Motorcycle Safety Tips

Safety Tips

Rain's Hidden Danger

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week How To: Prevent Hydroplaning One of the dangers motorcycle enthusiasts face when riding in the rain is hydroplaning—when your tires skid across a wet surface. Tires are made to scatter water, but sometimes you run into more water than the tires can scatter. Then water pressure in the front of the wheel forces water under the tire so that a thin film of water separates the tire from the surface of the road and the tire loses traction. The rider loses control of steering and speed. Any rain (or other water on the roadway) can cause hydroplaning. However, the first few minutes of a light rain are especially hazardous. This is because the rain mixes with any oil on the road surface. Any vehicle going over 35 miles an hour can hydroplane in such conditions. You can do some things to avoid hydroplaning: Keep tires properly inflated. Check them every time you ride, because changing air temperature changes tire pressure. Slow down when the road is wet. The faster you go, the harder it becomes for your tires to scatter water. Don’t drive through standing water, even puddles. Water tends to accumulate at the road’s edge, so stay more toward the center. If you can, ride in the track of the vehicle ahead of you. That takes advantage of any water-scattering done by that vehicle’s tires. Avoid braking if you can and try not to make sharp turns.

Safety Tips

To Your Health

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Oktoberfest: Fun + Moderation And event like Oktoberfest can be tricky for motorcycle enthusiasts. Beer is central to the celebration. People who arrive in groups in cars can have a designated driver. But motorcyclists can’t do that. Now, for the Leavenworth Oktoberfest, we could take advantage of the free shuttle bus to hotels in nearby Wenatchee. But many events we love involve drinking. So here are some things lawyers advise to help you keep your alcohol level below the legal limit, though everyone’s body is different, and there are no guarantees. Eat first. Fats, proteins, and dense carbs in your stomach help alcohol absorb more slowly. So brats first, then beer. Don’t drink soda. Any carbonation puts alcohol into your bloodstream more quickly. Pace yourself. Most people can have about one drink an hour without going over the limit, though this varies by weight, metabolism, and other factors. See what your own pace is when you’re safely at home, so you’re prepared when you go out. After each drink, have a full pint of water. This not only keeps you from downing a second drink too soon, it keeps you hydrated. For every drink you have, it takes an hour for the alcohol to leave your system. So, stop drinking before you leave. Some lawyers recommend you stop drinking ninety minutes before you plan to leave. Remember that a twelve-ounce beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, and a shot of liquor all have the same alcohol content. Enjoy the event and keep yourself and others safe!

Safety Tips

Kid-Friendly Roads

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Riding on Halloween is...scary! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is usually one of the three worst days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Further, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says kids are more apt to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day. Dim light or even dark night, masks and costumes, and excited kids mean motorcycle enthusiasts need to watch out for trick-or-treaters. Later at night, teens and adult partygoers also require watchfulness. If you’re driving, slow down in residential neighborhoods and in areas where Halloween events are being held. The AAA suggest that you go at least five miles an hour below the posted speed limit. Watch for children walking on roadways and medians. In fact, it’s a good idea to sweep your gaze across yards and porches so you have a better idea of what to expect. Expect to see children crossing the street. Check the curb and be aware that excited kids may try to cross mid-block and run out from between parked cars. Be careful when you pull into or ride out of alleys and driveways. Keep your headlight on, even before it’s dark. Remember that people will celebrate Halloween not just on the 31st, but also on the weekend before.

Safety Tips

Illuminating Advice

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Shining the light on safety This week’s blog concentrates on ways to make yourself more visible to drivers of other vehicles when riding in low-light conditions. This safety tip is about what you can do to ride more safely. First, consider your visor. Be sure it’s clean. Use soap and a microfiber or cotton cloth, which will prevent those nasty little scratches that eventually make your visor hard to see through. It seems obvious that you don’t want to wear dark-tinted glasses or visors in dim light. However, yellow tint can still work at dusk and dawn. You can carry an extra visor so you can swap clear for tinted, or you can get a photochromic visor, which will adjust to the light conditions through the day. Those are especially useful when you have no intention of riding at dusk but find that the days cloud over after you’ve left home. You could also bring a pair of clear goggles or glasses and lift the tinted visor when the light diminishes. As it gets darker, oncoming headlights become more glaring. To avoid being blinded by them, try looking at the far-right edge of the road. This should keep you going straight and in your lane. Be sure not to look down and away; you’ll have a hard time keeping straight. Don’t overrun your lights. Slow down until you can stop before you hit a deer (or anything else) that is suddenly illuminated by your headlight. It’s a good idea to find out what that speed is by practicing in an empty place, like a mall parking lot, before you ride at night. Take advantage of other vehicles. Headlights ahead of you can reveal road hazards and give you enough time to avoid them. Don’t wait for a car to stop or swerve; cars can straddle potholes and debris that a motorcycle cannot. Be ready to attract attention. If a vehicle behind you seems unaware of your presence, tap your brake lights. A quick beep or two on the horn can also announce your presence.

