Motorcycle News & Info
If your bike is going to sit over the winter, it's
generally regarded as a good idea to change its oil
before you put it in storage. 
Without getting lost in details,
let's just say that burning fuel while you ride
creates acid byproducts that get absorbed into your
oil. And if your oil loses its ability to absorb
that acid, then the whole mess sits in your engine
over the winter, slowly eating away at the metal.
Topping off your gas tank is also a good idea to
keep rust at bay. Adding a fuel stabilizer to that
tank is a smart move as well because gasoline is
made up of organic ingredients that degrade over
time into gummy varnish that's deposited throughout your fuel system
as the gas is burned.
ASSEMBLE TOGETHER AND RIDE
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON THAT GROUP RIDE, HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Unless you live in a southern state, it's that time of year when not only the bears come out of hibernation, but bikers on their motorcycles as well. There's nothing quite as much fun as assembling a group of friends together for that first ride in the Spring. For some, it may be their first time back in the saddle since Fall. For others, it may only be a few weeks or months. Regardless of how long it has been since your bike has been out of the garage, there are some things you should remember.
Your skills, or others in your group, may be a little rusty on the first outing. Perhaps the group you are riding with has not ridden together before. Be sure you understand everyone's skill level before you head out.
Over the winter, roads may have deteriorated leaving sand, ruts, and large potholes for you to navigate around. Consider leaving additional distance between you and the riders in front of you. That distance can help them better manage their motorcycle around road hazards. It also provides more time for the other rider to alert you to a hazard or object in the road and for you to avoid it.
Be on the lookout for cagers. While your bike has been resting in the garage, automobile drivers have forgotten how to watch for motorcycles. Be especially careful when passing vehicles and at intersections. May sure you are visible. Position your bike so you can be seen. Wear reflective clothing when possible. Always use your turn signals with hand signals, and be sure to cancel your turn signal after a lane change or turn.
For additional information on group riding and carrying passengers, check out this article from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Greetings!
Motorcycle operators have many things to think about before getting on their motorcycles. Weather, condition of road surfaces, traffic patterns, riding gear, things to pack and load, planned route of travel, frame of mind, and condition of your motorcycle to name a few.
Sometimes, the adrenaline rush that comes with anticipating the next ride and/or adventure overrides common sense or attention to a pre-ride checklist. The pre-ride checklist should include these ABCs:
A - Assess tire wear and tire pressure
B
- Be sure cables operate freely
C
- Check all lights and electrical system
D
- Determine that oil and coolant levels
are within normal parameters
E
- Ensure all of the motorcycle's parts
are secure
These are things that are already part of your motorcycle. What about the things the rider, and possibly your passenger, bring to load into or on the motorcycle: head covers, jackets, bags, shirts, groceries, tools, maps, cellphones, and purses? Are things loaded and secured in a way that handling the motorcycle will not be adversely affected?
LOAD IT LOW. LOAD IT TIGHT. KEEP IT BALANCED. AND BE SURE NOTHING WILL COME LOOSE WHILE YOU RIDE!
One last thing: Test your brakes as you enter the roadway.
Safe riding, Steve
Bob Simpson wrote "Motorcycle Safety Tips", intended to be used as a press release from the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board, on which he is a member representing the motorcycling community.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
For motorists
-
One of the most frequent themes in accidents involving cars and motorcycles is visibility; the motorist did not see the motorcycle. As a result one of the most common accidents involving cars and motorcycles occurs as a result of a vehicle turning in front of a motorcycle.
-
Motorcycles are often being overlooked. They are smaller and move differently, they are often not seen or recognized in traffic by other motorists. Look twice for motorcyclists.
-
Never tailgate a motorcyclist. Allow at least two seconds following distance between you and the motorcycle in front of you.
For motorcyclists
-
Take some time to reacquaint yourself with your bike. Practice basic techniques such as braking, shifting, turning and swerving in an empty parking lot or other safe area before going on the road.
-
Remember at this time of the year there may be large amounts of sand on the road left over from winter. Potholes can be extremely dangerous to a motorcycle and are also more common in the early spring.
-
Also, keep in mind that animal activity often increases in the spring.
 
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