In this installment of “Motor School,” Quinn encourages riders to try a little tenderness. The benefits of getting in touch with what your motorcycle is saying are massive. Don?t be shy, give it a try.

We?ve known each other for a little while now, so let me just come out and say it: Deep down, you?re a sensitive person. It?s no secret you get misty-eyed every time you watch Titanic. We all know it, and nobody thinks any less of you. It?s one of the things we really like about you.

When it comes to riding your motorcycle, however, where?s that same tenderness" Remember that early ?80s ballad by the Pointer Sisters about having a slow hand and an easy touch" I?m not saying you?re unsafe or dangerous; it?s just that when I watch you ride ? mashing the controls and strangling the life out of the handlebar ? it reminds me of a grizzled old garbage man beating helpless metal cans into submission as if he?s trying to settle all of life?s injustices. All that blind fury isn?t necessary, and it makes for a lousy ride up the coast.
Similar to your ability to get in touch with your emotions while watching a tearjerker movie, your riding would greatly benefit from cultivating a little more sensitivity to what your bike is doing beneath you. If you?re unable to truly connect with your motorcycle, you?re likely to miss cues and clues ? some of which are quite subtle ? that will give you better control and help you get more enjoyment out of riding.

Obvio...