Tips for Your Next Motorcycle Adventure

     

 

Make sure you’re prepared the next time you hit the open road. Here are 10 tips for staying safe and making the most of your next motorcycle trip.

1. Always wear a helmet — it’s 29% more effective in preventing fatalities in the event of a crash. Just make sure to pick a helmet that’s the right size and fit for you and that meets the minimum safety standards of the Department of Transportation (indicated by a DOT label in the back of the helmet).

2. When it rains, it doesn’t have to pour … down your back. Wrap a small towel around your neck to keep the water from running down. Regardless of the forecast, always carry rain gear with you.

3. Pack lightweight synthetic clothing and towels (they’re easy to wash and dry much more quickly than cotton), long sleeves and pants, gloves, eyewear and boots to protect you from the elements and reflective accessories for riding at night.

4. As you’re loading your gear, keep the majority of the weight close to the bike’s center of gravity.

5. Keep a spare key on your bike, just in case you lose yours, or trade spares with a friend who’s along for the ride.

6. Bring extra bungee cords and zip ties. You never know when you’ll need ’em.

7. Use earplugs. The reduced noise will make your ride more comfortable, not to mention it’s better for your ears.

8. Know when you need to pit stop. Have cash on hand and budget wisely, in case certain credit cards aren’t welcome. And just because you know a gas station is up ahead, doesn’t mean it’s open or has fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel range – a 6-gallon fuel tank should be enough for 90% of road trips.

9. Take a safety course. Motosport breaks down 6 options that would benefit even the most experienced riders.

10. Remember: Sometimes accidents happen. Don’t forget your license and motorcycle insurance.

Happy Riding~

~IO