Planning to get started with the two-wheeler lifestyle? It is one of the most enjoyable ways of commuting, exploring and seeing the world around you. So, if you have only recently gotten started with motorcycling, here are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind before getting started. These are basic simple things that will not only ensure that you stay safe on the roads, but also help others around be safe as well.
Start with the right bike
The first and most fundamental thing to get right in order to be safe on the road is to ride the right motorcycle. If this is the first time for you on a two-wheeler begin with the right vehicle. Do not make the mistake of starting on a high-capacity vehicle because these are usually non-forgiving and even the smallest mistake can lead to serious accidents. Smaller capacity motorcycles are more forgiving of errors and that gives you the leeway to learn from your mistakes rather than suffering from them. If you are planning to ride a scooter or an electric two-wheeler, start with a small capacity commuter motorcycle because once you master it, everything else starts getting easier. Ideally you should start with a guide who is proficient and gradually start riding alone.
Keep distance
When you are new, you might not be aware of the dangers of following other vehicles very closely. Have you ever wondered what would happen if the vehicle braked suddenly? That is why always make it a point of keeping at least one vehicle distance from the car or truck in front of you. In technical terms, this is known as tailgating and it is punishable by law in some places. Make sure to keep a good amount of distance from the vehicles in front in order to stay safe even in the case of sudden direction change or braking hard. In addition to that, you also need to keep your speed slow so that you can make corrective decisions if something were to happen suddenly.
Always use riding safety gears
Never make the mistake of riding two-wheelers without the comprehensive protection of riding safety gears. The least of them is a good quality premium motorcycle helmet, jacket and boots. Instead of opting for cheaper non-branded and non-certified products which may seem cheaper at the outset, but since these are unable to protect you in the event of an injury, investing in these cheaper alternatives might not be the right decision. Choosing a full-face helmet along is the safest investment keeping in mind the fact that these are useful in a wide variety of riding situations and conditions. In addition to that, be sure to have the complete ensemble of riding gears so that you are protected in all conditions.
Constantly improve riding skills
Every rider, whether old or new should look to improve their riding skills at every opportunity. Watch videos by other riders, keep on learning from other sources of information and maintain a notebook to compile all of your learning experience in one place so that you can refer to it to add on your learnings gradually. When you gather new information from your experiences you are able to improve on your skill levels. So, do not shy away from any opportunity to learn something new.
Follow the rules, ride defensively
Last but not the least, ride with an unwavering focus on the rules and regulations of the road. Do not overspeed, follow all the traffic laws and wear all necessary riding safety gears so that you are protected against the most challenging traffic hazards. Do not become aggressive and keep calm whenever you are riding on public roads. Ride within the prescribed speed limits and keep calm while on public roads.