Riding a motorbike can be an exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. As a new rider, it’s easy to make mistakes that could compromise your safety or the safety of others on the road. To help you avoid common mistakes made by new riders, Motorcycle Rider Training Australia have put together a list of the most frequent mistakes and tips on how to avoid them as a Learner rider.
Improper lane positioning:
New riders often make the mistake of positioning themselves too close to other vehicles on the road. This can reduce your visibility and increase the risk of a collision. To avoid this, make sure to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially when changing lanes:
- If only oncoming vehicles and no vehicles on side of road you should be in left part of your lane.
- If only vehicles on side and no oncoming, you should be in right part of your lane.
- If both oncoming and vehicles on side of road you should sit in middle of lane.
- Don’t be lazy and just sit in the middle as this reduces space from hazards and can reduce your vision of traffic in front if following behind a vehicle.
Going too fast:
New riders often feel the need to go fast and prove their skills, but this can be dangerous, especially if you’re not comfortable with the motorbike yet. To avoid this, ride at a speed that feels safe and comfortable for you, and always obey the speed limit.
Never accelerate when turning or cornering – you speed should be constant with smooth throttle control.
Neglecting protective gear:
Protective gear is essential when riding a motorcycle. Not wearing proper gear can put you at risk of serious injury if you get into an accident. To avoid this, make sure to wear a helmet, gloves, jacket, Kevlar jeans and motorcycle boots whenever you’re riding.
Ignoring weather conditions:
Weather can play a big role in how you ride, so it’s important to be aware of it and adjust your riding accordingly. For example, you should slow down in rain or snow to avoid slipping or skidding. To avoid this, check the weather before you ride and always adjust your speed and riding style accordingly.
If it starts raining, then increase your crash avoidance space from 3 to 6 seconds to give yourself more reaction time and ability to brake smoother and over a longer period to avoid skidding in the wet.
Not paying attention to road conditions:
New riders often don’t pay enough attention to road conditions, such as potholes, gravel, or slippery surfaces. To avoid this, always stay alert and look ahead for any potential hazards.
You should be constantly moving with good roadcraft to always provide greatest distance from any hazard.
Overconfident in corners:
New riders often take corners too fast, which can cause the motorcycle to slip or skid. To avoid this, slow down before entering a corner and maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn.
If you are hot into a corner gently roll off a little throttle (Not all) and drag a little rear brake to assist the reduction in speed. This will also help tighten your corners radius. Ensure you are turning your head to where you want to end up!
Neglecting maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety of your motorcycle. Neglecting maintenance can lead to problems with the brakes, tires, or other parts of the motorcycle, which can increase the risk of an accident. To avoid this, make sure to have your motorcycle serviced regularly by a professional.
Always check lights, horn, tire pressure and chain for serviceability before every ride.
In conclusion:
avoiding common mistakes made by new riders is essential for ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. By following our tips outlined above, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Remember to always ride defensively, obey traffic laws, and be mindful of your surroundings.
If you would like to refresh your roadcraft skills on a motorcycle, please come see us for a professional 1on1 Training course at Motorcycle Rider Training Australia.
