Rider safety must always come first on any ride, whether it’s a leisurely ride through town or an exhilarating blast up the twisties. After all, keeping oneself safe on any given ride not only saves money on costly repairs and medical expenses but also guarantees that a rider can fully enjoy future motorcycle rides by keeping oneself safe. Here are ten safety recommendations for motorcycle riders without further ado.
10 Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips For Beginners
1. Always Wear Protective Gear
When possible, wear the proper safety equipment for your ride. Use arm and leg protection and an appropriate helmet with a high safety rating. Since safety equipment can feel heavy, many riders choose not to wear it. Remember that safety equipment is inexpensive insurance; spending a few thousand dollars on padded armor is unquestionably less expensive than paying a hefty medical bill. Make every effort to be adequately prepared for each ride.
2. Vehicle Examination
The first safety advice for any rider would be to accept routine bike maintenance. Always check your tires, wheels, fluids, chassis or frame, hand and foot controls, and electrical system before going on a ride. The first significant step in avoiding any unpleasant breakdowns or failures while on the road is ensuring your motorcycle operates correctly and healthily.
3. Focus On The Road
Sometimes it’s easy to become sidetracked in thought when riding for hours. On a motorcycle, however, this can be pretty risky because riding a motorcycle requires a rider to be extremely alert. Keep an eye out for potholes, debris on the road, water or oil spills, and other potential hazards by keeping your eyes on the road. If you find it difficult to remain alert and need to relax, make sure you stop when necessary.
4. Observe Your Blind Spots
Motorcycles have their blind zones, so mirrors don’t always show you all that is behind you. Use more than just your mirrors. It’s critical to use your head to turn left and right to check for any blind spots that your mirror might not have seen. When doing so, be sure there are no obstacles in your path. Also, glance to avoid taking your eyes off the road in front of you for an extended period.
5. Observe The Skies
Is it going to be sweltering hot today, or will it rain? Planning for your ride requires a thorough understanding of the weather. The weather can influence several things, including the gear you choose for the day, your route, how long you will be on the road, whether you bring spare clothing or equipment, and much more. Pay attention to weather forecasts and make plans in advance to make your travel as pleasurable and safe as possible.
6. Take Your Vehicle
Pushing your talents and the motorcycle’s capabilities beyond your comfort zone is one of the riskiest things a rider can do. Whether you’re riding with a group of friends or riding alone, you should always stay in control of your motorcycle. Avoid attempting to follow a rider traveling significantly faster or attempting risky maneuvers on the road. To have the most influence over your machine, keep yourself in a comfortable zone.
7. Be Courteous To Other Drivers
It’s not easy to drive for long periods. Most of the time, people attempt to reach their destination without incident. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that other drivers only want their peace of mind when driving, which is probably true of your vehicle. When a fellow driver needs aid, feel free to pull over and offer a helping hand if you have the time. It would help if you also respected other drivers by not riding too closely to automobiles or other motorcyclists and by resisting the urge to become enraged on the road.
8. Control Your Energy
While riding a motorcycle can be incredibly entertaining, it can also be exhausting for many people. Managing your energy levels is crucial when going for a ride. Taking a break from riding could be helpful if you’re feeling worn out or have just performed a particularly taxing exercise. Instead, concentrate on regaining your energy. You must know when to pursue a ride or pass one up. Managing your energy will help a long way toward keeping you safe on the road.
9. Recognize The Forecast
The weather frequently hampers perfect driving conditions, and being on two wheels increases the perils of ice or wet roadways. Your body is exposed to driving rain, and you only have half the stability, which increases the risk.
A rider’s number one nightmare is poor vision. You can never quite appreciate how painful it can be to ride through the rain while traveling at 50 or even 30 mph until you’ve experienced it.
10. Protect Your Pillion Rider
The final safety advice is for situations where you choose to travel with a passenger. Remember that when you are carrying a passenger, the person behind you is also responsible for their safety and well-being. As a result, it’s crucial to review all of the guidelines above and apply them to your passenger.
Never forget that a comfortable and safe ride for the passenger also means a smooth and easy ride for the driver. Always give your pillion rider extra attention, and you should be fine to set off on your next journey.