Riding a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom and exhilaration, but it also comes with unique risks that demand a rider’s utmost attention and preparedness. Essential to ensuring a rider’s safety on the road is the practice of critical safety drills. These drills enhance a rider’s skills and play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and mitigating potential hazards. Beyond the physical aspect of safety, riders must also be aware of the importance of securing their financial well-being through comprehensive bike insurance. You can be in control of your insurance and learn how to check bike insurance using an insurance app.
Critical Safety Exercises For Motorcyclists
- Emergency Stop For Motorcycles
Motorcycle braking differs significantly from cars, with a front-rear brake power distribution of 70-30%. To practice emergency stops, find a safe area, mark a stopping cue, and approach at 15–25 mph. Gradually apply maximum braking force, ensuring smooth front brake application. Advanced skills involve testing reaction time and peripheral vision.
Crucial Advice:
- Ensure a safe stopping area beyond the cue.
- Avoid the front brake while turning.
- Practice smooth front brake application at speed.
- Stop in first gear when in traffic.
- Motorbike Emergency Straddle
When an emergency stop isn’t feasible, practice swerving around obstacles. Press palms down on handlebars, simulate a collision hazard and shift at 15–25 mph. Remember to avoid braking during the swerve and practice left and right manoeuvres.
Crucial Advice:
- Do not brake during the swerve.
- Practice “push left, go left” and vice versa.
- Practice both left and right emergency swerves.
- Emergency Stop And Straightening Of Motorcycle
Mastering the emergency straighten and stop is vital for hazards during turns. Draw a curved path, approach at 15–25 mph, lean into the curve, straighten, and apply maximum brakes.
Crucial Advice:
- No front brake when leaned.
- Straighten before emergency braking.
- Practice with unpredictable hazards.
- Cornering a Motorcycle
Practice controlled cornering in a 60-ft circle at 15–25 mph. Employ counter steering, controlled throttle, and proper body positioning.
Crucial Advice:
- Adjust speed to road conditions.
- Learn middle-path, late apexes, and apex techniques.
- Adapt to varying road conditions.
- Riding Your Motorcycle Over A Barrier
Approach a 90° obstacle in 2nd or 3rd gear, stand on footpegs, cross at a 90° angle, and throttle blip for smoother clearance.
Crucial Hints:
- Slow down before the obstacle.
- Cross at a 90° angle.
- Avoid covering the clutch or brake.
- Mental Exercise
Develop mental preparedness by identifying potential collision traps and escape routes while riding. Minimize collision paths and maximize escape routes for optimal safety.
Rider Insight:
- Recognize collision traps.
- Identify escape routes.
- Constantly develop situational awareness.
In biking, safety extends beyond honing riding skills to encompass financial preparedness. By engaging in critical safety drills, riders fortify their ability to navigate emergencies effectively. Moreover, investing in the right bike insurance coverage is a responsible step towards ensuring long-term financial security.
Riders must be well-versed in their insurance options, from third-party bike insurance to comprehensive plans. Regular two-wheeler insurance renewal of policies and utilizing tools like the two-wheeler insurance premium calculator are integral components of a rider’s commitment to safety and financial prudence.
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