Motorcycle riding involves three different types of preparation: physical, mental and equipment. You just can’t afford to neglect any of them. Respecting the preparation process leads to a more enjoyable ride.

Being in good condition is beneficial for a motorcyclist, especially since physical endurance and mental alertness are key factors during longer rides.

As being able to see clearly and with an unobstructed view is extremely important you should:

• Always use a helmet with a clear visor – you can always wear sunglasses beneath the visor. This way, you’ll have better vision at all times, especially if you are riding when it’s dark.

• If your bike is equipped with a windshield, it should be approximately 1 1/2” lower than your line of sight when you are seated in your riding position.

• Never expose your eyes to intense light just before night riding. Let your eyes get used to lower-light conditions and, at the same time, focus on your upcoming ride.

• Always carry a cloth and lens cleaner to keep your headlight, glasses, visor, rearview mirrors and windshield, if applicable, clean.

• Even if you’re a seasoned pro, be sure to take a few minutes to perform a pre-ride safety checklist,which seems to be often overlooked. Of vital importance are the condition of your tires and brakes. Make sure both are in very good condition.

Warm up a bit by doing stretching exercises before even starting your bike. Make sure you are in proper shape to ride. Do you feel any pain or are you limited in movement when you rotate your head to check your blind spots?

• In the event that your bike falls, do you know how to lift it properly and do you have enough strength to bring your bike back on its wheels without hurting yourself?

• Periodically practice basic skills like sharp left/right turns, low speed balance, emergency braking in a straight line and in a curve at all (legal) speeds, and countersteering to ensure your reaction time is a reflex rather than a distant memory.

• Take a refresher course each spring to familiarize yourself with your motorcycle and to practice your skills.

• Identify and refer to credible sources of information about safe motorcycle riding, such as publications and experienced riders.

• Consider taking an advanced riding course to continue to develop your riding skills and learn how to anticipate, avoid and/or survive high-risk riding scenarios.

• When riding with passengers, never forget that you are responsible for them. Take into consideration the effects of the passenger on the motorcycle (balancing, handling characteristics, suspension, tire pressure, braking and acceleration, fuel consumption) and the clothing required (no loose clothing) for different weather conditions. Impress them by showing them how fun and relaxing a motorcycle ride can be.

• Group riding is fun but requires special skills. Most riders prefer smaller groups. Learn more about group riding in The Two-day Ride.

Mental preparation is a key part of motorcycle riding.To process information and respond immediately to any situation while on the road, you need to concentrate at all times.

• Your perception and reaction to any riding situation depend greatly on your ATTITUDE. Don’t let anger, stress, grief, j oy or any other emotion decrease your level of concentration.

• Free your mind of any distraction that can preoccupy you during the ride.

• Be careful with a new motorcycle or a borrowed one – even a model you’re used to may surprise you due to different adjustments or tires.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs. They impair your physical and mental abilities to perceive and react.

Small things can result in big consequences when we consider motorcycling equipment. Read all about clothing and accessories in Rider Accessories and Motorcycle Accessories.

click here to download our complete PDF version (304k).

Brought to you bye: Open Road Insurance Program www.openroadprogram.com