Safety Tips

Parade Pointers

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Saluting Vets Safely On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice ended World War I. A year later, the American Legion was founded. This year marks the hundredth anniversary of that veterans organization and it will be marked by parades in communities across the country. Groups of motorcycle enthusiasts will often be part of those parades, so it seems wise to see which of the guidelines for group riding apply when participating in a parade. A staggered riding formation with at least a two-second interval between motorcycles is safer than riding side by side because it gives each rider room enough and time enough to react to a hazard—or if, for example, a child runs onto the parade street. Novice riders should not carry passengers. Riders with passengers should be on the right side and to the back of the group whenever that’s possible. Riders with sidecars should be at the front or the back of the group. As you go, check your mirror from time to time in case someone behind you is having trouble. Remember that riding near another motorcycle, just like riding close to a car or truck, is a risk. If you get distracted and wander into the other riders space, you can both crash. So don’t be distracted by the cheering crowds and keep your eyes and your mind on the road, even though you are not going fast.

Safety Tips

Friendly Seasonal Reminder

Oct 30, 2019 Damien Heenan

Safety Tip of the Week Autumn: Delights=Dangers! The cool, crisp days of fall combine with magnificent scenery to create ideal conditions for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, autumn brings its own hazards. Here are a few things to remember while you enjoy the season. Did you know that wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice? Though we get enough rain in the autumn, morning dew is enough moisture to make fallen leaves slippery. And dry leaves can pile up and hide hazards like loose sand, potholes, or road debris. So, as you enjoy the fall colors in the trees and shrubs, steer clear of fallen leaves on the roadways. If you cannot keep clear, then go very slowly. As the days grow colder, morning frost can be a hazard, especially in shaded spots. Autumn is also the worst season for deer-motorcycle crashes. In fact, according to Farmers Insurance, over a third of all animal collisions happen during the three months of September, October, and November. Not only does night come on earlier, but hunting can push deer out of the deep woods and closer to roadways. Especially if you are riding at night, keep a lookout for glowing eyes at the side of the road and slow down when you see them. Remember that deer rarely travel alone. As the saying goes, “It’s the third deer that gets you.”

Safety Tips

Ancient Problems

Oct 7, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Safety Tips: Classic Bike Watch-Outs Who hasn’t dreamt about riding a classic bike? If you are lucky enough to own one, or plan to get one, there are a few safety issues that you should be aware of. The lights on classic motorcycles are not as bright as we’re used to. So, when you’re doing the restoration or just right now, consider switching to a 12v battery and modern LED lights. The rear-view mirror on lots of classic models is aesthetically small. For your own safety, you’d be wise to install a big mirror on either side so you can actually see what’s coming up behind you. Old machines break down. Though they were often designed to be repaired by their user, you can’t rely on YouTube videos to learn to fix them—and especially not when you’re sitting on the side of the road. Be sure you have information about towing options or a willing friend to call before you leave home. Practice riding your classic in an empty parking lot or somewhere similar before you take it into traffic. You may well find differences in the suspension, slower controls and acceleration, and more difficult cornering. Many riders, after experiencing the differences, make sure to allow more time so they can travel more slowly and also allow more following distance. If your golden oldie just can’t go very fast, so you can’t at least keep up with traffic, you risk an accident. Choose a time and route that your bike can manage. Some try to avoid heavy traffic altogether. You will probably need to listen to the engine while you’re riding, so earplugs are out. And when you’re enjoying your classic motorcycle, keep an eye out for traffic behind you. Wave motorists through when it’s safe to do so.

Safety Tips

Share The Joy; Minimize The Risk

Sep 2, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Avoiding Double Trouble Cruiser magazine says that learning to ride a motorcycle as a passenger is even harder than learning to drive one. There are no classes to take, so your passenger will depend on you to show them just what to do and when to do it. And you’ll need to remember that the bike won’t steer as well or brake in as short a distance as when you’re riding alone. It will also be more difficult to balance when stopped. Start by showing your passenger how to mount, sit quietly, and dismount. Don’t assume that “everybody knows” because “everybody” doesn’t know. Show your passenger where it gets hot so they can avoid touching them. Point out the wheel and drive system and warn them against getting their feet in the way. Show them the footrests and how to use them. Remind them that they should keep their feet on the pegs even when stopped. You’ll hold the bike upright. Show them what to hold on to, whether a backrest or (more typically) with both hands around your waist. Explain cornering and tell them to stay upright—you’ll handle it. For sure, don’t lean against the turn if it feels too scary and don’t shift weight quickly. Similarly, your passenger should not have to worry about leaning on you when you brake. Acceleration is a different matter. If there’s no backrest, your passenger will have to hold on to something. Decide what. And you should accelerate more slowly than usual until your passenger is accustomed to riding with you. Decide on hand signals for stuff like “Look at that!” and “I really need to stop now” and “Please slow down.” Keep the first ride short and stop every twenty minutes or so to make sure all is well. Double the fun!

