Adding 2 cents of my 10 years tenure..
I started driving when i was thirteen (:P) ,was a natural , and just like warm blooded teens was good at rash driving ,drifts and what not..With time wisdom kicked in and now i am no different than a bawa jee driving a car.Same case applies for motorcycles.
For motorcyle:
SIde mirrors (really important, prevents 50% of the regular accidents,,You should know what sort of vehicle is behind you,at what distance,before making any turns view the mirrors instead of poking your head behind and getting rammed from front)
Wear Helmet (Strapped)Yeah i am saying keep it strapped or dont mind wearing it ..In case of an accident helmet always goes flying around and we see a flat head. Dont just wear helmet for avoiding chalans.. Use it for the intended purpose..
Drive slow and steady : 80% of the accidents can be avoided by just by making a habit of riding calm and slow..As i said the teens they never learn unless they experience god forbid fatal accident..Within city 50 Km/hr is a fine speed for cruising,also at this speed bike can come to a halt with ease in emergency situations..
If you want to drive at elevated speeds i would recommend 65-70 within city (applicable only on highways with at-least 6 standard lane both sides/ 4 lanes-one side---and where traffic density is low i.e less vehicles around you)
You brakes should be in perfect condition Most of the accidents involving bikes usually happen due to brakes failing,,i have ridden my colleagues bikes several times and their rides breaks are just pathetic(most of the time),,sometimes there is none at all..
Having perfect breaks inspires confidence in a driver's ability to overcome difficult and dangerous situations,thus it is of prime importance that you maintain your ride especially in the brakes department.
Traffic density Slow down on busy and saturated roads and go with the flow..
Calibrate and adjust your headlights--Keep indicators in working condition For night driving headlamps are your eyes,,regular adjust the low and high beam distance and throw, so you can avoid those nasty bumps and khaddas. Indicators yes,keep them alive,,most of the time people get banged on turning without indicators..You should convey your intentions regarding changing lane atleast 10-15 seconds before making a turn..
Be aware of vehicles within 50 M radius;;
I always know each and every vehicle around me,,rear /front aswell..I even have a hint on their cruising speed,,and with time i know what stunts they are going to perform well before time,,their intentions ( like an unexpected cut ),,instantaneous braking ,, and a rash prado driver with me as his traget (lol) ..SO its always a plus;;people say you cannot predict if som1 bangs you unaware from behind (though it is somewhat right) i have avoided many close encounters with just this habit of mine
Maintain a safe distance from nearby vehicles:
Especially those in front of you..Incase they do some hanki phanki you have time to react;;courtesy distance.
Hone your reaction Time skills:
Split second decisions in case of an imminent accident,to avoid personal injury or minimize damage.