Safety Advice for New Motorcycle Riders

A motorbike is a great means of transportation for city roads, and it also helps save fuel costs. Since motorcycles are cheaper than cars, they can be a smart investment for those looking for an affordable transportation option. However, if you buy a motorcycle without knowing how to ride one, it can be dangerous. Riding a bike is thrilling but equally risky. Therefore, a rider must follow some safety precautions while riding. In today’s article, we’ll share some tips for new motorcycle riders on how to properly use safety gear and kits to ensure a safe riding experience.

Always Wear Proper Safety Gear Before Riding

Whether your ride is short or long, you must wear proper safety gear before hitting the road to stay protected. The most basic piece of safety gear is a helmet. Never forget to wear a helmet before you start riding your new bike. A helmet not only provides physical protection but also helps you avoid unwanted fines from traffic police. In addition to a helmet, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably leather ones. They provide extra protection if you fall or slip on the road. Another essential item is riding shoes. In case you lose control or drop your bike, unprotected feet are highly vulnerable to injury. To avoid such risks, always wear boots or proper shoes while riding.

Buy a Bike Suitable for Your Height and Weight

If this is your first time riding a bike, avoid racing or cruiser bikes. Riding a motorcycle requires patience and skill that come only with practice. So, when looking to buy a bike, make sure it matches your ability level. As a beginner, consider a 125cc or 150cc model. You should also keep the bike’s weight in mind so it’s not heavier than what you can handle. Once your riding skills improve, you can think about upgrading. But as a beginner, choose a bike that you can easily control.

Practice the Right Riding Techniques

As a motorbike rider, you should always work on improving your skills. Practice frequently in open areas or empty parking lots. The more you practice, the better you’ll be able to handle different road situations. According to a study by the National Motorcycle Institute, riding a motorcycle is about 27 times riskier than driving a car. So, practice is essential to prepare yourself for any situation.

Know Your Motorcycle

Even if you’re not a mechanical expert, learning some basic mechanisms is crucial for motorcycle safety. Most motorcycles have similar structures, except that larger bikes come with more powerful engines. Knowing your bike gives you two main advantages: first, you become more connected and better able to care for it; second, you understand how it works and how to control it more effectively. If you can maintain your own bike, you’ll save on mechanic costs because you can buy spare parts yourself and handle minor repairs.

Regular use of helmets will keep you safe on the road

Be Aware of Other Drivers

You can never predict what other drivers—cars, buses, or bikes—will do on the road. Still, it’s important to stay alert for your safety while riding. Car drivers often drive aggressively, so as a biker, you must ride defensively and stay aware of your surroundings. This doesn’t mean that all drivers are careless, but staying alert and wearing the necessary riding gear will help you stay safe on the road.

Prepare for Bad Weather

You must be ready for any weather conditions while riding. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures can turn into storms or rain in moments. If that happens, you’ll need to adjust your riding style accordingly. To prepare, take short rides in different weather conditions. And if you ever feel uncomfortable riding in a particular condition, stop and wait until it passes.

Inspect Your Bike Before Every Ride

Even if your bike performed well on your last ride, it’s essential to check it every time before heading out. Make sure everything is working properly by inspecting the chain, belt, brakes, and shaft. It only takes a few moments but can prevent serious issues. On the other hand, if you skip inspection, you might miss a problem that could cause a serious accident.

Conclusion

Motorbike riding gives you a new sense of freedom. The wind rushing past, weaving through traffic, and the thrill of speed are reasons many people love riding. But if you’ve just learned to ride or started recently, keeping these tips in mind is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road.