A Guide to Motorcycle Safety
It’s certainly true that riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can sometimes be dangerous also. The better prepared you are, the better you will be able to deal with hazards you come across while riding. This short guide will help familiarize you with some of the better ways to stay safe on your bike.
Weather
One of the first elements to pay attention to when you’re going to ride is the weather. Make sure to check the weather before you hop on your bike. Precipitation is dangerous for your bike because rain, ice, or snow on the road will reduce the amount of traction your bike has. Turning, stopping, and even accelerating can become uncontrollable in these conditions.
On the other hand, hot weather presents its own dangers. Whereas riding in the rain affects the way your bike works, hot weather affects the way your body works. On a very hot day, if you ride long enough to get heatstroke, you could become nauseous, dizzy, and unable to control your bikes.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Another important element of preparation is the pre-ride inspection. This is a short list of items to check to make sure your bike is in good shape to ride. For a pre-ride checklist, you want to basically limit the individual components to the most important parts to check. Start with the tires. They should be inflated to the manufacturer-recommended level and they should be wearing down evenly. You’ll also want to check your engine fluids.
The oil should be light in color and free of any metallic shavings, dirt, or water. If your bike is liquid-cooled, make sure it’s topped off with coolant. Make sure the brakes are in good shape, too. This is best done when you start to ride. Approach the first stop slowly and apply the brakes. If you feel grinding or serious vibration, it’s time to get your brakes checked out.
The Right Equipment
Good riding gear makes a big difference in motorcycle safety. This starts with a high-quality, correctly fitting helmet. Try to find one with a DOT or Snell crash rating, and make sure the helmet is comfortable to wear for long rides without obstructing your vision. In addition to your helmet, you’ll want a good set of riding pants to shield your legs from engine heat and a solid pair of riding boots that protect your feet from road debris.
A good pair of shielded gloves is also extremely helpful for protecting your knuckles from road debris and for keeping your hands warm when riding in cooler weather. You might want to invest in a pair of UV protection sunglasses. These will protect you from eye strain as you ride and will make you look cool, too.