There is no doubting motorcycles’ coolness, enjoyment, and fuel efficiency. But it’s also true that operating a bike has more significant risks than running a vehicle. About 30 times more likely than a driver of a car to perish in an accident is a motorbike rider.
Without a doubt, the riders of their bikes, they’re successful. Here are some techniques to ensure that your rides are incident-free so that you can ride safely.
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Gear up
Contrary to common assumptions, getting on your bike is only sometimes about looking cool. Shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals are inappropriate riding clothing, no matter how hot the weather is. Choose leather or armor-plated jackets, pants, and boots if you want the best protection possible.
If you have an open-faced helmet, you must wear goggles or glasses, and gloves are necessary for hand protection. Equipment specifically made for hot weather is intended for cooling and ventilation.
Of course, you should always wear a helmet that has received DOT approval when riding. Doing it will keep you alive, even if it makes you seem silly.
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Remain in your comfort zone.
Make sure your chosen route and motorcycle are at most you can handle by being aware of your limitations. Your bike should be a good fit for you, which entails sitting comfortably with your feet flat on the ground, not on tiptoes. The bike is probably too hefty for you if it seems that way.
You want to get on and off your motorcycle quickly, and the handlebars and controls should be accessible to get to you. It will be simpler for you to concentrate on safety rather than making a turn the more comfortable you are with your path.
Only push yourself if you’re riding with a group to keep up with the others.
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Inspect your Ride
Give your bike a thorough check before you go on it. You should check the lights, mirrors, bike horn, and tire pressure every time you get on your motorcycle. You are quickly walking around your bike lets you know if there are any loose bolts, leaks, or other potential mechanical concerns.
You must also use caution when doing your regular maintenance. Do all suggested regular maintenance, including oil changes, chain and suspension adjustments, and motorcycle accessories, and keep an eye on tire and brake pad wear. Keep replacing something that has to be fixed.
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Think critically
Mirrors are helpful, but you can’t rely only on them to know what is around you when you’re riding. It would help if you utilized your head to stay aware of your surroundings and where you stand about other people.
The safest method to change lanes is to turn and check over your shoulder to make sure you are clear, according to seasoned riders, who also know how crucial it is to keep your head and eyes up while negotiating corners. Additionally, you’ll be able to tell if other drivers are paying attention to you.
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Watch the road
As a biker, you must pay attention to the road you are traveling on. Avoid caution when traveling into curves; be watchful for potential gravel or other unstable road conditions. Be careful when crossing railroad tracks because the paint can be slippery—the same applies to the white lines at stoplights.
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Find your happy place
Getting on a bike while not in the right frame of mind is one of the most significant risks for riders. Riding sore, sleepy, or distracted might lead to danger. Remember that you are the only person on the road watching out for you when riding a motorbike. You are more likely to make simple mistakes that could result in an accident, injuries, or worse if your mind and emotions are elsewhere than the road ahead.
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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 car’s stability, which increases the risk. A rider’s worst nightmare is poor vision, and 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.
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motorbike braking system
It is not much easier for you to spot other motorcyclists just because you are riding a motorcycle. When turning or changing lanes, always check again; additionally, it would help if you got practice braking in various scenarios.
To be sure that a sudden stop won’t result in disaster, always provide enough room to the vehicles in front of you and know how to stop on a dime without locking your brakes. Installing anti-lock brakes would be a good idea. The IIHS found that having ABS brakes on your bike can cut your risk of getting in a fatal collision by 22%.
The key is to know yourself, your bike, and your limitations. While you have no control over your surroundings, you influence how you respond to them. What other advice do you have for staying safe and sane when riding a bike?
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