When you straddle a motorcycle and feel the wind whistling in your ears, that feeling of free galloping is intoxicating. But while enjoying the speed and passion, riding safety must not be ignored. Today, let’s use data to bring you an ultra-practical guide to motorcycle riding skills and safety.
I. Crucial Preparations Before Riding
- Vehicle Inspection:
- Tire Pressure: Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial. Generally, the front tire pressure of a motorcycle is between 2.0 – 2.5 bars, and the rear tire pressure is between 2.2 – 2.8 bars. Regularly check tire pressure, which not only improves riding stability and safety but also prolongs tire service life.
- Brake System: Brakes are an important guarantee for riding safety. Before each ride, check whether the travel of the brake lever and brake pedal is normal. The free travel of the brake lever is generally between 10 – 20 millimeters, and the free travel of the brake pedal is generally between 20 – 30 millimeters. At the same time, check the thickness of the brake pads. When the thickness of the brake pads is less than 2 millimeters, they should be replaced in time.
- Chain Tension: A chain that is too loose or too tight can affect riding safety. The appropriate chain tension is a vertical swing amplitude of between 20 – 30 millimeters. Regularly check the lubrication of the chain and use a suitable chain lubricant to reduce chain wear and improve transmission efficiency.
- Equipment Selection:
- Helmet: A helmet is a key piece of equipment for protecting the head. Choose a helmet that meets safety standards and can withstand at least 200 kilograms of impact force. A full-face helmet provides the best protection, with a protection area of more than 90% of the head.
- Riding Suit: High-quality riding suits have functions such as windproof, waterproof, and wear-resistant. In case of an accident, riding suits can reduce friction and lower the risk of injury. For example, professional riding suits can reduce skin abrasions by more than 70% when falling at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
- Gloves: Gloves can protect the hands from injury. Choose gloves with anti-slip, wear-resistant, and shock-absorbing functions. In case of an accident, gloves can reduce the risk of hand fractures. According to statistics, wearing gloves can reduce the chance of hand injury by up to 80%.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: Knee and elbow pads can protect joint areas. In case of an accident, they can reduce the risk of joint injury. For example, wearing knee pads can reduce the chance of knee injury by more than 60%.
II. Key Points of Riding Skills
- Maintain a Safe Distance:
- Keep at least a 3-second safe distance from the vehicle in front. At different speeds, the safe distance will also vary. For example, at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour, the safe distance should be kept at more than 50 meters; at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the safe distance should be kept at more than 80 meters.
- Pay attention to observing the movements of surrounding vehicles and predict potential dangers in advance. When surrounding vehicles change lanes, brake, or perform other actions, respond in time.
- Correct Braking Method:
- Use the rear brake first, then the front brake. The rear brake can provide stable braking force, and the front brake can provide stronger braking force. But when using the front brake, pay attention to the force to avoid skidding due to excessive braking.
- In case of emergency braking, use both front and rear brakes simultaneously and keep the vehicle stable. In an emergency braking situation, the braking distance will be greatly shortened. For example, at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour, the emergency braking distance can be shortened to between 15 – 20 meters.
- Cornering Riding Skills:
- Before entering a corner, slow down in advance. According to the curvature of the corner and your own technical level, choose an appropriate speed. Generally, the cornering speed should not exceed 40 kilometers per hour.
- The body’s center of gravity should move appropriately with the change of the corner. When on the inside of the corner, the body’s center of gravity tilts inward; when on the outside of the corner, the body’s center of gravity tilts outward. The tilt angle should generally not exceed 30 degrees.
III. Constantly Strengthening Safety Consciousness
- Obey Traffic Rules:
- Strictly abide by traffic lights and do not run red lights or go against the traffic. According to statistics, violating traffic rules is one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents, accounting for more than 70%.
- When driving on the road, stay in the designated lane and do not change lanes randomly. When changing lanes, turn on the turn signal in advance, observe the situation of vehicles behind, and change lanes only after ensuring safety.
- Stay Focused:
- During riding, stay focused and do not be distracted. Avoid using mobile phones or other electronic devices while riding. According to surveys, distracted driving is one of the important causes of motorcycle accidents, accounting for about 30%.
- Pay attention to observing the surrounding traffic conditions and predict potential dangers in advance. Staying vigilant at all times can greatly reduce the chance of accidents.
Motorcycle riding is an activity full of fun and challenges, but only by mastering correct riding skills and maintaining a high degree of safety consciousness can you truly enjoy the pleasure of riding. Let’s use data to escort riding safety and gallop safely on the road while enjoying freedom.