12 Tips to Keep Motorbike Riders Safe

Look, nobody gets on a bike cause it's the safe option right? We ride because there's nothing like it - the feeling of twisting the throttle on the Great Ocean Road or carving through back roads, it's addictive as hell.

But here's the thing - you're also way more exposed than someone in a car. One mistake and you're in serious trouble. I've lost mates who thought they were invincible so I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. Jack Haley from NRMA says the right equipment saves lives and he's right but there's more to it than just gear

• Maintain Your Bike Properly

Seriously this is a boring one but it's important. Worn tyres will lose grip when you don't expect it - usually in a corner when you're already leaning. Brakes are the same, if their spongy or making weird noises get them checked.

I'm not mechanically minded so I just take mine to a mechanic every 6 months or so. Costs a bit but way cheaper than getting stranded in the middle of nowhere or worse, having something fail when you're doing 100.

Regular maintenance also means you won't break down far from home which sucks trust me.

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• Learn Your Bikes Features

Modern bikes have ABS and traction control and all that. Don't wait till you're in an emergency to figure out how it works. Go find a quiet road and actually test your ABS so you know what that juddering feeling is when it kicks in.

Traction control - yeah you can turn it off but unless you really know what you're doing when the rear steps out, just leave it on. It's there for a reason.

• Wear Proper Gear

I know it's hot and you're only going to the shops but wear the gear. The road doesn't care if it's a short trip.

Look for CE rated armour at least you know it's been tested. Some gear even has abrasion testing now which is good cause that's what takes your skin off.

Don't ride to work in normal clothes and think you'll be fine - take 2 mins to change when you get there. Good gear also keeps you comfortable which means you ride better.

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• Be Visible

Drivers genuinely do not see us. All black gear on a black bike looks cool but makes you invisible specially at night.

Get some reflective stuff or hi vis. I resisted for ages cause it looks daggy but after nearly getting cleaned up by a car pulling out I gave up on looking cool. Your headlight should be aimed properly to - check it.

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• Scan Way Ahead

You need to be looking like 5 seconds ahead minimum. The dark patch on the road could be oil, that thing that looks like a bag might be a rock, brake lights everywhere means traffic is stopping.

Can't see far enough ahead? Slow down. You need to be able to stop in the distance you can see clearly. There's some good vids on Ride to Live about spotting hazards.

• Look Where You Want to Go

The bike goes where you look - if you're staring at the thing you want to avoid, you'll probably hit it. Look past the hazard to where you wanna be.

Want to enjoy the view? Actually pull over and look at it dont try doing it while riding.

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• Give hazards space

Road workers, parked cars, dogs on the side of the road - give it all plenty of room. Just assume everything's trying to kill you.

• Cornering

Try to stay towards the middle of your lane in corners. Keeps you away from oncoming traffic on right handers and away from the broken edge on left handers.

Start wide, look for the apex then finish tight but not right on the edge. You might need that extra room if something goes wrong.

• Following distance

At least 3 seconds behind the car in front. Not just for the braking room but so you can see past them and know what's coming up earlier.

Wet or gravel? Make it more.

• Don't get complacent

Even if you ride the same route everyday, stay alert. I nearly got taken out on my regular commute by a truck that wasn't normally there. Autopilot mode is dangerous.

• Keep learning

Do refresher courses even if you've been riding for years. I did one last year thinking I'd ace it and learned heaps - realized I'd been doing some things wrong forever.

•  Roadside assistance

Get it. When something breaks you'll be glad you did.

That's it - stay safe out there.

Final Words

Riding comes with a lot of risks. But that’s the deal we accept for freedom. However , smart riders take this chance with skill , awareness and the proper motorcycle gear.

At Rhino Leather , we make gear for Aussie riders who refuse to ride soft. From motorcycle jackets to tough gloves and pants , this protection is built with attitude.

Stay alert , Stay Protected. Keep riding.

Gear up now at Rhino Leather and ride like you mean it.