New Rider Motorcycle Safety Guide

New Rider Motorcycle Safety Guide

               

                Getting a motorcycle can be a fun and exciting experience, but people should take certain precautions to stay safe. New riders will benefit from these safety tips:

1)      Make sure the bike fits you, your feet can rest flat on the ground comfortably when the bike is stopped. Another tip is don’t buy too much bike. 250-300cc is enough power for a beginner and handles better compared to bikes with bigger displacement.

2)      Get a bike with ABS. An Anti-lock braking system consists of valves from brake lines connected to the brake pump. The controller and master brake cylinder measure the rotational speed of each tire. The slower tire indicates that the wheel is locking up. As a result, the controller shifts the braking power onto the other wheel. The controller opens and closes the valves from the wheel that is locking up: that’s why it feels like the wheel that is locking up is pulsating. That’s the controller applying the brakes on and off in rapid succession. An ABS system allows for the rider to have more control under extreme braking situations.

3)      Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course will help improve your operation of the motorcycle. The Basic “Ridercourse” also allows eligible new riders a waiver for the motorcycle license skills test and in most cases an insurance discount is applied.

4)      Invest in protective gear. A 55mph accident will take about an inch of skin off of you if unprotected. DOT or ECE R22-05 certifications are the newer helmet certifications issued to helmets. The EE R22-05 helmets use more impact-absorbent material in the helmet. The debate between full-face helmets versus half-face helmets is often full of misinformation. Full-face helmets do not impair peripheral vision. Most full face helmets provide 105-degree field of vision in either direction. Riders only utilize 90 degrees at most.

5)      Other areas to consider padding are elbows and forearm areas, these areas are protected with any quality riding jacket. Most motorcycle gloves armor the knuckles; higher-end ones are equipped with palm sliders. Boots are integral for your safety. It will provide grip when riding on the bike and if you fall off support the ankle.

6)      Riding in the rain is a challenge for some experienced riders: newer riders are highly advised against it. When it starts raining, the leftover oils and residue makes the road slippery. This only reduces your margin of ear as a rider.

7)      Avoid road hazards if you can. Potholes are nasty obstacles for riders. New riders should also watch out for leaves and loose gravel: they can your motorcycle to lose traction.