Owning a motorcycle likely represents freedom to you. There is nothing like hitting the open road and feeling the wind on your face, listening to the road disappearing beneath you – it is one of the most exciting feelings ever.
Owning a motorcycle is not just about leather jackets and cool moves. Learn to ride safely, or you will not be riding for long. To help keep you safe on the road, below are eight of the most important riding tips from the pro motorcycle racers:
1. Trust Your Motorcycle
Learn how your motorcycle handles and what makes it work. Every motorcycle is different and has its strengths and quirks. As with everything, your bike will be subjected to the same laws of physics. It will move under you, and you must learn to let it.
Hold on, but do not white-knuckle your way down the freeway. Learn to trust your motorcycle, little inputs can have major outcomes so get comfortable with your bike – it will become your best friend if you let it.
2. Focus On Where You Want to Go
This riding safety tip cannot be stressed enough. Do not fixate on a target. That is one of the leading causes of bike accidents.
Your motorcycle tends to go where you are looking, so do exactly that and look at where you want to go instead of where you are going when riding around New York.
Fixating on a target is natural, but you can unlearn that practice with repetition and hard work. It will make you a smarter and safer rider.
3. Wear Protective Gear
The single most effective way to protect yourself when on the road is by always wearing protective gear. Investing in the appropriate helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves will go a long way to reduce the impact of falls and minor collisions.
Choose protective gear that meets safety standards and always get it fitted properly. The proper, well-fitting protective gear will safeguard you from burns, abrasions, and head injuries when out on the road.
Sometimes accidents cannot be prevented, but their impact can be significantly reduced by wearing the appropriate riding gear.
4. Feet Placement
Riding on the balls of your feet is safer because it helps you control the motorcycle more effectively.
The foot pegs on your bike influence the bike’s handling, so pressing down on either side will help steer and keep it stable while leaning over.
Another upside to riding on the balls of your feet is that your body essentially adds to the suspension system. Moving your feet with the bumps and turns can help you to assert greater control.
Your body must act like it is part of the suspension and not the frame – that is something the pros at Ferrari Driving School in Brooklyn, NY can teach you. Always choose a reputable riding school to ensure you are the safest you can be while riding.
5. Defensive Riding Skills
Defensive riding skills are essential for all motorcycle riders. These skills help teach riders to anticipate and avoid road hazards. By riding defensively, you can lower the chance of getting into an accident, and it will help reduce repair costs for fender benders and minor dings.
Always be aware of your surroundings, maintain a safe distance from other road users, and check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Always know where you can veer off the road if another driver acts erratically – you never know when you may need to respond to someone else’s poor decision.
Be extra cautious at intersections because they are a hotspot for accidents and conflicts. Approach them with added caution and always check for approaching vehicles to mitigate potential risks. Defensive riding is the prized strategic choreography in the intricate dance between the road and your motorcycle.
6. Obey Traffic Laws
One of the most effective ways to be safe on the road is to obey all traffic laws and regulations. Pay attention to the traffic lights and speed limits as you navigate the roads and freeways. These rules exist to keep all road users as safe as possible.
Never drink and ride – it is never, ever worth it! To learn more about the traffic laws in your area, check out the website of your local or state authorities.
7. Be More Visible
As a rider, I find some rides to be more intimidating than others.
For example, riding in poor visibility conditions or at night can make you anxious. If you find yourself in a situation where you must ride under these conditions, the best way to do so is by making yourself visible to other road users.
Enhance your visibility by wearing a reflector jacket on top of your protective leather suit. Alternatively, pick a protective jacket with reflective patches added. When riding at night, always wear high-visibility gear and a headlight.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
As rudimentary as this tip may seem, it will significantly improve your riding and cornering skills. Turning left is simpler than turning right on a motorcycle – for two reasons.
Reason one: most people are right-handed, which makes it easier for them to steer the handlebar with their dominant arm.
Reason two: the rear brake lever is on the right, which makes it more challenging to brake and put a foot down if needed while turning. That is why the first turn for most raceways is usually a left-hander.
In Conclusion
Adopt these safety tips above, and your riding skills will benefit greatly. Riding can be dangerous, and it requires different skills from those used to driving a car – do not assume that just because you can do one, you can automatically do the other.
Even the best riders can always learn a new thing or two about becoming safer riders. Keep safety at the top of your list of riding priorities, and you can be out there having an exhilarating experience in no time. Be safe out there – and have fun!
