The Greatest Motorcyclist (BMW ON article)

[JayW]

Fred Rau wrote the article in this month's issue as a tribute to David L Hough. He effectively makes the argument that, based upon his incalculable contributions to the improved motorcyle skills and safety-consciousness of countless riders, Mr Hough may very well be the greatest motorcyclist of the century.

 

I still regularly pore over his books (especially Proficient Motorcycling) and have much yet to learn. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that as a direct result of his wisdom, comprehensive understanding of motorcyle/rider dynamics, and effective communication skills, I have been saved from my own foolishness and wrong-headed instincts many times.

 

Mr Hough, I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person, but if you still visit BMWRT.com from time to time, let me add my own thanks for your many years of wise counsel and instruction to so many of us.

 

I think the title fits.

 

Jay

[ElevenFifty]

I gave a copy of Proficient Motorcycling to my two rider sons and have loaned mine to anyone I ride with that hasn't already read it. My Moto-Guzzi riding buddy, Gary, took me out for dinner and drinks a week after reading the book as thanks for 'saving his life'. He had a moment on the road when a caution from the book led him to slow appropriately for a right hand curve on a country road. His speed and position allowed him to easily swing inside an on coming pickup that was well inside his lane.

 

+more than I can count - Thanks Mr Hough

[RichEdwards]

If you ever get a chance to see Rau and Hough together, jump on it. I saw that comedy team at the Vermont MOA Rally and it was wonderful. Kind jabs at each other, many laughts, tons of motorcycle wisdom, real affection between two buddies.

[tallman]

Dave drops by here from time to time.

He has not only added to the body of knowledge, but allowed his work to be republished (or transmitted) often w/out compensation.

He seems to be not only knowledgeable, but classy.

[Agent_Orange]

+1

[Calvin (no socks)]

They must mean last century.....Its Way too early for this century.

[Bob Allred]

I agree with the article, and all that has posted here, two class acts indeed. I've passed my copy of Proficient Motorcycling to my son, looks like I will have to buy another one. And, I've been a subscriber to Motorcycle Consumer News since meeting Fred Rau in Spokane at the '04 BMWOA rally. I was hesitant about subscribing, and he gave me two issues of the magazine to help me make up my mind. Attending the "coffee with Dave" sessions there was also one of the highlights of the rally.

[Bud]

I met him at the MOA rally in Wisconsin a couple of years ago. Had a nice visit. He is a real down to earth guy. Class act.

[Penforhire]

I read that article and I can't believe he hasn't been inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. David has done more to promote safe riding than any other individual I can think of. I can't say for sure that "he saved my life" but his articles and books certainly made me a better rider.

[Sticky_throttle]

+1

 

Mr Hough's writings have made me a better rider and a more knowledgeable enthusiast of the sport. I consider myself a motorcyclist rather than a biker largely due to his influence.

[elmer]

OK you guys sold me. Just started relearning how to ride 3 years ago after 31 years off (had kids) Ordered 3 of David's books. Thanks for pushing me to do this. Never too old to learn.

 

elmerhttp://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/default/smile.gif

[JayW]

Good for you! Let us know of your impressions of the books after you get a chance to look over them. David Hough's books are among the most dog-eared on my shelf.

 

Jay

[LandonBlueRT]

Fred Rau wrote the article in this month's issue as a tribute to David L Hough. He effectively makes the argument that, based upon his incalculable contributions to the improved motorcyle skills and safety-consciousness of countless riders, Mr Hough may very well be the greatest motorcyclist of the century.

 

I think the title fits.

 

Jay

 

So do I. I met David at the 2000 Great Lakes BMW-MOA rally in Midland MI. He was helping man the MCN booth. After getting a two for one subscription renewal for MCN, David offered me a copy of his recently published Proficient Motorcycling. When I told him I had a copy and had read it, he gave me a look of disbeleif. I said "Mr Hough, I think I have everything you have written and published, and I can assure you I have read it all at least once and most of it many times." He responded with a big smile and extended his hand for a handshake, and said "Thank you sir."

[EddyQ]

I read Dave's book Proficient Motorcycling last summer. It was a great refresher. Lots of good things to live by while riding.

I never met Dave, so I'll have to trust you all that he is a great man and contributes to motocycling in a great way.

