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Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips

Aug. 30 2024 Safety By Appleton Harley-Davidson

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Riding a motorcycle offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with inherent risks. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide little protection in the event of an accident, making safety a top priority for riders. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the world of motorcycling, following these safety tips can help you stay safe on the road.

Wear the Right Gear

The first line of defense in motorcycle safety is wearing appropriate gear. This includes:

  • Helmet: Always wear a DOT-approved helmet. A full-face helmet offers the best protection, covering your head, face, and chin. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash.
  • Jacket and Pants: Choose motorcycle-specific jackets and pants made of durable materials like leather or textile with armor protection at key areas such as the elbows, shoulders, knees, and back. These provide abrasion resistance and impact protection.
  • Gloves: Wear gloves that cover your entire hand and offer protection against abrasions and impacts. Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles and padded palms for added safety.
  • Boots: Proper riding boots should cover your ankles and offer good grip, support, and protection. Avoid sneakers or sandals, as they offer little protection.
  • Eye Protection: If your helmet doesn’t have a face shield, wear shatterproof goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris.

Ride Defensively

One of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road is by adopting a defensive riding style. This means being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards. Key defensive riding practices include:

  • Stay Visible: Position yourself where you are most visible to other drivers, and avoid riding in blind spots. Use your headlights during the day and wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility.
  • Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you enough time to react if the vehicle suddenly stops or swerves.
  • Be Predictable: Avoid sudden movements or lane changes. Signal your intentions clearly and in advance, allowing other drivers to anticipate your actions.
  • Watch for Road Hazards: Be on the lookout for potential hazards such as potholes, gravel, oil spills, or debris on the road. These can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle if not avoided.
  • Anticipate Other Drivers’ Actions: Always assume that other drivers may not see you. Be prepared for sudden lane changes, vehicles pulling out in front of you, or cars turning without signaling.

Motorcycle riding offers unmatched excitement and freedom, but it requires a strong commitment to safety. If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale, visit Appleton Harley-Davidson® in Appleton, Wisconsin, to see what we have in stock. We welcome all those coming from Green Bay.