Learning to ride a motorcycle is thrilling. As you take your Motorcycle Training Course, there is a ton of things that you have to keep in mind. The following are the three vital things you need to have, especially when you start riding on your own.
1. Protective Gear
Wearing the right gear is the first step to your safety. You can avoid accidents and serious injuries better when you don complete protective apparel. Make sure you secure the following before you set out for the road:
Helmet
The law dictates that a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant motorcycle safety helmet is worn each time you ride. Whether you saddle up your motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle, your safety helmet should be certified by the manufacturer. It should comply with the U.S. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
Your head should be protected when you are out on the road. It does not matter if you go for a short or slow drive. A helmet protects you from potential head injuries which could be fatal.
Choose a law-compliant helmet; otherwise, you will get one with thin liners and padding. These types lack the proper size and strength and won’t be able to save you from collisions and other accidents. To ensure that you get legitimate headgear, ensure that the U.S. DOT certification is on the helmet you purchase. Look for the manufacturer-applied DOT lettering on the back. You’ll know if it’s not legitimate – it would be an easy-to-remove sticker label.
Choosing a Helmet
You can pick from the three types of helmets:
- Half Shell: These helmets cover the top of your head. It goes around the area from your forehead to your brows. They provide minimal protection, especially for your face. A classic vintage style, they are a good choice for riders who can’t tolerate a heavy helmet on their head.
- Three Quarters: This headgear covers your head and ears but leaves your face open. Like the half shell, you can feel the wind on your face.
- Full-face: This type is the one with a lock-in visor. It offers the best coverage and protection. It shields your head from the top to the front to the sides and the back of your head. An added security is provided to your chin and face. During your ride, this type also covers you from noise, sun, wind, rain, cold, bugs, and stones.
Whichever style you choose, it has to fit your head snugly all the way around. It should not have any defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.
When you ride, you will need to fasten the straps securely. Or else, if you encounter a collision, it may come off your head, so it won’t have the chance to protect you. California’s universal helmet law states that the approved helmet should be securely strapped to a person’s head. It should fit snugly without any excessive movement.
Face and Eye Protection
Wearing a face shield or goggles is suggested for extra protection should you opt to get the half-shell or quarter helmet. A plastic shatter-resistant face shield will secure your face in a collision. They also shield you from the wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, pebbles, and other debris. Goggles can only protect your eyes, but they are also approved to be worn.
Choose your face and eye protection well. They should be free of scratches and resistant to punctures. While fastened securely, they should permit air to pass through to avoid fogging. They should give you a clear view of either side. There should also be enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses if needed. You can also opt to get the tinted ones for sun protection, but you should not wear these at night or when light is limited.
Headsets, earphones, or earplugs in both ears are not allowed unless the ear protectors are designed to reduce only the harmful noise levels. Ear protectors will secure you against the elements of nature, such as wind. These elements can cause hearing loss.
Appropriate Clothing
When riding, you should choose to don protective apparel, such as a leather or long-sleeve jacket, long heavy pants, above-the-ankle closed-toe boots, and full-fingered leather gloves. Ideally, your coat should have a bright color or reflective material. Either of these will aid your visibility so other motorists can see you. On the other hand, gloves protect your hands and allow a better grip.
Your clothes will be your body’s protection during your travel. They should keep you comfortable in hot and cold environments. You have secured debris and severe injuries in a collision.
2. The Right Ride
Before you ride alone, make sure your motorcycle is suitable for you. Check if your feet reach the ground when seated on the bike. The law states that your bike must have:
- Tires with sufficient tread and air pressure
- Working headlights, taillight, brake light, and turn signals
- Good front and rear brakes
- A horn and mirrors
Try to be familiar with your motorcycle before taking it out on the street. Ride around a controlled area to be more used to it. According to data, more than half of all collisions involved motorcycle riders with less than six months of riding experience.
Before every ride, check the following:
- Tires: Air pressure, general wear, and tread
- Fluids: Oil and fluid levels
- Headlights, Taillight, Turn Signals, and Brake Light: Proper operation and burned-out bulbs
- Battery: Condition and electrolyte level
- Chain or Belt: Tension, lubrication, and sprockets
- Kick-stand: Cracks, bent springs, and tension
- Make sure that everything is in order. Doing this will give you the ease of a smooth ride, free of any hassles from your efficiently running vehicle.
3. Responsible Riding
First, you must learn how to operate a motorcycle safely. You’d need to take a class to do so. Not only will you know the Dos and Don’ts, but you will also acquire the confidence needed to take your new bike for a spin on the actual road.
You’ll learn to operate your bike with certified instructors in a motorcycle training course. They will aim to get you familiar with motorcycles’ laws. Theories and drills will help you respond to common riding challenges in a controlled environment. In the course end, you’ll have a basic knowledge and understanding of riding. You’ll know how to keep yourself safe on the road.
You can avoid accidents and collisions if you take these tips to heart:
- Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing. Utilize your headlight and running lights. Situate yourself in the best lane position to see and be seen.
- Communicate: Let other motorists know your intentions. Utilize proper signals, brake light, and lane position.
- Keep the Space Around You Open: Maintain enough space when you move on the road. It will give you visibility and room for evasive turns.
- Be Aware and Alert: Watch the traffic in front and from behind. Anticipate at least 10 to 15 minutes ahead and move accordingly. Learn how to carry out collision-avoidance techniques.
URide has been offering high-quality, customer-friendly motorcycle training for over three decades in Costa Mesa, CA. Our award-winning and certified instructors will equip you with the knowledge and skills to ride your motorcycling journey. Call us at 714-425-7981 or email us at uridetraining@yahoo.com for details about our courses.