Motorcycles are quite complicated vehicles that require a lot of practice and attention both before and during riding. Mistakes on the road can be very costly for a novice motorcyclist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry having your motorcycle in the salvage auction later, especially when it comes to the rules of the road. That’s why you’ll find the most common errors below that are typical for motorbike or moped enthusiasts.
The List of Most Common Mistakes
The wrong actions of beginners are described below. Bear in mind that it’s more difficult to relearn than to act correctly from the beginning. That’s why novice motorcyclists are strongly advised not to skimp on safety and go to a good motorcycle school. Anyone who wants to learn how to ride a motorbike can get proper theoretical and practical skills under the guidance of a professional instructor.
Protective Equipment Neglect
The use of special security means is the most important and obvious habit that will improve traffic safety and protect you from potentially serious injuries. A helmet and motorcycle overalls will help to avoid bruises, dislocations, head injuries, and fractures.
Wrong Landing on a Motorcycle
Very often, novice motorcyclists master the wrong way to sit on a motorcycle. They firmly hold the steering wheel with straight arms, leaning on it with their whole body, pushing the back of their bodies backwards, and spreading their knees. In this position, part of the weight is on the hands, making it difficult to control the motorbike.
With the correct body’s position, your weight moves toward the tank. The back is straight, the arms are half-bent at the elbows, and the wrists are down. The knees are pressed against the tank, and the toes of the legs are parallel to the motorcycle’s body. The rider’s torso in the saddle is held by the legs, and the hands control the motorcycle.
Attempting to Turn by Tilting the Motorcycle at a Low Speed
Beginner motorcyclists, when turning the motorbike at low speed, sometimes try to complete the turn with their body weight. As a result, they can fall off the vehicle. Avoiding this is simple: at low speed, when the motorcycle is tilted, the rider remains in an upright position.
Errors When Braking
Incorrect braking can lead to very serious injuries. It’ll be enough for novice motorcyclists to remember that they should start braking when the vehicle is in an upright position and the handlebars are straight.
All riders must also learn to correctly assess the condition of the road surface and weather conditions. It allows for choosing the appropriate method of braking. The use of the front brake will be more effective in good road conditions, while the rear brake is more suitable on slippery surfaces. When using both, depending on the condition of the road, one is used as the main one and the other is assigned a supporting role.
Poor Visibility of a Motorcyclist on the Road
Very often, a motorcyclist forgets that it can be difficult to see their vehicle on the road. There are several reasons for this:
- since we can find much fewer motorcycles on the road than cars, most drivers simply forget about their existence;
- small-sized motor vehicles are blocked by other participants in the movement;
- many motorcyclists try to gain an advantage when driving, maneuvering, and turning. It leads to unexpected maneuvers on their part.
To reduce the likelihood of an accident, the motorbike enthusiasts must be aware of the possibility that other road users may not notice them.
Ignoring the Traffic Situation
In the first practice lessons, novice riders look exclusively ahead of the motorcycle, and this is justified. They haven’t yet developed automatic movements. The motorcyclists have to simultaneously keep in mind the order of actions, control the vehicle, and follow the route. It’s not easy in such conditions to monitor the road situation, but it is required by security.
When driving on a busy highway, it’s necessary to control the traffic in order not to hit a neighboring car or knock down a pedestrian. Remember that other road users can:
- have bad knowledge of the rules;
- have poor eyesight;
- be inattentive;
- be busy with something else;
- believe that they are always right.
That’s why a motorcycle enthusiast must rely on their skills and adequacy since it influences not only their own lives but also other road users.
In addition to “physical” mistakes, such as inept driving, there are psychological errors. The last ones are typically caused by an incorrect assessment of the situation. They can also lead to a real accident, in which both the rider and other road users can suffer.
Overview of the importance of regular motorcycle maintenance
One of the most important aspects of motorcycle maintenance is ensuring that the bike’s fluid levels are at the right levels. Engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid all need to be regularly checked and changed if necessary. Not only do these fluids keep the engine and other components running smoothly, they also help to protect the motorcycle from damage.
Another important aspect of motorcycle maintenance is ensuring that the tires are in good condition. Tires are the only point of contact between the motorcycle and the road, and it is essential that they are properly inflated and free of any cuts or punctures. Regular tire checks can help to prevent accidents and prolong the life of the tires.
It is important to remember that motorcycle maintenance should not be limited to just these items. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain, as well as checks of the battery and spark plugs, can also help to ensure that the motorcycle is in good working condition.
These are the main mistakes that novice motorcycle riders make on the road. Overflowing self-confidence and poor knowledge of theory and practice lead to the creation of road accidents and high injury possibility. To improve safety, it’s advisable to work out driving techniques under the guidance of an experienced and responsible instructor and always follow the rules of the road.
