Riding a Motorcycle Safely
A motorcycle ride gives you an experience of freedom and a sense of liberation that isn't possible riding in cars. This feeling creates a sense a camaraderie between riders.
To minimize the risk of accidents on the road, it is important to be alert and focus on safety. The following tips can aid novice and experienced riders avoid common motorcycle mistakes.
Safety First
A motorcycle is an excellent way to travel, but it can also be risky. If you're an experienced rider or just starting out the safety of your passengers is always a priority. Here are some suggestions to ensure your safety while riding your bike.
It doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, a safety course will always be a good investment. These courses offer lessons that you wouldn't be able to learn on your own, and they will help you gain the confidence and skills to safely ride.
Be punctual, have a full tank of gas and a map of where you're going and how long it will take to get there. redirected here will reduce the chances of running into a problem that could put you or other riders at risk. Also, be sure to wear the full equipment. Anyone who says you don't need to wear all of the gear has probably never been degloved, or had their ankles sliced like chicken feet.
Remember that motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles. Make sure your headlights are in operation and on all the time, use reflectors for your bike and on your clothing, and always be aware of your surroundings when changing lanes. Most motorcycle accidents involve multiple vehicles as drivers fail to see the motorcycle rider. Always be cautious when riding, and leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles.
Take a ride with a group if possible, especially as an aspiring rider. This will allow you to keep up with your group and follow the leader. This is a great way to learn how your bike handles on the road, and to become familiar with it. Make sure you carry an emergency kit with first aid and emergency contact number with you on each ride.
Introduce a rider gradually. They should be taught to hold onto the rider with a firm grip at all times, and to only move their feet and legs when directed to do so, to keep their feet clear of the muffler and to maintain a steady pace.
Practice helps to make perfect
If you're looking to be a proficient rider, you must practice. To be able to safely ride a motorbike requires lots of experience and attention. It takes a lifetime to master the art of riding a motorbike, unlike driving in a car.
When you are practicing, it is best to do so in an area without traffic, this will allow you to concentrate solely on your skills and not worry about other drivers or other obstacles. Large parking spaces or neighborhoods with low traffic can be ideal places to begin learning basic bike control. Spending time in these areas will allow you to develop your skills in shifting, accelerating, and stopping until it becomes routine.
As you get more skilled and proficient, your attention will shift to other things such as observing road hazards, keeping a safe distance from other riders. As you progress, you'll develop a sense of situational awareness which is very important for motorcycle riding. This will help you to spot potential problems prior to they arise.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, it's time to move on to an increased speed. Many new riders face difficulties at this point. It is very difficult to move from a slower ride to highway speeds, but when you start slow it is possible to gradually increase your speed. It is also helpful to practice maneuvers like turning and reversing. Again, it is very important to perform these moves slowly and with a lot of attention.
You should also always wear proper riding gear while practicing. This includes a helmet which should be well-fitted to shield your head in the event of a fall. Also, a pair of long-length riding pants as well as jackets are recommended to guard against road debris. Also, you should think about wearing some sort of hearing protection as the sound of the motorcycle's engine and the wind whipping around can be deafening.
It is an excellent idea to plan your rides in accordance to the weather and traffic conditions. It is best to practice in the morning or evening is often better for better visibility and less traffic. Before each ride, it is recommended to inspect your riding equipment and conduct a basic safety inspection of your bike.
Be aware of the rules of the road
If you're a novice rider, it is important to know the local traffic laws and regulations including speed limits, lane markings and signaling. It is important to obey these laws, as the majority of motorcycle accidents involve drivers who do not give way or do not respect a rider's right-of-way. Be aware of the factors that can cause your bike to slide or lose control, such as slippery surfaces road debris, oil spots, loose gravel or manhole covers.
Always look ahead to the sides and behind so that you are able to avoid dangers even before they are obvious. This is easier on a bicycle than in the vehicle, and could help you avoid or reduce the severity of an accident.
Be extra vigilant at intersections, shopping centers and construction zones in which there is a lot of conflict that occurs between motorcyclists and motorists. Over one-half of all motorcycle/car accidents happen at intersections. The biggest danger is from drivers who turn left into your lane or exit into your the lane. Be prepared to stop quickly to stay clear of them.
A swerve is a sudden change in direction that doesn't result in stopping the bike, but instead, it relies on a small amount of pressure on the handlebars to shift the bike into an evasive motion. To accomplish this, the rider rises slightly off the seat and puts their weight on the foot pegs in order to maintain the bike in their control and let them absorb the shock of the turn with their elbows and knees.
In the midst of a busy road or when a vehicle is approaching rapidly from behind, it could be difficult to take evasive actions. You should provide a large buffer of space and allow other vehicles to pass before making any sudden movements. It is particularly important to inform other drivers that you are slowing down or changing lanes, so that they have ample time to react.
Make sure that your lights are on and working all the time, and also use reflective clothing and helmet. Wearing bright clothes and a helmet in white or a light shade can increase your visibility. Be extra vigilant in bad conditions, particularly after snow or rain, when surface oils run off the road and sand and gravel build up.
Know Your Bike
Motorbike riding is a demanding activity, which requires a high degree of concentration and attention. It also demands a high degree of awareness of the situation and the ability to control the fear. These skills can be challenging for beginners to master. Once mastered, however many riders appreciate the freedom and independence that comes with it extremely satisfying.
If you're planning to ride a motorbike it is essential to know how your bike works. It's first necessary to master the use of the throttle and clutch. These controls are different on every motorcycle. Check your manual for more details.
You'll need to adjust to the posture of your body and how you lean the bike to move it. Once you've got the basics mastered it's time to get on the road and begin riding. Before you begin, make sure your bike is in 1st gear. This is done by pushing down on the gear shifter with your left foot. You'll be able to tell whether it's in the first gear by the way it feels and sounds.
When you're moving be sure not to pump the bike too much gas. If you do this the front wheel is likely to lift off the ground and it will be difficult to get back in control. To avoid this, make use of the throttle and lean the bike to slow down.
Turning a motorcycle can be difficult at first but it becomes easier with practice. Just like a bicycle, you'll need to counter steer to turn the bike. This is by pushing the grip to the side you want to turn. For instance when you're turning left, push toward yourself on the right handgrip. The bike naturally leans to the left.
Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends riding a motorbike is an exhilarating experience. Make sure you're wearing all the safety gear, and practice in a parking area before you hit the road. If you follow these simple guidelines you'll be well on your way to mastering this thrilling motorsport.