Motorcycle Safety Tips

Whether you’re a brand new rider or a long-time veteran, safety should always be the priority. We hear it all the time and it’s the truth: motorcycles can be very dangerous. You don’t want to be adding to that danger by being an irresponsible rider. There are some simple steps you can take with each ride to ensure a safe experience for you and those around you. We’ve put together a brief list of safety tips below for you to get familiar with. Please feel free to give us a call or stop by Wild Fire Harley-Davidson® dealership in Villa Park, Illinois if you have any questions or simply want to check out our motorcycles or riding gear!

Weather Conditions

You’ll want to get in the habit of checking the weather conditions before you ride. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t offer much protection from the elements. Riding in warm weather may seem like a no-brainer but extreme heat can lead to dehydration, which has threatening side effects like nausea, dizziness, heat stroke, and blurred vision. It may also seem like no big deal to ride through a bit of rain but remember how quickly your body temperature can drop when you’re speeding through the wind in the freezing cold downpour. Not to mention that it can be quite the harrowing task to navigate a motorcycle on wet, slick, or icy roads. Checking the weather before riding can help you decide if conditions are safe enough for you and your motorcycle.

Gear Choices

Another important consideration is your gear. Wearing a helmet is an absolute must and shouldn’t require much thought. You want a helmet that fits comfortably and is crash test certified. Your head is the most vulnerable part of your body, so be sure to choose a helmet that covers as much of your face as possible, including mouth and jaw. If you choose a helmet that doesn’t have a face shield for your eyes, then you should consider goggles.

In addition to your helmet, you'll want a durable pair of riding boots and a solid pair of gloves to protect your extremities. When choosing your riding clothes, there are a number of options. What’s most important is that you choose riding clothes that are heavy-duty and will offer maximum protection. Even if it’s warm out, you’ll want to protect your entire body because if you take a tumble, your riding clothes are the only thing protecting you from the road. Layers can be very effective in providing adequate protection. Harley-Davidson® offers a massive collection of riding gear, so that’s always a great place to start.

Pre-Ride Inspection

You should always inspect your motorcycle before you ride. Pre-ride inspections should consist of the following checklist: check tire pressure and treads, look for any leaks or loose parts, check the fuel, oil and coolant levels, and verify that the chains, brakes, clutch, and throttle are all in working order. This may seem redundant after the first few times, but pre-ride inspections are an extremely crucial element in practicing safe riding. After all, it’s better to find and fix a problem prior to riding than while you’re on the road!

Eyes on the Road

Last but not least, remember that when you’re riding your motorcycle on the road, that’s the only thing you should be focused on. Be aware of your surroundings at all times because as previously discussed, motorcycles don’t offer the same type of protection as cars. You’re vulnerable and exposed when you’re on your bike. When paying attention to the road, keep an eye on the cars around you as well. You should be prepared to anticipate traffic changes and be able to pull over if necessary.

Learning about motorcycle safety can be overwhelming at first, but once you’ve gotten used to it, it’ll seem like second nature. You’ll want to freshen up on your safety awareness from time to time, too. We hope that this guide has been a helpful starting point. At Wild Fire Harley-Davidson®, we take motorcycle safety very seriously. Don’t hesitate to give us a buzz or visit our dealership in Villa Park, Illinois if you want to know more!