If you’re riding a Harley, you know how important it is to stay safe on the road. These tips will help you protect yourself and your bike.
1. Wear the Right Gear
Wearing the right gear while riding your motorcycle is crucial to your safety. It can reduce your risk of injury and protect you from other distractions such as rain, bugs, heat, and debris on the road. Leather is the most protective material for jackets and pants; abrasion-resistant jeans with Kevlar lining are also popular options. Long heavy pants with a thick layer of padding on the knees and hips are also essential. Over the ankle boots are another option that offer extra protection to your legs and feet.
2. Be Prepared
If you’re not prepared, it’s easy to get in trouble on a bike. If you’re tired, angry or distracted, you can make rookie mistakes that could end up in a crash, injuries or worse. For example, if you’re in a traffic jam, try to maintain a generous following distance and good lane position as much as possible. That way you will have plenty of space if a car or truck gets in your path. It will also help you avoid a collision. This is a lot safer than riding too close to the cars in front of you and trying to pass them.
3. Don’t Shift Or Wiggle Unexpectedly
One of the best ways to stay safe on a Harley is to not shift or wiggle unexpectedly. Unexpected shifting or wiggles can cause your bike to lean out of control and could result in serious injury. If you must shift or wiggle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimum safety and control. In addition, make sure to check the mirrors and turn signals frequently while riding a Harley Davidson. Then, take a moment to read the road signs and obey any pedestrian warnings you may encounter.
4. Don’t Rush Corners
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes riders make is rushing corners. They try to turn too fast and end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road completely. The best way to keep your head pointed in the right direction is to look around the corner. This allows you to see where you want to go and any debris that might come into your path. This can help you avoid collisions with cars, pedestrians, and other road hazards. In addition, you’ll be more aware of what is happening around you and able to correct your position if necessary.
5. Don’t Drink And Ride
Whether you’re at a biker bar or going out on your Harley after a few drinks, it’s important to be aware of the consequences of drinking and riding. Alcohol impairs a rider’s motor skills and judgment, which can make it difficult for them to ride safely. As a result, drunk riders are unfortunately more likely to crash than drivers of cars or trucks.