There are many challenges involved in riding a motorcycle. It is no secret that your riding skills can get rusty when you stop for an extended period. This is why you should practice essential motorcycle riding skills to stay safe on the road. Riding motorcycles safely can help you save the lives of others as well.
Now, if you are just a beginner, you will become more professional at riding a bike with these steps. Before plying your motorcycle on Indian roads, it is a legal requirement for you to have a comprehensive bike insurance policy. This is essential for novice riders who wish to understand critical riding skills and avoid unwanted accidents or mishaps.
In this post, we will discuss the five essential motorcycles skills that are crucial for safely riding motorcycles. Still, before learning these skills, you should not forget to apply for a comprehensive insurance policy for two-wheelers.
Five Essential Motorcycle Skills
Turning Your Bike at Sharp Turns
Make a sharp turn after moving off the spot where the turn must be made. If you are taking a steep turn, ensure you aim for a 90-degree angle. If you cannot do the same, then it won't be possible to improve your skills.
It is also a good idea to look forward and upward to where you want to be. Look up, never down. Your elbow should have some space in comparison to your body. Your elbow should be extended away from your body. This way, your elbow does not cramp, and there is more room for turning.
Push the steering of your motorbike a little bit to ensure that it stays on track or line. You should release the accelerator completely after completing a sharp turn and get back to gripping the handlebar tightly. Reposition your feet on the pegs afterwards.
Swerving and Avoiding Obstacles
The Indian roads are notorious for potholes and gravel, no matter where you ride. Consider slowing your bike's speed, changing gears, and taking it slowly. Keep your revs up, and don't make sharp turns.
Otherwise, you will be brought down and hurt. Don't be distracted by anything on such roads, and be extra patient. Your riding skills will improve if you practice swerving and weaving around obstacles.
Being Aware
Maintaining situational awareness while riding and looking out for possible hazards is critical. Among these may be unexpected encounters with animals, humans, or other vehicles or abrupt changes due to changes in the traffic lights.
The ability to be aware of your surroundings develops over time. While driving, avoid distractions and maintain your focus on the road.
Bike riders often talk on their phones or use mobile devices while riding. This can lead to an accident as such activities affect concentration. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to the road while riding. This tip makes your journey safer and reduces the chances of losing your life or property.
Preventing Panic Attacks and Survival Responses
You must be aware that underreacting and overreacting are both dangerous. Whenever something unusual comes our way on a bike, our initial reaction is panic. This leads to a mishap as you may use your brakes abruptly. If you find yourself in such a situation, what should you do? The following tips will help:
Make sure you are constantly scanning the area and the road. The mirror lets you see what's happening on the route from all sides, front and rear.
It is essential to predict potential hazards to avoid mishaps. Some examples of this are a car in front turning right instantly, the lane position, and construction zones.
When the car in front of you slows down or stops, decide what you will do.
Execute the decision you have made. Avoid such difficult situations with a proper quick stop.
Knowing How to Read Hand Signals
While two-wheelers have headlights, taillights, and indicators to assist communication, they might not always grab your desired attention. Observe their limitations and learn to read hand signals commonly used as communication methods.
Other motorists can read and understand your intentions more accurately if you use hand signals effectively. Besides increasing your visibility, it also increases your safety and confidence on the road.
Riders from different directions can communicate with each other using hand signals. Understanding the poses and signals will make your journey much more manageable. A group of riders can also benefit from these signals if their message can be conveyed to their fellow riders.
Summing Up
No matter how proficient you become, skills will always need to be developed. Although you may become a sports bike rider after being a two-wheeler rider, the learning process will continue.
As opposed to one disc brake on a sports bike, you will be required to master the skill of multi-disc brakes. In addition, the dynamics of riding a two-wheeler with a passenger change dramatically.
Furthermore, your bike insurance policy will cover the cost of your bike that needs to be repaired.
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