Helpful Reminder

Aug 10, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Moped: What You Need To Ride The blog this week looks at motorcycle and sidecar/trike endorsements on your driving license. But you don’t need an endorsement to drive a moped. According to the state of Washington’s definition, a moped may have either two or three wheels. Its motor must have a cylinder displacement of less than 50 cc, whether the motor is electric or fluid fueled. It may have no more than 2 hp brakes. It cannot be able to travel faster than 30 miles an hour. That doesn’t mean that you never go faster than 30; it means the vehicle can’t go faster than that whether you want to or not. Finally, the vehicle must meet all federal standards for a motor-driven vehicle. To ride your moped, you don’t need either auto insurance or a motorcycle endorsement. But you do need a valid driver’s license. Your moped must be registered and it must display a valid license plate. Both you and any passengers must wear USDOT-approved helmets. If your moped has no windshield, you must wear eye protection. You may not ride your moped on the following: sidewalks; bicycle paths; hiking/recreational trails; equestrian trails; or fully controlled, limited-access highways.

Safety Tips

An Autumn Hazard

Aug 9, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Eyes On The Road! One of the joys of riding in the autumn is looking at the leaf colors—red, yellow, orange. Those colors can be mesmerizing, so you need to make an effort to keep your eyes on the road. Take a few minutes to stop at a scenic overlook or other safe spot and really enjoy the vista. Those leaves can be hazardous in other ways too. Especially if you’re trail-riding, rain-soaked leaves can shower down and stick to your visor or windshield, Leaves on the ground can hide hazards such as holes or rocks—or anything that sticks up a ways. Leaves can hide wet areas, especially at the side of the road. And, leaves, especially wet leaves, can throw you into a skid with disastrous consequences. You really can’t avoid leaves during the fall, but you can be aware of the possible dangers they mask or create and to a little slower and more carefully.

Safety Tips

Back To Basics

Aug 4, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Don't Forget! Everyday Safety. Let’s review things that should be checked every time you ride. We’ve covered these items more thoroughly in other blog posts. First come tires. Look at the tread. Can you see the tire bar (a slightly raised piece in the groove)? If your tread is getting down to even with the tire bar, you need new tires. Look for other damage and check the tire pressure. Check the brake pads. If you can’t see wear grooves, you need new brake pads. With your bike level, use the viewing window to check your fluids and top up any that need it. If your bike is not level, the view through the window won’t be accurate. Check that your chain is properly adjusted and lubricated. Make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight.

Safety Tips

Snow Bike + Avalanche Advice

Aug 1, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Snow Bikes: The Hazards & Joys A snow bike can take you to fresh powder on mountain slopes in a primeval wilderness. And just about every part of that sentence can be a hazard as well as a joy. Fortunately, despite this paradox, a few things can increase your odds of staying safe. Be sure to follow the instructions when you use a conversion kit. If you’re not mechanically gifted, get someone to help you. (It’s probably best to pay someone who has the tools and the know-how rather than to invest in tools and then worry that you made a mistake.) Practice on level ground—like in an empty parking lot—until you’re sure you can ride well. Whenever you go into off-road, be sure people know exactly where you’re going and when you expect to return. Let them know that it’s okay to notify authorities if you’re late and to share your route with them. If you’re going into snowy mountains, be aware that an avalanche can happen anytime. Do heed any avalanche warnings. Timbersled includes information about avalanches in its user manual and strongly recommends that you take an avalanche safety training course. Your user manual should detail what spare parts and tools you should carry in case your machine breaks down. In addition, you should carry on your person: a digital avalanche beacon with new batteries; an avalanche probe, compact shovel, and hand saw (the avalanche safety course will show you how to use them); a backpack—make that an avalanche air bag backpack—with: extra gloves and socks, first aid kit, tow rope, map, compass/GPS, lighter or waterproof matches, bottled water and high-calorie snacks, signal mirror and whistle, and compact emergency blanket. Ride in a group and be sure that you and all the members of the group know how to use all the emergency gear. Dress in layers. Remember that wind chill (which includes your own speed) drastically lowers the ambient temperature. Hypothermia kills people every year. Don’t count on streams, rivers, or lakes being frozen to a safe depth. Streams and rivers freeze unevenly, depending on current flow and bottom depth. Lakes often have spring-fed areas that don’t freeze or don’t develop enough ice for safety. Again, this is just the beginning of the things that should become second nature before you head into that snowy wilderness.

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