Important Safety Tips To Follow Before New Riders Become Road Warriors

You just got your
first motorcycle and even just passed the motorcycle driver's
license test, so maybe you think you're ready for the road.
However, before you take off on the open road, you need to consider
some extremely vital things that might have not been discussed in
your training.
While owning and riding a motorcycle is extremely fun, it's
absolutely vital to take motorcycle riding as a responsibility when
you're on the road. Here are a few tips to follow before you turn
into a road warrior:
1) Do Not Drink And Ride

No matter if you've just
turned 21 or 50 years old, riding a motorcycle with even one drink
in you could be very dangerous. Even though this tip should be
obvious, a lot of first time riders find themselves in accidents
because they had one or two drinks before hitting the road.
While it varies from person to person, two beers before riding a
motorcycle can have the same effect as six beers before a driving a
car. Motorcycle driving requires split-second reactions and
precision that are extremely difficult to grasp while intoxicated.
Simple turns that you're just learning get much more difficult with
alcohol in you, so steer clear.
2) Inspect Your Ride Before You Go

When you first get to
your bike, you should inspect it before you take off. A loose
chain or underinflated tire
could cause you to wreck. While in a car, small issues like this
are much less catastrophic. Turn on your bike and let it run for a
while and adjust your mirrors. You never want to adjust mirrors
while driving because it takes your eyes off the road. If you find
oil or any fluid leaking from your bike, have a professional to
inspect your ride before you take off. The last thing you want is
to be stranded somewhere because you didn't check first.
3) Stay Away From Severe Weather

If you just got
your motorcycle and are ready to roll, don't take your chances in
bad weather. Your margin of error is dramatically reduced when
you're riding in slippery road conditions. Additionally, your
visibility is limited in the rain and your overall control is
limited. If you get stuck in severe weather, know that bumps and
potholes are harder to locate, so drive slow and brake gently. When
approaching railroad tracks, take them at as much of a 90-degree
angle as possible to reduce slippage.
4) Focus On Your Direction

This is something
your motorcycle instructor should have taught you, but it's key to
riding safely: Always look in the direction you want to go. Turning
on a corner can force you to look in other directions or straight
ahead, which you'll quickly realize affects your ability to turn
smoothly. Instead, look at the lane you want to take and your bike
will take you there. Don't let other traffic distractions get in
your way and always focus on where you're going.
5) Get Proper-Fitting Apparel

For first time riders, it's smart to wear motorcycle gear that appropriately fits you. Make sure your helmet is snug and doesn't move around. Additionally, your motorcycle jacket, pants, gloves and protective back shield should all fit snug. When you're riding a motorcycle, loose gear tends to flop around in the wind, which can take your focus off driving. Having the right gear will not only reduce distractions, but it will protect your body better in the instance of an accident.