Mountain Riding Tips for Motorcycles
Are you looking to change up the scenery on your next motorcycle ride? A mountain ride is a whole different beast compared to a straight path leading through the prairie. Riding your motorcycle along a scenic mountain road can be invigorating. But prepare in advance for the unique terrain and dangers of mountain roads. Check out the tips below, and then go plan a fun new motorcycle adventure. Make sure to visit us at St. Charles Harley-Davidson, and our team can offer more advice. Our dealership, located in St. Charles, Missouri, welcomes customers from St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.
Inspect Your Motorcycle
Before heading out on any long ride, you need to inspect the overall fitness of your motorcycle. Create a checklist to run through before going into the mountains. This list should include checking the brakes, fluids, lights, tires, and chains. Any issue with the motorcycle can leave you stranded without access to a phone.
Invest in Quality Gear
Temperature can fluctuate high up in the mountains. Be prepared for colder temperatures the higher you ride. Combine the cold from the air with the force of your motorcycle, and you can quickly freeze if you are not covered. Invest in a high-quality riding jacket, and always layer up underneath. Warm gloves are essential to protect your fingers from the cold air.
Keep an Eye Out
Tigers, lions, and bears, oh my! You might not encounter any tigers and lions in the mountains, but you might see bears, deer, moose, bison, and wolves. Depending on where you are riding, you should keep an eye peeled for critters. You might be able to outrun a wolf or bear, but hitting a deer can cause expensive damage to a motorcycle.
Prepare for the Road Ahead
The way to have the best time on your mountain ride is to prepare for anything. Read up on the route you plan to take. You can learn a lot about the different curves and potential dangers. Avoid speeding on any unfamiliar road, especially mountain roads that have lots of blind curves. Pay attention to debris, like gravel, fallen rocks, and shale that may be in your path. But most of all, stay calm and collected. The worst motorcycle accidents happen when you let your guard down and let your mind wander.
Stay vigilant about the dangers and obstacles you might encounter on a mountain ride. The staff at St. Charles Harley-Davidson enjoys swapping motorcycle stories with our customers. You can find us any time at our location in St. Charles, Missouri. We are proud to serve St. Peters and St. Louis, Missouri.