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Motorcycle Tips and Tricks

A smart motorcycle rider is one who lives by the rules of the road, not by the seat of his or her pants. Motorcyclists are sharing the road with semis, cars, trucks, tankers, mini-vans, and even bicyclists. There isn't three or more tons of steel separating you and the pavement. What's separating you is knowledge and common sense. Here's a few good tips to keep in mind:

Novice Rider 

  • When taking your motorcycle home for the first time, pay attention to the bike: how it feels, how it sounds, begin to get to know it: the clutch, the brakes. Don't be taking in the billboard with the beautiful lady telling you to get to the casino or you may have a bad day picking yourself up off the road after dumping your brand new bike. 
  • Take a motorcycle course. Don't just listen to friends and relatives tell you how to ride. They may be telling you wrong. Uncle Jimmy may love riding with Harley with his hair in the wind wearing a tank top and shorts at 60 miles per hour, but if you do and wipe out, chances are your new bike will be trashed and so will you. 
  • Don't ride your bike if you are very tired. There's no substitute for a rested ride. Coffee and stimulant medicines will just hype you up and possibly make you too jittery for safe travel. Stop at a rest stop and get a power nap. If it's night and you can afford it, get a room. 
  • Squeeze both levers if you get into trouble while riding. The bike may dump, but you will likely get out of any troubles. 

Motorcycle Safety 

  • Carry proper ID and a cell phone with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact listed. 
  • Wear proper riding gear, including a good leather jacket to protect you if you happen to wipe out on the road. 
  • NEVER ride without a helmet and NEVER remove the helmet following anything greater than a marginal accident because there may be a concussion or spinal injury. 
  • If you wipe out while riding, you'll likely end up with at least, road rash. First degree road rash is a superficial abrasion that needs no medical treatment. Second degree road rash permeates the outer layer of skin and will need a first aid kit; third degree road rash is potentially life-threatening and will need an ER as the fat and tendons under the skin may be involved and infection can occur. 

Two Great Rules for Riding in Traffic That May Keep You Alive 

  • Keep a vehicle on your right when you enter an intersection. Slow down when entering the intersection keeping your bike to the left side of your lane as much as possible. This enables you to swerve left to the back of the car and back to the right if a car turns left in front of you. Sometimes you will have to use both your brakes and "lay 'er down (avoiding crashing)."  
  • Use your head and use your eyes. Know what's happening about 12 seconds in front of you at all times. No scenery, no gaping at billboards. 

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