On Your Bike? Be Leader Of The Pack With Confused.com’s Motorcycle Safety Tips!

Publication Date: Tuesday, September 09, 2008

For all you bikers, there’s nothing better than getting suited and booted to ride the open road, but before you rev-up with excitement and jump on the saddle, make sure you and your bike are safe to hit the highway! Confused.com helps you get ready to rumble....

Buff Up Your Bike

Motorbikes are masterpieces of machinery, so help them to keep looking and running like the dream machines they are – it’s not just good for the bike, it’s good for your safety too....

Spring clean – Try to give your bike a regular good old-fashioned clean and polish. Not only will your bike look great, but an attentive clean might show up more serious issues that need sorting.
Oil her up! Before throwing on your trusty leathers, check your precious isn’t dried out. Change the engine oil and oil filter, check the fork oil, grease the chain, clutch cable and gear linkage, and check the condition of fluid hoses. Also look out for any leaks!
Brakes – a vital element of any vehicle! Check your brake pads, clean the callipers, look for corrosion and replace any worn bits and pieces. It’s also a clever move to drain old brake fluid and top up with new.
Tired tyres? Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure (it’s best to do this when it’s cold) and look out for punctures and poor tread. If your tyres aren’t top-notch, head to the garage for a maintenance check.
Be kind to the battery – First of all, clean and tighten the connections between the battery and terminals, then check the battery is fully charged. If it’s looking the worse for wear, replace it. Also, examine the electrical cables for wear and tear and buy new if necessary.
Get your bearings – Switch the engine off, raise the bike’s wheels off the ground and give them a spin. Listen out for bearing noise and then apply the brakes. If you hear any unusual bearing noises or any dodgy play in the wheel when you’ve applied the brakes, you probably need a bearing change.
Ice issues - In the winter it’s a good idea to keep a can of de-icer with you. Believe it or not locks have been known to freeze, so it’s better to be prepared.
Light up her life – Every bike needs working lights, so check the bulbs in the headlights, taillights, indicators and instrumentation lights are all in good order and operating correctly.

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Get Into Safety Gear!

So now your bike is up to scratch, it’s time to sort yourself out! And we’re not talking about combing your hair and having a shave (and that’s just the ladies!), we mean the real deal – leathers, helmet, boots and all...

Mind your head! A helmet is one of the most important items of protective gear, so make sure yours is up to scratch. If it’s seen better days, get a new one – it’s not worth the risk. Ensure your new helmet complies with British Standard BS 6658:1985 (look for the kitemark) or ECE 22.05, and never, ever buy second hand!
Suits you sir – If the knee / elbow pads, shoulder / back protection areas are looking scabby, it’s better to buy new trousers and jacket than to injure yourself.
Safe shoes fit all- Make sure your boots and gloves are still up to the task, and if not invest in new.
Clear Vision – Use soap and water to clean your goggles or visor, not a solvent. If you notice any scratches, replace them immediately. Again, ensure the replacement is up to British or ECE (European Economic Area) Standards.
Be seen – Stay visible to cars, trucks and buses so it’s easier for you to fight your corner should an accident occur. Wear as much reflective gear as possible without looking like an early 90s raver, and keep lights on low beam during the day.

Bike Bits and Bobs

Confused.com will stop at nothing quest to turn you into a leathered guru of motorcycle safety. So before we leave you to ride into the night, think about –

The weather – That bright spring morning may look like it’s the perfect weather to hit the road, but early-spring days can be deceptively icy, and a low-ish spring sun can blind other drivers to your presence. Be extra careful and watch out for de-icing salt on the roads. Also, sticking with skid risks, as the road dries after rain, previously spilt diesel will rise to the surface. This slippery stuff may be better for the atmosphere but it’s hell on earth for all you budding Hell’s Angels, so watch out, particularly at petrol stations and around bends.
Sorting yours skills – During the cold winter months lots of bikers take time out, so when you do jump back on the saddle, make sure you’re ready for it. Maybe try finding a quiet stretch of tarmac where you can get reacquainted with the bike’s handling, braking habits and throttle response. Want to crank it up a gear? Consider practise with the pros - BikeSafe courses are an initiative run by UK Police Forces to promote safer motorcycling. Basically, they help riders to increase their confidence and competence levels. Check out their website to find your nearest centre and course fees.
Cover yourself – make sure your bike insurance is up to scratch. For instance, if you’ve recently modified your bike and finally sorted those awesome race cans, don’t forget to declare it to your insurance provider. An insurance company may refuse a pay out if the bike does not exactly match what is on their records.

And there you have it two-wheeled friends! Confused.com’s handy tips to being a cool rider – and a safe one at that! So whether you’re biking it to work or cruising down the motorway for the fun of it – happy riding!

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