6 Things you wished someone had told you before riding a motorcycle

National statistics prove that being a motorcyclist can put you more at risk on the road. This year the total road toll is 10.3% higher than last year. By the end of March 2019, according to the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, 210 motorcyclists had lost their lives. A sobering thought but with the right instruction, advice and safety gear you can reduce your risk of being injured.

We've scoured the internet looking for the top tips beginner motorcyclists wished someone had told them before they started riding.

1. Choose a bike that fits your riding ability

As a beginner motorcyclist in Australia, you are governed by the size bike you can ride. It is determined by the type of licence you hold. There are two classes. If you live in Queensland and are on a RE licence, you are restricted to learner approved bikes. However, some beginners flout the laws and think they know better. You might think you're above the law and can handle any sized bike, but it takes skill and time to master handling capabilities. Naturally, a big-ass cruiser is going to handle much differently to a Yamaha 250. Start out small and aspire to a bigger, more powerful bike when you have your full motorcycle licence.

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2 Wearing a vintage helmet does not make you look cool

Wearing a full helmet gives you better protection than a half or open helmet. A vintage half helmet is better than no helmet at all. But despite what you think, if you're going for the cool factor choose a full face helmet. Visors that lift up can give you the airflow you desire and besides that, chicks dig them. You've seen the movies where the mysterious biker dude takes off his motorcycle helmet to reveal his identity, That could be you!

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3. Dress for visibility

Wear all black like a pyjama-wearing ninja might look cool, but it won't help you be seen. Those all black leather cat woman-looking leather suits for motorcyclists do not increase your visibility. When you're riding particularly at night, you want to be lit up like a Christmas tree. Be safe. Be seen. Choose motorcycle gear with reflective detailing. The brighter, the better. According to motorcycle accident attorney, Elliot Smith law, the best colours to wear are white or any neon colour such as orange, lime green or yellow.
 

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4. You don't have to ride like a bat out of hell

If you want to have a lead foot and feel the need for speed, join a race club where you burn off your adrenaline trackside. Rushing when you're on the M1 and busy suburban roads is a recipe for disaster. Track days don't have to be expensive, and after all, how much are you prepared to pay to spare your life. When you're flooring your bike in traffic, you never know what some of the other idiots are capable of.

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5. Become familiar with your bike

If your bike breaks down you should be familiar with basic mechanics so you can diagnose the issue and be able to fix smaller problems such as punctures or snapped motorcycle chains. Always carry a spare motorcycle chain, puncture kit. A small tool kit and a few spare fuses and lightbulbs for the headlight, a torch in case it's dark, a few zip ties, swiss army knife can be an absolute lifesaver, particularly if you've broken down and there's no cellphone signal.

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6. Always expected the unexpected

When you're on the road you need to have your wits about you. Assume everyone is an idiot and hasn't seen you on the road. Try to anticipate the unexpected. When you're a beginner, don't let yourself be distracted by listening to music or by carrying a pillion passenger. Don't assume cars have seen. Watch the road for potholes and derbis.

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If you're a beginner motorcyclist, shop Shark Leather's range of motorcycle leathers and accessories, so you're completely ready to hit the road. After all, you're supposed to dress for the slide, not the ride.