Now that school is back in session in many parts of the country, the clock is ticking for those motorcyclists who hope to continue to take advantage of seasonable weather. With numerous riders still very much out on the roads, it’s important to revisit those riding methods that can go a long way toward ensuring safety on the highway. A new report lists some of those methods, with an emphasis on more advanced maneuvers that new riders may not necessarily be privy to.
As with many of these types of reports, the author starts by listing out some of the equipment that should be a necessity of all riders, regardless of what the law mandates. Affixing a helmet can dramatically reduce the risk of being killed or seriously injured should a crash occur, but it’s not the only piece of gear that matters.
You’re going to want to protect your body as well, and that’s where boots, gloves, and leathers come into play. Boots can help prevent serious damage in the event that your motorcycle spills on top of you. Not only will they take some of the brunt of the impact, but they’ll also reduce the threat of burns if you get stuck against the tailpipe.
Gloves and leathers are essential for reducing the threat of road rash and all attendant complications. When people fall off their motorcycles, their tendency is to throw their arms out to cushion the fall. Unfortunately, this can be extremely dangerous on pavement. When force propels one across the cement, the skin can actually be stripped from the body in a process known as de-gloving. Wear gloves and leathers so that you hopefully never have to deal with such a painful situation.
One piece of advice that seems to have engendered quite the response in the comments section is to always use the front brake first when riding a sudden stop is necessitated. A quick search online also reveals numerous parties disputing this method. When you hit the front brakes first, you’re basically placing the weight of your bike and all momentum toward the front. The best advice would be to go to a certified motorcycle instruction facility and learn the proper methodology and then to get comfortable with proper braking.
Motorcyclists must scan their environment while also keeping their head generally pointed toward the area they want to pilot. A person’s tendency will be to move where they’re looking. If you’re walking, for instance, you generally keep your head pointed forward. The same should go for using a motorcycle.
That comes with the caveat, though, that motorcyclists absolutely must be aware of what other drivers are up to. The author advises imagining that there’s no such thing as rearview mirrors on other vehicles. Doing so allows you to avoid blind spots and be ready for sudden movements.