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This Might Help
For Starters
Street Tips: Daily riders
face an exceedingly high level of danger as major traffic areas become
more congested and drivers take on wild maneuvers that can bang up an
automobile ... but leave a motorcyclist without some limbs, or worse.
Exposure to "cagers" is very risky business for a motorcyclist due to
the comparatively small size and low visibility amidst busy traffic. We
all know that cagers have plenty of guaranteed distractions and more
often than not, will not pay as much attention to their immediate
surroundings as an attentive motorcyclist. My personal strategy is
simple ... stay visible! Here are a few tips on avoiding the smack by a
cager in heavy traffic:
- Try to keep out of blind spots by staying a few
feet in front or behind the bumper of a nearby vehicle
- Never stay side by side and assume they will
see you ... Chances are they will not hesitate to take your lane even
if you are in it
- Try to stay just a touch above the normal flow
of traffic (not too much) as you will be forced to concentrate more on
the front of your vehicle where most of your attention is already
focused
- Motorcycle mirrors are for the most part
limited in view, but it is imperative that you consistently check your
mirrors, especially at stop signs and signal lights
- Do not let your guard down and relax even for a
moment, be in hyper-sensitive mode to your surroundings (not
hyper-speed)
- Stay out of the way of excessive traffic by
speeding up or changing lanes
- Avoid rush hour if possible as this not only
decreases the risk of becoming a cager attack victim, but also reduces
the chances of your motor building excessive heat in stop and go (more
stop than go) traffic ... most motorcycles are not designed to run at
idle for long periods of time
- Use highbeams during the day when not directly
behind another vehicle
Braking
- Be confident with the front brakes, but do not
use them alone; They provide most of your stopping power. Focus on
learning to master the balance between the front and rear brake
pressure for quick and controlled stops for your particular model
- Rear brake should accent the front brake,
skidding should be minimal and controlled in panic stops ... if the
rear wheels starts to skid, release the rear brake slightly and
re-apply (unless you have ABS)
Breaking In Your
New Bike
- Take it easy for the first 1000 miles: the
theory here is that there are many components that may or may not have
been installed or tightened properly from the factory. If this is the
case, you don't want to find out while dragging a peg mid-corner.
Within 1000 miles, you will more than likely shake out any general bugs.
- Let the tires wear in for about 100 miles
before trying anything aggressive, and doing some safe weaving can
"burn" in the edges if you are so inclined to use all of the edge
rubber.
- With todays engines, a few brisk runs close to
redline will probably do it some good
- Do not let the motor overheat ... especially in
its youth; this is the worst thing you can do besides running the motor
with no oil
- At a minimum, change the oil and filter near
the 1000 mile mark
- Check the valve clearances if applicable on
your machine
Slick Issues
- Clean oil is obviously important, but with so
many oil options you may want to research what viscosity is best for
your particular motor
- Castrol 20w/50 is a good all around motorcycle
oil for most Texas riding conditions, is easy to find and not very
expensive
- For a few extra bucks you can go with
motorcycle branded oils such as Hondalube or Yamalube as they are
designed for motorcycle clutch lubrication and have a solid reputation
- For the fanatics, Amsoil and Mobil 1 for
motorcycles is a good option for seasoned motors
Chains
- Lube every 400-600 miles.
- Use 90w oil for added protection on O-ring
chains if you don't mind a little mess.
- I prefer VP Chain Glide, but it can be hard to
find
- Chain tension is very important and can change
the dynamics of your motorcycles drivability ... keep it in spec if
possible, but it is better to run a tad loose than a tad tight
Rain Riding
- Ride lightly and conservatively especially in
braking and cornering.
- Do not ride in the center of the lane in
heavily traveled areas due to grease and oil build up.
- With bigger motors be careful during
accelerating ... the rear can spin out as if it were on ice.
- Find a place to stop and wait it out if you can
Riding
in Groups
- It is funner, safer and with AMA chartered
riding clubs you can qualify for up to 10% (or more) discount on your
insurance.
- Stay in staggered formation unless you "need"
to break out for a good reason
- Learn the hand signals for your riding group to
help keep the pack informed of road conditions, obstacles and other
hazards
- Save racing for the track (or a really, really,
really remote road with no traffic, deer or police)
- Other riders can spot you gas, medical help or
a couple of bucks for lunch.
- I always have fun on my motorcycle, but it is
so much more when you can share it with friends and reminisce a good
ride over a cold beverage ... after the ride!
Contact TexasCycleUSA
with questions or comments
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