Motorcycle riding skills and handling
Control at low and high speed
At walking pace, steering and balance are mainly physical: use clutch, throttle and rear brake to keep control. Above walking pace, countersteering takes over: push the handlebar on the side you want to turn-push right to lean and go right. Look where you want to go; the bike follows your vision.
Braking and cornering
Use both brakes, with the front providing most stopping power. Squeeze the front progressively rather than grabbing it. In an emergency, straighten the bike, brake hard, then swerve if you still need to avoid the hazard. For corners, slow down before entry, select the right gear, look through to the exit, and use light maintenance throttle. Do not brake hard mid-corner; if you are too fast, lean more and keep looking through.
Worked example
You enter a tightening left bend too fast. The correct response is not to grab the front brake. Keep your eyes on the exit, push the left bar to increase lean, and roll off slightly. Braking mid-corner stands the bike up and runs you wide.
Traps that cost marks
Grabbing the front brake in a panic. Braking while leaned over. Target fixation-staring at the roadside object you want to avoid. Using only the rear brake for normal stopping.