Motorcycle Safety Tips

The dream of riding a motorcycle is pretty irresistible. Out on the open road, every sense alive to the magic of the landscape: You see the exquisite details, near and far. You smell the flowers and the trees, you feel the tingle of fresh air, you hear the activities of everyday life on all sides, you taste… what IS that, exactly? Ah yes, the sweet nectar of freedom!!!

Yup, motorcycle riding is fun! But if and only if you do it safely! ER visits are not fun; they are not a delightful feast for the senses. To keep you out of there and safely traveling over the open road, we have put together some safety tips for anyone on two wheels, whether a newbie or an old hand.

At Northern Power Sports, we care about you, and want to make sure you are being as safe as possible each time you hop on your bike for a ride. We’ve gathered some key motorcycle safety tips below. If you’re shopping for a motorcycle, or need parts or service, please keep us in mind! We’re conveniently located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and we serve power sports enthusiasts from North Pole and College, Alaska too!

You should start every ride with a quick inspection of your bike. We don’t need to tell you that losing power, stalling, and getting stranded are worse on a motorcycle than in a car. It’s really worth taking just a couple of minutes to make sure everything is functioning properly before you depart. Create a quick and easy mental or physical checklist and run through it before every ride.

Do a quick inspection of the brakes, chain, clutch, and throttle. Check levels on your tire pressure and tread, as well as checking your fuel, coolant, and oil levels. If anything is loose or leaking, attend to it!

You owe it to yourself to wear appropriate protective gear each and every time you hop on your bike. A good helmet is critical. Don’t skimp on this central piece of safety equipment. Choose a comfortable helmet that fits well. If it pinches or hurts, or if it’s so loose it slides around, it’s not the right helmet for you. Keep shopping! You want it to cover as much of your face as possible, including your mouth and jaw. If it doesn’t have an integrated face shield, get a good pair of goggles for eye protection.

Good riding boots and gloves also need to be part of your wardrobe. For the rest of your clothing, your first concern should be how well it will hold up if you were to lose control of your bike. Tight Fitting leather apparel offers robust protection against the friction of the pavement, and the tight fit isn’t just for looks -- it will help keep all your limbs right where they belong! Layers are also a good idea, so you can adjust your temperature while still staying covered up.

This might be the most critical tip. Stay focused. Motorcycles are way more vulnerable on the road, and you can improve your odds at avoiding mishaps by being hyper-vigilant. Be fully aware of your surroundings when you ride, and make it a habit to practice anticipating absolutely everyone’s next move. Spacing out while riding might prevent you from noticing changes in traffic or road hazards, and the consequences on a motorcycle are far greater. Stay focused so you can make adjustments to your speed and position, safely and efficiently.

We hope these motorcycle safety pointers will help you enjoy your ride! We want you to have a safe and good time, so please hit us up with any questions about motorcycle safety or any power sports activities. You can also schedule services or buy parts from us, your loyal friends at Northern Power Sports in Fairbanks, Alaska!