The Rider's Movements and Actions in Low-speed Riding of the Motorcycle

－Analysis of Difference by Skill Level－

Abstract

Narrow road low-speed riding （hereinafter, referred to as narrow-bridge riding） is a key technique for motorcycle riders to improve their fundamental riding ability. However, since mechanism of narrow-bridge riding has not been clarified, motorcycle instructors are teaching this technique based only on their experience. This research had two purposes. One was to reveal the difference in the movements of riders and frame body comparing beginner and expert riders. The second was to make use of the obtained results for improving motorcycle riding instruction. We conducted a narrow-bridge riding test on 14 riders with different experience levels. As a result, we found three characteristic operations and movements by expert riders who could continue narrow-bridge riding at low-speed: （1） Large steering angle. （2） Fewer head roll movements, and （3） Use of vertical load of handles. These results suggest that keeping head rolling movements to a minimum by using the vertical load of the handle subsequently improves riders' narrow-bridge riding skill.. The knowledge about the mechanism of skillful narrow-bridge riding should be useful in a new teaching method.