If you want to become a bike rider, there are a few things you should know. Nothing feels like riding your motorcycle in a warm, sunny day.
As you ride in the open, the feeling of freedom is one of the best things you can experience out on the road.
However, and as we mentioned before, there are certain things you need to take into account before becoming a bike rider. Read below for useful tips for new riders, so that you know about vital motorcycle gears to avoid injuries and how to save money in your rides.
Everyday, more and more people are choosing to ride a motorcycle rather than a car. Many of them are new bike riders, and lack of experience can turn beautiful trip into an unpleasant moment. If you want to make the most out of your first ride in a motorcycle, follow these tips:
The first thing you need to do before becoming a bike rider is to choose whether to buy a new motorcycle or a used one. Of course, a used one will be cheaper, but you need to be sure it is in perfect conditions before paying for it, as you would do if you wanted to buy a used car.
A new one will include a warranty, and, for sure, everything will be working correctly; however, it is likely to be more expensive.
Take your time to do as many test drives as you want. Try riding both new and used motorcycles, so that you make the best decision.
If you know little about motorcycles, you can ask experienced riders for advice to help you make your choice. Once you know what to buy, get your license and become a bike rider!
Out on the road for the first time, ride on your comfort zone. The more familiar you are with the road, the easier it will be for you to improve your riding skills and gain confidence. Afterwards, you will be able to ride in more challenging roads.
Being a bike rider is not a piece of cake. There are certain traffic laws that apply to riders, and they change according to the state you are riding on. There is a motorcycle handbook you can check on for further information.
This course will teach you every traffic rule you need to know and how to behave in emergency situations. Get to know the traffic laws before going out on the road!
It is crucial for you to double check both wheels. Be careful with glass, nails, screws or anything else that might be stuck in your tires. By overlooking the tires you will be able to tell whether they are in good conditions or not. If everything is in its place, go ready for a ride!
As a bike rider you should also pay attention to the pressure of the tires. Over or underinflated tires can cause a crash or make your motorbike slip in a wet surface. Luckily, most tires have the necessary information about pressure and PSI written on them.
Before riding going out, be sure that everything related to your motorcycle works correctly. Doing a pre-ride inspection is a must, especially if you are not the bike owner.
It takes a few minutes and can prevent future accidents. Remember any minimum problem can be a disaster if you’re not well prepared.
Even if you are not a bike rider expert, you can verify a few things. For instance, make sure there is no leaking fluid anywhere on the bike. If you see there is oil or any other liquid coming out from the bike, there is a problem to fix.
As you know, mirrors should be working well and in good position. Take into consideration that you can not adjust them without a wrench, so you should check them before you start riding.
Take your time to do any necessary checks and if you are not sure about something, call a bike rider expert to help you! You need to drive comfortably, and pre-ride inspections are essential.
Routine maintenance is as important as pre-ride inspection for bike riders. You should do a regular maintenance and if any issue comes up, get it fixed as soon as possible. Your routine check should include:
Out on the road, motorcycles are more difficult to be seen than cars. What is more, you ride out in the open, while you drive under structural protection, so if involved in a crash, a bike rider is more likely to suffer serious problems than a car driver.
Riding in a defensive way means paying lots of attention to every intersection, taking into consideration the car’s blind spot and not riding at fast speeds.
Concentrate on the ride and respect traffic rules. Remember they can change according to the state you are driving at. So be sure to get to know the differences before planning a long trip.
You can attend traffic school or defensive driving courses to start learning more about this.
Before going for a ride, bike riders should monitor the weather. Try to always avoid rain, snow and fog, as slippery and wet roads multiply danger for two-wheels vehicles.
In case there is no other option and you need to ride on a rainy day, use the appropriate motorcycle gear and be ride extremely carefully. Slippery roads are really insecure for bike riders.
Bike riders need to use the appropriate driving gear to avoid injuries in case of an accident. If a crash occurs, the appropriate gear will reduce injuries; it can even save your life!
Keep in mind that driving a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car, so take care of yourself and others on the road.
The most important rule for any bike rider is to wear a helmet. It doesn’t matter if you are out for a 5-minute ride. Always wear them. You never know when something bad can happen.
When choosing the appropriate helmet, make sure it has the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. The appropriate helmet will protect your skull and your face. It might be expensive, but you cannot put a price on your life, so buy the best you can.
Shorts and sandals may be comfortable for a summer drive, especially if you are going for a beach trip, but you need to avoid them when riding your bike. Wear suitable pants and shoes; they will protect your skin from the road and in case of a crash.
What is more, remember that some parts of the motorcycle like the exhaust pipe can get really hot after a long ride. Appropriate pants and shoes will protect your skin.
When bike riders speed up, even a small fly can feel really hard if it hits any part of your body, especially when taking the freeway. That’s why you should wear motorcycle goggles or riding glasses. They will protect your eyes and view from anything, and improve your sight on sunny days.
When riding in a cold climate, the wind will make you feel your hands are totally frozen; you can even feel numbness. You need to wear an appropriate pair of gloves to protect your hands from the freezing wind. Always remember to wear them when riding a motorbike, especially when it’s freezing.
Another advantage of riding a motorbike is that it can be more economical than driving a car. Take into consideration the following tips to save money as a bike rider.
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