Page 4 - Motorcycle Safety Guide

A motorcycle should be
selected for a comfortable fit
and functional requirements.
• Select a motorcycle that fits.

A motorcyclist should be able
to touch the ground with both
feet when astride the vehicle.
• If you will be carrying a
passenger, make sure the
motorcycle you select has
a passenger seat as well as
footrests (footpegs) for the
passenger.
• Check the location of the
controls. Make sure you can
reach and operate them
easily and comfortably.

BUYING THE RIGHT
MOTORCYCLE

Functional Requirements • Obtain your Learner’s License or Motorcycle

• Buy the power you need, but only as much as License before you venture onto the streets.

you can handle safely. Large motorcycles are You will be required to display the knowledge

heavy, and you must be strong enough topush and skill needed to operate a motorcycle safely

it, or pick it up if it falls over. But smaller bikes before being issued a Motorcycle License.

(e.g., a 125cc) may not have the speed,

performance, and comfort you’ll need if you plan Never drink and ride

to travel long distances. Alcohol slows reflexes and greatly limits your

• Consider the primary use of your bike. ability to operate a motorcycle. Even a very small

Don’t buy a “trail” bike for highway use. amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to

Similarly, don’t buy a road bike if most of your operate a motorcycle safely.

riding will be off the road. Some motorcycles are PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

built especially for trail use, with special tyres

and suspension. Other motorcycles have special Studies show that the head, arms, and legs are

characteristics for highway use, such as tyres most often injured in a crash. Protective clothing

designed to grip the road, and more powerful and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for

braking systems. If you have dual requirements, motorcyclists: comfort and protection from the

dual-purpose motorcycles are available that elements; some measure of injury protection;

make a compromise between road and trail and through use of colour or reflective material, a

riding. means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist.

• Remember that a motorcyclist must abide by

the same traffic rules and regulations as other Gloves

motorists. Before taking your motorcycle on a Durable gloves are recommended. They

public road, become familiar with traffic rules should be of the non-slip type to permit a firm

and regulations and any special requirements for grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent,

motorcycles. as are special fabric gloves with leather palms and

• Be aware that riding with a passenger requires grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves

even more skill than riding alone. Riding with keep air out of the rider’s sleeves. Appropriate

a passenger should be delayed until you have gloves are available for all types of weather.

considerable solo riding time and are ready Fingerless gloves are good for gym or garden

to take on the responsibility of carrying a work and do not offer sufficient protection against

passenger. hand injuries.

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