Six Tips for First-Time Motorcycle Operators

Motorcycle riding is fun and thrilling, but you are also much more vulnerable than you are when driving a car. That makes it essential that, as a first-time motorcycle operator, you do not become overconfident. Here are six motorcycle riding tips in Las Vegas for your first local motorcycle tour:

  • Look out: Hazards that pose no threat when you are in a car could land you in the hospital if you encounter them on a motorcycle. You will need to be extra careful as you operate the bike—double check for medians, potholes, road debris, small animals and people. The other thing to understand is that you will go where you look, so be careful on target fixation. Slight distractions can take you off the road.
  • Work on defensive driving skills: As stated earlier, you are vulnerable. The best way to assure you stay safe is to assume that everyone fails to look for you and is likely to hit you. While drivers will see your car, they may not check for motorcycles. Also, distracted driving is an issue, and you can easily be hit by someone texting or eating while driving. Keep a safe distance, and if it appears someone does not see you, assume that is the case. This will help you protect yourself.
  • Turn off the choke: This is a common novice mistake and it will lead to your bike running unnaturally rough for too long. As long as you do not make this mistake too often, it will not cause damage. You will, however, waste fuel and treat your engine roughly. Once you realize you have to fill up more often than usual, turning off the choke will become second nature.
  • Adjust your mirrors before driving: Most motorcycle mirrors do not adjust without a wrench. Before you ride, check them to make sure they are at your preferred angles. To do this, get on your bike and check the mirrors and see whether you get a good view. You want to have as much peripheral vision as possible. If you find a blind spot, eliminate it before you ride.
  • Wear the right gear: No one wants to think about their bike going down, but it happens. If this occurs, denim will not protect you, and there are few things worse than road rash. Purchase good motorcycle leathers to keep you safe. Look into armored pants and jackets for even better protection. Buy a helmet that fits well, and do not forget boots and gloves. All these items can save your life and help you walk away from an accident with annoying injuries rather than life-altering (or life-ending) ones.
  • Remember that chrome is hot: We all love chrome, but summer in the desert is about to begin. You only have to burn yourself once on that beautiful chrome before you learn your lesson forever. As these burns can be painful and serious, avoid them entirely by wearing your gear and avoiding touching chrome when your bike has been sitting in the sun.

Escape Eagles offers rentals for motorcycle riding in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. If this is your first time renting from us, feel free to ask questions and gain motorcycle riding tips before setting out on your grand adventure.

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Six Tips for First-Time Motorcycle Operators

Motorcycle riding is fun and thrilling, but you are also much more vulnerable than you are when driving a car. That makes it essential that, as a first-time motorcycle operator, you do not become overconfident. Here are six motorcycle riding tips in Las Vegas for your first local motorcycle tour:

  • Look out: Hazards that pose no threat when you are in a car could land you in the hospital if you encounter them on a motorcycle. You will need to be extra careful as you operate the bike—double check for medians, potholes, road debris, small animals and people. The other thing to understand is that you will go where you look, so be careful on target fixation. Slight distractions can take you off the road.
  • Work on defensive driving skills: As stated earlier, you are vulnerable. The best way to assure you stay safe is to assume that everyone fails to look for you and is likely to hit you. While drivers will see your car, they may not check for motorcycles. Also, distracted driving is an issue, and you can easily be hit by someone texting or eating while driving. Keep a safe distance, and if it appears someone does not see you, assume that is the case. This will help you protect yourself.
  • Turn off the choke: This is a common novice mistake and it will lead to your bike running unnaturally rough for too long. As long as you do not make this mistake too often, it will not cause damage. You will, however, waste fuel and treat your engine roughly. Once you realize you have to fill up more often than usual, turning off the choke will become second nature.
  • Adjust your mirrors before driving: Most motorcycle mirrors do not adjust without a wrench. Before you ride, check them to make sure they are at your preferred angles. To do this, get on your bike and check the mirrors and see whether you get a good view. You want to have as much peripheral vision as possible. If you find a blind spot, eliminate it before you ride.
  • Wear the right gear: No one wants to think about their bike going down, but it happens. If this occurs, denim will not protect you, and there are few things worse than road rash. Purchase good motorcycle leathers to keep you safe. Look into armored pants and jackets for even better protection. Buy a helmet that fits well, and do not forget boots and gloves. All these items can save your life and help you walk away from an accident with annoying injuries rather than life-altering (or life-ending) ones.
  • Remember that chrome is hot: We all love chrome, but summer in the desert is about to begin. You only have to burn yourself once on that beautiful chrome before you learn your lesson forever. As these burns can be painful and serious, avoid them entirely by wearing your gear and avoiding touching chrome when your bike has been sitting in the sun.

Escape Eagles offers rentals for motorcycle riding in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. If this is your first time renting from us, feel free to ask questions and gain motorcycle riding tips before setting out on your grand adventure.

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