SAFE RIDING: KNOW THE RISKS!
The most unfortunate stats for any motorcycle rider are the numbers of accidents on two wheels. Here are some details you won’t like reading:
Motorcyclists as total percentage of traffic: 1%
Motorcyclists as total percentage of fatalities: 18%
Number of motorcyclist deaths in 2005: 569
Number of motorcyclist serious injuries in 2005: 5,939
I hope you agree that, unlike the performance stats for that superbike you’ve got your eye on, these figures are nothing worth boasting about.
And as a result, I can recommend some modifications to your road-going set up. Here are those canny adjustments :
* Wear an approved bike helmet
Colour: white or at least bright.
Requirements: undamaged, securely fitting
* Wear protective clothing
Colour: fluorescent (day), reflective (night).
Look for: Good quality, ISI seal of approval.
Fine conditions: leathers offer unbeatable protection from grazing.
Wet conditions: weatherproof armoured clothing keeps you dry and focussed
* Check your visor
Watch out for: dirt, scratches.
Note: avoid tinted visor or goggles at night
The final component you might want to enhance in time for the next journey is YOU. Tighten up your technique, especially at T-junctions.
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MOTORCYCLE SECURITY
The Facts about Theft
Motorcycle theft remains a growing problem. Every year more motorcycles are stolen, more motorcyclists are disappointed and inconvenienced.
* It takes approximately 12 seconds to steal an unprotected motorcycle
* A motorcycle is stolen on average every 10 minutes
* Approximately 140 motorcycles are stolen every day
* Less than 14% of stolen motorcycles are recovered
* Theft accounts for one third of insurance claims
Unbelievably..
More than half of all motorcyclists neglect to use any form of motorcycle security!
Advice
According to Police statistics, 50% of bikes are stolen by the opportunist or “Joy-rider”. Incredibly, they also estimate that 50% of riders do not lock their machines. Reduce the risk of theft by following these simple steps:
* Buy the best lock you can afford and always use it
* Alarms can be very effective but they are only really effective if also used with a lock
* If you have a garage, always use it and remember to lock the bike and set the alarm - your insurance policy may require this anyway
* When parking your bike try to avoid using the same parking spot every day and lock your bike to a secure immovable object wherever possible
* Never leave your lock resting on the ground and always lock it as tight to your bike as possible - this makes it much more difficult for thieves to attack
* Remember to maintain your lock. Keep it free from dirt and oil moving parts regularly
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MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE TIPS
The essential accessory for touring by motorcycle has to be some form of luggage carrier. If touring was in mind at the time of purchase, then your bike may already be fitted with factory luggage. Many riders want more versatility from their machine often opting for a sport-tourer or one of the many other styles of bike now available.
Motorcycle luggage is available in as many forms as styles of bike and each has its advantages over others. As you did when you selected your motorcycle it is important to choose the type that fits your specific needs. Some of the options available to select from are as follows:
Soft Luggage
The majority of soft luggage available is designed for universal fitment but some companies do manufacture bike-specific items. The bags are typically made of tough water-resistant material and can be fixed to the bike in a variety of locations. This style of luggage is ideal for short trips where a limited load is needed or for occasional touring use. Fitment is often very easy and it doesn’t need to be a permanent fixture on the bike. It’s always a good idea to have your bike with you when shopping for soft luggage. Try it on the bike before you buy and have the dealer demonstrate how to fit it correctly. Know exactly what requirements you have before you make a purchase and inform the dealer so that they can advise you of the selection available.
Hard Luggage
Often fitted to touring motorcycles as standard, several companies produce aftermarket bike-specific versions for a wide variety of models. This type of luggage is often more expensive than the soft type but has the advantage of higher security, better weather protection and increased capacity. Some systems are quick release and the style is often in line with the bike. Colour options are now common and most models can be fully or partially colour co-ordinated. Availability for your bike can be checked by your motorcycle dealer or via the internet.
Top Tips
* Carrying any type of luggage on your bike will have an effect on the handling characteristics of the machine
* Always make sure that the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding loading is followed and that the luggage is fixed to the bike correctly and securely
* Suspension settings and tyre pressures can have a significant effect on the handling performance of your bike when carrying extra load. It’s always worth having a competent mechanic adjust your bike’s settings if you intend to go touring
* The addition of luggage to the rear of the bike can exaggerate tyre wear issues.
* Always take care when first riding your bike after luggage is being carried as instability may be more noticeable on some models, particularly under deceleration
* In most cases, instability can be corrected with suspension and tyre inflation adjustment
* Never exceed the load capacity guidelines of the luggage manufacturer or exceed the recommended maximum speed. These limits are in place for your safety
* Always get advice from your dealer before you buy and try soft luggage on the bike to ensure a firm and secure fit. If you’re not sure, ASK!
* Take a spare key with you for hard luggage as a lost key can spoil your trip
* Load heavy items within your luggage as near to the bike’s centre of mass as possible to reduce the effect on handling
* The addition of luggage may increase the width of your bike. Try to find luggage that does not exceed the width of your mirrors to avoid problems
* Check luggage security regularly throughout your trip. Soft luggage in particular can and will move around on the bike to a degree and newly fitted parts can work free
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Please add more tips for fellow riders to have a safe and memorable ride
Cheers!
-Ananth-