5 Things You Should Never Do When Motorcycle Riding

Every new motorcyclist is going to be bombarded with information from other riders about what they should do when riding to ensure success. How about those things that you should avoid, though? If you want to avoid an accident that injures you or damages your bike, there are some strict taboos you’ll need to steer clear of on your motorcycle.

Crystal Harley-Davidson in Homosassa Springs is your Florida Harley-Davidson® motorcycle dealer, serving Citrus County. Here are five things you should avoid doing when riding a motorcycle. 

1. Riding on Bad Tires

Don’t ride on bad tires! This isn’t a good idea to do in any type of vehicle, but it’s especially risky on a motorcycle, because if one tire goes, you go down instantly. In a car, you’ve got three other tires to help you limp to the shoulder. You may not want to spend money on new tires, but if your tire treads are balding or you see cracks in the sidewall, then you’re going to have to pony up for safety. Always keep tabs on the pressure and condition of your tires to prevent disaster.

2. Rushing Corners

If you’re on a winding road and speeding along, you’re going to have to slow things down to take a corner. Trying to maintain the types of speeds that work on a straight section of highway will end in disaster if you plow through a corner. Slow down before you make any turn and be vigilant of the road ahead of you.

3. Wearing Sunglasses at Night

That ‘80s song may have made this sound cool, but if you have a tinted or shaded visor on your helmet, you need to change it out for a clear one at night. Shades work great during the day to prevent glare and help you see better, but they’re truly terrible at night. It’s far too easy to hit someone or something when your vision is occluded with a shade.

4. Assuming Everyone Sees You

No matter how much reflective gear or tape you’re wearing, no matter how bright your lights may be, no matter how well-lit the road is, there are going to be distracted drivers who just do not see you coming. This is true during the day or night, but obviously, being seen at night is more challenging. Keep your focus and ride defensively at all times and be ready to react to a driver who suddenly swerves over into your lane or slams the brakes unexpectedly.

5. Weaving Through Traffic

Yes, your bike is smaller than cars or trucks and technically, you could fit between them in a traffic jam. But you know what’s much bigger than you? Those cars and trucks! If you’re trying to weave and bob through traffic to avoid being stuck, you’re not only being extremely rude, but you’re putting yourself in danger, because that slow-moving traffic may suddenly speed up or impatient drivers may make sudden maneuvers.

Looking to buy a new bike? Stop by our dealership in Homosassa Springs, FL, to check out our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale, including the latest Harley-Davidson® motorcycle models. We can also assist you with financing options as well as trade-ins. Crystal Harley-Davidson proudly serves the city of Homosassa Springs, along with all of Citrus County, FL.