Motorcycle Safety Riding Tips

There are many things you can't control when riding a motorcycle. You can't control how other motorists will drive, you can't control the weather, and you can't control if your tire blows out at highway speeds. But you can take steps to help you become a more defensive rider, and with a little bit of planning, you'll give yourself a much better chance at staying safe. Read on to learn some of the most important elements of motorcycle safety. When you're in need of parts, upgrades, or even a new bike altogether, stop by Rommel HD Delmarva. Located in Salisbury, Maryland, we're just a short ride from Salisbury, Easton, and Cambridge, Maryland.

PRE-RIDE INSPECTION

Before you ever climb up on your bike, you'll want to run through a little checklist to make sure you have the opportunity to catch any potentially hazardous problems your bike might have. A good place to start is inspecting the tires. Inspect the tread and make sure there are no foreign objects causing damage. The tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, and if the pressure has dropped significantly since the last time you checked the tires, you might have a leak. Next, look for any signs of fluid leakage. This could result in a small puddle or a few drops of fluid, or it could look like oil coming down accumulating somewhere it shouldn't. Remember that the fluid could be brake fluid, motor oil, or coolant so check the fluid levels of all three to figure out which one is low. You can also look for things like loose fasteners, cracked welds, or anything else that might be out of place.

FIND THE RIGHT GEAR

Good gear will help you stay comfortable and reduce distractions, meaning you'll be less likely to make a riding error. Riding gear should always start with the most important piece of riding gear, the helmet. Your helmet should fit snugly but not be uncomfortably tight or pinching. If possible, go for a full face helmet, as they offer the most protection for your whole head. A certification from a testing agency like DOT or Snell is another important quality to look for.

Once you get a good helmet, start looking for the rest of your gear. A solid set of boots will give you plenty of ankle support and protection from road debris or engine heat. You'll be grateful for good gloves if you ever take a rock to the finger or hand. A one piece riding suit helps to keep even heavy rain and wind out.

CHECK THE WEATHER REPORT

You can't control when a summer shower will materialize out of nowhere, but checking the weather report will give you the best idea of what to expect. Precipitation is the enemy of traction so always take precautions before riding in the rain. While you can get away with riding in the rain, riding in snow or ice is another story. Those conditions are best to avoid altogether. On the other hand, hot weather presents many of its own problems. Between the hot temperatures and dry wind, dehydration can set in much faster than you'd think. Plus, sweat can get in your eyes which is a serious problem on its own.

KEEP YOUR MIND FOCUSED

When you're actually out on the road, being aware and driving defensively will offer the best chance to avoid accidents. This means keeping an eye on the motorists around you, as they are often the cause of accidents and problems. If you are riding in a new area or are unfamiliar with the road conditions, slow it down and take your time. You should always try to identify problems before they happen so that you have as much time as possible to react to them.

Riding doesn't have to be a dangerous activity if you can prepare for challenges and keep your mind on the task at hand. If you need a new bike or repairs for your current one, stop by Rommel Harley-Davidson® Delmarva. We have everything you need to stay safe on the road. Located in Salisbury, Maryland, we're near Salisbury, Easton, and Cambridge, Maryland.