For most of us who ride, having a "get-off" at some point is all but an eventuality. So what can we do to mitigate the risks? The causes of crashes can be distilled down into two basic categories: ones that are caused by our own actions on the bike, and ones that are caused by something or someone else. The first is easier to control, and second is less so. But with practice, technique, and some training we can learn how to stack the odds in our favor. Honing these skills and techniques on the relative safety of a race track is a great way to make you a better rider on the road.

Ken Hill – The Pro Moto Coach

Ken Hill is a professional motorcycle coach whose main mission is to help people be better, safer riders. In his own words, Ken states: “I don’t train ‘racers or ‘street riders,’ I simply teach people how to be better motorcycle riders.”

Ken has plenty of experience: He has raced professionally for the AMA, and currently works with top professional motorcycles racers, including MotoAmerica racers such as JD Beach and the M4 Suzuki race team.

Ken has also instructed for great motorcycle riding programs such as Freddie Spencer Riding School and the Yamaha Champions Riding School. Currently, Ken works with the Rickdiculous Racing and the Rick Development Camp.

Ken primarily teaches people how to ride motorcycles at a track, which in my opinion is the best way to be a better rider. There’s more room to ride, so that means there’s literally more room for error. Therefore, it’s safer to try new things than on the streets.

I’ve personally worked with Ken in the past, and he’s helped my riding immensely. I often wished there were times when I could hear him giving his reassuring, logical advice right before I went out to my races. Fortunately, I no longer have to wish for that.

Ken recently started doing podcasts that comprise of frequently asked questions he receives from riders. So far, he’s covered topics such as when and how to apply the brakes, or how to obtain better body positioning.

Ken's latest podcast, How to Get Over a Crash, really intrigued me because I’ve crashed a handful of times, so I know what it’s like to go down on numerous occasions. This podcast contains good stuff, especially since he first covers why motorcyclists crash before he gets into the “how to get over it” part.

I mean, really: Who the hell wants to crash? It hurts you, the bike, and your pocketbook. So, I feel it’s important to discuss the main reasons why you or I crash, as well as the ways to learn from the mistakes that caused the crash.

(Note: Ken discuses these points and how they are applied to track day riding and/or racing. However, most of these points are definitely useful for the street riders who tackle the twisties, too!)

Here are the top five reasons motorcyclists crash...and examples!