i. Proactive Hazard Identification

A systematic approach encourages continuous observation and information gathering, enabling you to identify and react to potential hazards early.

ii. Predictable Actions

A structured system ensures that actions are predictable and deliberate, reducing the likelihood of sudden, uncontrolled movements that could lead to accidents.

i. Consistent Application

By following a consistent method, you will maintain better control of your motorcycle in a variety of situations, from navigating bends to handling busy traffic.

ii. Optimised Responses

Adjusting your position, speed, and gear in a co-ordinated manner ensures that your motorcycle responds optimally to your inputs, enhancing stability and handling.

i. Smooth Transitions

The system promotes smooth transitions between different riding phases, such as accelerating out of a bend or approaching a junction, which contributes to a more efficient ride.

ii. Fuel Efficiency

Proper gear selection and controlled acceleration can lead to more economical fuel consumption.

i. Structured Learning

You can build your skills progressively, following a clear, logical sequence of actions. This structured learning path boosts confidence as you understand and master each component of the system.

ii. Reduced Stress

Knowing there is a systematic way to handle various situations reduces anxiety and stress, making your riding more enjoyable.

i. Standardisation

A standardised system like IPSGA is often used in advanced training programs, ensuring consistency in teaching and evaluating advanced riding skills.

ii. Benchmarking

Riders can measure their performance against established criteria, providing clear goals for improvement and a benchmark for assessing progress.

i. Versatility

Systems like IPSGA are designed to be adaptable to a wide range of riding environments and conditions, from urban traffic to rural roads and highways.

ii. Customisation

While the framework provides a structured approach, experienced riders can adapt the system to their personal riding style and also specific situations.

i. Holistic Approach

The system encompasses all aspects of motorcycle control, from observation and positioning to speed management and gear selection, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your skill development.

ii. Continual Improvement

Using a systematic approach encourages continual practice and refinement, promoting lifelong learning and improvement in riding skills.

Consider approaching bends:

Information

i. Gathering Information

As you approach a bend, continuously scan the road ahead, checking the limit point (the furthest point you can see on the road). Look for signs, road markings, surface conditions, and potential hazards such as oncoming heavy traffic, junctions or debris.

ii. Use Your Senses

Use your peripheral vision, listen for approaching vehicles, and feel for changes in road surface through the bike.

iii. Assessing the Bend

Determine the sharpness and length of the bend by observing the limit point. If the limit point is stationary or moving slightly towards you, the bend is tightening. If it is moving away, the bend is opening up.

Position

i. Position for Safety, Stability and View

Position your motorcycle towards the outside of the bend as you approach. This maximizes your view into the bend and allows you to see the limit point earlier.

ii. Adjusting Position

As you move through the bend, adjust your position smoothly to hit the apex (the central point of the turn), then move back towards the outside on exit to straighten the bike and prepare for acceleration.

Speed

i. Setting Appropriate Speed

Reduce your speed before entering the bend. This should be done in a controlled manner using both brakes and engine braking. Your speed should be low enough to comfortably handle the bend but high enough to maintain stability.

ii. Using the Limit Point

Your speed should allow you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. As the limit point moves away from you, indicating the bend is straightening, you can begin to accelerate.

Gear

i. Selecting the Right Gear

Choose a gear that provides sufficient power to control the motorcycle through the bend without needing to change gears mid-turn. The right gear should allow smooth and responsive throttle control.

ii. Gear Before the Bend

Complete any gear changes before you enter the bend to avoid unsettling the bike mid-corner.

Acceleration

i. Smooth Throttle Control

As you pass the apex of the bend and begin to see the exit, start to gently apply the throttle. This helps to stabilize the motorcycle and increase traction.

ii. Controlled Exit

Continue to increase acceleration smoothly as you straighten up and exit the bend, ensuring you are in full control and prepared for any changes in the road ahead.

Consider approaching a roundabout:

Information

Observe the roundabout, checks for traffic type, speed and distance and also identifies entry and exit points.

Position

Position the motorcycle for optimal safety, stability and view (always in that order) and to access the chosen exit point. Avoid being along side other vehicles orin blind spots as you will be harder to see and easier to hit!

Speed

Adjust the speed to match the flow of traffic and prepare for a smooth entry, looking to go but always prepared to stop having considered hazards from the rear.

Gear

Select the appropriate flexible gear to maintain control and in readiness for the acceleration phase.

Acceleration

After safely entering the roundabout and navigating to the exit, accelerate smoothly to merge with traffic.

Always ride with a plan, a back up an an intention.

Consider approaching a series of bends and integrating advanced riding techniques:

1. Approach the Bend (Information and Position)

Gather all necessary information about the bend, including road conditions, traffic, and the limit point.

Position your bike towards the outside of the bend, for safety away from oncoming traffic as you tip in to counter-steer, this increases the radius and ensures the bike is more stable and will maximize visibility and prepare for the turn.

2. Aim for a Late Apex Line (Speed and Gear):

Adjust your speed to a safe level before entering the bend, using brakes or engine braking. Never travel faster than you can see is safe to stop in on your own side of the road (HWCr126). A rough rule of thumb is 1 meter per mph ie 40 meters vision to stop at 40mph, but there are many factors to consider including time to react and time to stop.

Anchor the heels and knees into the bike, with a relaxed upper body and grip you can counter-steer both effortlessly and smoothly by shifting the head and body weight to the inside edge of the bend. This smooth steering action can be increased by pushing the handlebar on the inside towards the outside edge.

ie approaching a right hand bend

Anchor to the bike, lean to the right and push the right handlebar forward. With practice this is a naturally smooth method of steering and machine control.

Follow the edge of the kerb and look for a late apex line being mindful of other hazards ie near side junctions and road surface issues.

A slower speed in towards a late apex line will give a better margin of safety and early view to determine an appropriate level of acceleration to exit the bend.  

Select the appropriate gear for the bend, ensuring you have enough power and flexible control.

3. Late Apex to Exit (Acceleration):

As you approach the apex, begin to gently increase the throttle. This helps stabilise the motorcycle, prevents speed loss from the cornering forces and prepares you for the exit.

Move towards the centre or hazard line as you exit the bend to straighten the bike and safely increase speed from smooth and appropriate throttle control as tyre grip trade-off for the bend is reduced. You are now set up to enter the next bend in a series.

By using the IPSGA system and combining it with the key principles of cornering and limit point analysis, you ensure that you negotiate bends safely, smoothly, and at the correct pace.

This approach enhances your control, visibility, and reaction time, ultimately leading to a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.

The use of a system of motorcycle control is essential for creating a safer, more skilled and confident rider.

It provides a structured and consistent approach to handling the complexities of riding, on our busy roads, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and secure motorcycling experience.