Loving to Ride a Bike Safely

The motorcycle made an appearance about 125 years back and since then has developed into an exciting part of everyday life for a man. The motorcycle brings out the macho effect in a man, but at the same time it is incumbent on the rider to treat his machine with care and more important - love.

The motorcycle runs on the gyro principle and the centripetal and centrifugal forces insure that riding a bike is inherently stable. But there is a rider to this and in case the bike for any reason loses momentum or the principle of motion is obstructed than the results can be disastrous. This is because a two wheeler exposes the rider unlike in a car where he has cage to ensconce him.

Thus caring for your bike is of the utmost importance so that at no time there is any danger to you or the machine. To start with the first principle of safe riding is to be sober. Over the last two decades or more the consequences for driving a two wheeler in an intoxicated state can lead to real trouble with the legal system. This is not without foundation as statistics prepared by the National highway Traffic administration show that the chance of an accident for a motorcyclist in an intoxicated statistics show is 26 times than while driving a four wheeler. Fatalities are also proportionately higher. Hence you want to be sober when you drive. Don't forget it.

Moving on ensure that the bike is clean. As I have written one aspect of safe riding is to love the bike and cleaning it is one expression of that. A clean bike will show any signs of wear and tear and once spotted rectify them before you ride out.

The main tools for movement of a bike on the roads are the wheels and these including the tires must now come under your purview. The tires generate the grip on the road or surface and their importance for safe riding cannot be understated. Start by washing the tires with a mild detergent to clean them. Rinse the tires thoroughly with water and also clean the metal rims so that corrosion does not set in. If you have an aluminum wheel then it will be a good idea to use a corrosion protector so that the wheel looks nice and shiny. Check the tires for air pressure and look for any object like a stone, nail or debris embedded in the tire treads and remove them. Ensure that you don't drive on worn out tires and the treads have the edge, as that is most essential for a good road grip.

The next items that will need your attention are the brakes. Along with tires this is a very important ingredient for safe riding. Check the brakes both front and rear wheel have proper grip and incase there is some play or the brakes are loose get them rectified from a trained mechanic.

The next step is to start the bike while on the stand in neutral gear. The idea is to check the tuning of the bike engine. If the bike revs nicely then you can blow a whistle. But if the engine sputters or misfires, then get it checked as you don't want to be caught on the road with some mechanical fault or loss of power that could cause an accident on the highway.

The next point that will need your attention is your clothing and safety equipment for you to wear when you drive. Start with your helmet and check it for any broken or worn out straps. Also check the visor is clean and the view not obstructed. Always wear a helmet while driving as that will be a protection against any potential head injury as these are the most common in bike riding. Wear a helmet with the ISI mark and avoid locally manufactured ones.

Though there is no legal statute that lays down wearing of any particular apparel to drive, yet it will be best in case you wear proper protective clothing while riding a bike. You could wear hand gloves and riding suits as well as boots. Never drive a bike barefoot and wear proper driving suits which come in a wide range to suit all pockets. Wearing these suits and gloves will protect you against elements of nature and make your drive that much more pleasurable.

In case you are venturing out on the road at night the head light and the turn indicators will need your attention. The headlight must throw a steady beam that lights the path before you. In addition fix 2 or 3 reflectors that will show to the others on the road that you are driving a bike. This is important on unlighted roads at night.

Lastly while on the road adhere to road discipline. That means you maintain specified speed limits and overtake only when the path is clear.

Do not drive reckless and treat the bike with love. Get the feel of power of the bike and do not overtax the engine. Carry out proper gear shifts and give proper road signals at all times. The aim is to have a pleasurable drive and relish it so that you can replicate it again. The motorcycle is an excellent means of travel and commutation but you will have to follow the rule book.