What are defensive riding practices?
 
General
• Headlights should be activated at all times during operation.
• Never ride into a space that you cannot see your way clear to ride out of.
• Never override your, or your motorcycle's, limits.
• Never be overconfident.
• Always wear a helmet, leather gloves, and safety glasses, or a face shield.
• If you should lose control of your motorcycle while halted and it begins to fall over, don't attempt to hold it up when it goes past center. It's better to hurt your bike than yourself.
 
Roadway Surface
• Always look out for grease, oil, water, sand, etc. on the roadway.
• Avoid the center of lanes, particularly at intersections and left turn pockets, where there is a greater possibility of oil and water accumulation, no avenue of escape and a greater possibility of being rear ended.
• Keep off of lane lines as they are frequently made from a rubber based paint and are slippery.
• Avoid parking where other vehicles have left oil and/or grease deposits.
• If you encounter an object on the roadway that you cannot avoid, straighten the motorcycle up and attempt to go over the object at a 90 degree angle and accelerate.
 
Braking
• When following another vehicle, ride where you can see the driver in his rear view mirrors.
• Practice using both hand and foot brake. Even though Gold Wings are equipped with an integrated braking system, 70% of your stopping power is in your front brake.
• Avoid braking sharply during turning movements.
• In the case of a flat tire decelerate gradually. Avoid heavy braking and always clear the lane.
• When forced to brake hard always keep the front wheel straight. If the rear tire locks and begins to slide don't release your foot brake. Your rear wheel will follow your front wheel; however if your release your rear brake and your rear wheel is off center, your motorcycle will attempt to correct itself and will probably "high side" you!
 
Lane Changing and Passing
• Use your mirrors consistently, but never rely on them. Glance over your shoulder to confirm what you think your mirrors show you.
• After making your lane change always resume the same position you occupied in the group. The same rule applies when you are passing.
 
Curves
• Slow down prior to entering the curve or turn.
• Enter the curve on it's outside, staying within your lane. Then move into the center to allow room for correction if speed is too great or radius us misjudged. Be sure of the roadway's surface.
• When not familiar with the road SLOW DOWN. Excessive speed and driver errors are the leading causes of motorcycles accidents.
 
Intersections
• When approaching an intersection, if you observe a vehicle facing toward you and attempting to turn left, assume that the driver does not see you and will turn directly into your path. Watch the vehicle's front wheels, even if the vehicle is halted. If the wheels start turning in your direction, WATCH OUT!