicated. And this book explains it amazingly. About 90% done oh, but that's only the first time through. Why does it feel like your front wheel is hopping? The answers in the book. The difference between cornering on different surfaces? In the book. This should be the motorcycle testbook. Think of it as college or university level text book.

There is a disappointingly large number of pages devoted to the exact same topics as the author covered in his prequel to this called “Proficient Motorcycling” which makes this feel like a bit of a rip off.Nothing too advanced here... More advanced topics like trail braking get a very brief mention compared to an entire chapter on the dangers of drinking and riding which spans multiple pages. This is a good informative book for those just getting into motorcycling but for more advanced techniques I suggest Lee Parks’ “Total Control”