 

But there are a few things in his writing that I do not agree with. One is his opineon of riding in the city. He believes you should stay away from cities due to added risks. I'm not going to argue with the added risks. Surely my RT would not be as fun in the city as a scooter, but I wouldn't avoid a great city cause I was on my bike. I've enjoyed great events in Boston yesteryear with my Virago. I also feel his section on motorcycle dynamics falls short of other books I have read such as Total Control, by Lee Parks.

 

[Scriber]

Got to meet David and shake his hand at the Seattle Motorcycle Show in December. He is one of my heroes.

[dhanson]

Jean hates to read after working on the computer all day at work, so I am reading the "Proficient Motorcycling" to her about a chaper every night.

 

Hope to be finished before we take delivery of her new F650GS.

[Woodie]

Sadly, pmdave hasn't posted since 5/2007, as he's working on a new edition of "Proficient Motorcycling".

 

I'm looking forward to it.

[elmer]

Jay, just got through the first book. Thank you all for telling me about it. I think it is going to help me ride better and be more aware of stuff while riding. I am trying to practice the riding skill but am a little concerned about the braking practice. I will have to work up to that. Starting "More Proficient" and then on to "Street Strategies" and then to "How to Ride a Motorcycle (Pat Hahn)". Winter is a good time for reading and planning trips.

 

elmer

[JayW]

I'm glad to hear the that the books were helpful, Elmer. Another book I really like is Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. Don't let the title fool you - the strategies and mindsets in the book are readily applied on the street. It is a full-color book with lots of great diagrams and photos. He breaks throttle control, braking, clutch work, steering inputs, body positoning, etc each into a separate chapter with lots of practical tips and examples, then tells you how to put it all together.

His underlying theme is smooooooothness, a characteristic that virtually every skilled rider embodies.

 

Jay

[Nice n Easy Rider]

Sadly, pmdave hasn't posted since 5/2007, as he's working on a new edition of "Proficient Motorcycling".

 

I'm looking forward to it.

 

DH's new edition of Proficient Motorcycling is out. It includes a DVD but I haven't had a chance to look at it (the DVD) but I'm really enjoying the book. I never read the original edition (Quinn offered to loan me his but I never took him up on it) so I can't comment on what's been added.

[bayoubengal]

Sadly, pmdave hasn't posted since 5/2007, as he's working on a new edition of "Proficient Motorcycling".

 

I'm looking forward to it.

 

DH's new edition of Proficient Motorcycling is out. It includes a DVD but I haven't had a chance to look at it (the DVD) but I'm really enjoying the book. I never read the original edition (Quinn offered to loan me his but I never took him up on it) so I can't comment on what's been added.

 

In anticipation of reading time suddenly available (knee surgery Friday) I went to Amazon in search of material. I just finished Proficient Motorcycling last week and really found it worthwhile. Have been riding since I was 7 with a bit pf a break, grew up in my father's Honda dealership. I was amazed at how valuable I found this book. Back to Amazon. I purchased Mastering the Ride, Second Edition Proficient Motorcycling, BMW Motorcycles by Kevin Ash, and MSF Motorcycling Excellence. Box came yesterday. Just popped in the PM 2Ed CD and reviewed. I was a bit dissapointed as I assumed it was directly related to the book. Actually it had 4 files. Three were Oct, Nov, Dec 2007 (yes seven) MCN issues, fourth was a performance index. But it is good reading and has me interested in getting MCN now, its' intended effect I'm sure.

[Mugs]

Add me to the list. His PM book and his published articles, when taken as a body of work, are the absolute top.

 

It really helps keep many of us not only safer, but in some cases alive! +1

[elmer]

Jay,

 

Thanks to the tip. I am still readind More P M. I have a copy of Street Strategies and Ride Hard, Ride Smart (Pat Hahn). As long as it keeps raining I will get through these two and let you know they are. I wonder if it is worth it to get the revised version of P M. Have you seen it?

 

elmer

[JayW]

...I wonder if it is worth it to get the revised version of P M. Have you seen it?

 

No, Elmer I haven't seen it. I am going to try to review at the library or a bookstore before I decide if the revised edition contains enough new information to make it a worthwhile purchase. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

 

Jay

[pmdave]

Yes, I've been busy on various projects, including a complete rewrite of the book Driving A Sidecar Outfit, and seminars at various rallies and shows. I've been remiss in not checking in at the BMWSportTouring site, but I intend to stop by more frequently, especially at the Ride Well forum. If there is a new topic you think I should access, feel free to Email me.

