Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips

Summer riding is a great way to get the most of your motorcycle. Enjoy warm days, clear skies, and the freedom to hit the road and just keep going. Chase after adrenaline rushes and seek those thrills.

But before you embark on your ride, it’s important to undergo some crucial safety checks. It’s easy to ride safe when you know what to look for. We created the following guide to safe motorcycle riding below. For all your motorcycle riding needs, visit Freedom Cycles. We proudly serve those in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, and Independence, Missouri.

Pre-Ride Inspection

Safety checks start with a pre-ride inspection. This allows you to examine your motorcycle and catch potential hazards in the safety of your neighborhood, rather than on the highway. Safe motorcycle riding requires a well-running motorcycle.

Start with your tires. Is there enough tread? Tread gets worn down naturally as you ride. Your owner’s manual will let you know what the acceptable amount of tread is and when you need to replace your tires for better summer riding. Next, is the air pressure at the adequate amount? Tires that are overinflated have less contact with the road. Tires that are underinflated can’t properly cope with the pressure pushing on them.

Next, check your fluid levels. Do you have enough brake fluids, oil, and coolant? It’s always a great idea to fill up before you go. Unexpected detours can arise, such as an accident or construction, so it’s easy to use more fuel than you expect.

Finally, test your working parts. Are your lights all bright and clear? Do your brakes work smoothly? Go for a rest ride around the neighborhood. If something feels off during one of your safety checks, bring your motorcycle in to a mechanic (like the expert staff at Freedom Cycles).

Use Proper Summer Riding Gear

When you head out on summer riding, you may be tempted to wear short-length clothing. After all, it’s hot in the summer! But the reality is you still need full-length clothing to protect your skin from the sun and in case of an accident. You can find lightweight clothing that offers breathability and ventilation to make the ride more comfortable.

Another crucial piece of gear for motorcycle riding is a helmet. A well-fitting cheap helmet can offer better protection than an expensive ill-fitting helmet. Take the time to find a good fitting helmet with crash test ratings.

You’ll also want to wear a pair of gloves. These help you maintain the all-important grip to manipulate your controls. Otherwise, sweaty or cold hands can slip off the handlebars.

Keep Your Focus

A key part of motorcycle riding is proactively keeping your focus. To ride safe, you need to stay alert. Summer riding can make it harder due to the heat. You’ll need to take more frequent breaks to let you (and your motorcycle) cool off. Find shaded rest areas, shaded parks, or restaurants with air-conditioning to rest up. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before since driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving impaired. Do your part to keep summer riding safe!

For all your motorcycle riding needs, visit Freedom Cycles. If you are looking to buy, check out our range of new and used motorcycles. If you need any maintenance done, check out our parts replacement and service department. We proudly serve Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, and Independence, Missouri as well as Overland Park, Kansas.