Motorcycle Safety

Safe motorcycle riding is about a lot more than just obeying the speed limit and signaling before you turn. There are many elements that go into safe riding, and it's important to be prepared on many fronts. Here at Durango Harley-Davidson®, we're enthusiastic riders ourselves, so we understand the importance of safety and preparedness for my motorcycle riders. That's why we put together this brief guide to help our customers. While it won't replace taking a motorcycle safety course or getting a riding endorsement, it will hopefully give you a refresher on some aspects of motorcycle safety, while introducing you to a few new tricks you might not have thought of otherwise.

Consider the Weather

Before you ever leave your house on a motorcycle, you should get some idea of what the weather will be like for the day. This is especially true during the transitional seasons like fall and spring when the weather can shift wildly on a moment's notice. You don't want to leave your house expecting the morning sun to last all day only to run into a cloudburst halfway to the office.

Weather is one of the biggest influences for how a ride unfolds. It might not seem like a big deal to get cold hands on a rainy ride, or have sweat in your eyes on a hot day, but these things can be distractions and they can turn into serious problems.

Get the Right Gear

The best way to deal with weather is to have the correct gear. Unlike a car, in which you can wear whatever you'd like, a motorcycle requires head-to-toe preparation. This starts with the proper footwear. Boots are a good choice because they provide ankle support for when you are planted waiting for a stop light, but they also provide protection from road debris, water, and heat from your engine. You can wear other types of shoes, too, but make sure to avoid sandals or open toed shoes. You'll also want to make sure you have correct outerwear for battling the rain. Many people put a thin, plastic rain suit in their saddlebags to throw on when the rain comes unexpectedly.

If you're a commuter, however, you might consider investing in a one piece all-weather riding suit. These offer the advantage of lasting longer, being easier to put on and take off, and being more protective.Gloves are another important addition to your riding gear. Make sure to get a pair that's waterproof and shielded in the front. Finally, make sure to get the best quality helmet you can find. Full-faced helmets provide the best protection, but remember to only buy a helmet that fits correctly. A helmet that's too loose or tight can be another distraction.

Inspect Your Bike

It's impossible to ride safely if your bike is itself a danger, so always do a full systems check before you head out. Make sure to inspect the tires and measure their air pressure. Check your oil level and condition, making sure to top it off if it falls below the acceptable level, which is indicated on the dipstick. Look below the bike, too, to make sure it isn't leaking any oil, coolant, brake, or transmission fluid. Test your lights in front (the headlight) and back (the brake and signal lights). As you start to ride, feel the brakes and transmission and make sure they are operating smoothly and without grinding or excessive noise.

Ride with a Clear Head

Never ride when there's something to distract you from paying attention to the job at hand. Riding isn't necessarily difficult, but a small mistake can have outsized consequences. The most obvious tip here is to always ride sober. Drunk riding is against the law, and it's also extremely unsafe. It's important to note that alcohol isn't the only substance that can affect your ability to ride safely. Many drugs, both prescription and over the counter, can cloud judgment and reduce your ability to focus. In addition to riding sober, you should also make sure to reduce other distractions. Only ride if you got enough sleep the night before, and make sure to avoid riding if you are substantially ill.

Riding a motorcycle is a fun, exciting experience. But if you want to stay safe, you'll want to reduce distractions and remove things that could potentially cause problems. If you need riding gear, or service to keep your motorcycle in good shape, stop by Durango Harley-Davidson®. Located in Durango, Colorado, we're just a short drive to Cortez, Alamosa, and Montrose, Colorado.