Tips for new riders

Motorcycles are fun but but in fact they are more dangerous than a car. In the event of a crash the biker bears the maximum damage compared to a guy in a car.

Below are some of safety tips for the new riders from my experience:

• Do not start off your riding career with a big powerful bike: A smaller 200cc bike makes much more sense to buy than buying a litre class bike. You will get to know the basics of the bike and the sense of control over a bike and also the throttle control, you do not want to be twisting the throttle aggressively on a big powerful bike! But there are few people who tell it doesn't matter if you start off on a big bike but keep a check on opening the throttle.
  
• Invest on electronic aids: Electronics such as an ABS can help save your life and prevent a crash. Recently I locked up my brakes and crashed, if I had ABS then I think I would have had a crash. Click here to know the importance of the rider aids.
  
• Improve your skills: When learning to ride a bike, don't do it in the peak hours as you might get scared and annoy other motorists. Do it in an empty parking lot or in the night when the streets are empty. This builds your confidence and it slowly improve your skills and helps in understanding the bike's behavior.
• Use Good quality helmets: Your head is a vital part of your body! Invest good amount of money for a helmet and don't cheap out on it. Buy a helmet which is DOT certified and if you have the money to spend go for a SNELL certified helmets.

  

  My collection: Agv K5, THH, LS2 with the Lightmode Kit

• Wear the right gears: Jeans, T-shirt and sandals/flip flops are perfect for a painful disaster. You must invest on a gears which will protect you from the elements of weather and in the case of a crash. A bright jacket improves your overall visibility in the night.
  
  
  
  

  

  My gear.

• Look out for idiots: There are people who use their phone while driving. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you so that you can react in time or stop safely. 
  
• Avoid bad weather: slippery conditions make it very difficult even for the experienced riders. Rain/Fog reduces your visibility by a huge margin. In rainy conditions avoid riding on the painted surfaces on the road as they may be slippery and turn on the lights including the hazard lights which improves your visibility. Avoid sudden brakes as there is less amount of traction between the tire and the road. Do not lean in to the corner too much and be careful with the throttle.
• Watch out for debris and potholes: Sand, mud, gravel, water can make the bike to slide out unexpectedly. Potholes are very difficult to avoid, apply gentle brake and slow down as much as possible and do not try to steer.

Just before you take out your bike, make a check on the lights and brakes. Make sure they are working as per designed. Happy riding!