 

Thanks to all for the kind words, including those who don't always agree with me. The whole idea is to keep us all thinking about managing the risks. If what I have to offer helps you, great. If not, perhaps I didn't cover what you needed, or didn't say it in a way that helped us communicate. And thanks especially to those who have shared their wisdom with others by either explaining something from my books, or loaning a copy to someone who could gain from reading. You might not think of yourself as a "mentor" but that's what you are.

 

I'm a little embarrassed at Fred Rau's continued pressure to get me knighted or sainted or whatever. I'm just trying to do my part to make motorcycling more enjoyable and less painful. At my age I am not seeking recognition. In that vein, I would like to continue to participate as "pmdave" (Proficient Motorcycling Dave) somewht in obscurity, to avoid anyone thinking of me as some guru or know-it-all. I'm just another rider who happens to focus on riding skills.

 

I don't expect the AMA to take notice of my work, even though I'm an AMA life member. IMHO the AMA has always been so focused on racing that everything else is secondary. So, a famous racer is extremely important and worthy of attention. Rights and Riding get attention, but involvement in Riding is primarily to help events happen. The AMA has done little for managing the risks of riding, except for encouraging people to take MSF courses. Seldom does American Motorcyclist include a skills article that explains some facet of street riding skills or techniques. It's apparently not part of the AMA consciousness. That's not criticism of the AMA, just an observation of which way the wind is blowing. But that's why there is no category for "skills articles" or "safety author" or "safety instructor" in the AMA Hall of Fame.

 

The closest the AMA came to honoring someone whose contribution is other than racing is when Hugh "Harry" Hurt was inducted. If ever I were honored by the AMA for my involvement, I would consider it a victory for motorcycle safety as much as for myself.

 

Proficient Motorcycling second edition: I completely reorganized and updated the material from the first edition, so it will be familiar, but is now a much better study guide. The first edition was a collection of various RR and MCN columns, without regard to repetition. The second edition collects topics and puts like information into a chapter, say motorcycle dynamics, or negotiating traffic. It's also in color, which makes the traffic scenes more understandable.

 

For those who would like to kick a few tires and tell a few lies, I'll be at the BMW RA rally in Canaan Valley WV July 23 - 26. By a curious set of coincidences, Bob Higdon, the toungue-in-cheek author of the OTL column "View From The Bunker" has agreed to help host the morning coffee sessions, and now Fred Rau has also agreed to join me. If you think Dave and Fred were a hoot at Spokane, or Dave and Bob provided good entertainment at West Bend, the dynamic trio of Me, Bob, and Fred should be even more outrageous.

 

I have also been invited to do some seminars at the Chief Joseph rally at John Day OR, June 18 - 21, and the Autumn Beemer Bash at Quincey, CA Sept 10 - 13. Of course, the above will depend on my antique body cooperating.

 

So, I'll try to stop by more frequently, but please allow me to remain just

 

pmdave

[BanjoBoy]

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your fine work Dave.

I'm missing all your instructive articles in MCN, (I guess I'll just have to run out and get your PM II book.) but Ken's doing a great job too. We can never become to proficient at riding.

I was an AMA member for many years, (Never a lifer though) but I didn't like the direction they were going. (I got out in the late '90s)

They were kind of anti helmet, anti safety, and the people at the top were all fighting for power. They had forgotten where they came from, and why they were there.

 

Thanks again,

 

[beemerman2k]

Another thumbs up to David Hough.

 

You have saved more lives than you can even imagine. Yours is the first book I strongly recommend to anyone who is even thinking about buying a motorcycle.

 

Your books have saved my life (by preventing me from getting into an otherwise dangerous situation on the road) on more than a few occassions over the years

[lvnvbiker]

I just finished reading PM for the second time a few months ago, and read your interview in ON (jan09) last night and want to also say thanks. My wife took the HD version of the MSF course, and I feel they fell short. She came out of the course with no idea of what target fixation is or how to handle wind and we live in a windy part of the country. Your book has helped me teach her how to be a more confident rider, something that did not happen at the course. So thank you again, and don't stop doing what you do.