Who can’t wait to ride this year!
Many of us will be out on our bikes as soon as conditions permit. However, potential dangers are amplified in the Spring. It can take some time before drivers become accustomed to seeing motorcycles again after the winter. Here’s a few things to consider:
Spring Road Hazards To Watch Out For
Spring brings with it road hazards in greater abundance than other times of the year. Keep a constant eye out and allow plenty of space between you and the car ahead to give you more reaction time. Watch for:
• Loose gravel, sand, and salt residue. There can be lots of it before the streets get cleaned up.
• Other road debris. Plenty of things end up in those roadside snowbanks (hubcaps, broken tree branches, etc.) over the winter and some make their way onto the roads when the snows melt.
• Potholes and cracks in the road. Some winters are harder on the roads than others. Try and avoid these hazards but if you can’t do so safely then don’t try. Slow down at least in those circumstances.
• Pools of water and slick roads. The melting snow sometimes causes unexpected slick roads or pools of water to develop, and some of these puddles can be large and deep. You don’t know what kind of hazard may be hidden within. Slow down and proceed cautiously. It’s also a good idea to wear your waterproof boots or gators when riding in the Spring.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation created the T-CLOCK mnemonic as a memory and organization ad for a pre-ride safety check of a typical motorcycle. Each letter represent a particular inspection category, as follows:
* T – Tires & Wheels* C – Controls* L – Lights & Electrics* O – Oil* C – Chassis* K – Kickstand
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tires: Pressure correct (cold), tread condition. No cuts, bulges, punctures of foreign objects.
Wheels: Spokes tight and intact; rims true; no free play when flexed; bearing seals intact; spin freely.
Brakes: Firm feel; sufficient pad depth, no leaks or links in hoses or cables.
CONTROLS
Levers: Pivot bolt and nut; action and position correct; pivots lubed.
Cables: Ends and shafts lubed; no fraying or kinks; no binding when handlebar turned; proper adjustment.
Hoses: Check for damage or leaks, proper routing.
Throttle: Snaps closed freely when released; no excess play.
LIGHTS
Brake and Tailight(s): All filaments work; both levers actuate brake light.
Headlight: All filaments work; properly aimed; no damage.
Lenses: Clean; no condensation; tight.
Reflectors: Clean; intact.
Battery: Fluid level; terminals clean and tight; held down securely; vent tube not kinked or mis-routed.
Wiring: Check for pinching or fraying; properly routed; no corrosion.
OIL AND FLUIDS
Levels: Brake fluid, oil, final drive, transmission, coolant, fuel.
Leaks: Check all systems for leaks.
Condition: Check color of brake fluid & coolant.
CHASSIS
Frame: Paint lifting or peeling may indicate cracking.
Steering head & swingarm bearings: Lift wheels off floor, grab lower fork legs and pull and push to feel for play; repeat at rear. Turn fork to feel for detents in bearings.
Suspension: Smooth movement; proper adjustment; no leaks.
Chain or belt: Tension; lube, look for wear.
Fasteners: Look for missing or loose threaded fasteners, clips, pins.
KICKSTAND
Sidestand: Retracts firmly; no bending or damage; cut-out switch operates; spring in tact.
Centerstand: Retracts firmly, no damage. All riders are encouraged to participate in a motorcycle safety course. New riders will gain important Information about being safe. Advanced riders can practice and enhance skills already in place.
First things first, you want to keep yourself dry, which can be hard when riding in the rain. Even the most expensive rain suits will be put to the test in a heavy rain storm. You should still invest in some type of protection if you like to go on long motorcycle trips, because no one likes to get wet. Take advantage of a full-face helmet as well, because it will keep the rain drops from smacking against your face while cruising. Visibility is also key when riding in the rain. We already went over how to make your motorcycle more visible, but your rain suit should have the same effect. If you can find a reflective rain suit, all the better. Bright colours work well too as opposed to black or neutral colours. You want to be seen at all costs, as the decreased visibility in the rain is one of the main reasons for accidents.
