- Obtain a license. It has been estimated that one-third of bikers killed in crashes aren't licensed or are improperly licensed. State licensing agencies make sure that motorcycle operators have the skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle.
- Know your state's helmet laws.
- Make sure you get insurance coverage. Most states require liability insurance.
- Don't speed. In 2007, 36 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved speeding.
- Never drink alcohol and get on a motorcycle. In 2007, 27 percent of bikers involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.
Motorcycle Riding Gear
- Helmet - Make sure your helmet has a sticker indicating DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance. This means that the helmet meets certain basic impact standards.
- Eye Protection - Make sure your eye protection is clean and unscratched. If your lenses are tinted, also take some that are clear in case you ride at night.
- Pants and jackets should be made of thick material, such as leather, to resist abrasion.
- Gloves should be worn at all times to prevent any injury to hands or fingers.
- Wear over-the-ankle boots made of strong leather to protect your ankles. Also, make sure your boots have rubber soles and a good tread design for easy gripping.
- Wear high visibility gear like bright and reflective clothing.
Before You Ride
- Read the owner's manual so that you understand how to operate and maintain your bike.
- Check the tires for cuts, foreign objects, and pressure.
- Check the following parts:
- Controls for kinks or stiffness
- Lights, turn signals, horn, and mirrors
- Oil, fuel, and coolant levels
- Sidestand and centerstand
- Brakes
Carrying a Passenger on Your Motorcycle
- Be aware that some states have minimum age requirements for motorcycle passengers.
- Review your owner's manual for tips on preparing for riding with a passenger.
- If you decide to carry a child, make sure the child can handle the responsibilities, and reach the footrests. They must wear a helmet and other protective gear and hold onto you or the passenger hand-holds.
- Remember that the extra weight from a passenger can affect braking procedures, starting from a stop, and riding through a corner.
- Start the motorcycle before the passenger mounts.
- Before riding, practice low-speed clutch/throttle control and normal and emergency braking in an open area, like a parking lot, with a passenger.
Group Riding
- Before heading out, hold a riders' meeting and discuss the route, stops, hand signals, and what to do if there's an emergency or if someone is separated from the group.
- At least one rider in each group should have a cell phone, first-aid kit, and full tool kit.
- To allow for enough time and space for maneuvering and reacting to hazards, it's important to ride in formation.
- Do not ride in side-by-side formations because they reduce the space cushion.
- From time to time, check the riders following in your rear view mirror.
Motorcycle Maintenance
- Follow your bike's regular service schedule that's listed in the owner's manual and have these inspections done by an authorized dealer.
- Check your battery once a month and make sure that the fluid level is correct.
- Always take your tool kit with you when you ride.
- Your owner's manual can tell you what to do in emergency situations, so make sure it's always with the bike.
On the Road
- Always be on the lookout for potential hazards, especially at intersections.
- Keep your eyes moving. If they are locked on one thing for more than two seconds, you may not notice a potential hazard.
- Make sure other drivers see you.
- Your headlamps should be on (even during the day), wear bright clothes, and always signal your intentions.
- Use your horn to make people aware of your presence.
- Position your bike where it can be seen.
- When you're riding in traffic at speeds under 40 mph, keep a two-second gap between you and the car in front of you.
- If you're traveling at higher speeds, the gap should be at least three or four seconds.
- Passing:
- You should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle you want to pass.
- Always turn and check your blind spot with your head.
- Don't try to overtake another vehicle if a corner is coming up.
- Night riding
- Dusk is actually the most dangerous time to ride, because people's eyes are adjusting from daylight to headlights.
- The distance between you and the vehicle in front of you becomes even more important as it gets darker.
- Wear a clear faceshield without scratches. A scratch can create confusing light refractions.
0 comments:
Post a Comment