Do’s and Don’ts Of Riding A Motorcycle
Thinking of getting a motorbike for yourself? Here are some important dos and don’ts to remember.
The thrill and pure exhilaration that comes with riding a bike are unlike anything else. However, with the fun, also comes an element of danger. As we all know, motorcycles are more dangerous and risky to drive due to the lack of protection, compared to what you may find in a car.
The best way to keep yourself safe and make sure you’re protected is to follow a set of guidelines so that you can have fun and be safe at the same time.
In this article, we’re listing down a list of important do’s and don’ts’ that you can follow, so that you can be safe while you drive.
Do: Always Wear The Best Gear
When it comes to motorcycles, top-notch gear is a must. Proper safety gear, which includes a helmet, face guard, gloves, knee pads, and more shouldn’t be compromised with. In cases like this, expensive tends to mean better quality as it implies that the products have gone through more tests and consist of more durable materials, as well as have better technology. Never skimp around with motorbike gear, as faulty protection gear has often been the blame when it comes to injuries sustained. To get an idea about protection gear for riders, check out The Riders Market.
Don’t: Purchase/Ride A Bigger Bike
There is the idea amongst people that a bigger bike equals more safety, but that is not true. In fact, it is quite the opposite. A bigger motorbike means that it’ll be much harder to control and steer. On top of that, due to its weight, it’ll be harder to move away as well. So in case, you do happen to fall or get into a crash, removing the motorcycle off of you will be much more difficult. Always go for a motorcycle that fits your weight, height, and driving capacity. You should be able to gain comfortable balance atop the vehicle, and you should be able to reach the footrests and pedals with ease.
Do: Take A Safety Class Before You Start Driving
Before you actually start riding your motorcycle, enrolling and attending a motorcycle safety class can be immensely beneficial. If you’re a beginner, it can help you eliminate a lot of the fear and nervousness and give you a better idea of the road and how to deal with traffic and pedestrians. Riding a bike is much more different than driving a car, so if you are switching from cars to a two-wheeler, a class is a must. If possible, you can also go for the advanced class and get a better idea of how to be as good of a motorcycle driver as possible.
Don’t: Drive Under The Influence of Substances
Regardless of whether you’re driving a motorbike or a car, or even a bicycle, never make the mistake of driving under the influence. Many people often tend to pass things off as having had “just as sip”, but even that little amount can be the difference between life and death. Substances like alcohol can skew your natural thinking skills and coordination immensely, and the ability to do activities like driving that require proper coordination of the body and brain become very difficult. When you’re under the influence of such substances, your body becomes unable to handle such activities, which increases the chances of an accident by several times.
Do: Have A Quick Check Before Every Drive
Start the practice of giving your motorbike a quick check before every ride. Take a look at the lights, horn, signals, as well as the belts, handles, and more. You can even open up the fuel tank for a quick look-see and check the oil levels if it has been a while since you rode on it. This precautionary measure, despite being small, is highly important as it lets you spot any issues or problems that may be present, which you may not have realized till it was too late.
Don’t: Ride In Bad Weather
Unlike four-wheelers that give you surround protection, motorcycles are open on every side, exposing you to the elements. On top of that, driving a motorcycle when it is raining, is highly risky as the friction is reduced and breaking becomes much more difficult. In and weather, visibility is also compromised greatly, which is further compounded by your helmet as it may get fogged. The risks far outweigh the benefits so try never to ride in bad weather.
