Also, it can serve as a helpful guide to new riders.
This thread should be used for constructive pointers and no flame wars please! Members are encouraged to add further pointers that may help fellow riders.
With alloys breaking, handlebars shattering, bikes skidding etc; it is prudent that some common tips be shared to try and avoid a few of such mishaps.
1. Use common sense on the road. Leave ego at home.
2. Use the clutch only to change gears.
3. Never pull in the clutch when braking/descending inclines.
4. Do not switch off the bike while descending hills/ghats.
5. Maintain the exact tire pressure at all times. 1-2 psi extra can be put in rainy season and not the other way round!
6. While tackling a pothole, do not brake. Rather; accelerate over it smoothly. Braking brings the entire weight on the front wheel and rim bends/cracks are a possibility.
7. When tackling a speed breaker, let go of the brake lever at least 5 feet/1 second before ascending the hump so that the suspension has time to regain normal position. This would help avoid scraping the underbelly.
8. For low slung bikes, speed breakers should be tackled at an angle.
9. Predict others' movements while on the move.
10. Check for cars' front tires' direction (if parked with someone inside) to gauge if they may move in your direction.
11. Stay at least 5 feet away from parked vehicles doors to avoid getting hit by an opening door.
12. Follow larger vehicles' rear tires and never ride between those 2 tires. Cars usually avoid potholes by riding around/over them and you may be caught with a nasty surprise. Follow either of the rear wheels.
13. Grip the tank with your thighs at all times to save your family jewels under hard braking and generally to keep a better control over the vehicle. It also helps alleviate pressure put on the arms otherwise.
14. Use front brakes primarily! (except heavy rain/gravel) Rear brakes don't stop the bike. They only provide stability 99% of the time.
15. Wear bright/reflective clothes/riding apparel. Many accidents happen because bigger vehicles fail spotting a rider/bike.
16. Don't ride in bigger vehicles' blind spots.
17. Use RVMs and if possible a quick check by turning around to see beyond the RVM's field of vision. (roughly takes half a second)
18. Practice defensive riding.
19. Keep an eye on the road for hazards and not on the ODO/speedo!
20. Avoid changing gears in a corner. Downshift, brake well in advance and accelerate out of the corner.
21. Practice throttle blip-ing, braking and counter-steering.
22. Ride on the outer line of the road (farthest point from the center) in ghats/corners to avoid last moment surprises.
23. Brakes fade a bit in rains (become spongy). Pump them a few times at slow speeds in a safe area to regain some of the lost bite.
24. Do not brake suddenly when followed by a large vehicle. Brake early a few times to let the driver know about your intentions in advance. If in traffic, plan your braking and keep some distance ahead of you should you see the following vehicle not stop enough/in time.
25. Ensure the vehicle is sound electrically/mechanically. Pro-active maintenance helps avoid most breakdowns.
26. If a crash is imminent, be prepared to lose your grip on the bike. Holding the bike certainly makes matters worse for both bike and the rider.
27. Learn to take a fall (by only watching videos of course). In case of a crash, our natural tendency is to cushion the fall by putting the hands/arms in the way of the fall. This should be avoided. It's the biggest cause of bone dislocations and fractures.
Wanted to make it 30 points, but nothing else comes to mind right now. I shall add if I recall something new. Members are advised to pour in their experiences as well.



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