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Whenever you ride always wear your proper riding
gear which includes a helmet (DOT approved or
better), eye protection (face shield, goggles or
shatter resistant full coverage glasses), long
sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves,
long pants (denim or leather), and over the
ankle boots or sturdy shoes with non skid soles.
You'll be more comfortable, safer and ultimately
enjoy riding even more. At night, be careful
not to override your motorcycle's headlight. And
take extra care to be seen by other drivers by
wearing reflective clothing and using reflective
tape and decals.
In addition to the pre-ride inspection you
should know how to do minor maintenance and
service on your motorcycle, especially important
on long rides and trips. Be sure to read your
owner's manual and follow the directions.
When you brake, use both brakes together.
Generally speaking, when conditions are good,
the front brake accounts for as much as 2/3 of
the bike's stopping power. How much brake
pressure to use depends on your abilities, your
bike's capabilities, and the environment.
Slow down before going into a curve. Look
through the curve and gently accelerate as you
enter and drive through the curve. This gentle
acceleration creates stability but cannot be
accomplished without proper braking prior to
entering the curve.
Mud, sand, water and other foreign debris on
the road take special handling. Before reaching
a slippery surface, slow down and avoid
directional or speed changes as you ride through
the hazard.
Remember that the first few minutes of a rain
storm are the most dangerous as the water mixes
with the oil and fluids on the roadway. Avoid
riding during this time, if possible. If you
must ride try to ride in the tracks of the other
vehicles in front of you as they force away the
water and oils.
Standing on the pegs can help you keep
control of your cycle when riding over obstacles
or rough surfaces. Keep your knees and elbows
bent, look past the hazard in the direction you
want to go and maintain a steady speed.
Always plan ahead - you never know what kind
of problems may be coming up. Know what you'll
have to do if you suddenly skid, have a blowout,
or loose clutch or throttle control.
Riding with a passenger makes balance and
control of your bike a great challenge. Make
sure your passenger is wearing all of the proper
riding gear, knows where and how to sit, where
to put their feet and hands and how to lean
through turns. Tell them to look over your
shoulder in the direction of the turn. Remember
that the passenger is "your" responsibility and
should be properly educated, prepared and ready
to ride.
Never ride if you have consumed any drugs,
prescription, or otherwise, or alcohol. Your
best weapon on the bike, your judgment, becomes
impaired and your ability to reaction time is
slowed.
When you carry loads, be sure to fasten them
securely to the motorcycle and keep the heavier
objects low and towards the center of gravity of
the bike. Never secure loads where they will
affect your steering, handling, or site of the
road ahead. |
