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We all have sufficient "In memory
of…" patches on our vest and don’t wish to add any more.
So here are eleven motorcycle riding tips to repeat us
of the things that can keep us in one piece and out of
the hospital.
· If you are a beginner, sign up for and attend a
Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Not only will this
course teach you many the things that will help keep you
secure but your motorbike insurance will possibly be
slightly lesser as well – and who does not want to save
on insurance, specially when riding in states with
Helmet Optional laws that need large bodily injury
coverage to enjoy the right for those who ride to
choose.
· Remind yourself where your suicide or kill switch is
located. This switch, if you realize you are going to
have to drop the motorcycle, can save you from having
your own bike run over you causing damage.
· If you are just learning to ride and live in a highly
populated area, have an experienced rider take you and
your motorcycle into an area with little or no traffic.
A parking lot of a closed business works wonderfully.
Neighborhood streets can cause the residents to
complain. Ride in this controlled environment until you
feel wholly in control of the vehicle. Learn how to
prevent and start easily and smoothly. Learn how long it
takes to prevent safely – it is not the same as stopping
a car.
· First-time street riders should select a time of day
when the traffic is at a low. Jumping into rush hour
traffic can easily lead to an accident on your very
first outing. Choose a route that takes you into very
low traffic zones such as through neighborhoods, scenic
routes and avoid at all cost getting on a freeway until
you gain rather lots of experience.
· Never, ever become violent toward a car or truck
driver. Those cars win every single time in a road fury
situation. They are better, heavier and have many more
power. If somebody tailgates you, tap your brake lights
some times and if they do not back off, change lanes or
give them the road by pulling off to the side
· We all know black is the only cool biker color, right?
Well, if you are going to be riding at night in a poorly
light area, it is much more essential to be seen than to
be cool, no matter what your friends say! Be sure your
lights are bright and clean for maximum visibility but
also consider placing reflective tape on the back of
your helmet (if you use one) and maybe a glow in the
gloomy patch on your back.
· Never trust cages. Car drivers someway, no matter how
loud or how rowdy bikers can be, manage to simply not
see us! The blind spot in most cars is amply large for a
motorbike to be wholly hidden from view. But other cage
drivers simply do not seem to look for us. Unless,
obviously, they son, daughter, husband or wife happens
to ride; unluckily, we cannot tell who those people are
and have to be doubly aware of other vehicles than when
driving a car.
· Never imagine that just because there is no turn
signal on that car that it is not going to turn right in
front of you. No matter how many other drivers do not
use turn signals, ALWAYS use yours and, if you have a
passenger during daytime, hand signals can be an extra
preventive measure.
· You know those trucker bumper stickers that say "If
you cannot see my mirrors, I cannot see you"? Well, use
this same common sense when riding. If you cannot see
the driver's face in the back view mirror of the vehicle
in front of you, chances are they cannot see you at all.
Stay out of blind spots at all times.
· Once you become an skilled rider, when riding on city
streets, always allow room for other people's errors. An
added security tip is that you should remain alert of
where you would select to put the scoot down if the
require arose. If you get in trouble and have any time
at all, choose where to lay the bike instead of allowing
traffic or the motorcycle to determine that for you. If
you can select to place the motorcycle on the ground,
allowing it to move out from between your legs at low
speed, you’ll experience much less road rash than
allowing momentum to take you with the motorbike.
· Beginner riders should never carry passengers. That
comes later with more road experience. The movements of
a rider can cause a position where you can simply lose
control, especially at very low speeds.
Above all, plan for security so you’ll come home
securely to ride again one more day. Road rash and
accidents costing hundreds of thousands in medical bills
are all too general. Be suspicious and understand to
avoid losing your motorcycle – or worse, your life. |