Hitting the Open Road

Summer is guaranteed to bring a smile to winter-weary motorcyclists who crave the freedom of their bikes, and the feeling of independence that comes with a rush of summer air. Proper training and preparation will ensure your trip is a safe one.

Motorcycles are less safe than cars and must be operated with great caution. Because of their low crash protection and high performance capabilities, motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a severe collision. Between 2004 and 2008 there was an average of 831 casualties in our province each year involving motorcycles. This statistic is especially alarming since Albertans typically only ride their motorcycles about six months of the year.

motorbike The skills needed to avoid many of these collisions are learned through training, experience and by performing the fundamentals over and over again. Before you venture out on the road for the first time on your new motorcycle, seek out and take proper training. You probably didn't teach yourself to drive a car. Why would you teach yourself to drive a motorcycle?

In Alberta, motorcycle-training programs are available through various organizations. Among the skills to practise are starting and moving up a hill, turning sharply, accelerating and slowing on a turn, stopping quickly, avoiding obstacles, and doing a serpentine manoeuvre.

You should also have the proper size and weight of motorcycle and the right safety equipment. A motorcycle is the right size when you can place both feet on the ground when straddling the bike, and the foot pegs, handlebars and controls are comfortably positioned. A CSA or DOT approved helmet is required. Helmets that provide face and eye protection along with protective clothing are also recommended.

Making Sure Your Motorcycle Is Ready

Being ready to ride is only part of the trip. You need to make sure your motorcycle is ready too. You should perform a quick, overall inspection before each ride.

To do this, use what is referred to as the T-CLOCK inspection, explained below.

T - Tires and wheels
Check your tires for proper air pressure, tread depth, cracks, bulges or embedded objects.
Check wheels for dents, cracks and roundness.
Check for missing spokes and for proper spoke tightness.
Check bearings and seals for signs of failure.

C - Controls
Check all levers, making sure they are not broken, bent, cracked or loose.
Check the condition and routing of control cables. Make sure they move freely, are not frayed, have no sharp angles, and are of sufficient length as to not interfere with steering.
Check that all hoses are in good condition and don't interfere with steering. Make sure your throttle moves freely, with no sticking, and that it snaps closed when released.

L - Lights and electrical
Check your battery, making sure the terminals are clean, electrolyte fluid is sufficient, and that it is properly secured.
Check your headlight, making sure it works, has no cracks and is aimed properly. Check all other lights and reflectors for operation, cracks and fastening.
Check wiring, looking for frays, clean connections and proper routing.

O - Oil and fluids
Check oil and fluid levels, including brake and clutch fluid, coolant and of course gasoline.
Check all fluid reservoirs, hoses and lines for leaks.

C - Chassis
Check condition of the frame, looking for cracks, dents or bends.
Check forks and shocks, making sure they travel freely and are properly adjusted.
Check chain or belt, for proper tension, lubrication and wear. Check all fasteners, bolts and cotter pins, making sure they are not missing, broken or loose.

K - Kickstand
Check the sidestand and centerstand. Make sure they are not cracked or bent, that they spring into place and the tension is sufficient to hold them.

Although this sounds like a lot, this inspection can be performed quite quickly. While it won't guarantee against a failure of some sort, it increases your odds of finding problems before they become dangerous or fatal.

Tips for a Safe Trip

Ride on the left portion of your lane and keep a safe following distance of at least 2 to 3 seconds. This allows you to see, and be seen by, oncoming traffic. This position in your lane also keeps you away from oil and other fluids from vehicles, in the center of the lane.

Riders are instructed, on a two-lane (one lane in each direction) divided road, to travel on the left portion of their lane, because it has the following benefits:

· Increases the chance the rider will be seen by oncoming traffic and in the rear view mirrors of vehicles ahead.

· Provides "lane dominance" needed to reduce the risk of lane sharing by other motorists.

· The left portion of your lane is usually the safest position to ride but there are times, like freeway riding, when it is safer to use the center or right portion of the lane.

· Increases the space cushion between the rider and driveways, pedestrians, animals, and road debris along the curb.

In urban areas, when there are two travel lanes in the same direction, travelling in the left portion of the left lane increases the space cushion between the rider and parked vehicle hazards like vehicle doors that open unexpectedly.

Make yourself visible. Wear bright clothing - including leathers - use reflective tape and have your lights on at all times.

Ride defensively. Choose your lane based on establishing an escape route, and always take the condition of the road into mind before making a move.

Stay out of car and truck blind spots. Motorcycles are difficult to pick up in rear-view mirrors, and it's easy to be hidden in a blind spot.

Be aware of dangerous road surfaces. Slippery roads, uneven surfaces, railroad tracks and grooved pavement drastically affect the handling of a motorcycle.

Passengers are your responsibility. Make sure your bike is equipped with passenger hand grips, proper seating and footrests. Remember - bikes respond slower with passengers. All passengers are required to wear CSA or DOT approved helmets.

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Last Updated December 16, 2009