Each year, the biker community sees hundreds of thousands of newcomers. For each of those, purchasing a motorcycle is an exciting experience filled with endless potential. Unfortunately, many choose their bikes based solely on style, appearance, and brand reputation. They often overlook important underlying factors.

 

In turn, that leads numerous bikers to unintentionally place themselves and other people in danger. If you’re in the market for a motorcycle, be sure to keep safety in mind. Consider the following points to help you find the safest bike for upcoming adventures and protect you against the common dangers of operating a two-wheeler.

 

Training and Experience Are Essential

 

Before operating a motorcycle on the roads, riders need to gain plenty of education and experience. Granted, they need a motorcycle to be able to do that. Choosing a smaller, less powerful model for learning is recommended. At the same time, beginners are advised to purchase pre-owned motorcycles for training.

 

Purchasing a used motorcycle will allow you to save money in the beginning. Once you’ve acquired experience and become more comfortable on a bike, you can graduate up to a newer, larger model. We’ll dig deeper into choosing a safe motorcycle shortly. For now, though, take a look at some of the prerequisites for safe riding.

 

Acquiring a Learner’s Permit

 

Motorcycle license requirements vary by state. In many cases, though, riders are required to obtain some type of learner’s permit from their local DMV to allow them to begin the hands-on training process. That generally entails passing a written test, eye exam, and other measures. Passing a written test means understanding the laws surrounding motorcycle operation and interacting with traffic. That, in itself, is vital for safe motorcycle operation.

 

Building Riding Skills

 

As is the case with four-wheelers, riders should then spend time practicing and getting a feel for their bikes. There are no set-in-stone requirements regarding the amount of time you need to spend operating a bike before moving on to the next step of the process. Still, it’s best to be sure you’re fully comfortable on a bike in different scenarios before routinely riding in traffic.

 

Unlike learning to operate a passenger vehicle, it’s not necessarily possible to practice riding with a licensed partner on board. Because of that, you’re essentially on your own when learning to operate a bike. In many states, riders are required to take motorcycle operating courses before taking their skills tests. Even in states where it’s not required, it’s not a bad idea. Reports show that inexperience and inadequate training are responsible for about half of all motorcycle accidents.

 

Getting a Motorcycle License

 

Once you’ve practiced and become both knowledgeable and comfortable with operating a motorcycle, it’s time to take the skills test. If you take an accredited course beforehand, you may be able to waive the skills test at the DMV. Otherwise, you’ll need to prove to a DMV examiner that you can properly operate a bike. The examiner will cover numerous points during the skills test to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and capabilities to ride safely.

 

After passing the skills test, you’ll be granted a motorcycle license. Keep in mind, though, obtaining knowledge and navigating the test under highly controlled conditions aren’t the same as riding on the roads. Nothing can truly prepare you for all possible situations except for real-world experience. As such, you should exercise due caution even after becoming a legally licensed motorcycle operator.

 

Finding the Right Bike to Ride

 

Now, we can move on to choosing the right bike. Obviously, you’ll want a bike that suits your style and preferences, but that’s only part of the picture. Selecting a model you can safely operate is also crucial.

 

Consider the Size of the Bike

 

One of the most basic rules for choosing the right bike is finding one that fits you well. Try out different sizes of motorcycles to find one that’s neither too small nor too big. Sit on various models and stand them upright.

 

Make sure you can place your feet flatly and firmly on the ground while the bike is in the upright position. If you have to stand on the tips of your toes while on the bike, it’s too big. On the other hand, if you feel a bit like you’re squatting with your feet firmly on the ground, the bike may be a little too small. That could interfere with your ability to maneuver the bike.

 

If a rider can’t place his or her feet flat on the ground while on a bike, stopping safely and remaining upright while idling could be difficult. That’s particularly important when it comes to making sudden, unexpected stops. Being unable to keep the bike stable in situations like that could cause you to lay it down, which is incredibly dangerous even at slow speeds.