No matter if the roads are wet or dry, you need to stay calm on your motorcycle, and not be tense or stiff. Sit down in your regular riding position, rest your hands on the bars like you normally would, and make sure your elbows, shoulders and neck are free to move around. Keeping yourself loose, is also important in dry conditions, but even more important in wet conditions. You don’t need to ride any slower in the rain, but you won’t be able to lean suddenly. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled for painted lines, manhole covers, train-tracks, puddles and any other obstacles that may cause you to break traction. Take it easy on and off the throttle and brakes, but balance your grip. When you’re riding in the rain, aim to complete your turns before you accelerate. The more you ride in wet conditions, the more your confidence will grow.
Your brakes aren’t as responsive on the wet roads, so its extremely important to stop at a safe distance when it’s raining. Also take your speed into consideration. You want to be able to slow down at a dependable time when the roads are slick. Ride at a speed that your brakes can handle and always over-estimate the time it will take you to stop. An important tip is never apply only the front brakes because it will cause your front wheel to slip.If your rear wheel slips, you can control it, but once your front wheel starts skidding, you’re in trouble. If you can apply a braking ratio of 60% rear brake and 40% front brake, you will be fine. Make sure to squeeze and not grab your brakes, as sudden shocks of force can break traction.
In summary, the best way to stay safe while riding your motorcycle in the rain, is to experience it first hand.
The more practice you get, the safer you will be. Next time it starts to drizzle, take your bike out for a quick spin and you will become a pro wet weather rider in no time.
Crashing sucks and never more so than when riding a motorcycle. The risk of bodily injury from even a minor accident is far greater than when involved in a similar situation while piloting an automobile.
Protecting yourself begins with proper training and continues with riding practice and acquiring experience. Great advances have been made in the materials and manufacturing of motorcycle apparel regarding both protection and comfort. But none of these are a 100% safeguard against having an accident. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident (or come upon the scene of one), knowing how to react is the next step in protecting yourself, your passenger and your motorcycle from further harm.
Hopefully this is a list you’ll never have to use.
Unless you’re cognizant of some impending danger, do not move. Lay there, then – beginning with your toes and finishing with your skull – take a mental inventory of your body parts. Evaluate each for pain and movement. Try to remember that you may be experiencing shock and that adrenalin masks pain, both of which may cloud judgment of your physical condition. Once satisfied you’re uninjured, then begin moving and/or removing riding apparel.
The scene of an accident is inevitably chaotic. If you become anxious, calm yourself by taking deep breaths. Compose yourself because anxiety is infectious and arousing others only complicates matters. You also need a clear head to effectively assess the situation.
Once you’re satisfied that everyone’s safe and any further dangers have been contained, call the police and report the accident.
If you’re carrying a passenger, check on their condition, then check on the condition of others involved in the accident. Instruct everyone to perform the same mental inventory of body parts you did. If necessary, dial 911 and immediately request emergency services. Survey the scene for other present dangers such as fire, leaking hazardous fluids, oncoming traffic, etc. Take any necessary precautions to secure the safety of anyone present. Once you’re satisfied that everyone’s safe and any further dangers have been contained, call the police and report the accident.
Use your smartphone to notate details of the accident and take photos/videos, or write notes if pen and paper are available but no smartphone.
Things to record:
1. Date, time, location, weather and road conditions of the accident
2. Your account of the accident including a diagram
3. Injuries and damages
4. Make, model and license plate of any vehicle involved
5. Names, phone numbers and insurance information of all people involved. Be certain to include the names and numbers of willful witnesses.
Things to photo/video:
1. Skid marks
2. Street signs
3. Visual obstructions
4. Road abnormalities
5. Property damage
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you procured and be proactive in assisting them with acquiring any further information. They are there to protect you after the accident, so assist where and when you can to help expedite the process.
Create a folder, or some other central location, for keeping all your notes and photos of the accident, as well as contact information for everyone including witnesses and police officers. Procure a copy of the police report. Make new notes including names, dates and times of phone conversations with insurance agents or law enforcement officials. Print copies of email exchanges, etc. Save all receipts of costs incurred related to the accident including towing, storage and rental car costs. These records will help support your case if there are any complications.