Your smaller size can be an advantage. Use it. The average lane possesses enough width for a motorcycle to take one of three different lines too. Vary your on-road approach to:

• Maximise the clearance from hazards.
• Straighten corners as much as possible.
• Allow the best sight lines around blind corners and large vehicles.
• Invite determined tailgaters to overtake in a line of traffic.
• Use the driest, safest wheel track. (Because of road camber the higher wheel track is often dryer in the rain.)

Avoid stopping between wheel tracks at intersections and roundabouts as other vehicles may leave slippery deposits there.

Dominate your lane

Dominate your lane by riding in the right wheel track (the same position as you would if you were driving a car). This prevents another vehicle driving beside you or forcing you off the road.

If a larger vehicle following shows signs of driving on your left in a line of traffic, take up the central position in your lane to avoid being forced over into the oncoming lane.

Best to allow any riders (remember those Hustlers?) who don't respect your position on the road to overtake, even if it means them passing on your left.

Maximising distance from hazards

Ride so you're always as far as possible from the greatest source of danger, and visible to anyone ahead.

Keep well left when approaching oncoming vehicles on highways, especially if there's more than one, so that if anyone pulls out to overtake there will still be room to avoid a head-on collision.

Assume oncoming vehicles will cut a left-hand bend you are approaching and adjust your own cornering line to suit. With its wide entry, the racing-line should be used only when the road is completely clear.

Watch what the vehicle at least two ahead is doing to gain early warning of any dramatic speed changes. This will enable you to brake earlier, reducing the risk of both heavy braking and being rammed from behind.

When approaching T intersections or left side-roads move towards the centreline. For right side-roads move left.

Keep well to the left when approaching blind right hand bends to maximise your vision around the corner. The opposite applies for left hand ones.