For more tips and hints on motorcycles, scooters or motorbikes, contact a local motorcycle outlet.
Balancing on two wheels as you make your way around corners is an inherently precarious thing, and so it's vital you keep the condition of the road ahead in mind when you're out and about, and are aware of the dangers you're likely to encounter in certain situations and environments.
Obviously you're going to experience significantly reduced levels of grip in the wet, and so your motorcycle riding should be adjusted to suit. Slow down; increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front; position your body more to the inside around corners (thus keeping the motorcycles or scooters more upright, with less stress on its tyre's contact patches); and avoid super slippery stuff like the plague - like metal grates, white line markings, cat's eyes and crack sealant. In built-up areas when it's raining, especially in the peak hours or around lunch time, watch out for hapless pedestrian darting across the road, and be particularly careful when it's just started raining after a prolonged dry spell - ie when road grime has had a chance to build up, and hasn't yet been washed away by the downpour.
Spilled diesel, petrol or oil are also things to look out for when riding motorcycles, but they're often not easy to pick up before it's too late. Any rainbow-coloured pools on the road need to be given a wide berth, and a decent build-up of oil can make water bead on top of it in the wet. Sometimes a vehicle with a loose fuel cap will leave a long trail of spilt fuel behind it - fortunately this is easier to pick up, so adjust your line to suit, but in general be wary of any discolouration on the road in front of you. Also be aware of where you're more likely to encounter these slippery characters - like at busy intersections, in industrial estates and on petrol station forecourts. When stopping at particularly slippery intersections, pull up either to the left or right of your lane, avoiding the oily centre, and put down whatever foot falls to the outside of the lane.
Loose gravel can pose a major headache too, and this is often a problem when a road has been recently re-sealed. Learn to scan the surface of the road ahead. You can learn to spot a dubious patch pretty effectively, and use your ears too - a road with loose stuff will have a different sound, as the loose bits get picked up by your tyres and are then flung against your guards.
Finally, take care if you're riding motorcycles anywhere near tram or light rail tracks. Ride between the tracks and don't cross them on too shallow an angle - especially when it's wet, when rubber and cold steel are a particularly bad combination. The rule of thumb here is don't be paranoid, just be aware - with a trained eye and an informed mind you will be able to effectively avoid the vast majority of road surface nasties as they crop up.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Disabled Vehicles – What You Need to Know Before You Make an Investment
- Add A New life to Your Scooter
- A Motor Scooter Dealer Can Help You Choose a Gas-friendly Commute Vehicle
- Gas Scooters Safety Rules For Staying Alive!
- Are Motor Scooters Safe? Yes and No!
- Electric Scooters: an Economical Travel Alternative
- Opt for the Harmar Carrier to Transport Your Handicapped Scooter
- The Emergence of Electric Scooters
Cheap Electric Scooters For Sale - Latest Electric Pocket Bikes
By: Ned Shepard | 08/07/2009Well, let us take a look at the various advantages that these electric powered scooters have to offer. Wondering why is an electric scooter the right choice of scooter for you?These scooters are not known for manufacturing a lot of noise, they put off a humming noise unlike gas scooters that may be compared with a leaf blower. If you are one of many people who are concerned about our world, there's no question about it that an these scooters is for you...
Kawasaki propušta 41. Tokyo Motor Show 2009
By: Marko Ahlin | 08/07/2009Uslijed globalne financijske krize i recesije koja je potresla auto-moto industriju i više nego se nagađalo, jedan od najvećih svjetskih proizvođača motocikala, dijelova, elektronike i teške industrije - Kawasaki Heavy Industries objavio je da ove godine neće sudjelovati na 41. Tokyo Motor Show-u, koji će se održavati od 23.listopada do 8. studenog 2009. godine.
How to Find Cheap A Motorcycle Insurance Quote
By: Philip Vaughn | 07/07/2009Owners of motorbikes know how urgent it is to guard themselves, and their bikes for possible accidents. Motorcyclists are similar to other consumers and love a great amount. They are more than satisfied and the increased number of insurance firms, that have cheap motorbike insurance these day.Insurance firms have their means of reducing the cost of the premiums for insurance. The corporations have also changed their conditions of what's an insurable ty...
How to Find Cheap A Motorcycle Insurance Quote
By: Philip Vaughn | 07/07/2009Owners of motorbikes know how urgent it is to guard themselves, and their motorcycles for possible accidents. Motorcyclists are like other consumers and love a great deal. They are more than content and the increased number of insurance firms, that have cheap bike insurance these day.Most companies don't like the term inexpensive these days, they are scared the consumer will believe the policy is poor quality, or with coverage insurance that it's not satisfactory ...
No Win No Fee Claims Can Be Made For Motorcycle Accidents Too
By: Lindsay Nolan | 06/07/2009Accidents happen everywhere. Like any accident claim, a no win no fee claims can be made for motorcycle accidents too. If there biker is innocent and gets all the evidences to prove that he is not at fault, he can claim his compensation. A no win no fee compensation comes in handy for a motorcycle rider. He can easily claim compensation without spending a dime.
Pocket Bike Safety For Kids
By: Norazlina | 06/07/2009Kids love to try new and exciting sports. The pocket bikes may be small and cute, but they are fast and can cause serious damage and injury. Follow some basic safety steps and you can let your kids enjoy riding the pocket bike with a peace of mind.
How To Compare Motorcycle Insurance
By: Ricky Lim | 03/07/2009You’ve always wanted a motorcycle. Now that you have one, the next step for you is to get motorcycle insurance. But with so many motorcycle insurance companies out there, it’s hard for you to choose which one is right. After all, you are paying them your hard-earned money.
How To Spot A Good Used ATV
By: Kenneth Ragpala | 03/07/2009You might be thinking of buying a used ATV and roll into the Great Outdoors. But before you fish for your wallet, make sure you know how check the thing before you cash it out.
The Benefits Of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
By: Ted Brumby | 30/06/2009 | InvestingExchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are investment vehicles that, like stocks, are listed and traded on stock exchanges around the world. ETFs are bought and sold like individual stocks and can be traded throughout the trading day, with the investor paying brokerage fees whenever buying or selling.
Why It's Important To Care For Your Eyes
By: Ted Brumby | 17/06/2009 | VisionTaking care of your eyes is just common sense.
The Ever Changing Decisions To Make When Buying A New Car
By: Ted Brumby | 29/04/2009 | CarsGone are the days when buying a new car was as simple as making sure it would get you from A to B without breaking down and was big enough to fit the family. Each year buying new cars becomes more and more complex as technology progresses and more features are made available, both in comfort, style and safety.
Choosing the Contact Lens For You
By: Ted Brumby | 19/04/2009 | VisionWhen exploring your options for vision correction, contact lenses should be considered as a possible solution.
Essential Buying Guide For Your First New Car
By: Ted Brumby | 09/03/2009 | CarsFollowing months or possibly years of anticipation you are finally ready to purchase your first new car. What are the essentials for satisfaction after you make this important purchase?
Healthy Eating Habits is the Key to a Healthy Heart
By: Ted Brumby | 18/12/2008 | NutritionEating habits and your lifestyle affect our heart and body to a great extent. Ensure you eat a balanced diet for a healthy heart.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle for a Healthier Heart
By: Ted Brumby | 18/12/2008 | NutritionMaintaining a health lifestyle by doing regular exercise, eating healthy food and reducing stress, are some of the ways to reduce cholesterol effectively and keep your heart healthy.