Defensive Driving Tips and Techniques

On the highway, motorcycles are “small fry”. They’re easy for autos and trucks to miss or disregard. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in serious and sometimes fatal accidental injuries to motorcyclists. Consequently, responsible motorcyclists always stay alert to nearby vehicles and their surroundings. But that’s not enough if you want to take a safe ride.

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On the highway, motorcycles are “small fry”. They’re easy for autos and trucks to miss or disregard. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in serious and sometimes fatal accidental injuries to motorcyclists. Consequently, responsible motorcyclists always stay alert to nearby vehicles and their surroundings. But that’s not enough if you want to take a safe ride.

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When you say motorcycle rider, what immediately comes to your mind? Probably, a tough looking man in leather jacket, fiery red helmet and not to forget the mind blowing hard-hitting motorcycle boots. Yes, that’s your typical rider, the stereotype that has stuck for many years.

Tip! You can hone your defensive driving skills and learn about seat belt safety defensive driver training program.

But the rider today is not as menacing looking as what we picture, not all riders are men (yes, there are female motorcycle aficionados) and the boots are not as deadly as they used to look. But this stereotype makes you kind of wonder, what is the real reason for wearing these boots? Is it a fashion statement or does it have a higher purpose like protecting the rider? (more…)

A pre-ride checklist is a must every time you are about to take your motorcycle for a ride, but how many of us really do it every time? Here are the top ten things a motorcyclist should do regularly, especially if you’re one of the many who don’t make a pre-ride check every time you ride. All you need are some hand tools and basic mechanical ability. The more you know machine, the better will be your riding experience.
Check the fluids. Start with the engine oil. If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden, start the engine and let it run for about 5 minutes (fast idle is best - around 1500 RPM). This allows the oil pump to return any oil to the tank that may have seeped past the check ball in the pump, and it allows the oil to warm up slightly, giving you a more accurate check. Oil expands with heat, and your oil level will rise as the bike warms up. Check the oil in the correct position, with the bike to on the side stand or upright as recommended by the factory. Next, check the transmission oil level, following the correct procedure for your model. If your motorcycle has a wet clutch, check the primary oil level. Use Syntehtic motor oil. I prefer AMSOIL.

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Accidents that are mere “panel-beating” for a car or truck can mean death or disability for a motorcyclist. It is not difficult to lose a limb, seriously damage internal organs, or become paralysed. 

Motorcycle Super Safety Tip #1: Wear a helmet

The number one topic in any discussion about motorcycle super safety is “wearing a helmet”.  There is often spirited disagreement between those who believe in wearing a motorcycle helmet and those that don’t.

It is hard to isolate one single argument from the no-helmet brigade that makes any sense, and research statistics abound on the number of motorcyclists lives saved by wearing helmets.

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