How & when to swerve on a motorcycle - Episode - 18 MCrider

When was the last time you practiced swerving around an obstacle? if you are not practicing swerving it will not be in your bag of tricks when you need it on the road. This week on MCrider we will look at swerving, how to do it and why you need to practice it.

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Please watch: "2 rules every motorcyclist ought to know about surviving traffic. Do you? - MCrider"
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[MCrider]

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[scottthornton]

Realizing this is a 4 yr old video, I just want to share this: Way back (1969 or 70) I was 10-11 yrs. old. Riding a Honda Trail 70. Running down hill around a sweeping curve I finally got that spedo up to 30mph! Just as a neighbors (my scoutmaster) dog ran out in front of me... Well the dog was ok, (scared her more than anything). The impact stopped the front wheel instantly, turning me into a missile! That experience has stuck in my head ever since. I practice swerving on every ride from that day on. I just make sure no cars are near enough to freak the driver out. Any speed, any road on every bike i ride.

[ronanrogers]

Target fixation also applies to sports. The best rugby players instinctively don't see opposition tacklers in front of them, they see gaps to run through (I imagine it's similar in NFL). The best cricket batsmen know where every fielder is placed, for every ball of the innings, and they hit through the gaps to score runs. As motorcyclists, we need to be aware of all the obstacles, so we can avoid them by going through the gaps. That's the way I think about it.

[jcgaliano]

This technique literally saved my life. I was able to successfully apply this technique to avoid slamming into a metal iron lawn chair that fell off a vehicle while doing 70 mph

[lrstaf]

Years ago performing a swerve saved myself and my passenger from a serious accident. I was coming up to a red light and the light changed just before I got to it. A car coming the other way did a left turn right in front of me. By swerving left myself I was able to miss the car turning left in front of me and then coming back right i missed another car coming toward me in his right lane. I really hope other riders will learn from this experience and practice swerving.

[hamstersniffer]

In MSF class, swerve practice was the spookiest exercise for me. I'd never been on a bike before and suddenly they're telling us "swerve hard but don't cut your speed". A super valuable skill to have on the highway.

[rps]

Target fixation is probably the biggest enemy in so many situations. It is a must for any rider to overcome to stay safe.

[jztgatjdtkgt]

Kevin, I know I need to make practice a regular part of my riding routine but I appreciate these tips because they are really good reminders of what to do and what not to do. I've taken all three levels of MSF courses available in my part of the country but these videos are invaluable teaching tools for even the most experienced rider. Thanks and keep 'em coming.

[rob.]

thanks for sharing your wisdom, I've just bought a bike ( Kawasaki zx9r) I'm returning to riding after a gap of probably 15 years, I started out on bikes as a youth, got hit by a car when I was 34 and ended up in plaster, went back but felt very vulnerable for the first time ever in my life and gave up riding.
I've always loved riding bikes and the whole two wheeled scene and missed having a motorcycle, especially in Summer. Well, I've bought an old bike (1996) it's been well looked after and maintained so I'm just waiting for some decent weather and I'll be, gradually going out. I have to be honest and admit that I'm attracted and terrified in equal measure, but I'm hoping that with time, restraint and practice, practice, practice I will enjoy riding again, I truly enjoy watching your videos and value the advice. I'm 53 now, never too old to learn, adapt and hopefully be a lot safer on the road.
thanks again.

[GarryPrater]

Instead of a negative instruction, "don't focus on the object, " or a vague instruction, "point your face in the direction you want to go, " give a positive instruction, "focus on the line you want to take." I learned to avoid ruts when dirtbiking by picking the line I wanted.

[BluMjlnr]

Most valuable skill to have on the road in my opinion. So many car drivers change lanes in a split of a second without using their indicators first and actually see their mirrors if someone else is coming that only a swerve will save you.

[farshidchinwalla]

One of the most important topics that was never ever discussed on any of the forums / media sites that I follow.... My 3 most favorite videos of yours are... Emergency breaking
Target fixation
And Now Swerving... I think of all 3 go hand in hand and if practised regular will be most efficient to any rider on any kind of road on this planet.... Really wish if you could provide an actually real time demo of all these 3 put together.... Thank you great video

[geraldwest]

Thank you very much MCrider. I have watched numerous videos you have made over the past couple days and sure do appreciate you. Very comprehensive and well delivered, I am subscribed! Thank you again mister.

[carlblanton]

I live in Southern Ohio. We have plenty of pot holes to practice on.

[chincemagnet]

My largest concerns as a new rider are emergency braking and swerving. I'm having trouble finding the correct pressure to apply to the front brake to stop me quickly and safely. I either damn near fly over the handlebars or I don't stop quickly enough. And for swerving, I can do it pretty well at lower speeds, up to roughly 45 I'm ok. But beyond that and I'm having some trouble. I watched this guy on a bike ahead of me, a big heavy Harley with a passenger do this, what I thought was an unbelievable maneuver to avoid an object in the road at 60 mph. I mean, if that guy could pull it off, I must be able to too, alone on my Kawi z650. But I'm finding it troublesome.

[guztavofreitaz]

Swerving is a skill that doesn't have a word for it in portuguese. You explain every skill showing up a process to follow step by step. Its very clear to understand and apply. Well, It's always good to listen to your tips and storytelling! Keep on riding, sir! Regards from Brazil.

[mifsudm]

Watching from DownUnder. Appreciate the control skills discussed! Ill be watching more!

[andyostertag]

Again, Good stuff. Just recently ran over a board that flew off a truck in front of me that could have had exposed nails..got lucky

[emirhanotr]

Many thanks for your effords. Very very important knowledge

[SavedOne]

Great video! Thanks so much for all you do Kevin to keep us aware and safe!!