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 1997 and 2001 there was an average of 562 casualties in our province each year involving motorcyclists. 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 maneuver.

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 footpegs, 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 side of the lane. This allows you to see oncoming traffic, and keeps you away from the oil slicks in the centre of the lane.

The Alberta Safety Council instructs new riders that the left portion of the lane is advantageous when travelling, on a two lane divided road, for these reasons:

Increases the conspicuity of the motorcyclist to all other traffic both oncoming and via the rear view mirrors of vehicles that they are following.

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

Increases the space cushion between the rider and road debris along the curb, parked vehicles, driveways, pedestrians, animals and vehicle doors that open unexpectedly.

The left side of the lane is usually the best position but there are times, like freeway riding, when it is smarter to use the centre or right side of the lane.

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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