Ah, Spring. The longer days, the warmer weather, the extra hours of sunshine. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the season of rebirth is upon us. And with the glorious awakening of plants and flowers and trees, humans tend to start coming out of the woodwork, so to speak. Friends picnicking in parks, families frolicking in playgrounds, cyclists filling the roads. And of course, motorcycles are being uncovered from a long winter, polished, tuned up, and revved into gear for the outdoor seasons ahead.
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With this last element in mind, we thought it might be a nice refresher to go over some key safety tips for both motorbike drivers and passengers. Because even super-fun things need consciousness and care.
So, here are the top motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind before your first joyride:
- Consider the weather. Of course, with spring in full swing, the chances if inclement weather are less than, say, mid-February. But it’s always a good idea to check ahead if the forecast calls for rain or heavy winds, a freak hailstorm or unseasonable heat. If you can anticipate the environmental conditions, you are better prepared with appropriate gear or with the decision to choose another means of transportation.
- Do a safety check. If this is your bike’s first time out of the garage since last autumn, it can be a smart move to give it a good inspection. A mechanic is always the best option, but we know there are plenty of motorcycle owners who are just as talented when it comes to tending their vehicles as any trained specialist.
Either way, you want to check things like brakes, headlights and taillights, turn signals, fuel and oil levels, horn, and mirrors.
- Wear the right gear. Though it may not be a law in your state of residence, there is no denying the efficacy of helmets in saving lives. Invest in a helmet that is right for you: the fit, the feel, the comfort, the safety rating should all be priorities. And while this might be the most obvious of gear, we can’t skip the importance of eye shields and full body coverage. Ask anyone about road rash, and suddenly the jacket, gloves, and boots don’t seem so superfluous after all.
In addition to protective outer gear, it’s often a good idea to wear brightly colored clothes and/or reflective tape if you’re out for a nighttime ride. Assuming you are invisible to other drivers is the best way to make sure of your marked visibility. Better to err on the side of too bright than hard to be seen.
- Stay alert. Everyone knows that texting (or even talking on the phone) while driving a car is never ideal; it’s even less so on a motorcycle. The element of distraction and the split second that you need to react are highly dependent on how much attention you are paying to the road rather than your phone. Save the conversation for after you’ve pulled over.
Whatever it is, the text or call can wait until you’re stopped somewhere safe.
- Know your roads. While it’s impossible to know all the twists, turns, bumps, and potholes on every drive you undertake, it’s always good to be aware of possible road hazards. If the route you’re on is prone to crumbling asphalt, if you know there will be construction ahead, chances are a detour could be just the thing to keep you safe. Since motorcycles are more prone to skids and slides, the quality of the street is pretty high up in importance.
And if you’re venturing somewhere new with a road that has seen better days, stay alert and aware of any possible obstructions ahead. Spotting a pothole with enough time to divert is key to a happy, uneventful ride.
- Abide by traffic laws. Okay, so this goes for any driver, whether in a car, truck, SUV, RV, or motorbike. But we mention it here because we know we’re not the only ones who’ve witness motorcyclists swerving in and out of traffic when it suits them. Of course, we are no strangers to traffic jams and the frustration of sitting bumper-to-bumper, but no rush is worth snaking through bigger vehicles while on a two-wheeler.
As motorcycle enthusiasts, we still value the need for adherence to traffic signals, stop signs, lane assignments, and the right of way. They might feel like a drag, especially when you could easily slip by on a motorbike, but in the end, the risk is just not worth it.
- Stay sober. Again, this should go without saying for anyone operating a motor vehicle. And again, while it may feel invincible to rev up the gears on your Harley or Ducati, driving a motorcycle is actually a much more vulnerable state than driving a ride with four wheels, walls, and windows. Sobriety is key. The ability to stay attentive and vigilant is something far more easily done when not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Know your bike’s limits. While one motorcycle may be able to take a corner like it’s on tracks, another may completely lose traction and land you in a state you’d rather not imagine. Knowing the capability, performance capacity and limits of your bike can mean the difference between a great ride and an awful one.
If you and your motorcycle have only recently met, take the time to get to know one another. Test out its braking system, its cornering ability, its general functionality.
And there you have them, the top eight tips for the start of motorcycle season! We hope you’ve found these helpful. Speaking of which, if you’re about to transfer the title of a motorbike, renew its registration, or register it for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. As experts in all things tag and title related, eTags is happy to lend a hand with whatever your two-wheeled needs are. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
