Top nine motorcycle safety tips

Motorcycling is dangerous. That is what everyone says, right? A common story is of people who like the idea of riding motorcycles, but never have because their mother/father/older sibling/significant other told them it wasn’t safe.

Of course, motorcycling does indeed carry some risk, but it can be a lot safer than many doubters or critics make it out to be. There are many things you can do to minimise the danger, and many (if not most) accidents occur because people don’t follow these basic safety guidelines.

So, how can you stay safe when riding your motorcycle? Here are nine essential tips that will help keep you upright and out of harm’s way…

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While it is very tempting to ride in what you feel comfortable wearing, the most important thing you can do as a motorcyclist is wear the correct safety gear. A helmet is a legal requirement in Australia, but everything else is up to you. Proper motorcycle gear is made from much tougher materials than regular clothes (and your skin) and is designed to minimise the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. At the very least, you should have a proper motorcycle jacket, Kevlar jeans, motorcycle gloves, and motorcycle shoes or boots. Adding things like armour, back protectors, and knee guards is also recommended, while you should also check your helmet is of good quality and undamaged.

Swallow your pride and go get some motorcycle training. Of course, this is a requirement when getting your licence, but even long-time riders can benefit from some additional coaching and training. There are a wide variety of courses, instructors, and schools in Australia that cover a range of disciplines. Brushing up on your skills (or learning new skills) will not only keep you safe, but make the riding experience a lot more enjoyable.

Related: Where to get advanced rider training

Keeping your bike in tip top shape will not only save your wallet, but it could save your life too. A poorly maintained motorcycle can put you at risk of a crash due to things like brake failure, blown tyres, leaking fluids, and seized engines. There are plenty of things you can check yourself at home, but a visit to a qualified mechanic is always a good idea.

Related: Nine DIY motorcycle maintenance tips

It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and ride beyond your experience levels or ability. You might be attempting to keep up with or race your mates, or you might just get a sudden rush of confidence, but it’s important to keep real and only ride within your comfort zone. Similarly, it might be tempting to invite a partner or your children to ride pillion with you, but not even love is worth stacking your bike for. If you’re new to riding, or not experienced, then leave your significant other at home for the time being and build up those skills first. The same goes for riding big bikes. Start on something small and easy to handle and build up from there.

This is a personal observation, but lack of awareness is one of the biggest dangers to motorcyclists. It is essential that you stay focused and be aware of everything around you to ensure you stay out of harm’s way. That includes in front, side to side, and behind. Always head-check before changing lanes, and use your mirrors regularly. Also keep your head up when riding to ensure you spot potential danger nice and early.

Following on from that, make sure you stay alert for any potential hazards on the road. These include potholes, oil spills, black ice, debris, animals, and more. The more focused and alert you are, the sooner you spot hazards, and the more time you have to react. It will result in a safer and ultimately less stressful ride.

Always check the weather forecast before you leave and plan for the conditions. Riding in wet or windy weather presents a whole set of new challenges, while riding in extreme heat is equally challenging. If it is cold and wet, wear suitable gear and take your time navigating the conditions. On the flipside, if it is hot, wear breathable and lightweight gear, and take plenty of fluids with you. But never resort to wearing ‘Queensland leathers’ (singlet, shorts, thongs) – it’s not worth losing skin for.

Related: Cheap ways to beat the cold and wet

It sounds obvious, but it is very easy to go too fast on a motorcycle. Some bigger bikes also give you a difference sense of speed, meaning you will feel like you are going slower than you actually are. Motorcycles are designed to go fast, but save the lap records for the track and stick to the speed limit. It will help keep you out of danger, but also allow you to enjoy the journey and take in your surrounds. If you want to test the ability of you and your machine, there are legal ways to do that.

And that brings us to the last point – just relax and have fun. It can be easy for less experienced riders to let stress and panic overcome them, but keeping calm and collected will prevent you from making incorrect or irrational decisions on the road. If you follow all the above points, then motorcycle riding can actually be very safe. So don’t fret – just smile and enjoy the ride!

This article was originally published in February 2023.