Motorcycle Safety Tips
Each time you hop aboard your motorcycle, you assume a certain level of risk. While you can't make your ride 100% risk-free, you can certainly take steps to prevent and reduce some of the risks. Here at BMW Motorcycles of Burbank, we care about your safety. That's why we created the following guide of motorcycle safety tips below. Part of safety also involves keeping your motorcycle running smoothly. If you notice any issues, bring it in for a repair or parts replacement. We proudly serve those in Los Angeles, California.
Pre-Ride Inspection
One cause of accidents and issues is when the motorcycle isn't operating as normal. Too low tire tread can lose traction, which can lead to dangerous slide outs. Weak brakes won't be able to bring you to a stop in time to prevent a collision. There are many ways your motorcycle's maintenance issues can jeopardize your safety. That's why it's so important to do pre-ride inspections. Here you are looking over your motorcycle for any issues before you hit the open road.
There are many things to look for. First, check your tires. Do they have enough tread? How about your air pressure levels? Your owner's manual will tell you the proper amounts. Next, check your fluids, such as brake fluids, oil, and coolant. Fill up anything that's running low. Finally, go for a short test ride and make sure everything (braking, accelerating, turning, etc) is going as normal.
The Gear
You need certain pieces of attire to stay safe on your ride. You know you need a helmet, of course. But it's just as important that it's well-fitting and received high crash test ratings.
You'll also want a pair of gloves. These help you maintain your grip and keep your hands ready to manipulate the controls. Rain and sweat can make your hands slippery while cold temperatures can make them shiver. Neither is good for keeping control of your motorcycle!
Finally, you'll want the right clothing. Wear bright shirts and pants to help improve your visibility on the road. Make sure the fabric is full-length and can guard your skin in the event of a crash.
The Weather
The weather plays a large role in the safety of your journey. Some weather situations merit staying home (such as storms, hailing, or intense heat). Others won't have to keep your home but will require you to adapt your riding accordingly.
If it's lightly raining, you'll have less traction on the road. Leave more space for braking, lane changing, and so on. You'll also want to leave more space between you and other motorists (in case they suddenly small on their brakes). Don't forget to throw on waterproof outerwear (it only takes a little bit of moisture combined with the wind to make you miserably cold). If it's going to be hot, you'll need to be proactive against dehydration by drinking plenty of water. If it's going to be cold, you'll want to layer up so that you can stay warm. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and ensure you are equipped for what's to come.
We hope you found our guide helpful! If you need any motorcycle maintenance before your next ride, bring your bike into BMW Motorcycles of Burbank. Our expert staff can conduct repairs and replacement parts to get your vehicle running like new. We also offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale for all budgets and riding levels. We proudly serve those in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, California as well as other parts of SoCal.