Massachussetts Motorcycle Accident Blog

Simple Ways To Stay On 2 Wheels

Don't give in to peer pressure!   Ride within your limits. Just because your friends are doing something, doesn't mean you should.  Do what makes you feel most comfortable, whether it's about the gear you wear or how fast you ride.

Don't ride beyond your limits!  Remember your skills and don't go beyond them.  Speed can be exciting but exceeding your own limits can result in accidents that range from embarrassing to emergencies.

Read the road!  On a motorcycle you are affected by the elements completely.  Always keep an eye out for potential hazards, keep a relaxed grip on your handle bar and keep steady throttle control while your bike adjusts to the different surfaces.

Keep a maintenance schedule!  Motorcycles require more attention than cars.  Tires and brakes should be changed more frequently and the oil should be changed based on the amount of time it's been in the bike, not the miles traveled. Check your tire pressure frequently, especially when the weather starts to change.

Watch your gas gauge!  Although motorcycles get great gas mileage, the tanks are much smaller than those on a car.  You don't want to be the guy on the side of the road with a dead bike because you ran out of gas.  Most bikers follow the rule that you never let your gauge fall below a quarter of a tank.

Stay hydrated!  Although riding may not seem physically demanding , when your body is exposed to the elements your essential fluids are diminished faster.  Drinking water won't necessarily make you stop for more bathroom brakes, but if it does it just gives you a chance to relax and chat with fellow bikers.  The general rule is drink one bottle of water for every 2 hours you ride, unless you happen to be thirsty or it's hotter than usual.

Don't wear yourself out!  Don't ride to the point of exhaustion.  Taking your bike out is exciting but as you get tired you lose the ability to focus and react quickly.  Ride in moderation, your bike will still be there tomorrow.

Be careful around corners!  Misjudging corners leads to the majority of accidents for new bikers.  Things to avoid are riding wide, taking the curve too quickly and turning at too high of a gear.  The best way to avoid this problem is by following the next step…

Take a safety course!  Even the most experienced riders have said that a safety course helped them brush up on their skills.  Which is more of a blow to your ego?:  Spending a few hundred dollars and a few hours gaining helpful knowledge and life saving tips…. Or crashing and totaling your brand new bike because you didn't learn the right way to ride.  Also, there are potential savings on motorcycle insurance when you've taken a safety course.