10 TIPS TO START THE MOTORCYCLE SEASON SAFELY
PART 1
10 tips to start the motorcycle season safely - Part ONE
Whoever said that “You haven’t truly lived until you have ridden a motorcycle” couldn’t have been truer. However, there is no denying the fact that motorcycling has this stigma attached to it, quite incorrectly, that it is an extremely dangerous way to utilize your time. Most of this stems from the higher than the normal number of accidents people tend to have on motorcycles. The truth of the matter though is that lot of these accidents can be chalked down to poor preparation and overlooking basic riding etiquette. As the motorcycle season is about to step into high gear, here are 5 tips to keep you safe so you can enjoy motorcycling to the fullest without putting your health and life at risk.
Get back in riding shape
The holidays weren’t too long ago which means that you would be carrying a few extra pounds. This can be detrimental to your enjoyment, especially on long rides. Get back in shape by doing basic exercises with a good amount of cardio thrown in. Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle riding isn’t easy even though it gives the appearance of just sitting and riding along. Also, do plenty of stretching so your body can bear the strains of riding a motorcycle without causing much discomfort so you can concentrate completely on the fun aspects of the ride.
Get your motorcycle in shape
Just a small percentage of motorcycle-related road mishaps are due to poorly maintained motorcycles, but you do not want to be in this group, right? In all probability, your motorcycle would have been sitting for months. Check the fluid levels first and then the play on the brake and clutch levers. If everything seems all right then start the engine in neutral and let it warm up. Once warmed up, rev the engine and listen to ensure that everything is normal. Check the tires for punctures and the chassis of the motorcycle for any issues. If you run into issues at any point then get the motorcycle fixed properly. Even if everything is all right, it is a good idea to have the motorcycle serviced so that it is in the best shape possible for the riding season.
Check your gear
It can never be emphasized enough how important riding gear is to safety. It should be comfortable without compromising on safety. It should also be visible even in low-light conditions. If your gear has been sitting in a corner like your motorcycle then check it thoroughly to ensure it is all right. Also, wear it and stretch around in it to ensure there won’t be any problems mid-ride.
Plan your trips beforehand
Like pretty much every other important thing in life, riding a motorcycle requires planning as well. Plan your motorcycle season well in advance allotting plenty of time to exercise beforehand. Fix a date for all the checks on the motorcycle and then plan out your rides. These plans do not have to be concrete but they should give you a fair idea as to what you will be doing in your motorcycle season
Ensure your insurance is up to date
This is pretty self-explanatory. Ensure that your motorcycle’s insurance is up to date so you are covered in the unfortunate event of a crash.
What else to look out for?
Many dangerous situations can be avoided with a little care and attention.
In addition, Motobit also helps you to ride more safely by warning you of fixed dangers such as dangerous bends, damaged roads and much more, as well as of bends that are taken a little too recklessly. The curve assistant as we call it can be key, especially if you are exploring new and unknown areas.
So make sure you have not only have a great start into the riding season following the mentioned tips, but also Motobit installed and active on your smartphone before setting off on your next tour. If you have not installed Motobit already, get it now for free!