BOOK REVIEW
Steve Krugman’s “The Art and Craft of Motorcycling—From First Ride to the Road Ahead” Story by Mike Seate Photos Courtesy Quarto Publishing
own experience with motorcycling: what was your own immersion into street riding like; did you receive any professional instruction?
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he delicate art of learning to ride a motorcycle has been one of the biggest challenges faced by newcomers to the sport. In recent years, professional training has become far more available with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s nationwide rider training courses. But for those not living in proximity to a training site or program, learning to ride is still done the time-honored way: friends, co-workers or relatives are often impromptu teachers, passing on both useful and, oftentimes, questionable advice. Author and private motorcycle riding instructor Steve Krugman has written a practical, wellresearched – and cleverly illustrated – new book aimed at removing much of the myth and mystery surrounding proficient motorcycle riding and CRM caught up with the Los Angeles resident for an indepth interview. CRM: What prompted you to write the book? Steve Krugman: As founder of Class: M1 Private Motorcycle Training, a 1:1 premium motorcycle and scooter school in Los Angeles, CA, a comprehensive method book was always part of the vision, if simply as a companion to training. Having put thousands of safe, happy riders on the road over a decade, I’d amassed the experience and expertise to expand the idea and add my voice in the field of rider education in a much broader way. Our clients were constantly expressing a de-
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S.K.: I’ve been riding for over 20 years now. Shortly following a cross-country move to Los Angeles, I was driving the Pacific Coast Highway in my car, surrounded by motorcyclists. I knew I was doing things wrong! Inspired, I soon took a three-day state-run new rider course. Everyone’s path forward is different and very personal. For me, it was immediate neighborhood streets for a week or so and incrementally onto the mean streets of the city and beyond. So, mostly calculated and progressive, with a few unintentional leaps into the fire along the way.
sire for a book that addressed the fundamentals of riding and moving safely to the road that was neither over complicated nor oversimple. I recognized a definite need in the market. The Craft and Art of Motorcycling was my answer—a complete motorcycle and scooter method, written in clear, relaxed language, and fully illustrated in a way that not only bolsters understanding, but conveys the joy and fun of learning to ride! The final result is a book we’re all very excited and proud to finally release into the world. The sincere hope is that potential, new, returning, and even seasoned roadvets will find inspiration and valuable understanding within. CRM: Tell Cafe Racer’s readers about your
I think one of the things that makes me an empathetic teacher is that I can clearly recall that early mix of excitement and anxiety as a new rider. Honestly, I’m right back in the overstuffed saddle of that red Kawasaki Vulcan 500 as I think about it! CRM: What, in your opinion, is the most common mistake made by new riders? S.K.: This one is a bit tricky because there’s as many formative stories as there are riders. Overall, I’d characterize over-urgency as a typical mistake of new riders. Basically, not moving progressively, incrementally and systematically forward. This might mean getting too big/heavy/powerful a machine as a first bike or introducing too many firsts too quickly. When simply riding a motorcycle or scooter is new, other firsts such as traffic, freeways, longer excursions, nighttime, rainy weather, etc. should come indi-