Motorcycle Safety Tips

Harley-Davidson

With so many people out there ready to suggest all sorts of different safety tips and hacks that will make your life easier, it can become confusing as to what is useful and what is not. Motorcycles are no exception here with hundreds of articles and videos floating around the internet.

Unfortunately a lot of these suggestions are either bald faced lies or half-truths. With most suggesting that you should buy some random product, which, you guessed it, was featured in the video or article. Others are simply cottoning on to a recent trend and are just after clicks, and don’t particularly care about giving advice that might actually be useful in any way, shape, or form.

So here’s a few useful tips that won’t necessarily cost much, and might well come in handy one day.

Gear Up For The Ride

MSF

Although we support the idea of wearing “all the gear, all the time,” that just isn’t realistic or practical, unless you only go on long rides. If you are just going down the road to the convenience store, sneakers and a helmet will do. If the convenience store is in another district, well then a decent jacket and jeans should be worn too. Wearing flip flops or expressing your freedom by not wearing a helmet will only hurt you in the long run.

Tuck In Your Laces

D3O

Commuting on a motorcycle is amazing, but unfortunately riding boots don’t really work In the real world. If you commute you almost certainly don’t use riding boots every day, and the shoes you wear won’t be designed with a motorcycle in mind.

We have all experienced that awful sinking feeling when it gets hooked on the footpeg as you get to a light or stop street. They can also sneak into the running gear if you are not careful, and that can be far more problematic than a simple tip-over. So if you ride in shoes with long laces it is crucial that you build a habit of tucking in your laces.

Put Your Left Foot Down

Kawasaki

Most people alternate which foot they will put down when they come to a halt, it is something of a subconscious action. But there is actually a reason why it is important to use your left foot, your right foot should stay planted on the foot brake. At night in particular, this helps warn those behind you that you are indeed there. Holding the front brake does the same job, but using your foot is just less effort.

Do A Riding Course

MSF

Today, there are a lot of different types of riding courses dedicated to different disciplines. Although this one will require some time, effort, and money, it will most certainly be worth it. Having access to seasoned professionals as well as racers in most cases is invaluable, and something any rider will benefit from.

Do Pre-flight Checks

Michelin

Now, there are no rules to this, and anything is better than nothing, but the bare essentials include the state of your chain (or belt, shaft drive guys are just lucky), oil level and coolant level. Checking tyre condition is absolutely essential, tyre pressure is optional. Most modern bikes have a fuel gauge but if yours doesn’t work then add that to the list.

Put Together A Basic First Aid Kit

Wix

You can save effort and just buy a small first aid kit, but there is another option. Find a suitable pouch that fits under your seat, and go out and buy what you think are the essentials. If you are not sure what you might need, a quick search will give you several options. Nothing will be perfect and with motorcycles, we always have to work with the space we have so our kits will differ dramatically.

Be More Visible

Wix

Visibility is crucial on a motorcycle, people in cars just don’t seem to see us. We are not saying you need to wear one of those high-vis vests all the time, but a little more reflective tape or a brighter color here and there can make a big difference. A blacked out bike, leather jacket and helmet might look great but that combination does nothing for visibility, at the very least get a white helmet. Also, if you often ride in the rain, make sure your rainsuit is reflective.

Obey The Law

Wix

At the end of the day our passion is not safe, that is part of the reason why we all love it. So we need to take responsibility for our actions, if you are going to break the law be prepared for any and all eventualities. Most modern bikes are quite capable of breaking any speed limit anywhere in the world, so just ride safe.