It’s been a rough spring, but winter is behind us in most areas of the country, and summer is in full swing. The days are now filled with sunshine and warm weather, vacations and outdoor activities. Summer also brings on that itch that all motorcycle owners are familiar with. No, we’re not talking about mosquito bites.
MotoMax, North Carolina’s largest motorcycle financing dealership, wants to see everyone experience a fun and safe summer on the road. We’ve put together some motorcycle safety tips to help you – and other drivers around you – accomplish that. We know that you can be the best rider on the road, but if another driver doesn’t see you coming, it could be catastrophic. However, there are measures you can take to make your ride safer. If you have the itch to hit the road this summer, take these tips to heart. It’s not just for you – it’s for those you love, too.
Check out your bike.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your motorcycle out on the road, give it a thorough going-over. Check the tire pressure and tread, oil and fuel levels, and all signal lights, including brake lights. Consider getting your machine tuned up if it’s time. MotoMax can help with this. Our service department is open six days a week, and our factory certified technicians are motorcycle enthusiasts just like you. We’ll get you back on the road in no time.
Consider a rider safety course.
As riders, we know safety first. Whether your a new rider or a seasoned one looking to brush up on your riding skills, it’s always a great idea to take a safety course before getting on the road. Rider safety courses not only teach the safety basics of how to ride, but they also help build confidence on the bike. Take a rider safety course before you hit the road.
Wear the right gear.
Make sure you wear appropriate summer safety gear. Motorcycle pants, shirts, jackets, and boots are all designed to protect you in the event of a crash. Always wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation standards at a minimum. Even better, go with a Snell certified helmet for maximum protection. Make sure the helmet is appropriate for the type of riding you plan on doing. Helmets save thousands of lives every year. Don’t leave home without it.
Goggles are also part of your gear. Wear them, or wear a helmet with a visor. Not only will this protect your eyes from bright sunshine and road glare, but goggles and visors also protect your eyes from bugs and objects like small rocks or sand that might fly up from a driver’s tires in front of you. Goggles also help prevent dryness and strain on your eyes from heavy wind at highway speeds.
Another word on gear. Never get on a motorcycle with open-toed shoes. It’s tempting in the summer, but don’t do it. As with the rest of your gear, motorcycle boots are designed for protection on the road. Keep those tootsies safe and tucked inside a good pair of boots.
Make yourself visible.
Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and because of that, inattentive drivers may not motorcycles as well as they see larger vehicles. Make yourself as visible as possible on the road. Wear bright colors or clothing with reflective tape, make sure your lights are on at all times, and always maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles. Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots if possible, and don’t be afraid to honk if necessary. It’s better to be annoying than to get injured.
Drive safely and courteously.
Again, we know you’re a good driver, but the driver of the car you just went whipping past doesn’t know that. There’s very little that’s as unnerving to a car driver as a motorcycle rider that’s weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the shoulder, or popping a wheelie right in front of them. You may feel completely safe and confident in what you’re doing, but chances are good that you’re making drivers of the cars around you very nervous. Nervous drivers are unpredictable drivers. Don’t put yourself in that situation. Be respectful, drive safely and courteously, and follow the rules of the road.
Drive with the SEE strategy in mind.
Take a proactive approach to your own safety. Drive with the SEE Strategy in mind. The SEE Strategy – Search, Evaluate, Execute – was created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to encourage riders to be an active part of the motorcycle driving process. By using these tactics on the road, you take a proactive stance and may give yourself more time to react if something unexpected occurs.
Know your limits.
Know your own limits and the limits of your bike. Don’t take it places where it’s not meant to go, and don’t ride on surfaces you’re not comfortable with or experienced at driving on. Sand and gravel react much differently under your tires than smooth pavement does.
Don’t drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. Ever. It’s never worth the risk.
MotoMax wants all motorcycle riders to have a safe and exciting summer full of long road trips and adventure. Stop in and visit our dealership in Raleigh, NC, for all your motorcycle needs. We’re more than just the largest bad credit motorcycle financing dealership in central North Carolina. We also have a service department as well as a parts department. We’ll help you get your ride tuned up and ready to hit the road this summer.
Of course, if you’re pining for a new ride, we’re happy to help with that, too. MotoMax has been providing in-house financing for motorcycles since 2008 to customers in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Knightdale, Oxford, Wake Forest, Henderson, and Youngsville. Stop in and see us today. Then get out on the road and have a safe trip!
