Safety Tips for Riding Motorcycles

Motorcycles are your ticket to adrenaline rushes and thrill chasing. But all that excitement comes with safety risks. We gathered up our top tips for safe motorcycle riding below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Advantage Powersports. You'll find us in Kansas City, Missouri.

Inspecting Your Motorcycle

Motorcycle safety begins by thoroughly examining your vehicle. A pre-ride inspection helps you catch potential issues in the safety of your driveway rather than barreling at top speeds down a highway. Begin with your tires. Make sure the tread levels and tire inflation is well within the recommendations found in the owner's manuals.

Next, you will want to check your fluid levels. Make sure you have enough brake fluids, oil, and coolant. Top off anything that's low. Hit the road with a full tank of gas. Your journey could meet unexpected detours that can lengthen the trip route, such as an accident or construction. Better to have too much gas rather than not enough!

Finally, test the different aspects of your motorcycle. Are your lights visible and bright? Are your brakes working smoothly? Does your clutch function well? Go for a quick ride around the neighborhood and conduct various safety checks. If anything is odd, bring your motorcycle in for a service (like a visit to Advantage Powersports).

Wearing the Right Gear

You'll need certain pieces of gear to ride motorcycles. The most important piece of safety gear, of course, is a helmet. You can get better protection from a cheap well-fitting helmet than you can from an expensive ill-fitting one. Try on as many helmets as you need to find the ideal fit.

Another key piece of equipment is a pair of gloves. When you ride motorcycles, your grip can get compromised. Rain or sweat makes your hands slick. Cold makes your hands shiver. Gloves help you grip the handlebars and manipulate the controls without an impediment.

Finally, wear the right clothing. Full-length layers help add a little extra protection against the sun and in case of a crash. Waterproof outerwear keeps you comfortable if a light drizzle pops up. Opt for motorcycle boots rather than sneakers. They'll provide better traction and comfort.

Checking the Weather

The weather impacts the safety of your ride. Stay home if intense weather is expected, such as a storm warning or hail. Riding in the rain can be dangerous as well. Try to avoid anything more intense than a light drizzle. Extreme heat can cause health issues as well. Only head out if the weather is decent.

Driving Defensively

Motorcycles are at a disadvantage on the road. They are smaller than other vehicles around them, which makes it hard for motorists to spot them. Riders aren't protected by a steel frame like car passengers are. Motorcycles are less stable and more prone to slide outs. You'll need to drive defensively to compensate for these strikes against you.

Stay aware of your surroundings as you ride. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Give yourself plenty of room to brake. Try to avoid semi-trucks as they can cause their own wind turbulence. Avoid any jerky motions, like changing lanes too quick or taking a turn too sharply. Aim for as smooth of a ride as possible.

We hope you found our guide helpful! Part of safe motorcycle riding involves keeping your vehicle running well. If you notice any performance issues, bring your motorcycle to Advantage Powersports. We operate a parts replacement and service department that can get it running like new. We also offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. We are located in Kansas City, Missouri. Stop by today!