Essentials for Motorcycle Enthusiasts

There are plenty of reasons to be interested in motorcycles. They can be exhilarating, fuel efficient, and there is often a sense of camaraderie amongst enthusiasts. All riders, especially new ones, should be aware of best equipment and safety practices, however. Unsafe riding can have dire consequences. In fact, there are roughly 5,000 fatalities in the U.S. per year involving motorcycles. This is largely due to the relative lack of safety on a motorcycle compared to the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Despite this worrying statistic, it’s very possible to enjoy a lifetime of the biker lifestyle without any problems. You’ll just need to be aware of the essentials and practice safe riding habits.

Choosing your bike

It’s imperative, especially for beginners, to choose a bike that you can handle and that best suits your needs. Choosing a bike that’s too big or too advanced for you is one of the easiest ways to get injured. You should have no trouble getting on the center stand, and your feet should be able to rest easily on the ground. You’ll also want to ensure you have no issue reaching any of the controls at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, there are plenty of good options for the budding enthusiast.

Personal equipment

The most important thing you can do is protect yourself while riding, and helmets made by Alpinestars can provide quality protection as well as comfort and style. Your helmet is the most important part of your personal safety equipment, not to mention legally required. You’ll also want to wear thick clothing, or perhaps even body armor. There’s a reason bikers are known for wearing leather. The tough material will offer protection against friction is the case of falling and sliding.

Essentials to carry

In addition to proper clothing, there are a few other things you should carry on any trip. One such necessity is a tool kit. Most bikes today don’t come with these kits, so you’ll need to find a basic one on your own. This, along with a spare tire, will be a great value in case of any emergencies.

If you’re planning to travel far, it’s a good idea to bring a set of earplugs to avoid any damage to your hearing. You’ll generally want to bring protective eyewear for bugs and other debris, especially on the highway. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof bags to store any electronics or other sensitive items, as well as any relevant documentation.

Additional safety tips

Even with a proper bike and equipment, you can never be too safe. Defensive driving practices are a must, especially considering that one of the most common causes of motorbike accidents is other drivers violating right of way. Always riding with headlights on, paying close attention to others changing lanes, using proper signals, and avoiding other driver’s blind spots are all smart practices. Always keep these up, even after you become confident in your riding. You are the most vulnerable person on the road, and driving aggressively is the fastest way to ensure injury.

Learning to brake effectively is also of vital importance, especially considering the amount of misconceptions on this topic. There are those who believe that anti-lock brakes aren’t much use for experienced riders or that the back brake isn’t worth using, but neither of these ideas are remotely true. Using the back brake is extremely important in the first second to avoid an accident. While it is true that most models shift their weight to the front of the bike when braking, the back is still heavily weighted initially. Anti-lock brakes should also be installed because bikers at any level of experience can lock the brakes in a panic and sabotage their steering control.

Practicing your riding in safe conditions is recommendable until you are confident in your knowledge and abilities. There are plenty of motorcycle tracks around to provide this opportunity. With practice and proper equipment, you’ll be able to grow as much as you want.