Expect Trouble, Ride Easy

We’d all like to think that each motorcycle excursion will be incident-free. However, motorcycles are a risky bet if you ride unprepared. Here are a few riding tips to help you be ready for anything:

1. Always carry a tool kit. By packing a basic toolkit, no roadside breakdowns are going to get in the way of a fun ride.

2. Keep your owners manual handy. The owners manual and tool kit go hand-in-hand.

3. Tell others what route you are taking. By letting friends and family know when you leave and arrive, as well as your route, the chances of being found after a back-roads motorcycle crash will be much greater.

4. Keep emergency info easily accessible. This includes your current insurance, health insurance and emergency contact numbers.

 

Essential Motorcycle Tools

Over at bikebandit.com, there are a lot of great guides for motorcycle enthusiasts. One of the most important guides for those who want save a lot of money is the Buyer’s Guide to Motorcycle Tools. If you don’t already know, motorcycles can be high-maintenance, and learning how to fix and maintain your own bike is rewarding in so many ways. However, before you start any tinkering you will need a decent collection of tools. Get the tool-buying knowledge you need with the complete guide here:

http://www.bikebandit.com/community/guides/the-buyers-guide-to-motorcycle-tools

 

Top Ten Tips for New Riders

So, you’ve fallen in love with the thrill of motorcycle riding and are ready to dive in. Well, before you begin riding around town on two wheels, there are a few essential tips all new riders should know. So, let us bring them to your attention here and now:

1. Take a motorcycle safety course. Not only will it make you a safer rider – and possibly prevent you from becoming road-ground hamburger meat – it could also make your insurance rates lower. Also, some dealerships offer motorcycle discounts when to take a safety class at their location.

2. Get the right gear. One of the first, and most-often repeated terms you will hear from motorcycle safety experts is wear All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT). Since two wheels are the only thing seperating you from the road, wearing the right equipment is extremely important. 3. Get some tough boots. Boots are shoes that are sturdy will provide better protection for you feet, as well as better balance and control.

4. Don’t get cocky. Never overestimate your skills, and never get overconfident. Riding within your skill level will prevent embarassing and possibly fatal rookie mistakes. If you want to push your limits, then consider taking a class at your local race track to learn the proper throttle, turning and stopping methods for expert riders.

5. Don’t tailgate. Motorcycles may have a shorter stopping distance than cars, however it is not as safe for motorcyclists to slam on the brakes during an emergency. Since they only have two wheels, and often don’t have antilock brakes, it’s easier for motorcycles to lose control when making an emergency stop. So always keep plenty of distance between yourself and other drivers.

6. Always have an escape route.  By leaving plenty of room between your motorcycle and other vehicles, you will have more time to react in an emergency situation. Buy yourself even more time by always having an escape route in case of a traffic accident.

7. Mind the weather. Rain, wind, snow and ice are much more dangerous on a motorcycle.

8. Avoid distraction. Part of the joy of motorcycle riding is the rush of a life-or-death state of hyper-alert thinking. Don’t risk your life and cheapen the experience by fiddling with your phone, day dreaming or sipping on a latte.

9. Look twice. Always, always double check before turning, changing lanes or even slowing down. Any changes in your current path may go unseen by other drivers.

10. WEAR A HELMET. This is the main defense in case of an accident, and the only way to keep your face from peeling off on the road if you fly off the motorcycle. Plus, it keeps the bugs and road debris from hitting you in the face while riding.

Now that you’ve heard the 10 essential tips, you’re ready to get started on the path to becoming a motorcycle rider! Enjoy!

 

best beginner bike

Newbies

Newbies are still newbies after 2,000 miles. They are still newbies after 6 months. They are newbies until they have experienced all the hazards of the road… and lived. This article from the motorcycle safety group is a great read for any new rider:

http://msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=240

DIY: Pro-Photography for Your Bike

Much like marriage, babies, and big life events, buying a new motorcycle calls for a photography shoot. However, you don’t have to spend the big bucks to get amazing images of your new ride. Read this awesome article by Gregor Halenda to learn all you need to know about photographing your motorcycle like a pro:

Gregor Halenda’s Motorcycle Photography Tips