Ananth

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-

MG

Topic Approved

@ananth-Is this written by you?If not then please mention the source.

inder.cool

Dude Ananth...!! would like some clarifications(i hope u dont mind )...!!

How does this happen...!!?? If the bike is parked in soceity parking as well..??

By this do you mean an external lock or bike's handle lock...!!

I didnt understand these points mentioned above...!!?? would you plz throw some light on this...as to why these points are to be followed..!!

prakash_mvpa

it seems like a ctrl+c and a ctrl+v . ROFL ! see the first sentence :
^where?in india?

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leon_nerd

Thanks for sharing. Nice information. But, please do mention the source. It's ok to copy paste things. Just give the credit to the right sources.

Source: Safe Riding: Know the Risks

Not all the info is valid for India but nevertheless are to remember as a biker.

L.P.

Thanks For the Article... It's Good
Or rather it should be put this way.. That you can loose bike in a couple of seconds..
When ilost my keys,the bike was in parking with it's handle open,it just took me some seconds to get it started and take it home..
MINDA.. no local locks.. the handle,tank and side panel.. all stock or genuine if changed..

To be very honest,even i can not tell what the second point is..
by changin the place of your bike regularly..if some is having an eye,helps us to get his mind off the bike as he might not find the bike on the day he wants it to be there...as shown in hollywood flicks its shown that a particular car is parked every day at a particular spot and they steal it...
oiling and keeping the lock fully functional reduces the chances to break open open it..dont get into the nitty-gritty's of it...

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animeher

I remember reading it for some other country, where bike thefts are so common, that the bikers usually use a chain and lock to bind the motorcycle to a pole or gate, like we do for bicycles. The above points apply in that case.

inder.cool

That is there...!! Any bike which is not locke, it is prone to get stolen...!! its the FAULT of the owner ...!! thevies are not to be blamed for that... its their good luck...

If he was talking about handle locks then all those are factory fitted ones and are of the best quality/originals.....if at all its gets broken then only original locks should be fitted back again...DONT buy cheap after market sttuf...

Regarding this, a person would never park his bike somewhere far away from his designated parking/house....!! Then the risk is even more..!! I would strongly recommend to park the bike everyday the same place....this is basically due to the fact that....if a security is on rounds then he would surely keep an eye on it....and if somehow the bike gets stolen(when that security guard is not there) .. then he would immediately know that bike's being stolen and he could inform the owner immediately....!

prakash_mvpa

I am happy - ki my bull cannot be something easy to loot off :lol: !

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Ananth

@ all, Sorry for the late reply.

Had been for a vacation for a week or so and couldn login to xBhp.

The Source as mentioned somewhere earlier : Motorcycle Insurance and Motorbike Insurance from UK Bike Insurance Brokers - Devitt

It was also some copy - paste work from Google. It was actually saved as text in my System and thought of posting it here.

Any way apologies for missing it out.

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