Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself While Riding Motorcycles

Embracing the raw power of your motorcycle is a great feeling that only a small percentage of road users will understand. The rumble of a cranky V Twin or the speed of your Inline4 will transport you where you want to go with joy and style. But riding does come with responsibility as safety is paramount.

Here is a guide to protecting yourselves while riding your motorcycle.

Wear the Right Gear

Riders know that one of the biggest temptations is to just jump on the bike wearing a T-Shirt and shorts when you need to duck out for a quick errand. And in all honesty, it would feel amazing on a warm summer night. But don't let Murphy and his ugly Law make you one of his victims. Wearing the right gear will save your cherished skin against that ugly asphalt.

Helmet: The most vital organ in your body- your brain. Without a helmet, you risk skull, brain and facial trauma. Protect it with a helmet. Helmets should have a certification of DOT, ECE, SNELL or FIM. These must provide a verified level of safety and performance and ensure that helmets have been tested and meet specific standards set by regulatory or independent organizations.

As it is illegal to not wear a helmet in Australia, save your head and your wallet.

Jacket: Jackets are an awesome addition to an outfit and there are motorcycle jackets out there that protect and look cool. James Dean was on to something. They should be made of durable material such as leather or textile. They are great for abrasion resistance and last longer than other materials. Including reinforced padding or armour in the elbows, shoulder and back will be the best thing for a motorcycle jacket. And if you can have a liner for the winter months and ventilation for those summer months, you have the complete package.

RhinoLeathers Brando Classic Motorcycle Jacket with Armour and Vents looks cool and has all the great essentials. 

Gloves: They’re not just for grip. Quality gloves protect your hands from road rash and weather elements. Look for gloves with knuckle guards and padding in the palm area.

Pants: Regular jeans won’t cut it. Go for riding pants with reinforced knee pads and abrasion-resistant fabric. Or at least, wear Kevlar-lined jeans if you’re a denim die-hard.

Boots: Ankle-high, sturdy boots with non-slip soles are a must. They protect your feet from impact and provide crucial support.

Invest in high-visibility gear or add reflective strips. Remember, being seen is as important as seeing.

Maintain Your Motorcycle

When on the road, your bike is your way of movement, your body on the road. Treat is with care and respect, and it will serve you well for many years to come. Not maintaining or servicing a bike can cause dramas and hurt that nobody wants.

Tyres: The best handling and stability come from the right tyre pressure. Look for cracks, any bulges and sufficient tread depth.

Brakes: Hearing squeaky brakes while travelling is an everyday occurrence. This could be a clear sign that brakes need replacing. Other signs are a grinding sound, reduced brake performance, a spongy feeling, vibration on the brake lever, the bike feeling like it is pulling to one side or excessive dust on the wheel. Brakes should respond swiftly. Inspect brake pads and fluid levels regularly.

Lights and Signals: Visibility on a motorcycle is so important when on the road. Important for you to see clearly and most importantly, for others to see you. Check all lights, headlights, taillights and turn signals are all in working order. If any lights are burnt out, replace immediately.

Fluid Levels: Just as we have blood running through our veins, bikes have their own fluids that keep them going strong. Engine oil, brake fluid and coolant levels should be checked regularly and topped up when necessary.

Chain and Suspension: Keep your chain clean and lubricated and check for proper tension. Also check the suspension system for wear and tear and adjust it according to your riding style and the load.

A well-maintained motorcycle may seem unnecessary, but it will give your bike life while protecting yours.

Ride Defensively

Imagine a world where the road was actually being used for what it was made for. Travelling, riding, cruising. Unfortunately, all road users are hit with Potholes, fallen branches, pedestrians and other road users that certainly test our riding skills. Riding defensively and cautiously is a skill we all need the second we leave that driveway.

Assume You’re Invisible: Motorcycles are a fraction on what a car is. Many drivers simply will not see you. Riding with your lights on and positioning yourself in the lane where you are most visible will certainly make a difference. And don't be afraid to use that horn.

Maintain Safe Distances: Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front. This will give you enough time to react if the person in front brakes suddenly. Having that distance can also show that nasty pothole and give you time to go around it.

Anticipate Hazards: Be aware of your surroundings. Examples are what other vehicles are doing, any debris on the road, the list is endless. Seeing potential hazards in the distance and near, are part of riding.

Communicate Your Intentions: Use all your signals well in advance. This helps other road users around you anticipate your actions. This will drastically lower your chances of having an accident.

Know and Follow Traffic Laws

Knowing and following the road and traffic rules is not a choice and when followed, makes a more enjoyable ride for all.

Speed Limits: It is a thrill pulling that throttle, but once that speedometer goes way past the speed limit, your reaction time reduces, ability to control reduces and chances of having an accident increase. Respect those speed limits for other road users and yourself.

Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is legal in some places and illegal in others. Find out if lane splitting is allowed where you are riding. Know the rules. If you will be lane splitting, always use caution, ride at slower speeds and with a heightened awareness.

Right of Way: It is so easy to sneak through gaps in motorcycles given their size, but giving way, even if you feel it is for safety reasons, will prevent collisions. You are the king of the road and proving your ability will make you feel a whole lot better than a crashed bike and even worse, a massively bruised ego.

Alcohol and Riding: No Brainer! Any kind of alcohol or drugs drastically reduces every ability you need when riding. It's just not worth it.

Ride According to Conditions

Riding is great on a warm summer's sunny day. It's too bad they happen a lot when we are at work. Adjust your riding style to the conditions and you will be riding as an absolute pro.

Wet Roads: Rain and wet roads reduce traction which is what motorcyclists really want on two wheels. Allow for extra stopping distance, ride smoothly and try to avoid abrupt movements. Intersections can be a party place for oil leaks so be wary when approaching and stopping at an intersection.

Night Riding: Night rides equal reduced visibility. Be extra alert, use your high beams where possible and keep your lights bright and clean.

Cold Weather: Cold can really affect riding style. Frozen cold hands don't react as quick when reaching for the brake lever and frost on roads affect tyre traction. Check tyre pressures regularly and dress warm. RhinoLeathers Outrider gloves with rain cover and pocket will help those hands.

Hot Weather: Hot weather can really wear you down. Opting for ventilated gear can really help. This goes along with staying hydrated and taking breaks too.

Continuous Learning and Practice

You can have years of riding experience, but the roads change every day, whether its debris or other road users. Every ride is a new lesson learnt. Keep using your skills to tackle the road and your experience to own it.

Take Advanced Riding Courses: New riders can really benefit from training courses. This can even benefit experienced riders. Learning new techniques for handling your bike is never a bad thing.

Practice Emergency Manoeuvres: Who said practice is just for Learners! Practicing braking hard and swerving can be great for that just in case moment. Repetition means it will come naturally if needed.

Stay Updated on Safety Gear and Technology: We have really come a long way in protection advancements. Checking out and even investing in some new advanced gear will keep you up to date with safety and comfort.

Ride with Experienced Riders: Not for everyone but riding with experienced riders can make you more confident and any advice can help a new rider. Even if it's just a couple of times then you can do your own thing.

Be the boss of your lane. Enjoy the thrill and the adventures that come with riding. But treat the ride and the road with respect. This will save you.