Motorcycle Safety for New Riders
Motorcycling is synonymous with the adventure of the open road, the rush of the wind, and the connection between you and your bike. Before you hit the road, though, it’s important to know how to ride safely. Practicing proper motorcycle safety is especially important for those who are getting on their motorcycles for the first time. It’s easy to get caught up in looking cool and feeling unstoppable, but that all means nothing if you are injured or injure someone else. Take the time to learn how to ride safely and you’ll be able to look forward to many exciting adventures ahead of you.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle
When considering which ride might be the right fit for you, consider your skill level and comfort, not just the cool factor. The bigger, more powerful motorcycles are certainly tempting, but they can also be more difficult for new riders to control and maneuver. Look for something lightweight and responsive. Consider your riding goals: Are you a weekend road warrior, touring, or commuting to work? Read reviews and consult with community experts. Then, find some bikes that might suit your needs and go for a test ride. As you climb on, notice how the bike fits you: Your feet should reach the ground comfortably when seated, and the controls should be easy to operate.
To make motorcycling accessible and meet the needs of new riders, popular motorcycle manufacturers have designed bikes for beginners. These motorcycles are often ergonomic and rider-friendly, with anti-lock brakes and a slipper clutch, or back-torque limiting clutch, to help beginner motorcyclists manage the force between the engine and the rear wheel during downshifting. Popular motorcycles for beginning riders include the Honda CB300R and Rebel 500, the Yamaha MT-03 and YZF-R3, and the Kawasaki Vulcan S and Ninja 400.
Wear the Right Protective Gear
Your preparedness to ride depends on having the right gear and knowing how to use it safely. Motorcycle helmets should always be worn any time you get on your bike, without exception. Wearing a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation significantly reduces your likelihood of sustaining a serious or fatal head injury. You should also wear a riding jacket, gloves, and boots when you ride. Protective gear can help reduce abrasions during a fall as well as from road debris and weather as you are riding. When investing in personal protective gear, do your research and consider that you’re not just investing in clothing but in your safety. Don’t get the cheapest gear if it’s not going to adequately protect you. Riders should also consider wearing reflective patches or clothing to increase visibility when riding at night.
Take a Safety Course
Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course can help every new motorcyclist to best understand how to safely share the road with drivers and pedestrians. These courses walk motorcyclists through the proper way to use the throttle, clutch, brakes, and gear shift to safely handle and maneuver the bike, and they also review how the traffic law applies to motorcycles and how to safely avoid hazards on the road, which builds awareness that will help to keep both you and those around you safe. To incentivize riders to complete a safety course, some insurance companies will offer a discount or rebate, making this an even better idea.
Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Before you prepare for a ride, it’s always important to have a sense of the road conditions. Slick, wet, and icy roads increase the chances of the bike’s tires slipping and sliding, and riders need to know how to properly and safely maneuver their bike in those situations. Likewise, windy conditions can destabilize your bike, especially at higher speeds. When conditions are not favorable, consider alternative transportation and save your ride for a day with better, safer riding conditions.
Motorcycle Safety for Different Road Conditions
Different road surfaces and environments present unique challenges for motorcyclists, especially beginners. On gravel or loose surfaces, it’s important to maintain a steady throttle and avoid sudden, jerky maneuvers, as the ground is more likely to slip out from under your bike. Keep your speed low and steer gently to maintain balance. Allow the bike to move a little under you instead of fighting against every wobble, which makes handling your bike more difficult.
Night riding also requires extra caution and awareness due to reduced visibility. Make sure your headlights and taillights are clean and working properly. Wear reflective gear, and consider adding secondary lighting to increase your visibility to others. Always assume that other drivers cannot see you and ride at a reduced speed to give yourself more time to react to hazards that could cause an accident.
Regular Maintenance and Pre-Ride Checks
As with a car or truck, it’s important to know what is needed to properly care for and maintain your vehicle. Motorcyclists should use the bike manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to oil changes, tire replacement, and brake inspections. Doing so will help to ensure that your bike is in good working order when you want to take it for a ride. And before you ride, do a quick inspection to make sure that there are no obvious problems, like a flat or low-pressure tire or a broken light, that need to be fixed first.
Enjoy the Ride and Stay Safe
Motorcycling is a fun and exciting hobby, but it requires the rider to take their safety and the safety of others on the road very seriously. By choosing the right bike, wearing the right protective gear, taking a safety course, considering weather and road conditions, and properly maintaining your motorcycle, you can avoid motorcycle accidents and set yourself up for safe, enjoyable rides.
