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Live to ride. Ride to live
Whether you’ve been riding for years or just enjoying your first 125 bike, we all know it can be risky on the roads. To help you stay safe, here are some thought provoking facts and tips that’ll help you avoid an accident.
The facts don’t lie, unfortunately:
- Motorcyclists account for just 1% of road users, yet in 2005 they accounted for 18% of road fatalities
- 65% of all motorcycle accidents involving a car happen at T-junctions
What does all this mean? It means expecting car drivers to see you won’t save your life, but perfecting your skills and changing the way you ride could.
5 Top Riding Tips:
- Anticipation. It sounds simple, and it is. It’s easy to switch off while you’re riding, especially when the roads are a little quieter. Always keep an eye out for the unexpected.
- Watch your speed. We’re not talking about crawling along at 5 miles an hour, where would the fun be in that? Just make sure you ride at a speed that gives you enough time to react - especially when it’s wet, foggy or icy.
- Positioning. When you’re on the roads it’s crucial you’re seen at all times. So position yourself in the middle of the lane so cars can see you.
- Overtaking. It’s one of the most satisfying things you can do on your bike, especially in heavy traffic, but make sure you always look over your shoulder to see what people are doing behind you. Avoid overtaking on bends or near junctions, and obey the road markings.
- Be seen. Even in good light dipped headlights can help you get spotted. If your bike was built or sold after 2002 you’ll have dipped headlights. Check your bike does too.
Improve your skills. Improve your odds
The better your riding skills, the better chance you have of avoiding an accident. Here are some great organisations that’ll help you perfect the way your ride:
- The Driving Standards Agency
- The Motorcycle Rider Training
- British Motorcycle Federation
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
- The Police’s ‘Bike Safe’ programme
Give your bike the love it deserves, and it’ll help you stay safe on the roads.
Spending your weekends polishing and cleaning your bike to within an inch of it’s life may be a cliché, but if you look after your bike it really will look after you.
5 great tips on how to keep your bike in perfect running order:
- Clean. Giving your bike a spit and polish every weekend not only keeps it looking great, it also helps you spot any potential problems.
- Tyres. Keeping your tyres in good nick is absolutely vital because they seriously affect the handling of your bike. Make sure you check your tyre pressure on a regular basis, and be aware that your tyres will need adjusting if you’re carrying heavy luggage or even an extra passenger. In addition, check your tyres for wear - in the UK motorcycles over 50cc must have at least 1mm of tyre tread depth across three quarters of the width of the tread pattern and visible tread on the remaining quarter. Motorcycles under 50cc must have clearly visible groves across the original tread pattern.
- Chain. Keep your chain tension adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep it lubricated with the appropriate chain oil, and check wear and tear on the sprockets, they?ll give you a good indication if the chain has been adjusted correctly.
- Brake pads. By cleaning your wheels regularly you’ll see how much wear you have left on your brake pads. Never let them wear down to the minimum - if you do your discs will become scored and damaged which is expensive to repair. After a long ride, be sure to quickly strip and clean your pads and callipers so they perform to their best next time out.
- Security. There’s nothing more heart breaking than having a bike stolen, so always keep your bike locked to something solid and immovable. When you’re buying a lock, look for one that’s Thatcham Approved or Sold Secure. Also be aware that insurance companies may offer you a discount if you have evidence that your bike is locked up securely.
Kit yourself out, before you set out.
On a hot day we’ve all been tempted to leave our leathers at home and ride off in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but a slide on tarmac at just 30 mph could result in serious injuries. Click on the link below to find out how to kit yourself out on the roads.
5 bits of kit no rider should be without:
- Leathers. There’s no doubt leathers are one of the best forms of protective clothing you can wear on your bike. As well as offering great abrasion protection, in many cases they’ll have fitted body armour at the back too. Remember, when buying leathers always make sure they fit correctly.
- Gloves. Another great form of protection is riding gloves, the thicker the better. But remember thick gloves will need breaking in to ensure they give you enough break and throttle control. In addition, it?s worth having a different pair for both summer and winter.
- Boots. When choosing boots make sure they?re not too narrow or wide. Sit on your bike and check they don?t interfere with the heel-plates or levers. And, although it may be tempting to buy racing boots, be aware that some styles won’t be waterproof.
- Waterproofs. If you get caught in a downpour while you’re riding it can be very uncomfortable, which naturally means your concentration won’t be on the road. Make sure you always pack lightweight waterproofs in your backpack or under the pillion seat when you’re heading out.
- Helmet. The best fitting helmets offer the best protection. When you’re buying a new helmet make sure you try on various sizes to find one that fits the unique size and shape of your head. Make sure it carries a BSI kite mark BS 6658 or European standard ECE 22 - 05. Never buy one second hand and make sure you replace your helmet at least every five years or after an accident. Always fasten your helmet while you’re riding, an unfastened helmet is next to useless in an accident.
Safe riding?
With the right kit, the right skills and the right attitude, there’s no reason why riding can’t be a safe, convenient and enjoyable way to get around.
Look after yourself.
