Motorcycle Safety Tips

There is perhaps no one who looks forward to spring and summer more than a motorcycle owner. You’ve just spent a long winter staring longingly at your bike that has been parked in the garage.

If you’re new to riding a motorcycle, or if you’re an experienced rider, here are some tips to help you stay safe in some of the most common types of bad weather: a man wearing a helmet riding a motorcycle down a street

a man wearing a helmet riding a motorcycle down a street

Riding in a Rainstorm
• Cover up. If your clothes get drenched in a rainstorm, it’s going to make for a miserable ride. Investing in a waterproof rain suit. Combine that with waterproof boots and gloves to help keep your body warm and dry.
• Maintain visibility. Wear a full face helmet with good ventilation and make sure the visor has an anti-fog coating.
• Take a break. The first few minutes of a rainstorm are often the most dangerous. That’s because dirt and oil trapped in the pavement will immediately float to the surface, leading to slippery road conditions. Consider stopping for a cup of coffee can give the rain time to wash off the pavement before you hit the road again.
• Slow down. Reduce your speed and maintain a greater distance between your bike and other vehicles.
• Choose a dry line. Be on the lookout for the driest pavement you can find. Often, this will mean riding in the tire tracks of a vehicle ahead of you. Avoid puddles at all costs. You never know how deep they may be, and puddles can be a recipe for hydroplaning, which happens when your bike’s tires ride on top of a thin layer of water.
• Stop for lightning. Unlike a car, which can protect occupants inside the cabin, motorcycle riders are completely exposed to a lightning strike, so seek shelter immediately.

Riding in High Winds
Encountering a rainstorm on a motorcycle can be intimidating. But riding in high winds comes with its own unique set of problems:

• By keeping an eye on objects like grass, trees and flags you can discern the direction of the wind and better prepare for any strong gusts.
• To limit the effect of the wind on your bike, tuck in your arms and legs, and keeping your head ducked down.
• Stay loose. In tense situations, it’s natural to tense your body in response. But in high winds, it’s important to keep your body loose. This will allow the wind to move your arms without allowing those motions to transfer directly into the handlebars.
• When riding in a crosswind, keep your bike to the side of the lane that the wind is blowing from. By doing this, you’ll have a better chance of preventing a strong gust from blowing you out of your lane or off the road.

Stay Safe in Any Weather
While you’re out there enjoying the open road, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance...so give us a call to review your existing coverage or get a new quote.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

No Comments