Newbies always remember to put the kick stand down after parking your bike and put the kick stand up just before you ride off. Its not a pretty site to lay your bike down because you forgot about the kick stand. Always have a mental check list, (mounting and dismounting your motorcycle).

Before You Change Lanes
Its a good idea to know what's around you. Maintain your awareness of the dynamic patterns of vehicles all around you, including those behind you. Before you change lanes, put your turn signal on,turn your head and scan the lane in which you intend to go.

Parking Lot Disasters
Many drivers don't obey street-traffic rules in large parking lots. Watch carefully for pedestrians and backing cars. Predict the hazard of vehicles darting through empty parking spaces.
Always scan the adjacent lanes and be prepared to make a quick stop by keeping your speed down.

Take That Last Look
When you decide to pass, take one last look behind you before pulling out. Motorcycles as well as automobiles have blind spots in their mirrors and turning your head to do a final "check" can be a life saver.

Pay Attention to Highway Signs
Example-Highway sign stating "Deer Crossing" (Deer Migration) next 14 miles, night 45 mph. The reason for deer signs is that there is a history of numerous deer strikes in that area. So when you enter a deer zone, you should expect to encounter wild deer grazing alongside or leaping across the road. Deer typically spring into action as a vehicle gets close. The best tactic for avoiding a deer strike is to be prepared for a quick stop. If you see a deer next to the road you should immediately brake, especially if the deer is facing the road and therefore, most likely to leap in your direction. Be especially aware of signs stating "Uneven pavement" at night. Night vision makes it very hard to see raised pavements

Desperate Drivers
If you haven't encountered a desperate driver yet, you will. And whatever his or her problem is, you don't want any part of it .Erratic driving, and even the condition of the vehicle itself, are clues that a driver has a problem, whether physical or psychological. You should understand that passing someone else can be interpreted by some as an act of aggression, especially if you tailgate, pass aggressively, or pull back in line too closely. Other drivers can interpret a normal pass as a challenge or an affront. And remember that some people are prejudiced against motorcyclists.
If you find yourself in this situation, separate yourself from a potential problem by increasing your distance from the other vehicle, both prior to the pass and when pulling back in line. You also have other options, such as pulling over for a break or turning off onto an alternate route.

It's Important To Ride Your Own Ride
While it can be fun to ride with a group, you should understand that some riders are very competitive, and their group rides often turn out to be races-not social events. You should also be aware that riders at the back of a group must ride faster than the leader to catch up. it's easier to maintain your position if you are prepared to fall in directly behind the ride leader, rather than at the back of the pack.
Moreover, allowing yourself to focus on the taillight ahead will draw your attention away from riding your own bike. It's never smart to assume that you can maintain the same pace as a rider ahead simply by trying to do what he's doing. You are responsible for controlling your own bike, and that includes planning your own cornering lines for maximum traction, scrutinizing the surface for hazards, and making smooth throttle-to brake transitions. It's no shame to get directions and a address before the ride. If the group turns out to be more aggressive than you had assumed you have the option of breaking away from the pack and meeting them at the appointed address. Riding their ride, not at your skill level and being concerned that the other riders will think you're less skilled than you are may lead to serious consequences. Always ride your own ride at the skill level that you are comfortable

Raised Pavement Edges
You should know that raised pavement edges are a special hazard to two-wheelers, and are very common in construction zones. Remember that two-wheelers balance by counter steering the front wheel. If you allow your front tire to ease up next to a raised pavement edge, the tire becomes trapped by the edge and you lose control of balance. If you can avoid crossing a raised edge. When you must, swerve away from the edge and point the bike towards the edge at a minimum angle of 45 degrees to bounce the front tire up and over, not try to ease over it at a narrow angle.

Take Care and Always Ride Safe
SR. VP. SMOOTH

Taken from personal experiences. Also from Street Strategies and Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough