I think a truelly great rider comes from the mindset your a "Motorcyclist" first, and a "stunt rider", "hooligan", "knee dragger", "biker", etc second.
Safety and concern for you and everyone around you should be first and foremost. If your not thinking any more than "I just get on and ride", "I like to just go", "I'm good enough". FUCK YOU, find a diffrent sport, your going to be a statistic in no time.
I can sort out everything from a ride, why I made a certian mistake to how I could have avoided a close call with a cager. More times than not, I don't have to think about those things because I was consous of them in the first place when they were occuring. A sixth sence that tells you there is danger isn't something ANYONE climbs on a bike with, it is indeed developed over time with exposure to the right situations and mental conditioning.
"Motorcyclist" first, fill in the "style" second. A truelly great rider can pick ones self apart, figure out the issues, and make a good, for certian decision to change such behavior and mindset and become better.
A great rider has to come from a great understanding of yourself, your machine, and your sport.
I strive for excellence. Do you?
-RatFighter