On both street and track, you can take visualization to an extreme. Racers can envision a whole race in their mind, or visualize exactly how to deal with a certain opponent in a particular passing situation. A savvy street rider can plant an image of an entire stretch of road in his mind, with every turn stored in memory. A major benefit is that a panic situation can be avoided if you've prepared for it. If you've mentally run through the steps you'll take if a dog runs out in front of you or if the front tire suddenly loses traction in a turn, you'll almost naturally execute those steps rather than panic if the situation arises.
On the racetrack, you can...
On the racetrack, you can use visualization to practice a new line or apex marker in your head, a huge benefit when track time is sometimes limited.
When using visualization,...
When using visualization, the more imagery you can add to the situation, the better the results will be. When to start braking for a given corner, for example, or how hard to pull the lever.
Visualization can help on...
Visualization can help on the street just as much as on the track, by better preparing you for a panic situation or, just as on the racetrack, learning a given sequence of difficult corners.
Eventually, you'll want to work up to the most powerful use of visualization, changing an aspect of your riding with just one playback in your mind. Experienced riders can, for example, execute a change in line through a particular corner by just visualizing the scenario just once in their minds-often while still riding. The next time the corner is negotiated, the new line is taken without an interruption that can be distracting in the braking and turning thought processes.
Remember to start with simple images or situations, and gradually build up to something more complicated. Experiment with different environments, such as lying in bed at night or sitting in your favorite chair with some soft music playing-whatever works to calm your mind the best. With some practice you'll find the process gradually becomes easier, and you'll soon reap the benefits of visualization.