The Reality of Riding
Every rider knows that motorcycles aren’t on most drivers’ minds.
And that’s part of what makes riding a challenge. You have to learn how to stay alert, make smart decisions and look out for yourself.
Luckily, riders are part of a tight-knit circle, and the lessons others have learned over hundreds of hours behind the handlebars get passed down to the ones who are heading out on two wheels for the first time.
Some lessons that help you stay safe are obvious. Others come with time. But reading up on them ahead of time will help you stay safe and steer clear of surprises.
Confidence is deceiving.
The longer you ride, the more you trust your instincts and start to treat every trip like a routine. Not out of carelessness. You’ve just gotten more comfortable.
But just because you’re confident doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Every once in a while, it’s best to check yourself: Am I doing what I’m doing because it’s smart, or is it just because I’ve done it before?
Don’t let experience blur the lines. Double checking is always worth it.
You can prepare, but you can’t predict.
Some riders do everything right (check their brakes, the weather, the route and their gear) and still run into something they didn’t see coming. But being on the road involves plenty of things that are unpredictable.
Other drivers, some debris, a change in the wind… a lot can change in a split second, and riders are more vulnerable to all of them than everybody else on the road.
That doesn’t mean you should downplay the importance of everything you do before you ride. Every step keeps you protected and gives you a chance to respond to something unpredictable. But the best riders are always analyzing their environment. Because what’s happening a few cars in front could be affecting you in just a few seconds.
Leathers aren’t just for looks.
The close connection to the road is a feeling every rider enjoys. No windows, no doors — just you and the highway ahead. But that proximity can come at a cost. If a crash or a slide happens, you’re more worried about your body than body panels.
No matter the temperature, how long your trip is or anything else, the numbers don’t lie: Gearing up will save your skin.
40%
Less likely to suffer a fatal head injury
72%
Reduction in risk of skin injury
57%
Reduction in risk of leg and ankle injury
41%
Less likely to need to go to the hospital after a crash
You’re never done learning.
The best riders are the ones who know they don’t know everything. Who realize they can always learn something new, or get better at skills they’ve already picked up. It might be improving the way you take turns or kicking a bad habit. What’s important is your mindset.
You can’t rely on other people, the weather or the road. But you can control how you prepare and respond to every part of a ride. You can learn from mistakes and close calls. And you can keep one lesson in mind mile after mile: Your safety is in your hands.