Overtaking on a Motorcycle: Know When to Go (and When to Stay Put)

Most motorcycle accidents don’t happen because riders lack skill. They happen because of a split-second decision made with incomplete information, and overtaking is one of the riskiest moments for exactly that reason. 🏍️

Before you commit to an overtake, you need to be certain on a few things: Is the road ahead completely clear for long enough? Are you carrying enough speed to complete the pass quickly? Is the vehicle in front predictable? If you can’t answer yes to all three with confidence, the overtake isn’t worth it. Blind bends, crests, junctions ahead, and oncoming hazards you can’t yet see are all reasons to hold back. The riders who get it right aren’t the fastest ones. They’re the ones who’ve trained themselves to think first and act second. That mental approach is something we build into every rider we train here at Betta Biker. What’s the most challenging overtaking situation you’ve encountered on the road? Drop it in the comments below.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your road craft, our CBT courses in Warrington are built around making you a thinking rider, not just a rider. Small groups, bikes and equipment provided, and instructors with decades of real-world experience. What would you say is the one skill new riders underestimate most? πŸ‘‡

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