There are plenty of reasons why people get interested in motorcycles: the freedom of the open road, the exhilarating speeds, the camaraderie amongst enthusiasts, and even the fuel efficiency can all be enticing.
That said, all riders, especially new ones, need to be aware of safety equipment and safe practices, because unsafe riding has dire consequences. The fact that there are roughly 5,000 fatalities per year involving motorcycles should be enough to get anyone’s attention. This is largely due to the relative lack of protection on a motorcycle.
Simply put, riders are at a much greater risk for direct bodily harm than any other group on the road. Still, despite this worrying statistic, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a lifetime of riding without problems. You’ll just need to know the essentials.
Choose the right bike
You have to choose the bike that’s right for you, and not just what’s popular. One of the easiest ways to get injured is choosing a bike that’s too advanced for you. Get on the road with something you can’t handle, and disaster is the only outcome.
You need to ensure that you have no trouble getting on the center stand and that your feet can rest flatly on the ground. You also need to be able to reach all the controls at a moment’s notice, so take some time to familiarize yourself before going for a ride. Luckily, there are plenty of good options out there for beginners.
Equipment
Once you’re comfortable with your bike, protecting yourself while riding is the most important thing you can do, and HJC helmets are a great way to start. In addition to being the most important part of your safety gear, a helmet is also legally required.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of options for both function and style. You’ll also want to wear thick clothing; there’s a reason bikers are known for wearing leather, after all. You may even consider body armor for maximum safety.
Additional things to carry
Aside from your safety gear, there are some other things you’ll want to bring on any trip. One of these is a tool kit. Most bikes don’t come with these anymore, so you’ll need to find a basic one on your own. This, along with a spare tire, can be crucial during emergencies.
Depending on the length of your ride, you may want to bring along a pair of earplugs to prevent damage to your hearing. And it’s always a good idea to have protective eyewear, especially on the highway. Since you’ll be exposed to the weather, you may want to carry some waterproof bags to store any electronics or other important items.
Additional safety tips
Even with a familiar bike and equipment, you can never be too safe. Defensive driving practices are a must, especially considering you’re the most vulnerable driver on the road. No one likes having to make the call for a car accident attorney, and calls regarding injuries or worse are even less pleasant.
Always ride with your headlights on, use proper signals, pay close attention when changing lanes, and avoid other drivers’ blind spots. No matter how confident you are, forgetting these points is an accident waiting to happen.
You’ll also want to practice braking effectively, especially since there are so many misconceptions about this. There are those who would tell you that anti-lock brakes aren’t important for experienced riders or that the back brake serves no purpose. Both of these ideas are far from the truth. Using the back brake is crucially important in the first second or so to avoid an accident. It is true that most bikes shift their weight to the front when braking, but your initial reaction can make all the difference.
You should also always install anti-lock brakes because even an experienced rider can panic and sabotage their own steering control. Your best bet is to go to a motorcycle track and practice your form, so you will be ready when the time comes.