Safety Tips for a New Motorcycle Rider
If you’ve purchased your first bike or are thinking about getting one, you’re probably most excited for the freedom you’re going to have: just you, your bike, and the open road. But riding a motorcycle is very different from driving a car or even riding a bike. There are a number of best practices you’ll need to be following in order to be safe and confident when you ride. Crossroad Powersports has listed the basics, and we highly encourage you to do your own research to be ready for your first ride. And for service or advice from experienced riders, stop by our location in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.
The Right Gear
Whatever you wear, make sure it’s visible to other drivers. Ideally, you should wear something bright or safety-specific neon apparel. Black, brown, or other dark colors can blend into the road and make it difficult to see you. You’ll also want to make sure your clothes are able to protect you from road hazards, including debris, bugs, and road rash. Department store clothes are not always up to the challenge so you’ll want to go for leather or other reinforced materials. You’ll also want the right gloves. Not only will they help you grip the clutch and hang onto your bike, but they’ll protect your hands as the weather changes. You may want thicker gloves to keep your hands warm in the winter, but thinner gloves to keep them cool and protected from the sun in summer.
But the most basic and obvious protective gear you can wear is a helmet. Not only do they protect you from potential hazards, they cut down on wind noise and fatigue. A DOT approved full-faced helmet is generally your best bet, but no matter your choice of helmet, don’t skimp on this investment.
Not only will you want to wear the right gear, you’ll also want your bike to have the right equipment. If your bike does not come with antilock brakes, consider having them added. While it’ll cost extra, motorcycles with ABS (anti-lock braking system) are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash. You’ll keep control over your bike when you’re in a bind, and this could mean the difference between life and death.
Check Your Bike
Before every ride, check your bike to make sure it’s in working condition. Lights, horn, turn signals, chain, belt or shaft, and brakes all need to be in order to ensure a safe ride. Also, check your tires for wear or damage and check that they have the proper amount of pressure. Worn-out brakes and improperly inflated tires greatly increase safety risks.
Look at the Weather Forecast
Before you leave the house, check the weather. Poor weather can cause dangerous road conditions for both you and the drivers around you. If the roads are bad, stay home or find another way to get around if you can. Checking the forecast will also let you know if the weather’s going to take a turn for the worse later on.
Ride Defensively
While it’s easy to let other people be responsible for their own actions, 60 percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. It’s important to keep a careful eye on your surroundings and be prepared to get out of another driver’s way to protect yourself.
Put at least 20 feet between you and the driver in front, and follow the speed limit. This will give you room to stop if you hit sudden traffic. Be cautious around semi-trucks. Not only are they big, but they cause their own wind turbulence that can knock you around. Also, other drivers have a harder time seeing you when you’re on the other side of a large vehicle. Always make sure you have an escape route when you need one. Cars are built to absorb impact, but that’s not the case with a motorcycle. Always avoid accidents as best you can.
Feather your clutch when you’re making slow or tight turns. Too much clutch or not enough can lead to tipping. You need to maintain the right amount of momentum to make that turn. For wider curves, try straightening out the curve by employing an outside-inside-outside technique (start in the outside part of the curve, move to the inside, and then back to the outside).
Ride in Groups
If you’re new to riding, you might want to consider taking your first few outings with a group. While it’s tempting to flex your independence, you’ll want more experienced people nearby if something goes wrong. And make sure they’re people you can trust and have experience. You’re trying to learn from them, so you’ll want good role models. Having said that, if your group starts to ride at a pace that you’re not comfortable with, let them go on ahead and catch up later. Don’t push yourself just to fit in.
Take Frequent Breaks on Long Rides
This is especially true for new riders. Whether your legs are starting to cramp or your brain feels a little fuzzy from highway hypnosis, make sure to pull over as often as you need it to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or get some sleep.
Practice
Above all else, the best way to get better at riding a motorcycle is to have more experience. But this doesn’t mean you have to hit the road with your fingers crossed. Try finding roads and parking lots with plenty of room to practice, or locate your nearest Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course. You’ll learn and practice the basics, including what to do in emergency situations. Not only will this give you more confidence, but if you can provide proof that you took a class or passed a course, you could get an insurance discount.
Here at Crossroad Powersports, we want to make sure you know how to stay safe on the road. Follow these suggestions we’ve outlined and ask around for more advice from more experienced riders. Not only will you stay safe, but you’ll be more confident in your riding. And for service or to look at the bikes in our showroom, visit us in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.