As the weather warms up and you feel the urge to plan your next weekend adventure, you might want to consider taking your motorcycle on an adventure of its own, whether down your street or around the state. Motorcycle adventure riding might be an appealing idea if you’re looking to break out of your everyday routine and get some adventure in your life.
There are many ways you can go about doing this, but there are also some things to consider before making that first step to get started with a motorcycle adventure trip. If this is your first time planning such an adventure, don’t worry! We have some simple tips to make sure your first ride goes as smoothly as possible and you have lots of fun in the process.
Know Your Limits
An adventure ride can mean a lot of different things to different people. For some, it’s about going out for a short joyride on dirt trails. For others, it means loading up their bikes with extra fuel and riding across their state. Regardless of what it means to you, remember that safety always comes first and go into your trip with clear expectations and limits in mind.
Assess the Risks Involved
Take your time and get a sense of how much you’re willing to risk before you invest in motorcycle gear. While beginner’s motorcycle adventures are fun, they also require a certain amount of skill and planning; if you’re not careful, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation. It’s essential to assess dangers so that you don’t end up hurting yourself or those around you. If riding alone sounds too risky for you, there are alternatives: many adventure tourists ride with experts, who lead them through their first few rides and offer tips along the way.
In case of accidents, be prepared. Have your emergency contact and insurance details handy, as well as any medication you may need at hand. Also, have a motorcycle accident lawyer on speed dial to deal with all legal issues if something goes wrong or you’re being blamed for an accident. The better equipped you are beforehand, the less likely an accident will throw your plans into disarray.
Know to Operate Your Bike Like a Pro
Before you leave, make sure you know how your bike works—the hand controls, clutch, and throttle if manual, and basic engine operation. You don’t need a degree in engineering, but knowing some of these basics before heading out on your adventure will help you feel more comfortable when things go wrong. Also, make sure your bike is serviced. Even if it’s new, a motorcycle needs regular servicing. The last thing you want on an adventure is to have your bike break down mid-trip.
Practice Operating Your Bike in an Empty Area
Even if you have a lot of experience with motorcycles, it’s always best to get used to your bike and its controls on empty streets in an unpopulated area. While your motorcycle may accelerate more quickly and feel more comfortable than your car, it’s also far less forgiving when things go wrong. Even if you don’t operate in full gear while practicing, always try to wear a helmet.
Ride within Your Skill Level
One of the most important tips for novice motorcycle adventure riders is to ride within your skill level. This means don’t overestimate your riding experience or ability. Riding a bike isn’t like driving a car, so it can take a lot longer to learn. If you’re still new to motorcycles, focus on improving your skills and safety instead of going out on an extended trip right away. Think about taking lessons before taking off on an adventure. Or at least ride with someone who has more experience than you have; they might be able to point out issues and areas where you need practice.
Never Ride Drunk or Under the Influence of Drugs
Alcohol and other drugs impair your reaction time, judgment, coordination, and balance. Also, you are much more likely to be involved in a serious accident if you ride drunk or on drugs. Alcohol can also lead you astray from your planned route and increase your chance of getting lost. It’s worth keeping in mind that most motorcyclists know someone who has been killed or seriously injured by riding while intoxicated.
Wear Adequate Safety Equipment
Once you’ve bought your motorcycle, there are some things you can do that will increase your safety, and keep you focused on staying safe. First off, make sure you have all of your safety equipment: helmet, leather jacket, gloves, sturdy pants or chaps, and full-finger gloves. You may think they make you look ridiculous, but honestly, that’s better than spending a long time in a hospital because of a small mistake.
Review Every Document
Review essential documents before taking off on your journey. Even though you don’t need any license or permit to take a motorcycle trip, it’s still a must to check all of your documents before setting off. Make sure that you have proof of ownership, insurance, and registration for your bike and an international driving permit as well. It would give you some peace of mind if anything goes wrong on your journey.
If you’re starting on your motorcycle adventure, it can be easy to overlook some of those little details that are so important. Use these eight tips as a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a successful beginner’s motorcycling experience.