Riding is great. Crashing stinks.
Here's a top-10 list of riding tips, based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Experienced Rider Course.

Accept The Risks

If you want to be totally safe, stay at home. Manage your risks by keeping your skills sharp.

No Attitudes

PO'd at the Volvo driver who just cut you off? Chill out! Riding safely takes concentration.

Peer Pressure Hurts

Don't listen to your squidly friends. Racing goes with racetracks. Street racing goes with skin grafts.

Get Dressed

Body Vs Road? Road wins every time. Give yourself a chance with good quality gloves, boots, long pants, jacket and approved helmet.

Watch Your Posture

Keep your knees against the tank, your feet on the pegs, your hands on the bars and your butt in the seat. You never know when you might need to react instantly.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of the capabilities of your motorcycle and yourself, especially in changing road conditions. Then-duh-don't exceed those limits.

Think Ahead

Aggressively scan both sides of the road at least 12 to 14 seconds ahead. If you can't see that far ahead - slow down.

Keep Your Eyes Up

The most common bad habit in motorcycling is looking down, especially when cornering or braking.
Remember: You go where you look.

Know When To Say Yes

Riding is a rush all by itself. Save the alcohol for bench racing sessions.

Practice, Practice, And Practice

If you're lucky, you may go years without a close call on the road. Be ready when it happens. Take a riding course, then practice what is preached.