Motorcycles are always going to be a popular choice for young drivers looking for something exciting. More women and older people are also beginning to see their benefits as easy, manageable transport, too. However, a lot of motorcyclists end up getting rid of their bikes after a year or two. That’s because they didn’t have a guide like this one. We’re going to take a look at the tips that’s going to keep you enjoying your bike for a long time yet.

Affording your bike

There’s a certain debate as to whether bikes are cheaper or more expensive than cars. They’re smaller and the initial purchase is less, indeed. However, long term costs aren’t as clear-cut as that. Don’t expect that you’re necessarily buying a cheap vehicle. You’re still likely to have need of financing before you get it, too.

Practice makes perfect

Riding a motorcycle is easier than you might expect. Once you get past the initially wobbly stage, at least. It’s about building your confidence. However, even after passing your test, this doesn’t mean taking it out through traffic just yet. Find quiet spaces with no traffic as you get used to driving your bike. http://idahostar.org/resources/practice-guide has some recommendations of the kind of places you want to find. Get confident but not cocky before you take it out for a real drive.

Safety

We say get confident, not cocky because that’s going to take you into some danger. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars, it’s a fact. First, you’re lighter that almost every vehicle on the road. That means all the force of a crash is likely to be distributed your way. You’re also afforded less protection. That’s why you need to learn the right safety tips. Making yourself more visible and being more aware of your surroundings are perhaps the two most important.

Causes of accidents

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/st-petersburg-motorcycle-accident-attorney/ states that a common cause of accidents is the lack of visibility. You’re smaller, so you’re not as likely to appear in the rear-view mirrors of car drivers. That’s why you need to work to make yourself more visible with bright clothing and the like. You’re also more susceptible to bumps, potholes and cracks in the road. So be careful in how you navigate the road. If you know a place has suffered some dangers, avoid it.

Maintenance

One of the assumptions about bikes is that they don’t need as much maintenance as cars. They may be smaller and have less parts, but they operate by precisely the same principles. Follow the recommended maintenance in your manual, just as you would for a car. Change oil often and clean air your air filters.

Don’t underestimate your bike

We know, all the cooler bikes have more CCs. However, as a new rider, that shouldn’t matter to you at all. Don’t get on a bike with more kick than you can handle. You’re only going to put yourself at risk. You might not feel quite as hardcore buying something tamer to begin with. But you’re less likely to get injured or intimidated to the point of quitting.