Buying your first motorcycle can be incredibly exciting. Before you take your new bike out for a spin, however, you’re going to want to make sure you take steps to protect yourself. Sadly, it’s very common for people to injure themselves when riding motorcycles, and new riders are more likely to get into accidents.
That’s why you’re going to want to follow these motorcycle safety tips for new riders. If you’re cautious, you’ll be able to avoid problems and keep yourself safe.
1. Take The Time To Learn How To Ride Your Motorcycle
If you’re completely new to motorcycles, you’ll want to take the time to get comfortable on your bike before you take it out on any real roads. Even if you know how to drive a car and ride a bike, there’s still a learning curve that you’ll have to get past.
There are several skills that you’ll need to develop before you can ride safely. For example, you’ll need to learn how to lean as you ride so that you can maintain the proper balance. It’s important to focus on breaking and turning, and you’ll need to make sure you know when to shift and counter-steer.
While it’s possible to teach yourself how to ride a motorcycle, you might want to look into taking some sort of class. Motorcycle lessons are a fantastic way to hone your skills in a safe environment. You can also rent a motorbike and improve your riding skill before you invest in buying one for yourself.
2. Get The Gear That You Need
Even if your state doesn’t require you to wear a helmet when you ride your motorcycle, you’re going to want to make sure that you have one. You should look for a helmet that will provide your eyes with protection as well. When you’re riding at high speeds, it’s easy for your eyes to be injured.
You’ll want to cover as much skin as possible when you’re on your motorcycle. Clothing made from breathable, natural materials is your best option. Leather has long been a popular choice for bikers, but denim is also a great thing to wear when you’re on your bike.
3. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Once you’re ready to take your bike out for a spin, you’ll be exposing yourself to a lot of hazards. You’ll want to make sure you know where to look when you’re on the road. For the most part, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the horizon. You can turn your head slightly as you ride for a better view.
You should never ride your motorcycle when you’re drowsy. You’ll want to make sure that you’re always awake and alert when you’re on your bike. You should also avoid listening to music as you ride. You’ll want to be able to hear potential alerts, such as a honking horn.
4. Keep An Eye Out For Escape Paths
In some cases, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to quickly get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle or some other sort of hazard. That’s why, as you ride, you’ll want to look for potential escape paths. Think about where you would go if you had to move quickly.
It’s not always easy to predict when or if you’ll run into a hazard, but you can make sure that you’re fully prepared for any threats that you encounter. If you’re always looking for potential escape routes, you’ll be in a better position to respond to these kinds of hazards.
5. Show Extra Caution Around Intersections
The majority of motorcycles take place in busy intersections, which is why you’ll want to be especially cautious when you’re in these areas. Even if you have the right of way, you should slow down as you approach an intersection and make sure there aren’t any hazards in your path. Doing this can keep you from having to brake suddenly, which can lead to a fall.
6. Always Maintain A Safe Speed
You’ll want to make sure that you will be able to safely stop if necessary. This means you’ll want to avoid traveling at top speed. As a rule of thumb, you should follow the speed limit on the roads that you’re riding on. You should try to ride in areas that you’re familiar with when possible.
Riding your motorcycle at high speeds can be thrilling, but it can also be incredibly risky, especially when you’re a new rider. Make sure you don’t go too fast when you’re taking your bike out for a spin. Know what the speed limits are and follow them.
7. Be Aware Of Your Abilities
It’s important to remember that you’re still a beginner. If a friend with a lot of experience invites you to ride with them on a busy highway, you may want to turn them down. You shouldn’t push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Instead, you should take the time to get comfortable on your bike.
There’s no need for you to go on rides that are beyond your skill level. Remember, as you get more practice in, you’ll be able to take on more challenges. Be patient and know what your limits are.
Are you looking for some of the best motorcycle safety tips for new riders? If you want to reduce the risks you’re facing when you’re on your motorcycle; you’ll want to keep these suggestions in mind. You’ll be able to get more enjoyment out of your motorcycle if you follow these safety precautions.