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Safe motorcycle riding tips

Riding in the city is different from riding on the highway. There are certain rules which need to be followed when you have your bike on the highway. If you meet with an accident in the city you might get hospitalized but in highway accident you might loose your life. You can red line the bike here but with some precautions.

The need to wear a helmet is a must as flies and insects can decorate your face. Apart from helmet it is also essential that you wear protection gear all the time. Highway riding is all based on rules, you cannot post a new rule or try your suggestions. Consequences of highway accidents are fatal, forget the bike it is you who can have a miserable life ahead. You also need to understand the difference between city and highway riding which can help a lot while overtaking.

Certain tips are available which can be used to ensure riding on highway is easy and without problems.

Decide the lane

When riding on the highway you need to ensure the lane in which you will be riding. If you have a bike which can overtake the other bikes with ease it is advisable you stay on the inner left lane. This lane is especially meant for overtaking. In this lane you can see those vehicles which are fast and are overtaking the other vehicles with ease. This can be called as overtaking or speed lane. If you are slow or want to stay ahead but not fast then use of mid lane can be done.

In this lane cars and bikes are not that fast but do overtake as the front car distance reduces. If you want to be dead slow and have an economical ride then staying the left lane will help a lot. In this lane neither overtaking is allowed nor is required. This lane is specially meant for those who want to go slow or ride at economical speed.

Manners while lane changing
While overtaking a vehicle or changing a lane involves lots of procedures which need to be followed. Never ever change lanes the way it is done in city riding. There are vehicles which are traveling fast and they do not get time to accept the change which is caused by your overtaking. Always show the indicator before changing your lane. This will help the traffic to understand your movement. While overtaking show the right hand indicator and then the left one to get back in cruising lane.

Wait for your turn when planning to overtake. Patience is the only word which needs to be observed and used when you wish to overtake. Always maintain one single lane, changing lanes shows that you are not balanced and can cause harm to other vehicles. Even if you are showing indicators changing lanes every minute is not advised.

Parking manners
If you wish to switch your bike to the parking lane make sure you give indications to the traffic coming from behind. In emergency there are chances where your bike might shut down and there is no time to go on shoulders of the road. In such situations never stop in the centre, the bike should be moved to the nearest shoulder available even if it’s the right side one. When you have parked your vehicle for phone or personal stop make sure its indicators and break lights are on. This tip is essential when you are riding at night.

Incoming traffic from behind should know your presence which is on the shoulder of the road. At times it is advised to park the bike in gear if there is climb or decent. If the bike is equipped with parking lights they need to be activated immediately when you have stopped on the highway.

Rule bending and not rule breaking
Always observe highway rules which are meant for the public. Never try to overtake or break highway rules as you might be caught in the worst situation of your life. Whatever the speed limit is prescribed never ride above it. If the speed limit is 80kmph always ride around 65 to 70kmph speed. Passing on lights is important if the highway has two lanes. Make sure the incoming vehicle notices your presence. Never get into a brawl when riding on the highway.

If the same vehicle comes closer to you there are chances where you can land up in trouble. Use of electric signals must be done when traveling on the highway. At times the hand is not visible to others when you wish to take a turn or change lane. Having cross mind riding is not acceptable as this is not the city.

Know your limits
As technology is growing we are handed with high speed bikes. These high speed bikes easily do three digit speeds in less time. You need to know the capabilities of your bike, speed limit in which it can be ridden. Never push the bike to an extent that the chassis is twisted or its tires are busted. Certain highways are concrete oriented, the tire heats up immediately on a concrete road. If you are riding at night then making yourself visible is the first task that you need to complete.

Making yourself visible will help the incoming traffic to spot you. Even if the brake or headlight is not working use of reflective clothing will help a lot. There are special brands available in the market that can be used as protective clothing. 3m jackets are available which have reflective strip on the front and back side of the jacket. Wearing abrasive resist clothing helps reducing number of bruises on your body.

Use the highway, do the job and leave
This should be the approach when using the highway. You need not fall in any type of fight or argument. If there is an accident taken place yes you can offer help but you cannot intervene in a quarrel which has taken place on the highway. Have frequent stops after traveling certain distance. It will give rest to your body and bike, in this stop you can check the bike visually. Checking the tires for unwanted stones can be done. Stretch your body completely when halting.

Water up your body and take deep breaths which will clear pressure on your charged muscles. Sitting in one posture can create back aches which can distract your mind. If you are feeling sleepy then stop riding, take a rest and be back on track. Never consume alcohol and drive, night situations are worse when there is less visibility.

These are some of the tips that can be used for highway riding. Apart from these tips it is essential to use protective clothing which can make your body and bike visible to others. Clean your helmet visor which can increase the visibility. Flies and dirt are common visitors on the visor.