Despite having superior training and have the threat of the elements just as hair's breadth away from their skin, motorcyclists are unfortunate the worse party in a collision or an accident.
Having just two tiny contact patches, about the size of a 50p piece, and a myriad of slippery surfaces on the road, from white lines to mud and winter grime to diesel spills, it doesn't fair well for motorbikers. And, the fact that modern cars these days have so many attention-removing gadgets and gizmos, it's so easy for a car driver to take a biker off the road and not even realise it!
Other than making sure your motorcycle insurance is up to date, here are some tips to take on-board with you on your next motorbike ride:
It goes without saying but checking your bike over more than regularly is vital to ensuring it turns in when you want it to and will slow down when you grab a handful of brake lever. Check the tyres for splits, nails, if the wear indicators are showing and that they have the correct pressures in them. Check the operation of the brakes, the gears and clutch, and make sure it starts! If you look after your bike you will have the best chance of avoiding that wandering truck or braking hard for car drivers pulling out from side-roads without looking.
Take more lessons – even after your full motorcycle test and previous CBT, you could take to the track and receive even more instruction from professional instructors. With motorcycle riding, you can never stop learning as it's a tricky art to master. The more training of the actual riding and the psychology of other drivers and riders will help you be a better rider and keep your bike on two wheels.
Make sure you're fully fit to ride – if you're ill or are feeling weak after an illness, or had a heavy session at the pub or at the gym, the chances are your reflexes are going to be slower than if you're at peak performance. All it takes is a sneeze or a weak hand to cause an accident or lose concentration and lose the front end on a tight corner. No one expects to crash their bike but being overly-safe is better than anything else.
Never drink and ride – it goes without saying but it's illegal and it will put you on the floor (and into ICU) faster than your bike accelerates. The same goes for riding when tired as it has similar effects to your reaction times and a sleepy rider is one of the most dangerous to themselves and others around.
Always make sure you're seen and heard – A few blips of the throttle, a beep of the horn and aligning your headlight in the mirrors of car drivers will normally do it. If you're near a driver that simply hasn't seen you, back off and let them cause their own problems away from you.
Aside from a regular check-up at the opticians to make sure your eyes are on tip-top form, these tips should help you be safe on your motorbike.
