| Riding over obstacles with a regular motorcycle is | | | | avoid obstacles completely (they say chopper |
| not usually a problem. The suspension and bike | | | | riders are the most vigilant road surface |
| setup on most modern street motorcycles allows | | | | scanners) but that just isn't realistic on today's |
| for a smooth transition over all but the largest | | | | roads. |
| obstacles. | | | | My aching spine today tells me that I need more |
| Think about the recommended Motorcycle Safety | | | | practice after hitting a pavement "bump" of |
| Foundation procedure for crossing a 2x4 in the | | | | approx. 2-3" yesterday on the highway. |
| road or hitting a "pothole" that is 2" or so deep... | | | | The key to successfully crossing an obstacle on a |
| you should try to cross at or near a 90-degree | | | | chopper is having faith in the handlebars (and the |
| angle, stand up on the foot pegs to use your legs | | | | strength in your arms/back) so you can pull |
| as shock absorbers, roll on the throttle a little to | | | | yourself up off the seat enough to allow the rear |
| lighten the front-end as you cross the obstacle | | | | tire to ride over the obstacle while keeping the |
| (and rolling off as you cross it to avoid throwing | | | | bike under control. |
| the obstacle up behind you), clear over the | | | | It takes some practice... especially for the larger |
| obstacle, and ride on. | | | | obstacles... and I would recommend you try it a |
| With a chopper the procedure is slightly different. | | | | few times on your motorcycle before you are on |
| The greater than normal rake, extended front | | | | the highway going 65 MPH and notice the |
| forks, far-forward controls, minimal (if any) rear | | | | pavement squished up 3" across the lane right in |
| shock travel, and low ground clearance requires | | | | front of you! |
| more faith and strength and will take some | | | | Practice obstacle clearance no matter what you |
| practice to be able to complete the procedure | | | | ride and ride safe! |
| safely. Of course, the best course of action is | | | | |