Thinking about getting on a motorcycle for the first time? Maybe you always had a fantasy where you are riding down the road with the wind in your face? It's never too late to make that dream come true, but a beginning motorcycle rider should take some precautions and take the time to learn about their new hobby first. Here are some tips for the beginning motorcycle rider, to stay safe and have fun at the same time:
Picking a Motorcycle
It's crucial to select the right motorcycle for your needs and desires. Do you want a motorcycle built for speed or maybe you just want a motorcycle that allows you to cruise down the road at your leisure? Maybe you just want to save money on gas and get from point A to point B quickly? It's important to decide exactly what you want out of the experience and then research different makes and models for your purposes. It may also be helpful to visit local dealers and ask them for recommendations for bikes.
Lessons
So you've driven a car for 30 years, does that mean you can jump on a bike for the first time, instantly know what you're doing and be a safe motorcyclist? Highly unlikely. If you have never ridden a bike before, it's essential to take a motorcycle safety course. Taking a course can drastically reduce the chances of having an accident on your bike. It's certainly worth the time and money to invest in taking a safety course for everyone who may ride your bike. You may also consider getting a book to help you brush up on basic motorcycle safety and riding rules.
Practice
Once you have learned the basics of motorcycle safety, it's important to practice riding first. Whether in your driveway, down a little used street or alleyway, try to practice steering the bike, leaning, using turn signals, the brakes, using the mirrors, stopping and any other controls. Honk the horn a few times. Sit on the bike a while and get comfortable before turning the key. On your first ride, be cautious as you may be prone to falling. Whether or not you choose to learn motorcycle safety, take a course or learn from a book or instructor, putting some time into getting familiar with your bike and practicing basic procedures is a smart thing to do.
Safety Equipment
Choosing the right safety equipment and accessories is also essential. A helmet should be your first priority. A good helmet will be comfortable but still protect your head in an accident. For first time riders, also consider extra padding, including padding for the knees. Goggles are also important, a good pair of goggles are important for glare reduction, protection of your eyes in all weather situations and for protection from flying debris like pebbles, rocks, dirt and bugs. Other accessories should include gloves and a jacket. Another safety tip for beginning riders is to stick out by choosing bright colored clothing and a helmet. Whether it's a white, orange, red or neon helmet, your chances of being in an accident go down quite a bit by just making this choice.
Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, offering motorcycle goggles, snowboarding goggles and sunglasses for everyday. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com
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