Five Key Tips for Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycles are fun to ride. The feeling of the wind gushing past you and the engine rumbling beneath you is enough to evoke a sense of freedom and calmness. Even better, motorcycle riders enjoy better fuel economy than vehicle drivers. But with the good comes the bad—motorbikes don’t provide the same accident safety protection as vehicles. 

Motorcycles lack structural protection to shield riders from impact during a crash. This is the fundamental reason riders are always at higher risk of fatal injuries in the event of a road accident. The risk is even higher in West Virginia, where the fatality rate (2.16%) is higher than the national average (1.60%). Noting the inherent aspects associated with motorcycles, how can riders ensure they are always protected and safe? 

A Perfect Bike is a Safe Bike

The idea of a perfect bike differs depending on whom you ask. While we all have different opinions, three critical pillars should guide your choice of a safe bike. They are:

• Weight
• Power
• Weight-to-power ratio 

Ensure these three aspects are in congruence with your bike riding experience. Always remember that the experience of riding a motorcycle may sometimes equate to the ability to ride powerful bikes.

Make Routine Checks Mandatory

You should make a habit of routinely inspecting your motorcycle. Don’t limit preparation for only long rides—it’s better to develop a routine of periodic checks. You have a higher chance of spotting any defects in the bike through such checks than when you postpone them to your next mechanic visit.

Test Before You Ride

Before any ride, ensure that you test your bike. Confirm your front and rear brakes are working. Check the levers and the integrity of each. You do not want your front brake lever to be loose when cruising at over 80mph. Furthermore, take your bike for a small spin around your block before going for a long trip. This way, you can easily gauge how each crucial part functions and whether you need to service the motorcycle again. 

Always Wear your Gear

A significant number of fatalities result from a failure to gear up properly. Opting not to wear your helmet may prove fatal, especially since injuries to the head may be traumatic, if not tragic. Gear will protect you from impacts when you hit the road and also abrasion when you slide across the tarmac.

Always take the time to wear your gear regardless of the distance you will be going. Additionally, prioritize quality when purchasing your gear. It is expected to be tempted by cool gear such as the standard open helmets in summer; however, do not fall prey to these temptations.

Be a Sober, Observant Rider

The responsibility for your safety ultimately falls squarely on you as a rider. In this regard, avoid riding under the influence, take rests, and avoid riding in tough weather conditions. 

“Given the nature of a motorcycle, you must be keen on the actions of other road users,” says vehicle accident attorney Jan Dils of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law. Any sudden movement by other motorists should be met with an equal and sudden reaction. This is often impeded when you’re either under the influence or fatigued. 

Conclusion

Motorcycle safety begins with you. Furthermore, it starts way before you get on the road. Efforts such as routinely checking the bike’s integrity, test-riding a motorcycle before a trip, and ensuring that you have the perfect bike go a long way in ensuring your safety.