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Motorcycle Safety Primer

11K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  Alisa 
#1 ·


Motorcycling has always been about fun and without a doubt it can be a blast, but it’s not a video game, or a trip to an over-safety-engineered amusement park.

Like a lot of higher-stakes adrenaline rushes, riding is a measured gambit, and one to always maintain a healthy respect for. But most people know this already, so what is there to talk about right? Wrong.

Even the best riders crash. Sometimes it is their fault. Sometimes not. Does it really matter if you or someone you care about goes down and gets hurt? Sure it matters on one level, but even more important is ensuring it does not happen in the first place – or if it does anyway, you are as prepared as possible.

Unlike automobile driving, motorcycling involves far more variables to pay attention to. These include details involved with protecting yourself, improving your ability and focus, making sure your machine is in good working order, and watching out for the other driver.

Riding takes more skills and focus than driving a car, and the penalty for getting it wrong is usually more severe. As such, we’ll hit some of the high spots to stay mindful of.

Gear

Though most states don't require you to wear one, we can't think of a good idea not to put on a helmet when you ride.

Nearly two-thirds of American states now require no helmet for most riders, or certified motorcycle-specific clothing. It may be your right not to wear these, but never is it a good idea.

All sanctioned racing requires full coverage helmets that meet minimum certification standards, and head-to-toe protection. If the pros know the gear serves a life-saving purpose, doesn’t that suggest everyday riders should follow their example?

True, it can be tempting on a hot day to forget the leather or textile, but why take that chance? There is gear made for every climate from cold weather to super hot.

Road rash and broken bones are serious business, as many an experienced rider can tell you. With no crash cage around you, and the increased likelihood of one day hitting the ground or another immovable object, why risk it?


More: Motorcycle Safety Primer on Motorcycle.com
 
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#4 · (Edited)
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#5 ·
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#6 ·
To me there are a few direct paths to being safer.

1. Plan ahead. Think about where you are going to be, not where you are. Keep your mind way ahead of your azz.

2. Keep a mental picture of what's around you. If you are in 3 lanes of traffic and someone stopped time and covered your eyes, you should be able to identify what is around you in all 3 lanes from memory. After a while you automatically do this, even when driving a car (and you should) without making a conscious effort.

3. Keep your head and eyes level with the horizon and look with your whole head in the direction you are headed.

Watch Freddie's head and where he is looking...





4. Give this a read... A lot of it doesn't apply to riding a cruiser on the public roads, but the concept of throttle control, the concept of "$10 worth of attention", and the concept of "looking without LOOKING" are excellent.

http://files.meetup.com/1510087/A Twist of the Wrist II.pdf
 
#7 ·
To me there are a few direct paths to being safer.

1. Plan ahead. Think about where you are going to be, not where you are. Keep your mind way ahead of your azz.

2. Keep a mental picture of what's around you. If you are in 3 lanes of traffic and someone stopped time and covered your eyes, you should be able to identify what is around you in all 3 lanes from memory. After a while you automatically do this, even when driving a car (and you should) without making a conscious effort.

3. Keep your head and eyes level with the horizon and look with your whole head in the direction you are headed.

Watch Freddie's head and where he is looking...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxN9TVGvZEM



4. Give this a read... A lot of it doesn't apply to riding a cruiser on the public roads, but the concept of throttle control, the concept of "$10 worth of attention", and the concept of "looking without LOOKING" are excellent.

http://files.meetup.com/1510087/A Twist of the Wrist II.pdf
Man, Freddie is smooth.... Thanks for posting this...
 
#8 ·
People can wear dog dishes for helmets and leather vests if they want - to each his own. But I'm not out there making a fashion statement. I dress to crash. Last year, I did just that, and received minor injuries in an over the handlebars crash at 45 mph. Enough about that - crash and burn stories are boring.
Another thing - alcohol.
It was once believed that when riding a motorcycle you were multi tasking. You're not. You're switch tasking, from one thing to the next really quickly. One drink can slow up your reactions in an "oh f#@k moment" and make the difference in an emergency. These days, I take the motorcycle home, and go back to the pub for my victory lap beer.cheers
Keep it between the ditches, my friends.
 
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