 

Account for the Weight of the Bike

 

Weight is another safety matter to think about. When testing out different motorcycle models, be sure to take it into account. It’s often said that heavier bikes have more power, but power isn’t the most important aspect for inexperienced riders.

 

If you’re new to riding, test the weight of different bikes while determining if they’re the right size. While holding them upright, rock them back and forth a little. Is it difficult to pull or push them from one side to the other? If so, they’re probably too heavy.

 

Also remember, the further you go on a bike, the heavier it’s bound to feel. If your arms and legs get worn out in the middle of a ride, controlling the motorcycle will become more difficult. That, too, is responsible for quite a few accidents.

 

Though rocking the bike back and forth may be no problem in the beginning, think about the long-term effects of its weight. For newcomers to motorcycle operation, choosing a slightly lighter bike than they think they can handle may be best. Considering all the models on the market, you should be able to find one with a nice balance of weight and power.

 

Think about Speed

 

Speed lies at the forefront of many bikers’ minds. After all, few experiences can compare to flying down the highway on a two-wheeler with the wind in your face. Still, it’s often said that too much of a good thing can easily become a bad thing.

 

With that in mind, consider dialing back on speed in the beginning. Far too many bikers and their passengers have been seriously injured or lost their lives because of excessive speed. When purchasing your first motorcycle, don’t choose one based on how fast it can potentially go. Take things slowly, and graduate up to faster bikes as your skills and experience increase.

 

Look at the Condition of the Motorcycle

 

Another safety factor to consider is the condition of the motorcycles you’re looking at. No matter how skilled and experienced you are, certain issues can still detract from the safety of the bike and your ability to properly operate it. While checking over different bikes for sale, be sure to inspect them thoroughly.

 

Inspecting a bike for safety covers several important points. That certainly includes mechanical and electrical components. Be sure the engine runs fairly smoothly and the headlights, taillights, and brake lights work. Check the oil and transmission fluid, coolant system, and other parts to be sure they’re working correctly. Look at the tires to ensure they’re properly inflated and not overly worn. Check over the drive chain or belt to make sure it’s not corroded or damaged.

 

Additionally, take a close look at the brakes. Make sure the brake lines are in good condition with no visible leaks. Check to ensure the bike has plenty of brake fluid. Look at the brake pads to confirm they’re not worn out. Having the brakes fail or unexpectedly lock up on a ride is incredibly dangerous.

 

You can’t always prevent mid-ride malfunctions, but it’s certainly possible to reduce the risks of something like that happening. That’s the case when choosing a bike to purchase, but it also holds true long after the fact. Be sure to check over the bike before and after any ride to guarantee it remains as safe as possible.

 

So, Which Bike Is the Safest?

 

With all that being said, which bike is the safest for your ride? In all honesty, there’s no all-encompassing answer to that question. The safest model for one person may not be the best fit for another.

 

Generally speaking, standard bikes are good choices for beginners and smaller riders. Touring and cruiser models tend to be on the heavier, more powerful side. Still, some venture outside the norm a bit, making them perfectly suitable for newcomers to the world of motorcycles. Sportbikes are often smaller and lighter, but they’re known for their speed. That typically makes them unsafe for new riders.

 

Finding the Right Bike to Meet Your Expectations and Keep You Safe

 

When searching for the safest motorcycle for your upcoming adventures, remember the points we’ve mentioned here. Never buy more bike than you can safely and effectively handle. Be sure the bike isn’t too large or heavy for you, and try to avoid models that could tempt you to ride faster than you should. You can always upgrade to larger, heavier, faster bikes as your skills and experience grow.

 

Above all else, be sure you have adequate knowledge and training beforehand. No bike is safe under the power of an inexperienced rider. At the same time, please remember that you can only control yourself; there will always be drivers and fellow bikers on the roads who fail to keep safety at the forefront. That’s one of the reasons having plenty of knowledge and experience under your belt is the ultimate defense.