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On January 28, 1986, the world watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven astronauts aboard. The cause? A small rubber O-ring that failed in the cold morning air.
Here’s the part that’s hard to swallow: NASA engineers knew there were problems with those O-rings. They had seen the warning signs on previous launches. Some engineers even raised alarms — but since nothing catastrophic had happened yet, they started to accept the risk.
They normalized the warning signs.
And then one day, everything went wrong.
Complacency didn’t just cost a mission — it cost lives.
That same mindset? It happens to riders all the time.
We get comfortable. We skip gear on a “quick ride,” stop checking tire pressure, or keep taking that corner just a little too hot — because it worked last time.
But just like NASA learned the hard way, getting away with it once doesn’t mean you always will.
3 Bad Habits That Can Cost You on a Motorcycle
There are plenty of bad habits that can get riders hurt — some more serious than others. We could spend an entire week covering them all.
Instead, let’s focus on three bad habits that are commonly overlooked. They might not seem like a big deal… until they are.
We’ll look at real-world examples where these same bad habits led to serious consequences — and how they apply to us as riders.
1. Lack of Focus
On March 28, 2008, in San Bruno, California, a Caltrain commuter train failed to stop at a red signal and collided head-on with a maintenance train.
The engineer wasn’t texting or asleep. The official report called it a “momentary lapse of attention.”
Result:
- 16 people injured
- Millions in damages
- The engineer, a seasoned pro, never operated a train again
The National Transportation Safety Board cited inattention and failure to adhere to signals as the root cause — a loss of focus during a routine task that had become too familiar.
Motorcycling is no different.
We ride the same roads, see the same scenery, and start zoning out — going into mental autopilot. That’s when we miss the car inching out of a side street… or the gravel in a blind corner… or our own signs of fatigue.
You won’t even realize what you missed — until it’s too late.
According to the NHTSA, inattention and distraction are leading causes of motorcycle crashes.
How to Stay Focused While Riding:
- Do a mental check before the ride. Are you tired, stressed, distracted? Adjust accordingly.
- Narrate the ride silently.
- “That truck is weaving.”
- “Light just turned green. Watch for red-light runners.”
- “There’s a driveway coming up.”
This keeps your mind active and situationally aware.
- Play the “What If?” game.
- “What if that car pulls out in front of me?”
- “What if that driver doesn’t see me?”
This shifts you from reaction mode to anticipation mode.
2. Lack of Proper Maintenance (Especially Tires)
On January 8, 2003, US Airways Express Flight 5481 crashed shortly after takeoff in Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people on board.
The cause? A mechanical failure in the elevator control system — the part that controls the aircraft’s pitch. Investigators discovered the elevator cables were improperly rigged, and maintenance procedures were ignored.
Worse yet, this wasn’t a one-time error. It was the result of repeated shortcuts, skipped inspections, and paperwork signed off without proper checks.
Result:
- 21 lives lost
- All due to preventable, routine maintenance failures
The same principle applies to motorcycles.
Worn brake pads. Under-inflated tires. Skipped oil changes.
A single failure at the wrong moment — like a blowout mid-lean or chain snap in traffic — can end your ride, or your life.
3. Lack of Continued Training
In 2013, a 56-year-old Marine veteran and experienced rider was killed during a routine, low-speed turn in a San Diego parking lot.
He attempted a simple U-turn, lost control of the motorcycle, dropped it, and hit his head on a concrete barrier.
He wore a half helmet — but the issue wasn’t just gear. It was a loss of basic low-speed control. The kind of skill that fades when it’s not practiced.
The man had not taken a refresher course or any training in over a decade.
Result:
- A highly disciplined combat veteran — lost to a mistake that could have been avoided with a few practice drills.
Riding is a perishable skill.
You don’t stay sharp by riding more miles — you stay sharp by practicing with purpose.
Without continued training:
- Your reactions slow down
- Your technique fades
- Bad habits creep in
Why the Best Keep Training
Think about the military — they train constantly, not because they’re beginners, but because their lives depend on it.
Look at pro athletes:
- MLB has spring training
- NFL has training camp
These are the best in the world — and they still train regularly.
The same should go for us on a motorcycle.
How to Keep Your Skills Sharp:
- Take a motorcycle training class
- Practice parking lot drills regularly
- Use the MCrider Field Guide for structured practice
Final Thoughts
Bad habits don’t show up as disasters — at first.
They start small. They hide in the background. They whisper, “You’ll be fine.”
Until one day, like the Challenger, like that Caltrain, or like that low-speed parking lot crash, the cost becomes clear.
Stay focused. Maintain your bike. Keep training.
Ride smart. Ride safe.
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Braking Tips
Entry Speed
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Trail Braking
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Police Skills
Riding Under the Influence
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Below is some gear that I ride with on a daily basis…if you are in the need of good riding gear, the products below have worked well for me.
KLIM Jacket – https://www.MCrider.com/KLIM
Shoei Motorcycle Helmets – https://www.MCrider.com/Shoei
Windshirt/Jacket Liner – https://www.MCrider.com/Liner
Lee Park Sumo Gloves – https://www.MCrider.com/LeeParks
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