If you are riding a motorcycle for the first time, you need to be aware of some things for your safety. While some of the most obvious, such as wearing a helmet and making sure that you are visible to cars both during the day and the night, are pretty well known, other tips can be a little hidden.
Whether you are a beginner or someone who has been riding for years, you need to know some of these safety tips. Then you can keep yourself, and others safe on the road whenever you cruise along the backroads,
Always Inspect Your Bike Before Heading Out
Whether you are heading to a convenience store three minutes down the road, or heading out of state with some friends, you need to inspect your bike. The length and quality of your inspection might vary depending on where you are going and what the terrain looks like, but you should at least look at the state of your tires as well as the state of your brakes, and make sure to have your helmet.
Additionally, you can take a look at your chain, oil and coolant levels, the fuel gauges, and the overall state of the parts of your bike. If you spot a problem and need to have it fixed, then you can do so before you head out, rather than discovering it when you are miles out and away from any reliable help.
Pack An Emergency Tool Kit and First Aid Kit
Of course, no matter how safe you are, two things are all but guaranteed to happen on the road. Emergency repairs and small injuries.
Even if you don’t crash there are lots of opportunities to knick, cut, or scrape yourself while handling a bike. This can damage both you and your bike and you need to have the tools to take on both of these repair jobs.
Make sure to pack a kit with the essentials for taking on minor repairs like a loose chain or a broken mirror, and have a first aid kit that is capable of treating cuts and bruises. Most small packets will fit under your seat so storage isn’t a problem, and then you can handle anything the road throws at you.
If you can’t handle what the road tosses your way and need to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, look for lawyers like Dave Abels, who will be able to get you the legal support you need.
Counterlean and Watch Your Weight
One of the biggest things that motorcyclists have to learn is the ability to counterlean, which means shifting their weight the opposite of where they are turning. For example, if you are making a left turn you need to lean to the right, and when making a right turn you need to lean to the left.
Doing this effectively can help to keep you and the bike stable, and will also ensure that you are able to counterlean in an emergency situation. Additionally, you should also watch your weight whenever you come to a stop, by always leaning on your left with your left foot on the ground.
Then your right foot can be leaned against the brake light, letting the drivers behind you know that you are there.
Follow The Rules Of The Road And Keep Yourself Safe
While it can be tempting to embrace the power of the motorcycle and weave through all the cars in your way, you need to remember that cars can have trouble seeing you and aren’t actively looking for you, so you should work to follow the rules of the road and ensure that you are keeping yourself safe.
Then you can drive the roads on your bike and join the community of motorcyclists that spans the world.
Have the right motorcycle insurance policy
You may be enjoying a day on your bike. But then you can get into an accident that can cause quite a bit of damage. You’re lucky to not get yourself hurt.
But you’re going to need repairs done to the bike you call your pride and joy. That’s where motorcycle insurance comes in. You can find a policy that best fits your needs and preferences.
You’d be crazy not to ride without it. You’ll need a policy that gives you liability coverage, protection in the event of personal injury and medical expenses, coverage for repairs and replacement, and more. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if something happens to you and your bike, you have nothing to worry about.
Make sure you and your passenger are wearing the right gear
If you have someone riding in the back, they need to wear the appropriate gear. This includes their helmet, jacket, boots, gloves, and riding pants. Each passenger should wear the right stuff to keep safe while they are enjoying the ride.
You should also be wearing similar gear as well. For example, wearing a jacket may help because it can prevent injury in the event of an accident. If riding at night, make sure your jacket has reflectors so that other motorists can be able to see both you and your passenger.
Boots are more appropriate compared to regular shoes and for good reason. Regular shoes may fly off during an accident and may be found yards away from the crash. Meanwhile, boots are sturdy and will stay on your feet.
Not only that, you’ll get excellent protection against debris or rocks that may be kicking up from the ground beneath you. Last but not least, gloves can also be useful in protecting your hands. Even in an accident, you can be able to reduce the amount of impact on your hands.
When you fall, you will be using your hands to help lessen the impact of the crash. Plus, you will deal with less cuts and abrasions. When it comes to gear, your helmet can’t be the only thing protecting you and your passengers on a bike.