Tips for Riding Your Cruiser Motorcycle
When you’re looking for the perfect way to enjoy the pure excitement that comes with being on the open road, you’ll have the time of your life on a cruiser motorcycle. However, just like any other commuter vehicle, these bikes can be quite dangerous if they’re not ridden responsibly and safely. Whether you’re a first-time biker or an experienced veteran, safety should always come first.
While you can't prevent every possible scenario, you can take some proactive steps to ride safely. The experts at SoCal Honda Powersports have provided some important cruiser motorcycle riding tips to help you get started. If you have any questions or you want to check out motorcycles for sale, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership in Carson, California.
Riding Gear
One of the critical components of riding a cruiser motorcycle is using the right gear. You should always be wearing a helmet. Pick one that fits comfortably and is crash-test certified. Your head is one of the most vulnerable body parts, so you need to ensure that it has maximum protection. The ideal helmet will cover most (if not all) of your face, which includes the mouth and jaw. If your helmet doesn’t come with a built-in shield, add a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. A pair of boots and gloves will be helpful, too.
Finally, you'll want to wear the right clothing. Wear bright shirts and pants to help improve your visibility on the road. Make sure that the fabric is full-length and it can guard your skin in the event of a crash.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Before each and every ride, you should perform an inspection of your cruiser bike. This is especially important if you’re going on a long trip. Walk around your bike and look for things like leaking fluids, loose fasteners, or anything else out of place. The next step is to check your tires. Do they have enough tread? How about the air pressure levels? Your owner's manual will have information about the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. Remember to check your fluids, such as oil and coolant. Fill up anything that's running low. Finally, go for a short test ride and make sure that everything (like braking, acceleration, turning, etc.) is functioning properly.
Continually Scan for Hazards
When you’re actually on your cruiser motorcycle, the key to safety is your ability to respond to hazardous situations on the fly. Part of this depends on riding skills, but there are other elements, too. For example, you’ll have much slower reaction times if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even being extremely tired or emotionally upset can affect your focus.
It is critical to be aware of your surroundings at all times because as previously discussed, motorcycles don’t offer the same type of protection as cars. You’re vulnerable and exposed when you’re on a bike. When paying attention to the road, keep an eye on the cars around you as well. You should be prepared to anticipate traffic changes and be able to pull over if necessary.
Check the Weather
You’ll want to get in the habit of checking the weather conditions before you ride. Unlike cars, cruiser motorcycles don’t offer much protection from the elements. Riding in warm weather may seem like a no-brainer, but extreme heat can lead to dehydration, which has threatening side-effects like nausea, dizziness, heatstroke, and blurred vision.
It may also seem like no big deal to ride through a bit of rain, but remember how quickly your body temperature can drop when you’re speeding through the wind in the freezing cold downpour. Not to mention that it can be quite tough to navigate a motorcycle on wet roads. Checking the weather before riding can help you decide if conditions are safe enough to ride your motorcycle.
We hope you found our guide helpful! If you need any service or repairs before your next ride, get in touch with us at SoCal Honda Powersports. We also offer a wide range of cruiser motorcycles for all budgets and riding levels. Our expert staff will be happy to help you with whatever you need, so stop by today! We are located in Carson, CA, and we welcome all our friends visiting us from Los Angeles and Long Beach.